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INTRODUCTION. 
 
 As, in the Courfe of the enfuing Work, many Terms and 
 Allufions may occur, unintelligible to Perfons who have not made the 
 Antiquities of this Country their immediate Study; and who would, 
 for Information, be obliged to turn over a Variety of Books ; to 
 thefe, a general Hiflory of Ancient Catties, explaining the Terms 
 relative to their Conftruction, Garrifons and Privileges, with the 
 Machines ufed for their Attack and Defence, will be ufeful, if not 
 neceflary : the fame may be faid on the fubjecT: of Abbys and other 
 Monaftick Foundations. Illuftrative Accounts of both are therefore 
 here given, compiled from the bed Authorities : and, as mod of 
 
 A thefe 
 
ii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 thefe Buildings are either of the Saxon Architecture, or of that Stile 
 commonly called Gothick, fome characteristic Marks and Principles 
 of the First are pointed out, and an Investigation of the Origin of the 
 Latter attempted*. Domesday-Book being quoted in feveral 
 Defcriptions, fome Particulars of that Ancient Record, with a 
 Specimen of the Hands in which it is written, will, it is hoped not 
 improperly, be inferted. 
 
 The Author begs to have it understood, that he does not herein 
 pretend to inform the Veteran Antiquary ; but has drawn up thefe 
 Accounts folely for the Ufe of fuch as are desirous of having, without 
 much Trouble, a general Knowledge of the Subjects treated of in 
 this Publication ; which they will find collected into as fmall a 
 Compafs as any tolerable Degree of Perfpicuity would permit. 
 In order to render every Article as clear as posTible, the verbal 
 Defcriptions, where capable, are illustrated by Drawings. 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 CASTLES. 
 
 CaSTLES (*), walled withftone, anddefigned for refidence as well as defence, 
 fuch as thofe whofe remains make a confiderable part of the following work, are, 
 for the moft part, of no higher antiquity than the Conqueft [a) ; for although the 
 Saxons, Romans, and even, according to fome writers on antiquity , the ancient 
 Britains, had caftles built with ftone; yet thefe were both few in number, and, at 
 that period, through neglect or invasions, either deftroyed, or fo much decayed, 
 that little more than their ruins were remaining. This is afferted by many of our 
 hiftorians and antiquaries ; and affigned as a reafon for the facility with which 
 William made himfelf mafter of this country. 
 
 This circumftance was not overlooked by fo goodageneral as the Conqueror; who, 
 effectually to guard againft invafions from without, as well as to awe his newly- 
 acquired fubjects, immediately began to erect caftles all over the kingdom ; and 
 likewife to repair and augment the old ones, with fuch affiduity, that Rous fays, 
 " Nam Rex Will. Conqueftor ad caftellaconftruenda totam Angliam fatigabat (c)," 
 Befides, as he had parcelled out the lands of the Englifli amongft. his followers, 
 they, to protect themfelves from the refentmentof thofe fo defpoiled, built ftrong- 
 holds and caftles on their eftates. This likewife caufed a confiderable encreafe of 
 
 (*) Larger caftles were, in Latin, called caftra ; the fmaller, by the diminutive, caftella. Julius Ferettus has 
 this ridiculous etymology, of the word caftrum. Caftra didta funt a caftitate, quia ibi omnes cafte vivere debent. 
 They were likewife ftiled Arx, Turris, Fofta, Maceria, Mota, Firmitas & Munitio: as, in the charter made 
 between King Stephen and Henry II. Caftrum de Wallingford, Caftellum de Belencomber, Turris London, Mota 
 Oxenford, Firmitas Lincolnise, Munitio Hamptoniae. 
 
 («) Agard, in his difcourfe of Caftles, fays, " For I read in the Hiftorye of Normandye, wrytten in Frenche, 
 " that when Sweyne, king of Denmark, entered the realme againfte Kinge Aired or Allured, to revenge the 
 «« night-flaughter of the Danes, done by the Saxons in Englande, he fubdued all before him, becaufc there were 
 »' no fortes or caftles to withftand or flop him ; and the reafon yielded is, becaufe the fortes of England, for the 
 *' moft part, were buylte after the Normans poflefled the realme. The words be thefe: Suen le roy des Dano)s 
 " ala parmy Angleterre conquerant et ne luy contredifoit Ion nulle chofe quil vouloift faire, car lors il n'avoit que 
 " peu ou nulles fortreflcs, et les y ont puys fait fairc celles qui y font les Normans quant & depuys quils 
 " conquiftrent le pays." Antiq. Di/cour/es, uol. i, p. 1 88. Of this opinion was alfo Sir William Dugdalc ; as 
 appears by the following paflage, in his Hiftory cf Warwick/hire : " In thofe dayes (in the Saxons time I mean) 
 " were very few fuch defenfible places as we now call Caftles, that being a French name; fo that, though the 
 *' Englifli were a bold and warlike people, yet, for want of the like ftrong-holds, were they much the lcfte able to 
 " refill their enemies." 
 
 (J>) Bcrlafe's Hiftory of Cornwall, p. 531.— ——(f) Rous. Rot. I, 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 thefe fortreffes ; and the turbulent and unfettled ftate of the kingdom in the 
 fucceeding reigns, ferved to multiply them prodigioufly, every baron, or leader 
 of a party, building caftles ; infomuch that, towards the latter end of the reign 
 of King Stephen, they amounted to the almoft incredible number of eleven 
 hundred and fifteen (d) . 
 
 As the feudal fyftem gathered ftrength ( e ) , thefe caftles became the heads of 
 baronies. Each caftle was a manor j and its (f) caftellain owner, or governor, the 
 lord of that manor (g) . Markets and fairs were directed to be held there j not only 
 to prevent frauds in the king's duties or cuftoms, but alfo as they were efteemed 
 places where the laws of the land were obferved, and as fuch had a very particular 
 privilege {/j) . But this good order did not long laft( / ) ; for the lords of caftles 
 began to arrogate to themfelves a royal power, not only within their caftles, but 
 likewife its environs; exercifingjudicatureboth civil and criminal, coiningof money s 
 and arbitrarily feizing forage and provifion for the fubfiftence of their garrifons (<£), 
 which they afterwards demanded as a right : at length, their infolence and 
 oppremon grew to fuch a pitch, that, according to William of Newbury, " there 
 *' were in England as many kings, or rather tyrants, as lords of caftles j" and 
 Matthew Paris ftiles them, very nefts of devils, and dens of thieves. Caftles were 
 not folely in the poneflion of the crown and the lay-barons, but even bifhops had 
 thefe fortreffes; though it feems to have been contrary to the canons, from a plea 
 made ufe of in a general council ( / ) , in favour of King Stephen, who had feized 
 upon the ftrong caftles of the bifhops of Lincoln and Salifbury. This prohibition 
 (if fuch exifted) was however very little regarded ; as, in the following reigns, 
 many ftrong places were held, and even defended, by ecclefiafticks : neither was 
 more obedience afterwards paid to a decree made by the Pope at Viterbo {m) t the 
 fifth of the Calends of June, 1220, wherein it was ordained, that no perfon in 
 England fhould keep in his hands more than two of the king's caftles. 
 
 The licentious behaviour of the garrifons of thefe places becoming intolerable, in 
 the treaty between King Stephen and Henry the Second, when only duke of 
 Normandy, it was agreed, that all the caftles built within a certain period, fliould 
 be demolifhed ; in confequence of which, many were actually razed, but not the 
 
 (d) Rcgiftrum Prioratus de Dunftaple. (e) Madox's Baronia, pages 17, 18. 
 
 (f) Blount's Law Dictionary in Caftel. 
 
 {g) Item nullum mercatum vel forum fit, nec fieri permittatur, nifi in civitatibus regni noftri,etin burgis, etmuro 
 vallatis, etin caftellis, et in locis tutiflimis, ubi confuetudines regni noftri, et jus noftrorum commune et dignitates 
 coronae noftrae, quae conftituta? flint a bonis pracdeceflbribus noftris deperiri non poflent, nec defraudari, nec violari, 
 fed omnia riteet in aperto, et per judicium, et juftitiam fieri debent. Et ideo cafUlla, et burgi, et civitates, fitaa 
 funt et fundatas et aedificatse, fcilicet, ad tuitionem gentium et populorum regni, et ad defenfionem regni, et id circo 
 obfervari debent, cum omni libertate, et integritate, et ratione. Carta regis M'illielmi Conquifitoris. Tranfcribed 
 from Wilkins, and the Red Book of the Exchequer, printed in the Appendix to Lord Littleton's Hijlory of Henry the 
 Second. 
 
 (h) Item, fi fervi permanferint fine calumnia per annum et diem in civitatibus noftris, vel in burgis muro vallatis a 
 
 vel in caftris noftris a die ilia liberi officiuntur, et liberi a jugo fervitutis fure fint in perpetuum. 
 (/) Antiq. Difcoitrfes, p. 190, 1 9 1 . 
 
 (/) Madox's Baronia, page 20. (/) Littleton's Hiftory of Henry the Second, voL 1, p. 219. 
 
 (w) A&a Regia, page 46. 
 
PREFACE. , 3 
 
 number ftipulated. On the acceflion of Henry to the throne, diverfe others were 
 dettroyed j and all perfons prohibited from erecting new ones, without the king's 
 efpecial licence, called licentia kernellare («), or crenellare. Few, if any, of thefe 
 licences are of older date than the reign of Edward the Third. A copy of one (<?), 
 granted by Richard the Second to the Lord Scrope, for the erection of the cattle 
 of Bolton in Yorkshire, is inferted in the note below. . 
 
 Royal catties, for the defence of the country, were however erected, when 
 deemed neceflary, at the public expence. 
 
 The few catties in being in the Saxon time, were, probably on occafion of 
 war or invafions, garrifoned by the national militia, and at other times nightly 
 guarded by the domettics of the princes or great perfonages who refided therein ; 
 but, after the Conquett, when all the eftates were converted into baronies, held 
 by knights fervice, cattle-guard coming under that denomination, was among the 
 duties to which particular tenants were liable. From thefe fervices, the bifhops 
 and abbots, who till the time of the Normans had held their lands in frank 
 almoign (p)> or free alms, were, by this new regulation, not exempted ; they 
 were not indeed, like the laity, obliged toperfonal fervice, it being fufhcient that 
 they provided fit and able perfons to officiate in their ttead. This was, however, 
 at firft ttoutly oppofed by Anfelm, archbifhop of Canterbury; who being obliged 
 to find fome knights to attend king William Rufus in his wars in Wales, complained 
 of it as an innovation and infringement of the rights and immunities of the church. 
 
 It was no uncommon thing for the Conqueror, and the kings of thofe days, to 
 grant ettates to men of approved fidelity and valour, on condition that they mould 
 perform cattle-guard, with a certain number of men, for fome fpecificd time; and 
 jfometimes they were likewife bound by their tenures to keep in repair fome tower 
 or bulwark, as was the cafe at Dover Cattle. 
 
 In procefs of time, thefe fervices were commuted for annual rents, fometimes 
 ftiled ward-penny, and wayt-fee (^), but commonly cattle-guard rents ; payable 
 on fixed days, under prodigious penalties, called furfizes. At Rochetter (r) if a 
 man failed in the payment of his rent of cattle-guard, on the featt of St. Andrew, 
 iiis debt was doubled every tide, during the time for which the payment was 
 
 (k) From crena, a notch. 
 
 {o) Richardus Deigraciarex Anglia; &Francie 8c dominusHibernie, omnibus ad quos prcfentcs litterae pervcnerint 
 -falutem, fciatisquod de gracianoftra fpeciali conccflimus & licentiam dcdimus pro nobis & heredibus noftris diledo 
 & fideli noftro Ricardo Lefcrop, canccllario noflro quod ipfe nianciium fuum de Bolton in Wencelow Dale, feu 
 unam placecm infra idem manerium muro de Petra & calce firmare & kernellare & mancrium illud ecu placcam, 
 illam fic firmatum Sc kerncllatum vel firmatam & kernellatam, tenere poflit fibi et heredibus fuis imperpetuum fine 
 occafione vel impedimento noftri vel heredum noftrorum jufliciorum efcaetorum vice comitum aut aliorum balivorum 
 feu miniftrorum noftrorum vel heredum noftrorum quorumcunque. In cujus rei teftimonium has literas noftras 
 fieri fecimus patentes. Tefte meipfo apud Weftmonailcrium quarto die Julij anno regni noftri tertio. Per breve 
 de privato figillo. Waltham. 
 
 (p) As tenants in frank almoigne, their eftates were only liable to the trinoda neceffitas, building of bridges, 
 .caftles for the defence of the country, and repelling invafions ; whereas, by the new eftablifhmcnt and tenures, they 
 were obliged to perform military fervice in foreign countries, and in time of peace. (?) Blount's Law Dictionary. 
 
 (»•) Hiftory of Rochefter, page 40; and Antiq. Difcourfes, page 190. 
 
4 PREFACE. 
 
 delayed. Thefe were afterwards retrained by an ad of parliament made in the 
 reign of King Henry the Eighth (s) j and finally annihilated, with the tenure3 
 by knights fervice, in the time of Charles the Second (t). Such caftles as were, 
 private property, were guarded either by mercenary foldiers, or the tenants of the 
 lord or owner. 
 
 Castles which belonged to the Crown, or fell to it either by forfeiture or efcheat, 
 (circumftances that frequently happened in the diffracted reigns of the feudal' 
 times) were generally committed to the cuftody of fome trufty perfon, who fecms 
 to have been indifferently ftiled governor and conftable. Sometimes alfo they 
 were put into the poiTefiion of the fheriff of the county, who often converted 
 them into prifons : inftances of this occur in many caftles defcribed in this work. 
 That officer was then accountable at the Exchequer, for the farm or produce of 
 the lands belonging to the places entrufted to his care, as well as all other profits: 
 he was likewife, in cafe of war or invafion, obliged to victual and furnifh them 
 with munition, out of the ifTues of his county; to which he was directed by writ 
 of privy-feal. Variety of thefe writs, temp. Edward III. are to be feen in Madox's 
 Hiftory of the Exchequer, one of which is given in the notes (u) ; and it appears, 
 from the fame authority, that the barons of the Exchequer were fometimes 
 appointed to furvey thefe caftles (w), and the ftate of the buildings and works 
 carrying on therein. 
 
 The materials of which caftles were built, varied, according to the places of 
 their erection ; but the manner of their conftruction feems to have been pretty 
 uniform. The outfides of the walls were generally built with the ftones neareft at 
 hand, laid as regularly as their fhapes would admit ; the infides were filled up with 
 the like materials, mixed with a great quantity of fluid mortar, which was called, 
 by the workmen, grout work : a very ancient method of building, ufed by the 
 Romans, and quoted by Palladio, and all the writers on architecture. The angles 
 were always coigned, and the.arches turned with fquared ftone, brought from Caen 
 in Normandy, with which the whole outfide was now and then cafed. Sometimes, 
 inftead of ftone, the infides of the walls were formed with fquared chalk, as is the 
 caftle of Guildford ; and even the pillars and arches of a groined vault in that 
 
 (s) Vide Dover Caftle, plate i, in this work. ' — (i) 12 Charles II, cap. 24. 
 
 (/,) Rex volens certis ex caufis caftrum fuum Norwyci, quod eft in cuftodia viee comitis ex commiffione regis, 
 competenter muniri & falvo et fecure cuftodiri : pneceptum eft Vicecomiti in fide qua regi tenetur, quod caftrum 
 pnedidtum vi&ualibus & rebus aliis neceftariis, pro cuftodia & municione ejufdem congruentibus, de exitibus 
 balliva; fuas muniri faciat competenter, abfq ; dilacionis incommodo aliquali ; ne pro defe&u munitionis aut 
 fufficientis cuftodia?, periculum Regi inde immineat quovis modo. Et hoc, ficut fe & fuadiligit, ac indignationem 
 & forisfa&uram regis graviflimam vitare voluerit, non omittat. Cuftus vero rationabilis, quos circa municionem 
 pnediclam per ipfum Vicecomitem apponi continget, cum rex illos rite fciverit, eidem vice comiti in compoto fuo 
 ad fcaccarium debite allocari faciet. De hijs eciam qua? Vicecomes circa municionem prsedi&am appofucrit & 
 eorum precio, (de quibus omnibus 8c fingulis, nifi ex caufa neceflaria ea circa falvationem ejufdem caftri apponi 
 & expendi opporteat, rex per ipfum vult refponderi) Thefaurio & baronibus di fcaccario apud Weftm. in Oftabis, 
 S. Hilhrij, diftindle & aperte per fingula fingillatim conftare faciat. Et habebat ibi tunc hoc breve. T. W. dq 
 Norwico, xxix die Decembris. Per breve de privato figillo directum praedicli W. tunc cuftodi Thefaurarise regis A 
 vol. 1 , page 38Z (w) Vol. 2, page 67. 
 
PREFACE. 5 
 
 town, fuppofed formerly to have belonged to the caftle. When the. Normans 
 found the ruins of an ancient building on the fite of their intended ftru&ure, they 
 either endeavoured to incorporate it into their work, or made ufe of the materials; 
 as may be feen by many buildings of known Norman conftruction, wherein are 
 fragments of Saxon architecture, or large quantities of Roman bricks ; which has 
 caufed them often to be miftaken for Roman or Saxon edifices. 
 
 The general fhape or plan of thefe caftles, depended entirely on the caprice of 
 the architects; or the form of the ground intended to be occupied: neither do they 
 feem to have confined themfelves to any particular figure in their towers ; fquare, 
 round and poligonal, oftentimes occurring in the original parts of the fame 
 building. 
 
 The lituation commonly chofen, was an eminence ; or elfe the bank of a river. 
 
 The names and ufes of the different works of ancient fortifications, can only be 
 afcertained by an attention to minute hiflorical relations of fieges in thofe times ; 
 ancient records, relative to their repairs ; and the labours of our gloffographers. 
 From thefe I {hall endeavour to illuftrate them. 
 
 To begin then from without : — the firft member of an ancient caftle was the 
 barbican (at). The etymology of this word, as explained by diverfe authors, is 
 given in the notes below ; and although in this they fomewhat differ, yet all 
 agree, that it was a watch-tower, for the purpofe of defcrying an enemy at a 
 greater diftance. It feems to have had no pofitive place, except that it was always 
 an outwork, and frequently advanced beyond the ditch ; to which it was then 
 joined by a draw-bridge (y) r and formed the entrance into the caftle. Barbicans 
 are mentioned in Framlingham and Canterbury caftles. For the repairing of this 
 work, a tax, called barbacanage (2;), was levied on certain lands. 
 
 The work next in order was the ditch [a), moat, graff, or fofs ; for by all 
 thefe different names it was called. This was either wet or dry, according to the 
 
 (#) Barbican, barbarcane, antemurale, fpecula, turris fpeculatoria, propugnaculi genua. Fox Arahica originis, 
 Spelman autem ab A. S. Burgekenning (i. e.) urbs feu propugnaculi fpecula deflefdt 'Junius Annon. Burh-beacon. 
 Urbis fpecula prcetenturis idonea. Skinner. Barbacana propugnaculum exterius, quo oppidum aut caftrum ; 
 prasfertim vero eorum portas aut muri muniuntur. Du Cange. The caftle, i: feems, for the more fecurity, was 
 forefenced with a barbican, or barbacan ; which exotick word, Sir Henry Spelman thus interprets. A barbacati 
 is a fort or hold ; a munition placed in the front of a caftle, or an outwork ; alfo a hole in the wall of a city or 
 caftle, through which arrows and darts were call out ; alfo a watch-tower : it is an Arabic word. So he: Minihew 
 thus. A barbican (faith he) or outncok in a wall, with holes to (hoot out at the enemy: fomc take it for a 
 centinel-houfe, or fcout-houfe. Chaucer ufeth the word barbican for a watch-tower, of the Saxon bcr — ic — ken ; 
 i. e. I ken, or fee the borough : had he faid burgh- -becan, he had gone pretty nigh; for thence I would derive 
 it, were I not convinced of its Arabic original. Somner's Canterbury, page 20. 
 
 (y) Barbicanum, a watch-tower, bulwark, or breaft-work. Mandatum eft Johanni de Kilmyngton, cuftodi 
 caftri regis, & honori de Pickering, quoddam barbacanum ante portam caftri regis prasdidti muro lapideo, & ia 
 eodem barbicano quondam portam cum ponte verfatili, Jcc. De novo facere, Sec. T. regc 10 Auguft, clauf. 
 17 Edw. II. m. 39. Blount's Law Dictionary. 
 
 (z) Barbicanage (barbicanagium) money given to the maintenance of a barbican, or watch-tower; carta 
 17 Edward III. m. 6, n. 14. Blount. 
 
 (a) Mote, or moat, generally means a ditch, as in this place: yet it fometimes fignifies a caft!e, on the fite cf 
 fome ancient fortrefs. Mota de Windfor is ufed for Windfor Caftle, in the agreement betv/een king Stephen, and 
 Henry, duke of Normandy. 
 
6 PREFACE. 
 
 circumttances of the fituation ; though, when it could be had, our ancettors 
 generally chofe the former : but they do not feem to have had any particular rule 
 for either its depth or breadth. When it was dry, there were fometimes 
 fubterranean paiTa'ges, through which the cavalry could fally. Ditches of royal 
 catties were cleanfed at the public expence; or that perhaps of the tenants of the 
 lands adjoining, by an impolition, or tax, as appears from feveral charters in the 
 Monafticon, whereby the Monks are exempted from that charge. This ditch 
 was fometimes called the Ditch del Bayle, or of the Ballium ; a diftinction from 
 the ditches of the interior works. Over it was either a ttanding, or draw-bridge, 
 leading to the ballium. Within the ditch were the walls of the ballium, or out- 
 works. In towns, the appellation of ballium * was given to a work fenced with 
 palifades, and fometimes mafonry, covering the fuburbs, but in catties was the 
 fpace immediately within the outer wall. When there was a double enceinte of 
 walls, the areas next each wall were ftiled the outer and inner ballia. The manner 
 in which thefe are mentioned below (a), in the fiege of Bedford Cattle, fufficiently 
 juttify this pofition : which receives farther confirmation, from the enumeration 
 of the lands belonging to Colchetter Cattle; wherein are fpecified, " The upper 
 " bayley, in which the cattle ttands ; and the nether bayley, &c." 
 
 The wall of the ballium in catties was commonly high, flanked with towers ; 
 and had a parapet, embattled, crenellated, or garretted, for the mounting of it. 
 There were flights of tteps at convenient diftances ; and the parapet often had 
 the merlons pierced with long chinks, ending in round holes, called oillets. 
 
 Father Daniel mentions a work, called a bray which he thinks fomewhat 
 fimilar to this ballium. 
 
 * Dans la fuite on fit une efpece de fortification a quelque diftance de la ville a la tete des Faux Bourgs, de 
 la quelle, Froifiart fait tres-fouvent mention, & qu'il apelle du non de Bailies. Ce mot vient de battaglia mot 
 Latin de la bafle Latinite qui fignifie une fortification, un retranchement ou Ton battailloit. C'etoit la en effet 
 que les partis ennemis qui couroient la campagne, venoient quelquefois fair le coup de lance avec ceux de la 
 garnifon. C'etoit par la que l'on commencoit l'attaque jd'une ville. 
 
 Si fe retrahit 1'oft, dit froifiart en parlant de l'attaque que le comte de Flainaut fit a la ville de St. Amand en 
 Flandre fi tot qu'il fut vcnu & fa compagnie a lafiaut, qui fut moult grand Se dur & conquirent de premiere veniie 
 les bailies & vindrent jufqu' a la porte qui ouvre devers Mortagne. Ce retranchement etoit quelquefois de bois ou 
 de palifTades, quelquefois il etoit de maconnerie. C'etoit un poft avance ou l'on faifoit la garde, pour empecher 
 
 la furprife de la place paries ports Je ne fcai fi ces bailies etoint differentes d'un efpece de fortification que nos 
 
 anciens auteurs appelloient du nom de barbacane. Les murailles auffi hautes que folides, dit le Moine d'Auxerre 
 
 feus Fan 1201, outre les avant-murs qu'ils appellent barbacannes, furent renverfees. Or les bailies quand 
 
 elles etoicnt faites de maconnerie; ttoient des efpeces d'avant-murs. Ainfi il y a de l'apparence que cetoit la 
 meme chofe. Pert Daniel. Hijl. de la Milice Francoi/e, Tom. I. p. 604. 
 
 {a) Ballium, propugnaculi fpecies. Du Cange. Et coururent plufieurs fois jufques a la bailie, & la mirent 
 en feu. Cbrenicon Flandr. cap. 113. La feirent Fun a lautre moult grant honneur, & mangerent fcant fur les 
 
 bailies cnfemble. Ibidem. The cattle was taken by four afiaults : in the firfl was taken the barbican; in 
 
 the fecond, the outer ballia ; at the third attack, the wall by the old tower was thrown down by the miners, where, 
 with great danger, they pofiefled themfelves of the inner ballia, through a chink ; at the fourth aflault, the miners 
 fet fire to the tower, fo that the fmoke burlt out, and the tower itfelf was cloven to that degree, as to mew vifibly 
 feme broad chinks ; whereupon the enemy furrendercd. Camden's Britannia. Bedford. 
 
 (i) Les braies paroiflent avoir etc encore une foi tification comme les bailies, Sr la barbacane. Quelques auteurs 
 V apellent en Latin brachiale. Les braies etoient done, ce mc femble, une efpece d'avant rour eleve deyant la 
 
PREFACE. 7 
 
 Within the ballium were the lodgings and barracks for the garrifon and 
 artificers, wells, chapels, and even fometimes a monaftery. Large mounts were 
 alfo often thrown up in this place : thefe ferved, like modern cavaliers, to com- 
 mand the adjacent country. 
 
 The entrance into the ballium was commonly through a ftrong machicolated 
 and embattled gate, between two towers, fecured by a herfe, or portcullis. Over 
 this gate were rooms, originally intended for the porter of the caftle : the towers 
 ferved for the corps de garde. 
 
 On an eminence, in the center, commonly though not always, flood the 
 keep (b)j or dungeon (c) ; fometimes, as in the relation of the fiege of Bedford 
 Caflle, emphatically called the tower ; it was the citadel, or laft retreat of the 
 garrifon, often furrounded by a ditch, with a draw-bridge, and machicolated 
 gate {d) ; and occafionally with an outer wall, garnifhed with fmall towers. In 
 large caftles it was generally a high fquare tower, of four or five ftories, having 
 turrets at each angle : in thefe turrets were the ftair-cafes ; and frequently, as in 
 Dover and Rochefter Caftles, a well. If, inftead of a fquare, the keep or dungeon 
 happened to be round, it was called a julliet (e), from a vulgar opinion, that 
 large round towers were built by julius c^esar. 
 
 The walls of this edifice were always of an extraordinary thicknefs ; which has 
 enabled them to outlive the other buildings, and to withftand the united injuries 
 of time and weather : the keeps, or dungeons, being almoft the only part now 
 remaining of our ancient caftles. 
 
 Here were the ftate-rooms for the governor, if that title may be given to fuch 
 gloomy cells ; whofe darkfome appearance induced Mr. Borlafe to form a conjecture, 
 more ingenious than well-grounded ; namely, that thefe buildings were ftiled 
 dungeons, from their want of light ; becaufe the builders, to ftrengthen their 
 ramparts, denied themfelves the pleafure of windows: not but moft of them had 
 
 porte; cu peut ctre une faillie de tour, & apparement de la eft venu Ic nom de fauffe-braie dans les fortifications 
 
 modernes, qui eft comme l'avant-mur du baftion qu' elle entoure. P. Daniel, torn, i, p. 604. Herfc, eft 
 
 un grillage compofe de plufteurs pieces de bois qu'on met au deffus de la porte d'une fortreffe en de dans & qu'oa 
 fufpend avec une ou plufieurs cordes, qui tiennent a un moulinet pour len laiffer tomber fur lepaffige & boucher, 
 
 Tentree d'une porte, en cas de furprife. Did. d Ingenieur. The fame as portcullis ; which is fo called from 
 
 porta claufa, or port-clofe, a fort of machine like a harrow. 
 
 (a) The keeps at Portchefter, Cambridge, and Oxford Caftles, were in the exterior walls. 
 
 (b) The keep, or (as the Frenchmen term a ftrong tower or platform, as this is, in the middle of a caftle 
 or fort, wherein the befieged make their laft efforts of defence, when the reft is forced) dungeon. 
 Sumner's Roman Forts, page 93. 
 
 (f) Cotgrove gives, verbatim, the fame explanation of dungeon. Donjon. En fortification, eft une rcduit dans 
 une place ou dans une citadelle, cu Ton fe retire quelque fois pour capituler. Diclionaire portatif de I' Ingenieur. 
 Dunjo. Caltellulum, minus propupnaculum, in duno feu colle edificatum, unde ncmcn donjon. Du Cavge. 
 
 {d) Mr.checollare vel machecoulare (from the French, mafchecoulis, to make a warlike device ; efpccially over 
 the gate of a caftle) rcfembling a grate, through which fcalding water, or offenfive things, may be thrown upon 
 pioneers or affailants. 1 In//, fol. 5, 8. Blount's Law Dictionary. Machicolations over gates, are fmall 
 projections, fupported by brackets, having open intervals at the bottom, through which melted lead and ftoncs 
 were thrown down on the heads of the affailants ; and likewife large weights, fattened to ropes or chains, by which, 
 after they had taken effefr, they were reiradled by the befieged. See a plan and feition in the jla:e. 
 
 {e) Antiq. Difcourfes, page 187. 
 
8 PREFACE, 
 
 fmall chinks, which anfwered the double purpofe of admitting the light, and 
 ferved for embrafures, from whence they might (hoot with long and crofs bows. 
 Thefe chinks, though without they have fome breadth, and carry the appearance 
 of windows, are very narrow next the chambers, diminiming confiderably inwards. 
 Some of the fmaller keeps had not even thefe conveniences, but were folely lighted 
 by a fmall perforation in the top, or Skylight, called courts. It was from this ' 
 fort, Mr. Borlafe formed his fuppofition. 
 
 The different ftories were frequently vaulted, being divided by Strong arches; 
 fometimes indeed they were only feparated by joifts : on the top was generally a 
 platform, with an embattled parapet, from whence the garrifon could fee and 
 command the exterior works. 
 
 The total change in the art of war, brought about by the invention of gunpowder 
 and artillery, the more fettled ftate of the nation, Scotland becoming part of the 
 dominions of the kings of England, the refpectable footing of our navy, whofe 
 wooden walls fecure us from invasions, and the abolition of the feudal fyftem, all 
 confpired to render caftles of little ufe or confequence, as fortreffes : fo the great 
 improvements in arts and fciences, and their conftant attendant, the encreafe of 
 luxury, made our nobility and gentry build themfelves more pleafant and airy 
 dwellings; relinquifhing thefe ancient, dreary manfions of their forefathers, where 
 the enjoyment of light and air was facrificed to the consideration of Strength ; and 
 whofe bed rooms, according to our modern', refined notions, have more the 
 appearance of goals and dungeons for prifoners, than apartments for the reception 
 of a rich and powerful baron. 
 
 However, in the reign of Charles the Firft, a little before the breaking out 
 of the Civil-war, fome enquiry into the ftate of thefe buildings feems to have taken 
 place ; for, on the 226. of January, 1636 {a) , a commiffion was iSTued, appointing 
 Lieutenant Colonel Francis ConingSby, commiffary-general of and for all the 
 caftles and fortifications in England and Wales, with an allowance of 13^. q.d. a day, 
 to be paid out of the cheques and defalcations, that mould be made by him from 
 time to time ; or, in default thereof, out of the Treafury. Whether this office 
 was really inftituted for the purpofe of Scrutinizing into the ftate of thefe fortrefles, 
 as forefeeing the events which afterwards happened; or whether it was only 
 formed to gratify fome favourite, does not appear. During the troubles of that 
 reign, fome ancient caftles were garrifoned and defended ; feveral of which were 
 afterwards deftroyed, by order of the parliament : fince that period, they have 
 been abandoned to the mercy of time, weather, and the more unfparing hands of 
 avaricious men. The laft have proved the mod destructive ; many of thefe 
 monuments of ancient magnificence having been by them torn down, for the 
 fake of the materials : by which the country has been deprived of thofe remains 
 of antiquity, fo effential, in the eyes of foreigners, to the dignity of a nation ; 
 and which, if rightly confidcred, tended to infpjre the beholder with a love for 
 
 (a) A£la Regia. 
 
PREFACE. 9 
 
 the now happy eftablifhment; by leading him to compare the prefent, with 
 thofe times when fuch buildings were erected. — Times when this unhappy 
 kingdom was torn by interline wars; when the fon was armed againft the father, 
 and brother flaughtered brother ; when the lives, honour, and properties of the 
 wretched inhabitants, depended on the nod of an arbitrary king; or were fubject 
 to the more tyrannical and capricious wills of lawlefs and foreign barons. 
 
 The method of attack and defence of fortified places, practifed by our an- 
 ceflors, before (<?) , and even fometime after the invention of gunpowder, was much 
 after the manner of the Romans ; moft of the fame machines being made ufe of, 
 though fome of them under different names. 
 
 They had their engines for throwing ftones and darts, of different weights and 
 fizes : the greater, anfwering to our battering cannon and mortars ; the fmaller, 
 to our field-pieces. Thefe were diftinguifhed by the appellations of balifla, 
 catapulta, efpringals, terbuchets, mangonas, mangonels, bricolles, the petrary, 
 the matafarda and the war-wolf. Father Daniel alfo mentions a machine,- called 
 engine-a-virge, ufed by the Englifh, in France, as late as the reign of Charles the 
 Seventh; but acknowledges, he did not know what fort of machine it was. 
 
 For approaching the walls, they had their moveable towers; by which the 
 befiegers were not only covered, but their height, commanding the ramparts, 
 enabled them to fee the garrifon, who were otherwife hid by the parapet : for 
 paffing the ditch, the cattus and fow, machines anfwering to the pluteus and vinea, 
 or tefludo and mufculus of the Romans : the ram was fometime?, but not com- 
 monly ufed. 
 
 Mines too were frequently practifed. Thefe were either fubterraneous pafTages 
 into fome unfrequented part of the fortrefs; or elfe made with an intent, as at 
 prefent, to throw down the wall : and the engineers of thofe days were not un- 
 acquainted with artificial fireworks. 
 
 Few of thefe machines, except the balifla and catapulta, are fo defcribed as to 
 give any tolerable idea of their conflruction: concerning even them, authors 
 confiderably differ. For the remainder, of fome we have only the name and ufe, 
 and of others, barely the name; probably owing to mofl of the hiflorians of thofe 
 times being Monks, who knew them only by hearfay; or from an account of their 
 effects : neverthelcfs, in order to obtain fuch knowledge of them as thefe fcanty 
 materials will furnifh, it will be neccffary to collect what thofe writers relate 
 concerning them, tending to elucidate either their form* ufe, or powers. 
 
 Of baliflas and catapultas, writers defcribe various forts ; and frequently 
 confound thofe two machines together. Indeed, though the balifla moflly 
 threw darts, it was fometimes ufed for cafling flones : as v/as alfo the 
 
 (a) Mangonels were ufed fifty years after the invention of canron. P. Daniel IHJloire de la Milice Francois, 
 p. 562, ti? ibid. 563. Indeed, the art of war was pretty fimilar all over Europe, at leaft after the firft Crufadc ; 
 where fo many generals meeting, each undoubtedly adopted what he faw excellent in any of the confederated 
 nations.— ——(/) Baliftam verbere nevorum torqueri, magna vi jacerc aut haftas, aut fa.\a. l/idorus. 
 
 c 
 
io PREFACE. 
 
 catapulta (a) ; which, from its name, mould feem to be appropriated for darts. 
 Thefe have been defcribed by Vitruvius, Ammainus Marcellinus, Ifidorus, Lipfius, 
 Follard, Perrault, and others; and, from all their accounts, it is evident, that the 
 force, or moving power, depended on the elafticity of twifted cords, made with 
 womens hair, that of horfes, or the bowels of animals (b) : the thicker this 
 cordage, the greater was the force of the engine. 
 
 Another kind, fometimes alfo called oniger, or fcorpio, acted by the fall of 
 a great weight, fixed to the mortefl arm of a fufpended lever; this raifing the 
 other arm, to which a fling was fixed, threw a ftone with great velocity. A 
 reprefentation of this is given in the plate : marked O. 
 
 From an ancient record it appears, that one Edmund Willoughby (<:), held 
 lands in England, by the fervice of finding a catapulta every year ; but it is 
 doubtful whether by this is meant the engine here treated of, or only a fling, 
 which was fometimes called by that name. 
 
 The bricolle (^/), petrary (e), mangana and mangonel [f) t matafunda (g), 
 
 (a) Catapulta, fignifying a dart. Accidit interea commiflb contra Anglo pradio per regem prasfatum, eumdem 
 fagitta ferrea & hamata, qua; vulgo catapulta dici folet lethaliter vulnerari. Vita S. Monani to l S S. Martin, p. 88. 
 Plautus ufus eft etiam pro telo, alii pro balifta. Du Cange. 
 
 {b) Vegetius fays, Onager, autem dirigit lapides, fed pro nervorum craffitudine & magnitudine faxorum 
 
 pondera jaculatur; nam quanto amplior fuerit, tanto majora faxa fulminis more contorquet. On this principle 
 
 the catapulta M was conftrucled. The cords, like a fkein of thread, were wound evenly over the iron pieces, 
 crofling the two holes, D and E, called capitals, till they were full. In the center of thefe cords, the arm of the 
 catapulta, W, is fixed ; having a cavity, or fpoon, at its extremity, for holding ftones, which were enclofed in a 
 fmall bafket. The cords were then twifted, by means of the wheels and pinions marked XX; the arm, which 
 before flood perpendicular, was now brought down to the pofition reprefented, and kept faft by a catch : the flones 
 were then put into the fpoon, and the arm, being fudoenly let go, ftruck againft the upright piece Z, and projected 
 
 the contents of the fpoon with amazing force. When a dart was u fed, the contrivance K was annexed. — The 
 
 balifta depended on the fame principles : its form was more that of a crofs-bow. It is delineated in the plate: fee N. 
 —Mr. Follard conftrucled a catapulta, according to this model ; which, though only ten inches long, and thirteen 
 broad, threw a leaden ball, of a pound weight, 230 French toifes, or fathoms; and fhot ten darts, the diftance 
 of one hundred paces. 
 
 (<■) Catapulta, a warlike engine, to fhoot darts ; a fling. Edmundus Willoughby tenet unum mefluagium & 
 fex Bovatas terras in Carleton, ut de maniero de Shelford, per fervicium uniu 3 catapulta per annum pro Omino 
 fervicio. Lib. Schedul. de term Mich. 14 Hen. IV. Not. fol. 210. Blount's Lavj Diclionary. 
 
 (d) Pour ce jour ils ne monllrerent autre deff'enfe que de bricolles, qui geftoient gros carreaux. Froijfar;, 
 
 '^th'voU c. 18. Baliftam majores dixere prifci trabem validam, ita libratam, ut cum pars denfior ponderibus 
 
 Ettrafta defccnderet, elevata proceritas fua funiculis, quos haberet alligatos, funda faxum maximi ponderis longe 
 
 emitteret. Eique maxime nunc machina; brichollae eft appellatio. Blondius, lib. 3. Roma Triumphant. 
 
 Trabuchi, machina; liihobola; (ejufdem fere generis funt & bricola; vocatse) quibus avorum ncftrorum memoria 
 
 vafli molares in hoftes jaculabantur. Hieronymus Magius, lib. 1, Mi/cell. c. 1. Bricole is a term ufed in tennis, 
 
 and fignifies a rebound. 
 
 (f) Petraria; Gall. Pierieres. Tormentum quod vulgo dicitur petraria, vel mangonum. Ugutio. Machinas 
 
 jaculatcrias quas mangana vel pctrarias vocant. Willelm. Tyrius, lib. 8, cap. 6. 
 
 (/) Alii vero minoribus tormcnti, qua; mangana vocanturmincres immitar.do lapides. Will. Tyrius, lib. 8, cap. 6. 
 
 Mangonellus diminutivum, a mangana, hoc eft, minor machina jacu.'atoria. Du Cange. Interea groftbr 
 
 petraria, miitit ab intus aflidue lapides, mangonellufque minores. Will. Britto. 7 Phillip. 
 
 (s) Matafunda. Machina bellica, qua lapides in hoftes ejaculabantur. Du Cange. Jaciebant ft quidem 
 
 hoiks fuper noftros crcbcrrimas lapides cum duobus trabuchctis, mangonello & pluribus matafundi. Monacbus 
 Vallis Sarnai in Hift. Albigenfi, c. 86.~S< 5E1 e derive its name from funda & maclare, fometimes written matarej. 
 L e. a murdering fling. 
 
References. 
 4.Th*£af4acavv. j.J,/,/tror/ M<>«»/. 
 
 2 T/ir hitch ;-/- M vet. 6. Watt ,>/ the In »< r ftaUutm 
 
 } JtaUcftfie <>«/<■/ Jba&uvnt . 7- 1'""''' '■'«"'>"»' 
 
 f TArS.w <•• T/ir (ht/n.t h ./ Iht >■/<;<//<;/ </ >//w/. i . ,/ .)■!,• i v. tH- '/'<>// vr ,'/ 't/i >•<;• ,Y/,f</,:> .k . I /.uiM ri /i</ /i./iii A . .1 /.'>rt<<,i<- />> 
 /,,/y,v/y///v^/Wy.o. Cato/iulm a,/,,,,/ /// ,;.„,</,■,■>,.„.„■ . p . />,/,/., /,)/< /A' i'//W//,v AW///-/// «|- <'/<>'■'>'■'>' '•'>'/•"'''•'■ 
 
PREFACE. ii 
 
 terbuchet (a), and warwolf (b) 3 were all engines for throwing ftones, and other 
 great mafTes, and probably of the fame mechanifm, but differently called, according 
 to the magnitude of the weights they projected, as was the cafe in our ancient 
 artillery; where, according to their caliber, the pieces were fliled, canon, demi- 
 canon, culverin, faker, Robinet, falcon and bafe. The efpringal (c) threw large 
 darts, called muchetta?, fometimes, inftead of feathers, winged with brafs. 
 
 Of the vaft force of thefe machines (d), furprifing ftories are related. No wall, 
 however thick, was able to refill: their flroke : and, in the field, they fwept away 
 the deepefl files of armed men. With them were thrown not only large mill- 
 ftones, but fometimes the carcafes of dead horfes, and even living men. The 
 former, according to Froiffart (<?), was practifed by John, duke of Normandy, 
 fon of king Philip de Valois, when he befieged the count de Hainhault, in 
 Thyn-Leveque, in the Low Countries, and whom he thereby obliged to 
 capitulate, on account of the infection caufed in the townj and, as Camden 
 fays {f)» it was alfo done by the Turks, at Negroponte. 
 
 The other, namely throwing a living man, is alfo mentioned by Froiflart (g). It 
 happened at the fiege of Auberoche, in Gafcoigne; where the Englifh, being 
 clofely preffed by the Count de Laille, lieutenant-general to Philip de Valois, 
 they fent out an efquire, with a letter, which he was to endeavour to deliver to 
 the earl of Derby, their general ; but, being taken, his letter was read, and 
 
 (rt) Trebuchetum, trabuchetum. Catapults fpecies, feu machina grandior ad projiciendos lapides, & con- 
 
 cutiendos urbium obfleflarum muros. Du Cange. Per feptem trebucheta o.dinata, qua; tam de die, quam de 
 
 nofle, in caftrum capacii projiccre non ceflabant. Matt. Paris, an. 124.fi. D'un trebukiet fit trebukier, mult 
 
 grant partie de lor murs. Phillipus Moufoes in Phil. Augujlo. Otto imp. ab Apulia Sc Italia rcvcrfus obfedit 
 
 oppicfum Vifenfe, qucd fimiliter expugnavit ufque ad area m. Ibi tunc primam caeflit haberi ufus inftrumenu 
 
 bellici quod vulgo tribock appelhri folet. Fragmentum Hijl. tojl Albert. Argentin. an. 1212. Withoutca 
 
 Itroke it mote be take of trepeget, or mangonell. Chancer. Roman, of the Rofe, 6278. This machine took 
 
 its name from the word tiebuchare, to throw down, according to the Latin of thofe times; or from trabucher, to 
 outweigh, as its manner of working might be by means of great weights. 
 
 (/•) The warwolf Is thus mentioned from Mat. Weftm. by Camden, in his Remains, fpcaking of King Edward 
 the Firft : ** At the fiege of Stivelin, where he, with another engine, named the warwolfe, pierced with one fione, 
 " and cut as even as a thread, two vauntmures ; as he did before at the fiege of Brchin, where Thomas Maule, the 
 " Scotfman, fcofred at the Englifh artillerie, with wiping the walle with his handkerchief, until both he and the 
 " walle were wiped away with a fhot." Again, in his Britannia, relating the fiege of Bedford: " Concerning 
 " thefe mangonels, petraries, trabucces, bricoles, efpringolds, and what our anccftors called the warwolf, out of 
 " which, before the invention of bombs, they threw great Hones, with fo much force as to break open ftrong 
 
 " gates ; concerning thefe (I fay) I have feveral things to add, if they were not foreign to mypurpofc." 
 
 Juffit rex arietem fabricari, quern Greci Nicontam vocant, quafi vincentem omnia, Si lupum belli. Verum aiies 
 indecens & incompofitus parum aut nihil profuit: lupus autem belli: minus fumptuo.us inclufis plus nocuit, 
 Mat. Wejltninjler, a.m. 13OJ.. 
 
 (r) Efpringal balifla validior qua telum emittitur. Du Cange.' — Mufchetta telum quod balifla validiori 
 emittitur. Du Cange. — Poteft preterca fieri quod ha;c eadem balillas tela poffent trahere qua: mufchcttae vulgariter 
 appellantur. Apud Senatum, lib.z, part 4, c. 22. — Et font getter leur fpringales 
 
 Ca' Sc la fonnent li clairain 
 Li garrot empene d'airain. Guiart, Van. 1304. 
 
 (d) Compofitis autem ab ingeniofis pifanorum artificibus manganis, gattio atque lignus caltellis, urbcm fortiter 
 expugnabant; et cum his machinis urbis mcenia &c manium turres, potentiffims ramptbant. 
 
 (5) Froifiart, vol. 1, chap. 50.— (/) Camden's Remains. Vide Artillery*— —{g) Eroi/Tait, vol. I, chap. 107*. 
 
12 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 afterwards tied round his neckj and he, being put into an engine, was thrown 
 back into the caftle, where he fell dead among his companions. 
 
 They were alfo fometimes ufed for the execution of perfons condemned to 
 die {a) : perhaps fomewhat like the method praclifed in the Eaft-Indies ; where 
 military criminals are tied faft to, and fired from, the mouth of a cannon : though, 
 in the cafe mentioned by the note here alluded to, probably the unh-appy fufferer 
 was only fixed to this machine, in order to be more conveniently tortured. 
 
 Moveable towers are repeatedly mentioned {b) y as much in ufe, particularly by 
 the Englim. Froifiart is very circumflantial in his account of one (c), ufed at the 
 fiege of Reole, by the earl of Derby; who having laid before that place nine 
 weeks, caufed two towers, three flories high, to be built with large beams. Each 
 tower w r as placed on four fmall wheels, or trucks, and towards the town covered 
 with boiled leather, to guard it from lire, and to refill the darts : on every flory 
 were placed an hundred archers. Thefe towers were pufhed, by the force of men, 
 to the city wall j the ditch having been filled up, whilil they were building. 
 From thefe the foldiers, placed in the different flages, made fuch vigorous 
 difcharges, that none of the garrifon, except fuch as were extremely well armed, 
 or covered with large fhields, dared to mew themfelves on the rampart. He 
 likewife mentions another of thefe machines (d), with which the Englim (e), under 
 John de Holland, and Thomas de Percy, took the town of Ribadana, in Gallicia 
 and fo terrified the garrifon of Maures {/), that they did not wait to be fummoned, 
 
 («) Primitus eum lig-.verat, proh dolor, ad machinam extruftam, quam vulgo mangonam appellant. In PaJJione. 
 S. Tbjemonis Arcbiepi/copi Jwvanenfts. 
 
 (b) Vide Pere Daniel Hill. Milice, Fr. torn, i, p. 55S. (<-) Froiffart, vol. 1, chap. 18, 19. 
 
 (d) Environ quatre jours apres ce que meflire iehan de Hollande et meffire Thomas de Parcy furent venuz en 
 loft du marefchal eurent chevaliers et efcuyers et toutes gens ordonne ung grant appareillement d'aflault & 
 eurent fait faire ouvrer et charpenter ung grant engin de boys fans roes que on pouvoit bien mener & bouter a 
 force de gens la ou on vouloit & dedans pouvoit bien aifjcment cent chevaliers et cent archers, mais par affault 
 archiers y entrercnt. Et avoit on remply aux foflez a l'endroit ou 1' engin devoit eftre mene. Lors commenca 
 1' aiTault et approcherent les engins a force de boutemens fur roes et la eftoient archiers bien pourveuz de 
 Saiette qui tirioent a cculx de dedans de grant facon, et ceux de dedans gettoient a eux dardes de telle maniere qui 
 c'eftoit grant merveille. Deffoubz avoit manteaulx couvers de fors cuirs de beufz & de vaches pour Ie gect des 
 pierres et pour le traicl des dardes. Et de/Tbubz ces manteaulx a la couverture fe tenoient gens d' armes qui 
 approchoicnt le mur, lefquelz eftoient bien pavefchez et picquoient de picz et de hoyaulx au mur, et tant firent 
 quilz empirercnt grandement le mur, car les dcfiendans ny pouvoient entendre pour les archiers qui vivement 
 tyroient et qui fort les enfoignoiert. La fill on renverfer ung pan du mur et cheoir es foftez. Quand les galiciens 
 qui dedans eftoient virent le grant mefchief fi furent tous elbahiz et cricrent tout hault. Ces villains nous ont 
 battuz et fait moult de paine ct encores fe mocquent ils de nous quant ilz veulent que nous les recuillons a mercy 
 et fi eft la viile noilrc. Nenny refpondirent aucuns des Angloys, nous ne fcavons parler Efpaignol, parlez bon 
 Francois ou Angloh fi vous voulez que nous vous entendons. Et toujours alloient ilz ct pafTcient avant et cha/foient 
 ces villains qui fuyoient devant eulx et les occioient a monceaulx, et y cut ce jour mors que dungs et dautres parmy 
 les juifz dons il y avoit affez plus de xv cens. Ainfi fut la ville de ribadane gagnte a force. Et y eurent 
 ceulx qui premier y cntrcrent grant pillage, et par efpecial ils trvvverent plus d'or et dargent es maifons des juifz 
 que autre part. Vol. 3, feu. 12. 
 
 (r) Temp. Richard the Second. 
 
 (/■) Or fe deflogcrent de ribadane & cheminerent vers la ville de maures en galici & faifoient mener y mcmbres 
 le grant engin quilz avoient fait charpenter apris eux, car ilz veorent bien que ceftoit ung grant efpouentail de 
 gem ct dc villi s. (^uant ceulx de maures cntcnJircnt que les Anglois venoient vers eulx pour avoir leur ville 
 
PREFACE. 13 
 
 but fent a deputation, to offer their fubmiffion : fee the account, in his own 
 words. Here it appears that, whiift the archers in the tower, by their affaults, 
 employed the attention of the garrifon on the ramparts, the armed men, with 
 pickaxes and other inftruments, deftroyed the wall. Thefe towers had alio 
 fometimes bridges from the upper {lories ; which, being let down upon the 
 parapet, made a paffage into the town. When the ram was in ufe, it frequently 
 was placed in the ground-floor of this machine; where the men worked it, under 
 the cover and protection of the archers and crofs-bow men above them. 
 
 The cattus (a), cathoufe, or gattus, was a covered med, fometimes fixed on 
 wheels, and limilar to the vinea and pluteus of the ancients. Under it the beiiegers 
 rilled up and paffed the ditch, fapped or mined the wall, and fometimes worked 
 a kind of ram. It is probable, this machine, in different countries, might vary 
 a little in its fize and form; but its effential properties and ufes were the fame. 
 
 The fow was alfo a covered machine for the fame purpofe {b), and of much 
 
 en obeyflance & que ribadane avoit efte prinfe a force & les gens mors dedans et faifoient les Anglois amener 
 apres eulx ung dyable dengin fi grant & fimerveilleux que on ne le pouoit dellruire. Si fe doubterent grandement 
 de loll et de ce grand engin. Et fe trayrent en confeil pour favoir comment ilz fe maintiendroient, ou li ilz fe de 
 fendroient. Eux confeillez ilz ne pouvoient veoir que le rendre ne leur vaulfift mieulx aftez que fe defFendre, car 
 fe ils elloient prins par force ilz perdroient corps & avoir : et au defFendre, il ne leur apparoi/Toit conforte de nul 
 cofte. Regardez difoient les faiges comment, il eft prins de leur deffenfe a ceulx de ribadane, qui eftoient bien 
 auffi fors ou plus que nous fommcs. Ilz ont eu le fiege pres d'un mois & ne les a nulz renfortez ni fecourus. Le 
 roy de caftille, a ce que nous entendons comte pour cefte faifon tout fe pays de galice, a perdu jufque a la riviere 
 de dorne, ne vous verrez ia de cefte asnee entrer francoys. Si nous rendons done debonnairement fans dommage, 
 & fans riote en la forme & maniere, que les autres villes ont fait e'eft bon dirent ilz. Tous furent de cefte opinion, 
 et comment ferons nous dirent aucuns, en nom de Dieu dirent les plus fages nous irons fur le chemin, a 1' encontre 
 deulfe et fi porterons les clefs de la ville avecques nous et les leur prefenterons, car Anglois font courtoifes gens. 
 Ilz ne nous feront nul mal, mas ilz nous receuilleront doulcement, & nous en fcauront trop grant gre. A cepropes 
 fe tindrent tous. Adonc iffirent hors cinquante hommes de la ville delTus nommee, tous de plus nobtables de 
 la ville, fi toft quilz fceurent que les Anglois approchoient, et fe mirent fur le chemin entre la ville, et les 
 Anglois, et portoient les clefs de la ville avecques eulx. Et la ainfi comme au quart dune-lieue ils attendirent, 
 les Anglois qui approchoient. Vol. 3, fol. 13. 
 
 (a) Vineas dixerunt veteres, quos nunc militari barbaricoque ufu cattos vocant. Vegetius, lib, 4, cap. 15.—— 
 Catti ergo funt vines, five plutes, fub quibus miles in morem felis : quam cattum vulgo dicimus, in fubfeilis 
 aut infidiis latet. Du Cange. ■ Hie faciunt reptare catum, tectique fub illo fuffodiunt murum. 
 Willielmus Brito, lib. 7, Pbillipid,— — Devant boves fu l'oft de France, 
 
 Qui contre les flamans contance; 
 Li mineur pas ne foumeillent, 
 Un chat bon & fort appareillent ; 
 Tant euvrent deflbus & tant cavent, 
 
 Qu' une grant part du mur diftravent. GuillelmusGuiart in P/Allipo Augujlo. 
 Interim rem in defperato ponentes Leodini, quoddam inllrumentum ligneum ex trabibus immenfae magnitudinis 
 conftruentes, quod cattum nuncubant, fubftratis artificiofe rotis ligneis ad diruendos muros, trajefti & oppidi 
 
 wick minare caeperunt. Zantjfiiet in Cbrcnico apud Marten, to 5 col. 389. Gatus, quippe viam per medium 
 
 foflatum faciens iam antea prope murum ipfius caftri prsecefferat; in ipfo enim gato quadam trabs ferrata, quam 
 bercellum appellabant, conftabat, quam ipfi, qui infra ipfum gatum fuerant foras plus de viginti brachiis 
 projicientes, in murum ipfius caftri mirabiliter feriebant, ac tandem tantum jam ferierant, qnod de ipfo muro 
 plus de viginti brachiis in terrum projecerant. Murator, to 6 col. 1041. 
 
 (b) Sub, machina bellica, qux & fcropha, gallis truie. Du Cange. Unum fuit machinamentum, quod 
 
 noftri fuem, veteres vineam vocant quod machina levibus lignis colligata, teclo, tabulis, cracibufquc contexto, 
 Jateribus crudis coriis communitis, protegit in fe fubfidentes, qui quafi more fuis ad murorum fu/Todienda penetrant 
 
i 4 PREFACE. 
 
 the fame conftruction, but probably lefs. It was called, in Latin, fus, feropha 
 and truja ; from its being ufed for rooting up the earth, like a fwine ; or becaufe 
 the foldiers contained therein, were like pigs under a fow. This was alluded to 
 by the Countefs, who defended the caftle of Dunbar againft Edward the Third; 
 when me threatened, that unlefs the Englishmen kept their fow better, fhe would 
 make her caft her pigs. Camden, who mentions this circumftance in his Remains, 
 fays, " The fow is yet ufed in Ireland." 
 
 The ram is fo well known (a), that a defcription of it would be unneceffary. 
 It was fometimes, though not frequently, in the later times, ufed. We find it 
 mentioned in the fiege of Paris, which happened about the year 886 : it is there 
 called aries carcamufus. It alfo occurs in the notes relative to the warwolf and 
 cattus. Father Daniel fays {b) y the ufe of it was left off in France, long before the 
 invention of cannon. It is however mentioned, in a pafTage of FroifTart, as employed 
 in the time of Philip de Valois, cotemporary of Edward the Third, at the attack 
 of St. Amand in Flanders, by the count of Hainault : but this he thinks rather 
 the extemporaneous idea of the engineer, than the application of a machine then 
 in fafhion. It is however certain, the Venetians ufed it at the fiege of Zara, 
 which happened about the fame time; i. e. anno 1 345. 
 
 Mines, before the ufe of gunpowder, were, as has been before obferved, of two 
 forts : one, where the affailants fimply dug themfelves a paffage under the walls 
 of the place befieged ; the other, where a breach was intended. In both cafes, 
 by degrees, as the earth was removed, the top of the gallery, or paffage of the 
 mine, was fupported by planks, propped up with ftrong ports ; and, in the 
 latter, the work being carried under the wall or tower propofed to be thrown 
 down, thefe props were fmeared over with pitch, rofin, or other combuftible 
 matters ; and likewife faggots of dry underwood thrown loofely about ; which 
 
 fundamenta. Wilkl. MalmJLur. lib. 4, Hijl. Dum quidam nobiles, ligneis obumbrati, machinis, qua?, 
 
 quia verrere viiebantur in antra; fues apellari non videtur inconfonum. Elmham in viata Hen. V. Reg. Angl. 
 f. 59, page 153. Quandam machinam, qua: fus appellatur, per quam & plures armati cefendi, & fo/Tata tellurs 
 
 repleri poflent, fabricare fecit. Ibidem, cap. 122, p. 317. Machinas ad fufficiendum murum habiles & 
 
 necefiarias quas vulgo fcrophas appellant. Truja machina bellica. Gallis truie ita dicta, quod humum, ut fus, 
 fubvertat. Du Cange. 
 
 (a) Arietes, vulgo carcamufas, refonatos dimefere duos. Abbo de Qlfid. Paris, lib. 2. Dr. Defaguliers 
 
 has demonftrated, in the Annotations on his fccond lecture on Experimental Philofophy, that the momentum of a 
 battering ram, twenty-eight inches in diameter, one hundred and eighty feet long, with a head of caft iron, of 
 one tun and a half ; the whole ram, with its iron hoops, weighing 41112 pounds, and moved by the united ftrength 
 of 1000 men ; will be only equal to that of a ball of thirty-fix pounds weight, fliot point blank from a cannon. 
 
 {b) Pour ce qui eft du belier, je crois que mcme longtems avant le canon on ne s'en fenoit gueres en France, 
 j'en trouve ccpendantun exempie dans Froiflart fous Phillipe de Valois, lorlque le Comte de Hainhault attaqua la 
 petite place de faint Amand en Flandres : et done fut la un, dit cet hiftorien, qui dit, fire, en celuy endroit ne les 
 aurions jamais; car la porte eft forte & la voye etroite. Si coufteroit trop des vcfties a cor.qiurre : mais faites 
 apporter de gros merriens ouvr^s en manieres de pilots & heurtez aux murs de 1' abbaye, nous vous certilions que 
 de force on les pcrtuifera en plufieurs lieux t & fe nous fommes en P abbaye la ville eft notre. . . . Done commanda 
 le comte, qu'on fit ainfi ; car pour le mieux on li conL-illoit pour le toft prendre. Si quift grans merriens de chefne,. 
 qui furent tantoit ouvrez & aguifez devant, & s'evertuoicnt ; & puis boutoient de grand rjndon contre le mur £s 
 t..at verteufeineutj quils pertuifercn: 8c rompirent U a;ur de V abbaye en plufieurs lieux. P. Daniel, torn, i, *, 
 
PREFACE. 15 
 
 being fet on fire, foon confumed the props ; when the incumbent earth, wanting 
 their fupport, fell in, and overthrew the building : where the mine was of no 
 great depth, thefe pofts might be pulled way with cords, or chains. This kind 
 of mine was ufed by Philip Auguftus {a), at the fiege of the caftle of Boves, near 
 Amiens, the firft at which that prince was prefent. Father Daniel fays (b), he had 
 always in his fervice a number of fkilful miners ; mines being one of his mod; 
 fuccefsful methods of attack, praclifed againft the Englifh. 
 
 These mines were both higher and broader than thofe of the prefent times; 
 being fo large, as to admit of engagements hand to hand (c) ; when the befieged, 
 by countermines, as was then the practice, attempted to drive out the aiTailants. 
 Mines of this fort remained in ufe till the reign of Louis the Twelfth. FroifTart 
 gives a very curious and circumftantial account of one of them. 
 
 Of artificial fireworks, ufed both by the befieged and befiegers, hiftory relates 
 many inftances : but what thefe fireworks were, is not clearly exprefied. The 
 
 (a) P. Daniel, torn, 1, page 575. {6) Ibidem. 
 
 (<■) At the fiege of Meulan, temp. Henry V. king of England. La fiege tenant devant reims eftoient fe9 
 
 feigneurs, les contes & les barons, es pays de la marche de reims, ficomme vous avez oui compter cy deflus pour 
 mieulx eftre a leur ayfe et pour garder les chemins que nulles pourveances n'entraflent en la difte cite dequoy, ce 
 chevalier meflire Barthelemy de bonnes a grant ban onie d'Angleterre eftoit a tout fa charge & fa route, dc gens 
 d'armes & d'archiers, logez a comercy ung moult bel chaftel qui eft a l'archevefque de reims, leqnel archevefque y 
 miften garnifon le chevalier deflus nomme, et auffi plufieurs bons compagnions pour le garder et deftendre eontre 
 leurs ennemys. Ce chaftel ne doubtoit nul aflault, car il y avoit une tour caree mallement grofle et efpefle de mur 
 et bien garnie d'armes de deffence. Quant meflire Barthelemy qui le chattel avoit afficge l'eut bien advise et 
 confidere fa force, et la maniere que par aflault, il ne le pourroit avoir il fill appareiller une quantite, de mineurs 
 quil avoit avec luy & a fes gages & leur commanda, quilz fiflent leur devoir de la fortrefle miner & que bien il 
 les payeroit, lesquelz refpondirent quilz le feroient tres volontiers. Adonc entrerent les ouvriers en leur myne & 
 minerent continuellement nuit et jour et firent, tant quilz vindrent moult avant foubz la grofle tour, et a la mefure 
 quilz minoient ilz eftanconnoient et nen fcavoient riens ceulx dedans. Quant ilz furent au defTus de leur mine 
 tact que pour faire renverfer la tour quant ilz vouldroient, ilz vindrent a meflire Barthelemy de bonnes & ly dirent. 
 Sire nous avons tellement appareiller noftre ouvrage, que cefte grofle tour treibuchera quand il vous plaira. Or bien 
 refpondit le cheralier n'en faiftes plus fans mon commandement, et ceulx dirent volontiers. Adonc monta le 
 dit chevalier, et emmena ichan de guiftelle avecques luy qui eftoit de ces compaignons, et fey vindrent jufques 
 au chatel. Meflire Barthelemy feift figne quil vouloit parlementer a ceulx de dedans. Tamoft meflire Henry fe 
 tira avant & fen vint aux creneaulx et demanda quil vouloit. Je veuil dift meflire Berthelemy,. que vous vous rcndez 
 ou vous eftes tous mors fans remede. Et comment dift le chevalier Francoys qui fe print a rire, nous fommes bien 
 pourveuz de toutes chofes & vous vou'ez que nous rendons fi fimplement. Ce ne fera ia dift meflire Henry. Certes~~ 
 fi vous eft cez informez, cn quel party vous eltes dit le chevalier Anglois, vous vous rendiz tantoft a peu de parollcs. 
 En quel party fommes nous fire refpondit le chevalier Francois. Vous yftrez hors refpondit meflire Earthckmy, & 
 ic le vous moftreray par condicions & par aflturance. Meflire Henry entra en ce traifle & creut le chevalier 
 Ang'ois, & yflit hors du fort luy iveme tant feulement, &■ vint la ou meflire Barthelemy, et Jehan de Guilklles cftoient. 
 Si toft comme ils furent la venuz, ilz le menerent, a leur mine & luy monilrerent, commc la grofle tour ne tcnoit 
 plus que fur eftancons de boys. Quant le chevalier Francoys veit le peril il dill a meflire Barthelemy, certainenicnt 
 vous avez bonne caufe ce que fait en avez, vient de grant gcntillefle. Si nous rendons a voftre volonte. La les 
 print meflire Barthelemy, comrr.e fes prifonniers et left fift tous hors de la tour partir & ungz & autres & leurs biens 
 auffi. Et puis lift bouter le feu en la myne. Si ardirent les eftancons, et puis quant jIz furent tous hors la tour qui 
 eftoit mallement grofle ouvrit, et fe partit en deux & renverfa d'autrepart. Or regardez dift meflire Barthelemy, a 
 meflire Henry de Yaulx, et a celui de la fortrefle, fi je vous difoye verite. Sire ouy nous demeurrons voz prifonniers 
 a voftre voLnte, & vous remercions de voftre courtoyfie. Car fi Jaques bons horns euflcnt ainfi de nous, cu laudeflua 
 que vous avez or ains ilz, ne nous euflent mye faict la taufe pareille, que vous avez. Ainfi furent pvins (ti com- 
 paignons, de la earnifon, de commercy, et le chaftel eftondic. Fo/. 1, feuilliet, 106. 
 
16 PREFACE. 
 
 hiftorians of the Crufades fpeak of a compofition, called Greek Wildfire, ufed by 
 the Turks. One of thefe hiftorians, Geoffry de Vinefauf, who accompanied king 
 Richard the Firft to thofe wars, fays of it, " With a pernicious flench and livid 
 " flame it confumes even flint and iron ; nor could it be extinguiQied by water, 
 " but by fprinkling fand upon it, the violence of it may be abated; and vinegar 
 " poured upon it, will put it out." 
 
 Father daniel fays, this wildfire was not only ufed in fieges, but even in 
 battles ; and that Philip Auguftus, king of France, having found a quantity of 
 it ready prepared in Acre, brought it with him to France, and ufed it at the fiege 
 of Dieppe, for burning the Englim veffels then in the harbour. The fame author 
 tells the following marvellous flory, of another compofition of this fort. An 
 engineer, named Gaubet, native of Mante, found the fecret of preferving, even 
 under water, a fort of burning compofition, fhut up in earthen pots, without 
 openings : he was befides fo excellent a diver, as to be able to pafs a river under water. 
 He availed himfelf ufefully of this fecret, to fet fire to fome thick pallifades that 
 flopped up the entrance into the ifle of Andely, which the army of Philip 
 Auguflus was then befieging, and which he took before he attacked Chateau- 
 Gaillard ; for, whilfl the enemy made an attack on the bridge, that prince had 
 built over the Seine, and all the attention of the befieged was directed that way, 
 Gaubert dived with his pots of firework, and, being arrived at the pallifades, he 
 in an inflant fet them on fire. As boats were ready for the paffage of the foldiers 
 into the ifle, it was furprifed on that fide, and the garrifon of the caflle obliged 
 to furrender (#). 
 
 In the reign of king John of France, the caflle of Remorantin was alfo taken by 
 the prince of Wales, through the means of artificial fireworks : and, in 1447, 
 the Count de Dunois, befieging Pont- Audemer in Normandy, which was defended 
 by the Englim with great valour, fet fire to the city by artificial fireworks, and 
 then took it by affault. 
 
 The manner of ufing thefe fireworks was, by fixing them to the great darts and 
 arrows, and mooting them into the towns : a method frequently practifed, both 
 by the ancients, with darts and arrows, called falarica and malleoli ; and ufed, 
 with good fuccefs, by the Englim, the laft war, in a naval engagement in the 
 Eafl-Indies, between the fquadrons of Monfieur D'Ache and Admiral Watfon. 
 
 The progrefiive fleps taken in attacking fortified places, and the methods oppofed 
 thereto, as anciently practifed, was, allowing for the difference of engines, much the 
 fame as at prefent. In fmall towns or caflles, the affailants threw up no works, but, 
 carrying hurdles or large fhields before them, advanced to the counterfcarp ; here 
 fome with arrows, flings and crofs-bows, attempted to drive the befieged from the 
 ramparts; and others brought fafeines to form a paffage over the ditch, if wet, and 
 fcaling ladders to mount the walls : the befieged, on their part, attempted, to keep 
 .the enemy at a diflance, by a fuperior difcharge of their miflive weapons, to burn 
 
 P. Daniel Hift. de Milice Fr. torn. 1, page 176. [l>) P. Daniel. Ibidem. 
 
PREFACE. 17 
 
 the fafcines brought to fill up the ditch, or to break, or overturn the fcaling 
 ladders. In larger places, or ftrong caftles, lines of circumvallation and con- 
 travallation were conftructed ; the former to prevent any attack or fuccour from 
 without, and the latter to fecure them from the fallies of the befieged. In both 
 thefe, fmall wooden towers were often erected, at proper diftances, called Briftegia, 
 or rather Triftegia (a), from their having three floors, or ftages. 
 
 When the garrifon of the place was numerous, and a vigorous refiftance ex- 
 pected, they often formed a blockade, by enclofing it with lines, ftrengthened by 
 large forts, and fometimes even a kind of town. Of the firft, there is an 
 inftance in the reign of Stephen; when that king, being unable to take by force 
 the ftrong caftle of Wallingford, furrounded it with a line, ftrengthened by forts, 
 the principal of which he called the caftle of Craumer : he alfo cut off* the paflage 
 of the garrifon over the Thames, by erecting a ftrong fort at the head of the 
 bridge. It was however held by Brier Fitz Comte, till relieved by Henry the 
 Second, then duke of Normandy ; who, on notice of the danger of this important 
 place, fet out from France, encamped before it, and encompaffing thefe works 
 with a line of circumvallation, to prevent Stephen from fuccouring them, befieged 
 the befiegers : this brought on the conference and peace between thofe two princes. 
 The latter is mentioned by Froiflart (b), as practifed by king Edward the Third, 
 at the fiege of Calais ; where, not content with blocking it up by fea, and making 
 lines on the Downs, and at the bridge of Nieulay, he alfo built a kind of city or 
 timber about the place befieged j where, fays that author, there were palaces and 
 houfes, laid out in- regular ftreets : it had its markets on Wednefdays and Fridays, 
 merceries, fhambles and cloth-warehoufes, and all forts of neceflaries, which were 
 brought from England and Flanders : in fine, every convenience was there to be 
 had for money. Such was alfo the blockade made by the Turks, at the fiege of 
 Candia. 
 
 It feems doubtful whether any thing like approaches were carried on. It is 
 more probable, that the befiegers took the opportunity of the night, to bring 
 their engines and machines as near the walls as poflible : batteries were then 
 formed, and covered with an epaulement. 
 
 The mangonels and petraries began now to batter the walls, and the working 
 parties to make the paflage into the ditch, carrying hurdles and fafcines, which, 
 with their bucklers, ferved to fhield them in their approach : they were fupported 
 by a number of archers, covered with large targets, arrow-proof, held by men 
 particularly appointed for that fervice : thefe archers, by fhooting into the 
 crenelles, and other openings, protected the workmen in their retreat for frefli 
 fafcines. 
 
 (a) Dein vallo munire ftudent, foflifque piofundis 
 Omnem circuitum caftrorum, nec minus altc 
 Per Ioca briilega, caftellaque lignea furgunt 
 
 Ne fubito Sahidinus eos invadere poflit. Guillaume le Breton, lib, 4, />. z?z» 
 
 (6) Froiflart, vol. 1," chap. 133. 
 
 E 
 
18 PREFACE. 
 
 An eafy defcent being formed into the ditch, the cattus, or fow, was pufhed 
 forwards, where the men, under cover, filled up and levelled a paffage for the 
 moveable tower; which being thruft clofe to the walls, the archers, on the 
 different ftages, kept a conftant difcharge of darts, arrows and Itones; the miners 
 began to fap the wall, or it was battered with the ram. When the mine was 
 finished, the props were feton fire : during the confufion occafioned by the falling 
 of the part mined, which was commonly a tower, the affault was given, and the 
 breach ftormed. If there were more works, thefe operations were repeated. 
 Where no moveable tower was ufed, both mines were made, and the ram worked, 
 under the cattus and fow. 
 
 On the other hand, the befieged oppofed, for their defence, flights of darts 
 and large ftones, mot from their engines, with arrows and quarrels from their 
 crofs-bows ; fallies, wherein they attempted to burn or demolifh the machines of 
 their enemies ; and mines under their moveable towers, in order to overthrow 
 them. Upon the cattus and fow they threw monftrous weights to break, and 
 wildfire to burn them. 
 
 Upon the front attacked, they placed facks, filled with wool, which were 
 loofely fufpended from the wall : and to break the ftroke of the ram, befides this, 
 divers other contrivances were invented ; fuch as nippers, worked by a crane, 
 for feizing it; and fometimes they let fall upon it a huge beam, fattened with 
 chains, to two large leavers. 
 
 Having thus mentioned the chief engines and methods made ufe of in the attack 
 and defence of fortified places, it will not be foreign to the point to fay a word 
 or two of the arms, offenfive and defenfive, ufed by the troops, before the invention 
 of gunpowder; and of the laws by which our armies were fhortly after governed. 
 
 The cavalry, which, in this and the neighbouring kingdoms, were compofed 
 of the nobility, knights and gentry, were compleatly cafed, from head to foot, in ' 
 iron armour, that covered their bodies fo exactly, as to render them in a manner 
 invulnerable. Indeed, when thus harneffed, they had but fmall powers of action ; 
 and a knight overthrown, was as incapable of efcaping, as a turtle turned upon 
 his back. The difHculty of fupporting the inconvenience of this heavy armour, 
 is Itrongly marked, by the regulations made at tournaments ; where it was deemed 
 culpable for a knight to unarm himfelf till the mow was over. This was done to 
 accuftom our youth, by degrees, to fuftain that weight in the day of battle. Their 
 arms were launces and cutting fwords ; but, in their charges, as is indeed the cafe 
 with all cavalry, the fuccefs depended more on the ftrength of the horfe, than 
 the efforts of the knight : their horfes too were fometimes covered with armour. 
 
 The infantry were, for the moft part, archers and flingers ; of which there 
 were not in the world any more excellent than in this ifland. Indeed, the Englifh 
 were at all times famous for the ufe of the long bow, which kept its footing a 
 confiderable time after the ufe of fire-arms ; for, fo late as the thirteenth year of 
 the reign of queen Elizabeth, an act paffed, enforcing a ftatute of the twelfth of 
 
PREFACE, ig 
 
 Edward the Fourth, by which foreign merchants were obliged to bring in a certain 
 number of bow ftaves, in proportion to their other goods imported, under divers 
 penalties and forfeitures. The preamble to the acl: of Elizabeth recites, That 
 whereas the ufe of archery not only hath ever been, but alfo yet is, by God's fpecial 
 gift to the Englifh nation, a fingular defence of the realm. 
 
 The Englifh archers commonly carried two large pointed flakes, which they 
 planted before them, to keep off the horfe. 
 
 The crofs-bow, called, in the Law Latin, balifta, or manubalifta, was, accord- 
 ing to Veriiigan, of Saxon original. Crofs-bows were, however, either difufed, 
 or forgot, till again introduced by the Conqueror, at the battle of Haftings. 
 They were afterwards forbidden (a), by the fecond Lateran Council, held anno 
 1 1 39, under pain of anathema, as hateful to God, and unfit to be ufed amongft 
 Chriftians : in confequence of which, they were laid afide during the reigns 
 of Stephen, and Henry the Second; but revived in France, by Richard the 
 Firft, who was himfelf killed by an arrow difcharged from that engine, at the 
 fiege of the caftle of Chaluz 
 
 These bows (hot darts, called quarreaux, or quarrels, from their points, which 
 were folid, fquare pyramids of iron : thefe were alfo fometimes trimmed with 
 brafs, inftead of feathers. 
 
 It appears, from 4. record, that our kings had an officer (c), ftiled baliftarius 
 regis ; and that lands were held, in capite, of the king, by the fervice of pre- 
 fenting annually a crofs-bow (d), and of finding thread to make a crofs-bow 
 firing, as often as he patted through a certain diftricT: (e). 
 
 Cross-bows, according to Father Daniel, were ufed by the Englifh, at the 
 ifle of Rhee, in 1627. 
 
 The military laws, to be obferved in time of war, -as enabled by Henry the Fifth, 
 are preferved in a book, entitled, de Studio Militari, written by Nicholas Upton, 
 firft a foldier in France, under the earl of Salifbury, and afterwards, in the year 
 1452, a canon of Salifbury. They do not differ greatly from thofe now in force; 
 obedience and fubordination, good order in camp and quarters, a detection of 
 falfe mutters, and the fafety of perfons bringing provifions, being immutably 
 
 {a) Artcm illam mortlferam & Deo odibilem ballilcariorum & fagittariorum adverfus Chriftiunos & Catholicos 
 exerceri de caetero fub anathamate prohibemus. Can. 29. 
 
 (6) William Brito, in the life of" Philip Auguilus, fpeaking of the death of Richard, put? the following words 
 in the mouth of Atropos, one of the dellinies : 
 
 Hac volo, non alia Richardum morte perire, 
 Ut qui Francigenis balliftae primus ufum 
 Tradidit, ipfe fui rem primitus experiatur 
 Quamque alios docuit, in fe vim fentiat artis. 
 (e) Baliftrarius. Gerard de la warr, is recorded to have been baliftrarius domini regis, &c. 28 & 29 Hen. III. 
 (<0 Quadam terrae et tenamenta in fuburbia ciceftriae in parochia fandli Pancratii tenentur de rege in capite per 
 ferviiium rcddendi regi quandacunque veherit, per quandam venell jjti vocatam Goddeftretc fupcr niari aullrali, unum 
 fucillum plenum fili crudi ad falfam cordam pro balilta fua facienda. Blount's /Indent Tenures. 
 
 (e) Walterus Gatelyn tenet manierum de Weflcourt, in villa de Bcdinton in com. Surrey, in capite de domino 
 rege reddendo inde domino regi per annum unam baliflam precii xi ; . Blount's Ancient Tenures. 
 
20 PREFACE. 
 
 neceffary to the very exigence of every army : thefe muft therefore always be 
 ftrongly enforced, both by rewards and punimments ; and will ever give a 
 iimilarity to the chief articles in the military code of every age and nation. 
 
 By thefe articles of war, king Henry ordained, that all military caufes or trials 
 mould be heard and determined by the conftable and rnarfhal; and that ignorance 
 of the laws might not be pleaded, they were ordered to be publicly promulged, 
 and each captain was to have a copy of them ; which, without doubt, they read, 
 at ftated times, to the foldiers under their command. 
 
 The firft article refpected the fafety of the church and its minifters. It enacted, 
 that any one plundering a church or monaftery, of any of its goods, veffels, relicks, 
 or habits of the priefts, mould be hanged, as foon as taken, and the goods refhored. 
 It was likewife ordered, that no one, upon pain of death, mould irreverently 
 touch the pix, in which the hoft was contained : the like punifhment was to be 
 inflicted on any one laying violent hands on a prieft, and was extended to ravifhers. 
 Seizing a monk or nun, and making them prifoners, if not in arms, was imprifon- 
 ment, during the king's pleafure. 
 
 All perfons following the army, or remaining with it in quarters, of what 
 ftate, dignity, or order foever, were to obey the conftable and rnarfhal, as they 
 would the king, in all lawful and juft commands, under pain of forfeiture of body 
 and goods. All foldiers, and others receiving pay, were likewife to obey their 
 refpective captains and officers, in all things lawful and juft; watching and 
 mounting fuch guards as mould be reafonably impofed upon them; which guards 
 they were not to leave, on any account, without the fpecial permiffion of their 
 officers : they were likewife, at all times, when ordered, to be ready to go for 
 provifions or forage, either on horfeback, or on foot. Any one guilty of dis- 
 obedience, was to be punifhed by the feizure of his perfon and goods, according 
 to the difcretion of his officer. All merchants, or perfons bringing provifions to 
 the army, to obey the conftable and rnarfhal, and even the clerk of the markets, 
 as they would the king. All difputes, or fuits, reflecting the merchants and 
 handicraftfmen, fuch as taylors, barbers, phyficians and wafherwomen, as well as 
 the fcouts, efpecially fo appointed, were to be determined by the conftable, or, 
 in his abfence, the rnarfhal. 
 
 Guards were directed to be mounted, for the fafety of the army, and to prevent 
 difturbanccs. No officer was to mount, without his affigned number of men. 
 Any officer quitting his guard, till properly relieved, without the permiffion of 
 the commanding officer, was to be beheaded. All captains were to plant a 
 fufficient number of fentries in their quarters, under pain of arreft, and punifhment 
 at the king's pleafure. 
 
 In order to prevent frauds arifing from falfe mufters, all officers, when required, 
 were to mufter their men before the king, or his commiflaries. No one was there 
 to produce any other than his own foldiers, under penalty of irrevocable difmiffion, 
 and lofs of pay for the whole expedition. No one to entertain a foldier, or fervanr, 
 
PREFACE. 21 
 
 lately in the fervice of another, without the confent of his firft officer or matter, under 
 penalty of arret!, and forfeiture of horfe and arms, till fatisfadtion was made to the 
 party aggrieved. The commhTaries were directed to fee that every foldier was properly 
 armed, and to infpect diligently into the ftate of their arms, bows and arrows ; and, 
 if neceiTary, might examine the officers upon oath. 
 
 No perfon, of what degree, nation, condition or dignity foever, was to dare to raife 
 any outcry or fhout, by which the army might be difturbed ; efpeciaiiy that cry 
 called Mowntee, or any other fuch irrational clamour ; under penalty of imprifqn- 
 ment, and forfeiture of the horfe or horfes of the beginner j to be kept by the marfhal, 
 until a fine had been paid to the conftable, or the marlhal, by him deemed adequate 
 to the offence ; and ten millings, of Engliih money, to the informer or accufer. 
 Any one proclaiming his own name, or that of his lord, by which proclamation any 
 number of foldiers were tumultuoufly aflembled, to be publickly hanged. Any 
 one detected in beginning the cry called Hanock, without fpecial licence from the 
 king, was to fuffer death ; and his followers, arreft of body and goods, to be 
 ftrictly kept, until they had been fined for the fame. What were the meanings of 
 the words Mowntee and Hanock, I have no where been -able to find. Perhaps 
 Mowntee might be the vulgar Engliih pronunciation of the French word Montez, 
 mount, or to horfe ; poffibly ufed as a feditious alarm to the cavalry : Hanock, or 
 rather Havock (a\ was probably a war-cry (b), or fignal for immediate engagement j 
 an expreffion fignifying that no quarter was to be given ; or elfe implying a permiffion. 
 to plunder a town or camp: that it was fomething of this fort feems likely, from 
 this exception, u Without fpecial licence from the king;" which implies, that fuch 
 licence was occafionally granted j in which it effentially differs from the cry of 
 Mowntee. 
 
 (a) Perhaps its being fpclt Hanock in Upton, may bo an error of the prefs, occafioned by an inverfion of the 
 letter u, commonly ufed in ancient printing, "inftcad of v« ■ Havock, a word of encouragement te 
 
 (laughter. John/on' s Dictionary. *' Cry Havock kings." Sbakefpeare, 
 
 " „ Ate by his fide, 
 
 " Cries Havock, and lets loot's the dogs of war."' Shakefpeare. 
 (£) War-cries were formerly cullomary in the armies of inoft nation?, when juft upon the point of engaging. 
 Sometimes they were only tumultuous fhouts, or horrid yells, uttered with an intent to flrike terror in their 
 adverfaries; fuch as are now ufed by the Indians in America, called the War-whoop. An inflance of this is given 
 by Froiffart, who, fpeaking of feme Genoefe crofs-bow men, ferving in the French Army, at the battle of Crcfiy, 
 feys, they, in marching to the enemy, " Commencerent a jappcr moult epouvantabkment pour les Anglois ebahir.'* 
 But war-cries were more frequently words of mutual encouragement, or invocations of the national tutelar faint. 
 They likewifc ferved as a parole, to diftinguifh friends from enemies, in the confufion of an engagement ; the 
 foldiers of tbofe days not being, as now, difcriminated by uniforms. The ancient cry of the Englifli was 
 
 St. George; that of the French, Montjoye, St. Dennis. The French antiquaries and etymologies have been much 
 puzzled in their endeavours to i Hurt rate the meaning of the word Montjoye: fome deducing its origin from an ex- 
 clamation made ufe of by Clovis the Firft, when a Pagan; who, being in great danger at the bank" of Tolbiac, 
 thus addreffed his vows to St. Dsnni?, of whom he had heard much from his queen : Mon Jove, St. Dennis ; i. e. 
 
 St. Dennis, my Jupiter, or fupreme deity: afterwards corrupted to Monijoye, &c. Moufieuf du Cange, and 
 
 divers others, interpret it, the mount of St, Dennis; as alluding to that whereon he fuffered martyrdom ; Montjoye 
 being, according to them, a diminutive of Mont. But Pafquier, with more probability, explains it thus : Moult joyc, 
 St. Dennis; or, St. Dennis, my chief joy, confolation, or dependence. This is corroborated by Odeiicus Vitalis; 
 who expreflts it, in Latin, by the words, " Meum Gaudium." Mowntee has been by fome thought a fcoffing 
 
 imitation of Mountjoye. War-cries are fi 111 ufed by feveral nations : the French, paiticulaily in their night'. 
 
 attacks, cry, Tue, Tue; the Spaniards, A Mat ; and the Turks, Alia, 
 
22 PREFACE. 
 
 In cafe of a fuddcn alarm, it was directed, that all the captains mould repair, with 
 their people, to the head- quarters, except thofe captains whofe quarters were near the 
 poft threatened ; thefe were to remain, with their companies, in order to repulfe the 
 enemy. When the king rode out, it was pofitively prohibited that any one mould 
 leave the camp, without his exprefs permiffion, on pain of imprifonment, during the 
 king's pleafure ; or in his abfence, during that of the commanding officer. 
 
 No one was to afTemble any horfemen, to make excurfions into the country, with- 
 out licence from the king ; and, in order that after fuch excurfions (when made by 
 authority), they might return to the general, no one was to quit his party without leave 
 from the captain commanding it, under pain of arreft, during the king's pleafure, and 
 lofs of booty that day taken ; two thirds of which was to go to his captain, and the 
 remainder to the officer commanding the party or detachment : neither was any one 
 to erect the king's ftandard, that of any particular lord, or of St. George, for the purpofe 
 of affembling perfons to go out on excurfions, without the king's particular leave, on 
 pain of hanging for the captain, and beheading for every one of his followers, with the 
 forfeiture of eftates and goods : likewife, in all excurfions, burning of houfes was for- 
 bidden, upon pain of death, unlefs by the king's efpecial command. 
 
 No perfons were permitted to go before the army, in order to occupy quarters* 
 other than thofe authorifed by the marmal or confbble, on pain of feizure of body 
 and goods, till releafed by the payment of a fufficient fine : neither was any one, of 
 what ftate or dignity foever, to prefume to quarter himfelf j but, in all things, relative 
 to quarters, to obey the quarter-matter general, as he would the king. It was 
 likewife ordered, that no perfon, after having quarters affigned him, fhould quit 
 them without licence from his commanding-officer : and if he found any provisions 
 in or near his quarters, he might enjoy them, ufing fuch provifion moderately; 
 and if there was more than fufficient for himfelf, he was to beftow it on others 
 that wanted, carefully avoiding wafte, under penalty of arreft, and the feizure of 
 his horfe or horfes, and armour, till a fufficient fine had been paid to the confbble 
 cr marmal. 
 
 Any perfon, of what condition foever, exciting a difturbance in quarters, or railing 
 a tumult, was punifhed by imprifonment, and feizure of his . horfes and arms, till a 
 fine was paid to the conftable or marmal : if the delinquent was a fervant or lacquey, 
 he was punifhed with the lofs of his left ear. If any quarrel was excited, whereby 
 there was a probability that death might eniue, the punifhment was forfeiture of 
 goods and eftate ; and if any one was actually killed, all concerned therein .were to 
 be immediately hanged. 
 
 Any prifoner of war taken by one man, and given over to another to guard, was 
 the property of him v/ho took him, unlefs he was afterwards, in the fame engagement, 
 found defending himfelf. If any man threw a prifoner to the earth, and another 
 took his parole, that prifoner was their joint property ; and he who took him was 
 to have the keeping of him, giving fecurity to his partner for his (hare of the 
 ranfom. 
 
 A prisoner being taken, and another afking a part, might have it,, if granted, 
 by the taker ; but if fuch perfon threatened otherwile to kill the prifoner, he was 
 
PREFACE, 23 
 
 not to havefuch part, though before granted him : and if he did really kill the prifoner,,. 
 he was to be arrefted, and kept in gaol, till he had made fuch fatisfaction to the captor, 
 as the conftable or marfhal mould judge fufficient. 
 
 All prifoners of war, as foon as brought to the army, were to be prefented by 
 the taker, to his particular captain, or commanding officer, under pain of forfeiture 
 of fuch prifoner. If the prifcner was of royal blood, or a duke, marquis, earl, 
 or principal commander, or fuch as had an authority from his king to difplay his 
 own banner, he became the prifoner of the officer commanding that part of the 
 army by which he was taken, unlefs the captor was a perfon of an equal or fuperior 
 ramk to him taken ; in which cafe, the commanding officer was to agree with fuch 
 captor, and to give him a fufficient compenfation for the taking. Every office? 
 receiving a prifoner from a foldier under his command, was to give notice thereof 
 to the conftable, or general, within eight days, on pain of lofing his fhare in the 
 ranfom ; which, in fuch cafe, was to be given to the informer. No officer or 
 foldier was to permit his prifoner to ftray, or go at large, or to fuffer him to ride 
 out, or remain in his quarters, without a fufficient guard, on pain of lofing his 
 right to the faid prifoner ; the third part of whofe ranfom was referved to his captain, 
 or fuperior officer, if not concerned in this negligence j the other parts of the ranfom 
 were adjudged to the conftable, or marfhal, and the informer. No prifoner was 
 to be permitted to go out of the army, without a pafTport, or fafe conduct, figned 
 by the king, or commanding officer, under the penalties of the laft article. No 
 foldier was to fell his prifoner, or to take ranfom, without licence from his proper 
 officer with whom he entered for the campaign, under pain of lofing the faid prifoner: 
 the purchafers, under thofe circumftances, were alfo punifhed with the lofs of the 
 prifoner. 
 
 A third of all booty taken by a foldier, was to be paid immediately to his captain^, 
 under pain of forfeiting the whole, and imprifonment, till fatisfaction was made to the 
 faid captain : and all followers of the army, though not receiving pay, fuch as doctors, 
 merchants, barbers, and fuch like, were to pay one third of all goods acquired in the 
 war, whether prifoners or moveables, to the king, or his general in chief com- 
 manding the army. 
 
 Soldiers robbing the market people, or taking away from them, or fpoiling cny 
 provifions or goods, were punifhed with immediate death : this likewife extended, 
 to the phyficians and barbers. Any foldier ftealing or fpoiling victuals or forage 
 belonging to another, bought, taken from the enemy, or otherwife lawfully acquired, 
 by him, was to be punifhed at the king's pleafure. 
 
 No affault was to be made againft any caftle or fortrefs whatfoever, either with' 
 arrows, or otherwife, unlefs in the prefence, and with the permiffion, of fome officer 
 thereto fpecia!ly ordered, under pain of imprifonment. And any perfon making fuch 
 affault, after public proclamation to the contrary,, was to be punifhed with imprifon- 
 meritj and lofs of his acquired goods, 
 
24 PREFACE. 
 
 No perlbn could grant parTes, permitting an enemy or prifoner to come to, or 
 pals through or from the army, without the king's efpecial licence, cr that of his 
 conftable, if his commilYion extended fo far, under pain of forfeiture of body and 
 goods. Any one violating the king's pafs, or fafe conduct, was to fuffer death, and 
 confutation of goods. 
 
 Common prottitutes were not permitted to remain in the garrifons, or with the 
 army, particularly during the fiege of any cattle or fortrefs j but were to keep at the 
 diftance of a league, at leatt. Any one found with the army, or in any town or cattle, 
 after one admonition, was to have her left arm broken. 
 
 These are the general outlines of the hittory of our ancient military architecture, 
 modes of attack and defence, and martial laws : a more minute difquifition does not 
 come within the limits prefcribed for this Introduction. But fuch as wi£h to have a 
 farther knowledge of thefe matters, may amply fupply their curiofity, by confulting 
 Vegetius, Procopius de Bello Gothico, FroirTart's Chronicle, the ancient Hittories of 
 France, the Writers on the Crufades, Father Daniel's Hittoire de la Milice Francoife^ 
 and Follard's Polybius. 
 
PREFACE. 25 
 
 MONASTERIES. 
 
 TP 
 
 JL H E era of the firft inftitution of Monafteries in England, is by no means 
 afcertained : nothing can be more difcordant than the accounts and opinions of 
 our hiftorians and antiquaries on this fubject ; fome making them coeval with the 
 introduction of Chriftianity into this ifland j which, it is pretended, was preached 
 A. D. 31, by Jofeph of Arimathea, and certain difciples of Philip the apoftle. 
 A very learned writer furmifes (#), that fome converted Druids became our firft 
 Monks : others fay (£), there was a college or monaftery at Bangor in Flintfhirc, as 
 early as the year 182 ; though this, with greater probability, is generally placed later 
 by almoft three hundred years. 
 
 The learned Bimop Stillingfleet (c), and others, fuppofe the firft Englifh monaftery 
 was founded at Glaftonbury, by St. Patrick, about the year 425 ; whilft, on the other 
 hand, it has been doubted (d) t whether St. Patrick was ever at Glaftonbury, any 
 more than Jofeph of Arimathea. 
 
 About the year 512, the Britifh hiftorians report, that St. Dubritius, archbiftiop 
 of St. David's, founded twelve monafteries, and taught his monks to live, after 
 the manner of the Afians and Africans, by the work of their hands. Camden 
 thinks, that Congellus firft brought the monaftic life into England, towards the 
 year 530 ; but Mr. John Tanner, editor of the Notitia Monaftica, fays, " It was 
 " certainly here before that time." Thefe inftances are fufficient to mew, that the 
 exact period is not known. 
 
 The date of the firft foundation of Nunneries, or houfes of religious women, in 
 this country, is enveloped in the fame obfeurity. Some think them nearly of equal 
 antiquity with thofe for monks. Leland fays, Merlin's mother, who is reported to 
 have lived about the year 440, was a nun at Caermarthen ; and it is faid, St. David's 
 mother was a nun alio. But the firft Englifh nunnery feems to have been that erected 
 atFolkftone in Kent, by King Eadbald, A. D. 630 : foon after which feveral others 
 were founded ; particularly that of Barking in EiTex, anno 675 ; and, about the 
 fame time, another by St. Mildred, in the ifle of Thanet, A. D, 694 : abbefies were 
 
 (a) Sir George ?.lacartncy, in his D fence of the Royal Line of Scotland, p. 13. 
 
 (&) Archbiftiop Uflier's Antiq. Eccl. Britan. folio, p. 69. 
 
 (r) Stillingfleet's Original of the Britifh Churches, p. 184, 18^. 
 
 (</) Vide Wharton, in his notes to Angl. Sacr. vol. ii. p. 92. 
 
 G 
 
2 6 PREFACE. 
 
 then in fuch great efteem, for their fancYity and prudence, that they were fum- 
 moned to the council of Beconsfield : the names of five are fubfcribed to the 
 confutations there enacted, without that of one abbot. Bifhop Adian made Hien 
 (afterwards foundrefs and abbefs of Hartlepool) the firfl: nun amongft the Northum- 
 brian s A. D. 640. It was anciently a cuftom in Northumberland and Scotland, 
 for monks and nuns to live together in the fame monaftery, but fubjected to the 
 immediate government of the abbefs. This was the cafe at Whitby, Repiadon, 
 Beverley, and Ely. 
 
 On the conversion of the Saxons and Northumbrians, a great number of 
 monafteries were founded and richly endowed, particularly in the north, where 
 many of the nobles, and even fome kings and queens, retired from the world, 
 and put on religious habits : but after the devaluations made by the Danes, in 
 832, 866, and the three following years, thefe religious communities were almoft 
 eradicated. In the fouth there were but few monafteries remaining, and thofe 
 chiefly pcfTelTed by the married clergy : Glaftonbury and Abingdon ihll retained 
 their monks ; but at Winchefler and Canterbury, in the reign of King Alfred^ 
 there were not monks fufficient to perform the offices ; for which they were 
 obliged to have recourfe to the affiftance of the fecular clergy (a) : and, according 
 
 (rf) J. Tanner, in his Preface to the Notitia Monaftica, fays, " To give fome account of the fecular clergy, 
 " who are fo much fpoken of in the ecelefiaftical hiftory of the Saxon times, and for the moft part difadvantageoufly, 
 " bec-ufe we have r.o account of ihem, but what is tranfmitted to us by their bittereft enemies the monks, 
 " and fuch as favoured the monks ; but who, if we knew the truth, might perhaps have lived as much to the glory 
 " of God, and the good of mankind, as thofe who fpoke fo much againft them : and yet 'tis uncertain what the 
 " difference between the old fecular canons and the monks was ; for hiflorians, by calling the houfes of the 
 «« monks, Collegia, and the houfes of the fecular canons, Monafleria, confound thefe two forts of religious perfons, 
 " and make the opinion of Wharton not unlikely; viz. thpt before the Reformation by King Edgar and 
 " St. D nil an, our monafleries were nothing but convents of fecular married clergy. Nor is the marriage of 
 " monks and nuns, in thofe ages, unlikely ; for Bede tells us, that in John of Beverley's time, the abbefs of a 
 ** monaftery then called Vetadim (fince WaUonl, had a carnal daughter, who was a nun of that houfe. On the 
 " other hand, fome of the fcculars obliged themfelves to the vows of challity ; and many of them obferved fome 
 *' regular conuitution : for the canons of Durham read the Pfalms, in the fame order as was required by the rule 
 " of S . Benedict. At Peykirk they obferved the canonical hours of the monks, and took the vows of chaflity and 
 " obedience. At Canterbury (as Gervafus obferves) they wore the habit of 1 he monks, and partly conformed to 
 M their rule: fo that, in all likelihood, the terms of monks and fecular canons were indifferently ufed, or with 
 H very little diilinclion, rill King Edgar's time; when St. Dun flan enforcing a flriflcr obfervation of St. Benedict's 
 rule, thofe that were wiling to retain their wives and parochial cures, were termed fecular clerks; and thofe 
 
 «' were called monks, or regulars, who quitted both, according to the conflitution of that order." A fruitlcfs 
 
 attempt was made, about the beginning of the eleventh century, to force thefe canons, and ihe clergy in general, 
 to celibacy, by Aelfick, archbilhop ot Canterbury. In the year io~6, the council of Winchefler, afilinLitd under 
 Linfranc, decreed, that no canon mould have a wife ; that fuch ptiePs as lived in ca°les and villages mould no"t 
 be forced to put away their wives, if they hadilum: but fuch as had not, were forbidden to many ; and bid ops 
 were exhorted, for the future, not to ordain either prieft or deacon, unlefs he fir tt profefied hat he bad no wife. 
 In the year 1102, Archbilhop Anfelm held a council at Weflminfler, by which it was decreed, that no archdeacon, 
 prieft, br deacon, or canon, mairy a wife, or retain her if married; that every fubdeacon be under the fame law, 
 though be be not a canon, if he^hSth married a wife, after he had made proTcT'oi of chaftity. Anfelm, according 
 to William of Vlalmlbury, deft red of the king, that the chief men of tl c kingdom might be prefent in council, 
 to the end that t' c decrees might be enforced by the joint confent and care of bodi he clergy and laitv ; to which 
 they aflented. ' us the king, and the whole realm, gave their fauction to thefe canons; yet i' appears, that the 
 clergy of the piovtnee of York remonitrated againtt them; and thofe who were married, refufed to part with their 
 
PREFACE. 27 
 
 to Gervafius, the name of an abbot was then fcarce known ; and few then living 
 had ever feen a convent of monks. Of the north, Simon Dunelmenfis fays, " After 
 " the devaftation of that country, A. D. 867, by the Danes, who reduced the 
 " churches and monafteries to afhes, Chriftianity was almoft extindt. ; very few 
 ** churches (and thofe only built with hurdles and ftraw) were rebuilt : but no 
 " monafteries were refounded, for almoft two hundred years after j the country 
 " people never heard the name of a monk, and were frighted at their very habit, till 
 " fome monks from Winchelcomb brought again the monaftic way of living to 
 " Durham, York, and Whitby." 
 
 In the reign of King Edgar, about the year 960, St. Dunftan was promoted tr> 
 the fee of Canterbury. He was a great reftorer of monaftic foundations, and 
 repaired many of the ruined churches and religious houfes, difplaced the feculars, 
 and prevailed on that king to make a reformation of the EngUfh monks, in the 
 council of Winchefter, A. D. 965 ; when rules and conftirutions were formed for 
 their government ; partly taken from the rule of St. Benedict, and partly out or 
 the ancient cuftoms of our EngUfli devotees : this was called Regularis Concordia 
 Anglicas Nationis, and is publifhed, in Saxon and Latin, by the learned Selden, in 
 
 wives; and the unfharried to make profeffion of celibacy: nor were the clergy of Canterbury more obedient. 
 Anfelm, therefore, in the year lio*, held a new council at London, in the ptefence of the king and barons, 
 partly on this matter, where ftill feverer canons were enacted. Thofe who had kept or taken women fmce the former 
 prohibition, and Lad faid mafs, were enjoined to difmifs rhem fo entirely, as not to be knowingly with them in any 
 hotife : any eccleiiaftic accufed of this 'ranfgreliion, by two or three lawful witneffes, was, if a prieit, to 
 purge hirr.felf by lix witnefTes ; if a deacon, by four ; if a fubdeacon, by two ; othorwife to be deemed guilty, 
 Such prie 's, archdeacons, or canons, as refilled to part with their women, here tilled adukerous concubiiK-s, 
 were to be deprived not only of their ofiices and benefices, and put out of the choir, being firft pronounced in'amou*, 
 but the bifhop had authority to take away alt their moveable goods, and thofe of their wives. But all thefe rigorous 
 confutations were fo iniufticient, that, in the year 112;, the cardinal legate, John de Crema, prcfiding in a 
 council held at Weftminfter, thought it neceffary to enforce them by the papal auihoiity. In his exhortation, he 
 is faid to have rmde ufe of thefe remarkable wordi : That it was the higheft degree of wichednefs to rife from the 
 lide of a harlot to make the body of Chrifl : neve; tlulefs, this very man, as Henry, archdeacon of Huntingdon, 
 a cotemporary writer, relates, after having that day made the body of Chrift, was caught at night with a real 
 harlot: he adds,- that a fact fo public and notorious could not be denied, and ought not to be concealed ; and that 
 the (name of this difcovery drove the legate out of England. In the year 1129, William CorboyI, arehbilhop of 
 Canterbury, and then legate, obtained the king's leave to hold another council at London, to which all the 
 clergy of England were fummoned ; and, by the authority of which, all thofe who had wives were requeued to 
 put them away, before the next feift of St. Andrew, under pain of deprivation; and the more tu enforce ir, the 
 arehbilhop and council granted to the king a power of executing their canons, and doing jhftice on thofe who 
 mould offend ag.un.1 tiiem ; which Henry of Huntingdon fays, had a mod fhameful conclufion; for the Ling 
 received, from the married clergy, a vaft fum of money, by way of compofition, and exemption from obedience 
 to. thefe coiuMtu ions of the counc I. This account is alfj confirmed by Hovedon and Brompto-t. The Saxon 
 Chronicle fays th it the con'itutions of this fynod had no effect ; for all the clergy retained their wives, with the 
 permillion of the king, as they had done before: but no notice is taken there of this permiilion being pnrchaf <t. 
 It is worthy of oofervation, hat whereas, by one of the canons of the council held at Weftminfter, under Aichbifhou. 
 Anfelm, in the year 1102, it had been decreed, that the (ons of p r i"e ft a fhould not be th* heirs to the churches of 
 their fathers ; Pope Pafchrll ord red, that fueh of the;n as were perfons of go-id characler fhould he continued in 
 their benefices; and, in a letter to Anfelm, gave this reafon for the favour fhewed them, viz. that the create 1 and 
 belt part or the clergy in England, were the fons of the clergy. But, in Stephen's reign, the power of the papacy 
 acquiring more itrength, the celibacy of the clergy was generally effablifhcd in England. 
 
 Notes t. Lord Lj.'tel.'on's Hylorj of Ktnry tbt SiCtaJ, 
 
2*8 PREFACE. 
 
 his Spicilegium after Eadmerus. By this rule all the monasteries of the fouth were 
 governed. Edgar, during his reign, is faid to have erected, orrefounded, forty-feven 
 monafteries ; and alfo, at the inftances of Dunftan, Ethelwould and Wulfton, 
 bifliops of Winchefter and Worcefter, to have caufed reftitution to be made of all 
 the lands formerly belonging to, and taken from, the religious houfes. 
 
 At the Con qu eft, the monks and nuns were confiderable lufferers j not only in 
 their lands and poflefTions, but alfo by the infringements on their rights and 
 immunities ; for no fooner was the Conqueror quietly feated on the throne, than he 
 began to rifle their treafures, to depofe their abbots, and feize their beft eftates, 
 beftowing them on his Norman followers: he alfo obliged them to alter their 
 miffals } forcing them to exchange the ancient Gregorian fervice, for a new form, 
 compofed by William Fifcamp. This innovation was, however, flopped by the 
 interpofition of Ofmund, bifhop of Salifbury ; who, to compromife matters, com- 
 pofed a new ritual, afterwards called Miftale in Ufum Sarum, and generally ufed 
 in England, Scotland, and Ireland. But a more material injury was that of making 
 the fecuiar clergy, bihhops of the churches of cathedral convents j contrary, as it 
 is faid, to a canon made in the time of Archbifhop Theodore, and confirmed by 
 King Edgar. This caufed that diftir.ction then fir ft made between the lands 
 belonging to the bifhop, and thofe the property of the convent ; which, before 
 this period, were in common all donations being made Deo et Ecclefise. Befides, 
 after this diftinction, the bifliops afligned what part they thought proper for the 
 fupport of the prior and convent ; reserving the beft eftates for themfelves and 
 fucceflbrs. This led benefactors to nominate the particular ufes to which they 
 chofe their donations mould be applied j either to the maintenance or cloathing 
 of the monks, for lights, hofpitality,. building or repairing the church and its 
 ornaments : and afterwards opened the way for the appropriation of diftinct 
 portions to the feveral great ofTicers of the houfe. Another grievance, and which 
 affected the clergy in general, was the alteration made in the nature of the tenure 
 whereby they held their lands ; which, from frank almoign (fubject to no duties 
 or impofitions but the trinoda neceftiras, or fuch as they laid upon themfelves , 
 in ecc.efiuftical aftemblies) was changed into tenure, in baronage, by knights 
 fervice. 
 
 Anno 1075, the third and laft regulation of monks was made by Archbifhop 
 Lanfiane j which brought thofe of the ancient foundations nearer the Benedictine 
 order than ever (a). During this reign, the Cluniacs were brought into England j 
 
 (a) It is to be no' ed, that the monks of this iflaiid wete never under one rule, before the fecond Reformation : 
 for, not to mention the difference between the Eritilh, Scouiih, and Roman monks, we may obferve, that almoft 
 every abbot laid down particular rules of living for thofe under his jurifdiSion ; fo that we meet with the rules of 
 St. Patrick, St. Conga', St. Columb, St. VIolva, Sr. Columban, Sr. Carthavid, Sr. Afaph, St. Cuthbert, St. Adhelra, 
 &c. am ngft the Ei irons and Saxons. Neither did Archbifhop Cuthbert's regulation make an uniformity in thefe 
 matters; fur, in King Alfied's time, there were " diverfi geneiis monachi and even after the Conquelr, at a 
 general vifi tation of r^igious houfes, A. D. 1.252, among!! the Bencdiflines, there were not two monafteries chat lived 
 after the fame manner. Preface to Tanucfi Koiitia Ms'ujiua. 
 
PREFACE. 29 
 
 of whom five houfes were founded : as were alfo four fyoufes of black canons, two 
 or three hofpitals, thirteen Benedictine abbies and priories, with fix cells depending 
 upon them, and about fourteen alien priories; whereof the great abbies of Battle 
 and Selby, with the priory of Hinchinbrook, and four or five alien priories, were 
 built and endowed by the king. 
 
 William rufus, fucceeding to his father, greatly opprefled the monks; 
 feizing upon the revenues of vacant abbies and bimopricks, and felling them to 
 the beft bidders. It is even by fome afierted, that he meditated a feizure of all 
 their lands (a). Efforts were made, by feveral bifhops of this reign, particularly 
 Walkeline, bifliop of Winchefter, to expel the monks out of the cathedral 
 churches, and to place fecular canons in their room. This was prevented 'hy 
 Archbifliop Lanfranc, who prevailed on the king to retract his confent; and 
 likewife procured a bull from Rome, prohibiting fuch change. During the thirteen 
 years which this king reigned, there were founded about thirteen houfes of 
 Benedictines ; five of the Cluniac order, two of black canons, two colleges, two 
 hofpitals, and five alien priories ; whereof the priories of Armethwayte in Cum- 
 berland, and St. Nicholas in Exeter, and the hofpital of St. Leonard in York, 
 were built and endowed by the king. 
 
 King henry the Fir ft is recorded to have been a pious prince, an encoiirager 
 of learning, and one that had a great efteem for the church, and all religious 
 perfons. He founded nine or ten monafteries : viz. the epifcopal fee, and priory 
 of regular canons, at Carlisle ; the abbies of Cirencefter and Merton ; the priories 
 of Dunfrable, St. Dennis near Southampton, Southwike, and WelHove, of the 
 fame order ; the ftately Benedictine abbies of Reading and Hide, and the Alien 
 Priory at Steventon ; as alfo the hofpitals of St. John in Cirencefter, le Mallard ry 
 in Lincoln, and St. Mary Magdalene in Newcaftle. Five new orders were brought 
 into the kingdom, in this reign : in the firft year of it came the knights hofpitalars ; 
 and, about five years after, the Auguftine canons; towards the year 1 128, the Cifter- 
 tians, the canons of the holy fepulchre, and the monks of Grandmont. In the thirty - 
 five years which this king reigned, there were founded above one hundred and 
 fifty religious houfes; viz. about twenty alien priories, twenty Benedictine mo- 
 nafteries, and fifteen cells ; near fifty houfes of Auguftine canons, thirteen Ciftertian, 
 and fix Cluniac monafteries, three of knights hofpitalars, one for canons of 
 the holy fepulchre, one for Grandmontenfians, one college, and thirteen 
 hofpitals. 
 
 The troubles in which this kingdom was involved, during the greateft part of 
 the reign of Stephen, did not prevent either that king, or his people, from founding 
 
 (a) A mantifcript in the Cotton library, written by Geraldus Cambrcnfis, affirms, that William Rufus had 
 conceived a defign of taking from all the monafteries, or religious houfes in England, founded and endowed by 
 the Englifh, ail their lands and polTeflions, or the greater part thereof, and converting them into knights fees ; 
 faying, that near one half of the kingdom had been bellowed on the church ; from all which little or nothing could 
 Redrawn by government, in any exigence whatfeever, for the defence of the flate. 
 
 II 
 
3 o PREFACE. 
 
 religious houfes ; for, in the eighteen years and nine months which he governed 
 this nation, there were founded twenty-two Benedictine abbies and priories, with 
 three dependent cell?, five alien priories, thirty-two Cittertian abbies, twenty-three 
 houfes, and four cells of Auguftine canons; five Prasmonftratenfian, two Cluniac, 
 and eleven Gilbertine houfes ; thirteen preceptories of knights templars, one houfe 
 for fitters of the hofpitalars, one of canons of the holy fepulchre, four colleges, 
 and twelve hofpitals : of which the houfes of Benedictines, at Carhow in Norfolk, 
 and Heyham in Kent, the Black Canons, at Thornholme in Lincolnfhire, the 
 Cluniacs, at Faverfham in Kent, and the Commanderies of the Knights Templars, 
 at Crefling Temple in Effex, and Egle in Lincolnfhire, were royal foundations. 
 In the beginning of this reign, the Knights Templars were introduced into England; 
 as were the Prasmonftratenfians, in the year 1 146 : and fhortly after, the Gilbertine 
 order was inftituted, at Sempringham in Lincolnfhire. 
 
 Henry the second, after the death of Thomas Becker, affected to be a 
 great friend to monaftic inftitutions : himfelf founding a Carthufian monaftery, 
 at Witham in Somerfetfhire, the firft of that order in England; houfes at Newftade 
 in Nottinghamfliire, Ivychurch in Wiltshire, and Morton in Yorkfhire, for 
 Auguttines; for whom he likewife refounded and augmented the monastery of 
 Waltham in EfTex : he alfo founded Newftede in Lincolnfhire, for Gilbertine 
 canons; Stonely in Warwickfhire, for Cittertian monks; and the alien priory of 
 Hagh in LincolnfTiire. In his reign were founded twenty-eight houfes of 
 Benedictines, whereof twenty were nunneries, as were molt of the Benedictine 
 convents founded after this time ; twenty-feven Auguftine, fixteen Praemonftra- 
 tenfian, one Carthufian, two Gilbertine, and five Cluniac monafteries; two col- 
 legiate churches, twenty-nine hofpitals, ten preceptories (Buckland was made 
 a general houfe for all the fitters of the hofpitalars), twenty-fix alien priories;, 
 and, though contrary to a canon made at a general chapter, held A. D. 1 151, nine- 
 teen Cittertian abbies. This canon prohibited the erection of any more houfes of 
 that rule, on account of their great number ; which perhaps the other monks 
 were fearful would give them too much weight at councils and general chapters* 
 It is faid, there were then in Chriftendom upwards of five hundred ; and they 
 afterwards increafed fo much, that, in the year 1250, they amounted to eighteen, 
 hundred. 
 
 During the reign of Richard the Firtt, which did not extend to quite ten 
 years, notwithttanding the vatt expences of the Crufade, and the money paid 
 for the ranfom of that king, there were founded fourteen houfes of Benedictines, 
 thirteen of Augufline canons, eight of Prsemonftratenfians, three of the Gilbertines, 
 four preceptories of Templars, two alien priories, one college, and feven hof- 
 pitals. It does not appear that this king founded any monattery; indeed, he is 
 faid to have difliked monks in general, and to have entertained a mortal hatred 
 to the Black Monks, Cittertians and Templars. 
 
PREFACE. 31 
 
 King john, notwithstanding he was no great friend to ecclefiaftics, founded 
 a ftately abby of Ciftertians, at Beaulieu in Hampfhire; to which he made 
 Farendon in Berkmire a cell : he likevvife built the Benedictine nunnery of 
 Lambley in Northumberland, made Otterington in Devonmire an alien priory, 
 and is faid, whilft earl of Moreton, to have founded a Benedictine priory at 
 Waterford, and another at Corke, in Ireland ; both which he made cells to the 
 abby at Bath. In this reign, of upwards of feventeen years, were founded eight 
 houfes of Benedictines, eight of Ciftertians, three of Prsmonftratenfians, nineteen 
 houfes of Auguftine canons, fix of Gilbertines, one fmall Cluniac houfe and ten 
 alien priories, three preceptories of Templars, four of Hofpitalars, one college, 
 and eighteen hofpitals. 
 
 In the reign of King Henry the Third, the riches, and confequently the power 
 of the ecclefiaftics, increafed to fuch an alarming pitch, that an act of parliament 
 was made, in the ninth year of that reign, to reftrain the fuperftitious prodigality 
 of the people,, in beftowing lands upon religious foundations; particularly in a 
 manner which deprived the king, and the lords of the manors, of their refpective 
 rights. This was called the ftatute of Mortmain [a) ; wherein it was enacted, 
 " That it mall not. be lawful, from henceforth, to any to give his lands to any 
 ** religious houfe, and to take the fame land again to hold of the fame houfe; 
 ** nor mail it be lawful to any houfe of religion to take lands of any, and to leafe 
 " the fame to him of whom he received it : if any, from henceforth, give his 
 ** lands to any religious houfe, and thereupon be convict, the gift fhall be utterly 
 «* void, and the land {hall accrue to the lord of the fee [b)" The neceffity of this 
 ftatute fee in the notes (c). Succeeding kings fometimes difpenfed with this law, 
 
 (a) Mortmain, in mortua manu. Hottoman, in his commentaries de verbis feudal, verbo manus mortua: 
 «« Manus mortua locutio eft, qua: ufurpatur de iis quorum pofTefiio, ut ita dicam immortalis eft, qui nunquam 
 M hasredem habere definunt. Qua de caufa res nunquam ad priorem cominum revertitur; nam manus pro pofeffione 
 " dicitur, mortua pro immortali," &c. And Skene fays, ** That, dimittere, terras ad manum mortuam eft idem 
 «' atque dimittere ad multitudinem five univerfatim, quse nunquam moritur." (^) Keeble's Statutes. 
 
 (<■) By the common law, any man might difpofe of his lands to any other private man, at his own difcretion ; 
 efpecially when the feudal reftraints of alienation were worn away: yet, in confequence of thefe, it was always, 
 and is ftil!, neceflar}' for corporati. ns, to have a licence of mortmain from the Crown, to enable them to purchafj 
 lands: for, as the king is the ultimate lord of every fee, he ought not, unlefs by his own confent, .to lofe his 
 privilege of efcheats, and other feudal profits, by the veiling of land in tenants that can never be attainted or die : 
 and fuch licences of mortmain feem to have been neceflary among the Saxons, about fixty years before the Norman 
 conqueft. But, befides this general licence from the king, as lord paramount of the kingdom, it wasalfo requifite,. 
 whenever there was a mefne, or intermediate lord between the king and the alienor, to obtain his licence alfo (upon 
 the fame feudal principles) for the alienation of the fpecific land : and if no fuch licence was obtained, the kin?, 
 or other lord, might refpectively enter on the lands fo alienated in mortmain, as a forfeiture. The ncceftity of this 
 licence from the Crown, was acknowledged by the conftitutions of Clarendon, in refpecl of advowfons, which the 
 monks always greatly coveted, as being the groundwork of fubfequent appropriations : . yet fuch were the influence 
 and ingenuity of the clergy, that (notwithftanding this fundamental principle) we find that the large ft and moft 
 confiderable dotations of religious houfes, happened within lefs than two centuries after the Concjuell : and (when 
 a licence could not be obtained) their contrivance feems to have been this : that as the forfeiture for fuch alienations 
 accrued, in the firft place, to the immediate lord of the fee, the tenant who meant to alienate, firft conveyed his 
 lands to the religious houfe, and inftantly toek them back again, to hold as tenant to the monaftcry ; which kind 
 of instantaneous feifm was probably held, not to occafion any forfeiture : and then, by pretext of fome other 
 
32 PREFACE. 
 
 by their Special licence; previous to which, there was an inquifition of Ad quod 
 dampnum, and a return, upon oath, that it would not prejudice either the dignity 
 or the revenues of the crown. For this licence, fees, and perhaps a fine, 
 were paid. 
 
 In the beginning of this reign alfo, the friars, preachers, and friars minors came 
 into England ; and, before the end of it, eight forts of friars more came amongft 
 us : and many of them, for the pretended feverity of their lives, and their frequent 
 preaching, were at firft admired by the people, to the great lofs of the pariSh priefts, 
 as well as the regulars. However, in this long reign of fifty-fix years, there were 
 founded nine monasteries of Benedictines, twenty-feven of Auguftine canons, eight 
 of Ciftertians, three of Praemonftratenfians, two fmall houfes of Cluniacs, of 
 Carthufians and Gilbertines one each, three preceptories of Knights Templars, 
 and two of Hofpitalars, twelve alien priories, feven colleges, and forty-feven 
 hofpitals ; befides twenty-eight houfes of Grey Friars, twenty-five of Black Friars, 
 feventeen of White Friars, four of Auguftine Friars, two of Maturine, or 
 Trinitarian Friars ; of Crofted, and Bethleemite Friars, Friars de Pica and de 
 Areno, one each ; fix houfes of Friers de Sacco, two of Brethren of St. Anthony 
 de Vienna, and one of Brethren of St. Lazarus : of thefe, the king founded the 
 Giftertian Abby of Netteley, the Small Gilbertine Priory of Fordham, the hofpitals 
 of St. Bartholomew's in Gloucester, Bafingftoke and Ofpring, and feveral of the 
 friaries. 
 
 In the reign of Edward the Firft (a), the reverence which the people had 
 hitherto entertained for the monks, began greatly to abate ; owing to the writings, 
 preaching, and artful insinuations of the friars : and, on account of their fuppofed 
 riches, the former Statute, intended to prevent an increafe in their poSTeflions, 
 was Strengthened by additional ads. In this reign, the Stately abby of Vale 
 Royal was founded by the king ; and, by divers of his fubjecls, three CiStertian 
 abbies, five Auguftine priories, one Gilbertine, and one Cluniac monaftery ; two 
 preceptories, three alien priories, twelve colleges, and eighteen hofpitals; befides 
 thirteen houfes of Black, and eleven of Grey Friars ; two of MinoreSTes, or Nuns 
 of Clare; thirteen of White, and thirteen of Auguftine friars; two of Trinitarians, 
 four of CrofTed Friars, two of Friars de Sacco, and one of Bonhommes. About 
 
 forfeiture, furrender, or efcheat, the fociety entered into thefe lands, in right of their newly acquired figniory, as 
 immediate lords of the fee. But when thefe dotations began to grow numerous, it was obferved, that the feudal 
 fei vices, crdained for the defence of the kingdom, were every day vifibly withdrawn ; that the circulation of landed 
 property, from man to man, began to ftagnate ; and that the lords were curtailed of the fruits of their figniories, 
 their eLheats, wardfhips, reliefs, and the like: and therefore, in order to prevent this, it was ordained, by the 
 lecond of King Henry the Third's great charters, and afterwards by that printed in our common ftatute-books, 
 that all fuch attempts fhould be void, and the land forfaited to the lord, of the fee. Blackjhnt's Commentaries. 
 
 (a) Bifhcp Kennet, in his Gloflary, at the end cf the Parochial Antiquities, under the word Religiofi, faith, 
 Before the ftatute of Mortmain, the nation was fo fcnfible pf the extravagant donations to the religious, that, in 
 the grant and conveyance of efhtes, it was often made an cxprefs condition, that no fale, gift, or aflignation of the 
 premifes fhou!d be made to the religious, " Tcnenda fibi et hxredibus fuis vel cuicunque vendcre v<.l affignare 
 " voluerint exce^.tis Religiofis ct judaeis." > 
 
PREFACE. 33 
 
 this time, or a little after, a number of chantries were- founded, by which the 
 fecular clergy were fomewhat benefited. Edward, in the twenty-fourth year of 
 his reign, during his war with France, feized all the alien priories, and removed 
 their monks twenty miles from the fea iide, to prevent their giving alliftance or 
 intelligence to his enemies. 
 
 In the nineteen years reign of King Edward the Second, the religious foun- 
 dations were, one Benedictine and one Auguftine monaftery, five houfes of White 
 Friars, three of Black Friars, fix of Grey Friars, four of Auguftine Friars, one of 
 Trinitarians, and one of Crofted Friars; two of the prefent colleges in Oxford, 
 and fix others ; alio fourteen holpitals: of thefe, the White Friars in Scardeburgh, 
 the Auguftine Friars in Bofton, and the Black Friars in Winchelfea, were founded 
 by the king. In this reign, anno 1312, the Knights Templars were feized, 
 their order diftblved, and their goods confifcated : the pretence was, their vicious 
 lives, and too great riches and power; though fome have attributed their downfal 
 to the intrigues of the king of France. Indeed, though they were greatly accufed, 
 but little was proved againft them ; their eftates were at firft feized by the king, 
 and other lords, as fees or efcheats, and the judges affirmed, that by the laws of 
 the land they might warrantably hold them. But becaufe they had been given 
 for pious ufes, it feemed good to the king, the nobility, and others, affembled in 
 parliament, for the health of their fouls, and the difcharge of their confciences, 
 that the eftates, &c. according to the wills of the donors, fhould be appropriated 
 -to religious ufes ; wherefore, they were accordingly, by an act of parliament 
 pafted anno 1323, given to the Hofpitalars : neverthelefs, divers of their lands 
 which had been granted to the laity, continued in their pofTeftions, and fome 
 tythes were recovered by the parochial clergy. 
 
 King edward the third, though, according to the Monks, a pious as well 
 as valiant prince, on accoun t of his wars with France, was not only prevented from 
 making many religious foundations, but alio forced to exercife feverities on the 
 alien priories (a) : neverthelefs, he founded and liberally endowed the Auguftine 
 nunnery at Dartford in Kent; the two large colleges of St. George at Windfor, and 
 St. Stephen at Weftminfter; and gave to the abby of St. Mary Graces, by the 
 Tower, the revenues of twelve chantries, feized for not having licence of 
 mortmain. In this reign, of fifty- one years, were founded four houfes of 
 Auguftine canons, one of Gilbertines, two of Carthufian Monks, feventeeu 
 holpitals, one of the prefent colleges at Oxford, and twenty- five others ; two 
 houfes of Black Friars, eight of Grey Friars, five of White Friars, eight of 
 Auguftine Friars, and one of Bonhommes. ' 
 
 (a) See in Rymer, vol. ii, page 778 ; his direclions about feizing alien priories ; the lands cf which, cr la-gc 
 penfions out of them, were granted to noblemen, during ihe war. AsDugd. Ba*c,n, vol. ii, p. 74. 
 
34 PREFACE. 
 
 In the reign of Richard the Second, the doctrine of Wickliffe began greatly 
 to prevail, and the mendicant friars to lofe their reputation {a}* Although the alien 
 priories were fequeftered during the wars, yet many of the principal houfes abroad 
 now obtained the king's licence to fell their lands to the religious here; and 
 fometimes to particular perfons, who intended to endow religious foundations. 
 In this reign, which lafted twenty-two years, were founded only four Chartreufe 
 houfes, fix hofpitals, fix colleges, befides the two founded by Bifhop Wickham, 
 at Oxford and Winchefter ; one houfe of Grey Friars, and three of Augudine 
 Friars : for after the reftraint laid upon endowing houfes for the regular orders, 
 the fecular priefts were more regarded ; licences of mortmain being, perhaps, 
 obtained with greater facility for them, who had not fo many privileges as the 
 regulars ; or elfe they were maintained by appropriations, which were then no 
 lay-fees, and fo not within the reach of the ftatute ; or, laftly, it was no hard 
 matter to erifeoffe a proper number of perfons with lands, for the payment of 
 certain annual rtipends to the deans and prebendaries. The erection of fo many 
 chantries and hofpitals in the two centuries before the Reformation, may alfo be 
 afcribed to the fame reafon. This king founded no monastery or college," but 
 gave to feveral; particularly the Carthufians at Montgrace in Yorkshire, and 
 St. Ann's near Coventry, the eftates of feveral alien priories feized by his 
 grandfather. 
 
 King henry the fourth, in the firft year of his reign, reftored all the 
 conventual, alien priories ; referving, in times of war, to the crown, the fums 
 they paid, in times of peace, to the foreign abbies. In a parliament, held 
 A. D. 1404, at Coventry, called the Lack-learning Parliament, becaufe no 
 practifing lawyers were permitted to fit therein, it was moved by the Commons, 
 that for raifing of money for the carrying on of a foreign war, and the defence of 
 the realm againfl the Welch and Scots, the clergy mould be deprived of their 
 temporal poffemons : but Archbiuhop Arundel (hewing- to the king, that more of 
 their tenants went to his wars than thofe of the lay-fees that the clergy were 
 always ready to affiit him with their prayers, councils, and purfes ; and defiring 
 his majefly to recollect his coronation-oath, .wherein he had promifed to advance 
 the honour cf the church, and to protect its minifters, the project was laid afide; 
 the king declaring, that he was refolved to leave the church in as good, or a 
 better ftate than he found it. The Archbifhop then addrefling himfelf to the 
 Commons, told them, that although feveral of the king's predeccfTors had, in 
 purfuance of former advice, feized the alien priories, which were certainly of 
 great value, yet was not the king half a. mark the richer, thefe lands having been 
 
 (,?) This evidently appears fr^m the ludicrous ftcries told of them by Chaucer: and that it was then the 
 cafe with them in o:her kingdoms, appears from the Decauv.ron of Boccace, written much about that time, 
 wherein the friars make a very confpicuuus figure: had they been in much efleem, or authority, neither Boccace 
 nor Chaucer would have ventured thus to fatirize them; or at leaft have done it with impunity; the more jufi 
 their fatire, the more likely to be fevcrely relented. 
 
PREFACE. 35 
 
 begged by his courtiers; and that their prefent motion proceeded from the fame 
 interefted motives; their aim being to benefit them (elves, and not the king; 
 who would not, the enfuin^ year, be the richer by a farthing. 
 
 Notwithstanding this rebuke, A. D. 1410, the Commons exhibited a new 
 bill againft the bifhops, abbots and priors ; fetting forth, that by the feizure of 
 their eftates, the king would be enabled to create and provide for fifteen earls, 
 fifteen hundred knights, fix thoufand two hundred efquires ; and to found one 
 hundred new hofpitals. But the king again rejected this propofal ; and com- 
 manded them, for the future, never to revive that matter. This monarch built 
 the college of Battlefield in Shropfliire, with five others, and about fix hofpitals, 
 which were all the religious foundations in the thirteenth year of his reign. 
 
 In the fecond year of the fucceeding reign of Henry the Fifth, another attempt, 
 but with no better fuccefs, was made againft the revenues of the church : for 
 Archbifhop Chichely artfully diverted the ftorm, by inciting the king to aiTert 
 his title to the crown of France ; promifing him fuch a benevolence from the 
 clergy, for the carrying on of the war, as had never before been given. But in 
 a parliament held the fame year, at Leicefter, all the alien priories were given to 
 the king, with all their lands and revenues ; except fuch as were conventual, cr 
 had the liberty of choofmg their own prior. Mod of them were, however, 
 beftowed on other monafteries or colleges; fome were to remain in the king's 
 fee; and a very fmall number of them were granted, or fold to the laity In 
 this fhort reign, only two colleges were founded, befides the Carthufian Abby, 
 at Sheen, and the abby at Syon, for nuns of St. Bridget, which were built and. 
 munificently endowed by the king himfelf. 
 
 During the unhappy reign of Henry the Sixth, there were founded three 
 colleges and one hall at Oxford, three colleges at Cambridge, and eight elfewhere? 
 fifteen hofpitals, and one houfe of Grey Friars. Befides thefe, the king himfeif 
 founded Eaton College, in Buckinghamfliire, and King's College, Cambridge; 
 which he chiefly endowed with the revenues of alien priories. 
 
 In the reign of Edward the Fourth, were founded fix colleges, befides 
 Katharine Hall, in Cambridge, and Lincoln College, in Oxford ; and feven 
 hofpitals, or alms-houfes. 
 
 King henry the seventh founded fome few houfes of Obfervant Friars; 
 and began the hofpital at the Savoy, in London : his mother founded Chrift's, 
 and St. John's Colleges, in Cambridge. Befides thefe, there were founded, in 
 his reign, three hofpitals, and one fmall college. 
 
 Soon after the acceffion of King Henry the Eighth, the colleges of Brazen 
 Nofe, and Corpus Chrifti, were founded at Oxford ; and Magdalene College, in 
 Cambridge : as alfo, before the DifTblution, five hofpitals. 
 
 (a) Scarce any in fee, and not many for life or years, and thofe to whom fuch alien priories were given, were 
 obliged to f.nd a mafs-priefl, to officiate in fuch alien p.iorits, and pray for the king; fome:imcs for the 
 f6under. 
 
36 PREFACE. 
 
 From this account of the rife and progrefs of monadic affairs, it is obfervable, 
 that the richeft monafteries were founded before the Conqueft ; at which period, 
 there were about one hundred: many of them were afterwards refounded. 
 
 Within an hundred and fifty years after the Conqueft, or before the firft of 
 Henry the Third, there were founded and refounded, four hundred and feventy-fix 
 abbies and priories ; befides eighty-one alien priories [a). 
 
 After that time, there were many chantries, houfes of friars, hofpitals and 
 colleges founded ; but very few houfes of monk?, nuns or canons. " I think," 
 (fays Tanner, whom I haveclofely followed in this account) " but one Benedictine 
 " houfe, viz. that of Holand in Lancafliire, after the death of Henry the Third; 
 " and after the death of King Edward the Third, (which was about an hundred 
 " and fixty years before the Diffblution) no monaftery for monks, or nuns, or 
 ** canons, except Sion, and rive Chartreufe houfes:" fo that the nation in general 
 feemed to have quite loft its tafte for thefe kind of institutions, a great while 
 before the fubverfion of them. 
 
 Having thus traced the monaftic inftitutions of this kingdom, from their 
 rife to their total fuppreffion, it remains to give fome account of the different 
 rules, or orders of religions, with their difcipline, dref*, and other particularities 
 relative to them. 
 
 The orders were either religious or military; of the former, were all monks, 
 nuns and canons. 
 
 Of the monks, the mod ancient are the Benedictines; fo called from their 
 following a fet of rules laid down by St. Benedict, a native of Nurfia, in the 
 dukedom of Spoleto in Italy; who was- born about the year 480, and died about 
 the year C43 : his rule was not confirmed till fifty-two years after his death ; 
 when it received the fanction of Pope Gregory the Great. St. Benedict founded 
 twelve monafteries in his own country ; the chief of which was at Mont Caflino. 
 His rules are divided into feventy-three chapters; in them are many ordinances, 
 inculcating everv Chriftian virtue : at the fame time it muft be allowed, that 
 fome which have been fmce added, are extremely Angular All forts of.perfons, 
 without diftinction, were, by the order of St. Benedict, to be received into this 
 order: children, boys, youths, the poor and the rich, gentlemen and peafants, 
 fervants and freemen, the learned and unlearned, the laity and clergy. 
 
 (a) It is net clear that any alien priories were founded after the reign of Edward the Firft. The whole number 
 cf them was about ninety-fix; there being fifteen founded a r ter the beginning of the reign of Henry the Third. 
 
 (7) The (latutcs and ordinances ofLanfranc, concerning the rules to be obferved by the Benediftines, have one 
 whole chap er or decree concerning the dim'nution of blood; where it is appointed, that leave muft f.ril be 
 afoed ; but this leave was not to be granted, at feme certain, folemn feafons (unlefs upon unavoidable neceffity) ; 
 as uhen th ir abfence from officiating or affifting in the public fervice of their church, was not to be difpenfed 
 with. But have being granted, the hour was to be notified to the celcier of the convent; thoh who were to have 
 a vein opened, were to come to the place appointed for that purpofe,. wheie feveral ceremonies and formalities 
 wtre ordered to be performed at that time, and upon that occTion. Afterwards they were to appear befcre the 
 prior and chapter ; and it being there openly faid, that fuch and fuch a brother hid blood taken from him, the 
 monk was to Hand up (-yecially if a veia in his aim had been opened) and to fpeak for himfelf. Then it follows, 
 
PREFACE. 37 
 
 The form and colour of the habits of thefe monks, it is faid, were at firft left to the 
 direction of the abbots, who varied them according to the feafon and climate. Bat it 
 was afterwards ordained, that they mould wear a loofe gown, of black fluff, reaching 
 down to the heels, with a cowl, or hood of the fame, and a fcapulary j under this, 
 another habit, of the fame fize, made of white flannel, and boots on their legs. 
 From the colour of their outward habit, they were generally called Black Monks. 
 To the end that no man might have any particular property, the abbot found them 
 in every thing that was necelTary ; which, befides their habit, was a knife, a needle, 
 a fteel pen, and tablets to write on. Their beds were a mat, fome draw, and a pil- 
 low ; their covering, a blanket, and a piece of ferge. There were nuns of this order, 
 as well as monks : their habit was a black robe, with a fcapulary of the fame ; under 
 which was a tunic of white, undyed wool ; and, when they went to the choir, they 
 had, over all, a black cowl, like that worn by the monks (a). 
 
 The great riches and power of the Benedictines cauling a remilTnefs in 
 the obfervance of their rules, a reformation was fet on .foot, by Bernon, 
 abbot of Gigni, in Burgundy ; which was completed by Odo, abbot or 
 
 If he ha J been guilty of a fmall offence, it fliouid be forgiven him; but it the offence was fuch a3 could not b: 
 forgiven, or pafTed over without bodily punifhment, the punifhing of hiin fhould be deferred till another time; 
 namely, till he had recovered better health and ftrength, after the lofs of blood. This chapter is fomewhat 
 myilical ; ap.d perhaps defignedly fo, that the reputation of the members of the convent might be defended from being 
 openly charged with irregularities and foul enormities : fuch things were like the rites of Ceres, religioufly to be 
 concealed. But it feems plain, that the want of having b'ood taken away, was frequently occafioned by irregularity 
 and excefs. I may further obferve, that when the lord high-ltewaid, with his retinue, hnd, according to his office, 
 attended at an inthronizaiion feaft of an archbifhop, it was one branch of his accuftomcd right and fee, which he 
 claimed at his going away, to flop three days at one of the neareft manors of the archbifhop, to diminifh his blood ; 
 that is, to have a vein opened, or properly to cool his blood, which had been heated by high feeding and drinking at 
 the feaft. Battcley's Additions to Somner'i Canterbury, p. 133. 
 
 (a) This order is faid Ly many (among whom are Sir Henry Spelman, Camden, and Selden) to have been 
 brought into England by St. Augufti e, A. D. 596: but Sir John Mafham, Bifhop Patrick, Dr. Hickes, 
 Dr. William Thomas, and Bifliop Nicholfon, think this rule was little known, ii!l King Fdgai's time ; and never 
 perfectly pbferved, till after the Conquer?. Some have faid, that St. Wilfrid brought it into England, A. D. 666 ; and 
 others, with greater probability, that he improved the Englifh church by it. It is exprefaly mentioned in King Ken- 
 red's charter to the monks of Everftiam, A. D. 709 ; and in the bull of Pope Conftantine, granted in the fame year 
 to that monaflcry : But Bede, who hath given us a very accurate account of the ftate of religion in this ifland till the 
 year 731, bath nothing of it; nor is there any mention of it in the firft regulation of the monks in England by 
 Archbilhop Cuthberr, in the great fynod at Clovefhoe, A. D. 747. If Wilfrid really advanced this ru'e, it was not 
 over all England, but in Kent on'y ; find if the charter of Kin:; Kenred, and the bull of Pope Conllantine be genuine, (for 
 all the ancient grants produced by the monks are not fo) this rule, which is there preferred to the monks of Everdiatn, 
 is however laid, in the bub, to " have been at that ijme bu: little ufed in thofe parts :" fo thar, inftead of the 
 Saxon monks being all Benedictines, there were probably but few fuch, till the reiloration of mo.iafteries under 
 King Edgar; when St. Dunltan and St. Olwald (the latter of whom had been a Benedictine monk at Fleury in France) 
 no' only favoured the monks againft the fecular clergy, but fo much advanced the Benedictines that William of 
 Malmfbury faith, ** This order took its rife in England, from St. Ofwald." Of this order were all our cathedral 
 priories, except Carlifle ; and raoft of the richeft abbies in England. Reyner, vol. i. p. 217, faith, that the revenues 
 of the BenedicYuiea were altnoft equal to ihofe of all the other orders. Taiiner'i Not ilia Mouafiica, 
 
 K 
 
38 PREFACE. 
 
 Cluni (a), anno 912, who added thereto fome ftricter ordinances (b). This gave rife 
 to a new order, called, from the place of its inftitution, Cluniacs : they were the 
 principal branch of the Benedictines ; and, like them, they wore a black habit. All 
 the houfes of this order in England were governed by foreigners, and fubordinate to 
 foreign monasteries (c), by whom only they could be vifited : neither could they 
 elect their own priors, profefs novices, or determine their own differences ; but, 
 for all thefe, were obliged to refer to their fuperiors beyond fea ; by which the 
 greater!: part of their revenues were carried abroad (dj j and thefe convents con- 
 tained more French than Englifh monks. On thefe accounts, during the wars 
 with France, the priories of this order were generally feJzed by the king, as 
 alien priories ; but after the petition to the parliament of Winchefter, the fourth 
 of Edward the Third, thefe inconveniences were by degrees removed ; fome of 
 their houfes were in that and the following reign made denizen ; Bermondfey 
 was made an abbey ; and at length all the others diflharged from their fubjection 
 
 (a) This abbey, winch was fituated st Cluny, in the ?vJ aflonnois, a little province in France, was anciently fo 
 very fpacious and magnificent, that in 1245, after holding of the firft council of Lyons, Pope Innocent the Fourth 
 went to Cluni, accompanied with the two patriarchs of Antioch and Conflantinople, twelve cardinals, three 
 archbifhops, fif een bifhops, and a great number of abbots; who were all entertained, without one of the monks 
 being put out of his place : though St. Louis, Queen Blanch his mother, tie duke of Artois, his broiher, and his 
 fitter, the emperor of Conltantinople, the fons of the kings of Arragon and Ca°ile, the duke of Burgundy, fix 
 counts, and a great number of lords, with all their retinue, were there at the fame time. Cluni, at its firft 
 erection, was put under the immediate protection of the apoftolic fee ; with exprefs prohibition to all fecular and 
 ecclefiaftica 1 . powers, not to difturb the monks in the poffeffion of their effects, or the election of their abbot. By 
 this they pretended to be exempted from the jurifdiction of bifhops ; which at length gave the hint to other abbeys to 
 infift on the fame. Cluni is the head of a very numerous and extenfive congregation : in effect, it was the firft 
 congregation of divers monalleries, united under one chief, fo as to conllitute one body, or, as they call it, one order, 
 that ever arofe. Chambers's Didionary. 
 
 (b) If we may believe their own abbot Peter, thefe ordinances were not much obferved. His words are : " Our 
 " brethren defpife God, and having paft all fhame, eat flefh now all days of the week except Fridav, not only ia 
 
 fecret but in public ; alfo boafting of their fin, like thofe of Sodom : they run here and theie, and, as kites and 
 " vultures, fiie with great fwiftnefs where the mod fmoak of the kitchen is, or where they fmell the [bell roaft and 
 44 boiled. Thofe that will not do as the reft, them they mock, and treat as hypocrites and profane. Bacon, cheefe, 
 " e gg*> ani1 even fifh itfelf, can 110 more pleafe their nice palates : they only relifh the flefh-pots of Egypt : pieces 
 " of boiled and roafted pork, good fat vear, otters and hares; the beft geefe and pullets : and,, in a word, all forts 
 " of flefh and fowl, do now cover the tables of our holy monks. But what do I talk ? Thofe things are grown now 
 " too common; they are cloyed with them : they muft have foraething more delicate: they would have got for them 
 *' kids, harts, boars, and wild bears. One mint for them beat the buflies with a great number of hunters ; and, by help. 
 " of birds of prey, muft one chafe the pheafants and paitiidges, and ringdoves, for fear the fervants of God (who are 
 u good monks) fhould perifh with hunger." 
 
 Short Hijlory rf Monajlical Orders, ly Gabriel Emilliantie, p. 92. 
 (r) The houfes of Cluni, la Charite fur Loire, and St. Martin's de Champs, at Paris. 
 
 (J) The hoi:fes of Cluni had a penfion out of every houfe of that order in England, called Apportus, which 
 probably amounted in the whole to a great fum ; for Cotton, in his Abridgment, p. 51, faith, The abbot of Cluni 
 had a penfion from England of 2000/. per annum ; and, according to Rymer, vol. iii. p. 1009, and Prynne's Records, 
 vol. iii. p. 386, 8,8, the foreigners fometimes demanded occafional fupplies from their houfes here; and even rua 
 them into debt, as Prynne, vol. iii. p. 750. Ta/i/.cr, 
 
PREFACE. 39 
 
 to foreign abbeys (a). There were twenty-feven priories and cells of this order in 
 England , and it was introduced here about the year 1077. 
 
 The order of Grandmont was alfo a branch of the Benedictines, inftituted on 
 the mountain of Muret, by one Stephen, a gentleman of Auvergne, in France, 
 anno 1076; who compofed a rule taken from that of St. Benedict, the regular 
 canons, and the manner of living of the hermits. It was confirmed by feveral 
 popes ; and afterwards, by reafon of its great aufterity, moderated by Innocent 
 th-e Fourth, in the year 1247; and again, by Clement the Fifth, in the year 
 1309. This Stephen is faid to have worn, by way of mortification, an iron cuirafs 
 next his fkin ; to have flept in a wooden coffin, laid fome feet deep in the ground, 
 without either bed or ftraw ; and, by his frequent kneeling, to have made the 
 fkin of his knees like that of a camel ; and moreover, to have fo often killed the 
 earth, that his nofe was thereby turned up. This order obtained the name of 
 Granclmont, from the place of their residence, pointed out by a pretended miracle* 
 One Peter, a native of Limoges, a difciple and fucceflbr of Stephen, having afked 
 a fign from Heaven, informing him where he and his monks mould fix theif 
 abode, they having been chafed from Muret ; a voice in the air thrice diftinctly 
 pronounced Grandmont, which is a high mountain in the neighbourhood of Muret. 
 Their drefs is much like that of the Benedictines. There were but three houfes 
 of this order in England : viz. Abberbury in Shropfhire, in which they were 
 placed, at their tivft. introduction, by Henry the Firft ; Creffewal ; ia HerefordlLire 5. 
 and Grofmont, or Efkdale, in Yorkshire. 
 
 Another branch of the Benedictines were the Carthufians, the ftricteft of all 
 the religious orders. It was infHtuted about the year 1080, (as is pretended) on 
 the following occafion : The body of a profefibr of the univerfity of Paris efteemed 
 a man of piety and exemplary life, being brought, according to the cuftom of 
 the country, upon a bier for interment, whilft the funeral fervice was performing^ 
 the corpfe raifed itfelf upright, and with a lamentable voice cried, <c I am 
 " accufed by the juft judgment of God which putting the congregation into a 
 great fright, the ceremony flopped, and the interment was deferred till the nc'xz 
 day ; when on beginning again, the body cried, " I am judged by the juft 
 " judgment of God j" whereupon the obfequies were put off yet one day longer : 
 at laft, on the third day, in the prefence of a number of fpectators, aflenlbled by 
 the report of this prodigy, the dead man cried, with a terrible voice, " By the 
 " juft: judgment of God am I condemned." One Bruno, being prefent, was fo 
 (truck, that he addrefTed himlelf to the affembly, aflerting, " That it was im- 
 " polnble for them to be faved, unlefs they renounced the world, and retired 
 " themfelves into the defects which he, with fix companions, executed im- 
 
 (a) But perhaps not till the thirty. fixth of Henry the Sixth, or \. D. 1457 ; when three monks were fent from Cluni, 
 to defire reft.tution of t'nofe pofTeffions which had long been detained from them, and leave to enter all places depending 
 on 'heir houfes; but, inftead of obtaining any thing, were deprived of the fubje£Uon of ail ho alia of tliis Otdej in 
 England. As Reyntrs Append, p. 192, 193.. 
 
PRE F A C E. 
 
 mediately, going into a frightful p'ace, called Chartreufe (aj, amongft the mountain?, 
 in the diocefe of Grenoble ; where he was afTiiled in all things, by the bifliop 
 of that place, named Hugues ; who, afterwards, became one of his difciples. They 
 followed the rule of St. Benedict; adding thereto feveral other great aufterities j 
 fome of which were, a total abftinence irom flefti even in cafes of defperate 
 ficknefs ; the living one day in every week on bread and water ; always wearing 
 a hair ftiirt next their fkins ; confinement within the walls of their monafteryj 
 from which none were ever to go out but the prior or procurator, and that only 
 on the neceuary bufinefs of the convent ; a prohibition of walking about their 
 own grounds above once a-week : and, beiides all tbefe, and more, they were 
 enjoined an almoft continual filence. This rule was confirmed by Pope Alexander 
 the Third, about the year 1174, and was brought into England, anno A i8o, or 
 1 1 8 1 . Here were only nine houfes of monks of this order, and no nuns : their habit 
 -was all white, except an outward plaited cloak (fometimes worn), which was 
 black. 
 
 The Ciftertians were likewife produced from the Benedictines ; they were fo 
 called from Ciftertium, or Ciileaux, in the bifhopric of Chalons, in Burgundy, 
 where they had their beginning, anno 1098 j being instituted by one Robert, who 
 had been abbot of Molefme, in that province ; from which he, with twenty of 
 his religious, had withdrawn, on account of the wicked lives of his monks. But 
 they were brought into repute by Stephen Harding, an Englimman, their third 
 abbot, who gave them fome additional rules to thofe of St. Benedict j thefe were 
 called, Charitatis Chartas, and confirmed in the year 1107 by Pope Urban the 
 Second. Stephen is therefore, by fome, reckoned their principal founder. They 
 were alfo called Bernardines, from St. Bernard, abbot of Clerival, or Clareyaux, 
 in the diocefe of Langros, about the year 11 16; and who, himfelf, founded one 
 hundred and fixty monafteries of this order. Sometimes they were ffiled White 
 Monks, from the colour of their habit ; which was a white caffock, with a 
 narrow fcapulary, and over that, a black gown, when they went abroad ; but a 
 white one, when they went to church (c). Their monafteries, which became 
 very numerous, were generally built in folitary and uncultivated places, and all 
 dedicated to the Holy Virgin. This order came into England, anno 1128; and 
 
 (*.) From whence their monafteries weie fometimes called Charterhoufes. 
 
 (£) The prohibition of eating flefh is (till continued, with this reft.! icl ion : " That flefh ought to be prefented to 
 " thofe who are thought to draw near their end : if they accept of it, and recover from ficknefs, they are deprived 
 " for ever of any vote; they can never come to any degree of fuperioiity ; and are looked upon as infamous men, 
 " who have preferred a morfel of meat, to a precious death before God." Stevens, vol. ii. p. 2^9, faith, There 
 were but five nunneries of this auilcre order in the world ; and but one hundred and fixty-feven houfes of thefe 
 monks. 
 
 (c) They pretended that the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernard, at;d commanded him to wear, for her own fake, 
 fuch white clothes. Err.illian?ie. 
 
PREFACE. 41 
 
 had their nrft houfe at Waverly, in Surry ; and, before the DhTolution, had eighty- 
 five houfes here (aj. 
 
 The foundation of the order of Savigni, or Fratres Grifei, is, by fome, placed 
 before the Conqueft ; but it was not really in being, till about forty years after that 
 event. Its author, Vitalis, was born about tl e middle of the eleventh century, at 
 Tierceville, near Bayeux ; and is frequently liled, Vitalis de Mortain, from having 
 been a prebend of the Collegiate Church Mortain : he was a companion of Robert 
 de ArbrhTel, founder of the orcer of Fontevrauld ; and began, anno 1 105, to gather 
 difciples in the foreft of Savigni; where, by the afliftance of a nobleman named 
 Roaul de Fugeres, he founded an abbey, about the year n 12 : he prefcribed to hi* 
 difciples the rule of Sr. benedict, with fome peculiar additional constitutions : they- 
 wore a grey habit; from whence they were denominated Fratres Grifei. Vitalis 
 came into England, A. D. 1 120; and preaching here, and converting many, probably 
 introduced his order; which was fhortly after, namely, in the year 1 148* united to the 
 Cider tians. 
 
 The order of Tiron was fet on foot by St. Bernard (b), who was born in the 
 territory of Abbeville, in the province of Pomhieu, A. D. 1046, and became a follower 
 of the before-mentioned Robert de ArbriiTel ; but inftituted a different fort of 
 monks, who took their name Tironenfes^ from their nrft monaitery, which was 
 founded at Tiron, A. D. 1 109 : they were reformed Benedictines ; they wore, at firfr, 
 a grey habit, which was afterwards changed for black. It does not appear they had 
 any houfe in England ; or more than one ahbey in Wales, viz. St. Dogmael's (where 
 they were placed about the year 1 126), with its dependant priory at Pille, and ce!l at 
 Caldey. The Monafticon mentions the monks of Savigni and Tiron as of the fame 
 order. 
 
 The orders of monks here mentioned, were all we had in England and Wales (c), 
 except the Culdees, or Cultores Dei, who were Scotch monks, and of the fame rule 
 with the Irifh ones : the Scotch writers make them as ancient as the converfion of 
 their country to Chriftianity, in the times of Decius and Aurelian. But they are 
 neither mentioned by Nennius, who wrote in the feventh century, nor Bede, who 
 wrote in the eighth. The firft account of them is at St. Andrew's, about the 
 middle of the ninth century : in England they occur no where, but at St. Peter's, 
 in York. 
 
 The next of the religious orders were Canons : thefe were either feculars or 
 regulars. The Secular Canons were fo called* becaufe they were converlant in 
 the world, and adminiftered to the laity on all occasions, and took upon themfelves 
 
 (a) Stevens, vol. ii. p. 37, a, and p. qo, a, from A Wood. All orders, both of monks and friars, were agaiivft 
 having any houfe of another order near them : but the Ciitertians would not allow another houfe, even of their own 
 Birder, to be built within fuch a diftance of them. 
 
 (6) This was a different perfon from St. t'ernardof Clarivsux. St-veni, vol. ii. p. 256. 
 
 (f) Unlefs there were any Celertine monks brought in by King Henry the Fifth, as Reymer mentions, tr. i. p. i6C' r 
 £rom Walfingham, fub. A. D. 141 5 and Weaver, p. 138 : but I know not on what grounds, lantur, 
 
 L 
 
4 2 PREFACE. 
 
 the cure of fouls, which the regulars might not do without a difpenfation. They 
 differed very little from the ordinary priefts, unlefs that they were under the govern- 
 ment of local ftatutes ; for though, in fome places, they were obliged to live together, 
 yet in general ihis was not the cafe ; moft of them living apart, and fubfifting upon 
 diftinct portions, called prebends ; nearly in the fame manner as the prefent canons of 
 our cathedrals. 
 
 The Regular Canons were fuch as lived in a conventual manner under one 
 roof, had a common refedtory and dormitory, and were bound by vows to obferve 
 the rules and ftatutes of their order : in fine, they were a kind of religious, 
 whofe difcipline was lefs rigid than that of the monks. The chief rule of thefe 
 canons was that of St. Auguftine, who was conftituted biihop of Hippo, A. D. 395 : 
 but they were not brought into England till after the Conqueft ; and feem not to 
 have obtained the appellation of Auguftine canons, till fome years after (a). Their 
 habit was a long black caflbek, with a white rochet over it j and over that, a black 
 cloak and hood. The monks were always fhaved ; but thefe canons wore beards, 
 and caps on their heads. There were of thefe canons, and women of the fame order, 
 called CanoneiTes, about one hundred and feventy-five houfes. 
 
 Besides thefe, there were the following forts: firft, fuch as obferved the rule 
 of St. Auguftine, according to the regulations of St. Nicholas of Arrofia ; fecondly, 
 Auguftines of the order of St. Victor ; thirdly, Auguftines of the inftitution of 
 
 (a) Indeed Bale, and Sir Robert Atkins, fay, that thefe canons were brought into England by St. Birinus, in 
 the beginning of the feventh century : ,but thofe were certainly fecular canons, whom he then placed at Dorchefter ; 
 and all other hiflorians agree, that we had no regular canons here till the eleventh, and probably not till the twelfth 
 century. For though they differ about the place of their firft fettlement, yet the general opinion is, that they came 
 in after King Henry the Firft began his reign. Jofeph Pamphilius indeed faith, That they were featcd in London, 
 A. D. 1059; but he feems to have been an obfcure writer. Mr. Somner fai*h, that St. Gregory's, in Canterbury, » 
 which was built by Archbifhop Lanfranc, A. D. 1084, was their firft houfe : but Leland's faying, that Archbifhop 
 Lanfranc placed fecular canons at St. Gregory's, and that Archbifhop Corboil changed them into regulars, makes 
 the authority of that judicious antiquary, in this cafe, doubtful. Reyner faith, that they were brought into England 
 by Athelwulphus, or Adulphus, confeflbr to King Henry the Fir It , and had their honfe at Noftcll in Yorkfhire : but 
 they feem not to have been fettled there till- Thurfton was archbifhop of York; and that wis not till A. D. n 14. 
 Stowe fays, that Norman was the firft regular canon in England ; and that thefe religious were firft feated at the 
 Holv Trinity, 01 Chrift Church, within Aldgate, London, A. D. 1 108 : but that houfe was not buil: till R. Bea.irnier 
 was biihop q f London ; whereas the houfe of thefe canons at Colchefter was founded before the death of Bifhop Maurice 
 his predeceM'or, which happened September 26, 1107 : and therefore I cannot but think that John RofTe, and Pope 
 Pafchalis the Second, are ri^ht, in placing them firft at Colchefter ; though it could not be in RofTe 's year 1 109, but 
 was rather A. D. 1 ioj . 
 
 Mr. Stevens tells us, though there were regular canons who embraced ihe rule of St. Aufiin, ta'sen from his 
 one hundred and ninth epiftle, in the 1 ith century, (as particularly at the abbey of St. Dennis at Rheims, about 
 A. D. 1067) yet lhe regular canons did not make folemn vows till the twelfth century; and did not in general take 
 the name of " Regular Canons of St. Audio.," till Pope Innocent the Second ordained, in the La'eran Council, 
 A. D. 1 139, that all regular canons fhould fubmit to that rule of St. Aufiin, in his one hundred and ninth cpiftle ; fo 
 that thefe regtdar canons certainly fall fhort of the time of their pretended founder : and therefore, when black or regular 
 canons are mentioned before A. D. 1 105, the reader mull thereby underftand fecular canons. For it was ufual, in 
 thofe days, to call fecular canons of cathedral and collegiate churches, " Canonici Regulares," to diftinguifh 
 
 m from the common parochial clergy ; though probably many of thofc focictics might become Aufiin canons 
 afterwards. Tanntr f 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 St. Mary of Maretune ; fourthly, Praemonftratenfians, or Canons who followed 
 a rule laid down, anno 1120, by St. Norbet, afterwards archbilhop of Mag- 
 deburgh, which was a mixture of the monaftical and canonical difcipline. This 
 order obtained its appellation of Praemonftratenfians, from a ftory told by thefe 
 religious j wherein they afierted, that their founder received his rule, curioufly 
 bound in gold, from the hand of St. Auguftine himfelf, who appeared to him 
 one night, and faid to him, " There is the rule which I have written j if thy 
 " brethren obferve it, they, like my other children, need fear nothing at the day 
 u of judgment :" after which, an angel fhewed him the meadow wherein he was 
 to build his firft monaftery, which from thence was called Pra?monftratus. 
 Thefe canons, from their habit, were called White Canons : it was a white caflbck, 
 with a rochet over it ; a long white cloak, and a white cap. They came into 
 England about the year 1140; and firft fettled at Newhoufe in Lincoln (hire. A 
 confervator of their privileges refided in England 3 but they neverthelefs . were vifited 
 by their fuperiors of Praemonftre j who, like thofe of the Cluniacs and Ciftertians, 
 railed great contributions on them, till reftrained by the parliament held at 
 Carlifle, anno 1307. This ftatute did not reftrain the foreign fuperiors from 
 vifiting their orders ; but only from taking money out of the kingdom : fo that 
 the religious of this order continued fubordinate to the general chapter and abbot 
 of Prasmonftre, till the year 1512 ; when they were exempted from it by the 
 bull of Pope Julius the Second ; confirmed by King Henry the Eighth ; and the 
 fuperiority of the houfes of this order in England, which were thirty-five in 
 number, was given to the abbot of Welbeck in Nottinghamfhire. Fifthly, the 
 Gilbertine Canons j fo called from St. Gilbert an Englifliman, their firft 
 inftitutor : they were likewife fometimes called Sempringham Canons, from the 
 place of their firft monaftery, which was founded at Sempringham in Lincolnfhire, 
 A. D. 1 1 48 ; and confirmed by Pope Eugenius the Third. This order confifted 
 of men and women, who lived under the fame roof, but their apartments had no 
 communication : neverthelefs they could not efcape fcandal, as appears from the 
 verfes in the note (a). This rule was compofed from thofe of St. Auguftine and 
 St. Benedict : the women following the latter, according to the Ciftertian regu- 
 lation ) and the men that of St. Auguftine, with fome fpecial ftatutes inferted by 
 St. Gilbert. The habit of thefe canons, as defcribed in the Monafticon, was a 
 black caftbck, with a cloak over it ; and an hood, lined with lambs' fkins : 
 but others fay, it was the fame with the Ciftertians. They were under the 
 directions of a mafter, or prior-general ; who frequently vifited them, and had fo 
 much power, that particular priors and convents could do little without him. 
 
 (a) Hscnim fiint quacdam fteriles, quxdam parientea 
 Virginefque tamen nomine cimcta teguntj 
 Qua: pa oralis baculi dotatur honore 
 Ilia quidem melius feniliufque parit. 
 Vix eiiam quaevis 'terilis repcritur in His, 
 Donee ejus :etas talia pofle negat. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This order increafed fo faft, that St. Gilbert himfelf founded thirteen monafteries j four 
 of men, and nine for men and women together : thefe, together, contained feven 
 hundred brethren, and fifteen hundred fitters. At the DHfolution, there were about 
 twenty-five houfes of this order in England and Wales, 
 
 The Canons Regular of the Holy Sepulchre were infVituted here, the beginning 
 of the twelfth century, in imitation of thofe eftablidied anno 1099, after the 
 conqueft, of Jerufalem, by Godfrey of Boullogne ; who committed to their care 
 the keeping of the Holy Sepulchre. They were fometimes called Canons of the 
 Holy Crofs, on account of a double red crofs they wore upon the breaft of their 
 cloak, or upper garment j in which alone their drefs differed from that of other 
 Auguftine canons. The firft houfe of this order was at Warwick, which was begun 
 for them by Henry de Newburgh, earl of Warwick j who dying anno 1 123, before 
 it was finifhed, Roger, his fon, completed it before the year 1135. After the lofs 
 of Jerufalem, A. D. 1188, this order falling to decay, their revenues and privileges 
 were moftly given to the Maturine friars 5 and but two houfes of this order continued 
 to the DifTolution. 
 
 Besides the Benedictine and Gilbertine nuns already mentioned, there were 
 alfo Cluniac, Ciftertian, Carthufian, Auguftine, and Praemonflratenfian nuns ; who 
 followed the fame rules as the monks of their refpective orders, omitting only 
 what was not proper for their fex j and wore habits of the fame colour, having 
 their heads covered with a veil : and alfo nuns of Fontevraud, St. Clare, and 
 Brigithries. 
 
 The nuns of Fontevraud were inftituted about the year 11 00, by Robert 
 D'Arbriflel, at Fontevraud, near Poictiers. This order, which was a reformation 
 of the Benedictines, was chiefly for women j yet, in France, both men and women 
 of this order refided in the fame convent, but in feparated apartments ; and, 
 what was peculiar, under the government of an abbefs : the founder grounding 
 his model on the nineteenth chapter of St. John ; where it is written, that Chrift 
 being on the crofs, recommended St. John to the Virgin Mary, and commended 
 him to acknowledge her as his mother : in imitation whereof the male religious, 
 were to acknowledge the maternal authority of the abbefs, or priorefs. This order 
 was approved of by Pope Pafchal. The abbefs of Fontevraud was made the 
 general fuperiorefs of the order. Thefe nuns were brought into England by 
 Robert Boffu, earl of Leicefter, before the year 1161, and placed at Nun Eaton, 
 in Warwickfhire. There were only two other houfes of this order in the kingdom. 
 There is no exprefs account that any monk belonged to them j but that there did 
 is probable, as a prior is mentioned at Nun Eaton (a). Their habit was a kind 
 of tunic, or cafTock, of the natural colour of the wool, and over it a large black 
 garment. 
 
 (a) In France the nuns wear a black habit, with a white veil and beirs ; at church, a long Hack gown, with 
 large tleeves. The monks are all in black, as fecular priells ; but upon their caflbeks ihey have a camail, as the 
 French bilhop ; at the bottom of which hang two little ftjuare pieces' of the fame ftiiff, one before and fhe other 
 behind. Emiliiatmt. 
 
PREFACE. 45 
 
 The nuns of the Order of St. Clare, were inftituted about the year 1212, by 
 one Clara, a religious virgin, at Aflize in Italy, the place of her birth ; where 
 me lived fome time with St. Francis, whofe difcipline and habit (he adopted for 
 her nuns : on which account they were frequently called Minoreffes ; and their 
 houfe, without Aldgate, the Minories. They were alfo fometimes, on account of 
 their poverty, ftiled, the Poor Clares. This order was confirmed by the Popes 
 Innocent the Third, and Honorius the Third ; by the latter, A, D. 1223 : after 
 which it was divided into a ftricter and lefs rigid fort. They were brought into 
 England by Blanch, queen of Navarre, wife to Edmund, earl of Lancafter, 
 Leicefter and Derby, about the year 1293, and placed without Aldgate, London ; 
 befides which, this order had only three houfes in England; viz. Waterbeacle 
 and Denny, in Cambridgeshire, and Brufyard, in Suffolk. 
 
 The Brigittine nuns were fo called from their inftitutrix, Bridget, princefs, or 
 dutchefs of Nercia, in Sweden; who, in the year 1360, went to Rome, and 
 obtained the approbation of Pope Urban the Fifth, for an order of nuns which 
 me had inftituted, as fhe pretended, by the exprefs command of Chrift himfelf, 
 by whom the rules were dictated ; whence thefe religious were alfo called Nuns of 
 Our Holy Saviour : their rule was nearly that of St. Auguftine. This order, 
 though chiefly for women, had likewife men in every convent. Their monafteries 
 were built double : in one half, which was feparated from the other by a high 
 wall, dwelt the women, under the direction of an abbefs ; and the other half was 
 inhabited by the men. The church was fo contrived, that it ferved for both ; the 
 men having the lower, and the nuns the upper part of it. The men were to attend 
 to the fpiritual matters, the women to the temporal ; and, in cafe of a too fcanty 
 endowment, were to work for the maintenance of themfelves and the brethren : 
 but both men and women were to obey the abbefs. The men were not permitted 
 to approach the nuns, except in cafes of abfolute neceffity. This order differed 
 from all others, in requiring a particular number of men and women in every 
 houfe; viz. fixty nuns, thirteen priefts, four deacons, and eight lay brothers, in 
 all eighty-five : to reprefent Chrift's thirteen apoflles, including St. Paul, and 
 feventy-two difciples. Their habit was a tunic of coarfe grey woollen, with a 
 cloak of the fame. The nuns had on their veils five fmall pieces of red cloth, 
 reprefenting Chrift's five wounds ; the priefts, a red crofs on their breafts, with a 
 circular piece of white cloth in the middle, to reprefent the Hoft; the deacons, a 
 white circle, within which were four fmall pieces of red cloth, to reprefent tongues; 
 and the laymen wore a white crofs, with five red pieces, reprefenting the five 
 wounds. Of this order there was only one houfe in England; namely, that of 
 Sion in Middlefex, founded by King Henry the Fifth, about the year 1414. 
 
 These conclude the catalogue of the different forts of monks, canons and nuns, 
 formerly refident in England and Wales. We come next to the friars. 
 
 M 
 
46 PREFACE. 
 
 The Brit were the Dominicans ; vvhofe founder was St. Dominic, a Spaniard, 
 born at Calagueraga, a fmall town in Old Caftile, about the year 1070. Thefe 
 were like wife called Preaching Friars, and Black Friars : the former, from their, 
 office, whereby they were directed to preach, and convert heretics; the latter, 
 from the colour of their garments. In France, they are alfo named Jacobins ; 
 from the fituation of their firft houfe, which flood in St. James's-ftreet, at Paris. 
 Their rule, which was chiefly that of St. Auguftine, was verbally approved of by- 
 Pope Innocent the Third, in the Lateran council, A. D. 121 5 ; and by the bull of 
 Pope Honorius the Third, A. D. 1216. At firft they wore the habit of the 
 Auguftine canons; but, about the year 1219, exchanged it for a white caflbek, 
 with a white hood over it : and, when they went abroad, a black cloak and hood, 
 over their white veftments. They came into England, A. D. 1221 ; and that 
 year had their firft houfe at Oxford. At the DifTolution, there were of this order 
 about forty-three houfes. There were likewife Dominican nuns, but none of 
 them ever reached England. 
 
 The Francifcan, Grey, or Minor Friars was an order thus varioufly called ; the 
 firft from St. Francis D'Aflife, their founder; the fecond, from the colour of 
 their habit; and the third, from an affected humility. This rule was framed by 
 St. Francis, A. D. 1209 ; approved of by Pope Innocent the Third, A. D. 12:0; 
 and by the general Lateran council, A. D. 12 15. Their habit was a loofe gar- 
 ment, of coarfe grey cloth, reaching to their heels, a cowl of the fame, and, 
 when they went abroad, a cloak. They girded themfelves with a cord, and 
 went bare-foot. Authors differ as to the exact time when they were introduced 
 into England; but the general, and moft probable opinion is, that it was about 
 the year 1224. They had their firft houfe at Canterbury, and their fecond at 
 London. By degrees, this order relaxing from the ftrictnefs of their original 
 riifcipline, a reformation was fet on foot, about the year 1400, by St. Bernard, 
 or Bernardin, of Sienna ; and was confirmed by the council of Conftance, A. D. 
 14 14; and afterwards, received the approbation of Eugenius the Fourth, and 
 other popes. Thofe who profefied this reformed rule, were called Obfervants, 
 or Recollects (a). They are commonly faid to have been brought into England 
 by King Edward the Fourth; but Tanner fays, " I find no certain account of 
 " their being here, till King Henry the Seventh built two or three houfes for 
 * f them." At the DifTolution, the Conventual Francifcans had about fifty-five 
 houfes, under fetfen diftindt cuftodies or warderfhips ; viz. thofe of London, 
 York, Cambridge, Briftol, Oxford, Newcaftle, and Worcefter. 
 
 The Trinitarians, Maturines, or Friars of the order of the Holy Trinity for 
 the Redemption of Captives, were inftituted by John de Matha, and Felix de 
 Valois, in France, about the year 11 97. They followed the rule of St. Au- 
 guftine ; to which were added, fome particular conftitutions ; the chief of which 
 
 («) As to the Capuchins, and other didinttions of the Francifcans beyond the feas, they chiefly arofe lince the 
 Englifli Reformation, and never had any place here. Tanner. 
 
PREFACE. 47 
 
 were, that all the money or goods which mould fall into their hands, were to 
 be divided into three parts ; one of which was to be employed in works of 
 charity, one for their maintenance, and the third to be expended in the re- 
 demption of captives taken by the infidels. Their churches were to be all dedi- 
 cated to the Holy Trinity, which procured them the name of Trinitarians. The 
 appellation of Maturines they owed to their firft houfe being fituated near St. 
 Mathurine's Chapel, in Paris : by their rule, they were alfo forbidden to travel 
 on horfeback, but might ride on afTes. Their habit was white, having on the 
 breaft a crofs, half red and half bine, given them by Pope Innocent the Third; 
 who confirmed their order, and to whom, whilft faying mafs, a hideous phantom 
 had appeared ; it was habited in a like drefs, and holding in its hands two flaves, 
 bound in chains ; which virion made him refolve to eftablifh an order, whofe 
 bufinefs it mould be to redeem captive Chriftians. Thefe friars were brought into 
 England, A. D. 1224; and on the decay of the order of the Canons of the Holy 
 Sepulchre, their revenues were given to them. Their firft houfe was at Mot- 
 tendan in Kent ; or, according to fome, at Ingham in Norfolk, as long as that 
 houfe was of this order ; from whence they were called of the order of Ingham (d).. 
 Thefe friars had about ten or twelve houfes in England and Wales. 
 
 The Carmelites pretend that the prophet Elias was the inftitutor of their order, 
 and was the firft Carmelite ; and that he never left them any written rule. But 
 the true time of their foundation, was the year 1122, by Albert, patriarch of 
 Jerufalem, who, with a few hermits, refided on Mount Carmel in Paleftine ; 
 from whence they were driven, about the year 123S, by the Saracens: they 
 were alfo called White Friars, and Friars of the Virgin Mary ; the firft, 011 
 account of the colour of their habits; the latter, by the direction of Pope Ho- 
 norius the Third; who, in anno 1224, confirmed their rule, which is chiefly 
 that of St. Bafil. They were brought into England, A. D, 1240, by the Lords 
 John Vafey, and Richard Grey : their firft houfes were at Alnwick in Northum- 
 berland, and Ailesford in Kent ; at the latter of thefe places, they held their firft 
 European chapter, A. D. 1245. Their habits, it is faid, was at firft white; 
 but being obliged by the infidels to make them party-coloured, they continued 
 to wear them fo fifty years after their arrival in England: but about the year 1 290,. 
 changed them again for white. Of this order there were, in England and Wales, 
 about forty houfes. 
 
 The Crofted, or Crouched Friars, were inftituted, or at leaft reformed, by 
 one Gerard, prior of St. Mary of Morello, at Bologna ; and, in the year 1 1 69,. 
 confirmed by Pope Alexander the Third, who brought them under the rule of 
 St. Auguftine; to which he added fome conftitutions for their better government. 
 
 (a) Friars Robertines, inftituted by Robert Flower, the devout hermit of Knarelburgh, who lived in King 
 John's reign, are fpoken of by Leland as a branch of the Trinitarians ; but I have hitherto met with fo little 
 concerning thefe Robertines, that I csn fay nothing certain of them; anJ doubt whether there really was any 
 fuch order. T amier. 
 
4 8 PREFACE. 
 
 This order came into England, A. D. 1244; their firfl houfe was at Colchefter : 
 at firft, they carried in their hands a crofs fixed to a ftaffj but afterwards, wore 
 a crofs of red cloth on their backs and breafts. Their habit was blue, by the 
 particular direction of Pope Pius the Second. There were not here, of thefe 
 triars, more than fix or feven houfes. 
 
 The origin of the Auguftine Friars, or Friars Erimites, of the order of St. 
 Auguftine, is extremely uncertain ; their firft appearance in England was about 
 the year j 250 ; their habit was, when in the houfe, a white robe, with a fca- 
 pulary ; which, when they went abroad, they covered with a fort of cowl, and 
 a large hood, both black, which were girded with a black leather thong. At 
 the Suppreflion, they had, in England and Wales, about thirty-two houfes. 
 
 Of the original of the Friars of the Sack, and the Bethlemite Friars, there is 
 no account ; they appeared in England both in the fame year ; viz. A. D. 1257 : 
 the true ftile of the former, was Friars of the Penance of Jefus Chrift ; but they 
 were commonly called, Friars of the Sack; either from the famion of their habit, 
 or its materials, which perhaps was of fackcloth. This order was of fhort con- 
 tinuance here, being abolifhed by the council at Lyons, A. D. 1307 : their firft 
 houfe feems to have been near Alderfgate in London. 
 
 The rule and habit of the Bethlemite Friars much refembled that of the 
 Dominicans; except that the former had a red ftar, of five rays, with a blue circle 
 in the middle, which they wore on their breafts, in memory of the ftar which 
 conducted the wife men to Bethlehem. They appear to have had only that houfe 
 in which they were placed at their coming into England. It was in Trumpington- 
 ftreet, at Cambridge. 
 
 The order of St. Anthony of Vienna was inftituted, A. D. 109$, by one 
 Gafton Frank. Their principal care was to ferve thofe afflicted with the diforder 
 called St. Anthony's Fire, from the relicks of that faint being particularly 
 efficacious in its cure The friars of this order followed the rule of St. 
 
 Auguftine, and wore a black habit, with the letter T, of a blue colour, on their 
 fcreafts. They came hither early in the reign of King Henry the Third ; and had 
 one houfe at London, and another at Hereford. 
 
 (a) St. Anthony is fometimes reprefented with a (ire by his fide, fignifying that he relieves perfons from the 
 inflammation called after his name; but always accompanied by a hog, on account of his having been a fvvineherd, 
 and curing all diforders in that animal. Eoth painters and poets have made very free with this faint and his fol- 
 lowers: the former, by the many ludicrous pictures of his temptation; and the latter, by divers epigrams on his 
 flifciples, or friars : one of which is the following, printed in Stephens's World of Wonders, 
 Once fed'fl: thou, Anthonv, an herd of fwine, 
 
 And now an herd of monks thou feedell ftill ; 
 For wit and gut alike both charges bin : 
 
 Both loven filth alike; both like to fill 
 Their greedy paunch alike: nor was that kind 
 
 More beaflly, fottiih, fwinifh, than this laft. 
 All elfe agrees : one fault I only find, 
 
 Thou feedeft not thy monks with oken mall. 
 
PREFACE. 49 
 
 " Of the Friars de Pica (lays Tanner) who had an houfe at Norwich, I have 
 " met with nothing but what the author there fays of them ; unlefs they were the 
 ** Freres Pies, a fort of religious that wore black and white garments, mentioned 
 " by Walfingham, page 124." 
 
 The laft order of friars which vifited this kingdom, was that of Bonhommes, 
 or Good Men. They were brought hither, A. D. 1283, by Edmund, earl of 
 Cornwall, and placed at Afherug in Bucks: befides which, there. occurs but one 
 other houfe of this order in England; viz. at Edingdon in Wiltmire. Thefe friars 
 followed the rule of St. Auguftine, and wore a blue habit. The fuperiors of their 
 convents were called Rectors ; and one of them was ftyled Prefident of the 
 Order. 
 
 Of the military orders there were only two in England ; the Knights Hof- 
 pitalars, and the Knights Templars. 
 
 The order of the Knights Hofpitalars, or Knights of St. John of Jerufalem, 
 took its name from an hofpital built at Jerufalem, for the ufe of pilgrims 
 vifiting the Holy Sepulchre : fome merchants of the city of Melphi, in 
 the kingdom of Naples, who traded into the Eaflr, having obtained the per- 
 miffion of the califf of Egypt for its erection. It was dedicated to St. 
 John. The community afterwards encreafing, by the foundation of two 
 new churches, they took upon themfelves the protection of pilgrims. The 
 order was instituted about the year 1092; and was particularly favoured by 
 Godfrey of Boullogne, on account of their affiftance in taking the Holy City; 
 and alfo by his fucceiTor Baldwin. Their rule was nearly that of St. Auguftine : 
 befides which, they obliged themfelves, by their vows, to receive, treat and 
 defend pilgrims ; and to maintain, by force of arms, the Chriftian religion in 
 their country. This order was compofed of eight nations ; but, fince the fepa- 
 ration of the Englifh from the church of Rome, has only feven. On the ruin of 
 the Chriftian affairs in the Eaft, they were obliged to leave Jerufalem, and fettled 
 at Rhodes; and, after the lofs of that Jlland, anno 1522, the emperor Charles 
 the Fifth, gave them the ifland of Malta : from thefe changes they have fuc- 
 ceffively been called Knights Hofpitalars, of Rhodes, and of Malta. They came 
 into England foon after their inftitution; and had a houfe built for them in 
 London, A. D. 1 100. Their habit was a black caflock, with a white crofs. From 
 a poor and mean beginning {a)> they obtained fuch riches, honours and ex- 
 emptions, that their fuperior here in England was the nrft lay-baron, and had a 
 
 (a) They are faid, at firlr, to have had but one horfe between two of them ; but, about an hundred and fifty 
 years after their inftitution, they had nineteen thoufand manors in Chrillendom. Their wealth and privileges 
 probably made them fometimes infolent; for, by Pat. 45 Ed. III. p. 1, m. 3, vel. 4, " Rex conllituit Ricardum de 
 «< Everton vintatorem hofpitalis St. Joannis jerufalem in Anglia, ad reprimendam rcligioforum infolentiam, et ad 
 " obfervandam religionis honeflatem." Thofe of this order were all laymen, excepting two or three to perform 
 divine offices. 
 
 N 
 
5 o PREFACE. 
 
 feat amongft the lords in parliament; and fome of their privileges were extended 
 even to their tenants. 
 
 There were alfo Sifters of this order; but we had only one houfe of them in 
 England, viz. Buckland in SomerSetmire. 
 
 The Knights Templars, fo called from having their firfl refidence in fome 
 rooms adjoining to the Temple of Solomon, arofe in the year 1 1 18, at JeruSalem. 
 Hugo of Paganis, GeofFry of St. Omer's, and feven others, whofe names have 
 not reached the prefent times, confecrating themfelves to the fervice of God, 
 after the manner of the Regular Canons of St. Auguftine, and binding themfelves 
 to guard the roads, for the Security of pilgrims; at firft SubSifting by alms. Their 
 habit was white, with a red crofs on the left moulder. Their coming into England 
 was in the beginning of the reign of King Stephen ; their firft refidence in 
 Holborn. They encreafed very faft ; and, in a fhort time, obtained great poS» 
 feffions (a). Their flourishing condition, here and abroad, excited both the 
 avarice and envy of the Pope, f;veral princes, and the whole body of religious. 
 Pope Clement, in particular, dexteroufly made ufe of the covetous humour of 
 Philip le Bel, king of France, to perfuade him to extirpate them out of his do- 
 minions ; which he agreed to do, on condition of being inverted with their 
 eftates. The fame argument was probably ufed with other princes, who con- 
 sidered them as a formidable body. They therefore, to keep up an appearance of 
 juftice, accufed the whole order of horrid crimes: whereupon the knights were 
 every where imprifoned, their eftates feized, and their order fupprefTed, by Pope 
 Clement the Fifth, anno 1309; and totally abolifhed, by the council of Vienna, 
 A. D. 13 1 2. The Superior of this order was fly led Mafler of the Temple, and was 
 often fummoned to parliament. 
 
 The order of St. Lazarus of Jerufalem (of which we had a few houfes) Seern& 
 to have been founded for the relief and Support of lepers and impotent perSons, of 
 the military orders. 
 
 Having thus Slightly touched upon the different religious orders {b), which 
 once over-run this country, it will be neceffary to Say Something oS their houSes, 
 
 and the officers thereto belonging. 
 
 {a) Matthew Paris fays, p. 544, That they had nine thoufand manors in Chridendom ; and, at their Aippreflion, . 
 they had (according to Heylin's Cofaiogr. lib. 3.) fixteen thoufand lordfhips, befides other lands. 
 
 See Rapin's Folio, 'vol. I. p. 403. 
 
 (I?) The names of the orders delineated- in the annexed plate, follow in the fame fucceflion in which the figures 
 Hand ; beginning with the nun on the left, and reckoning towards the right: the fame order is obfcrved with 
 
 refpefl to ihe fitting figures. A Benedi&ine nun ; a monk of the fame order ; a Cluniac; a Cifiertian and a 
 
 Charthufian ; a Nun of St. Gilbert; a Regular Canon of the fame; a Trinitarian; a Knight Templar; a Knight 
 Holpiialar; a Secular Canon ; a Canon Regular of the Prsmonflratenfians. The fitting figures are, a Regular 
 Canon of St. Auguftine ; a Regular C anon -of the Holy S°pulchre ; a Canon of the Hofpital c£ St. Johu at 
 Coventry ; Chaplain of the Order of St. John of Jerufalem. 
 
\ 
 
PREFACE. 5 r 
 
 Under the general title of religious houfes, are. comprehended cathedral 
 and collegiate churches, abbies, priories, colleges, hofpitals, preceptories and 
 friaries. 
 
 Of the cathedral churches, as they frill remain, little need be faid. It may, 
 however, be necelTary to obferve, that, in the conventual cathedrals, the bifliop 
 was in the place of the abbot, and had the principal flail on the right hand of the 
 entrance into the choir, as he ftill hath at Ely, and till lately, had at Durham 
 and Carlifle. 
 
 Collegiate churches and colleges confifted of a number of fecular canons, 
 living together, under the government of a dean, warden, provoft or mailer ; 
 and had belonging to them, for the more folemn performance of divine fervice, 
 chaplains, ringing men, and chorifters. 
 
 An abby was a religious fociety of men or women, living together under the 
 government of an abbot or abbefs. Of thefe, fome were fo confiderable, that 
 the abbots were called to parliament (a), and fat and voted in the Houfe of Lords, 
 had epifcopal power within the limits of their houfes gave folemn benediction, 
 confirmed the leffer orders, wore mitres (<:), fandals, &c. and carried crcffes or 
 
 {a) The oracle of the law faith, 2 Infh't. p. 585, " Twenty- fix abbots and two priors had baronies, and thereby 
 ** were lords of parliament." In 1 In Hit 97, he faith, '* There were an hundred and eighteen monalleries, founded 
 " by kings of England; whereof fuch as held per baroniam, and were called to parliament by writ, were 
 " lords of parliament, and had places and voices there; but not if they were not called by writ; for Faverfham 
 "-was founded by King Stephen, to hold by barony ; but die abbot not being called to parliament, did not fit 
 " there." This is alio in Weaver, p. 183. Cowel, fub voce Mitred, faith, Thefe abbots were not called to 
 parliament becaufe they were mitred, -but becaufe they received their temporals from the king. Collier, Ecc. 
 Hift. vol. ii. p. 164, faith, They held of the king, in capite per baroniam ; their endowment being at leaft an entire 
 barony, which confifted of thirteen knights fees, and thereby they were advanced to the ftate and dignity of 
 fpiiilual lords: but of the parliamentary abbies, fome were founded by fubjecls, fome by kings of Mercia, c5f. 
 and about eight only by kings of England. The abbot of Thorney pleaded, A. D. 1338, that he did not hold by 
 barony, but by frankalmoign ; Collect. Wren, vol. ii. p. 18, ex leg. Sim. Epifc Elienf. and yet was then called 
 to parliament, asFuller, book vi. p. 292, and Stevens's Append, p. -15: the prior of Coventry likewife pleaded, 
 14 Rich. II. that he did not hold/fr baroniam, as Mon. Angl. vol. i. p. 305. The abby of Bardney was valued 
 at no more than 429^. js. per annum in the whole, and 366^. 6s. id. clear : and there were fevcral abbies and 
 priories which had much greater temporals, and confequently were entire baronies, which were not pai liamentary :' 
 'tis poflible thefe laft might not receive their temporals from the crown, nor hold them in capite, and Bardney 
 might : but I rather think this privilege was chiefly owing to the favour of the king ; who might, in other cafts, 
 as well as that of Taviftock, call an houfe of the foundation of his anceflors, which was not really fo : Fullei's 
 Chu ch Hift. book vi. p 293. All the parliamentary abbots and priors had houfes in Weiiminftcr, London, or 
 Southwaik, to live in, whilft the parliament fat. Tanner. 
 
 (b) Seethe grant of a mitre to the abbot of Malmihury, in Wilkins's Councils, vol. iii. p. 142, 143 : " Albas 
 M Samfon ftcit novum figillum, quod cum mitra eflet pingendum, licet predeceflbres fui tale non haberent ; et 
 " primus inter abbates Angliae impetravit, quod darct cpifcopalem benedicLonem foLmniier ubicunque fuerit." 
 Joe. Biakeland, in Chron. St. Edm. Bur. M. S. lie was abbot from A. D. 1182, to 1211, or 1212. " Thomas 
 " de Marleberg, abbas Evefham primo fculpfit fuper duas tumbas prajdecefforum fuorum ad honorcm ct oftenfioncm 
 ** dignita is ecclefia: imagines cpifcopalcs, et Abi ipfi cum eifdem fecit maufolcum, ct incidit in lapide marmoreo 
 " fuperpofito imaginem epifcopalem ad honorem ecclcfiae : obiit A. D. 1236." We may hereby fee when thele 
 practices began. Tanner. 
 
 (c) But their mitres differed a little from thofe of the bifhops, who carried their croficrs in their left hands, but 
 the abbots carried them in their right hands; as Mr. Auitin, in Append, to Dr. Fiddes's Life of Cardinal 
 Wolfey, p. 1 13. ——In the proccllion roll, the third of Henry the Eighth, the parliamentary abbots are drawa 
 
52 PREFACE. 
 
 paftorals in their hands, and fome of their houfes were exempted from the jurif- 
 didtion even of the archbifhop (a), and fubject to the pope alone. Mr. Fuller 
 fays, That, in the forty-ninth of Henry the Third, fixty-four abbots, and 
 thirty-fix priors, were fummoned to parliament; but this being thought too 
 many, King Edward the Third reduced them to twenty-five abbots, and two 
 priors; to whom were afterwards added, the abbots of Taviftock and Tewkfbury, 
 making, in all, twenty-nine: thefe, and no more, conftantly enjoyed this pri- 
 vilege. A lift of them, fee in the note (b). 
 
 A priory was a fociety of religious, where the chief perfon was termed a 
 prior or priorefs ; and of thefe there were two forts. 
 
 with barons caps, not mitres; as M. S. Aflimol. Oxon. n. 13 : but in the parliament houfe, the fifteenth of Henry 
 the Eighth, they are drawn with -mitres on their heads ; as Fiddes's Life of Wolfey, p. 303. 
 
 (fi) Cowel, voce Abbat, faith, Such as were mitred, were exempted from the jurifdidUon of the diocefan, having 
 thcmfelves epifcopal authority within their limits ; and Godolphin, in Repert' Eccl. hath almoft the fame words ; 
 but Reyner, tr. ii. p. 55;, faith, That St. Alban's, Weftminfter, St. Augufline's, Canterbury, St. Edmund's 
 Bury, and Everfliam, only were exempt, except perhaps Glaftonbury. It is more likely that feveral others of them 
 obtained that privilege, as Burnet Reformat, vol. i. p. 187 : however, their exemption from their diocefcans, 
 being honoured with the mitre, and called to parliament, certainly depended on different grants ; for the abbot of 
 Mnlmfbury was one of the twenty-five fixed upon for parliamentary abbots, by King Edward the Third, as Fuller, 
 bock vi. p. 292. But he had not a grant of the epifcopal ornaments, and authority till the third of Richard the 
 Second ; though he was befo e that, exempt from his diocefan, as appears from the grant in Wilkins's Council', 
 vol. iii. p. 142. Peterborough alfo was allowed to be a parliamentary abby, by King Edward the Third ; as 
 Fuller, book vi. p. 292: but William Genge was, about the twenty-firlt of Richard the Second, the firff mitred 
 f.bbot : and both abbot and convent were vifited by the bifhop of Lincoln about eighty years afterwards ; viz,, in 
 A. D. 1483; as Gunton's Peterborough, with Patrick's Supplement, p. 49, 323 and 32S. The abbot of 
 Taviftock obtained the mitre the thirty-fixth of Henry the Sixth, but was not called to parliament till the fifth of 
 Henry the Eighth ; and was not exempted from the bifhop of the diocefe till three years after ;" as M\ Anitis, in 
 Append, to Fiddes's Life of Wolfey, p. 1 12. The prior of Durham had the ufe of the mitre and paftoral ItafF, 
 from about A. D. 1374, as Ang. Sacr. vol. i. p. 769, and Willis's Abbies, vol. i. p. 262, though never called to 
 parliament: and, in the regilter of Oliv. King, bifhop of Bath and Wells, there is a grant from Pope Alexancer 
 the Sixth, for the priors of Taunton (who were not parliamentary) having epifcopal authority, and all the orna- 
 ments but the mitre ; which I never met another inftance of, and therefore infert an abilracl of the grant: 
 ".Alexander epifcopus fcrvus fervorum Dei, diledto filio Jcanni priori et conv. de Tanton, falutem ; ut tu et 
 fi:cceflbres tui annulo paltorali, baculo almuciis, et aliis pontificalibus infigniis (citra tamen mitram) uti ; nec 
 non in ditto monafterio et prieratibus, et ecclefiis illi fubjeclis benedictionem folennem poit miffarum, vefperarum 
 completorum, et divinorum officiorum folennia (dummodo in benedidtione hujufmodi alicjuis antiftes am apofto- 
 I cx fedis legatus prafens non fit) populo elar gift ; canonicos quoque et chorales dicti monafterii ad mincres 
 ordines promovere ; licite valeatis, dat. 4 Non Maii, A.D/1499." 
 
 (6) The abbot of Tewkfbury, 'the prior of Coventry, the abbots of Waltham, Cirencefter, St. John's at Colchefler, 
 Croiland, Shrewsbury, Selby, Bardney, St. Bennet's of Hulme, Thorney, Hide, Winchelcomb, Battel, Reading, 
 St. Mary's in York, Ramfey, Peterborough, St. Peter's in Gloucefter, GLltonbury, St. Edmondfbury, St. Auguftine, 
 Canterbury, St. Alban's, Weftminiier, Abingdon, Everfliam, Malmfbury and Taviftock, and the p;ior of St. John's 
 of Jerufalem, who was ftyled " Primus Angliae baro ;" but it was wiih refpeft to the lay-barons only, for he was 
 the lalt of the fpiritual ernes. 1 have here fet down the nrft twenty four of them, in the order they went to par- 
 liament the third of Henry the Eighth. Mr. Hearne thinks, that they took place in the Houfe of Lords, according 
 to the fenioiity of their creation. But John Anllis, Efq. Garter, King of Arms, is of opinion, " That fome of 
 «' the abbots, like the bifhops, had, by virtue of their abbies, a certain fixed precedency ; and that others of them i 
 " took place according to the priority of their creation." Many have affigned the firfl place to the abbot of 
 St. Alban's, becaufe St. Alban was the firlt martyr in this kingdom. The abbot of Leicefter, and the piior of 
 St. James's, near Northampton, were fometimes called to parliament, after King Edward the Third had reduced 
 the number. Tanner, 
 
PREFACE. 53 
 
 First, When the prior had the fupreme government, as fully as an abbot in 
 his abby, and was elected by the convent ; fuch were the cathedral priors, and 
 rnoft of the Auguftine order. 
 
 Secondly, Where the priory was a cell, fubordinate to fome abby, and the 
 prior was nominated and difplaced at the difcretion of the abbot : and in thefe 
 cells, there was a confiderable difference ; fome being fo entirely fubjected to 
 their refpective abbies, that they might fend them what officers they thought 
 proper, and encreafe, or decreafe, their number of monks at pleafure ; whilft 
 others confifted of a certain ftated number of monks, who had a prior fent them 
 from the abby, to whom they paid an annual ftipend, as an acknowledgement of 
 their fubordination ; but acted, in other matters, as an independent body, and 
 had the reft of their revenues for their own ufe. Thefe priories, or cells, were 
 always of the fame order as the abbies on which they depended ; though fome- 
 times of a different fex ; it being cuftomary, after the Conqueft, for the great 
 abbies to build nunneries in fome of their manors, which were cells, or priories, 
 to them, and fubject to their vilitation [a). 
 
 Some of thofe houfes, which were originally priories, were turned into abbies; 
 as Wymondham in Norfolk, and Walden in Effex : but this was looked upon as 
 an injury to the patron, and fometimes forbidden by the founder; as at Cartmele 
 in Lancashire. One inftance likewife occurs, of an abby being degraded to a priory, 
 becaufe the revenues were not fufficient to fupport the ftate and dignity of an 
 abbot : this was Cumbwell in Kent. 
 
 Priories alien were cells to foreign monafceries; for, when manors or tithes 
 were given to foreign houfes, they, in order to have faithful ftewardson the fpot 
 to collect their revenues, built convenient houfes, for the reception of afmall con- 
 vent, and peopled them with priors, and fu:h a number of monks as they thought 
 proper; this, at the fame time, encreafed their order. There was the fame dif- 
 ference in thefe cells, as between the former ; fome of them being conventual, 
 had the liberty of choofing their* own priors, and of receiving their revenues, of 
 which, at fir ft, they remitted to the foreign houfe what was more than neceflkry 
 for their immediate f ibfiftence : this was afterwards changed into a certain regular 
 annuity, called Apportus; which being paid, the furplus remained to the convent. 
 
 («) To be fent to a monaftery wa<, in many cafes, the punifhment of an offending fecular pried ; as Can. 61 and 
 77, of A. D. 7 ;c, in Johnfcn's Co lech of Canons. To be fent to a cell was, in fome cafes, the puniffimcnt of an 
 offending mrnk. Mat. Paris, p. io_;6. Reyner's Append, p. J25, 16c. And that fome of them were there 
 obliged to har3 Lbour, appears from the rcgifter of John Romanc, archbifhop of York, anno primo pontic 
 '-' Pcsniientia injuncta monacho de Novoburgo qui fub religiofo habitu diutius vagus in f culo extitit : moretur 
 " apud hod cellam, 11 Li agriculture vacet, et caudam aratri teneat leco cujufdem mercenarii foliti hujuiinodi officio 
 "deputari; quarta fexta ct feiia, pane, c. revefia, et legnminibus tantum modo fu contcntus ; tres difciplinas in 
 " lubdomada recipiat a canonico pnefidente ibidem." An J when a monk was refractory, or quarrel fume in his 
 own hcufe, he was fent to another to be punifhed ; as Reyner's Append, p. 125, 160. " In obediens monachus 
 " de Tanton miffus ct prioratum St. Germani in Cornubia ad incarcciar.dum expeenitandum. Reg. Rad. de 
 " Salcpia Epifc. Bath et Wellcns, fub A D. 135 1." Tanner. 
 
 o 
 
54 PREFACE. 
 
 The others were immediately dependent on the foreign houfe, who received their 
 income, allowing them fuch portion for their maintenance as they thought proper : 
 priors were appointed over them from abroad, and the monks were exchanged at 
 pleafure. As thefe monafteries confifted chiefly of foreigners, who might give 
 intelligence to our enemies, and who befides greatly impoverimed the kingdom, 
 by draining it continually of confiderable fums, their eftates were generally feized 
 on the breaking out of a war with France, and reilored on the return of peace j 
 and at length mod of them were, by act. of parliament, given to the king; which 
 was a kind of prelude to the general Diffolution. 
 
 Preceptories were a kind of cells to the principal houfes of Knights Templars 
 in London, under the government of an officer, created by the grand-mafter, one 
 of the " Preceptores Templi." Their bufinefs was to take care of the lands and 
 rents, in that place and neighbourhood. 
 
 Commanderies were, under another name, the fame to the Knights Hof- 
 pitaiars, as preceptories were to the Templars. The chief officer was called a 
 Commander. 
 
 Hospitals were houfes of relief for poor and impotent perfons (a); and were 
 incorporated by royal patents, and made capable of gifts and grants in fucceffion. 
 
 Friaries were erected for the habitation of friars, who, being mendicants, 
 and, by their rules, incapable of holding any property, they were rarely en- 
 dowed (b) ; yet mod of their houfes had fome fhops and gardens belonging to 
 them. Many of thefe friaries were large and (lately buildings, and had noble 
 churches, in which many great perfons chofe to be buried (c). 
 
 For the inferior, religious foundations, fuch as hermitages, chauntries, and 
 free chapels, fee the note (</). 
 
 («) Befides the poor and impotent, there generally were in thefe hofpitals two or three religious ; one to be 
 matter, or prior, and one or two to be chaplains and confeffors : and thefe obfervtd the rule of St. Auftin, and 
 probably fubjecltd the poor and impotent to fome religious reftraints, as well as to the lecal ftatutes. Hofpitals 
 were originally defigned for the relief and entertainment of travellers upon ti e road, and particularly of pilgrims, 
 and therefore were generally built upon the road fide ; but of later years they have been always founded for fixed 
 inhabitants. Tanner. 
 
 (&) The Dominicans of King's Langlcy were endowed with 122/. per annum. 
 
 (<r) Ti.efe houfes received confiderable benefits from the burials of great perfenages within their churches. The 
 friars did not fail to promote it on all occafions ; and, if they could not get the whole body, would at leaft procure 
 a limb, or part. Thomas of Walfingham, fpeJung of the burial of Queen Eleanor's heart, in the church of the 
 Fmrs Minors in London, thus cxprefies himfelf: " Qui (meaning the friars) ficuti & cunfti fratres reliqucrum 
 
 ordinum, ali quod de corporibus quorumcunque potentium morientium fibimet vindicabant, more canum 
 " cadaveribus affiitcntium, ubi quifque fuam particulam avide cenfummendam expe&at." 
 
 (d) Hermitages were religious cells, eredled in private and folitary places, for finglc perfons, or communhies; 
 many times endowed, and fometimes annexed to larger religious houfes. Vide Rennet's Gloffary in voce Her- 
 mitorium. Mon. Ang. vol. ii. p. 339. Thorefby's Leeds, p. 91. The hermits of cells not endowed, are fpoken of 
 
 as common beggars, in pat. 13 Ed. III. p. 1, m. 8, et p. 2, m. 22. Chauntries weie endowments of lands, 
 
 or other revenue?, for the maintenance of one or more priefta, to fay daily mafs for the foul of the founder, and 
 his relations and bencfa&ors ; fometimes at a particular altar, and oftentimes in little chapels, added to cathedral 
 and parochial churches, for that purpofe. See Godolph. Repert. p. 329. Fuller, book vi. p. 350. 
 Weaver, p. 733. Tree chapels were places of religious worlhip, exempt from all jurifdi&ion of the ordinary j 
 
PREFACE. 55 
 
 It is to be obferved, that different founders are frequently affigned by the 
 monaftic writers, to the fame houfe; a firft, fecond, third, and even a fixth 
 founder, fometimes occuring : the fad is, they beftowed that appellation not 
 only on the firft: endower, to whom only it properly belonged, but alfo gave it to 
 every great benefactor, who either reftored the ancient foundation, after it had 
 been ruined by fire, or any other calamity, or made any confiderable addition to 
 it [a). The fuccenbr of the founders, and patrons, or chief lords of the fee (<£),. 
 are like wife many times ftyled founders (c). 
 
 In every abby, the chief officer was the abbot, or abbefs (d) ; who prefided in 
 great pomp, v/as generally called the Lord Abbot, or Lady Abbefs, and had a 
 kitchen, and other offices, diftinct from the common ones of the fociety. The 
 next in rank and authority, in every abby, was the Prior (e) ; under whom was 
 the Sub-prior ; and, in great abbies, a third, fourth, and even a fifth prior. 
 Thefe, as well as all the other obedentarii, were removable at the will of the 
 abbot. In every priory, the prior was the fupreme head ; under whom was the 
 fub-prior, who affiiled him when prefent, and ruled the houfe in his abfcnce. 
 The priors had the fame power in their priories, as the abbots and abbeffes in 
 their abbies ; but lived in a lefs expenfive and pompous manner : though, in 
 fome of the greater honfes, they were Ailed the Lord Prior, and Lady Priorefs. 
 
 The following were the fix principal officers in the monafiery of CroyJand, 
 and perhaps in mod others. Firft, Magifter Operis, or Matter of the Fabric; 
 who probably had the care of the buildings of and belonging to the monafiery, 
 and whofe buiinefs it was to furvey and keep them in repair. 
 
 Eleemosynarus, or the Almoner; who fuperintended the alms of the houfe, 
 which were every day diftributed to the poor at the gate of the monaftery, divided 
 the alms upon the founder's day, and at other obits and anniverfaries ; and, in 
 fome places, had the care of the maintenance and education of the choriflers. 
 
 fave only that the incumbents were generally conflicted by the bimop, and indufled by the archdeacon cf the ' 
 place. Moil cf thefe chapels were built upon the manors and ancient demefnes of the crown, whilft in the king'., 
 hands, for the ufe of himfeif and retinue, when he came to refide there; as Rennet's Gloflary, in voce Demcfnc ; 
 and in cafe of appropriations, p. 6. And when the crown parked with thofe efratcs, the chapels went along with 
 them, and retained their firlt freedom ; but fome lords having had free chapels in manors that does not appear to 
 have b^cn ancient demefne of the crown, fuch are thought to have been built and privileged by grants of the 
 crown. See Bifhop Gibfon's Codex, p. 237. Yet Mr..Newcourt faith, that, A. D. 1521, Biihop Fitzjames 
 converted a decayed chauntry, at Rainham in EfTex, with the confent cf the patron, into a free chapel ; to be hJd 
 with all its righis, and governed by an honefl and literate layman ; without mentioning any grant -from the crown 
 for it. See his Repert. vol. ii. p. 4S2. 
 
 {a) Sir Jchn Biconill was admitted one of the founders of the Francifcan friars at Dorchclkr, for having built 
 mills near to and for the benefit of the convent. As Stevens, vol. i. p. 93.. 
 
 (b) When the founder's family was extinct, the lord of the fee became patron cf couife. . 
 
 As Kennels GioJJ'aty, Jub tit. ddvonyfen of Religious Hcufes.. 
 
 (<•) In Leland Collect, we often meet with " Fur.dato; criginalis ct fundator modernus but the laft was li en 
 the patron only. 
 
 (d) From Abba. Pater, quia pater monachorum. Cidolph. Pupert. They were generally wrote, "it 
 
 " divina permifiione abbas." Decern Script, cel. 2059 and 2157. 
 
 (if) Every prior was to be in priefts orders, by decree of the council at Eondon, A. D. 11 26. 
 
 Wi/Ai/is's Councils, 10/. i. p. 408. 
 
5.6 PREFACE. 
 
 PiTANTlARLUS, who had the diftribution of the pietancies; which were 
 allowances upon particular occafions, over and above the common provifions. 
 
 Sacrista, or Sexton, to whole care were committed the veflels* books, and 
 veftments, belonging to the church ; and who looked after, and accounted for, 
 the oblations at the great altar, and other altars or images in the church; and fuch 
 legacies as were given either to the fabric, or for utenfils : he likewife provided 
 bread and wine for the facrament, and took care of burying the dead. 
 
 Camerarius, or the Chamberlain, had the management of the dormitory, 
 provided the bedding for the monks, with razors and towels for (having them ; 
 likewife, part, if not all their cloathing. 
 
 Cellerarius, or the Cellarer ; whofe office it was to provide all forts of 
 provifions and liquors confumed in the convent ; as alfo firing and kitchen 
 utenfils. 
 
 Besides thefe, there were Thefaurarius, or the Burfar; who received all the 
 common rents and revenues of the monaflery, and paid all the common 
 
 expences. 
 
 Precentor, or Chaunter; who had the chief direction of the choir fervice; 
 and not only prefided over the finging men and chorifters, but provided them, 
 with books, paid their falaries, and repaired the organs : he had alfo the cuftody 
 of the feal, kept the Liber Diurnalis, or Chapter Book, and provided parchment 
 and ink for the writers, and colours for the limners, employed in writing and 
 illuminating books for the library. 
 
 Hostilarius, or Hofpitilarius 5 whofe bufinefs it was to manage the enter- 
 tainment of Grangers, and to provide them with necelTaries. 
 
 Infirmarius, who had the care of the infirmary, and of the fick monks car- 
 ried there, for whom he was to provide phyfic and other neceffaries; and to walh 
 and prepare for burial the bodies of the dead : he was likewife to (have all the 
 monks in the convent. 
 
 Refectionarius, who looked after the refectory, and provided table-cloths, 
 napkins, glaffes, dimes, plates, fpoons, and other requifites, and even fervants 
 to wait at table : he had the cuftody of the cups, falts, ewers, and all the filver 
 utenfils whatfoever belonging to the houfe, except the church plate {a). 
 
 There was likewife Coquinarius, or the Cook ; Gardinarius, or the Gardener; 
 and Portorius, or the Porter; et in coenobiis quas jus archidiaconale in prasdiis et 
 eclefiis fuis obtinuerant, erat monachus qui archidiaconi titulo et munere infig- 
 nitus eft {b). 
 
 Every great abby had a room, called the Scriptorium; where feveral fcribes 
 were employed in tranferibing books for the library. They fometimes, indeed, 
 wrote the ledger-books of the houfe, the mifials, and other books ufed in divine 
 
 (a) In nunneries there was a cor>cfpondence of all thefe offices and officers, abbefs, priorefs, fubpriorjfs, 
 {acriftan or fexten treforer, chambered, chapellan, is'c. Willis's Abbies, yol. ii. Append, p. j, 8, 20. 
 (6) The Worceftcr hiilorian, in Ang. Sacr. p. 547. See alfo Man. Ang. vol. ii. p. 378. 
 
PREFACE. 57 
 
 fervice ; but were chiefly employed on other works, fuch as the fathers, daffies, 
 or hiltory : the monks, in general, were fo zealous for this work, that they often 
 procured gifts of lands and churches, to be folely appropriated to the carrying of 
 it on. Befides this, they had alfo particular perfons appointed to take notice of 
 and record the principal events which happened in the kingdom ; which, at the 
 end of the year, were digefted and formed into annals. 
 
 The foregoing accounts of the rife and progrefs of monaftic foundations, with 
 the particular defcription of the feveral orders, having rather ftretched beyond 
 the intended limits, I mall but briefly treat of the circumftances attending the 
 general dhTolution ; and that the rather, as they are minutely mentioned in the 
 general hiftories of England, and the memoirs of thofe times. 
 
 Anno 1534, King Henry, having thrown off the papal yoke, and procured 
 himfelf to be acknowledged by parliament, the fupreme head of the Englifh 
 church, the next year fet on foot a general vilitation of the religious houfes; 
 undoubtedly, in order to find a pretence for their fupprefiion. It was begun in 
 October, 1535, by one Doctor Leighton, and others j many of their letters are 
 extant ; two of them, never before printed, are in the notes (a). Burnet fays, 
 " The viiitors went over England, and found, in many places, monflrous diforders j 
 " the fin of Sodom was found in many houfes ; great factions and barbarous cru- 
 ** elties were in others ; and in fome were found tools for coining : the report 
 ■ Sf contained many abominable things, that are not fit to be mentioned ; fome of 
 
 (a) Pleafith it your wurlhip to understand that yefternight we came from Glaftonbury to Briftow. I here fend 
 vou for relicks two flowers, wrapped up in black farcenet, that on Chriftmas even (hora ipfa qua natus Chriftui 
 fuefat) will fpring and burgen, and bear flowers. Ye fhall alfo receive a bag of relicks, wherein ye fhall fee ft range 
 things ; as God's Coat, Our Lady's Smock, part of God's Supper in Ccena Domini ; pars petrs fuper quam natus 
 erat Jefus in Bethlehem ; belike Bethlehem affords plenty of ftone. Thefe are all of Maiden Bradley; whereof is a 
 holy father priour, who hath but fix children, and but one daughter married yet of the goods of the monaftcrv, but 
 trading fhortlie to marrie the reft: his fons be tall men, waiting upon him. He thanks God he never meddle 1 
 with married women ; but all with maidens, faircft that could be gotten, and always married them right well. 
 The Pope, ccnfidering his fragilitie, gave him his licence to keep a whore; and he has good writing, fub plumb % 
 to difcharge his confeience, and to chufe Mr. Underhill to be his gheftly father, and he to give him plennm 
 remiflionem. I fend you alfo Our Lady's Girdle of Bruton, red filfce, a folernn relick, fent to women i:i travail ; 
 Mary Magdalen's Girdle, which Matilda, the emprefs founder of Fairley, gave with them, as fayeth the holy 
 
 father of Fairley. 1 have erodes of fib er and gold, fir, which I fend you not no.v ; -becaufc I have more to be 
 
 delivered this night, by the priour of Maiden Bradley. There is nothing notable ; the bretheren be kept fo 
 ftreight, that they cannot offend ; but fain they would if they might, as they confefs, and fuch fault is not in 
 them. 
 
 From St. Auftin's without Briflol. R. Layton'. 
 
 My fingular good lord, tfc. As touching the abbot of Bury, nothing fufpeft as touching his living; but it was 
 detected he lay much forth at Granges, and fpent much money in playing at cards and dice. — It is confefi'ed and 
 
 proved, that there was here fuch frequence of women, comyn and refortyn, as to no place more. Among the 
 
 relicks are found the coles St. Laurence was rolled withal ; the paring of St. Edmund's nails ; St. Thomas of 
 Canterbury's penknife and books; and diveis fculls for the head-ach ; pieces of the Holy Crofi, able to make a 
 whole crofs: other relicks, for rain, and for avoiding the weeds growing in corn, isV. From Bury St. Edmond's, 
 
 Your fcrvant bounden, Joseph aj> Rick. 
 
 Thefe were copied from the cr'ginal letters, written by R. Layton, and others, vifi tors of the religious houfes, to 
 Lord Cromwell, about the year j 5 37, prekrved among Mr. Dodfworth's M. S. collections, in the Bodlcy Library. 
 
5 8 PREFACE. 
 
 " them were printed, but the greateft part is loft : only a report of 144 houfes-isr 
 " yet extant." Five houfes made a voluntary furrender this year. 
 
 In 1 ^36, an act was paffed, fupprefting all thofe monafteries whofe revenues 
 were under 200/. per annum. This act fets forth the great diforders of thofe 
 houfes, and the many unfuccefsful attempts that had been made for their reform- 
 ation. The religious who belonged to them, were directed to be put into the 
 greater houfes, where better difcipline was obferved, and their eftates and goods 
 were given to the king; and, by another act, a new court was erected, entitled 
 the Court of the Augmentations of the King's Revenue ; which was to take care 
 that the king was not defrauded of them. It is to be noted, that the revenues of 
 mod of thefe houfes, though valued at only 200/. per annum, greatly exceeded that 
 fum, many of them being worth feveral thoufands : this was owing to the monks 
 never having raifed their ancient rents ; chufing rather to make their tenants pay a 
 confiderable fine, at the renewal of their leafes; and, according to thefe ancient 
 rents, they were eftimated. Vifitors were now appointed to furvey the leffer 
 monafteries : " They were," fays Burnet, " required to carry along with them 
 " the concurrence of the gentry near them, and to examine the eftate of the 
 " revenues and goods, and take inventories of them ; and to take their feals into 
 " their keeping: they were to try how many of the religious would take capa- 
 " cities, and return to a fecular courfe of life; and thefe were to be fent to the 
 '< archbimop of Canterbury, or the Lord Chancellor for them ; and an allowance 
 " was to be given them for their journey : but thofe who intended to continue in 
 " that ftate, were to be fent to fome of the great monafteries that lay next. A 
 " penfion was alfo to be affigned to the abbot or prior during life ; and of all this 
 " they were to make their report by Michaelmas : and they were particularly to 
 " examine what leafes had been made all la ft year. The abbots hearing of what 
 " was coming on them, had been raifmg all the money they could ; and fo it was 
 " intended to recover what was made away by ill bargains. There were great 
 " complaints made of the proceedings of the vifitors, of their violences and 
 "briberies; and perhaps not without reafon. Ten thoufand of the religious 
 " were fet to feek for their livings, with forty (hillings and a gown a man. Their 
 " goods and plate were eftimated at an hundred thoufand pounds; and the valued 
 " rents of their houfes, was thirty-two thoufand ; but was really above ten times 
 " fo much. The churches and cloifters were in moft places pulled down, and the 
 " materials fold." This gave a general difcontent, and caufed feveral unfuccefsful 
 in furred ions. 
 
 Henry having tafted the fweets arifing from the fuppreffion of the leffer 
 monafteries, now refolved to polfefs himfelf of the revenues of the great ones ; 
 and accordingly, the next year, a frefti vifitation was appointed ; when the vifitors 
 were directed to enquire into the lives of the monks, how they ftood affected 
 towards the Pope, and whether they acknowledged and promoted the king's 
 fupremacy. They were likewife directed to enquire whether they made ufe of 
 
 t 
 
PREFACE. 59 
 
 any impoltures, or pretended miraculous images, to work upon the fuperftition 
 of the credulous people ; and, above all, underhand to endeavour, both by pro- 
 mifes and threats, to influence them to furrender their houfes to the king : which 
 many of them, either confcious of their evil lives, having been engaged in the 
 late infurrections, or attracted by the offer of a considerable penfion, accordingly 
 did ; when they and their monks had penfions affigned them, proportionable to 
 the value of the houfe. Some abbots, relying on their innocence and irre- 
 proachable conduct, were more refolute, and abfolutely refufed ; againft thefe, 
 charges of high treafon were inftituted, on various pretences, and feveral of them 
 were unjuftly executed. Burnet is very particular in thefe tranfactions j fee his 
 account in the notes [a). In 1539,, the furrender of all monasteries was confirmed 
 by act of parliament j and, in that year, the total diiTolution was completed. 
 
 This meafure, though only fully accomplished by Henry the Eighth, had, 
 from time to time, been attempted, and even partially put in execution, by many 
 of our bifhops, kings, and even fome of the popes. From the days of Edgar to 
 
 (a) A new vifitation was appointed, to enquire into the converfation of the monks, to examine how they flood 
 affected to the Pope, and how they promoted the king's fupremacy: they were likewife ordered to examine what 
 impofluies might be among them, either in images or relics; by which the fuperflition of the credulous people was 
 wrought on. Some few houfes, of greater value, were prevailed with, the former year, to furrender to the king. 
 Many houfes that had not been diflblved, though they were within the former act, were now fupprefi'ed ; and 
 many of the greater abbots were wrought on to furrender by feveral motives. Some had been faulty during the 
 rebellion, and fo, to prevent a dorm, offered a refignation ; others liked the reformation, and did it on that 
 account : fome were found guilty of great diforders in their lives, and to prevent a fhameful difcovery, offered 
 their houfes to the king : and others had made fuch waltes and dilapidations, that, having taken care of thcm- 
 felves, they were lefs concerned for others. At St. Alban's, the rents were let fo low, that the abbot could not 
 maintain the charge of the abby. At Battel, the whole furniture of the houfe and chapel was not above ico/. in 
 value, and their plate was not 300/. In fome houfes, there was fcarce any plate or furniture left. Many abbots 
 and monks were glad to accept of a p:nficn for life ; and that was proportioned to the value of their houfe, and 
 to their innocence. The abbots of St. Alban's and Tewklbury had 400 marks a-year. The abbot of St. Edmund's 
 Bury was more innocent and more refolute : the vifitors wrote that they found no fcandals in that houfe: but a; 
 lad he was prevailed with, by a penfion of 500 marks, to refign. The inferior governors had fome 30, 2c, or 
 10/. penfions; and the monks had generally fix pounds, cr eight marks a piece. If any abbot died, the new 
 abbot (they being chofen as the bifhops were upon a conge d'elire, and a miflive letter) was named for that purpofel 
 only to refign the houfe; and all were made to hope for advancement, that fhould give good example to other?, 
 by a quick and chcarful furrender: by thefe means, 121 of thefe houfes were this year refigned to the king. In 
 molt houfes, the vifitor mt;de the monks fign a conftflion of their former vices and diforders, of which there is only 
 one original extant, that cfc ped the general rafure of all fuch papers in Queen Mary's time; in which thoy 
 acknowledged, in along narrative, " their former idlcnefs, gluttony and fenfuality; for which the pit of lull 
 " was ready to fwailow them up : others acknowledged, that the manner of their former pretended religion con- 
 " filled in fome dumb ceremonies, by which they were blindly led, having no true knowledge of God's laws; L|at 
 " that they had procured exemption from their diocefans, and had fubjected thcmfelvcs wholly to a foreign po%ver, 
 " that took no care to reform their abufes ; and therefore, fince the moll perfect way of life was revealed bv Cluilt 
 " and his apoftle*, and that it was fit they fhould be governed by the king their fupreme head, they refigned to 
 ** him." Gf this fort, I have feen fix. Some refigned in hopes that the king would fmnd them of new; th.'fa 
 favoured the reformation, and intended to convert their houfes to better ufes ; for preaching, lludy, and prayer: 
 and Latimer prefixed Cromwell earneflly, that two or three houfes might be referved for fuch purpofes in cvciy 
 county. But it was refolved to fupprefs all ; and therefore, neither could the intcrceflions of the gentry of Ox- 
 fordthire, nor the vifitcn, preferve the nunnery of Godltow ; though they found great flrictnefs of life in it, and 
 it was the common place of the education of young women of quality in that county. The common preamble to 
 
6o PREFACE, 
 
 that prince, feveral of the inftances have already been mentioned in this work ; 
 but to bring them under one point of view, fee the note [a). 
 
 The chief reafons urged in its defence were, that the monks, notwithstanding 
 their fubfcriptions, frill retained their attachment to the pope; and would, on 
 all occafions, have excited troubles in the kingdom againft an excommunicated 
 king. Their luxurious and debauched manner of living (b), their pretended 
 miracles and impoftures (<;), mocking accounts of which were undoubtedly 
 
 moft furrendcrs was, " That upon full deliberation, and of their own proper motion for juft and reafonable caufes 
 " moving their confeiences, they did freely give up their houfes to the king." Some fin-rendered, without any 
 preamble, to the vifitors, as feofees, in truft for the king. In fhert, they went on at fuch a rate, that 159 refigna- 
 tions were obtained before the parliament met ; and of thefe the originals of 154 are yet extant. Some thought 
 that thefe refignr.tions could not be valid, fince the incumbents had not the property, but only the trufl for life cf 
 thofe houfes ; but the parliament did afterwards declare them good in law. It was alfo faid, that they, being of 
 the nature of corporations, all deeds under their fcals were valid; and that at lead by their refignation and quitting 
 their houfes, they forfeited them to the king : but this was thought to fubliit rather on a nicety in law, than natural 
 equi y. 
 
 (a) As to the d'flblution of religious foundations, we may obferve, that King Edgr^r, Archbimop Dunflan, and 
 the bifhops Ethclwold and Ofwald, in the tenth century, ejeiled feculars, and put in regulars, as hath been before 
 
 mentioned. Richard de Belmeis, by the authcrity of Pope Eugenius the Third, and King Stephen, turned a 
 
 iecular college into an abby of Augufline canons, at Lillefhall : and Pope Alexander the Third, and King Henry 
 the Second, turned the fecular canons out of Waltham, and placed regulars there in their ftead : and the order of 
 
 Templars was fuppreffed by Pope Clement the Fifth. A diffolution of the alien priories was brought about in 
 
 the reign of Henry the Fifth, with the concurrence of ftveral bifhops, who purchafed and procured their revenues,, 
 fcr the endowment of divers colleges by them founded : among thefe were William of Wickham, bifhop of Win- 
 chefter, and Archbifhop Chichley. King Henry the Sixth founded the college of Eaton, and King's College, 
 
 Cambridge, about the year 1441, and endowed thein chiefly with alien priories : and William Wainfleet, bifhop of 
 Winchefter, procured revenues of the priory of Sile, or Atfile, in SufTex, and the priory of Shelburnc, in Hampfhire, 
 (though the founder of the latter had carefully forbidden fuch alteration) for the end wment of his foundation of 
 
 Magdalene Colhg?, Oxford. Cardinal Wolfey alfo obtained the bull of Pope Clement the Seventh, for the 
 
 iupprefiion of feveral religious houfes, for the founding his colleges at Oxford and Ipfwich. Bcfides thefe, there 
 
 are many more inflances, too numerous to infert. 
 
 (6) The luxurious manner of living of the monk?, fo early as the reign of Henry the Second, may be gathered 
 from the following llories, related of thofe of Canterbury and Winchefter, byGiraldus Cambreniis. " Their table," 
 fays he, fpeaking of the firft, " confifted regularly of fixteen covers, or more, of the molt coftly dainties, dreffed 
 " with the mcfl exquifite cookery, to provoke the appetite, and pleafe the talk : they had an excefiive abundance 
 
 of wine, particularly claret ; of mulberry wine, of mead, and of other fcrong liquors; the variety of which was 
 " fo great in thefe repafls, that no place could be found for ale, though the bed was made in Enghmd, and par- 
 " ticularly in Kent." And of the prior and monks of St. Swiihin at Winchefkr, he fays, " They threw themfelves 
 ** profhate at the feet of King Henry the Second, and with many tears complained to him, that the bifhop of that 
 " diocef?, to whom they were fubjeft as their abbot, had withdrawn from them three of the ufual number of 
 M their dilhes : Henry enquired of them, how many there flill remained; and being informed they had ten, he 
 " faid, that he himfelf was contented with three, and imprecated a curfe on the bifhop, if he did not reduce them 
 " to that number." 
 
 (f) They (the \ ifitoi s) difcovered many impoftures about relicks and wonderful images, to which pilgrimages had 
 been wont to be made. At Reading they had an angel's wing, which brought over the fpear's point that pierced 
 OUT Saviour's fide ; as many pieces of the crofs were found, as joined together would have made a big crofs. The 
 rcod of grace, at Eoxlcy in Kent, had been much eflecmed, and drawn many pilgrims to it: it was obferved to 
 bow, and rowl its eyes; and look at times well pleafed, or angry; which the credulous multitude imputed to a 
 Divine power : but all this was difcovered to be a cheat, and it was brought up to St. Paul's crofs, and all the 
 /firings were openly fhewed that governed its feveral motions. At Hales in Glouctfierfhire, the blood of Chrift 
 was fhewed in a phial ; and it was believed that none could fee it who were in mortal fin : and fo, after gool 
 .■-fans were made, the deluded pilgrims went away well fatis.led, if they had .een it. This was the blood of a 
 
PREFACE. 61 
 
 tranfmitted by the vifitors j though one may venture to believe, they were not 
 foftened in their relation : but above all, the damage fuftained by the nation, in 
 the lofs of To many hands, who might have made ufeful manafaclurers and 
 hufhandmen, as well as the great check to population, by the number of men 
 and women bound by their vows to celibacy. Cogent as thefe reafons were, 
 probably they would not have brought about this great event, but for that delicious 
 incentive, their goods and manors, which the king's neceflities, as well as his 
 avarice, made him fo extremely defirous to feize. 
 
 Although the general fuppreffion of religious houfes, even confidered in a po- 
 litical light only, was of a vaft national benefit, yet it mud be allowed, that at the 
 time they flourifhed, they were not entirely ufelefs. Monafteries were then the 
 repofitories, as well as feminaries of learning ; many valuable books, and national 
 records, as well as private evidences, having been preferved in their libraries ; the 
 only places wherein they could have been fafely lodged, in thofe turbulent times: 
 many of them, which had efcaped the ravages of the Danes, were destroyed, 
 with more than Gothic barbarity, at their DifTolution [a). 
 
 Every abby had at lead one perfon, whofe office it was to inftrucl: youth ; 
 and to the monks, the hiftorians of this country are chiefly beholden for the 
 knowledge they have of former national events. The arts of painting, archi- 
 tecture, and printing, were alfo fuccefsfully Cultivated within their walls. 
 
 Religious houfes were likewife the hofpitals for the fick and poor, many of 
 both being daily relieved by them : they alfo afforded lodging and entertainment 
 to travellers, at a time when there were no inns. 
 
 duck, renewed every week, put in a phial, very thick of one fide, as thin on the other; and either fide turned 
 towards the pilgrim, as the priefls were fatisfied with their oblations. Several other fuch like impoftures were 
 difcovered, which contributed much to the undeceiving cf the people. Burners Abridg. Hijl. Refor. 
 
 (a) The barbarous ravages committed on the libraries of the monks, are thus fet forth and lamented by John 
 Bale, in his Declaration upon Lel.ind's Journal, anno 1549. " Covetoufnefs," faith he, " was at that time fo 
 " bufy about private commodity, that public wealth in that moft neceffary, and of refpedt, was not any where 
 " regarded. A number of them, which purchafed thofe fupcrflitious manfions, referved of thofe library books, 
 *' fome to fcrve their ja'<es, fome to fcour the candklticks, and fome to rub thtir boots; fome they fold to the 
 " grocers, and foap-fellsr; and f ine they fent over fca, to the book-binders, net in fmall numbers; but, at 
 " times, whole fivps full : yea, the univerfities of this realm are not all clear in this dcteftable fact. But curfed 
 " is that belly, which fceketh to be fed with fo ungodly gains, and fo deeply fnameth his natural country. I 
 " know (fiys he) a merchantman (which (hall at this time be namelefs) that bought the contents of two noble 
 41 libraries for forty millings piice : a fhame it is to be fpoken ! This ltufF hath he occupied inrtcad of grey paper, 
 " by the fpacc of more than thefc ten years, and yet he hath ftorc enough for as many years to come : a prodigious 
 " example is this, and to be abhorred by all men, which \ovcd their nation as they fhoiild do. Yea, what may 
 " bring our realm to more fhame and rebuke, than to have it noifed abroad, that we are defpifers of learning. I 
 *■ (Lall julge this to be true, and utter it with heavinefs, that neither the Britons, under the Romans and S.ixons, 
 " nor yet the Erglifh people, under the Danes and Normans, had ever fuch damaoe of their learned monuments, 
 " as wc have feen in our time. Our poflerity may well curfe this wicked fa£l of our age ; this unreafonable fpoil 
 " of England's mofl noble antiquities.** 
 
62 PREFACE. 
 
 The nobility and gentry, who were heirs to their founders, in them could 
 provide for a certain number of ancient and faithful fervants ; by procuring them 
 corodies, or ftated allowances of meat, drink, and cloaths. It was alfo an 
 afylum or retreat for aged, indigent perfons, of good family. 
 
 The places near the fite of thefe abbies were confiderably benefited, both 
 by the concourfe of people reforting to them, by fairs procured for them, and 
 by their exemption from the foreft laws ; add to which, the monaftic eftates were 
 generally let at very eafy rents, the fines given at renewals included. To 
 conclude, their ftately buildings, and magnificent churches, were finking 
 ornaments to the country j the furious zeal with which thefe were demolifbed, 
 their fine carvings deftroyed, and their beautiful painted windows broken, would 
 almoft tempt one to imagine, that the perfons who directed thefe depredations, 
 were actuated with an enmity to the fine arts, inftead of a hatred to the Popifli 
 fuperftition. 
 
 ARCHITECTURE. 
 
PREFACE. 63 
 
 ARCHITECTURE. 
 
 M OST of the writers who mention our ancient buildings, particularly the 
 religious ones, notwithftanding the finking difference in the ft) les of their 
 construction, clafs them all under the common denomination of Gothic : a 
 general appellation by them applied to all buildings not exactly conformable to- 
 fome one of the five orders of architecture. Our modern antiquaries more 
 accurately divide them into Saxon, Norman, and Saracenic; or that fpecies 
 vulgarly, though improperly, called Gothic. 
 
 An opinion has long prevailed, chiefly countenanced by Mr. Somner (a), that 
 the Saxon churches were moftly built with timber; and that the few they had of 
 ftone, confided only of upright walls, without pillars or arches; the conttruction' 
 of which, it is pretended, they were intirely ignorant of. Mr. Somner feems to 
 have founded his opinion on the authority of Stowe, and a difputable interpretation 1 
 of fome words in King Edgar's charter (£); «* Meaning no more, as I apprehend," 
 fays Mr. Bentham, in his Curious Remarks on Saxon Churches, " than that the' 
 " churches and monasteries were in general fo much decayed, that the roofs were 
 " uncovered, or bare to the timber; and the beams rotted by neglect, and 
 " overgrown with mofs." It is true, that Bede, and others, fpeak of churches 
 built with timber ; but thefe appear to have been only temporary erections, hadily 
 
 (a) Indeed, it is to beobferved, that, before the Roman Advent, moft of our monafleries and church-buildings 
 were all of wood : ("All the monafteKes of my realm," faith King Edgar, in his charter to the ab!;y of Mnlmfjury, 
 dated in the year of Chrifc 974, *« to the fight are nothing but worm-eaten and rotten timber and hoards;'') and 
 that, upon the Norman Conqueft, fuch timber fabricks grew out of ufe, and gave place to (lone buildincs, raifed 
 upon arches ; a form of ftrudture int oduced by that nation, furnifhed with llcne from Caen in Normandy " Irt< 
 «' the year 1087," (Stowe's words of the cathedral of London) " this church of St. Paul was burnt with fire, and 
 «' therewith moll part of the city. Mauricius, then bilhop, began therefore the new foundation of a new church 
 *' of St. Paul; a work that men of that time judged would never have been finifhed, it was then fo wonderful for 
 " length and breadth : as alfo the fame was builded upon arches, or vaults of ftone, for defence of tire, which was> 
 " a manner of work before that time unknown to the people of this nation, and then brought from the Fjerch, and 
 
 " the (tone was fetched from Caen in Normandy." " St. Mary Bow Church, in London, being built much 
 
 " about the fame time and manner, that is, on arches of (lone, was therefore called (faith the fame author) New 
 " Mary Church, or St. Mary le Bow ; as Stratford Bridge, being the firlf. builded with arches of ilonr, sva.i 
 u therefore called Stratford le Bow." This doubtlcfs is that new kind cf architecture the cominuer of Bede (whofe 
 words Malmlbury hath uken up) intends, when, fpeaking of the Normans income, he faith, " You may ebferve 
 11 every where, in villages churches, and in cities and villages monalleries, erected with a new kind of archi- 
 
 " tcfture." And again, Ipeaking doubtfully of the age of the eaflern part of the choir of Canterbury, he adds, 
 
 *' I dare conftantly and confidently deny it to be elder than the Norman Conquclt; becaufe of the building it upon 
 •* arches ; a form of architecture, though in ufe with and among the Romans long before, yet, after their departure, 
 «• not ufed here in England, till t! e Normans brought it over with them from France." Somntr'i Antiq. Canterbury. 
 
 {b) " Quas velut mufcivis fcindulis cariofifqae ubulis, tigne tcnus vifibilitcr diruta." 
 
64 PREFACE. 
 
 run up for the prefent exigency (a) : and for the other pofition, that the Saxons 
 had neither arches nor pillars in their buildings, it is not only contradicted by the 
 teftimony of feveral cotemporary or very ancient writers, who expreilly mention 
 ihem both, but alfo by the remains of fome edifices univerfally allowed to be of 
 Saxon work man (hip ; one of them the ancient conventual church at Ely. 
 
 The writers here alluded to, are Alcuin, an ecclefiaftic, who lived in the eighth 
 century j and in a poem, entitled, De Pontificibus et Ecclefiae Ebor, publifhed 
 by Dr. Gale, A. D. 1691 ; defcribes the church of St. Peter at York ; which he 
 himfelf, in conjunction with Eanbald, had affifted Archbifhop Albert to rebuild. 
 In this poem he particularizes, by name, both columns and arches, as may be 
 feen in note (^). 
 
 The author of the defcription of the abby of Ramfay in Huntingdonshire, 
 which was founded A. D. 974, by Ailwood, ilyled Alderman of all England, 
 amfted therein by Ofwald, bifhop of Worcefter; in that account names both 
 arches and columns, as is (hewn in note (c). 
 
 Richard prior, of Hexam, who ilourimed about the year 1 180, and left a 
 defcription of that church, part of which was Handing in his time, though built by 
 Wilfrid, anno 674 ; he likewife fpeaks of arches, and columns with their capitals 
 richly ornamented : fee note (d), 
 
 (n) " Baptizatus eft (Sc. R?x Edwinus, A D. 627,) autem Eboraci in die Santto Pafcha?. In ecclefia St. Petri 
 
 " apeftoli quam ipfe de ligno citato opere erexit." Be'dac Hiji. Eccl. lib. ii. c. 14. Curavit majorem ipfo 
 
 " in loco et auguftiorem de lapide fabricare bafilicfm, in cujus medio ipfum quod prius fcceiac oratcrium 
 « includereUir." Ibid. 
 
 (b) " Alt nova bafilicae miras (truftura diebus 
 
 " Prxfulis hujus erat jam ca,'pta, peracti, facrata. 
 
 " Hasc nimis aha domus folidis, fufFulta columnis, 
 
 " Suppofita qua; ftant curvatis arcubus, intus 
 
 «' Emicat egregiis laquearibus atque feneftris, 
 
 " Pulchraque p.^racibus fulget circumdata multis, 
 
 " Plui ima diverfis retinens folaria testis, 
 
 " Qua: triginta tenet variis ornatibus aras 
 
 '* Hoc duo difcipuli templum, Do&ore jubente, 
 
 " JEdificarunt Eanbaldus et Alcuinus, arnbo 
 
 '* Concordes opcri devota mente ftudentes 
 
 " Hoc tamen ipfe pater fbcio cum Pracfule templum, 
 
 " Ante die decima quam clauderet, ultima Vitas 
 
 " Lumina pr.-^ientis, Sophia: f.icraverat aln;se." 
 (<■) " Duce quoque turres ipfis teftoium culminibus emincbant, quarum minor verfus occidentem, in frcnte 
 " Bafilicx pulchrum intrantibus infulam a longe fpe&aculum praebebat; major vero in quadriiidae ftrufturse medio 
 " columnas quatuor, porre&is de alia ad aliam arcubus fibi invicem connexus, ne laxi defiuerent, denrimebat." 
 
 HiJl. Ramrjiunfis, inter, x-v. Scriptores, Edit, per Gale, 
 (d) Profunditatem ipfius ecclefiae criptis, et oratoriis fubterraneis, et viarum amfraiftibus, inferius cum magna 
 induftiia fundavit: parietes autem quadratis, et variis, et bene politis columpnis fuffultos, et tribus tabulati3 
 diitinftos immenfe longitudinis, et altitudinis erexit : ipfos etiam et capiiella columpnorum quibus fufientatur, et 
 arcum fan&uarii hiftoriis, et imaginibus, et variis ctlaturarum figuris ex lapide prominentibus, et pidturarum, et 
 colorum grata vari tate mirabilique decore decorr.vit : ipfum quoque corpus ecclciiae appent ciis, et porticibus 
 undique circumcinxit. Qja: miro atque inexplicabili artihcio per parietes, ct cocleas inferius, et faperius diftinxh; 
 in ipfis vero cocleis, et fuper ipfas, afcenforia ex lapide, ct deambubitorin, et varios viarum amfradlu; mode, 
 fuifum modo deorfum artincioffimme ita machinari fecit, ut iinumera hominum multitude, ibi exiftere, et ipfum 
 
 2 
 
PREFACE. 65 
 
 Many more authorities might be cited, was not the matter fufriciently clear. 
 Indeed, it is highly improbable, that the Saxons could be ignorant of fo ufeful a 
 contrivance as the arch : many of them, built by the Romans, they muft have had 
 before their eyes ; fome of which have reached our days : two particularly are now 
 remaining in Canterbury only ; one in the caftle-yard, the bther at Riding Gate. 
 And it is not to be believed, that once knowing them, and their convenience, 
 they would neglect to make ufe of them; or having ufed, would relinquiih them: 
 belides, as it appears, from undoubted authorities, they procured workmen from 
 the continent (a), to conftruct their capital buildings, " according to the Roman 
 " manner." This alone would be fufficient to confute that ill-grounded opinion ; 
 and at the fame time proves, that what we commonly call Saxon, is in reality 
 Roman architecture. 
 
 This was the flyle of building practifed all over Europe; and it continued to bs 
 ufed by the Normans, after their arrival here, till the introduction of what is 
 called the Gothic, which was not till about the end of the reign of Henry the Firft; 
 fo that there feems to be little or no grounds for a diftinction between the Saxon 
 and Norman architecture. Indeed, it is faid, the buildings of the latter were of 
 larger dimenfions, both in height and area; and they were conflructed with a 
 ftone brought from Caen in Normandy, of which their workmen were peculiarly 
 fond : but this was limply an alteration in the fcale and materials, and not in the 
 manner of the building. The ancient parts of moh: of our cathedrals are of this 
 early Norman work. 
 
 The characteriftic marks of this flyle are thefe. The walls are very thick, 
 generally without buttrefles ; the arches, both within and without, as well as 
 
 corpus ecclefia: circumdare point, cum a nemine tamcn infra in ea exiftentium videri queat : oratoria quoque quarq 
 plurima fuperius, et inferius fecretiflima, et pulcherrima in ipfis pcrticibus cum maxima diligentia, et cautela 
 conftituit, in quibus altaria in lionore, B. Dei Genetricis femperque Virginis Maria:, et St. Michaelis Archangel!, 
 fanctique Johannis Bapt. honcftiflime preparari fecit. Unde etiam ufque hodie quxdam illorum ut turres, tt 
 propugnacula fupercminent. Ricbardi Priori* Hagujl. lib. i. cap. 3. 
 
 (a) Cum centoribus JEdde ct Ecna, et ccmentariis, cmnifque pene artis miniflerio in regionem fuam revcrtens, 
 cum regula Bencdidli inflituta ecclefiarum Dei bene melioravit. Edii vit.S. Wilfridi, cap.i^. Bedie Sift, Ecc. 
 
 Hi, iv. cap. z. De Roma quoque, et Italia, et Frar.cia, et de aliis terris ubicumque invenire poterat, 
 
 crvmcntarios, et quoflibet alios induurios artifices fecum retinuerat, et ad opera fua facienda fecum in Angliam 
 adduxerat. Rich. Prior Ilaguljl. lib. I. cap- 5. 
 
 St. Peter's church, in the monailcry of Weremouth, in the neighbourhood of Gyrwi, was built by the famous 
 Benedict Bifcopius, in the year 675. This abbot went over into France, to engage workmen to build his church 
 after the Roman manner, (as it is called by Lede in his Hillory of Wcrcmuth) and brought them over for that 
 purpefe: he profecuted this work with extraordinary zeal and diligence; infrrfiuch, that, within the compafs of 
 a year, after the foundations were laid, he caufei ihe roof to he put en, and divine fervicc to be performed in it. 
 Afterwards, when the building was near finilhed, he fent over to France for artificers flailed in the myftery of 
 making glafs, (an art till that time unknown to the inhabitants of Britain) to glaze the windows, both of the 
 porticos, and the principal parts of the church ; which work they not only executed, but taught the Englilh nation 
 that moll ufeful art. Bentham's l'njlory of Ely, p. 21. 
 
 What Bede here affirms of the abbot Renedift, that he firft introduced the art of making glafs in this kingdom, 
 is by no means inconfiftent with Eddius's account of Bilhcp Wilfrid's glazing the windows of St. Peter's Church 
 at York, about the year 66(,, e. feven or eight years before this time; for glafs might have been imported from 
 abroad by Wilfred. But Benedict firft brought over the artifts, who taught the Saxons the art of making glafs.— 
 
66 PREFACE. 
 
 thofe over the doors and windows, femicircular, and fupported by very fojiu, cr 
 rather clumfy columns, with a kind of regular bafe and capital: in fhort, 
 plainncfs and folidity conftitute the ftriking features of this method of building. 
 Neverthelefs, the architefls of thofe days fometimes deviated from this rule: 
 their capitals were adorned with carvings of foliage, and even animals; and their 
 maffive columns decorated with fmall half columns united to them; grooves cut 
 fturally winding round them, or overfpread with a kind of lozenge net-work. 
 An inflance of the fecond may be feen m the Undercroft, at Canterbury; the 
 two laft occur at Durham: but the mod beautiful fpecimens of this work are 
 tp be met with in the Ruined Choir at Orford in Suffolk. Their arches too, 
 though generally plain, fometimes came in for more than their mare of-ornaments ; 
 particularly thofe over the chief doors : fome of thefe were overloaded with a 
 profufion of carving. It would be impoffible to defcribe the different ornaments 
 there crowded together; which feem to be more the extemporaneous product of a 
 grotefque imagination, than the refult of any particular defign. On fome of thefe 
 arches is commonly over the key-ftone reprefented God the Father, or our Saviour 
 lurrounded with angels ; and below a melange of foliage, animals, often ludicrous, 
 and fometimes even indecent fubjects. Partly of this fort is the great door at 
 Barfrefton Church in Kent. 
 
 The idea of thefe artifts feems to have been, that the greater number of fmall 
 and diffimular fubjects they could there affemble, the more beautiful , they rendered 
 their work. It is not however to be denied, that the extreme richnefs of thefe 
 inferior parts, ibrved, by their ftriking contraftj to fet.off the venerable plainnefs 
 of the reft of the building; a circumftance wanting in the Gothic ftru&uresj 
 which being equally ornamented all over, fatigue and diftracl, rather than gratify 
 the eye. I would not here be underflood to affert, that all the Saxon ornamented 
 arches were devoid of beauty and tafte ; on the contrary, there are feveral wherein 
 both are difplayed, particularly in fome belonging to the church of Ely. Befides 
 the ornaments here mentioned, which feem always to have been left to the fancy 
 cf the fculptor, they had others, which were in common ufe, and are more 
 regular. Mod of them, as mentioned by Mr. Bentham, in his ingenious 
 preface to the Hiftory of Ely, the reader will find in the note (#); and fpecimens 
 
 That the windows inxhurches were ufually glazed in that age abroad, as well as in thefe parts, we learn from 
 Bede ; who, fpeaking of the church on Mount Olivet, about a mile from Jerufalem, fays, " In the weft front of 
 *; it were eight windows, which, on fome occafions, ufed to be illuminated with lamps ; which Ihone fo brigh £ 
 *S through the glafs, that the mount feemed in a blaze." Beda lib. de Loch Sanflis, cop. 6. 
 
 («) As to their arches, though they were for the mod part plain and fimple, yet fome of their principal ones, as 
 thofe over the chief entrance at the weft-end, and others moft expofed to view, were abundantly charged with 
 fculpture of a particular kind ; as the chevron work, or zig-zag moulding, the moft common of any ; and various 
 other kinds, riling and falling, jetting out and receding inward alternately, in a waving or undulating manner: 
 the embattled 'rctte, a kind of ornament formed by a jingle round moulding, travelling the face of the arch, 
 rnakin its returns and croftings always at right angles, fo forming the intermediate {paces into fquarcs alternately 
 pj e above and below ; fpecimens of this kind of ornament appear on the great arches, in the middle of the weft 
 front, at Lincoln ; and within the ruinous part of the building adjoining to the great weftern to^er at Ely: — the 
 triangular frctte, where the fame kin i 01 moulding, at every return, forms the fide of an equilateral triangle, and 
 
 - 
 
PREFACE. 67 
 
 of them are given in the mifcellaneous plate, in the view of the eaft end of 
 Barfrefton Church ; and in the entrance into what was the Stranger's Hall, in the 
 monaftery of Chrift's Church, Canterbury, built by Archbifhop Lanfranc. The 
 fmall pillars, or columns, were formerly richly ornamented ; but, by order of 
 one of the deans, were chipped plain. The efcutcheons over thefe arc remarkable; 
 they not being cuftomary at the time of its erection. 
 
 About the time of Alfred probably, but certainly in the reign of Edgar (a), 
 hi»h towers and crofs aides were firft introduced; the Saxon churches till then 
 being only fquare, or oblong buildings, generally turned femicircularly at the eaft 
 end. Towers at firft fcarcely rofe higher than the roof j being intended chiefly as 
 a kind of lanthorn, for the admittance of light. An addition to their height was 
 in all likelihood fuggefted on the more common life of bells ; which, though 
 mentioned in fome of our monafteries in the feventh century, were not in ufe 
 in churches till near the middle of the tenth. 
 
 To what country, or people, the ftyle of architecture called Gothic, owes its origin, 
 is by no means fatisfacTtorily determined {b). It is indeed generally conjectured to 
 
 consequently inclofes the intermediate (pace in that figure; the nail-head refonbling the heads of great nails driven 
 in at regular diltances ; as in the nave of old St. Paul's, and the great tower at Hereford (all of them found alio 
 in more ancient Saxon buildings) ; — the billeted moulding, as if a cylinder fhoald be cut into fmall pieces of equal 
 length, and thefe ftuck on alternately round the face of the arches ; as in the choir cf Peterborough, at St. Crofs, 
 and round the windows of the upper tirj on theoutfide of the nave at Ely : — this latter ornament was often ufed 
 (as were alfo fome of the others) as a fafcia, band, or fillet, round the outlide of their buildings. — Then to adorn 
 the infide walls below, they had rows of little pillars and arches ; and applied them alfo to decorate large vacant 
 fpaces in the walls without (capitals of thefe were frequently ornamented with grotefque work): — and the 
 corbel-table, confiding of a feries of fmall arches without pillars, but with the heads of men or animals, ferving 
 inilcad of corbels or brackets to fupport them, which they placed below the parapet, projecting over the upper, 
 and fometimes the middle tire of windows : — the hatched moulding, ufed both on the faces of the arches, or as a 
 fafcia on the outride ; as if cut with the point of an axe, at regular diftances, and fo left rough : — and the ncbule, 
 a projection terminated by an undulating line, as under the upper range of windows at Peterborough. To 
 thefe marks that dillinguilh the Saxon or Norman ftyle, we may add, that they had no tabernacles, (or niches 
 with canopies) or pinnacles or fpires ; or indeed, any ftatues to adorn their buildings on the outfide, which are the 
 principal grace of what is now called the Gothic ; unlefs thofe fmall figures we fometimes meet with over their 
 door ways ; fuch as is that little figure of Bifhop H.rbert Lofing, over the north tranfept door at Norwich, 
 feemingly of that time ; or another fmall figure of our Saviour, over one of the fouth doors of Ely, tiff, may be 
 called C). But thefe are rather mezzo relievos than Itatues ; and it is known, that they ufed reliefs fometimes 
 with profufion, as in the Saxon or Norman gateway at Bury, and the two fouth doors at Ely. Efcutcheons of 
 arms are hardly (if ever) feen in thefe fabrics, though frequent enough in after times ; neither was there any tracery 
 
 in their vaultings. Thefe few particularities in the Saxon and Norman ilyle of buil iing, however minute they 
 
 may be in appearance, yet will be found to have their ufe ; as they contribute to afcertain the age of an edifice, at 
 
 firlt fight. {a) Vide note (f), page 64. 
 
 {b) The ftyle of building with pointed arches i.-> modern, and f:ems not to have been known in the world, 
 till the Goths ceafed to make a figure in it. — Sir Chriflopher Wren thought this fliould rather be called the 
 Saracenic way of building. — The fiill appearance of it here, was indeed in the time of the Crufades ; and that 
 might induce him to think the archetype was brought hither by fome who hid been engaged in thofe expeditions, 
 when they returned from the Holy Land. But the obfervations of feveral learned travellers, who have accurately 
 furveyed the ancient mode of building in thofe parts of the world, do by no means favour that opinion, or difcovcr 
 the leaft traces of it. Indeed, I have not yet met with any fatisfactory account of the origin of pointed arches; 
 when invented, or where firlt taken notice of. Some have imagined they might pollibly have taken their rife from 
 thofe arcades we fee in the early Norman or Saxon buildings on walls, where the wide fcmicircular arches crofs 
 and interact each other, and form at their intcrfedion, a narrow and fliarp pointed arch. In the wall fouth of 
 
68 PREFACE. 
 
 be of Arabian extraction, and to bave been introduced into Europe by fome perfons 
 returning from the Crufades in the Holy Land. Sir Chriftopher Wren {a) was 
 
 the choir, at St. Crofs, is a facing of fuch wide round interlaced arches, by way of ornament to a flat vacant 
 fpace ; only fo much of it as lies between the legs of the two neighbouring arches, where they crofs each other, is 
 pierced through the fabric, and forms a little range of fharp pointed windows; it is of King Stephen's time: 
 whether they were originally pierced, I cannot learn. Bentham, 
 
 (a) Thefe furveys, and other occafional infpections of the moft noted cathedral churches and chapels in England, 
 and foreign parts ; a difcernment of no contemptible art, ingenuity, and geometrical (kill in the defign and 
 execution of fome few, and an affectation of height and grandeur, though without regularity and good proportion 
 in moft cf them, induced the furveyor to make fe me enquiry into the rife and progrefs of this Gothic mode, and to 
 confider how the old Greek and Roman ftyle of building, with the feveral regular proportions cf columns, 
 entablatures, Effr. came, within a few centuries, to be fo much altered, and almoft univerfally difufed. 
 
 He was of opinion (as has been mentioned in another place), that what we now vulgarly call the Gothic, ought 
 properly and truly to be named the Saracenic architecture, refined by the Chriftians ; which firft of all began in 
 the ealt, after the fall of the Greek empire, by the prodigious fuccefs of thofe people that adhered to Mahomet's 
 doctrine ; who, out of zeal to their religion, built mofques, caravanfaras, and fepulchres, wherever they came. 
 
 Thefe they contrived of a round form, becaufe they would not imitate the Chriftian figure of a crofs ; nor the 
 old Greek manner, which they thought to be idolatrous; and for that reafon all fculpture became offenfive to th;m. 
 
 They then fell into a new mode of their own invention, though it might have been expected with better fenfe ; 
 conlidering the Arabians wanted not geometricians in that age, nor the Moors, who tranflated many of the moil 
 iifeful old Greek bocks. As they propagated their religion with great diligence, fo they built mofques in all their 
 conquered cities, in hade. The quarries of great marble, by which the vanquifhed nations of Syria, Egypt, and 
 all the eaft had been fupplied ; for columns, architraves, and great ftones were now deferted ; the Saracens therefore 
 were neceflitated to accommodate their architecture to fuch materials, whether marble or free-ftone, as every country 
 readily afforded. They thought columns, and heavy cornices impertinent, and might be omitted ; and affecting 
 the round form for mofq-ue?, they elevated cupolas in fome inftances, with grace enough. The Holy War gave 
 the ChriiHahs, who had been there, an idea of the Saracen works ; which were afterwards by them imitated in the 
 welt : and they refined upon it every day, as they proceeded in building churches. The Italians (among which 
 were yet fome Greek refugees) and with them French, Germans, and Flemings, joined into a fraternity of 
 architects ; procuring papal bulls for their encouragement, and particular privileges : they ftyled themfelves free 
 mafon*, and ranged from one nation to another, as they found churches to be built (for very many in thofe ages 
 were every where in building, through piety cr emulation}. Their government was regular, and where they fixed 
 near the building in hand, they made a camp of huts. A furveyor governed in chief; every tenth man was called 
 a warden, and overlooked each nine : the gentlemen of the neighbourhood, either out of charity, or commutation 
 cf penance, gave the materials and carriages. Thofe who have feen the exact accounts in records of the charge 
 of the fabrics of fome of our cathedrals, near four hundred years old, cannot but have a great efieem for their 
 ceconomy ; and admire how foon they erected fuch lofty flructures. Indeed, great height they thought the greatefl 
 magnificence : few ftones were ufed, but what a man might carry up a ladder on his back from fcaffold to fcaffold ; 
 though they had pullies, and fpoked wheels, upon occafion ; but having rejected cornices, they had no need of 
 great engines : ftone upon ftone was eafily piled up to great heights; therefore, the pride of their works was in 
 pinnacles and fteeples. In this they effentially differed from the Roman way, who laid all their mouldings 
 horizontal!'/, which made the beft perfpedtive : the Gothic way, on the contrary, carried all their mouldings 
 perpendicular ; fo that the ground-work being fettled, they had nothing elfe to do bu: to f^ire all up as they could. 
 Thus they made their pillars of a bundle of little Torus's, which they divided into more, when they came to the 
 roof; and thefe Torus's fplit into many fmall ones, and traverfmg one another, gave occafion to the tracery-work, 
 (as they called it) of which this fociety were the inventors. They ufed the fharp-headed arch, which would rife 
 with little centering, required b'ghter key-ftones, and lefs hutment, and yet would bear another row of doubled 
 arches riling from the key-ftone ; by the diverfifying of which, they erected eminent flructures, fuch as the fteeples 
 of Vienna, Strafburg, and many other. They affected fleeples, though the Saracens themfelves moft ufed cupolas. 
 The church of St. Mark at Venice is built after the Saracen manner. Glafs began to be ufed in windows ; and a 
 great part of the outfide ornament of churches confifted in the tracery works of difpofmg the mullions of the windows 
 for the better fixing in of the glafs. Thus the work required fewer materials, and the workmanfhip was for the 
 moft part performed by flat moulds ; in which the wardens could eaiily inftruct hundreds of artificers. It muft be 
 confe.Ted, this was an ingenious compendium of work, fuitei to thefe northern climates; and I muft alfo own, 
 
PREFACE. 69 
 
 of that opinion (a) ; and it has been fubfcribed to by mod writers who have 
 
 that works of the fame height and magnificence in the Roman way, would be very much more expenfive, than in 
 the other Gothic manner, managed with judgment. But, as all modes, when once the old rational ways are 
 defpifed, turn at Lift into unbounded fancies ; this tracery induced too much mincing of the ftone into open 
 battlements, and fpindling pinnacles, and little carvings without proportion of diilance ; fo the efTential ru'es cf 
 good perfpective and duration were forgot. But, about two hundred years ago, when ingenious men began to 
 reform the Roman language to the purity, which they afligned and fixed to the time of Auguftus, and that century ; 
 the architects alio, afhamed of the modern barbarity of building, began to examine carefully theruios of old Rome 
 and Italy, to fearch into the orders and proportions, and to eftablifh them by inviolable rules: fo, to their labours 
 and indultry, we owe, in a great degree, the reRoration of architecture. 
 
 The ingenious Mr. Evelyn makes a general and judicious comparifon, in his Account of Architecture, of the 
 ancient and modern ftyles ; with reference to fome of the particular works of Inigo Jones, and the Surveyor ; which, 
 
 in few words, gives a right idea of the majellic fymmetry of the one, and the abfurd fyflem of the other. '« The 
 
 " ancient Greek and Roman architecture anfwer all the perfections required in a faultlefs and accomplifhed 
 " building; fuch as for lb many ages were fo renowned and reputed by the univerfal fuffrages of the civilized 
 " world; and would doubtlefs have Mill fubfifted, and made good their claim, and what is recorded of them, had 
 " not the Goths, Vandals, and other barbarous nations, fubverted and demolilhed them ; together with that 
 " glorious empire, where thofe llately and pompous monuments Hood: introducing, in their (lead, a certain 
 " fantaftical and licentious manner of building, which we have fince called Modern, or Gothick. Congeftions of 
 ** heavy, dark, melancholy, and monkifh piles, without any juft proportion, ufe or beauty, compared with th-i 
 " truly ancient; fo as when we meet with the greater! induftry, and expenfive carving, full of fret and lamentable 
 " imagery, fparing neither of pains nor colt, a judicious fpe-tator is rather diftracted, or quite confeunded, than 
 " touched with that admiration which refuks from the true and juft fymmetry, regular proportion, union, and 
 " difpofuion ; and fiom the great and noble manner in which the auguft and glorious fairies of the ancients a e 
 " executed." Accounts of Architecture, p. 9. 
 
 It was after the irruption and fwarms of thofe truculent people from the north, the Moors and Arabs from the 
 fouth and eaft, over-running the civilized world, that, wherever they fixed themfelvcs, they foon began to debauch 
 this noble and ufeful art; when, inftead of thofe beautiful orders, fo majeftical and proper for their ftations, 
 becoming variety, and other ornamental accelTories, they fet up thofe flender and mislhapen pillars, or rather 
 bundles of ftaves, and other incongruous props, to fupport incumbent weights, and ponderous arched roofs, 
 without entablature ; and though not without great induftry, (as Mr. D'A viler well obferves) nor altogether naked 
 of gaudy fculpture, trite and bufy carvings, it is fuch as gluts the eye, rather than gratifies and pleafes it with 
 any reafonable fatisfaction. For proof of this (without travelling far abroad) I dare report myfelf to any man of 
 judgment, and that has the leaf! tafte of order and magnificence, if, after he has looked a while upon King 
 Henry the Seventh's Chipel at Weft m in Her, gazed on its lharp angles, jetties, n rrow lights, lame llatues, lace, 
 and other cut work, and crinkle crankle, and Ihall then turn his eyes on the Banquetting-houfe, built at Whi ehall, 
 by Inigo Jones, after the ancient manner; or on what his majefty's furveyor, Sir Chriftopher Wren, has advanced 
 at St. Paul's; and confider what a glorious object the cupola, porticos, colonades, and other parts prefent to the 
 beholder i orxompire the fchools and library at Oxford with the theatre there ; or what he has built at Trinity- 
 College, in Cambridge ; and fince all thefe, at Greenwich and other places ; by which time our home traveller 
 will begin to have a jiijft idea of the ancient and modern architecture ; I fay, let him well confider, and compare 
 them judicially, without partiality and prejudice, and then pronounce which of the tao manners ftrikes the 
 underftanding as well as the eye, with the more majefty and folemn greatnefs ; though in fo much a plainer and 
 hmp'c drefs, conform to the refpeclive orders and entablature; and accordingly determine to whom the preference 
 is due: not as we fad, that there is not fomething of fclid, and odly artificial too, after a fort. But the 'univerfal 
 and unreafonable thicknefs of the walls, clumfy buttrelfcs, towers, lharp-pointed arches, doors, and other apertures, 
 without proportion ; nonfenlical infertions of various marbles impertinently placed ; turrets and pinnacles, thick 
 fet with monkies and chimeras ; and abundance of bufy work, and other incongruities, diflipate and break the 
 angles of the fight; and fo confound it, that one cannot confider it with any fteadmefs, where to begin or end; 
 taking off from that noble air and grandeur, bold and graceful manner, which the ancients had fo well, and 
 judicioufly cftablilhed. But in this fort have they and their followers, ever fince, filled not Europe alone, but 
 Afia and Africa befides, with mountains of Hone; vaft and gigantic buildings indeed ! but not worthy the name 
 of architecture, 15 V. Wren's Parentalia. 
 
 (a) This we now call the Gothic manner of architecture, (fo the Italians called what was not after the Roman 
 ftyle) though the Goths were rather defiro;. ers than builders: I think it fhould with more reafon be c.illed the 
 
7 o PREFACE. 
 
 treated on this fubject {a). If the fuppofition is well grounded, it feems 
 likely that many apcient buildings of this kind, or at lead: their remains, would 
 be found in thofe countries from whence it is faid to have been brought ; parts of 
 which have at different times been vifited by feveral curious travellers, many of 
 whom have made defigns of what they thought mod remarkable. Whether they 
 overlooked or neglected thefe buildings, as being in fearch of thofe of more remote 
 antiquity, or whether none exifted, feems doubtful. Cornelius le Brun, an 
 indefatigable and inquifitive traveller, has published many views of eaftern 
 buildings, particularly about the Holy Land : in all thefe, only one Gothic ruin, 
 the church near Acre, and a few pointed arches, occur ; and thofe built by the 
 Chriflians, when in pofleffion of the country. Near Ifpahan, in Perfia, he gives 
 feveral buildings with pointed arches ; but thefe are bridges and caravanferas, 
 whofe age cannot be afcertained ; confequently, are as likely to have been built 
 after as before the introduction of this ftyle into Europe. - 
 
 At Ifpahan itfelf, the Mey doen, or Grand Market-place, is furrounded by 
 divers magnificent Gothic buildings ; particularly the Royal Mofque, and the 
 Talael Ali-kapie, or Theatre. The magnificent bridge of AlJa-werdie-chan, over 
 the river Zenderoet, 540 paces long, and feventeen broad, having thirty-three 
 pointed arches, is alfo a Gothic ftructure : but no mention is made when or by 
 whom thefe are built. The Chiaer Baeg, a royal garden, is decorated with 
 Gothic buildings ; but thefe were, it is faid, built only in the reign of Scha Abbas, 
 who died anno 1629. 
 
 One building indeed, at nr/l feems as if it would corroborate this affertion, 
 and that the time when it was erected, might be in fome degree fixed : it is the 
 
 Saracen ftyle; for thofe people wanted neither arts nor learning; and after we in the weft had loft both, we bor- 
 rowed again From them, out of their Arabic books, what they with great diligence had tranfiated from the Greeks. — 
 They were zalots in their religion ; and, wherever they conquered, (which was with amazing rapidity) erected 
 mofques and caravanferas in hafte ; which obliged them to fall into another way of building ; for they built their 
 mofqucs round, difliking the Chiiftian form of a crofs. The old quarries, whence the ancients took their large 
 blocks of marble for whole columns and architraves, were neglected; and they thought both impertinent. Their 
 carriage was by camels ; therefore, their buildings were fitted for fmall ftones, and columns of their own fancy, 
 confifting of many pieces : and their arches were pointed with'.ut key-ftcnes, which they thought too heavy.- 
 The reafons were the fame in our northern climates, abounding in free ltone, but wanting marble. 
 
 {a) Modern Gothic, as it is called, is deduced from a different quarter : it is diftingtiilhed by the lightnefs of its 
 works, by the exceifive boldncfs of its elevations, and cf it> fections ; by the delicacy, profufion, and extravagant 
 fancy of its ornaments. The pillars of this kind are as {lender as thofe of the ancient Gothic are maffive ; fuch 
 productions, fo airy, cannot admit the heavy Goths for their author ; how can be attributed to them, a ftyle of 
 architedtuie, which was only introduced in the tenth century of our asra? Several years after the deftruclion of all 
 thofe kingdoms, which the Goths had raifed upon the ruins of the Roman empire, and at a time when the very- 
 name of Goth was entirely forgotten, from all the marks of the new architecture, it can only be attributed to the 
 Moors ; or, what is the fame thing, to the Arabians or Saracens ; who have expreffed, in their architecture, the 
 fame talb as in their poetry ; both the one and the other falfcly delicate, crowded with fuperfluous ornaments, 
 and often very unnatmal : the imagination is highly worked up in both ; but it is an extravagant imagination; 
 and :his has rendered the edifices of the Arabians (we may include the other Orientals) as extraordinary as their 
 thoughts. If any one doubts of this affertion, let us appeal to any one who has feen the mofjues and palaces of 
 Fez; or fome of the cathedrals in Spain, built by the Moors: one model of this fort, is the church at Burgos; 
 and even in this ifland there are not wanting feveral examples of ihe fame ; fuch buildings have been vulgarly 
 
PREFACE. 71 
 
 tomb of Abdalla (a), one of the apoftles of Mahomet, probably him furnamed 
 Abu Beer. If this tomb is fuppofed to have been built foon after his death, 
 eltimating that event to have happened according to the common courfe of 
 nature, it will place its erection about the middle of the feventh century : but 
 this is by far too conjectural to be much depended on. It alio feems as if this 
 was not the common ftyle of building at that time, from the Temple of Mecca j , 
 where, if any credit is to be given to the print of it, in Sale's Koran; the arches 
 are femicircular. The tomb here mentioned, has one evidence to prove its 
 antiquity; that of being damaged by the injuries of time and weather. Its general 
 appearance much refembles the eaft end of the chapel belonging to Ely Houfe, 
 London; except that, what is rilled up there by the great window in the tomb, 
 is an open pointed arch; alfo, the columns, or pinnacles, on. each fide, are higher 
 Ln proportion. 
 
 Some have fuppofed that this kind of architecture was brought into Spain by 
 the Moors v who poffefTed themklves cf a great part of that country the beginning 
 of the eighth century, which they held till the latter end of the fifteenth) ; and that 
 from thence, by way of France [b) f it was introduced into England. This at 
 
 called Modern Gothic, but their true appellation is Arabic, S .racenic, or Morefque. ; — This manner wae 
 
 introduced into Europe through Spain : learning flourifhed among the Arabians, all the time that their dominion 
 was in full power; they ftudied philofophy, mathematics, pbyfic and poetry. The love of learning was at once 
 excited ; in all places, that were not at too great a diftance from Spair, thefe authors were read ; and fuch of the 
 Greek authors as th-y had iranflated into Arabic, were from thence turned into Latin* The phyfic and philofophy 
 of the Arabians f:read themfelve. in Eu:ope, and with thefe the;r architecture ; many churches were built after the 
 Saracenic modi : and others with a mixture of heavy and light proportions, the alteration that the difference of 
 the climate might require, was little, if at all confidcjed. fin moll fouthern parts of Europe, and in Africa, the 
 windows, (before the life ofgkfs) made with narrow apertures, and placed very high in the walls of the buildings., 
 occafioned a (hade and darknefs within fide, and were all contrived to guard againft the fierce rays of the fun j yet 
 were ill fuited to thefe latitudes, where that glcrioLS luminary flieds its feebler influences, and is rarely feen but 
 through a watery cloud. Riouj's Architecture. 
 
 {a) Le vingt-trofieme deccmois nous allames encore en ceremonieau village d^ Kalndocn, a une bonne lieiie.de 
 la ville, pour y voir le torr.beau D'Abdulla. On dit que ce faint avoit autrefois l'infpeclion des eaux D'Emceu 
 Ofleyn, & quit t tpit un des 12 difciples, ou a ce quils pretendent ; un des apotres de leur prophete, ce tombcau qui 
 eft place entre quatre murailles, revetues de petites pierr s, eft de marbre gris, orne de caiaclerci Arabcs, & •en tour e 
 de lampcs, de cuivre etame'e^ ; on y monte par 15 Marches d'tm pied de haut, & Ton y en trouve 15 autres un pcu 
 plus thv.es qui conduifent, a une platte forme quaree, qui 832 pieds de large de chaque cote, & fur le devant, de 
 la quelle il y a deux colomnes de petites pierre., entre, les quelles il s'en trouve de bleues. La b.ife en a 5 pieds de 
 large, & une petite rorte, avec un efcaiier a noyau qui a aufli 15 Marches. Elles font fort endommagces par 
 les injures du temps, & il parcit qu"cl!esont ete une fois plus eievees quelles nc font a prefent. L'efcalier en eft fi 
 etroit qu'il faut qu'un homme de t;.i!!e ordinaire fe delhabille pour y monter, commc je fis, & paflai la moitie du 
 corps au d;ffus de la colomnc. Mais ce qu'il y a de plus extraordinaire, eft que lors c^u'on ebranle une des colomnes 
 en faifnnt un mouvement du ccrp s j l'autre en reffent les feccuffe , & eft agitee du memc ; e'eft une chofe done jaj 
 fait 1'epreuve, fans en pouvoir comprendre, ni apprendre la raiion. Pendant que j'ctois occupe a deflincr ce 
 batimcnt, qu'on trouve au Num. 71, un jeune garcon de 12 a 13 ans, bofl'u pai devant, grimpa en dehors, le long 
 de la muraille, jufp'au haut de la colomnc dont il fit le tour, & redefcendit de meme fans fe tenir a quci que ce 
 foit, qu'.ui.x petites pierres, de ce batimcnt, aux endroi'.s ou la chaux en etoit dctachee ; & il ne le fit que pour 
 nous divrtir. 
 
 (i) The Saracen mode of building feen irr the raft, foon fprcad over Europe, and particularly in France ; the 
 fafhiens of which nation we afF.cted to imitate in all ages ; even when we were at enmity with it. Nothing was 
 thought magnificent that was no: high beyond mcafure ; with the flutter of arch buttreflcs, fo we call the floping 
 2 
 
72 PREFACE. 
 
 firft feems plaufible; but if it was fact, the public buildings erected by that 
 people, would have borne teftimony of it: but not the leaf!: traces of Gothic 
 architecture are to be met with in the portraits of the Moorim palaces, given in 
 Lcs Delices D'Efpagne, faid to be faithful reprefentations ; and where, as well 
 as in an authentic drawing of the Moorim Caftle at Gibraltar, the arches are all 
 reprefented fcmicircular. Perhaps a more general knowledge of thefe buildings 
 would throw fome lights on the fubjeel, at prefent almoft entirely enveloped in 
 obfeurity: poffibly the Moors may, like us, at different periods, have ufed 
 different manners of building. Having thus in vain attempted to difcover from 
 whence we had this ftyle, let us turn to what is more certainly known, the time 
 of its introduction into this kingdom, and thefucceffive improvements and changes 
 it has undergone. 
 
 Its firft appearance here was towards the latter end of the reign of King Henry 
 the Second ; but was not at once thoroughly adopted ; fome fhort folid columns, 
 and femicircular arches, being retained, and mixed with the pointed ones. An 
 example of this is feen in the weft end of the Old Temple Church ; and at York, 
 where, under the choir, there remains much of the ancient work ; the arches of 
 which are but juft pointed, and rife on fhort, round pillars : both thefe were 
 built in that reign. More inftances might be brought, was not the thing probable 
 initfelf; new inventions, even when ufeful, not being readily received. The 
 great weft tower of Ely Cathedral was built by Bimop Rydel, about this time : 
 thofe arches were all pointed. 
 
 In the reign of Henry the Third, this manner of building feems to have gained 
 a complete footing; the circular giving place to the pointed arch, and the mafiive 
 column yielding to the flender pillar. Indeed, like all novelties, when once 
 .admitted, the rage of famion made it become fo prevalent, that many of the ancient 
 and folid buildings, erected in former ages, were taken down, in order to be 
 
 arches that piife the higher vaultings of the nave. The Romans always concealed their butments ; whereas ti e 
 'Normans thought them ornamental. Thefe I have obferved are the firft things that occr.fion the ruin of cathedrals ; 
 being fo much expofed to the air and weather : the coping, which cannot defend them, firit failing, and if they 
 give way, the vault muft fpread. Pinnacles are of no ufe, and as little ornament. The pride of a very high roof, 
 raifed above reafonable pitch, is not for duration ; for the lead is apt to flip ; but we are tied to this indifcreet 
 form, and muft be contented with original faults in the firft deiign. But that which is molt to be lamented, is the 
 unhappy choice of the materials ; the Hone is decayed fcur inches deep, and falls off perpetually in great (bales. I 
 iind, after the Conqueft, all our artiih were fetched from Normandy ; they loved to work in their own Caen ftone, 
 which is more beautiful than durable. This was found expenfive to bring hither ; fo they thought Rygate fione, 
 in Surry, the neareit like their own ; being a flone that would faw and work like wood, but not durable, as is 
 manifeft : and they ufed this for the afhlar of the whole fabric, which is now d'sfigured in the higheit degree. 
 This Hone takes in water; which, being frozen, fcales off; whereas good flone gathers a crufl, and defends itfelf, 
 as many of our Englifli free-ftones do. And though we have alfo the beft oak timber in the world, yet thefe 
 fenfelefs artificers, in Weflminfter-hall, and other places, would work their chefnuts from Ncrmandy : that timber 
 is not natural to England ; it works finely, but fooner decays than oak. — The rcof in the abby is oak, but mixed 
 With chefiwt, und wrought after a bad Norman manner; that does not fecure it from flretching, and damaging 
 the walls, and the water of the gutters is ill carried ofF. All this is faid, the better, in the next place, to reprefent 
 to your lordfhip what has been done, and is wanting Mill to be carried on ; as time and money is allowed to make 
 3 fubltantial and durable repair. Wrens Parentalia, page 298. 
 
PREFACE. 73 
 
 re-edified in the new tafte; or had additions patched to them, of this mode of archi- 
 tecture. The prefent cathedral church of Salifbury was begun early in this reign, 
 and finiflied in the year 1258. It is entirely in the Gothic ftyle ; and, according 
 to Sir Chriftopher Wren, may be juftly accounted one of the beft patterns of 
 architecture of the age in which it was built. Its excellency is undoubtedly in 
 a great meafure owing to its being conftructed on one plan; whence arifes that 
 fymmetry and agreement of parts, not to be met with in many of our other 
 cathedral churches; which have moftly been built at different times, and in a 
 variety of ftyles. The fafhionable manner of building at this period, and till the 
 reign of Henry the Eighth, as is deicribed by Mr. Bentham, fee in note (#). 
 
 (a) During the whole reign of Henry the Third, the fafhionable pillars to our churches were of Purbec marble, 
 Very (lender and round, encompafled with marble (hafts a little detached, fo as to make them appear of a propor- 
 tionable thicknefs ; thefe (hafts had each of them a capital richly adorned with foliage, which together, in a clufter, 
 formed one elegant capital for the whole pillar. This form, though graceful to the eye, was attended with an 
 inconvenience, perhaps not apprehended at firft ; for the (hafts, defigned chiefly for ornament, confining of long 
 pieces cut horizontally from the quarry, when placed in a perpendicular fituanon, were apt to fplit and break ; 
 which probably occafioned this manner to be laid afide in the next century. There was alfo fome variety in the' 
 form of the vaultings in the fame reign : thefe they generally chofe to make of chalk, for its lightnefs ; but the 
 arches and principal ribs were of free-ftone. The vaulting of Salifbury Cathedral, one of the earlieft, is high 
 pitched, between arches and crofs-fpringers only, without any further decorations : but fome that were built foou 
 after, are more ornamental, rifing from their imports with more fpringers, and fpreading themfelves to the middle 
 of the vaulting, are enriched at their interfe&ion with carved orbs, foliage, and other devices : as in Bifhop 
 
 Norwood's work, in the Prefbytery, at the eaft end of the cathedral of Ely. As to the windows of that 
 
 age, we find them very long, narrow, (harp-pointed, and ufually decorated on the infide and outfide with fmall 
 marble lhafts : the order and difpofition of the windows, varied in fome meafure, according to the ftories of which 
 the building confifted; in one of three ftories, the uppermoft had commonly three windows within the compafs of 
 every arch, the center one being higher than thofe on each fide ; the middle tire or ftory had two within the fame 
 fpace ; and the loweft, only one window, ufually divided by a pillar or mullion, and after ornamented on the top 
 with a trefoil, fingle rofe, or fome fuch Ample decoration ; which probably gave the hint for branching out the 
 whole head into a variety of tracery and foliage, when the windows came afterwards to be enlarged. The ufe of 
 painting, and ftained glafs, in our churches, is thought to have begun about this time : this kind of ornament, as 
 it diminifhed the light, induced the neceffity of making an alteration in the windows; either by increafmg the 
 number, or enlarging their proportions ; for fuch a gloominefs, rather than overmuch light, feems more proper 
 for fuch facred edifices, and better calculated for recollecting Ihe thoughts, and fixing pious affections : yet without 
 that alteration, our churches had been too dark and gloomy ; as fome of them now, being diverted of that ornament, 
 
 for the fame reafon, appear over light. As for fpires and pinnacles, with which our oldeft churches are 
 
 fometimes, and more modern ones are frequently decorated, I think they are not very ancient; the towers and 
 turrets of churches buiit by the Normans, in the firrt century after their coming, were covered as platform?, with 
 battlements or plain parapet walls; fome of them indeed, built within that period, we now fee finiflied with 
 pinnacles or fpires ; which were additions, fince the modern ftyle of pointed arches prevailed ; for before we meet 
 With none. One of the earlieft fpires we have any account of, is that of old St. Paul's, finiflied in the year 1222: 
 it was, I think, of timber, covered wi.h lead ; but not long after, they began to build them of ftonc; and to finifli 
 
 all their buttreffes in the fame manner. Architecture, under Edward the Firft, was fo nearly the fame as 
 
 in his father Henry the Third's time, ihat it is no eafy matter to diilinguifh it. Improvements no doubt were then 
 made ; but it is difficult to define them accurately. The tranfuion from one ftyle to another, is ufually affected by 
 degrees, and therefore not very remarkable at firft; but it becomes fo at fome dirtance of time : towards the latter 
 part indeed of his reign, and in that of Edward the Second, we begin to difcover a manifeft change of the mode, 
 as well in the vaulting and make of the columns, as the formation of the windows. The vaulting was, I think, 
 -more decorated than before ; for now the principal ribs arifing from their import, being fpread over the inner face 
 of the arch, ran into a kind of tracer)' ; or rather, with tranfoms divided the roof into various angular compartments, 
 
74 PREFACE. 
 
 In the beginning of the reign of Henry the Eighth, or rather towards the 
 latter end of that of Henry the Seventh, when brick buildings became common, 
 a new kind of low pointed arch grew much in ufe : it was defcribed from four 
 centers, was very round at the haunches, and the angle at the top was very obtufe. 
 This fort of arch is to be found in every one of Cardinal Wolfey's buildings ; 
 alfo at Weft Sheen; an ancient brick gate at Mile End, called King John's Gate; 
 and in the great gate of the palace at Lambeth. From this time Gothic archi- 
 tecture began to decline, and was foon after fupplanted by a mixed ftyle, if one 
 may venture to call it one ; wherein the Grecian and Gothic, however difcordant 
 and irreconcileable, are jumbled together. Concerning this mode of building, 
 
 and were ufually ornamented in the angles, with gilded orbs, carved heads or figures, and other emboffed work. 
 The columns retained fomething of their general form already defcribed ; that is, as an alTemblage of fmall pillars 
 or (hafts : but thefe decorations were now not detached or feparate from the body of the columns, but made part 
 of it ; and being clofely united and wrought up together, formed one entire, firm, flender and elegant column. 
 The windows were now greatly enlarged, and divided into feveral lights by ftone mullions, running into various 
 ramifications above, and dividing the head into numerous compartments of different forms, as leaves, open flowers, 
 and other fanciful fhapes ; and more particularly the eaftern and weftern windows (which became fafhionable about 
 this time) took up nearly the whole breadth of the nave, and were carried up almoft as high as the vaulting ; and 
 being fet off with painted and ftained glafs, of moll lively colours, with portraits of kings, faints, martyrs and 
 confeflbrs, and other hiftorical reprefentations, made a moll fplendid and glorious appearance. The three firft 
 arches of the Prefbytery, adjoining to the dome and lantern of the Cathedral Church of Ely, began the latter part 
 of Edward the Second's reign, A. D. 1322, to exhibit elegant fpecimens of thefe fafhionable pillars, vaultings 
 and windows. St. Mary's Chapel (now Trinity Parifh Church) at Ely, built about the fame time, is conftrudted 
 on a different plan ; but the vaulting and windows are in the fame ftyle. The plan of this chapel, generally 
 accounted one of the mofl perfect flruftures of that age, is an oblong fquare ; it has no pillars nor fide ifles, but 
 is fupported by ftrong fpiring buttreffes, and was decorated on the outfide with ftatues over the eafl and weft 
 windows; and within fide alfo with ftatues, and a great variety of other fculpture, well executed. The fafhion 
 of adorning the weft end of our churches with rows of ftatues, in tabernacles or niches, with canopies over them^ 
 obtained very foon after the introduction of pointed arches, as may be feen at Peterborough and Salifbury ; and in 
 
 later times we find them in a more improved tafle, as at Lichfield and Wells. The fame ftyle and manner 
 
 of building prevailed all the reign of Edward the Third; and with regard to the principal parts and members, 
 continued in ufe to the reign of Henry the Seventh, and the greater part of Henry the Eighth; only towards the 
 la:ter part of that period, the windows were lefs pointed and more open ; a better tafte for ftatuary began to appear ; 
 and indeed, a greater care feems to have been bellowed on all the ornamental parts, to give them a lighter and 
 higher finifning; particularly the ribs of the vaulting, which had been large, and feemingly formed for ftrength 
 and fuppott, became at length divided into fuch an abundance of parts, iffuing from their impofts as from a center, 
 and fpreading theihfelves over the vaulting, where they were intermixed with fuch delicate fculpture, as gave the; 
 whole vault the appearance of embroidery, enriched with clufters of pendent ornaments, rcfembling the works 
 
 Nature fjmetimes forms in caves and grottos, hanging down from their roofs. To what height cf perfection 
 
 modern architecture (I mean that with pointed arches, its chief charatteriftic) was carried on in this kingdom, 
 appears by that one complete fpecimen of it, the chapel founded by King Henry the Sixth, in his college at 
 Cambridge, and finifhed by King Henry the Eighth. The decorations, harmony, and proportions of the feveral 
 parts of this magnificent fab.ic, its fine painted windows, and richly ornamented roof, its gloom, and perfpeclive, 
 all concur in affecting the imagination with pleafure and delight, at the fame time that they infpire awe and 
 devotion. It is undoubtedly ons of the moft complete, elegant, and magnificent ftructnres in the kingdom ; and 
 }f, befides thefe larger works, we take into our view, thofe fpecimens of exquifite workmanfhip we meet with in 
 the fmaller kinds of oratories, chapels, and monumental edifices, proJuccd fo late as the reign of Henry the 
 Eighth, fome of which are ftill in bjing, or at leaft fo much of them,, as to give an idea of their foimer grace and 
 beauty, one can hardly help concluding, that architeclure arrived at its higheft point of t,lory in this kingdom, but 
 jut before its final period. Bentbam. 
 
PREFACE. 75 
 
 Mr. Wharton, in his Obfervations on Spencer's Fairy Queen, has the following 
 anecdotes and remarks : 
 
 " Did arife 
 
 '* On /lately pillars, fram'd after the Doric guife. 
 ** Although the Roman or Grecian architecture did not begin to prevail in England 
 '* till the time of Inigo Jones, yet our communication with the Italians, and our 
 e< imitation of their manners,, produced fome fpecimens of that ftyle much earlier. 
 ** Perhaps the earlieft is Somerfet-Houfe in the Strand, built about the year 
 " 1549, by the duke of Somerfet, uncle to Edward the Sixth. The monument 
 " of Bifhop Gardiner, in Winchefter Cathedral, made in the reign of Mary, 
 "about 1555, 1S decorated' with Tonic pillars; Spencer's verfes, here quoted, 
 ** bear an allufion to fome of thefe fafliionable improvements in building, which, 
 " at this time, were growing more and more into efteem. Thus alfo Biftiop Hall, 
 " who wrote about the fame time ; viz. 1598 : 
 
 ** There findeft thou fome ftately Doricke frame,, 
 
 ** Or neat Ionicke work 
 
 <* But thefe ornaments were often abfurdly introduced into the old Gothic ftyle : 
 " as in the magnificent portico of the fchools at Oxford, erected about the year 
 " 1 6 1 3 ; where the builder, in a Gothic edifice, has affectedly difplayed his 
 ** univerfal fkill in the modern architecture, by giving us all the five orders 
 " together. However, moft of the great buildings of Queen Elizabeth's reign, 
 " have a ftyle peculiar to themfelves both in form and finifhing ; where, though 
 " much of the old Gothic is retained, and great part of the new tafte is adopted, 
 " yet neither predominates ; while both, thus indiftinctly blended, compofe a 
 *' fantaftic fpecies, hardly reducible to any clafs or name. One of its characteriftics 
 *' is the affectation of large and lofty windows j where, fays Bacon, you (hall 
 *« have fometimes fair houfes fo full of glafs, that one cannot tell where to 
 " become, to be out of the fun." 
 
 The marks which conftitute the character of Gothic, or Saracenical archi- 
 tecture, are its numerous and prominent buttreffes, its lofty fpires and pinnacles, 
 its large and ramified windows, its ornamental niches or canopies, its fculptured 
 faints, the delicate lace-work of its fretted roofs, and the profufion of ornaments 
 lavifhed indifcriminately over the whole building : but its peculiar diftinguifhing 
 characterises are, the fmall cluftered pillars and pointed arches, formed by the 
 fegments of two interfering circles; which arches, though laft brought into ufe, 
 are evidently of a more fimple and obvious conftruction than the femicircular 
 ones ; two flat ftones, with their tops inclined to each other, and touching, form 
 its rudiments, a number of boughs ftuck into the ground oppofite each other, and 
 tied together at the top, in order to form a bower, exactly defcribe it : whereas 
 a femicircular arch appears the refult of deeper contrivance, as confifting of more 
 parts ; and it feems lefs probable, chance, from whence all thefe inventions were: 
 
7 6 PREFACE. 
 
 firft derived, (hould throw feveral wedge-like ftones between two fet perpendicular, 
 fo as exactly to fit and fill up the interval. 
 
 Bishop warburton, in his notes on Pope's Epiftles, in the octavo edition, 
 has fome ingenious oblervations on this fubjecl:, which are given in the note (a) ; 
 to which it may not be improper to add fome particulars relative to Caen flone,- 
 
 (<?) Our Gothic anccftors had jufter and manlier notions of magnificence, on Greek and Roman ideas, than thefe 
 mimics of tafte, who profefs to (ludy only claftic elegance : and becaufe the thing does honour to the genius of thofe 
 barba ians, I fhall endeavour to explain it. All our ancient churches are called, without diftinction, Gothic; 
 but erroneoufly. They are of two forts: the one built in the Saxon times; the other in the Norman. Several 
 cathedral and collegiate churches of the firll fptt are yet remaining, either in whole or in part ; of which, this was 
 the original: when the Saxon kings became chriftian, their piety (which was the piety of the times) confifted in 
 building churches at home, and performing pilgrimages abroad, efpecially to the Holy Land : and thefe fpiritual 
 exercifcs affiled and fupported one another. For the moil venerable, as well as mod elegant models of religious 
 edifices were then in Paleftine* From thefe, our Saxon builders took the whole of their ideas ; as may be feen by 
 comparing the drawings which travellers have given us of the churches yet Handing in that country, with the Saxon 
 remains of what we find at home ; and particularly in that famenefs of ftyle in the later religious edifices of the 
 Knights Templars, (profeffedly built upon the model of the church of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerufalem) with the 
 
 earlier remains of our Saxon edifices. Now the architecture of the Holy Land was Grecian, but greatly 
 
 fallen from its ancient elegance. Our Saxon performance was indeed a bad copy of it ; and as much 
 
 inferior to the works of St. Helene and Juftinian, as theirs were to the Grecian models they had followed : yet ftill 
 the footfteps of ancient art appeared in the circular arches^ the entire columns, the divifion of the entablature, into 
 a fort of architrave, frize, and corniche, and a folidity equally diifufed over the whole mafs. This, by way of 
 
 diftinction, I would call the Saxon architecture. But our Norman works had a very different original. 
 
 When the Goths had conquered Spain, and the genial warmth of the climate, and the religion of the old inhabitants, 
 had ripened their wits, and inflamed their miftaken piety, (both kept in exercife by the neighbourhood of the! 
 Saracens, through emulation of their fcience, and averfion to their fuperftition) they ftruck.out a new fpecies of 
 architecture, unknown to Greece and Rome ; upon original principles, and ideas much nobler than what had 
 given birth even to claffical magnificence. For this northern people having been accuftomed, during the gloom 
 of paganifm, to worfhip the Deity in groves, (a practice common to all nations) when their new religion required 
 covered edifices, they ingenioufly projected to make them refemble groves, as nearly as the diftance of architecture 
 would permit ; at once indulging their old prejudices, and providing for their prefent conveniences, by a cool 
 receptacle, in a fultry climate : and with what (kill and fuccefs they executed the project, by the affiftance of 
 Saracen architects, whofe exotic ftyle of building very luckily fuited their purpofe, appears from hence, that no 
 attentive obftrver ever viewed a regular avenue of well grown trees, intermixing their branches over head, but it 
 piefently put him in mind of the long vifto through a Gothic cathedral ; or ever entered one of the larger and 
 more ele?ant edifices of this kind, but it reorefented to his imasination an avenue of trees : and this alone is what 
 
 can be truly called the Gothic ftyle of building. Under this. idea, of fo extraordinary a fpecies cf architecture, 
 
 all the irregular trahfgreflions ag.unft artj all the monftrous offences againft nature, difappear; every thing has its 
 reafon, ev.-ry thing is in order, and an harmonious whole arifes from the ftudious application of means, proper 
 and proportioned to the end. For could the. arches be otherwife than pointed, when the workmen were to imitate 
 that curve which branches of two oppofite trees make by their interfection with one another ; or could the columns 
 b: otherwife than fplit into diftinct (hafts, when they were to reprefent the ftems of a clump of trees, growing 
 clofj together? On the fame principles they formed the fpreading ramification of the ftone-work in the windows, 
 and the llained glafs in the interftices ; the one to reprefent the branches, and the other the leaves, cf an opening 
 grove; and both concurred t:> pieferve that glo my light which infpires religious reverence and dread. Laflly, we 
 fee the reafon of their ftudied averfion to apparent folidity in thefe ftupendous maiTes, deemed fo abflrd by men 
 accuftomed to the apparent as well as real llrcngth of Grecian architecture. Had it been only a wanton exercife of 
 the artiit's (kill, to (hew he could give real ftrength without the appearance of any, we might indeed admire his 
 fuperior fcience ; but we muft needs condemn his ill. judgment. But when one confiders, that this furprifing 
 lightnefs was nect-fi'iiy to complete the execution of his idea of a Sylvan place of worfliip, one cannot fufficicntiy 
 
 a 'mire the ingenuity of the contrivance. This too will account for the contrary qualities in what I call the 
 
 Saxon arth.tecture. Thefe artifts copied, as has been faid, from the chinches in the Holy Land, which were 
 
('/,•////. I , ■/////// 1 
 
PREFACE. 77 
 
 with which manv of our ancient cathedrals are built, as extracted from fome 
 curious records, originally given in Doctor Ducarrel's Anglo Norman Anti- 
 quities (a). 
 
 I shall clofe this article, with recommending it to fuch as defire more 
 knowledge of thefe matters than is communicated in this flight compilation, to 
 perufe Wren's Parentalia, Wharton's Thoughts on Spencer's Fairy Queen, and 
 the Ornaments of Churches confidered; but, above all, Mr. Bentham's DhTertation 
 on Saxon and Norman Architecture, prefixed to his Hiftory of Ely, to which the 
 author of this account efteems himfelf much beholden. 
 
 built on the models of the Grecian architecture, but corrupted by prevailing barbarifm ; and flill further depraved 
 by a religious idea. The firll places of Chriftian worftup were fepulchres and fubterraneous caverns, low and 
 heavy from neceflity. When ChrifHanity became the religion of the ftate, and fumptuous temples began to be 
 erected, they yet, in regard to the firll pious ages, preferved the maffive ftyle ; made ftill more venerable by the 
 church of the Holy Sepulchre; where this ftyle was, on a double account, followed and aggravated. 
 
 In the note, page 30 of this work, it was hinted, that the coin, ftone, and facing of the arches, in Gundulph'» 
 Tower, was brought from Caen in Normandy : a curious gentleman has favoured me with the following particular, 
 refpe^ting this ftone. Formerly vaft quantities of this ftone were brought to England ; London-Bridge, Weftminfter- 
 Abby, and many other edifices, being built therewith. See Sto-we's Survey of London, edit. 1633, p. 31, 32, ISc. 
 See alfo Rot. Liter, patent. Norman, de anno 6 Hen. V. P. 1 rn. 22. — " De quarreris alba; petrae in fuburbio villa; de 
 
 Caen annexandis dominio regis pro reparatione ecclefiarum, caftrorum, et fortalitiorum, tam in Angiia quam in 
 " Noimannia." See alfo Rot. Nurinannia, de anno 9 Hen. V.m. 31, dors. — " Arreftando naves pro tranfportatione 
 " lapidum et petrarum, pro conftructione abbatiae Sanfti Petri de Weftminfter apartibus Cadomi." lbid.m. 30.— 
 " Pro domo Jefu deBethleem de Shene, de lapidibus in quarreris circa villam de Cadomo capiendis pro conftrudtione 
 «.« ecclefiae, clauftri, et cellarum domus praediclae." See alfo Rot. Francia, de anno 35 Hen. VI. m. 2. " Pro 
 
 falvo conduftu ad fupplicationem abbatis et conventus Bead Petri Weftmonafterii, pro mercatoribus de Caen in 
 " Normannia, veniendis in Angliam cum lapidibus de Caen, pro ajdificatione monafterii prasdifti. Tefte rege, apud 
 
 " Weftm. ic die Augufti." S^e alfo Rot. Francia, de anno 38 Hen. VI. m. 23.1 " De falvo conductu pro nave 
 
 " de Caen in regnum Angiia; revenienda, cum lapidibus de Caen pro reparatione monafterii de Weflminfter. Tefte 
 " rege apud Weft. 9 die Maii. — Now, however, the exportation of this ftone out of France, is fo ftriftly prohibited, 
 «■ that, when it is to be fent by fea, the owner of the ftone, as well as the mafter of the veftel on board which it is 
 " Ihipped, is obliged to give fecurity, that it fliall not be fold to foreigners." 
 
 DOME S D AY- 
 
78 PREFACE. 
 
 .DOMESDAY-BOOK. 
 
 DoMES DAY-BO OK, according to Sir Henry Spelman, if not the mo ft 
 ancient, yet, without controverfy (a), the moft venerable monument of Great 
 Britain, contains an account of all the lands of England ; except the four northern 
 counties, Northumberland, Cumberland, Weftmoreland, Durham, and part of 
 Lancashire; and defcribes the quantity and particular nature of them; whether 
 meadow, paflure, arable, wood, or wade land : it mentions their rents and 
 taxations ; and records the feveral poffeffors of lands, their number, and diftincl: 
 degrees. King Alfred, about the year 900, compofed a book of like nature ; of 
 which this was in fome meafure a copy. 
 
 This work, according to the Red Book in the Exchequer, was begun, by 
 order of William the Conqueror, with the advice of his parliament, in the year 
 of our Lord 1080, and completed in the year 1086 (<£). The reafon given for 
 doing it, as affigned by feveral ancient records and hiftories, was, that every 
 man mould be fatisfied with his own right ; and not ufurp, with impunity, what 
 belonged to another (c). Befides thefe, other motives feem to have occafioned 
 
 (/?) Mr. Selden, in his preface to Eadmerus, p. 4, fpeaking of Domefday, fays, " Neque puto alibi in orbe 
 " Chriftiano adlorum publicorum autographa, quorum faltem ratio aliqua habenda eft, extare qua non fasculis 
 " aliquot his cedunt." 
 
 (6) This alfo appears, from the concurrent teftimony of divers ancient writers ; and from an entry written at the 
 end of the fecond volume of the work itfelf ; where, in a large coeval hand, in capitals, are the words following : 
 " Anno millefimo oclogeflimo fexto ab incarnatione Domini, vigefimo vero regni Willi, facia eft ifta defcriptio, 
 " non folum per hos tres comitatus, fed etiam per alios."- My lord Littleton, in his Hiftory of Henry the 
 " Second, vol. ii. page 289, fays, " It was made by order of William the Firft, with the advice of his parliament, 
 " the year one thoufand and eighty-fix ; but it feems not to have been finiflied till the following year." His 
 lord/hip does not cite any authority, to prove this fuppofition. 
 
 (c) The author of the Dialogues de Scaccario, who wrote in the time of Henry the Second, bcok i. cap. xvi. 
 gives this account of it, fpeaking of William the Conqueror: " Demum ne quid deefTe videretur ad omnem 
 " totius providential fummam, communicato confilio, dilcretiliimos a latere fuo deftiuavit viros per regnum in 
 " circuitu, ab his itaque totius terra? defcriptio diligens facta eft, tarn in nemcribus quam pafcuis, et pratis, nes 
 '* non et agriculturis, et verbis communibus annotata, in librum redafla eft ; ut videlicet quilibet jure fuo contentus 
 " alienum non ufurpet impune. Fit autem defcriptio per comitatus per centuriatas et hydas, pramotato in ipfo 
 " capite regis nomine et deinde feriatim aliorum procerum nominibus appofitis fecundum ftatus fui dignitatem, qui 
 " videlicet de rege tenent in capite. Apponuntur aurem fingulis numeri fecundum ordinem fic difpofnis, per quos 
 " inferius in ipia libri ferie, quae ad eos pertinent facilius occurrant. Hie liber ab indigenis Domus-Dei nuncapatur, 
 " id eft, dies judicii, per mctaphoram. Sicut enim diftridli et terribilis examinis iilius noviffimi fcn'.entia, nulla 
 " tergiverfationis arte valet eludi : lie cum orta fuit in regno contentio de his rebus qua; illic annotantur ; cum 
 »« ventum fuerit ad librum, fententia ejus infatuari non poteft, vel impune dcclinari. Ob hoc nos eundem librum 
 " judiciorum nomihavimus ; non quod in co de prspolitis aliquibus dubiis feratur fententia; fed quod ab eo, ficuS 
 a prxdicl^ judicio non licet ulla ratione uiXcedcrt." Dra;tg. tic Scacc. f age 30, 31, piblificd by Mr. Madox* 
 
PREFACE. 79 
 
 this furvey. Sir Martin Wright, in his Introduction to the Law of Tenures, 
 appears to be of this opinion ; which he exprefl.es in the following words: " It 
 " is very remarkable, that William the Firfl:, about the twentieth year of his 
 " reign, jufl: when the general furvey of England, called Domefday-Book, is 
 *' fuppofed to be finiflied, and not till then, fummoned all the great men and 
 " landholders in the kingdom to London and Salifo'jry, to do their homage, and 
 «' fwear their fealty to him j by doing whereof, the Saxon Chronicler fuppofes, 
 " that, at that time, the proceres, et omnes prasdia tenentes, fe illi fubdidere, 
 " ejufque facli funt Vafalli ; fo that we may reafonably fuppofe, Firfl:, That this 
 " general homage and fealty was done at this time, (nineteen or twenty years 
 " after the acceflion of William the Firft) in confequence of fomething new ; 
 M or elfe that engagements fo important to the maintenance and fccurity of a new 
 " cftablifliment, had been required long before ; and if fo, it is probable that 
 *' tenures were then new j inafmuch as homage and fealty were, and ftill are, 
 " mere feudal engagements, binding the homager to all the duties and obfervances 
 " of a feudal tenant. Secondly, That as this general homage and fealty was- 
 " done about the time that Domefday-Book was nnimed, and not before, we 
 " may fuppofe that that furvey was taken upon or foon after our anceflors 
 " confent to tenures, in order to difcover the quantity of every man's fee, and to 
 " fix his homage. This fuppofition is the more probable, becaufe it is not likely 
 " that a work of this nature was undertaken without fome immediate reafon ; 
 '* and no better reafon can be afligned why it was undertaken at this time, or 
 " indeed why this furvey fhould be taken at all ; there being at that time extant, 
 " a general furvey of the whole kingdom, made by Alfred." 
 
 The Saxon chronicle, publifhed by Bilhop Gibfon, thus mentions it; " Poll hxc, tenuitrex magnum concilium, 
 " et graves (ermones habuit cum fuis proceribus de hac terra, quo modo incoleretur, et a quibus hominibus. 
 " Mittebat idoirco per totam Anglorum terram in fingulos comitatus fuos fervos, quibus permilit fcrutari quot 
 ** hydarum centence eftent in comitatu, et quantum cenfus annui deberet percipcre, ex eo comitatu. Perniifit 
 '« etiam defcribi, quantum terrarum ejus archiepifcopi habcrent, et dicecefani epifcopi, ac ejus abbates, ejus 
 " comites ; ct ne longior in hoc fim, quid aut quantum unufquifque habcret, qui terras pollideret in Anqlcrum 
 '* gente, five terrarum, five pecoris, quantum illud pecunia valeret. Tarn diligentcr luftiari terram pcrmifit, ut 
 •* nz unica eflet hyda, aut virgata terra;, nequidem (quod diclu turpe, verum in fact.ii turpe non exiftimarit) bos, 
 " aut vacca, aut porcus prxtcrmittebatur, quod nou is retulurat in cenfum : omniaque poftca fcripta ad eum 
 " clFerebantur." Page 1 86, anno 1085. 
 
 In the efcheat rolls of Edward the Third, the occafion and manner of making this furvey, and its authority, 
 are declared nearly in the fame words of the author of the Dialogues de Scaccario. It is thus fpokcn of in the 
 annals of Waverly : " Mifit rex Williclmus juilitiarios fuos per unamquamque Scyram, id eft proviiiciam Anglix, 
 ** et iniquirere fecit per jus jurandum quot hida;, id eft jugera uni aratro fuftkientia per annum, eficnt in unaquaque 
 "villa, et quot animalia ; hinc autem fecit inquiri quid unaquaque urbs, cafteHum, vicus, villa, flumen, pains, 
 ** filva rcddit per annum; haec aut.m omnia in chartis fcripta d.lata funt ad reg<m, et in thefauros rcpofita .fque 
 " hodic fervantur. — Rex tenuit curiam fuam in natali apud Gloceftre, ad pafcha apud Wintoniam, ad pentecoftcm 
 " apud Londoniam : deinde accipiens hominium omnium terrariorum Anglian cujufiur.que feodi e'fient, juramenturu 
 *■* fidelitatis, rccipere non dillulit." Page 133. 
 
 Mr. Agsrd, in his Preface to the Obfolete Words in Domefday-Book, afiigns an additional reafon for the 
 Conqueior's making this furvey ; " Conqueitor fub ipfo fuo ingreflu regnum, hoc annuo tributo (Daiugclt vocatum) 
 " taxatum invenit ; pro quo colligendo, Rex Ethdredus totum regnum in hidas divifit, quarum fingulu fix foliJoi 
 
 4 
 
8o PREFACE. 
 
 For the execution of this furvey, commiflioners were fent into every county 
 and fhire ; and juries fummoned in each hundred, out of all orders of freemen, 
 from barons down to the lovveft farmers ; who were, upon oath, to inform the 
 commiffioners the name of each manor, and that of its owner; alfo by whom it was 
 held in the time of Edward the Confeffor; the number of hides, the quantity 
 of wood, of palture, and meadow land ; how many ploughs were in the denv.fhe, 
 and how many in the tenanted part of it; how many mills, how many fiih- 
 ponds, or fifheries belonged to it ; with the value of the whole together in the time 
 of King Edward, as well as when granted by King William, and at the time 
 of this furvey ; alfo whether it was capable of improvement, or of being advanced 
 in its value : they were likewife directed to return the tenants of every degree, 
 the quantity of lands now and formerly held by each of them; and what was the 
 number of the villains or flaves; and alfo the number and kinds of their cattle and 
 live flock. Thefe inquifitions being firft methodized in the county, were afterwards 
 fent up to the king's Exchequer; fome of the particulars, concerning which the 
 jury were directed to enquire, were thought unnecefTary to be inferted. This 
 furvey, at the time in which it was made, gave great offence to the people; and 
 cccafioned a jealoufy that it was intended for- the foundation of fome new 
 impofition. 
 
 Notwithstanding the precaution taken by the Conqueror to have this 
 furvey faithfully and impartially executed, it appears, from indifputable authority 
 that a falfe return was given in by fome of the commiffioners ; and that, as it is 
 faid, out of a pious motive. This was in the cafe of the abby of Croyland in 
 Lincolnshire ; the poffeffions of which were greatly under-rated, both with 
 regard to quantity and talue. Perhaps fimilar, or more intereftcd inducements, 
 may have operated in other inflances. A deviation from truth, fo clearly proved, 
 fully juftifies a fufpicion of the veracity of any record or teftimony. Perhaps more 
 
 *' perfolvere tenetur. — Cum vero Rex Willielmus illud aliquando majoris, aliquando minoris emolumenti efTe in 
 «' comperto habuifiet, optimum efle duxit, ut inquifitio per totum regnum haberetur, qua dignofceret, quantum 
 " fingula oppida, villa?, et hamletta numerare tenerentur; et ut libro Domefday fcriberetur his verbis, pro vi 
 " folidis. Kid;e, vel carucatis fe defendit, quod aeque valet ac fi diceret, pro tot folidis. Hidae, vel carucatis 
 " Danegelt perfolvit." The author of the notes to the Regifter of Original Writs, p. 14., erroneoufly afferts, 
 that this book was made in the time of Edward the Confeflbr. His words are: " Fait aflavoir que le livre de 
 " Domefday fuit fait en temps de Seint Edw. le roy, et touts les terres que furent en le main de dit Seint E. all 
 " temps que le livre fuift fait fount ancien demene, et les terres que furent adonques en auter main fount Frank- 
 " fee." This rniftake hath been adopted by Fitzherbert. 
 
 (a) Ingulphus, abbot of Croyland, himfclf confe/Tes it, in his account of this furvey. His own words are: 
 " Totam terram defcripiit, nec erat hida in tota Anglia, quin valorem ejus et pofleflbrem fuum fcivit; nec lacus 
 " nec locus aliquis, quin in regis rotulo extitit defcripcus, ac ejus reditus et proventus, ipfa poffeflio et ejus pofTeflbr 
 " regis notitiae manifeflatus, juxta taxatorum fidem qui electi de qualibet patria territorium proprium defcribebant. 
 " Illi penes nofcrum monafterium benevoli et amantes, non ad <verum pretium nec ad •vtr'um Jpatium noltxunt 
 " monalterium librabant, mifericorditer praecaventes in futurum regiis exaftionibus et aliis oneribus, fiiffima 
 " nobis ben'evolentia piovidtntes. — In illo vero defcripti funt, non tantum totius terrae comitatus centuriae et 
 " decuriae, fyhx, faltus, et villae" univerfae ; fed in omni territorio quot carucatae terras, quot jugera, et quot 
 " acrs, quae paicua et paludes, qux tenementa, ct qui tenentes continebantur." 
 
 Ingulphus, printed among the Scriptures Ang. vol. i. pr. 80, 81. 
 
PREFACE. 81 
 
 cf thefe pious returns were difcovered as it is faid, Ralph Flambard, minifter to 
 William Rufus, propofed the making a frefti and more rigorous iftquifition ; but 
 it was never executed. 
 
 Nevertheless, in defpight of this impeachment of its credibility, " the 
 *' authority of Domefday-Book {a), in point of tenure, hath never been permitted 
 " to be called in quefticn ; for iftftance, when it hath been neceffary to diftinguiih 
 
 whether lands were held in ancient demefne, or in what other manner, recourfe 
 c * hath always been had to Domefday-Book, and to that only, to determine the 
 " doubt. If lands were fet down in that book, under the title of Terra Regis, 
 " or if it was faid there. Rex Habet fuch land, or fuch a town, it was determined 
 * f to be the king's ancient demefne. If the land or town was therein fet down 
 « under the name of a private lord or fubjeel, then it was determined to have 
 s< been at the time of the furvey the land of fuch private perfon, and not ancient 
 c( demefne." Indeed, its name is faid to have been derived from its definitive 
 authority, from which, as from the fentence pronounced at Doomfday, or the 
 Day of Judgment, there could be no appeal. But Stowe affigns another reafon 
 for this appellation j Domefday-Book being, according to him, a corruption of 
 Domus Dei-Book ; a title given it becaufe heretofore depofited in the king's 
 treafury, in a place of the church of Weftminfcer, or Winchefter, called Domus- 
 Dei: but this latt explanation has but few advocates. This record is comprifed 
 in two volumes ; one a large folio, the other a quarto. The firft is written 
 pn 382 double pages of vellum, in a fmall, but plain character ; each page having 
 
 («) The tallages formerly afTeffed upon the king's tenants in ancient demefne, were ufually greater than the 
 •tallages upon perfons in the counties at h.rge ; and therefore, when perfons were wrongfully tallage d with thofe 
 in ancient demefne, it was ufual for them t >fpetition the Crown to be tallaged with the community c f the coin ry 
 at large: upon this the king's writ iffued to the barons of the Exchequer, to acquit the party aggrieved of fuch 
 tallage, in cafe, upon fearch of Domefday-Book, the barons faund the lands were not in ancient demefne. 
 
 Madox cirtfia Burgi, p. 5 and a. Hift. cf the Exchequer, p. 499, coo. 
 
 The pound fo often mentioned in D.omcfday-Book (fays Sir Robert Atkins, in his Hillory cf Gioucerfhire)- 
 for referved rent, was the weight of a pound in filver, con lifting of twelve ounces, which is equal in weight to 
 three pounds and two fnillings of our pre fent money : the fame weight in gold is now worth forty-eight pounds. 
 
 The (hilling mentioned in the fame hook, confiiled of twelve pence, and is equal in weight to three millings of 
 our money. The denomination cf a Ihilling was of different value in different nations; and often of a different 
 value in the fume nation, as the government thought fit to alter it. There was no fuch piece of money ever coined 
 in this kingdom, until the year 1504, in the latter end cf the reign of King Henty the Seventh. In che Saxon 
 times, there went forty-eight millings to the pound; then the fhiHing was accounted at rive pence; and everyone 
 of thofe pence being of the weight of our three pence, a fliiliing then mult make fifteen pence; and forty-eight 
 times fifteen pence, a pound weight. In the Norman time, and ever fince, a (lulling was accounted twelve pence ; 
 and every penny, as aforefaid, weighing three pence, there muft be the -weight of three of our (hi lings in one 
 fliiliing of the Norman computation : and confequently, twenty Norman (hillings do likewife make a pound 
 weight. Silver pence were anciently the only current coin of England ; and afterwards, about the reign of King 
 John, filver halfpence and filver farthings were introduced. The penny was the greateft piece of filver coin until 
 the year 1353, when King Edward the Third began to coin groats ; and they had their name from their large fize, 
 for Grofs did fignify Great. Crowns and half crowns were firit coined in the reign of King Edward the Sixth, in 
 the year 1551, about one hundred and fixty years fince. Page 5. 
 
 It piay not be improper to add, that a urucate, hide or plow land, was certain quantity of land, about 
 izo acre.% 
 
 X 
 
82 PREFACE. 
 
 a double column. Some of the capital letters and principal paffagea are touched 
 with red irk, as fliewn in the fpecimen; and fome have ftrokes of red ink run 
 crofs them, as if fcratched out. This volume contains the defcription of thirty-one 
 counties, arranged and written as follows : 
 
 Chent — 
 
 foL i 
 
 Midelftxe — 
 
 fol. 1 26 
 
 Northantfcire 
 
 — fol. 219 
 
 Sudfex — 
 
 16 
 
 Hertfordfcire 
 
 132 
 
 Ledecetlrefcire 
 
 — 230 
 
 Sudrie — 
 
 3° 
 
 Bockinghamfcire- 
 
 *43 
 
 Warwicfcire 
 
 — 238 
 
 Hantfcire — 
 
 38 
 
 Oxenfordfcire — 
 
 *54 
 
 Stafford lei re 
 
 — 245 
 
 Berrochefcire - 
 
 56 
 
 1 5 Glowceft'fcire — 
 
 162 
 
 25 Sciropefcire 
 
 — 252 
 
 Wiltefcire 
 
 64 
 
 Wiriceftrefcire — 
 
 172 
 
 Ceftrefcire - 
 
 262 
 
 Doriette — 
 
 75 
 
 Herefordfcire — 
 
 179 
 
 Derbyfcire 
 
 — 272 
 
 Sumerfite — 
 
 86 
 
 GrantbrTcire — 
 
 189 
 
 Snotingh'fcire 
 
 — 2S0 
 
 Devenefcire — 
 
 100 
 
 Huntedtmfcire — 
 
 2-03 
 
 Roteland — 
 
 f. 293, 367 
 
 Cornualgjie — ■ 
 
 120 
 
 20 Bedefordfcire — 
 
 209 
 
 Enrvicfcire — 
 
 2 9 8 > 379 
 
 Lindcfig, or Lincolnlhire, fol. 3.36, divided into the weft riding, nonh riding, and eaft riding. 
 
 Towards the beginning of each country, there is a catalogue of the capital 
 lords or great land-holders, who pofiefied any thing in it; beginning with the 
 king, and then naming the great lords, according to their rank and dignity. 
 
 The other volume is in quarto ; it is written on 450 double pages of vellum, 
 but in a fingle column, and in a large but very fair character. It contains the 
 counties of 
 
 ErTex, fol. 1; Norfolk, fol. 109; Suffolk, fol. 281, to the end. 
 Part of the county of Rutland is included in that of Northampton ; and part of 
 Lancafhire in the counties of York and Chefter. 
 
 From the great care formerly taken for the prefervation of this furvey, may 
 be gathered the eftimation of its importance ; the Dialogue de Scaccario fays ; 
 <( Liber ille (Domefday) figilli regis comes eft individuus in thefauro." 
 
 Until of late years, it has been kept under three different locks and keys ; 
 one in the cuftody of the treafurer, and the others of the two chamberlains of 
 the Exchequer. It is now depofited in the Chapter Houfe at Weft minder, 
 where it may be confulted, on paying to the proper officers a fee of 6s. %d. for a 
 learch, and four pence per line for a tranfcript. 
 
 Many copies of this ancient record, for particular counties, have been printed j 
 and many more are in public and private libraries. A catalogue of them are 
 given in an account of Domefday-Book, written by Philip Carteret Webb, Efq. 
 and published in 1756, by the Antiquarian Society : another has been fince printed 
 by Richard Gough, Efq. in his ufeful book, entitled, Anecdotes of Britiih Topo- 
 graphy, ranged under the different counties. As it appears there is no complete 
 copy of the whole, a laudable defign was fometime ago fet on foot for engraving 
 a fac-fimile copy of it ; but feveral difficulties occurring, it is faid to be 
 changed, for that of printing it with types : but this feems not entirely to anfwer 
 the end, there being many abbreviations in the original, the readings of which 
 
PREFACE. 83 
 
 are difputable. The intended copy will therefore only give the fenfe of the editors, 
 without leaving every one to judge for themfelves. It has indeed been mggefted, 
 that of the doubtful paffages, exact copies might be engraved ; but then it remains 
 to be agreed what paflages mall be deemed doubtful. 
 
 End of the Preface. 
 
 ERRATA, 
 
 Introduction, line 2, page 2, for is read are. 
 
 Preface, note («), line 12, page 4, for praditli read prccdiclo. 
 
 Note (c), line 1, page 7, for une read un. 
 
 Note (a), line 1, page 9, for Francis read Francoife. 
 
 Note line 4, page 9, for nevorum read nervorum. 
 
 Note (tf), line 1, page 10, for Anglo read Anglos. 
 
 Note (f), line 2, page 10, for catapulta read catapultae. 
 
 Note [g), line 2, page 10, for creberrhnas read creberrimos. 
 
 Note line 5, page 11, for primam read primum. 
 
 Note (<^), line 2, page 11, for rampebanl ' read rumpebant. 
 
 • 9, page 12, for read rfo^. 
 
 Note (<?), line 2, page 13, for plutes read plute't. 
 
 15, for qnod read quod. 
 
 , the laft line, page 13, for terrum read terram. 
 
 Note line 3, page 13, for fuffodienda read fujfodienda. 
 Note (r), line 5, page 15, for leqnel read 
 
 1 * 6, 1 for eontre read centre. 
 
 •• ■ 17, for jehan read Jehan. 
 
 24, for Jc read Je. 
 
 Preface, line 21, page 17, for cr read of 
 
 Note (a), line 1, page 43, for harum read harum. 
 
 Preface, line 30, page 50, for over-run read over-ran. 
 
 Note (a), line ic, page 53, for ct read 
 
 Note (d), line 5, page 55, for read r/o. 
 
 Preface, line 15, page 65, for Henry the Firft read Henry the Second. 
 
 line 21 j page 66, for dijjtmuhr read dijfunilar. 
 
 line 4, page 67, read, or columns whereof. 
 
 line 43, for an other read others. 
 
 Preface, line 2, page 72, for borne read born,- 
 
 line 11, page 72, put, a colon after window: and erafe the comma after tcmb } 
 
 line 12, put where immediately after arch. 
 
 Note {a), line 71, page 77, for was read were. 
 
 L 
 
 A 7 ". 5. The Errata to the Work will be given with the laft Volume. 
 
! uUliilitto'!!ittt'rlil7/sbj-SHonpcrNT3. > -LuJo ;Up liill . 
 
 K.frodft«g . Sc. 
 
 BEDFORD BRIDGE. 
 
 This bridge (lands upon the river Oufe, which runs through, and almoft equally divide 3 
 the town. Hiftbry is filent, both as to the founder, and time of its conftruction. Tradition 
 fays it was erected with part of the materials of the caftle, demolished by King Henry the 
 Third, in the year 1224. It is highly probable this was built in the place of a much older 
 bridge ; as by an extract from Roger Hoveden's Chronicle, in Leland's Collectanea, it 
 appears, that the part of the town, on the fouthern bank of the river, was built by Edward 
 the Elder, in the year 912. It feems, therefore, almoft impoffible the inhabitants could fo 
 long have wanted this neceflary means of communication between the north and fouth 
 parts of the town. 
 
 Thb caftle was demolifhed on the following occafion : King John having taken it from 
 William de Bcauchamp, beftowed it on Falco de Brent, or Breant, raifed by his favour, 
 from a private foldicr, to great riches and power. This man having committed divers acts 
 of violence on the neighbouring inhabitants, and dilapidated feveral religious houfes and 
 churches, particularly that of St. Paul, for the purpofe of repairing and ftrengthening his 
 caftle, was, by Martin Paterfhul, Thomas de Multon, and Henry Braybrooke, judges, then 
 fitting at Dunftable, fined in the fum of fhree thoufand pounds. 
 
 Falco being greatly enraged thereat, and confidcring it as an injury done him, fent his 
 brother to feize thefe judges, and bring them priibners to Bedford. They, apprized of 
 
BEDFORD BRIDGE. 
 
 his intentions, fled ; but Braybrooke being taken, was carried to the caftle, where he fuffered 
 a thoufand infults and indignities. 
 
 The king, highly incenfed at this audacious violation of the laws, and determined to 
 Bring the offenders to exemplary punifhment, laid fiege to the caftle ; which, after a 
 rcfiftance of fixty days, furrendered at difcretion. He then caufed the governor, William 
 de Brean, brother to Falco, with twenty -four knights, and eighty foldiers, to be hanged, 
 and the fortifications to be levelled with the ground. The fite and dwelling-houfe he 
 returned to William de Beauchamp, and gave the ftones, fome to the canons of Newenham 
 and Chadvvell ; fome to the church of St. Paul ; and, according to tradition, applied the 
 remainder to the building of the bridge. At this fiege the king was affifted by Stephen, 
 archbifhop of Canterbury, who brought him a confiderable and well-appointed body of 
 men. Falco taking refuge in a church, at Coventry, abjured the realm ; or, as fome writers 
 fay, 'was, with his wife and child, fhortly after banifhed. 
 
 Camden quotes the following curious account of the fiege, from a writer cotemporary 
 with the facts defcribed : 
 
 " On the eaft fide, were one petrary and two mangonels daily applying upon the tower. 
 " On the weft two mangonels battering the old tower ; as alfo one upon the fouth, and another 
 " upon the north part ; which beat down two paffages through the walls that were next 
 " them : befides thefc, there were two machines contrived of wood, lb as to be higher than 
 " the caftle and tower, erected for the purpofe of the baliftarii, or gunners and watchmen; 
 " they had alfo feveral machines, wherein the gunners and flingers lay in ambufh ; there was, 
 " moreover, another machine called Cattus ; under which the diggers, who were employed 
 " to undermine the walls of the tower and caftle, came in and out. The caftle was taken 
 " by four aflaults : in the firft, was taken the barbican ; in the fecond, the outer ballia; at 
 " the third attack, the wall by the tower was thrown down by the miners; where, with 
 " great danger, they pofteffed themfelves of the inner ballia ; through a chink, at the 
 
 fourth aifault, the miners fet fire to the tower, fo that the fmoke burft out, and the tower 
 " chelf was cloven to that degree, as to fhew vifibly fome broad chinks ; whereupon the 
 *' enemy furrendered." 
 
 This bridge is one hundred and fixtecn yards in length, four and a half broad, and 
 has a parapet three feet and a half high ; this, it is faid, was erected in the reign of Queen 
 Mary, out of the ruins of St. Dunftan's church, which flood on the fouth fide of the bridge. 
 It has feven arches, and near the center were two gate-houfes ; that on the north being 
 ufed for a prifon, and that on the fouth ferved as a ftore-houfe for the arms and ammunition 
 of the troops quartered here. Thefe gate-houfes were taken down in the year 1765 ; and 
 fix lamps fet up on pofts at proper diftanccs. The bridge is kept in repair by the corporation, 
 who have a very confiderable eftate. 
 
 In this view, which was taken in the year 1761, only the north gate-houfe appears. 
 
B E D F \ R D BRIDGE. 
 
 P h A T E II. 
 
 In this View both the gatehoufes, formerly {landing on this bridge, 
 are fhewn. In the former Plate, at the point from whence it was 
 taken, which was chofen as the moft piclurefque, only one of them 
 could be feen. As thefe buildings have been taken down, it has 
 been intimated to the Author, that a View, in which they might both 
 appear, would be agreeable to feveral curious perfons, as more par- 
 ticularly preferving the appearance of this ancient bridge. In 
 obedience to this opinion, he here prefents a fecond View, happy to 
 have it in his power to oblige the Encouragers of his Work. 
 
 This drawing was made anno 1760,. 
 
BUSTLES HAM, BTSHAM-MONT AGUE OR, BTSHAM MONASTER?, BERKSHIRE. 
 
 Robert de Ferrariis, in the reign of King Stephen, gave the Manor of 
 Buftlefhamto the Templars ; who thereupon made here aPreceptory for the Knights 
 of that Order. Upon their dirTolution in the reign of King Edward II. this 
 feems not to have parTed with the greater!: part of their eftates to the Knights of 
 St. John of Jerufalem ; for they had before granted it away in fee to Hugh de 
 Spenfer, jun. Afterwards it came to William Montacute, Earl of Saltfbury, who, 
 A. D. 1338, built a Priory here for Canons of the Order of St. Auguftine, 
 which was endowed, 26 Hen. VIII. with 285I. ns. ob. per ann. Dugdale; 
 327I. 4s. 6d. Speed. The Prior and Convent having furrendered this Monaftery 
 5th July, 1536, King Henry VIII. in the year following, refounded and more 
 amply endowed it with lands of the late dilfolved Abbey of Chertfcy, and the 
 Priories of Cardigan, Bethkelert, Ankerwike, Little Mario, Medmenham, &c, 
 to the value of 66 il. 14s. 9d. per ann. for the maintenance of an Abbot, who 
 was to have the privilege of wearing a mitre, and thirteen Benedictine Monks. 
 But this new Abbey was of fhort continuance, being furrendered, 30th of Hen. 
 VIII. June 19th 1539, three years after its inftitution. 
 
 The fite of it was granted, 7th of Ed. VI. to Sir Edward Hoby, in whofe 
 defendants it continued till the year 1768 ; when the laft of that name dying, 
 bequeathed it to John Mill, Efa,. the prefent proprietor, who by Act of Parliament 
 
BUSTLESHAM, BYSH AM-MONTAGUE ; OR, BYSHAM MONASTERY, BERKS. 
 
 took upon him the name of Hoby. In the charter of the firft foundation, 
 this Monaftery is faid to be dedicated to our Lord Jefus Chrift, and the Blefled 
 Virgin his Mother; and in that of the fecond foundation to the Bleffed Virgin 
 Mary ; yet, in the time of Richard IL and in both the furrenders, it is ftyled 
 the Conventual Church of the Holy Trinity. 
 
 At the DhTolution a penfion of 661. 13s. 4d. was afligned to Abbot Cowdrey, 
 who had, as I find, (fays Browne Willis) either voided the fame by death or pre- 
 ferment, before the year 1553; when only thefe following penfions remained in 
 charge, viz. Will Walker 7I. John Mylleft, Will Roke, Will Byggs, John 
 Rolfe, Edward Stephenfon 5I. each. Befides 14I. 13s. 4d. in annuities. 
 
 Hither, with the licence of Henry V. the bones of the founder, John 
 Montacute, Earl of Salifbury, were removed by Maud his widow, from the 
 Abbey of Cirencefter ; and here alfo, according to Dugdale's Baronage, feveral 
 others of that family lie interred. 
 
 This Abbey ftands in the eafternmofl: part of the County, near the banks of 
 the Thames, about two miles north of the road leading from Maidenhead to 
 Henley. Tradition fays, Queen Elizabeth once refided here. Since that time 
 the Houfe has been greatly repaired and modernifed, and has ferved as a manfion 
 for feveral refpectable families. 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 1760. 
 
DUN KINGTON CASTLE, BERKSHIRE. 
 
 This caftle fiands on an eminence, about a mile from Newbury, half a mile from Spinham Sands fthe anaent* 
 Spina of Antoninus) and a fmall diftance from the litde village of Dunnington ; it is north of all thefe places, and 
 not fai from the rivulet of Lambourne. 
 
 By a munufcript in the Cotton Library, it appears that, in the tirae of Edward the Second, it belonged to 
 - Walter Abberbury, fon and heir of Thomas Abberbury, who gave the king C. s. for it; and towards the latter 
 part of the reign of King Richard the Second, Sir Richard Atterbury or Abberbury, who was a favourite of that 
 king, obtained a licence to rebuild it: from him it defcendcd to his fon Richard, of whom, according to Urry, 
 it was purchafed by that prince of Englifh poets Geoffry Chaucer. 
 
 Hither, about the year 1397, in the fevcntieth year of his age, that bard retired, in order to talte the fweets of 
 contemplation and rural quiet, having fpent the greater! part of his life in the hurry of bufinefs and intrigues of 
 a court ; during which time he had feverely experienced the mutability of fortune. Here he fpent the laft two or 
 three years of his life, in a felicity he had not before known ; but on the death of the king, going to court, to 
 folicit the continuation of fome of his grants, he fickened, and died in London, in the year 1400. 
 
 Bishop Gibson, in his edition of Camden, fays, " Here was an oak Handing, till within thefe few years,,- 
 " commonly called Chaucer's oak; under which he is faid to have penned many of his famous poems ;" and 
 Mr. Urry, relating the above circumftance, adds, " Mr. Evelin gives a particular account of this tree; and fays, 
 44 there were three of them planted by Chaucer ; the King's oak, the Queen's oak, and Chaucer's oak. The firil 
 ** of thefe traditions is, in all likelihood, a miftake ; as molt, if not all, of Chaucer's poems were written before he 
 «' retired to this place : but the latter (namely, that he ftudied under an oak of his own planting at Dunningtc.») 
 *' is an abfolute impoflibility, feeing that he was not in polleffion of this eftate above three years." 
 
 His fon, Thomas Chaucer, who had been chief-butler to King Richard the Second, and fcveral times ambaf- 
 fador to France, fucceeded to the caftle ; with his daughter Alice, it went to her third hufband William de la 
 Pole, firft earl, and afterwards duke, of Suffolk, who rcfidcd chiefly here and at Ewliiam. This lord, abufing thz 
 power he had over that weak prince, Henry the Sixth, enraged the commons fo much, that they procured lm 
 banifhment; and the partizans of the duke of York, dreading his return, feized him in Dover Road, whillt on his 
 pafTage, and cut off his head on the fide of a cockboat. His body was buried at the chartercufe at Hull. At his 
 deceafe the caftle came to his fon John, and from him defcended to Ldmoud de la Pole, duke of Suffolk, the laft 
 
DUNNINGTON CASTLE, BERKSHIRE. 
 
 of that name ; who, engaging in treafonable practices againft Henry the Seventh, was executed, and his eftate* 
 confcijuently efcheated to the crown; where Dunnington remained, at leaft, till the thirty- fe veil th of Henry the 
 Eighth, as appears by an act of parliament then patted, whereby that king was authorifcd to erect his caftle of 
 Dunnington, with three other places therein named, into as many honours; and to annex to them fuch lands as he 
 fhould think proper. 
 
 It afterwards came into the pofl'eflion of Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk, probably by the grant of Henry the 
 Eighth ; and was entire in Camden's time, who thus defcribes it : "A fmall, but very neat caftle, feated on the 
 ** browe of a woody hill, having a fine profpect, and windows on all fides very lightfome." 
 
 In the reign of King James the Firft it belonged to a family of the name of Packer ; and in the time of the Civil- 
 vars, was owned by Mr. John Packer; when it was fortified as a garrifon for the king, and the government 
 -entrufted to Colonel Boys, being a port of great importance, commanding the high-road leading from the Weft to 
 London, and that from Oxford to Newbury. 
 
 During thfefe troubles it was twice befieged : once on the thirty-firft of July, 1644, by Lieutenant general 
 Middleton, who was repulfed with the lofs of one colonel, eight captains, one ferjeant-major, and many inferior 
 officers and foldiers : and again, September the twenty- feventh, in the fame year, by Colonel Horton, who raifino- 
 a batterry againft it, at the foot of a hill near Newbury, fired upwards of a thoufand fhot, by which he demolifhed 
 three of the towers, and a part of the wall. During this attack, the governor, in a fally, beat the enemy out of 
 their trenches, and killed a lieutenant-colonel and the chief engineer, with many private men. At length, after a 
 fe^e of nineteen days, the place was relieved by the king; who, at Newbury, rewarded the governor with the 
 ho our of knighthood. 
 
 After the fecond battle of Newbury, the king retiring towards Oxford in the night, left his heavy baggage, 
 ammunition and artillery here. The place was fummoned by the parliamentary generals, who threatened that, if 
 it was not furrendered, they would not leave one ftone upon another. To this Sir John Boys returned no other 
 anlwer than, " That he was not bound to repair it; but, however, would, by God's help, keep the ground after- 
 *' wards." This was the favourable moment for totally ruining the king's affairs ; but the earl of Manchefter and 
 Sir William Waller fuffered it to efcape ; for, either on account of a difagreement between them, or for fome other 
 reafon, nothing farther was done ; and the king, a few days afterwards, came unexpectedly, at the head of a body 
 of horfe, and efcorted his artillery and baggage to Oxford. 
 
 After the Civil-war was over, Mr. Packer pulled down the ruinous parts of the building, and with the materials 
 erected the houfe ftanding under it, now in the occupation of Mark Baiket, efq. The caftle at prefent belongs to 
 Doctor Hartley, who married the heirefs of the name of Packer. 
 
 From an accurate plan, made by an officer who refides near the fpot, I am enabled to give not only the figure 
 and dimenfions of the caftle when entire, but alfo to defcribe the works thrown up in the Civil-wars ; all which he 
 carefully traced out, arnongft the bufhes and briars, with which they are at prefent overgrown. 
 
 The walls of this caftle nearly fronted the four cardinal points of the compafs ; having the north and fouth fides 
 perpendicular on its eaft end. Thefe fides were confequently parrallel. Its weft end terminated in a femi-octagon, 
 inferibed in the half of a long oval. It was defended by four round towers ; two on the angles, formed by the 
 concurrence of the north and fouth fides with the eaft end ; and two others, placed on the angles formed by the 
 junction of the fame fides with the femi-poligon. 
 
 The length of the eaft end, including the towers, was eighty-five feet ; and the extent, from eaft to weft, 
 reckoning the thicknefs of the walls, one hundred and twenty feet. 
 
 Near the north-weft tower was a well ; and in the fouth-eaft angle a fquare building, whofe fides meafured 
 twenty- four feet. Two of thefe fides were formed by the exterior wall, and enclofed the tower. 
 
 The entrance was at the eaft end, through a ftone gatehoufe, having a paflage forty feet long; at the end of 
 which is remaining the place for the portcullis. It is flanked by two round towers ; that on the fouth has a 
 flair-cafe. This gate is now ftanding, and is fhewn in the view. In it is held the manor-court. On its weft fide 
 a fmall drinking room has lately been added by the proprietor. 
 
 Round about, and almcfe occupying the whole eminence, are the modern works, thrown up for the defence of 
 the caftle. Thefe explain and juftify the fpeech of Sir John Boys ; which otherwife, confidering its ftate at that 
 time, would have been a mere rodomontade. 
 
 Their fhape is that of an irregular 'pentagon ; the greateft angle fronting the fouth, on which was a very 
 capacious baftion. There was another, but fmaller, on the north-weft angle; and the north-eaft fide was defended 
 by a demi-baftion, placed on its fouthern extremity. From the gorge of the great fouthern baftion, to the falient 
 angle of the demi-baftion, ran a double, and from thence to the north-eaft angle of the pentagon a triple, 
 fampart. The road paffed through thefe works, clofe to the gate of the caftle. 
 
 This view was taken in the year 1768. 
 
A. T/ie. &vt6>. t/i- Jtuvtj H.OntrtHer Porc/i a/ten at To/i 
 
 ¥> r/v entrant,; trith, t/ie Tothenf standing E .Tew/way Worts Otrtmri //// /// the tin/ Wa/\ > 
 
 C.A Drai/un^ -Room erected, <jr the Proftrictar , TirAtveri {///• ro«tfi>,/ IW',o,/e B..£- DrinAaia Kami Cot , ■/ 
 
 , (he Stqfta /jo Vacancy fir « Port CuUi* 
 
ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL, WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE. 
 
 This view /hews the chapel, dedicated to St. George, the houfes of the poor knights, and, at a diftance, 
 the round tower. 
 
 Tanner, in his Notitia Monaftica, gives the following hiftory of this chapel : 
 
 " In the caftle here was an old free chapel, dedicated to King Edward the Confeflbr, in which King Henry I. 
 " placed eight fecular priefts, who feem never to have been incorporated nor endowed with lands, but to have ' 
 " been maintained by penfions yearly paid out of the king's exchequer. And in the park here was, in the 
 " beginning of King Edward II.'s reign, a royal chapel for 13 chaplains, . and 4 clerks, who had yearly diaries 
 " out of the manors of Langley Mark, and Sippenham, in Bucks. King Edward III. anno regni 4, removed 
 M thofe chaplains and clerks out of the park into the caftle ; and fhortly after added four more chaplains 
 " and two clerks to them. But this victorious prince, being afterwards defirous of raifing this place of his 
 * 6 nativity to much greater fplendor, refounded this ancient free chapel-royal, and in A. D. 1352, eftabli/hed 
 " it as a collegiate church, to the honour of the Virgin Mary, St. George, and St. Edward, King and Confeflbr* 
 " confifling of a cuflos, (fince called a dean) twelve great canons, or prebendaries, thirteen vicars, or minor 
 " canons, four clerks, fix chorifters, twenty-fix poor alms-knights, be fides other officers ; their yearly revenues 
 " were rated, 26 Hen. VIII. at £.1602. is. id. ob. 9. This free chapel was particularly excepted out of the 
 '* aft for fupprefling colleges, Sec. ift Edw.VI. c. 14, and fiill fubfifls in a flourifhing condition." 
 
 Thus far refpecling its foundation and endowment ; its prefent ftate and form is thus accurately delineated, 
 in the work entitled, London and its Environs defcribed. 
 
 " Among the buildings of this noble palace, we have mentioned the chapel of St. George, fituatc-d in the 
 u middle of the lower court. This ancient firudure, which is now in the pureft ftyle of Gothic architecture 
 
 "1 
 
St. GEORGE'S CHAPEL, WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE. 
 
 " was firlt erected by King Edward III. in the year r q 3 7, foon after the foundation of the college, for the 
 " honour of the Order of the Garter, and dedicated to St. George, the patron of England ; but however noble 
 " the firfl defign might be, King Edward IV. not finding it entirely complcated, enlarged the Aructure, and 
 " defigned the prefent building, together with the houles of the dean and canons, fitnated on the north and 
 " \\el\ fides of the chapel ; the work was afterwards carried on by Henry VII. who finiflitd the body of the 
 " chapel, and Sir Reginald Bray, knight of the gai ter, and the favourite of that king, aflilled in ornamenting 
 " the chapel and compleating the roof. The architecture of the infide has always been effeemed for its neatnefs 
 " and great beauty; and in particular, the (lone roof is reckoned an excellent piece of workmanfliip. It is an 
 " ellipfis, fupported by Gothic pillars, whofe ribs and groins fuftain the whole cieling, every part of which has 
 *' fome different device well tiniftied, as the arms of Edward the Confeilbr, Edw. III. Hen. VI. Edw. IV. Hen. VII. 
 " and Henry VIII. ; alfo the arms of England and France quarterly, the crofs of St. George, the rofe, portcullis, 
 *' lion rampant, unicorn, &c. In a chapel in the fouth aifle is repref nted in ancient painting, the hiflory of 
 *' John the Baptift ; and in the fame aifle are painted on large pannels of oak, neatly carved and decorated with 
 " the feveral devices peculiar to each prince, the portraits at full length of Prince Edward, fon to Henry VI. 
 " Edward IV. Edward V. and Henry VII. In the north aifle is a chapel dedicated to St.. Stephen, wherein the 
 " hiflory of that faint is painted on the pannels, and well preferved. In the firit of thefe pannels St. Stephen 
 " is reprcfented preaching to the people; in the fecond, he is before Herod's tribunal; in the third, he is 
 " floning ; and in the fourth, he is reprefented dead. At the eafl end of this aifle is the chapter-houfe of 
 " the college, in which is a portrait at full length, by a mafletly hand, of the victorious Edward III. in his 
 " robes of Hate, holding in his right hand a fword, and bearing the crowns of France and Scotland, in token 
 " of the many victories he gained over thofe nations. On one fide of this paining is kept the fword of that 
 " great and warlike prince. But what appears moil worthy of notice, is the choir. On each fide are the flails 
 " of the fovereign, and knights companions of the moft noble Order of the Garter., with the helmet, mantling, 
 " crefl, and fword, of each knight fet up over his flalL on a canopy of ancient carving, curioufly wrought, 
 " and over the canopy is affixed the banner or arms of each knight properly blazoned on filk ; and on the 
 " back of the flails are the titles of the knights, with their arms neatly engraved and blazoned on copper. 
 " The fovereign's flail is on the right hand of the entrance into the choir, and is covered wir'i purple velvet 
 " and cloth of gold, and has a canopy and compleat furniture of the fame valuable materials ; his banner is 
 " likewife of velvet, and his mantling of cloth of gold. The prince's ffall is on the left, and has no diftinction 
 " from thofe of the reft of the knights companions; the whole f'ciety, according to the flatutes of the 
 " inftitution, being companions and colleagues, equal in honour and power. The altar-piece was, foon after 
 " the refloration, adorned with cloth of gold, and purple damafk, by King Charles II. ; but on removing the 
 " wainfcot of one of the chapels, in 1707, a ffne painting of the Lord's Supper was found, which being 
 " approved of by Sir James Thornhill, Verrio, and other eminent matters, was repaired and placed on the 
 " altar-piece. Near the altar is the queen's gallery for the accommodation of the ladies at an installation. 
 *' In a vault under the marble pavement of this choir, are interred the bodies of Henry VIII. and Jane 
 ** Seymour his queen, King Charles I. and a daughter of the late Queen Anne. In the fouth aifle, near the 
 " door of the choir, is buried Henry VI.; and the arch near which he was interred, was fumptuoufly decorate;! 
 " by Henry VIII. with the royal enfigns, and other devices, but they are now much defaced by time. In 
 ** this chapel is alfo the monument of Edward earl of Lincoln, lord high admiral of England, in the reign of 
 " Oueen Elizabeth, erected by his lady, who is alfo interred with him : the monument is of alabafler, with 
 " pillars of porphyry. Another, within a neat fcreen of brafs work, is erected to the memory of Charles 
 " Somerfet, earl of Worcefter, and knight of the Garter, who died in 1526, and his lady, daughter to William 
 « Earl of Huntingdon. A ftately monument of white marble, erected to the memory of Henry Somerfet, Dul e 
 « of Beaufort, and knight of the Garter, who died in l6<jo. There are here alfo the tombs of Sir George 
 " Manners, Lord Roos ; that of the Lord Haflings, chamberlain to Edward IV. and feveral others. 
 
 * Before we conclude our account of this ancient chapel, if will.be proper to obferve, that King James II. 
 " made ufe of it for the fervice of popery ; and mais being publicly performed there, it has ever fince been 
 " neglected and fuffered to run to ruin ; and being no appendage to the collegiate church, waits the royal 
 " favour to retrieve h from the difgrace of its prefent fituation." 
 
READING A B B T, BERKSHIRE 
 
 ( PLATE I. ) 
 
 This was a mitred parliamentary abby, and one of the mod confiderable in England, both for the magni- 
 ficence of its buildings, and the richnefs of its endowments. King Henry the Firft began to lay the founda- 
 tions anno 1121, having pulled down a fmall deferted nunnery, by feme faid to have been founded byElfrida, 
 mother-in-law of King Edward, called the Martyr, in expiation of the murder of that king at Corfe-caftle. 
 The new monaftery was completed in four years; but the chuich was either not confecrated till the reign of 
 Henry the Second, or elfe that ceremony was, for the fecond time, performed in the year 1163 or 1164, by 
 Archbilhop Becker, the king and many of the nobility being prefent. It was dedicated to the honour of the 
 Holy Trinity, the BlefTed Virgin \'!ary, and St. John the Evangelift. Browne Willis, from diverfe good 
 authorities and reafons, to thefe adds St. James, making its tutelars ftand in the following order : the Holy 
 Trinity, the B'efied Virgin Mary, St. James, and St. John the Evangelift. It was, however, commonly 
 called the abby of St. Mary, at Reading ; probably from the extraordinary veneration paid in thofe days to the 
 Holy Virgin, which even exceeded that fhewn to the name of Chrift It was endowed for two hundred 
 monies of the Benedictine order, although at the inquihtion, 50 Edw. ill. there were only one hundred. 
 
 In this abby was buried the body of King Henry the Firft, its founder ; but his heart, eyes, tongue, brains, 
 and bowels, according to Doctor Ducarrel, in his Anglo-Norman Antiquities, were depofited under a hand- 
 fome monument, before the high altar, in the antient priory church of Notre Dame du Pres, othcrwife the 
 Bonnes Nouve les, at Rouen, founded anno ic6o, and deftVoyed during the fiegc of Rouen, in 1592. 
 
 Here, likewife, was interred Adeliza, his fecond queen; and, according to Come writers, his daughter 
 Maud, the emprefs, mother to King Henry the Second : though others, with more probability, fix the place 
 of her fepulchre at Bee, in Normandy. Over her tomb here, it is faid, were the following verfes : 
 
 Ortu magna, viro major, fed maxima partu, 
 Hie jacet Henrici filia, fponfa, parens. 
 
 In this place was alfo buried, at the feet of his great grandfather, "William, cldcft fon of King Henry the 
 Second; likewife Conftance, daughter of Edmund de Langley, duke of York; Anne, countels of Warwick ; 
 
READING ABBY, BERKSHIRE. 
 
 a fen and daughter of Richard, earl of Cornwall ; and a great number of other perfons of rank and diftmc"tio». 
 King Henry the Firft had a tomb, on which was his effigies, as appears from a record, quoted by Tanner; 
 and probably there were many other magnificent monuments, which were demolifhed or removed, when the 
 monaftery was converted into a royal manfion ; but it is not likely, that the bones of the perfons buried were 
 difturbed and thrown out, as afleited by Sandford, neither was the abby turned into a ftable; for Camden fays, 
 " The monaftery, wherein King Henry the Firft was interred, was converted into a royal feat j adjoining to 
 " which ftands a fair ftable, ftored with noble horfes of the kings." 
 
 The demolition of thefe monuments is thus pathetically lamented: 
 
 ■ — Heu dira piacula, primus 
 
 Neuftrius f lenricus, fitus hie, inglorius urna 
 Nunc jacet ejectus, tumulum novus advena quaerit 
 Fruftra ; nam regi tenues invidit arenas 
 Auri facra fames, regum metuenda fepulchris. 
 
 His tory particularizes only two councils held here, in the refectory, or rather the church; one in the 
 reign of King John, by the pope's legate ; the other, in that of Edward the Firft, by Archbifhop Peckham : 
 there is reafon, however, to believe, that diverfe others were held at the fame place ; likewife, in this monaftery 
 a parliament was aflembled the thirty-firft of Henry the Sixth, wherein diverfe laws were enacted. 
 
 This abby had funds for entertaining the poor and travellers of all forts ; which, according to William of 
 Malmfbury, was io well performed, that more money was fpent in hofpitality than expended on the monks. 
 Yet, neverthelefs, Hugh, the eighth abbot, having, as he fays, in his grant, obferved an improper partiality, 
 in the entertainment of the rich, in preference to the poor (although the founder, King Henry, had directed, 
 that hofpitality fhould be fhewn, indifferently, to all perfons) he therefore founded an hofpital, near the 
 gate of the monaftery, for the reception of fuch pilgrims and poor perfons as were not admitted into the abby ; 
 and likewife gave to the faid hofpital the church of St. Laurence, for ever, for the maintaining of thirteen 
 poor perfons, in diet, cloaths, and other neceflaries : allowing for the keeping of thirteen more, out of the 
 ufual alms. This, in all likelihood, though done under the fpecious pretence of charity, was only a method 
 taken to exclude the meaner perfons from the table of the abby ; which was, at that time, when inns were not 
 fo common as at prefent, often frequented by travellers of the better fort. By this means, alfo, a confiderable 
 faving would accrue to the houfe; the fare of this hofpital being, doubtlefs, fuitable to the condition of the 
 perfons there entertained. 
 
 An hofpital for poor lepers was alfo founded near the church, by Aucherius, the fecond abbot; it was 
 dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen. Here they were comfortably maintained, and governed by diverfe rules and 
 regulations, admirably well calculated for preferving peace, harmony, and good order. Among them were 
 thefe. Any one difputing, and being ordered by the mafter to hold his peace, not obeying at the third, 
 monition, was to have nothing but bread and water that day. He who gave the lye was fubjecT: to the fame 
 punifhment, attended with f«me humiliating circumftances : if, after this, he continued fullen, or did not 
 patiently fubmit to his caftigation, it was to be repeated another day ; when, if he ftill perfevered in his 
 obftinacy, he was to lofe the benefit of the charity for forty days. A blow was immediate expulfion : and 
 none were to go abroad, or into the laundrefs's houfe, without a companion. 
 
 Hugh Furring don, the laft abbot, refufing to deliver up his abby to the vifitors, was attainted of high 
 treafon, on fome charge trumped up againft him ; and, in the month of November, 1539, w ' tn tw0 °^ ms 
 monks, named Rugg and Onion, was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Reading. This happened on the 
 fame dav on which the abbot of Glaftonbury fuffered the like fentence, for the fimilar provocation. 
 
 At the Diflblution, the revenues of this monaftery were valued at ^1938. 14*. 3<^. ob. q. Dugdale. 
 £2116. 3.?. gel. ob. Speed. The abbot had an excellent fummer retirement at Choi fey, near Wallingford, 
 called the Abbot's Place; by which name it was granted to Sir Francis Englefield, 4 and 5 Philip and Mary. 
 The fite of this abby now belongs to the crown ; the prefent leflees, for a term of years, are John Blagrave, 
 Lfq; and the reprefentatives of Henry Vanfittart, Efq; 
 
 Th e abby church feems to have been a fpacious fabrick, built in the form of a crofs : fome of its walls were 
 lately remaining ; they were of rough flint, and were formerly cafed with fquared ftone ; but of this they have 
 been ftxipped. There is likewife to be feen, the remainder of our Lady's chapel and the refectory ; this laft is 
 eighty-four feet long, and forty-eight broad ; and is, according to Willis, the room in which was held the 
 parliament before-mentioned. The cloyfters have long been totally demolilhed. About eight years ago, a 
 very confiderable quantity of the abby ruins, fome of the pieces as much as two teams of horfes could draw, 
 compofed of gravel and flints, cemented together with what the bricklayers now call grout, a fluid mortar, 
 confiding moftly of lime, was removed, for General Conway's ufe, to build a bridge in the road betwixt 
 Wargrove and Henley, adjoining to his park. 
 
 This view, drawn in 1762, represents the great gate of the abby, which was formerly embattled ; about 
 thirty years ago it was judged necdlkry to take oif the embattlements : this has confiderably hurt its 
 appearance. 
 
READING 
 
 A B B E r. 
 
 -a. ( P L A T E II. ) 
 
 This Plate {hews the South View of the remains of this once magnificent Abbey ; majeftic even its ruins ! 
 
 The following civcumfiances relative to this monaftery occur in Prynne's Hyftory of Papal Ufurpations. I& 
 the year 1215, the Abbot of Reading was one of the Delegates appointed by the Pope, together with Panduiph the 
 Legate, and the Bifhop of Wincheiler, for the promulgating the excommunication againft the Barons concerned in 
 the oppofuion to King John; as alfo in the fucceeding year, when diverfe of thofe Barons were excommunicated 
 particularly and by name. In the 39th of Henry Hid. the maintenance of two Jewifh converts, both women, was 
 miroied on this Houfe ; and in the fame reign, the King attempting to borrow a large fum of money from fome of the 
 great Abbies, among which were Weftminfter, St. Alban's, Reading, and Waltham, was pofuively refufed by the 
 A'obot of Reading. 
 
 Fuller in his Church Hiftory has this Anecdote of one of the Abbots, which he fliles " A pleafant and true 
 " Stor y : K i»g Henry Vlllth, as he was hunting in Windfor Forreft, either cafually loft, or (more probably) wilfully 
 " lofing himfelf, ftruck down about dinner-time to the Abbey of Reading, where, difguifmg himfelf, (much for 
 " delight, more for difcovery to fee unfecn) he was invited to the Abbot's table, and patted for one of the King't 
 '* g u:,rd ; a P lace to which proportion of his perfon might properly entitle him. A Sir-loyne of beef was fet 
 " before him ( fo knighted, fai:h Tradition, by this King Henry) ; on which the King laid on lultily, not difgracing 
 M one of t!l2t P lacc ' for whom he was miftaken. Well fare thy heart (quoth the Abbot) ; and here in a cup of lack 
 " I remember the health of his Grace your Mafter. I would give an hundred pounds on the condition I could feed in 
 «« heartily on beef as you doe. Alas ! my weak and fqueazid llomach will hardly digeft the wing of a fmall rabbet 
 «« or chicken. The King pleafantly pledged him, and heartily thanked him for his good chear ; after dinner 
 " departed, as undifcovered as he came thither. Some weeks after, the Abbot was fent for by a Purfuivant, brought 
 " up to London, clapt in the Tcwer, kept clofe prifoncr, fed for a fliort time with bread and water ; yet not fi> 
 " empty his body of food as his mind was filled with fears, creating many fufpicions to himfelf, when, and how he 
 " h?.d incurred the King's difpleafare. At lafl a Sir-loin of beef was fet before him, on which the Abbot fed as 
 " lbe farraer of his grange, aod v - if ed the prr/ti b, That two hungry meals makes the third a glutton. In fprinrrs 
 
READING ABBEY. 
 
 *■* King Henry out of a private lobbie, where be had placed himfelf the invifible fpectator of the Abbot's behaviour. 
 " My Lord (quoth the King) prefently depofit your hundred pounds in gold, or elfe no going hence all the daies 
 " of your life. I have been your phyfician to cure you of your fqueazie ftomach ; and here, as I deferve, I demand 
 '* my fee for the fame. The Abbot down with his duft, and glad he had efcaped fo, returned to Reading ; as 
 " fomewhat lighter in purfe, fo much more merrier in heart than when he came thence." 
 
 The fucceffion of the Abbots is thus given by Browne Willis, in his Hiftory of Mitred Abbies : " I. Hugh Prior 
 " of Lewis, co. Suffex, was ac the time of the foundation, an. 1 125, made the firft Abbat by the founder Henry I ; 
 ,c about four years after which, viz. an. 1 1 29, he was tranflated to the Archbifhopric of Roan in Normandy, where 
 " he died the Ides of Nov. 1134. On his quitting this Abbey, he was therein fucceeded by, 2. Aufgerus, 
 " called in the Monafticon, Aucherius. He founded an houfe of Lepers to the honour of St. Mary Magdalen ; 
 " and dying an. 11 34, or, as Mathew of Weftminfter fays, 6. Cal. Feb. 1 1 35, was fucceeded by, 3. Edward, who 
 «• died in Dec. anno 11 54, and was fucceeded by, 4. Reginald, made Abbat the fame year ; he died 3 Nones 
 " Feb. 1 1 58, as Mat. of Weftm. fays, and was fucceeded by, 5. Roger; in whofe time Thomas Archbiihop of 
 ** Canterbury dedicated the Monaftery of Reading anew, King Henry the lid. and many of the nobility being 
 " prefent : he died 13 Cal. Feb. an. 1 164, and was fucceeded by, 6. William, a religious and prudent man, made 
 " Archbiihop of Bourdeaux, an. 1 173, by the fpecial favour of King Henry ; whofe fucceffor, 7. Jofeph, deceafing 
 " about the year ! 180, was fucceeded by, 8. Hugh, a learned writer, and a fpecial benefactor to this houfe. He- 
 " erected an hofpital without the gate of the Abbey to maintain 26 poor people, and all flrangers who fhould 
 " pafs that way. An. 1 199, being made Abbat of Cluny, he quitted this abbey, and was fucceeded the next year, 
 M viz. 1200, by, 9. Halias ; who dying 12 Cal. Aug. 1212, was fucceeded after near a year's vacancy by, 10. Simon, 
 " He died the Ides of Feb. an. 1226, and was fucceeded by, n. Adam de Latebar or Lathbury, Prior of Leominfter,. 
 " co. Hereford ; upon whofe deceafe, An. 1238, 8 Ides April, 12. Richard, Sub-prior of this houfe, was appointed 
 " Abbat. He continued but a fmall time, and was fucceeded by, 13. Adam, who refigned an. 1249, and was fuc- 
 " ceeded by another of his name, viz. 14. Adam, Sacrift of this houfe ; on whofe death or ceffion, the fame year, 
 *' 15.WilIi.1m, Sub-prior of Coventry, became Abbat ; whofe fucccffor, 16. Richard, dying anno 1261, 17. Richard 
 " de Banafter, alias de Rading, was elected Abbat. He prefided eight years, and was fucceeded an. 1268, by, 
 " 18. Robert de Burghars ; who refigning an. 1287, 19. William de Sutton fucceeded as Abbat : he died an. ^o^, 
 " and was fucceeded by, 20. Nicholas de Quaplode, who had his election confirmed in September 1 305. He began to 
 *' build Our Ladies Chapel on the^Cal. of May, an. 1 3 14 ; and deceafing an. 1 327, had for his fucceffor, 21. John 
 " Appleford. He died an. 1341, and was fucceeded by, 22. Hen. de Appleford. He governed 20 years, and 
 " dying 29th July 1360, 35th Edw. III. was fucceeded by, 23. William de Dombleton, confirmed Abbat, 
 " an. 1 36 1. Dr. Tanner informs me he has met with one Nicholas, Abbat of Reading, an. 1362 ; but this feems 
 " to be a miftake ; for Will. Dombleton died poffeffed of this Abbey, an. 1368, and was then fucceeded by, 24. John 
 
 de Sutton : upon whofe death, which happened an. 1378, 25. Richard de Yately was elected Abbat. I do 
 " not find when he died ; but it appears from Salifbury Regifter, that he prefided an. 1396 ; and 'tis probable that 
 *' he did fo till the year 1409, when, 26. Thomas Erie was elected. He died an. 1430, and was fucceeded 
 " December the ift, the fame year, by, 27. Tho. Henley; who dying Nov. it, 1445, J°^ n Thorne was 
 " preferred to this dignity January the 7th following. During his government, he fupprefTed an old alms-houfe 
 " of Poor Sifters, near St. Laurence's Church, founded in all likelihood by one of the preceding Abbats of 
 " Reading, and employed the revenues to the ufe of the Almoner of this Abbey ; which King Henry the Vllth 
 " being informed of, at his coming to Reading, he ordered Abbat Thorne to convert both the houfe and lands to 
 «« pious ufes ; whereupon the Abbat defired the King that it might be made a Grammar School ; which being 
 «« aflented to, one Will. Dene, a rich man and fervant of the Abbey, gave 200 marks towards the advancement of 
 •« the faid fchool ; which Mr. Leland tells us, appeared from his epitaph in the Abbey-church. This Abbat died 
 *' before this fettlement was perfected, viz. an. 1486, in the fecond year of King Henry Vllth, and was fucceeded 
 «' by another, 20. John Thorne ; who died an. 1519, and was fucceeded by, 30. Thomas Worcefter. He governed 
 " but a mort " me ! for in the next year, viz. 1520, he was fucceeded by, 31. Hugh Farringdon, the lag Abbot, 
 «• executed at Reading, as has before been obferved, Anno 1533. I find only 59I. 13s. remaining in charge 
 " cut of the revenues of this late convent, to 1 3 Monks and Novices ; the execution of the Abbat probably de- 
 " priving the dependants of their claims to fees and annuities. Thefe Monks were Elizeus Burgefs, whofe penfioi* 
 «« w; 16 61. as were John Fryfon, John Wright, John Harper, John Mylly, John Turner, Luke Wythcrne, Tho. 
 *' Taylor, 5I. each. Robert Rayner's penlion was 4 1. 6s. 8d. John South's, 3I. 6s. 8d. and Richard Purler's, and 
 « Richard Butts, i\. a-piece." 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 1 759. 
 
STIVE CLE, OR STU RELET CHURCH, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE; 
 
 Th e folidity of this building, as well as its circular arches and zig-zag orna- 
 ments, evidently mark its great antiquity. The particular time of its erection 
 is not known ; it is however mentioned as early as the reign of Henry II. when 
 it was given by Geffery de Clinton, chamberlain to that king, to the priory of 
 Kenelworth in Warwickfhire, of which his father was founder. It is there called 
 the church of Stivecle, or Stiff Clay, in all likelihood from the kind of foil 
 whereon it flood. The prefent church rauft be from its Mile at leaft as old as- 
 that period. 
 
STiVECLE, or STUKELEY CHURCH, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 
 
 It is a vicarage in the diocefe of Lincoln and deanry of Murefley ; the 
 church is dedicated to St. Mary ; the Bifhop of Oxford is both proprietor and 
 patron; the certified value £. 68. 19s. 8d. and rated in the King's Books at 
 £. 9. 9s. yd. the yearly tenths, eighteen (hillings and elevenpence halfpenny. 
 
 Th 1 s Plate is engraved from a drawing made at the expence of the late Dr. 
 Littleton, bifhop of Carlifle, and communicated to the Author. The original is 
 in the library of the Society of Antiquaries of London. 
 
CAMBRIDGE CASTLE 
 
 Is fituated on the north fide of the river Cam, near the bridge ; and was, with 
 many others, erected by William the Conqueror, in the firft year of his reign, 
 for the purpofe of awing his newly acquired fubjedts. 
 
 It appears, by Domefday-book, that eighteen houfes were destroyed for the 
 lite of this caftle, which was both ftrong and fpacious, having a noble hall, with 
 many other magnificent apartments. 
 
 In the year 12 16, in the reign of King John, it was befieged, and taken by 
 the Barons j and about the year 1291, King Edward the Firft was entertained 
 here two days and two nights. He is faid to be the firft King who ever honoured 
 it with the royal prefence. 
 
 In procefs of time, this caftle being neglected, and falling to ruin, the materials 
 of its great hall were given, by King Henry the Fourth, to the Maftcr and 
 
CAMBRIDGE CASTLE. 
 
 Wardens of King's-Hall, towards building their chapel ; and Queen Mary granted 
 as much of the {tones and timber to Sir John Huddleftone, as fufficed to build 
 his houfe at Sawfton. 
 
 Great part of it was flanding in Cambden's time, who calls it " a large antient 
 " caftle, which feemeth now to have lived out his full time ;" and Mr. Arthur 
 Agard, an ingenious antiquary, his cotemporary, fays, the julliet, or keep, was 
 landing when he was a fcholar at Cambridge - y but adds, that fince his time it 
 had been defaced. 
 
 In an antient view of the town of Cambridge, printed at Strasbourg, in the 
 year 1575 in the pofleffion of Doctor Ducarel, which feems to belong to a 
 book, the cattle is reprefented entire, and flanding on an eminence ; its figure 
 an irregular pentagon, having its north and fouth fides (which are perpendicular 
 to that on the eafl) parallel, and much longer than the others : thefe fides are 
 flanked by four towers ; three of them fquare, and one round. The round 
 tower is at the fouth-eaft angle, and is much larger than the reft; the entrance 
 is through a tower, facing fouth-wefl. 
 
 On the infide, adjoining to the walls, are buildings which have the appearance 
 of dwelling-houfes, and were probably apartments for the governor, and barracks 
 for the garrifon. 
 
 As that print was published -abroad, and well engraved, it was in all likelihood 
 copied from fome Englifh draught, of approved authority, and of much earlier 
 date. 
 
 In the year 1769, when this view was taken, nothing remained but the gate- 
 houfe, which then ferved for the county prifon. At a fmall diflance from this 
 building, ir> one of thofe artificial mounts, fo frequently to be found near antient 
 catties. Immediately under it, and oppo.lite the windows of the prifon, ftands 
 die gallows for the execution of malefactors. 
 
IB 
 
 Tlan & //<■/'■ of t '<>//i /■/■/,///,■ Castie/,/rvm em. . indent Drau ing l firrnerly defonqinq to GmehiL 1rm 
 
 .'//////<:',</ /c /■/■ Drawn afout tfu. Reign of Queen Etiza&etfi . 
 W .Thi> Jut/n't wynvtt r<>n-rr wenf/onli 'fir R»//i ,4 yard rids Jnfiyttarifiti ifr'.wr/r.ie.i . 
 
B E E S T N CASTLE, CHESHIRE. 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 This Caftle, as appears not only from its prefent remains, but alfo from 
 the teftimony of Camden, was once ftrongly fortified by art, as well as almofl 
 inacceflible by nature. His words are, " Beefton Cattle, a place well guarded 
 " by walls of a great compafs, by the great number of its towers, and by a 
 ** mountain of very fteep afcent." Leland conceived fo high an opinion of it, 
 that he wrote, or rather repeated in fome Latin verfes, a kind of prophecy, which, 
 however, does not feem very likely to be accomplished. Thefc verfes are thus 
 tranflated by Bifhop Gibfon, in his edition of Camden, 
 
 Ranulph, returning from the Syrian land, 
 
 This Caftle rais'd his country to defend, > 
 The borderer to fright and to command. -* 
 
 Though ruin'd here the {lately fabric lies, 
 
 Yet with new glories it again mail rife, ( 
 If! I a Prophet may believe old prophecies, J 
 
B E E S T N CASTLE, CHESHIRE. 
 
 The following account of this Caftle is given in the Vale Royal of Chefhire, 
 ublifhed anno 1656, by Daniel King, and now become extremely fcarce. 
 
 " And fo we cannot here but flay to look on the next {lately houfe and fine 
 ' demefne of Beefton, the name both of the houfes, the townfhip, and that 
 ' famous and far-feen Caftle, built there by the laft Ranulph, the famous Earl 
 ' of Chefter ; and, without queftion, was a place, when fuch ftrong holds were 
 ' in requeft, of admirable and impregnable ftrength. It is mounted upon the 
 : top of a very fteep hill of ftone, the chief tower whereof, in the very fu- 
 ' mitty of it, had a draw-well of an incredible depth to ferve it with water. I 
 1 have meafured it, and, notwithstanding that by the great number of flones 
 
 * which from the ruinated walls thofe that repair thither do caft in, it is fup- 
 4 pofed the well in the outward to be half flopped up ; yet it is of true mea- 
 
 * fure 91 yards deep, and the other above 80 yards deep by M. S. and from that 
 ' tower, a circular wall of a large compafs, containing a fine plat of ground, 
 ' where, in the circuit of it, and in the middeft of that, another well, which yet 
 « by the long defcent of a flone before it fall down to the water, when you mail 
 ' hear the fall of it of a huge depth ; and the foot of the whole wall (landing 
 ' fo deep on every fide, that faving one way up to the gates of the Caftle towards 
 ' the Eaft, and thofe very fair and (lately, men can hardly find a footing to ftancl on 
 c any part of the faid hill ; concerning which, though I have no reafon to fix my 
 
 * belief upon any, either idle prophecies, as they call them, or vain predic- 
 £i tions of vulgar report; yet, neither will I be fo fcrupulous as not to make men- 
 £C tion of the common word thereabouts ufed, that Beefton Caftle (hall fave all 
 il England on a day ; nor fo envious as not to take notice of Old Leland's bold 
 " conjecture of the future exalting of the head of it in time to come ; whereof 
 C( I only fay this, that I wifli every man to look upon what grounds he gives cre- 
 i( dit to any old dreams. To the place 1 wifh all good, and to the name of 
 
 Beefton I could alfo with a continuance as the Caftle ftands, being now in 
 <: the porTefnon of an ancient Knight, Sir Hugh Beefton, of much refpecl ; but 
 *' now, through want of iftlie male, like to pafs into another name, the heir 
 tc being now married to one of the younger fons of the Honourable and after - 
 ** mentioned Knight and Baronet Sir Thomas Savage." 
 
 Although the time when the Caftle was built is not here fpecined, it muft 
 have been between the year 11 So, when Ranulph became Earl of Chefter, 
 and 1232, when he died. 
 
 Tins View, which reprefents the great gate, or chief entrance into the Caftle, wa' drawn Anno i;6o. 
 
B E E S T N CASTLE, CHESHIRE, 
 
 PLATE H. 
 
 Since the printing of the Firft Plate of this Caftle, in which I inferted the account of it as given in the Vale 
 Royal of Chefliire, I have met with a more ancient defcription, written by Sampfon Erdefwicke, Efq; and printed 
 in the year 1593. Altho' this ought, in point of time, to have preceded the other ; yet as the Survey of Sufford- 
 fhire, in which it is contained, is become extremely fcarce, I imagine the reader will rather excufe the violation 
 of order, than want the defcription ; I, therefore, have here tranfcribed it. 
 
 "As in Staffbrdfhire I have begun with Trent, fo proceeding to the defcription of Chefliire, I think it my 
 " readieft courfe to begin with Wever, a fair river, which takes its firft fource or fpring to Peckforton-Hills, near 
 " Beefton Caftle, anJ prefently runneth, firft fouth-eaft, then plain fouth, then bendeth fouth-eaft again, then 
 " plain eaft, then turneth fuddenly plain north, and fo keepeth on its courfe ; though it have diverfe windings, fome- 
 *' times weftwards, and fometimes eaft, for fifteen or fixteen miles ftill northwards, and then returneth, as it were 
 ** fuddenly weft ; which courfe it holrleth on, until it come into the Freet of Merfey, where it difchargeth itfclf into 
 " a pritty little fea, and, as Trent doth, divides the (hire into near two equal parts, eaft and weft ; the one being 
 ** called the Overfide of Chefliire, and the other the Lower fide. 
 
 " No r far from the fountain of Wever (as I have faid) Hands Beefton Caftle, which for that it was more eminent 
 " and famous than any particular part of the Ihire (the city of Cheftcr excepted), I covet to begin withal j and yon 
 « muft lomething bear with me, if a little I range about the head of Weever, for three or four miles on both fides 
 " of the river ; for that in that part of the fliire the rivers be not fo plentiful as in other places thereof: and befides, 
 " the barony of Rob. filius Hugonis, being the firft barony which is fpoken of in Doomfday-Eook, which there- 
 
BEESTON CASTLE, CHESHIRE. 
 
 " fore I covet to begin withal, lieth the moll part of it about this part of Chefhire, and not far from Weever, be- 
 " tween it and Dee, except fome little of it which lies in Flintlhire, then reputed as a member of the county 
 
 " palatine of Chefter. 
 
 " Bi eston Castle Hands very loftily and proudly, upon an exceeding fteep and high rock, fo fteep upon all 
 " fides but one, that it fuffers no accefs unto it ; fo that tho' it be walled about, yet (for the moll part thereof ) the 
 *« wall is needlefs,, the rock is fo very high and fteep : and where the nature of the thing admitteth accefs, there 
 *' is firft a fair gate, and a wall furnilhed with turrets,, which enclofeth a good quantity of ground (four or five 
 
 acres) which lieth north-eaftwards, fomewhat rifeth until it come to the over-part of the rock, where is a great 
 ** dike or ditch hewed out of the main rock, and within the fame a goodly ftrong gatehoufe and a ftrong wall, with 
 •* other buildings, which when they flourifhed were a convenient habitation for any great perfonage. In which it is 
 *' a wonder to fee the great labour that hath been ufed to have fufficient water ; which was procured by, no doubt 
 " with great difficulty, a marvellous deep well through that huge high rock ; which is fo deep, as that it equals 
 «« in depth the riveret, which runneth not far from the faid Callle, through Teverton, Hocknell, and fo on to 
 *« Merfey. 
 
 " This Callle ftands within the mannor of Beefton ; but tfet ground whereon it (lands, was procured by Ran- 
 " dulf, the third Earl of Cheller, from the owner of the faid mannor, to the end he might make and fortify the faid 
 " Callle there, which he did accordingly. 
 
 " The manor of Beefton, whereof this place was a member before the Caftle was builded, is within the parlfh of 
 «« Bunbury, poffeffed at this day by Sir George Beefton, whofe fon and heir Hugh Beefton hath (as I hear) alfo 
 " purchafed the Caftle of Beefton of the Queen. 
 
 " The Beeftonsare defcended paternally from the Btinberyes, who (as I take it) were Lords of the whole parifh, 
 " or the moll of it, about Henry the Second's time ; and were at the firft known by the name of St. Peere, but 
 " (by reafon of their habitation, and the Seignory of Bunbury together) changed their name from St. Peere to 
 '« Bunbury. As Henry of Bunbury (to whom his Father had given Beefton about king Henry the Third's time) 
 " had iiTue a fon named David, who was called David de Beefton, by reafon of his habitation ; which David had 
 " iiTue Henry Beefton, who had iffue David Beefton, William (that died without iiTue), Henry that begat Thomas 
 " and William that had iffue, John, Raufe, and Agnes." 
 
 From the accounts here given it appears, this Caftle was in decay when they were written ; but its prefent 
 ruinous condition Ihews the honourable fears of feveral vigorous attacks fuftained by it during the lad Civil War. 
 
 In the beginning of thefe troubles, this Callle was feized for the Parliament, but was attacked and taken December 
 1 2th, 1643, by the King's forces, then juft landed from Ireland. It appears the garrifon made little or no defence ; 
 for Rufhworth fays, the Governour, one Captain Steel, was tried and executed for a coward. The Parliamentarians 
 afterwards attempted to retake it, and it was unfuccefsfully befieged for feventeen weeks, being bravely defended 
 by Captain Valet. On Prince Rupert's approach the enemy abandoned it, March 18, 1644. In 1645 it was again 
 attacked*; and on the 16th of November it furrendered on conditions, after eighteen weeks continual fiege, in 
 which the garrifon were reduced to the neceilky of eating cats, &c. The Governor, Colonel Ballard (fays 
 Rafliworth), in companion to his foldiers, confented to beat a parly, whereupon a treaty followed ; and having 
 obtained very honourable conditions (even beyond expectation in fitch extremity), viz. to march out, the Governor 
 and Oificers with horfes and arms, and their own proper goods (which loaded two wains), the common foldiers 
 with their arms, colours flying, drums beating, matches alight, and a proportion of powder and ball, and a 
 convoy to guard them to Flint Caftle ; .he did, on Sunday the 16th of November, furrender the Caftle, the garrifon 
 being reduced to not above fixty men, *'ho marched away according to the conditions. 
 
 Many traces of thefe operations, fuch as ditches, trenches, and other military works, are Hill difcernible in the 
 grounds about it. 
 
 The fite and Ruins of this Caftle at prefent belong to Sir Roger Moftyn, of Moftyn, in the county of 
 Flint, Bart. 
 
 This Plate gives a general profpedl of the Ruins as they appear when feen from the fruth. It was drawn anno '773. 
 ^laie I. preiented a more particular view of the great Gateway. 
 
BIRKEBEDDE PRIORI CHESHIRE. 
 
 This Priory was, as appears from different writers, alfo called Bricheved, 
 Eyrkett, and Burket-Wood Priory. It was founded in the latter end of the 
 reign of Henry the lid. or in that of Richard the Firft, by Hamon MalTey, 
 third Baron of Dunham MalTey, who placed therein fixteen Benedictine MonkSi 
 A Manufcript in Corpus Chrifti College, Cambridge, makes them Canons of the 
 Order of St. Auguftine. It was dedicated to St. Mary and St. James. 
 
 In the Monafticon are two charters of the faid Hamon MalTey. In the firi!,, 
 he grants to this Monaftery in free alms, half an acre of land at Dunham, and 
 an acre at Lacheker, with the advowfon of the church of Bowdon ; and in the 
 other, the liberty of chooiing their own Prior, granted before by Pope Alexander : 
 from whence it feems, as if the Papal permimon for fuch election was not then* 
 fufficient without the confirmation of the patron. 
 
BHIBHEDD E PRIORY, CHESHIRE. 
 
 At the DifTolution, its revenues were eftimated at 90/. 13s. per ann. according 
 to Dugdale ; 102/. 16s. lod. Speed ; its reputed value 108/. ; and by a M.S. in 
 Corpus ChrifK College, Cambridge, it wai only reckoned at 80/. In- the 36th 
 of Henry the Eighth, it was granted to Ralph Worfeley. 
 
 This houfe is faid by Leland to have been fubordinate to the Abbey of Chefter ; 
 but Tanner does not fubfcribe to that opinion. " The grant of free election for 
 " a Prior, the diftinct valuation of its poffefTions, both in Tax. Lincoln, and 
 " 26 Henry VIII. makes me doubt much, fays he, whether this was a cell to 
 
 Chefter." 
 
 In the Vale Royal of England, publifhed Anno 1656, by Dan. King, there is 
 a view of this Priory, by which it is plain that much of the buildings have been 
 demolifhed fince the time when That was drawn. Annexed to it is the following 
 account : " Where the paffage lies over into Lancafhire, unto Leaverpool, we 
 *' ftep over into Berket-Wood, and where hath been a famous Priory, the foun- 
 «' dation whereof I am not yet inflruct for j but now a very goodly demean, and 
 fl which is come, by defcent from the Worfleyes, men of great pofTeffions, now 
 * ( to a gentleman of much worth, Thomas Powel, Efq. the heir of that ancient 
 *' feat of Horfley, in the county of Flint ; and one whom our county may gladly 
 *' receive, to be added to the number of thofe that deferve better commendation 
 " than I am fit to give them ; though unto him I am particularly bound to ex- 
 " tend my wits to a higher reach, then here I will make tryall of." 
 
 At prefent it is the property of Richard Perry Price, Efq. whofe grandfather, 
 Mr. Cleveland, purchafed it of Mr. Powel.. 
 
 What is fhewn in the view here reprefented, feems to have been part of the 
 church or chapel of the Priory. Towards the left hand, under the middle of the 
 tuft of ivy, is the remains of a confeffional feat, the entrance being through the 
 Gothick arch : the fmall window was the aperture, at which die penitents related 
 idieir tranfgrelfions to the prieft. 
 
 This ^drawing was made Anno 17700 
 
iS .Dec f 1772 . 
 
 Drawaza fc . 
 
 CHESTER CASTLE. 
 PLATE t. 
 
 This caftle, it is faid, was either built or greatly repaired by Hugh Lupus, 
 earl of Chefter, nephew to William the Conqueror; it is twice defcribed in the 
 Vale Royal of England, published anno 1656, by Dan. King; as that book is 
 extremely fcarce, I mall here literally tranfcribe both paOages. 
 
 ' " The caftle of Chefter ftandeth on a rocky hill, within the wall of the city, 
 " not far from the bridge : which caftle is a place having privileges of itfeif and 
 " hath a conftable, the building thereof feemeth to be very ancient. At the firfl 
 " coming in is the gatehoufe, which is a prifon for the whole county, having di- 
 " verfe rooms and lodgings j and hard within the gate is a houfe, which was fome- 
 " time the exchequer, but now the cuftom-houfe ; not far from thence, in the bafe 
 '* court, is a deep well, and thereby ftables and other houfes of office; on the left 
 " hand is a chapel, and hard by adjoining thereunto, the goodly fair, and large mire 
 " hall, newly repaired, where all matters of law, touching the county Palatine, are 
 " heard and judicioufly determined ; and at the end thereof the brave new ex- 
 " chequer, for the faid county Palatine ; all thefe are in the bafe-court. Then 
 " there is a draw-bridge into the inner ward, wherein are diverfe goodly lodg- 
 " ings for the juftices, when they come, and here the conftable himfelf dwelleth. 
 
 " The thieves and felons are arraigned in the fhire hall, and being condemned, 
 " are by the conftable of the caftle, or his deputy, delivered to the meriffs of 
 " the city, a certain diftance without the caftle-gate, at a ftone called the 
 
CHESTER CASTLE. 
 
 *■ Glovers-flone ; from which place the faid meriifs convoy them to the place of 
 
 " execution, called Boughton." 
 
 Again. " Upon the fouth-fide of the city, near unto the faid water of Dee, 
 " and upon a high bank, or rock of flone, is mounted a fcrong and (lately cafUe, 
 «' round in form ; the Bafe-court, likewife inclofed with a circular wall, which to 
 " this day retaineth one teftimony of the Romans magnificence, having a fair and 
 " antient fquare tower; which, by the teflimony of all writers I have hitherto 
 " met withall, beareth the name of Julius Casfar's tower ; befides which there re- 
 " maineth yet many goodly pieces of buildings, whereof one of them containeth 
 " all fit and commodious rooms for the lodging and ufe of the honourable juftices 
 " of affize twice a year ; another part is a goodly hall, where the court of the 
 •« common pleas, and goal delivery, and alfo the fherifFs of the counties court, 
 " v/ith other bufincffes for the county of Chefler, are conftantly kept and holden; 
 gt and is a place for that purpofe of fuch flate and comelinefs, that I think it is 
 " hardly equalled with any fhire hall in any of the fhires in England. 
 
 " And then next unto the fouth-end of the hall is a lefs, but fair, neat and con- 
 " venient hall, where is continually holden the princes highnefs mod honourable 
 " court of exchequer, with other rooms, fitly appendant thereunto, for keeping 
 t( of the records of that court. Within the precincts of which caflle is alfo the 
 " king's prifon for the county of Chefler, with the office of Prothonotary, con- 
 " venient rooms for the dwelling of the- conftables, or- keeper of the faid caflle 
 " and goal, with diverfe other rooms for flabling and other ufes, with a fair draw 
 " well of water in the middefl of the court ; diverfe fvveet and dainty orchards 
 " and gardens, befide much of the antient building, for want of ufe, fallen to 
 " mine and decay, and which we may well conjecture were of great flatelinefs, 
 " and great ufe, confidering that the fame caflle was, as hereafter will appear, 
 «' the pallace of many worthy princes, who kept therein, no doubt, great and 
 *' moft brave retinues; and I find that the caftle, with the precin<5ts thereof, were 
 u referved out of that charter of king Henry the Seventh, by which the city was 
 " made a county of itfeif j and, accordingly, hath ever fince been ufed for the 
 * { king's majefly's fer.vice of the county of Chefler, and efteemed a part thereof, 
 ** and not of the county of the city." 
 
 This caflle is built of a foft reddifli ftone, which does not well endure the 
 weather, and is at prefent much out of repair, feveral large pieces of the walls 
 having lately fallen down into the ditch. Indeed its trifling confequence as a 
 fortrefs would hardly juflify the expence of a thorough repair. It is, however, 
 commanded by a governor and lieutenant governor, and is commonly garrtfoned 
 by two companies of invalids. 
 
 This drawing was made anno 17 70. 
 
CHE S T E R CAST L £; 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 A s this Edifice cannot well be reprefented at one view, without taking it at 
 fo great a diftance as would render the parts extremely indiftincl: and confufed, 
 this fecond profpect was judged neceffary ; which being drawn from the ditch 
 within the walls of the city, mews fome of the principal internal buildings, 
 giving the beholder an idea of the antient magnificence of this venerable Pile. 
 The church feen in the back ground is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and called 
 St. Mary's of the Caftle. In and near the angle under the great window appears 
 the rock on which the caftle is founded. 
 
CHESTER CASTLE. 
 
 In Peck's Defiderata Curiofa, Chefter Caftle ftands in the lift of Queen 
 Elizabeth's Garrifons, with the following officers and falaries : 
 
 CHESTER. 
 
 
 /. 
 
 t. 
 
 d. 
 
 Conftable of the Caftle ; Fee - 
 
 6 
 
 
 4 
 
 Porter ; Fee - - 
 
 4 
 
 1 1 
 
 3 
 
 Keeper of the Gardens ; Fee - 
 
 6 
 
 i 
 
 8 
 
 Surveior of the works within Chefhire and Flint ; Fee 
 
 6 
 
 i 
 
 8 
 
 Mafter Mafon ; Fee - 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 Mafter Carpenter Fee - 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 It ftill continues to be a Royal Garrifon, and has a Governor and Lieutenant 
 Governor, each at i os. per diem i and two independent companies of Invalids are 
 ftationed here. 
 
 During the Civil War under Charles the Firft, Chefter was befieged, and 
 at length, Feb. 3, 1645, taken by the Parliamentary forces, commanded by Sir 
 William Brereton ; but the Caftle neither made any particular defence or feparate 
 capitulation. 
 
 This Drawing was made anno 1769. 
 
■ 
 
 a 
 
 fubtthJ* Utirch ijj a b.r S Hooper N? ^-Ludcpatp Tiitt . 11 ■ Godfhy 
 
 CHESTER BRIDGE. 
 
 This bridge is more worthy of notice for its picturefque appearance, than re- 
 markable for its antiquity ; not but part of it is very ancient, though it appears 
 to have been frequently repaired at different times, and with different materials ; 
 however, the greater!: part of it is built with the fame reddifh (lone as the cattle. 
 Very little is to be met with relative to this bridge in the county hiflories ; it is 
 flightly touched upon by Lee, in the Vale Royal of England, publifhed by Dan. 
 King, anno 1656, but neither the builder, the time of its erection, nor by whom 
 it is repaired, is there mentioned. " The bridge gate, fays he, is at the iouth 
 «' part of the city, at the entering of the bridge, commonly called Dee Bridge, 
 " which bridge is builded all of ftone of eight arches in length : at the farther! end 
 " whereof is alfo a gate; and without that, on the other fide of the water, the 
 " fuburbs of the city, called Hond-bridge." 
 
 A MS. account of Chefter, communicated by a friend, has the following 
 paflage relative to this bridge. " After the death of Elflcda, her brother Edward 
 
CHESTER BRIDGE. 
 
 fucceeded to the throne, who, fighting againfl: the Danes, would have been taken 
 prifoner, but for the unparalleled courage and activity of his fon Athelftan. In 
 the year after this engagement he vifited his territories in Chefhire, and greatly 
 fecured them, by erecling fortreffes at Thelwell and Manchefter. He likewife 
 finimed the bridge over the river Dee at Chefter, which was begun by his fitter 
 Elfleda, before which time there was a ferry for paflengers under Sti Mary's Hill, 
 at the Ship Gate. 
 
 This view was drawn anno 1770. 
 
THE NEW, OR, WATER TOWER, CHESTER. 
 
 This Tower feems to have been built for the defence of a Quay 
 on the River Dee, which once flowed clofe to it, but is now fo 
 choaked up by fands, as to render it entirely ufelefs for that purpofe. 
 It was built, according to the account given of it in King's Vale 
 Royal of England, anno 1322, at the expence of the City, by one 
 John Helpftone, a mafon, who contracted to complete it, according 
 to a given plan, for the fum of one hundred pounds. The indenture, 
 or agreement, is preferved among the archives of the City. 
 
 The following Defcription of it is given in another part of the 
 fame book: " From the North Gate, ftill weftward, the wall extend- 
 " eth to another tower, and from thence to the turning of the wall 
 " foutbwards ; at which corner flandeth another fine turret, called 
 
T HE N E W, OR, WATER TOWER, CHESTER. 
 
 " the New Tower ; and was pitched within the channel of Dee- 
 " water. Which New Tower was built, as it is reported, in or near 
 '** to the place in the river which was the Key ; whereunto veffels of 
 " great burden, as well of merchandize as others, came clofe up ; 
 " which may the rather feem probable, as well by a deeper foun- 
 a dation of ftone-work yet appearing from the foot of that Tower, 
 " reaching a good diftance into the channel; as alfo by great rings of 
 " iron here and there fattened to the fides of the faid Tower, which 
 tC if they ferved not for the fattening of fuch veffels as then ufed to 
 " approach to the fame Key, I cannot learn what other ufe they mould 
 " be for." 
 
 And again, another paffage in the fame book fays: "The Water-Gate 
 u is in the weft fide of the City ; whereunto, in times paft, great 
 " fhips and veffels might come at full fea ; but now fcarce fmall 
 " boats are able to come, the fands have fo choaked the channel; 
 " and although the Citizens have beftowed marvellous great charges 
 (i in building this New Tower, which ftandeth in the very river 
 " between this Gate and the North-Gate, yet all will notferve; and 
 " therefore all the mips do come to a place called the New Key, fix 
 " miles from the City." 
 
 The form of this Tower is extremely lingular, its outride being 
 broken into a variety of angles ; and thofe neither increafing its 
 beauty, ftability, or powers of defence. 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 1770. 
 
THE MONASTERY OF ST BEES, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 O f tliis houfe Tanner gives the following hiftory : " Bega, an holy woman 
 " from Ireland, is faid to have founded, about the year of our Lord 650,. a fmall 
 " monaftery in Copeland, where afterward a church was built in memory of 
 " her. This religious houfe being deflroyed by the Danes, was reftored by 
 " William, fon to Ranulph de Mefchin, Earl of Cumberland, temp. Hen. I. 
 " and made a cell of a prior and fix Benedictine monks to the abbey of St. 
 " Mary at York. It was endowed (at the dhTolution) with 143I. 17s. 2d, »b. 
 " per arm. Dugdale, 149I. 19s. 6d. Speed, and granted 7 Ed. 6th, to Sir Tho. 
 " Challoner, but 4 et 5 Phil, et Mar. to the bifhop of Chefter, and Iiis fucce^^ors. ,, 
 The living is a curacy in the diocefe of Chefler; the patron Sir James 
 Lowther. 
 
The MONASTERY of St. BEES, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 This monaflery lies in a bottom about four miles fouth fouth-weft from 
 Whitehaven, and about one north from Egremont. The chief remains are 
 thole of the conventual church, which is now ufed as a parochial one. The 
 arches of this building are all pointed, except that over the weft door, which is 
 circular, and has zig-zag mouldings and ornaments of heads, like thofe on the 
 door of Ifley church in Oxfordfhire. The key ftone feems to have reprefenteel 
 the head of Chrift. The windows in the chancel are long, and extremely 
 narrow. 
 
 Th e vicarage houfe appears to have been conftructed out of the ruins of the 
 monaftery, and Hands a little to the fouth-weft of it. Southward of the church 
 are many foundations, which make it probable the offices extended that way. 
 In the church yard, on the fouth fide of the church, are the almoft fhapelels 
 trunks of the figures of two knights ; one holding a fhicld, and the other with 
 his hands joined, as in the attitude of praying. They are broken off at the 
 knees, and much defaced by time. 
 
 A small diftance eaft of the church (lands the grammar (chool, founded by 
 Dr. Edmund Grindal, archbiiliop of Canterbury. It has a library to it, and has 
 been much improved by the donations of Dr. Lamplugh, late archbiiliop of 
 York, Dr. Smith, late bifliop of Carlifle, Sir John Lowther, and others. The 
 right of nominating the mailer, is in the provoft and fellows of Queens College, 
 Oxford. 
 
 The village of St. Bees lies a quarter of a mile fouth of the monaftery. The 
 way to it lies over a bridge lately repaired, but having on it the date 1588, with 
 the initials R. G. 
 
 This view, which (hews the north-weft afped of the church, was drawn 1774. 
 
CARLISLE CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 This Caftle ftands on the north-weft fide of the City of Carlifle, which it is 
 faid exifted before the coming of the Romans ; being, according to our antient 
 Chroniclers, built by a King named Luel, or Lugbul ; whence it was fliled by 
 the ancient Britons Caer-Luel, or Luel's City. It is encomparfed on the north 
 fide by the river Eden, on the eaft by the Petterel, and on the well by the 
 Cande. 
 
 Probably a fpot fo flrong by Nature was not deflitute of a fortrefs during 
 the time of the Romans, when, as appears from the many inferiptions and ancient 
 utenfils digged up hereabouts, Carlifle was a place of much eftimation : but the 
 prefent Caftle was the work of William Rufus, built about the year 1093, 200 
 years after the City had been deftroyecl by the Danes. 
 
 King William at firft placed herein a colony of Flemmings ; and afterwards 
 removing thefe to the Ifle of Anglefea, he lent in their Head a number of 
 Hufo-indmen from the fouth to inftruc~t the inhabitants in the art of cultivating 
 -their lands. 
 
 King Henry I. is faid to have encreafed the fortifications of the City, and to 
 have ftrengthened it with a garrifon ; he alfo raifed it to the dignity of an 
 Epifcopal See, granting it many privileges and immunities, with intention to render 
 it flrong and populous, it being an important barrier againft the incurfion of the 
 Scots'. 
 
CARLISLE CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 In the reign of Henry III. that Prince gave the cuftody of theCaftle andCounty 
 
 to Robert de Veteri Ponte, or Vipont. 
 
 According to Camden, the Caftle was rebuilt, or much repaired by King 
 Richard III. whofe Arms, he fays, were fet up againft it. Probably thefe repairs 
 became neceffary from the damage it fuffered in the great fire, anno 1292, in 
 which, the Chronicle of Lanercoft Abbey fays, it was burned down, together 
 with the Cathedral and Suburbs. Or it might, at length, have become ruinous 
 from the affaults it had fuftained from the Scots, by whom it was often be- 
 fieged, and twice taken ; once in the reign of King Stephen ; and retaken by 
 King Henry II. ; and, again, in the time of King John." 
 
 King Henry VIII. caufed feveral additions to be made to the fortifications of 
 this Town and Caftle : and Queen Elizabeth built the Chapel and Barracks, 
 as appears by her Arms placed thereon. 
 
 This Caftle is of an irregular figure, having a ftrong Gate-houfe, and three 
 fmall fquare Towers, of little or no ufe in the prefent mode of defence. Thefe 
 communicate with a Rampart and Parapet, for the afcent of which there are 
 feveral nights of fteps. 
 
 The Keep ftands on the eaft fide. It is built of reddim ftone, and now ufed 
 for a ftore-houfe. It is feparated from the Caftle-yard by a ditch on its weft fide; 
 which ditch is defended by a curious round Baftion. In the inner Gate of the 
 Caftle is ftill to be feen the old Portcullis. — Here are likewife feveral ancient guns 
 mounted on rotten and unferviceable carriages. This fortrefs fuffered fome injury 
 during the Civil Wars in the reign of King Charles I. and was battered and taken 
 by the Duke of Cumberland in the Rebellion of 1745. The breach caufed by 
 the Duke's batteries, which were planted on a riling ground to the weft at near 500 
 yards diftance, are now repaired ; for which purpofe the infide of the fouth-wall 
 has been ftripped of its facing. 
 
 Here were feveral embrafures railed with earth, mofl of the batteries being 
 originally en barbette. p 
 
 Here the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots lodged when me fled from Scot- 
 land. Her apartments are ftill fhewn among the Admiranda of the Caftle. 
 
 This View, which fhews the North-Eaft Afpecl;, was drawn Anno 1774,0 
 
Car// >/<' < '</,>//<■ 
 
COCKER MOUTH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 This was the Baronial Caftle of the Honour of Cockermouth, built, as is fuppofed, 
 foon after the Conquer!, by William de Mefchines, who pofTefled that Honour by 
 gift of his brother Ranulph, Earl of Cumberland ; to whom the Conqueror gave 
 all that part of Cumberland, called Copeland, lying between the Dudden and the 
 Darwent. 
 
 From the faid William this Honour, for want of heirs male, came to Gilbert 
 Pipard ; and from him, for the like caufe, to Richard de Lucy ; whofe daughter 
 and co-heirefs marrying Thomas de Moulton, had iffue a fon Anthony, who took 
 upon him the name of Lucy ; and to him, as appears in Madox's Baronia, this 
 Honour, together with the Manor of Pappe Caftle, were granted by Edward III. 
 in the fecond year of his reign. This Anthony dying without iflue, his eftates 
 devolved to his lifter Maud, who firft married Gilbert de Umfraville, and after- 
 wards Henry, de Percy, Earl of Northumberland. She did, by a line levied in the 
 Octaves of St. John Baptift, in the reign of King Richard II. A. D. 1584, fettle 
 the Caftle and Honour of Cockermouth, with a large proportion of her inheritance. 
 
COCKERMOUTH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 upon her hufband and his heirs male, with diverfe remainders to the family of the 
 Percy's, upon condition that they mould always bear the arms of Lucy, which 
 are, Gules, three luces or pikes, hauriant, argent, in all fhields, banners, enfigns, 
 and coats of arms whatfoever, quarterly with their own. In this family it continued 
 till Joceline, the laft Earl, leaving only a daughter, Irie carried it in marriage to 
 Charles Seymour, Duke of Somerfet ; and by the death of Algernon (the laft Duke) 
 without heirs-male, it defcended, together with the title of Earl of Egremont, to 
 Sir Charles Windham, Bart, whofe fon is the prefent Proprietor. 
 
 Other Accounts attribute the building of this Caftle to Waldof, firft Lord of 
 Allerdale, fon of Gofpatrick, Earl of Northumberland, cotemporary with William 
 the Conqueror. Waldof, it is faid, refided firft at Pappe Caftle, in this neighbour- 
 hood ; which he afterwards demolished, and with the materials erected this 
 edifice. 
 
 This Caftle ftands on the weft fide of the Coker, on a mount, feemingly artificial, 
 near the Darwent. The dimenfions of the walls, whfeh form nearly a fquare, are 
 computed about 600 yards in compafs ; they are flanked by feveral fquare towers. 
 The entrance is on the eaft fide, over a bridge. Over the outer gate are five fhields 
 of arms ; four of them are faid to be thofe of the Moulton's, Umfraville's, Lucy's, 
 and Percy's. In this gate are fome habitable rooms, wherein the Auditor holds a 
 Court twice every year. 
 
 Within the walls are two courts. In the firft are fome fmall modern tenements 
 inhabited by a perfon who takes care of the Caftle. From this court, through a 
 gate, is the entrance into the fecond. On each fide of this gate are two deep 
 dungeons, each capable of holding fifty perfons ; they are vaulted at the top, and 
 have only a fmall opening in order to admit the prifoners, who either defcended by 
 a ladder, or were lowered down with ropes. On the outride of the gate, juft even 
 with the ground, are two narrow flits ; one on each fide, Hoping inwards. Down 
 thefe were thrown the provifions allotted for the wretched beings confined there, 
 who had no other light, or air, but what was admitted through thefe chinks. 
 
 Within the fecond court ftood the Manfion, now in ruins. The Kitchen, as it 
 is called, makes a piclurefque appearance. It has one of thofe monftrous chimneys^ 
 lb common in old manfions, which ferve to give an idea of the ancient hofpitality. 
 Under it is a groined vault, faid to have been the Chapel, fupported near the middle 
 by a large polygonal column, and lighted by only one window. 
 
 During the Civil Wars,it was garrifoned, Anno 1648, for the King ; and being 
 befieged and taken, was burned, and never fince repaired ; altho' the prefent Earl 
 has caufed the outer walls to be new pointed, and the rubbifh to be removed from 
 {he inner court. 
 
 Tiais View, which reprefents the North-eaft Afpect, was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
COCKERMOUTH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 The former view exJiibited the outfide of this Caftle ; this fliews the infide 
 of its inner Court, view'd nearly in the contrary direction. 
 
 The great room called the kitchen is here very perlpicuous. Towards the 
 right hand, and near its top, appear the remains of a ftair-cafe. 
 
 The fmall door near the midde of the Plate, with an inner arch appearing 
 juft above the wall, is that which leads to the flair-cafe, defending into the 
 chapel. 
 
 Under the largeft of the two pointed arches, towards the right hand, lies the 
 paflage to and from the outer court. 
 
 This view was drawn anno 1774. 
 
■/W6.y 7 74- . wfr j 
 
 LANERCOST P R I R r, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 PLATE I, 
 
 This was a Priory of Canons Regular of the Order of St. Auguf- 
 tine, dedicated to the Honour of God and St. Mary Magdalene. It 
 was founded by Robert, fon of Hubert de Vallibus, Lord of Gillefland. 
 The Church was dedicated by Bernard, Bifhop of Carlifle, anno 1 169. 
 
 Robert de Vallibus, the Founder, by his charter granted to thefe 
 Canons diverfe valuable parcels of land, whofe boundaries are therein 
 defcribed ; alfo the Church of Walton, with the Chapel of Trever- 
 man, the Churches of Erchinton, of Brampton, Karlaton and Farlam, 
 with all their appurtenances and dependencies. 
 
 He likewife gave the pafturage for thirty cows, and twenty fov/s, 
 in his Foreft of Walton ; with all the bark of the timber-trees, and 
 
LANERCOST PRIORY, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 the dry wood in the forefts of his Barony ; and free pafTage for them- 
 felves and fervants through his eftates to their different churches 
 and houfes, &c. to Brampton, Walton, Traverfman, Warboleman, 
 and Rofwrageth, Danton, and Brenkibeth. 
 
 He moreover beftowed on them certain lands in his Wood at 
 Brampton, for the building of a barn to collect their tythes : he alfo 
 permitted them to make themfelves a fim-pond any-where within 
 his demefnes, provided that it did not injure his mill. 
 
 All thefe, with many other donations, were confirmed by the 
 charter of King Richard the Ift. 
 
 Robert de Vallibus, dying without iffue, was fucceeded by his 
 brother Ralph, whofe great-grand-daughter Maud marrying Thomas 
 de Multon, carried the Barony into that family. Their grand-daughter 
 and heirefs Margaret in like manner conveyed it to the family of 
 the Dacres. At the DifTolution, the fite was granted to Thomas Lord 
 Dacre, as Patron, or Founder of this Houfe, being the legal repre- 
 fentative of Robert de Vallibus. 
 
 At the Suppreflion, the annual revenues of this Houfe were efH- 
 mated at 77I. 7s. nd. Dugdale ; 79I. 19s. Speed; at which 
 time, here were a Prior and feven Canons. 
 
 This View, which reprefents the North Afpect of the Priory Church, was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
LANERCOST P R 1 R V, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 This Priory is fituated in a romantic valley, a fmall diflance north of the 
 river Irthing, and a little to the fouthward of the Pi&s Wall. 
 
 Its remains confift of the Priory-church, and fome few of the offices of 
 the Monastery, now fitted up for a farm-houfe- 
 
 The Chancel is in ruins, where, amidft fhrubs, brambles, and nettles, appear 
 feveral very elegant tombs of the Dacre family, but much damaged by the 
 weather : the way into one of the vaults beneath is laid fo open, that the 
 flairs leading down are vifible. Here are two ftories or feries of arches, the under 
 ones circular, fupported by columns of great thicknefs, fome cylindrical, and fome 
 polygonal. About the ruined parts of this building many afh-trees have taken 
 root, and flourifh among the disjointed fcones, affording a very pi&urefque ap- 
 pearance. The Nave is in good repair, and ferves for the Pariih-church ; it has 
 two fide aifles divided by pointed arches of a very confiderable fpan. 
 
 On a ftone on the infide of the Eaft Wall, is the following infeription : 
 
 " Robertus de Vailibus films Hubcrti Domini de Gifland 
 " Fundator Prioratus de Lanerccft, A. D. 1116. jEdergaini Uxor ejus fine Prole 
 " Reverendus G. Story hujus Ec. Paftor 
 " Grato Animo hunc lapidem pofuit 1761." 
 
LANERCOST PRIORY, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 Which may be thus tranflated : " Robert de Vallibus, thefon of Hubert, Lord of 
 " Giiland, Founder of the Priory of Lanercoft, A. D. 1116. iEdergane his wife 
 " had no children. The Rev. G. Story, A. M. minifter of this Church, out of 
 " gratitude placed this Hone 1 761 ." According to this date, the Monaftery was 
 founded 53 years before the dedication of the Church. In theeafl window, under 
 a coat armorial of three cockle-fhells, are the following lines : 
 
 " Mille & quingentos ad quinquaginta novemque 
 
 " Adjice, & hoc Anno condidit iftud opus 
 
 " Thomas Daker Eques, fedem qui primus in iftam 
 
 " Venerat, extincla reJigione loci. 
 
 " Hoc Edvardus ei dederat, devoverat ante 
 
 " Henricus longae Praemia Militiae." 
 
 " To one thoufand and five-hundred add fifty and nine, and in that year Thomas 
 *< Daker, Efq. built this work. He was the firft who came to this feat after the 
 ** dillolution of the Priory. It was given him by Edward, though before pro- 
 '* mifed by Henry, as a reward for his long military fervices." 
 
 Probably the work here alluded to, was the window whereon the infcription 
 is placed ; which in the outrageous zeal of the Times might have been demo- 
 limed at the furrender. The Church itfelf is apparently too ancient to be meant. 
 
 The weft front of this Building was neatly finifhed, and in a niche near the 
 top is an elegant female figure. A fmall diftance weft of the Church, in what 
 was the Church-yard-wall, is the remains of a handfome gate, whofe arch is 
 a fegment of a large circle. About a mile fouth-eaft-ward, on an eminence* 
 ftands Naworth Caftle, which is plainly feen from hence. This was formerly 
 alfo the property of the Dacre family. 
 
 This Monaftery, at prefent, belongs to the Earl of Carlifle, into whofe 
 family it came by a marriage with the fifter and co-heir of the laft Lord Dacre. 
 
 It is by fome related, that this Priory was founded as an expiation for 
 the death of one Giles Bueth, who pretending to have a right to the Barony 
 of Gillifland, was (lain by Robert de Vallibus, or Hubert his father. But as 
 no fuch motive is mentioned, or hinted at in the Charter of Foundation, pro- 
 bably it is a groundlefs ftory. 
 
 In the year 1306, as appears in Leland's Collectanea, King Edward the Firft 
 remained here fome time, whilft he fent his Juftices to Berwick, who there, ac- 
 cording to Stowe, tried hundreds and thoufands of breakers of the peace and con- 
 fpirators, many of whom were hanged ; " and the Counteffe of Bowen was 
 *' clofed in a cage, whofe breadth, length, height, and depth, was eight 
 " foote, and hanged over the wals of Berwike." 
 
 This View, which reprefents the Weft Afpeft of the Priory Church, was drawn 
 
 Anno 1774. 
 
to 'QecS"//7<f_ 
 
 N AlFO R? H CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 This Caftle is ftill entire, and inhabited. For the annexed account of it, and its fur- 
 niture, I am indebted to Thomas Pennant, Efq. who permitted me to tranferibe it from 
 his memorandums. A vifit I made to it in Auguft, 1774, enables me to bear teftimony to 
 the faithfulnefs of the defcription, which here follows in his own words : 
 
 " Two miles from Brampton vifit Naworth Caftle, once belonging to the Dacres, after- 
 M wards the property (I think by marriage) of William Lord Howard, commonly known 
 " by the name of Bauld-Wilky. 
 
 " It is a large pile, fquare, and built about a court. In the fouth fide is a gateway, with 
 « the arms of the Dacres ; over the door, thofe of the Howards. On the north, it impentis 
 " over the river Ithing, at a great height ; the banks fhagged with wood. The whole 
 " houfe is a true fpecimen of ancient inconvenience, of magnificence and littlenels •, the 
 «' rooms numerous, accefiible by fixteen ftair-cafes, with mod frequent and fudden afcents 
 " and defcents into the bargain. The great hall is twenty-five paces long, by nine and a 
 «« half broad ; of a good height •, has a gallery at one end, adorned with four vaft crefts, 
 « carved in wood ; viz. a grilfin and dolphin, with the fcollops j an unicorn, and art 
 
NAWORTH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 " ox with a coronet round his neck. In front, is a figure in wood of an armed man ; two 
 c< others, perhaps vafials, in fliort jackets and caps j a pouch pe'ndant behind, and the 
 " mutilated remains of Priapus to each j one has wooden ihoes. Thefe feem the Ludibrium 
 " Aulas in thofe grofs days. 
 
 " The top and upper end of the room is painted in fquares, to the number of ioy» 
 " reprefenting the Saxon kings and heroes. The chimney here is five yards and a half 
 " broad. Within this is another apartment, hung with old tapeflry, a head of Anne of 
 Cl Cleeves ; on one fide of her, a fmall picture of a lady full-length, &c. and many others. 
 
 w A long narrow gallery. 
 
 " Lord William Howard's bed-room, arms and motto over the chimney. His library^ 
 u a fmall room, in a very fecret. place, high up in one of the towers, well fecured by doors, 
 4C and narrow ftair cafe. Not a book has been added fince his days, i. e. thofe of Queen 
 " Elizabeth. In it is a vaft cafe, three feet high, which opens into three leaves, having 
 " fix great pages palled in, being an account of St. Jofeph of Arimathea, and his twelve 
 6< difciples, who founded Glaftonbury ; and at the end, a long hiftory of faints, with the 
 tc number of years or days for which each could grant indulgences. 
 
 *' The roof is coarfely carved. The windows are high, and are to be afcended by three 
 * 4 ftone fteps •, fuch was the caution of the times. It is faid Lord William was very 
 " ftudious, and wrote much •, that once, when he was thus employed, a fervant came to 
 44 tell him that a prifoner was then juft brought in, and defired to know what mould be 
 " done with him ? Lord William, vexed at being difturbed, anfwered peevilhly, Hang him. 
 " When he had finifhed his ftudy, he called, and ordered the man to be brought before 
 " him for examination but found that his orders had been literally obeyed. He was a 
 
 very fevere, but moil ufeful man at that tir>e, in this lawlefs place. His dungeon inftills 
 &{ horror ; it confifts of four dark apartments, three below, and one above, up a long ftair- 
 " cafe, all well fecured; in the uppermoft is one ring, to which criminals were chained, 
 ct and the marks where many more have been. 
 
 " Close by the library is an ancient Oratory, moft richly ornamented on the fides of the 
 ttt cieling with coats of arms and carvings in wood, painted and gilt. On one fide is a 
 
 good painting on wood, in the fciie of Lucas Van Leyden ; it reprefents the Flagellation 
 sc of our Saviour, his Crucifixion and Refurrec~tion. Here are alio various fculptures in 
 4t white marble •, an abbefs, with a fword in her hand, waiting on a king, who is ftabbing 
 e( himfelf •, a monk, with a king's head in his hand •, and feveral others. This place is well 
 *' fecured ; for here Lord William enjoyed his religion in privacy. 
 
 " The chapel is below flairs •, the top and part of the fide are painted in pannels like 
 " the hall ; and on one fide are the crefls of arms and pedigree of the Howards, from 
 i5: Fulcho to 1623 and 1644. Under a great fprawling figure of an old man, with a branch 
 6< rifing from him (on the cieling) is written, Piflor, MDXII. On the great window, in 
 * G glafs, are reprefented a knight and a lady kneeling j on their mantles jM&ured thefe arms^ 
 ** xhree efcallops and chequers." 
 
NA WORTH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 Tradition fays this caftle was built by the Dacres, but by which of them is not afcertained. One 
 of them, Robert de Dacre, from a quotation in Madox's Hiftory of the Exchequer, feems to have been 
 fheriff of Cumberland, 39th of Hen. 3d, and another, Ranulph de Dacre, 14th of Ed. ift, conftable of 
 the tower. 
 
 Th e firft mention of this caftle is in the reign of Richard 2d, when in the 18th of that reign, it ap- 
 pears from Madox's Beronia, that William de Dacre, fon and heir of Hugh de Dacre, who was brother 
 and heir of Ranulph de Dacre, held it, with the manor of Irchington, to which it belonged ; alfo the 
 manors of Burgh, near Sandes, Layfingby, and Farlham, and other lands, by the fervice of one entire 
 barony, and of doing homage and fealty to the king, and of yielding to him for cornage at his exche- 
 quer at Carlille yearly, at the feaft of the affumption of St, Mary, 51 s. 8d. By what feofment, whe- 
 ther old or new, fays Madox, does not appear ; neither in what king's reign Ranulph de Dacre, anceftor 
 of William here named, was feoff'd ; but it is plain, fome anceftor under whom Ranulph claimed, was 
 enfeft to hold by barony. 
 
 It continued in the family of the Dacres, till the year 1569, when on the 17th of May, according 
 to Stowe, " George Lord Dacre of Grayftoke, fonne and heire of Thomas Lord Dacre, being a child 
 <' in yeere's, and then ward to Thomas Lord Howard, Duke of Norfolk, was by a great mifchaunce 
 u flayne at Thetford, in the houfe of Sir Richard Falmenftone, knight, by meane of a vauting horfe 
 " of wood, ftanding within the fame houfe; upon which horfe, as he meant to have vauted, and the 
 " pinnes at the feet being not made fure, the horfe fell upon him, and bruifed the brains out of his 
 " head." 
 
 In the January follow ing, Leonard Dacre, Efq; ofHorlfcy, in the county of York, fecond fon to 
 Lord William Dacre of Gnland, being dilfatibfied with a legal decifion, by which his nieces were adjudg- 
 
 1 
 
N A W O R T H CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 ed to fucceed to the eftate of their brother the Lord Dacre, whofe tragical death was juft here related j 
 lie entered into a rebellion, with defign to carry off the Queen of Scots ; but being disappointed by her 
 removal to Coventry, and having the command of 3000 men, which he had been entrufted to raife for 
 the queen's fervice, he leized leveral caftles, among which were thofe of Greyftock and Naworth * 
 but being attacked and defeated by Lord Hunfdon, at the head of the garrifon of Berwick, he fled to 
 Flanders, where he die J. 
 
 This caftle next came into the poffelfion of Lord William Howard, the third fon of Thomas Duke of 
 
 Norfolk, in right of his wife Elizabeth, filler of George, the laft Lord Dacre, beforementioned. In 
 
 1607, when Cambden vifited it, it was under repair ; and Bilhop Gibfon fays, it was again repaired, 
 
 and made fit for the reception of a family, by the Right Hon. Charles Howard, great grandfon to the 
 
 Lord William Howard beforementioned. 
 
 I shall here tranfcribe another defcription of this caftle and furniture, fent me by a gentleman who 
 
 viewed it anno 1732, which though it repeats many things mentioned in the former account, yet it has 
 
 alfo diverfe circumftances worthy obfervation, not there taken notice of. 
 
 " Th 1 s is an ancient ftone building ; the front long, with a fquare tower at each angle ; then you 
 
 " enter a court. In the noble hall, the pictures of Anglo-Saxon kings, and painted on wooden fquare 
 
 " panels, make the ceiling, and part of the wainfcot at the further end of the room : they were brought 
 
 " from Kirk-Ofwald caftle when that was demolilhed. The chapel has a ceiling, and part of its wainf- 
 
 u cot of the fame kind, being paintings of patriarchs, Jewiih kings, &c. Here is alfo painted a genea- 
 
 " l°gy of the family from Fulcho, with their arms. It has a floor of plaifter of Paris, as have fome other 
 
 " of the rooms. Some of the apartments are very large and fpacious ; the ceiling of one confifts of 
 
 " final! fquare panels of wood, black and white interchangeably ; the white has two different carvings^ 
 
 " the black is unwrought. The very little Popifh chapel is above ftairs ; the infide work curioufly 
 
 " carved and gilt ; here are fome fmall figures of the paffion, &c. Joining to this chapel is the library, 
 
 " which has a good wooden roof ; the books are old ; there are not above one or two of the manu- 
 
 ** fcripts here now. Vide Cat. Librorum M. S. Atigl. £r fflb. Tom id, p. 14, &c. The Earl of Carlifle 
 
 " never lives here, but at Caftle-Howard in Yorkfiiire. In the garden wall are ftones with Roman 
 
 " infcriptions, collected probably from the Picls Wall ; a general account of thefe ftones is given in 
 
 " Horfley's Britannia Romana." 
 
 Cambden, who alfo mentions thefe ftones, gives the following copy of fome of their infcriptions. 
 One is, 
 
 IVL. AVG. DVO. . M SILV. . VM 
 
 On another, 
 
 .1. O. M .... II . A E L . DAC . . CP. . . EST 
 VREL1VS. FA. L. S. TRIB. PET. V O. COS. 
 
 On a third, 
 LEG. II. AVG. 
 
 On a fourth, 
 
 COH. J. AEL. DAC. CORD. .ALEC. PER 
 
 These ftones were, by the late Earl of Carlifle, given to Sir Thomas Robinfon, who married his 
 fifter, and were by him removed to his Mufeum at Rookfby. 
 
 This view, which reprefents the entrance into the caftle, was drawn anno 1772. 
 
PENRITH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 This Caftle ftands near the weft end of the Town: both its builder and the 
 time of its conftruction are unknown. Leland, who mentions it in his Itinerary, 
 calls it " A ftrong Caftel of the Kinges j" an appellation it does not from its re- 
 mains appear to have deferved. 
 
 Camden alfo fpeaks of it, but mentions neither the date of its erection, nor 
 its founder. He, indeed, fays, it was repaired in Henry the Sixth's time, out 
 of the ruins of Maburg. This is by his laft Editor juftly deemed a miftake, 
 and contradicted in a marginal note. 
 
 It is built of a coarfe reddim ftone, and was nearly fquare, each fide meafur- 
 ing about 125 feet. All but a fmall fragment of the north wall is tumbled 
 down. There feems to have been a fmall baftion-like projection on the fouth- 
 weft angle, but by much too trifling to ferve for a defence. The fouth-eaft and 
 north-eaft angles have no fuch addition ; and whether or not there was one on the 
 north-weft cannot be difcovered, thofe angles being entirely demolifhed. In 
 the middle of each face was a fmall projection like a buttrefs or turret, and round 
 the top of the walls run brackets, fuch as ufually fupport machicolations ; bat 
 thefe feem to have been intended rather for ftiew than ufe. Neither the heio-ht 
 nor thicknefs of the walls are extraordinary ; the former no where exceeding 
 thirty, nor the latter five feet. 
 
PENRITH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND. 
 
 This building feems to owe its prefent ruinous ftate to more violent caufes 
 than the flow depredations of time and weather. Yet Hiftory does not men- 
 tion it as the fcene of any great military atchievement ; neither was its 
 form, dettitute of flanks, by any means calculated to fuftain a liege. Perhaps 
 the value of its materials may have conduced to its deftru&iori ; for fuch a pro- 
 penfity have our Farmers to deftroy an ancient monument, that they will bettow 
 more labour to disjoint a few ftones to mend their buildings, than would earn 
 them money enough to purchafe three times the quantity. 
 
 This Cattle, it is laid, continued in the Crown till the reign of King William 
 the Third, when that Prince granted it, together with the Honour of Penrith, 
 to William Bentinck, Earl of Portland, ancettor to the prefent Duke of Port- 
 land. 
 
 In a pleafmg defcription of this part of the country, entitled, " An Excurfion 
 *' to the Lakes," there is the following agreeable portrait of this Cattle : 
 
 " We viewed the ruins of Penrith Cattle :— It is faid to have arofe on the 
 *' foundations of a Roman fortrefs, the traces of which are not now to be.difcovered. 
 " — The buildings form a fquare, and are fituate on a riling ground furrounded with 
 " a ditch. — The fcite towards the town is much more elevated than on any of the 
 " other quarters. This front confifts of the remains of an angular tower to the 
 " eaft, which now ttands feparated from the rett by the falling of the walls : The 
 " centre, which projects a little from the plane of the front, is flattening to decay, 
 " prefenting to the eye broken chambers, paflages and ftairs. — This part of the 
 " building is ttill connected with the weftern angular tower, an open hanging 
 " gallery forming the communication. — Below this gallery a large opening is 
 made by the falling of the building, forming a rude arch, through which, and 
 " the broken walls to the eaft, the interior parts of the ruin are perceived in a 
 " picturefque manner. — Nothing remains within but part of a ftone arched vault, 
 <{ which, by its fimilitude to places of the like nature which we had formerly 
 ** feen, we conceived to have been the prifon." 
 
 This View, which reprefents the North- Weft Afpeft, was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
CrodlreY .Sc-.f, t > 
 
 13 EAU CHIEF, OR, BEECHIFF PRIORT, DERBTSH1RE. 
 
 This was a Priory of Premonftratenfian or White Canons. It ftands three miles 
 north-weft of Dronfield, and was founded anno 1 1 83, by Robert Fitz Ranulph, 
 Lord of Alfreton, Norton and Marnham, one of the knights who flew Thomas 
 Becket, archbifhop of Canterbury, and who, in expiation of that fait, erected 
 the monaftery, and dedicated it to him after his canonization, by the title of St. 
 Thomas the Martyr, and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging. 
 
 Thomas de Chaworth granted to the Prior and convent the hamlet of Green- 
 hull, with all his rights and privileges, for the maintenance of one Canon per- 
 petually to celebrate mafs at the altar of the Holy Crofs for his foul, and the 
 fouls of his father and mother, wives and children, and thofe of all the Faithful, 
 and for an annual fervice as for a defunct Abbot. This gift was confirmed by 
 Thomas de Chaworth, one of his fucceffors ; as alfo, with divers other donations, 
 by the charter of Edward the Second. 
 
 According to Prynne, in his Hiftory of Papal Ufurpations, in the reign of 
 f lenry the Third, there being many Jewilh converts in England, for whom the 
 
BEAUCHIEF, OR, BEECHIFF PRIORY, DERBYSHIRE. 
 
 King, by reafon of his wars, had not provided fufficient maintenance, he there- 
 upon, out of his chriftian care to fupport them, hTued writs to the Abbots, Priors, 
 and converts of moll of the Religious Houfes through England, to entertain and 
 receive one or more of them for two years, and to allow them a daily penfion, or 
 Corody, not exceeding a certain fum. The names of each male and female 
 Jewifh convert fent to every houfe, are recorded in the Fine Rolls of the year. 
 The Abbey of Chertfey had an exemption from the King, by which they were 
 excufed from receiving thefe converts. The Religious Houfes had generally fo 
 little charity towards thefe converted Jews, as not to entertain them on the King's 
 firft writ; whereon a fecond, more peremptory, was LTued.. One of thefe, it appears, 
 was directed to the Priory of Beauchief, to whom one John Clerk was fent. 
 
 In the time of Henry the Seventh here were fourteen Religious, as appears by. 
 a furvey taken at the vifitation hereof. It was valued, 26th Henry the Eighth, 
 at 126I. 3s. 4d. per annum, Dugdale j 134I. Leland; 157I. 10s. 2d. Speed j 
 and granted, 28th of that King, to Sir Nich. Strelley. At prefent it is the pro- 
 perty of P e gg e » Efq. Anno 1 533, here was only 2I. paid in annuities.. 
 
 Very little of this Monaftery is now remaining, except the church,, wherein 
 Divine Service is ftill performed. 
 
 This Drawing was made Anno tySoi 
 
Sparrow 4c . 
 
 FORD ABBY, DEVONSHIRE. 
 
 FoRD Abby ftands about five miles north-eaft of Axminfter, near the river Ex, in the parifh of 
 Thorncomb, and deanery of Honiton. It is by Dugdale, in the Monafticon, faid to be in Dorfetfhire ; 
 but both Camden and Tanner place it in Devonfhire : the latter fays, " It is, indeed, in the furthefr. 
 " limit between Devonfhire and Somerfetfhire ; but, in all civil matters, ever belonged to Devonfhire j 
 *' and, in ecclefiaftical, was fubjedT: to the bifhop of Exeter." 
 
 Richard de Brioni, fon of Baldwin de Brioni, by Albreda, niece to William the Conqueror, 
 anno 1133, began to erecl: an abby on his eftate at Brightley ; which being finifhed in the year 1136, 
 he endowed it with lands, dedicated it to the Virgin Mary, and placed therein twelve monks, and their 
 abbot Richard, who had been fent him from the Ciftertian abby of Waverley, in Surry, in confequence 
 of his application to Gilbert, abbot of that houfe. He furvived the completion of his monaftry only 
 one year, and dying, was there buried ; leaving his eftate, for want of male iffue, to his fifter, named 
 Adelefia, called countefs of Devonfhire. Here the monks remained five years ; at the end of which,, 
 on account of the fcarcity of provifion, and fterility of their lands, they refolved to return to Waverley, 
 and accordingly fet out in folemu proceffion, with their abbot Robert, fucceffor to Richard, at their 
 head, having the crofs borne before them. Paffing in this order through Thorncomb, where Adelefia 
 dwelt, and to whom the manor belonged, that lady, furprized at their appearance, enquired the caufe. 
 On receiving information thereof, from the abbot, fhe was greatly moved ; and being unwilling that the 
 pious intentions of fo kind a brother fhould be fruftrated, offered to exchange her fruitful manor of. 
 
FORD A B B Y, DEVONSHIRE. 
 
 Thorncomb, abounding with all the necefTaries of life, for their barren lands of Brightley. Thf 
 fatlicrs readily accepted this offer, and remained in the manlion-houfe then called Ford, and fmco 
 Weft-ford, fix years ; in which time they erected this building, in a place named Hartfcath, but now 
 Ford. Hither they tranfported the body of Richard de Brioni, their founder. 
 
 By an intermarriage of Reginald Courtney, in the reign of Henry the Second, with a defcendant of 
 Richard de Brioni, the patronage of this abby came into the family of the Courtneys, where it remained 
 a long time; feveral of them were buried in the Abby Church; one of whom, named John Courtney, 
 a man of extraordinary piety, was a great benefactor to this houfe ; and, among other donations, 
 purchafed for them the claim of Galfridus de Pomerei to the lands of Thale, for which he paid fifty marks. 
 An accident happened, which greatly increafed his devotion and regard for thefe monks. In eroding 
 the fea, a violent tempeft arofe a little before day, which baffled all the fkill of the mariners ; inftant 
 death feemed to every one but him inevitable, they accordingly left off working, and refigned 
 themfelves to their fate. Courtney, obferving their defpair, exhorted them to take courage ; alluring 
 them, that if they would exert themfelves but for one hour, they would then have the benefit of the 
 prayers of the monks of Ford, who would by that time rife to their devotions, wherein he fhould be 
 remembered as a particular benefactor. His hearers were not greatly comforted by this affurance. What 
 fignifies, fays one of them, talking of the monks ? They are now, and will be, faft afleep ; how can' 
 they think of you, who have in a manner forgot themfelves ? However, the dorm ceafing about the time 
 he had named, he confidered his deliverance as a miracle, and attributed it to the efficacy of the prayers 
 of thefe reverend fathers. 
 
 To him fucceeded his fon Hugh, and a grandfon of the fame name : neither of them walked in the 
 fteps of their fore-fathers ; for, inftead of endowing the abby with additional revenues or privileges, 
 they greatly diminifhed thofe granted by their anceftors : the firft, by charging thofe eftates, beftowed on 
 the monks in free alms, with the fervice of carrying his baggage in time of war, and maintenance 
 of dogs for the chafe : and the laft added to thefe oppreffions, by infringing their immunities in the 
 manor of Thale, and obliging them to pay an acknowledgment of fifty millings per annum, to the 
 church of Cruck. 
 
 Baldwin, archbifhop of Canterbury, was firft a monk, and afterwards abbot, of this community j 
 from whence he was called to the bifhoprick of Worcefter, about the year u8i. 
 
 Joceline Pomerei, by deed, printed in the Monafticon, conferred all his town of Thale on the 
 monks of Ford ; of which endowment there is, likewife, a confirmation by John, his fucceffor ; and 
 King Richard the Firft by his charter, dated the firft year of his reign, confirms all the donations 
 made to this monaftry. 
 
 At the difiolution it was valued at three hundred and feventy-four pounds ten (hillings and fix-pence 
 ob. per annum, according to Dugdale. Speed fays, three hundred and eighty-one pounds ten fhillings 
 and fix-pence ob. The fite was granted, the twenty-third of Henry the Eighth, to Richard Pollard. 
 It was long in the pofTeffion of a branch of the family of Prideaux ; from whence it came, by marriage, 
 to F. Gwyn, of Glamorgan, Efq; in whofe family it ftill remains. It is converted into a dwelling- 
 houfe ; and, although it has doubtlefs undergone many alterations and repairs, thefe have been made in 
 the ftile of the original building ; fo that it appears to be quite entire, and is a handfome and venerable 
 Gothic ftructure. 
 
 This drawing was made in the year 1752. 
 
Mi: 
 
 OKEHAMPTON CASTLE, DEVONSHIRE 
 
 This caftle ftands a little weft of the center of the county, and near the town of 
 Okehampton. It was built by Baldwin de Brionii 5 who, as appears by Domefday- 
 Book, was in poffeffion of it when that furvey was taken. It afterwards devolved 
 to Richard de Rivers ; and from him went, by a marriage, to the Courtneys, Earls 
 of Devonilnre. In that family it remained, till feized by King Edward the 
 Fourth, on account of their attachment to the houfe of Lancafter : in which caufe, 
 Thomas de Courtney, and his brother John, both loft their lives : the firft being 
 taken at the battle of Towton, anno 146 1, was carried to Pontefracl, and there 
 beheaded j his head was fet up at York, in the place of that of the Duke of York : 
 the latter was killed at Tewkfbury. Edward granted this caftle, honor and 
 manor, to Sir John Dynham ; by whom they were foon after forfeited. 
 
OKEHAMPTON CASTLE. 
 
 King Henry the Seventh, on coming to the throne, reftored to the Courtncys 
 their ancient honors and poffeflions ; amongft which was this caftle : but in the 
 reign of Henry the Eighth, Henry Courtney, the then poffeflbr, being executed for 
 a treafonable correfpondence with Cardinal Pole, it once more efcheated to the 
 crown i when that king caufed the caftle, and a fine park thereunto belonging, to 
 be difmantled and deftroyed. He likewife imprifoned Edward, the fon and heir 
 of the late earl : who continued in confinement, till releafed by Queen Mary ; by 
 wh^m he was reinftated in the rank and fortune of his anceftors. He leaving; no 
 male iiTue, the eftate was carried, by a marriage, into the family of the Mohuns, 
 Barons of Mohun and Oakhampton j whofe male line likewife becoming extinct,, 
 by the death of the Lord Mohun, killed anno 1712, by the Duke of Hamilton, 
 in a duel, the eftate defcended to Chriftopher Harris, of Heynes, Efq. he having 
 married the heirefs of that family. 
 
 At prefent it is entirely in ruins having only part of the keep, and fome 
 fragments of high walls remaining : the folidity of which, together with their 
 advantageous fituation, and the fpace they occupy, clearly evince that, when 
 entire, it was both ftrong and extenfive. 
 
 This view was taken anno 1768. 
 
ROUGEMONT CJ'STLE, EXETER, DEVONSHIRE, 
 
 On the higheft part of the hill on which this city is built, and on the north— 
 eaft extremity, {lands the remains of the caflle of Rougemont, fo called from the 
 rednefs of the foil. Grafton, in his Chronicle, fays, it was the work of Julius 
 Caefar ; afterwards the feat of feveral Saxon kings, and fince of the dukes of 
 Cornwall. Within the caftle-walls a cliapel was built by the lady Elizabeth de 
 Fortibus, countefs of Devon, who endowed it with lands, called the Prebends of 
 Hayes and Catton, for the payment of certain weekly fervices therein to be 
 performed. 
 
 This town and caflle held out fomc time againft the Conqueror; but a part 
 of the wall falling down, it was furrendered at difcretion. William contented 
 himfelfwith only altering the gates of the caflle, as a mark of its being fubdued; 
 at the fame time he either rebuilt or much repaired the whole edifice, and 
 bellowed it on Baldwin de Briono, huiband of Albreda, his niece, whole 
 
ROUGEMONT CASTLE, EXETER, DEVONSHIRE. 
 
 defendants by the female line enjoyed it, together with the office of the fherifT 
 of Devon, which feems to have been annexed to it, till the fourteenth of Henry 
 the Third, anno 1230 ; when that prince reluming into his own hands fundry- 
 caflles and forts in this realm, difpoflefled Robert de Courtney, in whole family 
 it had been for three defcents. 
 
 In the reiga of Henry the Fourth, John Holland, duke of Exeter, had a fine 
 mansion within the caflle, of which no traces are remaining. 
 
 Anno 1483, the city being vifited by King Richard the Third, he was, during 
 his flay, nobly entertained by the corporation. On feeing this caflle, he com- 
 mended it highly, both for the ftrength and beauty of its fituation ; but hearing 
 it was named Rougemont, which, from the similarity of the found, miflaking it 
 for Richmond, he fuddenly grew fad; laying, that the end of his days approached; 
 a prophecy having declared he fhould not long furvive the fight of Richmond. 
 
 In the year 1588, at the Lent Affixes held here, an infectious diftemper^ 
 brought by fbme Portuguefe prifoners of war, confined in the caflle, deftroyed 
 Sir John Chichefter, the judge; eight juflices ; eleven, out of the twelve^, 
 impannelled jurors ; with diverfe other perfons aflembled on this occafion. 
 
 During the civil, wars, the town was fevcral times kefieged and taken by 
 both parties ; but there is no account of any particular defence or capitulation- 
 made by this caflle. 
 
 In the year 1655, John Penruddock and Hugh Grove, both Wikfhire gentle- 
 men, having joined in an unfuccefsful attempt in favour of Charles the Second, 
 were here beheaded ; when many of inferior rank were hanged at Havitree 
 gallows. 
 
 Th e ruin here reprefented, which is the entrance into the caflle-yard, was 
 part of the exterior walls or out-works ; thefe enclofe a confiderable fpace, 
 in fhape fbmewhat like a rhombus, with its angles rounded off ; they were 
 defended by four towers, two on the weft, and two on the eafl fide. From, 
 this fpot, towards Exmouth, is a delightful profpec~t. 
 
 This view was taken in the year 1768. 
 
EX) R F E CASTLE, DORSETSHIRE. 
 
 "Corfe Castle is fituate on an eminence, near the town and river of Corfe, in the Peninfula or (as it is 
 'tommonly called) Ifle of Purbeck. Hiftory does not mention either the builder, or time of its foundation ; but 
 by an inquifition taken in the fifty-fourth year of King Henry the Third, concerning the claim of the abbefs of 
 Shaftftmry, to the right of wreck in her manor of Kingfton in this ifland, it appears that it was not built till fome 
 time after the year 941 ; for the jurors returned, that before the foundation of Corfe Caftle, the abbefs and nuns 
 had cuftomarily, and without moleftation, the wreck which happened in their manor. Now this abbey was founded 
 by King Edmond, in the year 941. Camden feems to think it moll probable it was eredled by King Edgar, who 
 delighted in building, as appears by his having founded and repaired forty-feven monafteries ; befides, his 
 comparatively peaceable reign gave him both leifure and money to indulge this propenfity ; circumilances wanting 
 to the more immediate fucceflbrs of Edmond. 
 
 At this place King Edgar refided, and at his death bequeathed it to Elfrida, his fecond wife, and her fon. Here 
 {he alfo dwelt ; and, in order to raife her {on to the throne, here caufed King Edward, from hence furnamed the 
 Martyr, to be mod bafely murthered, in violation of the facred laws of hofpitality, as well as of every other, both 
 human and divine. William of Malmfbury relates the ftory in fubftance as follows : 
 
 King Edward, hunting in the Ifle of Purbeck, came unexpectedly alone to Corfe Caftle; he always having an 
 afFe&ion for his mother-in-law, refolved to pay her, a fhort vifit, in token thereof: fhe received him with all 
 feeming love and regard, and prefled him to ftay there all night ; but he, fearing his train would be uneafy at his 
 abfence, would only drink a cup of wine on horfeback : this (he prefented him j the cup was no fooner at his lips, 
 
CORFE CASTLE, DORSETSHIRE. 
 
 but he was by a villain, appointed by Elfrida for that purpofe, ftabbed in the back ; when finding himfelf much 
 hurt, he clapped fpurs to his horfe, in order to join his company ; but fainting through lofs of blood he fell ; and 
 his foot hanging in the ftirrup, his horfe dragged him until he was left dead at Corfe-gate. Authors differ in their 
 accounts of the place of his burial : fome fay that his body was by Elfrida thrown into a well, but afterwards taken 
 up and depofited at Glaftonbury ; others, and with more probability, write, that he was with great funeral pomp 
 interred in the monaftry of Shaft/bury. 
 
 Coke p., in his Antiquities of Dorfetfhire, fays, the iflanders have a tradition, that he fell in the heath below the 
 caftle, and that the place where his body was found is, until tins day, called St. Edward's Bridge. 
 
 William the Conqueror gave the manor of Moulham, near Corfe, toDurandhis carpenter, to be held by 
 this fervice ; that he mould repair the timber work of the great tower of Corfe Caftle, and cleaufe the gutters as 
 often as need required. 
 
 In the year 1202, King John coming to the affiftance of his mother, befieged by the dak® of Bretagne, air . 
 the head of fome Poiclevin troops, in the caftle of Mirabel '.'in France, routed them, and took moll of the nobility 
 of Poiclou and Anjou prifoners. Twenty-two of them being confined in this caftle,. were ftarved to death. 
 
 In this reign, Peter de Maule, a gentleman ofPoidlou, was conftable of this caftle; he was afterwards, inthe- 
 reiga of Henry the Third, anno 1220, accufed of high-treafon, but acquitted: 
 
 In the year 1212, one Peter Pontrefracl, a hermit, having prophecied that King John Ihoald be depofed, and ' 
 the crown transferred to another, before Afcenfion-day ; he was confined in the caftle y. and, although his prediction 
 was in fome fort verified by that king's furrender of his crown to the pope,, yet John had the cruelty to caufe him 
 to be tied to horfes tails and dragged through the ftreets of Wareham, where he and his fon were afterwards hanged, 
 
 This caftle was confidered by Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicefter, and the Barons, of fuch confequence, as to 
 be the third they required to be delivered up to them in confequence of their treaty with Henry the Third. 
 
 In the fifteenth year of King Edward the Second, John de Latimer was conftable of this caftle, as appears by a 
 writ of privy-feal, in Maddox's Hillary of the Exchequer, directed to him or his lieutenant, and ordering them to 
 provide provifion and munition for the caftle of Corfe. 
 
 In the year 1327, that unfortunate prince, after he had furrendered his crown, was a fhort time confined here, 
 being removed hither, by, order of the queen and Mortimer, from Kenelworth Caftle ; from hence he was carried 
 firft to Briftol, and afterwards to Berkley Caftle, fuffering all the way every hardfhip and indignity the brutal 
 tempers of his two keepers, Sir John Maltravers and Sir Thomas Guerney, could fuggeft, in hopes this fatigue 
 and ill-treatment would fhorten his days j but this not fucceeding, they at length there put him to death, in a very 
 cruel and unheard of manner, by running a horn pipe up his body, through which, they conveyed a red-hot iron. 
 This method was ufed to prevent any marks of violence appearing on his corps. 
 
 This caftle has been divers times granted from the crown, to which it has as often reverted by efcheat or 
 attainder. Queen Elizabeth gave it, with the manor and town of Corfe, to Sir Chriftopher Hattpn, lord- 
 chancellor of England, and his heirs, who repaired it greatly; he dying without iftue, left it to his wife ; with 
 whofe daughter, by Sir Edward Cooke, it came to Villiers, vifcount Purbeck, eldeft brother of George, duke of 
 Buckingham. 
 
 In the reign of King Charles the Firft, it belonged to the Lord Chief-juftice Banks ; and was, in the year 1643, 
 in hisabfence, mcft gallantly defended by his lady agair.ft Sir William Earl and Thomas Trenchard, commanders 
 for the Parliament, at the head of a confiderabie body of men with a train of artillery ; when, though fhe wanted 
 both provifions and ammunition, and though fhe had at one time only five, and never more than forty men, yet fhe 
 thrice repulfed them with great lofs, and, by her good management, procured fuch a fupply of provifions and 
 ammunition, as enabled her to hold out till relieved by the earl of Caernarvon ; at whofe arrival the befiegers fled 
 v ith fuch precipitation, that they left behind them their tents, ammunition and artillery. It appears fhe was affifted 
 in this defence by one Captain Lawrence. 
 
 This place was again befieged by the Parliament's forces, in the year 1645, an ^> February the 7th, relieved by 
 a party of the Fvoyalifts, who took a mortar; but being again attacked, was, on the 16th of the fame month.,., 
 delivered up, by the treachery of Lieutenant-colonel Pitman. 
 
 Thjs drawing was taken in the year 1763. 
 
C O R F E CASTLE, DORSETSHIRE. 
 
 This plate exhibits the fouth profpect of the cattle. From both this and the 
 former view, it may be eafily perceived that this venerable and magnificent 
 edifice does not owe its prefent ruinous condition to time alone : the fact is, that 
 it was demolifhed by order of the parliament, foon after they became matters of 
 it; undoubtedly out of revenge for the great trouble and loffes they had fuftained 
 in its different fieges ; particularly when fo gallantly defended by the lady Banks. 
 Both the manor and cattle Hill remain in that family, being the property of Henry 
 Banks, efq, great-grandfon of Lord-chief-juftice Banks, 
 
CORFE CASTLE, DORSETSHIRE. 
 
 By its ruins it appears as if they attempted to deftroy it by mining and gun- 
 powder ; but fuch was the ftrength of the cement ufed in its conftruction, that 
 leveral of its towers, particularly thofe of the gate near the bridge, were nearly 
 overthrown without being disjointed, and are left, now leaning like the tower of 
 Fila, in a manner unaccountably wonderful to perfons ignorant of this mechanical 
 principle, that, as long as the line of direction of the center of gravity of any 
 body remains within its bafe, fuch body cannot fall. 
 
 In the year 12 15, William de Albany, made by the barons governor of 
 Rochefter caftle, under the archbifliop, with William de Lancafter, William de 
 Emesford, and many others, were, on the reduction of that caftle by King John, 
 here confined clofe prifoners. 
 
 " This caftle," fays Coker, £< or the lords of it, until of late, did enjoy man ie 
 ec privileges : as, free-warren chafe, ufurped over all the ifland, wreck of the fea, 
 " and freedom from the lord-admiral of England : foe that the owner of it hath 
 " his peculiar admiral leets and lawe days ; and, in a word, in fome cafes, did 
 " execute Jura Regalia." Thefe, according to the civilians, were the power of 
 judicature, power of life and death, all kinds of arming, mafteriefs goods, 
 afTeffments, and the value of money. 
 
 This drawing was made in the year 1763. 
 
C ORF E C AS TL E 
 
SJNDFORD, OR WETMO UTH CASTLE, DORSETSHIRE. 
 
 Fr o m the ruinous ftate in which this building now appears, one would be 
 apt to imagine it of much greater antiquity than it really is, it being of no older 
 date than about the year 1539, w ^ ien ^ was erected by King Henry the Eighth, 
 at the time he was fortifying the coaft againfl: the invafions of thofe enemies he 
 expected the Pope would raile up againfl: him, on account of the changes he 
 had made, and was making, in the religion of this kingdom. LeLind, in his 
 Itinerary, calls it the New Caftle ; and fays, " an open barbican to the caftelle." 
 
 In the laft civil war, Weymouth was feveral times taken by both parties ; 
 when, although no particular mention is made of the caflle, doubtlels it had its 
 fliare in thefe tranfactions ; particularly as, in 1 641, the Parliamentarians con- 
 verted a chapel formerly {landing here, into a fort, from which they battered 
 Melcombe Regis. It is therefore not likely they would omit making ufe of this 
 
SANDFORD, or WEYMOUTH, CASTLE. 
 
 caftle, which muft then really have been far from a contemptible poft, and was, 
 when entire, extremely defenfible againft troops much better provided and 
 difciplined than thofe which compofed either army. This, perhaps, may account 
 for its prefent mattered condition. 
 
 I t (lands on the edge of a cliff, oppofite another caflle built about the lame 
 time, on the peninfula of Portland, from which it is feparated by a bay near 
 three miles broad, called the Road of Portland. The body of the caftle is a 
 right angled parallelogram, its greateft length running from north to fbuth. 
 At its fouth end is a building lower, but broader, than the body of the caftle, 
 and ferves to flank its eaft and weft fides. Thefe fides had each embrazures for 
 great guns, and beneath them two tier of loop-holes for fmall arms, the lowefl 
 almoft even with the level of the ground. The north front is nearly deftroyed ; 
 but the remains of an arch, or gateway, {hew the entrance was on this fide. 
 The whole edifice feems to have been caied with fquared ftone. 
 
 This building was at a fmall diftance, furrounded by an earthen rampart, 
 having on its eaft fide a gate faced with ftone, part of which is ftill remain ing. 
 None of the writers who mention it, aftign any reafon for its being called 
 Sandford Caftle. 
 
 This drawing was made in the year 17 561 
 
THE VICAKs HOUSE, PORTLAND, DORSETSHIRE. 
 
 This Ruin ftands near the middle of the Peninfula of Portland. It 
 is pretended to have been the Parfonage Houfe, and, although the liv- 
 ing is a Re&ory, is vulgarly called the Vicarage Houfe. The Inhabi- 
 tants know little about it, but have a tradition that it was a fine 
 place, demolished in the laft Civil Wars. Indeed, it appears that 
 Humphry Henchman, D. D. who was induded into this Re£ory 
 Anno 1 641, was fequeflered, and paid 200 1. for his compofition; 
 and that in 1643, one Henry Way was appointed to fucceed him. 
 This Doctor Henchman feems to have been the Nephew of Dr. 
 Henchman, Bifhop of London. 
 
 From the form of what remains of this edifice, it is more than 
 probable, it was an Oratory, or fmall Chapel, and, as fuch, might 
 
"THE VIC All's HOUSE, PORTLAND, DORSETSHIRE. 
 
 be a particular object of the rage of the Puritans, among whom 
 the demolishing a building of that kind was held a work ex- 
 tremely meritorious, and demonflrative of their zeal againfr. the 
 Whore of Babylon. 
 
 The Parliament, in the beginning of the year 1642, feized the 
 Caftle here, at which time they might poflibly demolim the Vicar's 
 Houfe or Chapel, The Caflle was afterwards recovered for the 
 King, and remained in the poHefiion of the Royalifls during the 
 whole war, and was among the laft that were held by them. 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 1756. 
 
BERNARD'S CASTLE, IN TEE BISHOPRICK OF DURHAM. 
 
 This caftle was built by Bernard Baliol, great grandfather of John Baliol, king of Scotland. From its founder 
 it took the name of Bernard's caftle, which it has given to a confiderable market-town fince built near it. 
 
 Bernard Baliol, at his deceafe, left this caftle to his great graudfon above-mentioned, whom K. Edw. I. 
 having raifed to the kingdom of Scotland, obliged, by an oath, to hold his lands in England as his vaflal. John 
 failing in his allegiance, K. Edward feized on his pofllffions ; and notwithftanding thofe within the diocefe of 
 Durham ought, according to cuftom, to have gone to the bifliop of that fee, the king, on account of a difagree- 
 ment between him and Anthony Becke, the then bifliop, took pofleflion of them, and beftowed this caftle and 
 its appurtenances on Guido Beaucham, Earl of Warwick ; the manors of Herks and Hertnes, on Robert 
 Clifford ; and Kewerfton on Galfred de Hartlepool. 
 
 In Leland's Collectanea, vol. i. page 291 and 292, it is faid, that on thefe eftates becoming forfeited, Bifliop 
 Becke feized on them as his right, and long held them ; and Stowe, in his Annals, fays he built or repaired 
 Barnard caftle. 
 
 Lel and, in the fame page, adds, that thefe eftates were afterwards feized by the king, and that Guido de 
 Beauchamp held Bernard's caftle in capite of King Edward II. 
 
 In the reign of Edward II. Ludovicus Beaumont being confecrated bifliop of Durham, inftituted a fuit at law, 
 again ft the pofleftbrs of thefe eftates, and recovered them by a fentence in his favour, given in the following 
 words : " The bifliop of Durham ought to have the forfeitures within the liberties of this biflioprick, as 1 the 
 H king has them without." It is faid that this bifliop, though defcended from the blood-royal of France, was 
 fo extremely illiterate, as not even to be able to read. 
 
BERNARD'S CASTLE, in the BISHOPRICK of DURHAM-. 
 
 In this caftle, It is faid, a college was erected by Richard, Duke of Gloncefter, whom his brother, King 
 Edward IV. give a licenfe, in the I7;h year of his reign, for that end. It confuted of one dean, 12 chaplains, 
 10 clerks, 6 chorifters, and one other clerk whom he incorporated by the name of the Dean and Chaplains of 
 the college of Richard Duke of Gloncefter of Bernard caftle, permitting them to purchafe lands, &c. to the 
 yearly value of 400 marks, owr and above all reptifes. Tanner gives a very different account of this founda- 
 tion: He fays, "The provincial of the friers hercmites, of the order of St. Auftin, A. D. 1381, obtained 
 * leave of Bifhop Nevil, in the vacancy of the bifhoprick of Durham, to build a friery and chapel upon ground 
 ** given by Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, in his lordlhip of Caftle Bernard, within the parifh of 
 " Gaynford, as appears by Dr. Hutton's Extracts out of Archbifhop Nevil's Regifter.; but whether this took 
 « effect, I know not." 
 
 In the troubles under King John, anno 1216, Alexander, king of Scotland, having fubdued all the caftles in 
 Northumberland and Durham, for Lewis the dauphin of France, except Bernard caftle, let out for Canterbury 
 to do homage to that prince ; in pairing by this caftle, then belonging to Hugo de Baliol, he, with fome of his 
 principal officers reconnoitring it, Euftace de Vefey, his brother-in-law was killed on the fpet by an arrow 
 which pierced his brain. 
 
 In Prynn's Hiftory of Papal Ufurpations, it appears that in the 39th year of the reign -of Henry III. fome 
 fervants of John Baliol being excommunicated and imprifoned upon a capias excommunicatam, by the bifhop of 
 Durham, for entering forcibly into the church of Long Newton ; others, by way of revenge, aflaulted the 
 bifliop and his men, with horfe and arms, as they travelled by a wood, irreverently abufed the bilhop, and 
 carried four of his men prifoners to Bernard's caftle, and there detained them till the bilhop fhould releafe the 
 persons excommunicated. Upon the bifhop's complaint of this riot and infult, the king ifiued his writ to John 
 Baliol, directing him to releafe the bilhop's men, as that prelate was ready to deliver his ; and threatening 
 feverely to punifh this offence, if he did not immediately enlarge them, and Iikewife give competent fatisfaction 
 to the bifliop and his fervants. On the receipt of this writ, the bifhop's fervants were releafed ; but the bifliop 
 refufed to deliver thofe he had in cuftody, although they had tendered fufficient bail, wherefore the king iftiied 
 his writ de cautione admittenda, commanding him to take bail and releafe them. Walter de Kirkham was 
 bifhop at this period, viz. anno 1.255". 
 
 John Baliol, founder of the college in Oxford bearing his name, was born in this caftle. 
 
 In the infurreclion of the earls of Northumberland and Weftmortland againft Qjieen Elizabeth, this caftle 
 was bravely defended for eleven days, by Sir George Bowes, and his brother Robert, againft the whole power 
 of the infucgents ; but at Iaft it was furrendered on honourable terms. 
 
 Bernard caftle and its environs are thus defcribed by Leland in his Itinerary : " From Stanthorp to Bernardes 
 u caftel by meately good corne and pafture 5 miles. This is a meatly praty town, having a good market, and 
 u meatly wclle buildid. The town itfelf is but a part of Gaineford paroch, wlier the bed chirche is 6 miles 
 " lower on Tefe, and in the bifhoprike. The caftelle of Barnard flondith ftately upon Tefe. The firit area 
 u hath no very notable thing yn it but the fair chapelle, wher be 2 cantuaries. 
 
 "In the m'adle of the body of this chapel is a fair marble tumbe, with an image and an infeription about it 
 u yn French. 
 
 " Tiieu is another in the fouth waul of the body of the chapelle of fre-ftone, with an image of the fame. 
 *' Sum fay that they were of the Bailliolles. 
 
 " The inner area is very large, and partely motid and welle fnrnifliid with tonres of great logging. Ther 
 " belorg 2 parkes to this caftelle; the one is caullid Marwood, and thereby is a chace thai berith alfo the nafhe 
 u of Marwood, and that goith on Tefe Ripe up into Tefeclale." 
 
 This caftle impends high above the river. Its walls, which are venerably mantled with ivy, enclofe a very 
 confiderable area, of an irregular figure. On the weft fide is a round tower, of a great fize, built wi v h fine 
 alhler Rene. The vault over the tower-part ftill remains, and is finely conftructed ; but plain, and without 
 ribs. The keep, or inner-court, is protected by a -vaft fofs, cut out of the rock, with a portal at one end. 
 From the caftle there is a moft beautiful view of the Tees, over which is a bridge of two arches. 
 
 This caftle was fome few years ago ir. the poiTeffion of Gilbert Lord Bernard. 
 
 This view was drawn anno 1775. 
 
DURHAM CASTLE. 
 
 This Caflle flands on a fleep bank on the Eafl fide of the River Were. It feems 
 an extreme folid, and not over-elegant Pile j beneath it is a Bridge built by 
 Bifhop Ranulph Flambard. 
 
 A Castle was built here by William the Conqueror, about the year 1072, to 
 ferve as a retreat, or place of fafety for the Bifhop, in cafe of fudden invafions, to 
 which, at that time, its fituation both with refpect to the fea-coaft and Scotifh 
 borders made it extremely fubjedted. The Keep of this Building is dill remain- 
 ing •, it is an octogon, and {lands on a high mount : but many of the adjacent 
 buildings are of much later date. Anno 1079, this Caftle was unfucceisfully 
 affaulted by thofe rioters who flew Walter Bifhop of Durham for his fuppofed par- 
 ticipation in the murder of Leulfus ; and the Conqueror fending an army to pu- 
 nifh them, walled the country, and left a garrifon in it. 
 
 In the reign of Edward II. anno 131 7, Sir Groffeline Deinvile and his brother 
 Robert, with two hundred men habited like Friars, according to Stowe, plun- 
 dered the Palaces of the Bifhop of Durham, leaving nothing in them but bare 
 walls. Probably the flrength of this Caflle laved it from their depredations, as it 
 is not particularly mentioned. For thefe ravages the Ringleaders were afterwards 
 hangea at York. 
 
DURHAM CASTLE. 
 
 Part of this Caftle having been burned dov/n, was repaired by Bifhop Hugli 
 Pudfey, created Bifhop anno 1153- He likewife repaired, at a very confiderable 
 expence, the City Wall from the North to the South Gate ; and built the Bridge 
 over the River Were, called Elvet Bridge. 
 
 Anthony Beck, who was a great Builder, in all likelihood did not overlook 
 this his Capital Manfion : the particular repairs he did, if any, have not, how- 
 ever, been handed down to us. 
 
 Thomas Hatfield, about 1345, made great additions to thefe Buildings. 
 
 Robert Nevil, created Bifhop anno 1457, built the Exchequer before the 
 Caftle Gates ; and Bifhop Fox, 1494, altered the Great Hall, in which were two 
 princely feats, one at each end ; he took away that at the lower end, and there 
 built a Pantry, and a place for Muficians to play during meals : he likewife 
 made many other alterations. 
 
 Bishop Tunftall, in 1 530, built the Gallery and Chapel adjoining ; his arms are 
 placed thereon ; he alfo made the Iron Gates, adorned with free-ftone work 
 on either fide thereof, and built the Laver, or Water-Conduit in the Courtain of 
 the Caftle, whereon his Arms are alfo engraved. 
 
 Bishop Richard Neile (tranflated from Lincoln 1627) repaired the Tower and 
 other parts of the Caftle, on which it is faid he expended £ 3000 ; and Dr. John 
 •Cofins, who, upon the Reftoration of Charles II. found the Palace in deplorable 
 ruins, as left by Sir Arthur Haflcrig, repaired and beautified it at a vaft expence. 
 
 Bishop Crewe conliderably adorned it by putting in new windows, and en- 
 larging the Chapel. He likewife rebuilt part of the Tower which had fallen 
 down. Bifhop Chandler made feveral alterations, as did alfo Bifhop Trevor ; fome 
 of which were left unfinifhed, but have been fince completed by the prefent Bifhop. 
 
 Leland, in his Itinerary, thus defcribes this Caftle : " The Caftelle ftondith 
 3S< ftately on the North-eft fide of the Minftre, and the Were renneth under it. 
 
 " The Kepe ftondith aloft, and in ftate buildid of vin Square. 
 
 " Bishop Fox did much reperation of this Dungeon ; and he made befide, in 
 £t the Caftelle, a new Kychen, with the Offices, and many praty Chambers." 
 
 This View, which fhews the South-weft Afpect of the Caftle, was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
FINCH ALE PRIORT, IN THE BISHOPRICK OF DURHAM. 
 
 Finchale Priory {lands on the eafternmoft bank of the River Were, about 
 two miles and a half north of the City of Durham. 
 
 This being a folitary fpot, proper for religious contemplation, a certain holy 
 man named Godric, afterwards canonifed, who had in his youth vifited the Holy 
 Sepulchre, hither retired by Divine direction, and here lived the life of an Hermit 
 in an Hermitage dedicated to St. John the Baptift. It was during his life-time 
 made a Cell to the Monaftery of Durham, being granted by Ranulph Flambard, 
 before the year 1 128, to Algarus, Prior thereof, and his Monks. Upon the death 
 of Godric, anno 11 70, fome Monks from Durham retired to it; and Hugh 
 Pudfey, then Bifhop of Durham, made them fome allowance for their fupport. 
 Hugh his fon, anno 1 196, considerably increafed their revenues ; and thereupon 
 a Benedictine Priory, fubordinate to the Monaftery of Durham, was fettled here, 
 to which the Prior of that Houfe might fend as many Monks as he thought 
 
FINCH ALE PRIORY, IN THE BISHOPRICK OF DURHAM. 
 
 proper. Although it was thus deemed a Cell to Durham, its income was valued 
 difrinctly from it; being eftimated 26 Hen. VIII. at £ 122. 15 s. 3 </. per ann. 
 Dugdale, and £ 146. lgs. 2d. Speed. It then confifted of a Prior and eight 
 Monks — though Leland fays thirteen — and foon after the DhTolution was granted 
 to the See of Durham- Part of the Ruins are now converted into a Farm- 
 houfe. 
 
 Finchale feems anciently to have been a place of note* A Synod is faid to 
 have been held here anno 788. It was called by the Saxons Pincanheal : Henry 
 of Huntingdon calls it Wincanhale ; Hoveden, Phincanhale ; and others Fin- 
 chale. 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
/ 
 
GOATS HEAD, OR, GATESHIDE MONASTERY, DURHAM, 
 
 This Houfe feems to have been of no great eminence, fince it is not men- 
 tioned by Dugdale, except in his general catalogue of the Religious Houfes and 
 their value, where there is the following entry, among thofe of Durham : " Gates- 
 " heved Hofpital, St. Edmund, 5/. gs. ^d." 
 
 It is only thus (lightly touched on by Tanner : " Ad caprae caput Goatfhead, 
 ** or Gatefhide." A monaftery here, whereof Uttan was abbot before A. D. 653. 
 But in the Notes he refers to Bede's Ecclenaftical Hiftory, book 3. c. 21. and to 
 Leland's Colleclanea. In the latter is a tranfcript from the former, where, among 
 the holy men chofen by Peada, fon of king Penda, to inftrud him in the 
 Chriftian religion, one Adda is mentioned, who is there faid to be " brother to 
 " Uttan, an illuftrious prefbyter, and abbot of the monaftery called Goatfhead." 
 Tanner likewife cites Bourne, who in his Hiftory of Newcaftle fays, M The mo- 
 " naftery of Uttanus was where Mr. Riddle's or Gateftiead houfe now is." 
 
 From the following paffage in Leland's Itinerary, vol. 7. part ift, page 81. 
 added to the entry before quoted from Dugdale's Catalogue, it appears as if 
 this monaftery was converted into an hofpital, before the diffolution of the reli- 
 gious houfes : <{ Where as the hofpital (fays he) is now of St. Edmund at Ge- 
 " temed in Wyrale, was fometyme a monaftery, as I have heard, and by lykely- 
 <c hod the fame that Bede fpekythe of." 
 
GOATSHEAD, 
 
 OR, GATESHIDE MONASTERY, DURHAM. 
 
 In the Magna Britannia, publifhed 1720, a different valuation is given of this 
 houfe, as taken from Speed, in thefe words : " Gatefliead, a religious ho life, de- 
 " dicated to St. Edmund. Who was the founder or benefactor is not known, 
 *' but the revenues are found to be 109 1. 4 s. 4 d. per ann." Perhaps the former 
 might be the value delivered in to the King's Commiftioners, and this its true 
 amount. 
 
 From thefe obfeure accounts, little to be depended upon can be collected 
 refpecting its ancient hiftory : the following is its prefent ftate : 
 
 Its remains ftand in Gatefliead, on the eaft or right-hand fide of the high 
 ftreet leading to Newcaftle bridge, from which it is diftant about half a mile. 
 The entrance is through a low, fquare ftone gate, decorated with pilafters, and 
 feemingly of modern conftruction. The fite of the houfe, with its offices and 
 gardens, occupied about two acres and a half of land. Towards the eaft end 
 of it are the ruins of a manfion, which, from the ftile of its architecture, 
 feems to have been built fmce the diffolution of the monaftery, perhaps out 
 of its materials. This probably was Mr. Riddle's houfe, alluded to by 
 Bourne ; and the gate-way before-mentioned was in all likelihood erected at 
 the fame time. 
 
 Nearest the road ftands the chapel, whofe weft end. is handfomely orna- 
 mented with a number of pointed arches and niches ; though the infide feems 
 remarkably plain. It confifts of a fingle aide, twenty-one paces broad by twenty- 
 fix long. Some fteps at the eaft-end, leading to the altar, are ftill remaining ; 
 near them is a grave-ftone, on which is cut a crofs iimiiar to that on the jamb of 
 the church -door at J arrow ; it has alfo the marks of an inlaid border about it, 
 but -the brafs is gone. The arches of the windows (except thofe of the eaft and 
 weft ends, which are entirely pointed) are round within, and pointed on the out- 
 fide. A remarkable ornament is mounted on its eaft end on a (lender rod, being 
 a fmall circle chequered by feveral bars crofting each other at right angles, as 
 may be feen in the View. 
 
 In the year 1 745 or 46, this chapel being, as it is faid, made ufe of by the 
 Roman Catholics, was out of a mifguided zeal fet on fire by fome perfons, who 
 perhaps meant to pafs for good Proteftants ; but by this their intolerant fury 
 {hewed themfelves to be actuated by thofe very principles they affected fo much 
 to contemn. This monaftery is now the property of Ralph Clavering, Efq. of 
 palleley, and is chiefly ufed for garden-ground. 
 
 This Drawing was made Anno 17,73. 
 
SHE MONASTERY OF J ARROW, OR GYRW1, DURHAM. 
 
 This was a Benedictine Monaftery, and with that of Wiremoth owed its foundation to 
 the intercefiion of the Abbot Benedict Bifcop, born of noble Englifli parents > a foldier in 
 the early part of his life, afterwards minifter to KingOfwy and faid to be the firftwho brought 
 the art of making glafs into England. This Benedift, contemning worldly riches and honours, 
 travelled to Rome, where being inftrufted in the monaftic difcipline, the choir fong, and all 
 the ecclefiaftical rites, he returned to England, and afterwards obtained from Egfrid, King 
 of the Northumbrians, forty families, or hides of land for the endowment of thele mo- 
 naileries. 
 
 This houfe was founded about the year 684, and was dedicated to St. Paul. On its com- 
 pletion, Benedict peopled it with feventeen Monks from Wiremoth, and placed over them 
 as Abbot one Ceolfridus. Here the venerable Bode was educated ; the place of his birth, 
 according to moft writers, being in this neighbourhood. 
 
 By the frequent incnrfions of the Danes this Monaftery was fo ruined, that at the com- 
 ing of the Normans, the church or chapel wherein the Monks celebrated divine fervice, 
 was a poor thatched hovel, made up of fome old walls, with a roof of rough unhewn tim- 
 ber. It was, however, certainly afterwards re-edified, as is evident from the ftile of fome 
 part of the remains ; but when, or by whom, does not occur in any of the writers who treat 
 of it. 
 
 Both this Monaftery and that of Wiremoth became afterwards cells to Durham. At thi 
 Diffolution, the revenues of Jarrow were valued at 38/. 14J. 4//. per anm Dugdale j 
 
THE MONASTERY OF J ARROW, OR GYRWT, DURHAM. 
 
 40/. js. 8^, Speed •, and were granted 36th of Henry VIII. to William Lord Eure. Tan- 
 ner in a note makes a query, whether it was not granted afterwards, viz. 7th of Edward VL. 
 
 to Simon Welbury and Chriftopher Moreland. At prefent it is faid to belong to 
 
 Clavering, Efq. and Bonner, Efq. of Callerton, patrons of the Church. 
 
 The fite is an eminence on the fouth fide of the river Tyne, about five miles eaft of, or 
 below Newcaftle. Its bounds do not feem to have been very extenfive ; neither was the place 
 judicioufly chofen with refpedl to healthfulnefs, there being a large marfhy fpot bordering it 
 on the fouth •, and when the tide is out, fcarce any thing but ftinking oufe remains in the bed 
 of the creek, that runs clofe under it ; over which is the bridge feen in the view. 
 
 The remains confift of the chapel, now converted into a parim church, and feveral walls 
 and fragments of the offices of the abbey. In fome are circular arches, but the greateft 
 number are pointed. Some cottages have been patched up here, partly with the Handing 
 walls of the old building, and partly with the materials pulled down. Several pieces of 
 Ihort columns with Saxon capitals lie fcattered amongfl the rubbifli. 
 
 The church, which feems to have been lately repaired, has now only one ifle ; but the 
 marks of other buildings are very apparent on its north wall.' The weft door has a plain 
 circular arch and on its north jaumb is an ancient crofs, ornamented in the Saxon ftile. 
 
 Within the church on the north wall, on a ftone that goes quite through it, is the fol- 
 lowing infeription, which has been clumfily blacked when the church was laft white-warned. 
 In the fpace between the third and fourth'- line there is a roughnefs on the furface of ths 
 ftone, feemingly as if a line had been erafed. 
 
 DEDICATOBASILICAE 
 SCIPAVLIVIIIIKLMAI 
 ANNOXVFCFRIDIREC 
 
 CEOLFR IDIABBEIVSDEMQ_ 
 
 Q. ECCLESDOAVCTORE 
 CONDITORIS. ANNO IIII. 
 Here likewife are two very antient carved oaken reading defks, having each feats for four 
 perfons. But what is efteemed the greateft curiofity, and as fuch is carefully kept under 
 lock and key in the veftry, is the chair of venerable Bede, a great two-armed chair, faid 
 to have been depofited here ever fince the Difiblution of the Monaftery. It is of oak, and 
 appears to have been hewn out with an axe, except that at the top of the 'back, the crofs 
 piece is mortifed to the ftandards or upright parts, which ferve both for legs and its fupport : 
 thefe with the feat and fides are very ancient ; but the back, according to the perfon who 
 fhews it, has been fince added. 
 
 Various are the fuperftitions and ridiculous ftories told of this place, among which are 
 thefe : " That it was never dark in Jarrow Church ; and that the windows were of horn- 
 •* inftead of glafs." The latter, perhaps, relates to fome almoft forgotten tradition con- 
 cerning the introduction of glafs by Benedict. 
 
 This drawing was made Anno 1773. 
 
R A B' 7 CASTLE, DURHAM. 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 This Caftle was built by John de Neville, foon after the year 1378 ; at which time a 
 licence for its erection was granted by Bifliop Hatfield: a duplicate of it is ftill pre- 
 ferved in the Archives or the See of Durham. The Manor o! Raby had long been in 
 the pofleflion of this family, who held it of the See of Durham by the yearly rent of 4I. 
 and a ftag. 
 
 It has been obferved in the Preface, that after the acceffion of King Henry II. no one could 
 build a Caftle without firft obtaining the Royal Licence. The County of Durham being 
 a Palatinate, a power of granting fuch licence belonged to the Bifhop, who is there con- 
 fidered as a Viceroy. \s the form of this Licence fomewhat differs from that given in 
 the Preface to the Firft Volume, it is here inferted at length, in the language in which it is 
 originally written, together with a tranllati n. 
 
 " Thomas, par la Grace de Dieu, Evefque de Durefme, a touz y qui ceftez noz pre- 
 " fentes Lettres verront, ou orrount falutz. Sachez que nous de noftre grace chere efpecial 
 ** et pour le grant Amour que nous avons enver noftre chere et foial John de Nevill, 
 " Chivaler, Sieur de Raby qui de long temps adefte de noftre Confaill, et nous fe* vant, 
 ** lui eions grante et tant que nous eft et licence efpeciall done quil puilTe de fon Manior de 
 
 Raby, q'eft Jedenz noftre Roial Seignurie dedans noftre Evechee de Durefme, faire un Chaf- 
 " tell fraunchement a fa volonte, et touz les tours, mefons, et mures, d'y celle, batailler et 
 
 ** kirneller, fans eftreent empefcher molefter ou autres nos fubjitz ou demurant 
 
 '* dedenz noftre did Seignurie Roial. A avoir et tenir perpetuelement a lui et a fes heires 
 M ifluit quil ne feoit pas prejudicial ne damagous a nous, ne a noftre Eglife de Durefme,. 
 
R A B Y CASTLE, DURHAM. 
 
 44 ne a noz fucceffour en nule temps a venire. En temonaunce de quels chofes, nous avons 
 " faitez fa ire ceftez noz I ettres Patentes. Don a Durefme par les meins Willielmi de 
 " Elmedon, noftre Chauncellor, le difme jour de May, L'An. de noftre facre trent et 
 
 44 tierce. 
 
 M Par Lettre de Private Seal." 
 
 Which runs in Englilh thus : 
 
 " Thomas, by the Grace of God, Bifhop of Durham, to all thofe who mall fee or 
 
 45 hear thefe our prefent Letters : Know ye that we, of our dear and efpecial favor, and 
 44 for the great love we bear to our dear and faithful John de Nevill, Knight, Lord of 
 4 * Raby, who has long been of our council and in our fervice, have granted, and as much 
 44 as in us is, do licence him freely, according to his will, to- make a Caftle of his Manor of 
 44 Raby, which is within our Royal Lordfhip, and in our Bifhoprick of Durham •, and 
 4C - all the towers, houfes, and walls thereof, to embattle, and crenellate without reftraint, 
 
 44 hindrance, or moleftation or other our fubjects or living within our Royal 
 
 44 Lordfhip. To have and to hold to him and his heirs for ever, provided it mall not 
 44 be prejudicial or injurious to us, our Church at Durham, nor to our fuccsflbrs in time 
 44 to come. In witnefs whereof, we have cau fed thefe our Letters Patent to be made. 
 44 Given at Durham by the hands of William de .Elmden our Chancellor, on the xoth. 
 " day of May, and in the 33d of our Confecration. 
 
 4C By writ of Privy SeaL? 9: 
 
 Ever mice the reign of James I. this Caftle hath belonged to the ancient family of 
 the Var.es, ennobled. July 8, Anno 1699, when. Sir Chriftopher Vane was created a Baron 
 of this realm, by the title of Lord Bernard, of Bernard Caftle. He was fucceeded in 
 his eftates and honours by his eldeft fon Gilbert, whofe fon Henry was created Vifcount 
 Bernard and Earl cf Darlington, April 3, 1754. His fon Henry, fecond Earl of Darlington, 
 is the prefent proprietor of this noble edifice, the fituation of which, in a park beauti- 
 fully admitting a view of the deer, is rather paftoral than romantic ; being on the fide 
 of a vaffc amphitheatre of country, which affords a pro r pe£t of a rich cultivation, termi- 
 nated to the weft and eaft by diftant hills, and to the fouth by an extended plain, exhibiting 
 that freedom now fo much purfued in rural fpeculations. On the other hand, the nearer 
 parts of the horizon are charmingly verged by plantations railed by the prefent noble 
 owner, who in every part of a very extended property gives the higheft proofs of his 
 attention and tafte. Although the furrounciing country boafts not much of the marvel- 
 lous and fublime in Nature, yet the deficiency of fuch objecls feems amply fupplied, in 
 another ftile, by the growing elegance of every reform, where convenience, profit, and 
 order, are happily blended. 
 
 The Caftle, with its nearly circular terrace inclofed with a military wall, is faid to 
 nieafure two acres, and the demefnes annexed to exceed 30 miles in length. 
 
 As it is not the plan of this Work to delineate the face of a country, and ftill lefs to 
 enter into agricultural projects, we fnall only obferve that, in this refpect, his Lordfhip 
 fteadily keeps up in every fpecies of improvement the idea of the utile and the duke ; nor 
 is he lefs attentive to the venerable pile, which is daily acquiring new importance, the en- 
 virons and the feat of refidence mutually vying to dignify each other. 
 
 This View, which is the N. Eaft Afpc&, was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
R A B T C A S r L E, DURHAM. 
 
 PLATE H. 
 
 The following account of this Cattle is given by Leland, in his Itinerary : 
 « From S. Andres Akeland to Raby Cartel five miles, part by arable, but more by 
 "paftures and morifch hilly ground, barren of wood. Raby is the largeft Caftel of 
 « Logcrino-es in al the North Cuntery, and is of a ftrong building, but not fet other on 
 " hil or very ftrong ground. 
 
 " As I enterid by a caufey into it ther was a little ftagne on the right hond : and in the 
 " firft area were but two toures, one at ech ende as entres, and no other buildid. Yn the 
 « 2 area as in entring was a great gate of iren, with a tour, and 2 or 3 mo on the right 
 ** hond. 
 
 " Then were al the chief toures of the 3 court as in the hart of the Caftel. The haul 
 « and al the houfes of offices be large and ftately : and in the haul I faw an incredible 
 " greet beame of an hart. The great chaumber was exceding large, but now it is fals 
 «< rofid, and dividid into 2 or 3 partes. I faw ther a litle chaumber, wherin was, in 
 »< windowes of colerid glaiTe, al the petigre of the Nevilles : but it is now taken down, 
 " and glafid with clere glafte. Ther is a touer in the Caftel having the mark of two 
 " capitale B, from Berthram Bulmer. 
 
 « Ther is another touer, bering the name of Jane, baftard filter to Henry the 4, and 
 " wife to Rafe Nevile, the firft Erl of Weftmorland. 
 
 " Ther long 3 parkes to Raby, whereof 2 be plenilhid with dere. The middle park 
 " hath a lodge in it. 
 
K A B Y CASTLE, DURHAM. 
 
 41 And thereby is a chace, bering the name of Langdey, and hath falow dere-. it is a 
 3 miles in length." 
 
 Mr Pennant, who vifited this Caflle about the year 1772, permitted me to tranfcribe 
 is Notes, wherein it is thus defcribed: 
 ** Rabv Cattle, the feat of the Earl of Darlington, is an entire fortrefs was once the 
 property of the See of Durham •, and in the reign of Edward HI. permitted by the 
 Bifhop to be embattled. It was at times the property of the Bullmers, the Cliffords, 
 and the Nevilles •, a tower bears the name of the firft, and the gateway that of Clifford. 
 • It is an irregular, but magnificent, pile, and of great fize •, fome part has been burned, 
 1 and at prefent the great tower, called Bullmer's, is detached : all the towers are fquare. 
 ' It is furrounded by a great fofs, only part of which is now filled with water. A fine parade 
 ' goes quite round the Caflle, garnifhed with battlements. On Bullmer's tower is a great 
 ' bas-relief of a bull holding a flag ftaff in one foot, with a flag to it, and over his 
 : (boulder is a fhield. The founder has alfo marked this tower with a great B. 
 
 " The chief entrance is on the weft, and is very grand ; it leads to a fquare, within 
 ' which is a great hall, fupported by fix pillars, the capitals diverging and running in 
 ' ribs along the arched roof. A ftair-cafe leads from this into an upper hall of the firft 
 ' magnitude, viz. 90 feet long, 36 broad, and 34 high ; the roof flat, and made of 
 ' wood. Here affembled, in the time of the Nevilles, 700 Knights, who held of that 
 ' family. Over the chimney is a picture of Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 " In a breakfaft-room, the recedes are in the form of femicircles, fcooped out, I may 
 " lay, of the walls, which are 9 feet 1 inch thick : a window is in each ©f thefe. I faw 
 " alio a recefs for a bed, gained out of the wall, and feveral other conveniencies and 
 " communications quarried out of it ; and in fome places pillars are left, as in collieries, 
 '* to fupport the roof. 
 
 " The oven was of dimenfions fuited to the hofpitality of thofe times, higher than a 
 tali perfon, for the tailed may ftand upright in it •, and I think its diameter muft be 1 5 
 *' feet. At prefent it is converted into a wine-cellar-, the fides are divided into ten parts, 
 41 and each holds a hogfhead of wine in bottles. 
 
 " The kitchen is a magnificent and lofty fquare, has three chimnies •, one for the grate, 
 " a fecond for ftoves, the third (now flopped up) for the great cauldron. The top is 
 " arched, and a fmall cupola lights it in the center ; but on the fides ai five windows, 
 " with a gallery palling all round before them, and four ftcps from each minting down 
 " towards the kitchen, but ending a great height above the floor : their ufe is not known ; 
 " probably they were only meant for ornament. From the floor is another flair-cafe 
 " that conducts to the great hall, but the pafTage is now flopped — What hecatombs 
 " muft have been carried that way." 
 
 This View, which represents the S. W. afpeel of the Caflle, was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
\ 
 
XV H rr T N CASTLE, DURHAM. 
 
 Whitton Castle ftands on the fouth fide of the river Wear, at its conflux with the 
 Lynburn. 
 
 This was the Baronial Cattle of the Lords de Euers, a family of ancient note and emi- 
 nence in the County, defcended from the Lords of Clavering and Warkworth ; and by the 
 female line, from the Vefcies and Attons. They were famous for their warlike exploits 
 agamft the Scots, as a reward for which King Edward I. beftowed upon them Ketnefs, a 
 town in Scotland. 
 
 It was built about the year 14 10, as is evident from the following licence for its con- 
 ftruftion, preferved in the Archives of the See of Durham* among the rolls of bifhop Lang- 
 ley, marked A. N°. 32. That deed recites, that this building was begun before; but as 
 no licence had bcren previoufly obtained, it is probable the Bifhop by his authority put a 
 ftop to its progrefs. This circumflance ferves to mew that the family was then in great 
 eftimation, as none but fuch as fuppofed themfelves almoft above the law would have ne- 
 glefted this precaution. It alfo farther appears from that Bifhop not only pardoning this 
 tranfgreffion, but alfo granting his licence for the erection of the Caftle after fo flagrant a 
 contempt of his authority. 
 
 Thomas Dei gratia Dunelmenfis Epifcopus falutem. Sciatis quod cum Radulphus de 
 Eure Miles nuper Manerium fuum de Witton cum muro de petra et cake includere et 
 Manerium illud batellare, kirne.Uare, et turellare, ac fortallicium inde facere incipit, 
 licentia noftra aut prasdece Torum noftrorum fuper hoc non obtenta : Nos de gratia 
 noftra fpeciali pardonavimus tranfgreflionem fa&am in hac parte : Et alterius conceflimus 
 et licentiam dedimus pro nobis et fucceflbribus noftris prsefato Radulpho, quod iple 
 
WHITTON CASTLE, DURHAM, 
 
 Manerium prsedictum cum muro de petra et cake includere, et Manerium illud caftellare, 
 icirnellare, et turillare, ac fortallicium inde facere pofiit, et tenere fibi et hseredibus fuis 
 iinperpetuum, abfqne impedimento noftri vel fucceflbrum noftrorum Jufticiarium, Efcaeto- 
 r.um, Vice-comitum, aut aliorum Ballivorum feu Miniftorum noftrorum, vel fuc- 
 ceflbrum noftrorum quorumcumqu-, imperpetuum. In cujus rei teftimonium, &c. 
 Dat, &c. vicefllrao-tertio die Septembris, Anno Pontificatus noftri quinto. 
 Which may be thus tranflated; 
 
 " Thomas, by the grace of God, Biihap of Durham, fendeth greeting. Know ye, 
 rthat whereas Radulphus de Eure, Knight, did begin to inclofe his Manor of Whitton 
 with a wall of lime and ftone, and to embattle, crenellate, tourillate, and erect a fortrefs 
 on the faid Manor, not having firft obtained either our licence or that of our predeceflbrs : 
 We, out of our efpecial grace, have pardoned that tranfgreflion ; and moreover have 
 .granted and given licence, for us and our fucceflbrs, to the faid Radulphus, to inclofe his 
 Manor aforefaid with a wall of lime and ftone, and to caftellate,' crenellate, tourillate, 
 .and build a fortrefs thereon ; to have and to hold the fame to himfelf and his heirs for 
 .ever, without impediment from us or our fucceflbrs, our juftices, efcheators, fheriffs, or 
 other bailiffs or officers whatfoever, or thofeof our fucceflbrs forever. In witnefs whereof, 
 t &c. &c. Given the 23d day of September, in the fifth year of our Pontificate." 
 
 In the reign of Henry VIIL Sir Ralph Euers was Lord Warden of the Marches, and 
 .did fo many valiant exploits againft the Scots at Tiviotdale, that the King gave him a 
 grant of all the lands he could win from them •, wherefore he invaded Scotland ; but 
 .engaging with the Earl of Arran at Hallidown-Field, was there flain, together with the 
 Lord Ogle, and many other perform of note. William Eure, brother of the fecond 
 Ralph Lord Eure. was a Colonel in the army of King Charles I. and was killed at the 
 battle of Marfton Moor, in Yorkfhire, A. D. 1645. The laft Lord Eure, who was 
 living A. D. 1674, leaving no ifliie-male, that family became extinct. 
 
 At the time of fhe Civil War, this Caftle was in the hands of Sir William Darcy. He 
 being a Royalift, it was befieged and taken by Sir Arthur Haflerig, Governor of Auc- 
 land-Caftle, who fequeftered the goods, but did not deftroy the building ; which was 
 afterwards demolifhed by James Lord Darcy, of Havan in the Kingdom of Ireland, 
 .about the year 1689 who took away the lead, timber, and chimney-pieces, to Sadberye, 
 in this County, with defign to build another houfe there : but the greateft part of thefe 
 jnaterials were afterwards fold by auction for much lefs than the fum paid for their pulling 
 .down and removal from Whitton thjther. 
 
 TTkis Caftle is at prefent the property of John Cuthbert, Efq. 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 1774. 
 
TubUlh'cliO. Feb \yJ2 b»-S Hoop ( 
 
 ■ 25 Lu dgate HOI- ■ 
 
 STUOTOLI'HSTHIORY COLCKE S TER 
 
 S7\ B 7 L P H's P R I RT. 
 
 St. Botolph's Priory was founded in the beginning of the twelfth cen^ 
 tury, by Ernulph, a monk, for Canons regular of the Order of St. Auguftine; 
 their number is no where afcertained. Thefe Canons were firft brought into Eng- 
 land about the year 1 109. 
 
 This Priory was the firft of that Order, as appears by the Bull of Pope Pafchall 
 the Second, which inverts them with a pre-eminence and authority over all other 
 houfes of their Order in England s exempts them from all fecular and epifcopal 
 jurifdiflion; direds the future Priors to be chofen from among the Canons j 
 and orders the Bifhop of London, or fome other in his ftead, to confecrate them, 
 without exacting the payment of fees. 
 
 It does not appear that Ernulph fettled any lands on them, except the Site, 
 and the Garden of the Priory; and though they afterwards received various dona- 
 tions, their revenues were never very ample. 
 
St. BOTOLPH's PRIORY. 
 
 King Henry the Firft, befides confirming feveral other benefactions, gave 
 them the whole tythes of his Royal Demefnes in Hatfield Regis, or Broad Oak ; 
 on condition of their performing the following fervice to him and his heirs, 
 whenever they mould make war in Wales ; namely, to fend one horfe of five 
 millings price, a fack and a fpur, for forty days, to be maintained at the king's 
 charge. 
 
 These were fucceeded by other benefactions, at different times; but as they 
 were neither very confiderable, or attended with any remarkable conditions, I 
 lhall not here enumerate them. 
 
 At the DhTolution this Priory was valued at one hundred and thirty-four 
 pounds thirteen millings and four pence ; and was granted by Henry the Eighth 
 to Lord Chancellor Audley, who fold it to Sir Arthur Clarke, from whofe family 
 it palTed about the year 1650, to Oliver Hendricks ; who, about the beginning 
 of this century, -conveyed it to Oliver Burkin ; and from him it was transferred, 
 anno 1720, to Matthew Martin, Efq; who gave it to his fon-in-law, Major- 
 General Price. 
 
 The Priory flood on the fouth fide of the church; but there are no remains of it, 
 except a few walls, which are incorporated into a brew-houfe, erected on its Site. 
 
 The church was entire till the fiege of this town by the Parliamentary Army, 
 anno 1 648 ; both parties accufe each other with unnecelfarily and malicioufly de- 
 ilroying it. 
 
 By the wefl front here reprefented, it appears to have been an elegant 
 building. The interfering circular arches, which are of Roman brick, give it 
 a great richnefs ; and by their contrail with the colour of the {lone, have a very 
 agreeable effect. The angles of this front were adorned with two {lately towers : 
 Mr. Morant fays, That on the north-fide was {landing, in the memory of perfons 
 then living. From the great quantity of Roman bricks to be met with all over this 
 building, it is probable, it was erected out of the ruins of fome more antient fa- 
 •.brick; aftd this is the more likely, as it is agreed on all hands to have been a Ro- 
 man flation, and is by many thought, in preference to Maldon, to have been the 
 antient Camelodunum. 
 
 This drawing was made anno 1767. 
 
Sr. BOTOLPH's P R I R T, COLCHESTER, ESSEX. 
 
 (Plate 2.) 
 
 The infide of this venerable ruin is here delineated. At this time it confifts of 
 only the nave and two fide aifles : thefe were feparated by a double row of very 
 thick columns, fupporting circular arches : fix of them are flill {landing on the 
 north-fide ; but towards the fouth, there are now only two remaining : both the 
 columns and arches are chiefly conftructed with broken Roman bricks, interfperfed 
 with ftones. Befides the damage done to this building, during the fury of the 
 Civil-war, it has from time to time furfered repeated depredations, and been much 
 defaced, by long ferving for the rendezvous and common play-place of the idle youths 
 of the town: the parifli officers have, however, at length, to prevent its total 
 demolition, taken the Jaudable precaution of enclofing and locking it up : this has 
 permitted the weeds and fhrubs to fprout up among the mouldering walls and 
 fcattered tombs— a circumftance which adds greatly to the beauty and folcmnity 
 of the fcene. 
 
St. B O T O L P H's PRIORY 
 
 The dimenfions of this church, as given by Morant in his Hiftoiy of Cclchefl:er a 
 are as follow. 
 
 " Length of it within the walls, one hundred and eight feet; width of the 
 " nave between the pillars, twenty-five feet and a half ; width of the fouth aifle, 
 " nine feet, one inch and a halfj width of the north aifle, nine feet, feven inches and 
 «' a half.; diameter of the pillars, five feet and a. half ; thicknefs of the wall of the 
 " great door, eight feet and a half." 
 
 This ruin not only merits the obfervation of the curious traveller, as apiece of 
 antiquity, but alfo for its picturefque form, and the beauty and variety of its tints, 
 which, together, make it a fubjeit well worthy the pencil of fome one of the many 
 eminent artifts, of whom this kingdom may atprefent fojuftly boaft. 
 
 • This view was taken near the fouth-eaft corner of the building, in the year 1772. 
 
COLCHESTER CASTLE, ESSEX. 
 
 Tins caftle fiands a fmall diftance north cf the High-ftreet. Its fite, called the Bayley, a corruption of Ballium, is 
 both out of the jurifdiction of the corporation, and extra parochial. It is faid, by Norden, in his Survey, to have 
 been built by Edward the Elder, who repaired the walls of the town. Morant conjectures it to be Norman ; and 
 in this he is juftified, by a pafiage in the Monafticon, which afcribes its erection to Eudo Dapifer, fewer, or fteward 
 to William the Conqueror, and founder of St. John's abby. From the great quantity of Roman brick all over this 
 building, it was certainly erected either on the ruins, or with the materials, of fome very ancient building. Its 
 fhape is that cf a rectangular parallelogram, facing the four cardinal points of the compafs ; its eaft and weft fides 
 mcafuring one hundred and forty feet, and its north and fouth one hundred and two feet each, on the outfide. On 
 its north-eaft and north-weft angles are two fquare towers. It has another of the fame figure, which is placed not 
 cn the angle, but on the fouthern extremity of the weft face ; and on the fouthern end of the eaft front is one of a 
 femicircular form, whofe external radius is twenty feet. Thefe meafures are taken from an accurate plan. 
 
 The walls, which are twelve feet thick below, and eleven on the upper ftory, are built with ftone and Roman 
 bricks ; but moft of the latter are broken. On the outfide, feveral ftrata of thefe bricks, particularly on the north 
 fide, run round, in horizontal lines, like bands or fillets, as may be feen in the view. 
 
 The original and only entrance, excepting a poftern on the north fide, is on the fouth, under a handfome 
 circular arch ; the other doors have been fince cut, with great labour, out of the folid wall. 
 
 Towards the left hand, in entering, and in the fouth-weft tower, is the grand ftair-cafe, which is ftill pretty 
 entire, excepting at the top. To the right is a large vault, above ground, well arched. Over this, out of a door 
 leading from the grand ftair-cafe, was the paflage into the chapel, which partly ftands in the femicircular tower. It 
 is ftrongly arched at the top. This chapel is of an irregular figure. Beneath it is a good arched vault, ufed for a 
 prifon or bridewell. 
 
 The infide area was divided by two ftrong parallel walls, running north and fouth, which ferved for partitions 
 and fupports to feveral appartments. The greateft part of the wefternmoft wall is down. In that on the eaft, the 
 bricks are kid according to the Roman method; that is, herring-bone faftiion. The lodgings were all at the upper 
 part ; and there are four chimneys ftill remaining, turned with femi-circular arches ; as, indeed, are all the doors 
 and windows : the latter arc wide within, but diminifh toward the outfide. 
 
 Ukder the caftle are fpacious vaults, fupported by foundations, in the form of a crofs. Thefe were difcovered, 
 fays Mcrant, about thirty years ago : they were then full of fand ; for the carrying which away, the owner, John 
 Wheeley, was at the pains of cutting a cart-way through the foundations, near the north-eaft corner, where the wall 
 was thirty feet thick. 
 
 " This building, fays the afore-cited author, fufFercd extremely, from the ill-judged attempt of John Wheeley, 
 " who purchafed it of the late Robert Northfolk, efq. with intent, and upon condition, to dcmolifli it entirely, 
 " and make money of the materials. For this purpofe many of the Roman bricks were taken away and 
 " fold, and moft of the free-ftone at the coins, and in the inward arches ©f the building. A fine well was 
 
COLCHESTER CASTLE, ESSEX. 
 " dcftroyed, and the tops of the towers and walls forced down with fcrews, or blown up with gun powder, and 
 " thrown upon the heads of the arched vaults below, in fuch large weights, and with fo great violence, as to 
 « break one of the fineft of them. But after great devaitations, the remaining part of the walls being fo ftrongly 
 " cemented, that the profit did not anfwer the charge of farther demolition, he was forced to defift. 
 
 " Just within the entrance of the caftle, they fhew fome fmall clumfey images of Helen, Ccnftantine, &c. 
 " carved in ftone, but vifibly modern. They alfo fhew you an infeription in four fhort lines, which they pretend 
 
 « cannot be read. Upon infpeclion, it is no more than ALYANOR ROGER CHAMBYRLEYNAN GOD, 
 
 ' ■ and a few other words, in capitals ; which, by the form of the letters, appear to have been done about the reign 
 " of King Edward the Third, if not later. 
 
 " The caftle-yard, bailey, or balywick, was formerly encompafTed on the fouth and weft fides by a ftrong wall, 
 " in which were two gates ; that on the fouth was the chief. This wall was taken down by Robert Northfolk, efq. 
 " who creeled Li the room of it a range of houfes, now fianding in the High-ftreet. The weft wall reached as far 
 « as the eaft fide of St. Helen's-lane. On the north and eaft fides the caftle was fecured by a deep ditch, and a 
 «« ftrong rampart of earth ; which are now taken into the gardens of Charles Gray, efq. This rampart is throWn 
 ti U p 0n a wall that formerly encompaffed either the caftle or the palace of Coel, on the fite whereof the caftle is 
 " built ; the buttreffes, and other parts, of which wall have been lately difcovered. 
 
 *.* The chapel here was endowed with diverfe lands, which were afterwards, by Eudo Dapifer, granted to the 
 " monaftry of St. John ; in confideration of which, the abbot of that houfe was obliged to find a chaplain, to 
 €i officiate three days in the week, either in St. Helen's chapel, or that of the caftle." 
 
 The original property of this caftle was in the crown, where it continued till granted by the Emprefs Maud to 
 Alberie de Vere, anceftor cf the De Vere's, earls of Oxford : but though fhc beftowed on him the title, it was not, 
 probably, in her power to give him the poffefiion ; fo that it remained in the crown till the year 1214, when King 
 John granted it, during pleafure, with the hundred of Tendering and Borrough, to Stephen Harringood. 
 
 King Henry the Third, in the year 1256, granted it forlife, with diverfe lands, rents and profits, to Guido 
 delaRupe forti, or Rochfort ; but he, in 1258, falling into difgrace, was deprived of his eftates and banifned. 
 In 1275, it was given, by Edward the Firft, with the hundred of Tendering, to John de Burgh for life; and in 
 1275, to Richard de Uollibn ok ; and again, in the fame year, to Lawrence de Scaccnrio, fhcriff of Effex, for the 
 county goal ; and the demefnes belonging thereto were ordered to be plowed and fown for the' king's ufc. 
 
 The next poffeffor was Robert de Benhall, knight, to whom, with diverfe lands, it was given by Edward the 
 Third, for life. In 1404, King Henry the Fourth granted it, together with the fee-farm of the town of Colchefter 
 and hundred of Tendering, to his fon Henry, duke of Gloucefter ; and Henry the Sixth gave the faid hundred and 
 caftle to his queen, Margaret. In 146 . , King Edward the Fourth beftowed it on Sir John Haward, knight, for life ; 
 and Thomas Kendale, anno 1485, obtained the cuftcdy cf it, and the king's demefnes in Colchefter, by patent from 
 Henry the Seventh, which he furrendered in 1 496, when the faid grant was transferred to John Vere, earl of 
 Oxford ; which was renewed and confirmed by King Henry the Eighth ; and the premifes continued long in this 
 family; from whom it parted to Thomas, LordDarcey, Henry Mac Williams, and, in the year 1599, to Sir John 
 Stanhope, to whom it was granted, with feveral parcels of land, for his and his fon's life. 
 
 Ik the year '629, James Hay, earl of Carlifle, obtained of King Charles the Firft, the reverfion to him and 
 his heirs for ever of this caftle, after the -death of Charles, Lord Stanhope, to be held of the manor cf Eaft 
 Greenwich, in common focage, paying into the Exchequer ten pounds yearly ; but Lord Stanhope furvived him, 
 and foon after fold it to Sir James Northfolk, ferjeant at arms to the Floufe of Commons ; from whom it defcended 
 to his fon: he fold it, anno 1688, to John Wheeley, who purchafed it, as has been before faid, to pull it down; 
 but the profit net anfwering his expeftations, he difpofed of it to Sir Ifaac Rebow, from whofe grandfon it was 
 purchafed .by Charles Gray, efq. the prefent poffeffor, who has fitted it up with great tafte and propriety, con- 
 verted the chapel into a library, and built the cupola on the fcuth-weft tower : the other building, on the top of 
 the north-eaft tower, is likewife of his erection. 
 
 1'he Governors cr Conftablcs of Colchefter Caftle, as given by Movant. 
 
 Henry II. 16 Henry III. 
 
 Hubert de St. Claire, killed at the feige of Bridgenorth; Ste P hen de Segrave. 
 
 where, feeing one of the enemy juft going to (hoot at the 50 Henry HI. 
 
 king, he ftepped before him, and received the arrow in Thomas de Clare. 
 
 his own breaft; of which he died, recommending his 2 Ebvmrb I. 
 
 - , ; , William de Wayland, John ao Burgh, 
 
 daughter to tne protection of that monarch. ' 
 
 8 Henry jiV. 
 
 Richard I. and 2 John. William Dych. 
 
 William de Lanvallei ; he gave King John two hun- • Henry V. 
 
 dred marks for the cuftody of it, and held it under King William Bardulph. Anno 1428, John Exeter and 
 Richard I. J acolet Germaine. 
 
 17 John. j Henry VII. 
 
 William de Lanvallei, his fon, Hubert de Burgh. Thomas Kendale. 
 
 The town of Colchefter was, heretofore, feudatory to the caftle; but a difcharge and exemption was purchafed 
 of Queen Elizabeth, and confirmed by Parliament. 
 
 This drawing, which mews the north and weft fides of the caftle, was taken anno 1772. 
 
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HAD LET CASTE, ESSEX. 
 
 This Caftle ftands in the fouth-eaft part of the county, and near the fouth- weft extremity of the 
 hundred of Rochford j of it, the following account is given by Morant in h» Hiftory of Efiex. 
 
 « Th e name feems to be derived from the Saxon words, f?ead, high, raifed, and ley, pa/lure. It hath 
 « bor ne the name of Hadley ad Caftrum, or Hadley Caftle, ever fince the reign of Henry the Third ; 
 «« when Hubert de Burgh, earl of Kent, with the king's leave, built a caftle here ; the rums of it fell extant 
 «< fhew its ancient grandeur. It is a little mile fouth from the church, and about three quarters of . 
 « mile from the road, facing the channel, or Canvey ifland. As it is fituatec! at the brow of a fteep Ml 
 « there is from thence a delightful profpe* acrofs the Thames into Kent. It is bu.lt of ftone, almoft of 
 « an oval form : the entrance is at the north-weft corner, between two towers , and there are alfo tw<» 
 « towers at the fouth-eaft, and north-eaft corners, which are embattled, and have loop holes on the fides. 
 <c The walls in the bottom of the towers are nine feet thick, and the reft five feet ; and on the north and 
 « fouth fides, the walls are lengthened with buttreffes. The cement, or mortar, wh.ch u almoft as hard 
 «. as the Hones themfelves, hath in it a mixture of (hells of fea-fifli, &c. At the entrance, the earth lying 
 « very high near the towers, a very deep ditch is cut behind them, which runs along the north fide of the 
 « caftle. The ruins are now greatly overgrown with bufhes. 
 
 « There was a park belonging to this caftle, orelfe to Hadley-bury, which lw near; and lands were 
 « held by the ferjeancy of keeping up the fences and lodges of this cattle, as well as thofe of Reyle and 
 
HADLEY CASTLE. 
 
 •« Thunders le CaPles. As Hadley is not mentioned in Domefday-book, nor in the Red-boo 1 < of tas 
 <c Exchequer, it was mod probably comprehended in Raley; and then Raley parifh extended to the Ray, 
 «' or water of Hadley. 
 
 u The large park, belonging to the honor of Raley, might take up the greateu part of wh?t is no# 
 " Hadley, except the foreft, and waftc ground that belonged thereto. 
 
 * c Hadley going along with the manor and honor of Raley, which belonged to Suenej his grandfon 
 «* Henry de Effex forfeited both to the crown, through his cowardife. 
 
 «' King henry granted it with Raley, and we prefume as a part of it, to Hubert de Burgh, earl of 
 " Kent, who built the caftle here. From that time it is mentioned in records as the caftle and park of 
 ** Hadley, and not for a while as a manor. 
 
 *' Upon Hubert's difgrace in 1232, this eftate vf?.s again feized by the crown, and granted at 
 <{ different times to the greater! perfons. By an ir.queft taken in 125c, of what lands and tenements 
 " appertained to the caftle of Hadleigh, it was found, that there were belonging to this caftle 140 acres o 
 *' arable ground ; and pafture for 180 fheep ; and a water-mill. In 126b', King Henry the Third 
 " committed the government of this caftle to Richard de Thany. Hugh le Parker, of this parifh, held 
 '« four (hillings rent here, in 1284, by the ferjeancy of keeping the park of Haddelegh. In 1299 King 
 *' Edward the Firft afiigned to his queen Margaret the caftle, village, and park of Hadlegh, with 
 ** appertenances, then valued at thirteen pounds, fix (hillings and eight-pence, per annum. In 1327, 
 *' Roger de Eftwyke, and Alice his wife, had twelve acres of land in this parifh, together With the cuftody 
 «« of the park, of the inheritance of the faid Alice ; and of the gift of Geffry de Pertico, and Maud his 
 «.< wife, formerly lords of the caftle and village of Hadley : which land and cuftody were holden of the 
 *' king, as of the honor of Reyleigh, by the fervice of keeping the park aforefaid. 
 
 *« Alerey de Vere, the 10th earl of Oxford, who died the 2.3d of April, 1400, held for his life, of 
 t( the gift of King Richard the Second, the caftle and manor of Hadlye, with appertenances, and a 
 «' water-mill in capite ; reverfion of the fame to the king and his heirs. 
 
 " Edmund PlantagEnet, duke of York, had the premifes at the time of his deceafe, ift of 
 " Auguft, 1402,. but only for life. In 1452, King Henry the Sixth, granted to his uterine bro her, 
 «' Edmund of Hadham, earl of Richmond, the caftle, and lord(hip,or manor of Hadley, with all letes, Courts 
 *« rents, fervices, mills, fifheries, and other appertenances whatfoever. The aavowfon of the church, and 
 «« a market here on Wednefday jn every week ; and the return of all writs, and precepts, and executions oil 
 *« the fame. 
 
 « After that they remained in the crown, till King Henry the Eighth granted them, in 1539, to the 
 «< lady Anne ofCleve, his forfaken queen, for her maintenance. 
 
 «' In 155 i, King Edward the Sixth, gave the manor and park of Hadleigh ad Caftrum, and the farm 
 " there, called Hadleigh, with afeparate fifhery, and the advowfon of the church, to Richard Lord Riche, 
 «« and his heirs ; to hold by the fortieth part of a knight's fee. And in 1553 he got, from the fame king, the 
 «« following marfhes, in this parifh, Les Fleets, Ruftihalls, or the Prior's-marfh, and Clerkenwike, or the 
 *' Abbot's-marlh ; and all other meffuages, lands, &c. in the tenure of Edward Strangman, to hold in 
 «' focage. From him they palled to his noble defcendants the earls of Warwick ; as Rochford, Raley, Lees 
 «' Priory, &c. Upon the partition of the Warwick eftates between the fix coheirs, this fell to the (hare of 
 " Henry bt. John, efq. afterwards a baronet, and vifcount St. John, his eldeft fon : Henry Vifcount 
 «« Bolingbroke fold his eftate to Sir Francis St. John, of Longthorpe, in Northamptonfiiire, bart. whofe 
 *« daugnter and coheir Mary, brought it in marriage to her hufband Sir John Bernard, of Brampton, in 
 " Huntingdonftiire, bart. He was fucceeded by his fon Sir Robert Bernard, bart. knight of the (hire for the 
 " county of Huntingdon." 
 
 This drawing was made in the year 1763. 
 
ST. MART MAGDALEN'S CHURCH, COLCHESrER, ESSEX. 
 
 The lingular ftile of this Building, its disjointed Porch, the apparent antiquity of a part, 
 and the variety of the materials of the whole, render it altogether a very picturefque object. 
 This confideration, more than any hiftorical importance, has procured its admiftion into 
 this Work. 
 
 It ftands on the North fide of Magdalene Green. The little Chancel, built with brick, 
 is more modern than the reft of the edifice, which is remarkably fmall. The Weft 
 end and Turret were damaged by lightning in the year 17395 but have been fincc 
 repaired. 
 
 This Chapel is confidered rather as belonging to the refounded Hofpital of St. Mary- 
 Magdalene, than as a Parochial Church ; for, according to Morant, on account of the 
 fmallnefs and poverty of the Parilh, here hath been no inftitution or induction to the Re&ory 
 for many years, if ever. 
 
St. MARY MAGDALEN's CHURCH, COLCHESTER. 
 
 The ancient Hofpital before-mentioned, endowed for leprous and other infirm people, was 
 ided at the command of Henrylft, byEudo his fteward, founder of St.John's Abby, in this 
 Town-, the tithes of which were here diftributed to the poor, in certain daily portions of 
 1, beer, and meat. The number of Hofpitals formerly eftablilhed for lepers in this 
 Kingdom, and the few ir.itances of that complaint at prefent, has induced many learned 
 perfons (not without great reafon) to fuppofe that the difeafe heretofore called Leprofy, was 
 no other than the Venereal infection. The mailer of this Hofpital was (tiled Prior. 
 
 " Upon the general destruction of the Hofpitals in K. Edward Vlth's reign, (fays 
 " Morant) this underwent the common fate. However, it doth not feem to have been 
 " immediately granted away-, for in the year 1558 it was held by Bonner, Bifhop of 
 " London, in free alms : after that the lands belonging to it were fquandered away, and 
 " foiiae irrecoverably loft ; and the Chapel of the Hofpital was totally demolilhed. 
 " Elizabeth, in the year 1565, granted the revenues lately- belonging thereto, to 
 *' Nicarius Yetfweirt, her Secretary for the French Tongue, and one of the Clerks of the 
 *' Signet •, but K. James the Firft, in order to bring it again to pious and charitable ufe, 
 " refounded it, in the year 16 10, under the title of the College or Hofpital of K.James within 
 
 the fuburbs of Colchefter : reftoring all the lands, revenues, and poiTeflions whatever, 
 " fettled at firft upon it by the Founder : ordaining, that it mould confift of a Mafter, 
 " and five poor perfons, fingle or unmarried : that the Mafter fliould have the cure of 
 * l fouls of the Parifhioners of the Parifli of St Mary Magdalene in the Town of Colchefter, 
 " celebrate Divine Service there, faithfully preach the Word of God, and duly adminifter 
 " the Sacraments either by himfelf or by a fufficient Minifter or Curate : and pay each 
 " of the faid five poor perfons, fifty-two lhillings a year, at the four terms of the year, by 
 *' equal portions, viz. Thirteen lhillings a-piece, at the feafts of the Nativity of Chrift, the 
 *' Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptift, and St. Michael the Archangel : 
 
 that they fhould be placed in for life, and chofen by the Mafter, who hath power to turn 
 • 4C them out for a reafonable caufe : that they ftiould be a body corporate, and have a 
 4< common feal : that the Mafter, with the Attorney and Solicitor General's confent and 
 *' concurrence, might make all proper laws and ordinances for the better regulation and 
 *' management of this Hofp'tal, and the revenues of the fame. Finally, the King granted 
 *' and confirmed to them all the liberties, franchifes, immunities, exemptions, privileges, 
 *' lands, tenements, and hereditaments whatfoever, which any Mafter and Poor of this 
 Hofpital had at any time enjoyed. The Vifitor is the Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper 
 <*' of the Great Seal, who puts in the Mafter." 
 
 The prefent Mafter is the Rev. Palmer Smythies, M. A. Re<ftor of St. Michael's, 
 
 ^lile-End. 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 
 
NETHERHJLL, ESSEX. 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 Netherhall, in the parifh of Roydon, is fo called from its low fituation ; 
 k ftands about one mile and an half fouth or fouth-weft of the Town and Church. 
 It was anciently held of the Abbey of Waltham, which purchafed here of Alexan- 
 der de Alrichefey, anno 1280, one meffuage, twenty- three acres arable and five 
 acres of pafture land. The firft mention of it as a manor is in 1 401, when Thomas 
 fon of John Organ conveyed it to Nicholas Collern and Thomas Prudence. It 
 was afterwards in the family of the Colts, who made it the place of their refidence, 
 and who therefore were probably the builders of the Houie. John Archer, of 
 Cooperfale, Efq. is the prefent proprietor. 
 
 In 1769, when this Drawing was made, there were {landing the entire brick 
 Gateway here reprefented ; part of the wall, with two fmall towers at two of 
 its angles, and a part of the houfe then ufed as a farm-houfe, but fince pulled 
 down. 
 
 This building contains the Gateway, and two rooms over it : each of thefe 
 rooms occupies the whole ftory, confifting of two half hexagon towers,, and the 
 fpace between them. 
 
 On the firft ftory the cieling is wainfcot fupported by wainfcot arches refting in 
 front on three fhie Ids, which are blank ones: the wefternmoft fhield is fupported by 
 
NETHER H A L L, ESSE X. 
 
 two horfes; the middle one is held by a fpread eagle, fupported by a lion and unicorn ; 
 the next, fupported by a lionefs and bull, is ducally" crowned ; and the eaftern end 
 of the front fupports the arch by a trufs compofed of a radiant role. Thefe arches 
 reft in the back of the building on four trufTes j the firft reprefenting a griifin, the 
 /econd a bear and ragged ftaff, the third and fourth fimilar to the firft. 
 
 The room has been wainfcoted to about the height of eight feet ; and above 
 the wainfcot, on the plaifter, are rudely painted, m compartments, the following 
 perfons eminent in fabulous, profane, and facred Hiftory, whofe names are thus 
 barbaroufly fpelled : 
 
 In the eaftern how, Herculus. Georg. for Ing. In the weftern bow, Godfery 
 of Bulen, Charl the Great, and one figure now erafed. 
 
 On the weft wall, over a window, a black figure blowing bubbles, dividing 
 this fentence, Time tarrieth for no man. Hedtor. On the north wall David, 
 between two figures now erafed. On the eaft wall Julious Seafer and Judas Mac- 
 cabeus. *• 
 
 The meafure of the room, within the walls, is from weft to eaft about 27 feet ; 
 from north to fouth between the towers or bows' 16 feet; to the extremity of the 
 towers about 23 [- feet. On the left corner of the chimney is a Colt's head in an 
 ornament of the carving. 
 
 The wretched fpelling and more wretched .figures were probably the efforts 
 .of fome village glazier-painter, who had been ufed to raife ruftic devotion by 
 {blearing church-walls with the .figures of Mofes and Aaron, employed, in all 
 likelihood, by fome equally taftelefs owner of this beautiful piece of brick-work, 
 at fome period about the laft century. 
 
 Between the drops under the trefoil ornament above the Gateway are fmall 
 fhields with a flenr de lis, and below them have been two large fhields. 
 
 The whole building, and a fpace of ground walled in, was furrounded by a 
 moat, which moat appears to have had another wall without it, part of 
 which was ftanding in 1769. This Gate was intended to have been pulled dow r n 
 with the houfe, but, like fome other ancient buildings, was faved by the ftrength 
 .of its brick-work, which rendered its deftruction too expenfive. 
 
 Under the window over the Gate, is a machicolation, and the place where a 
 •portcullis has been, may yet be feen. 
 
PHa-rr-k 23 l]] 
 
 NETHER HALL, ESSEX, 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 This View was drawn, anno 1772, juft before the demolition of that part of 
 the manfion converted to a farm-houfe. It gives a back view of that houfe, 
 which in Plate I. is feen adjoining - } and alfo mews the moat, and one of the 
 towers at the angles of the wall, which is covered with thatch, and in common 
 with the walls venerably mantled with ivy. 
 
 In Holy Crofs, or Weftgate Church, Canterbury, there is the following memo- 
 rial of one Robert Colt, a common brewer, probably belonging to this family, 
 his coat armorial being 3 horfes or colts. 
 
 " Hie Jacet Robertus Colt, quondam Pandoxator ifrius villas, qui obiit 6 die 
 Decemb. Anno. Dom. 1444. 5c Deonifia uxor ejus, quae obiit— ~— quorum 
 animabus, &c. &c." 
 
Jam* IJJ4- S. Hooper Ek. Sj>&rr o w. fiu lp ■ 
 
 1HE AB BET OF STRATFORD LANGTHORNE, OR AT BOG If, 
 IN THE PARISH OF WEST HAM, ESSEX. 
 
 Of this abbey there are fcarce any remains, except the building here fhewn, which appears to have been the 
 gate-way leading to the monaftery, and a fmall ruined ftone arch. This gate is built with brick. 
 
 The fite and remains of this once confiderable monaftery, are about half a mile fouth fouth-wcft of the church* 
 
 Tt was founded either in the year 1 134 or 1135, D y William de Montfichet, for monks of the Ciftertian order ? 
 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and all faints. 
 
 He endowed it with all his lordfhip here, as juft mentioned, under the manor of Weftham ; and alfo with 
 eleven acres of meadow, and two mills : and his wood of Bocherft, in Woodford, and the tithe of his panage. 
 The demefnes of the abbey in this parifh, comprehended near 1500 acres ; and amongft them was Sudbury, given 
 them by K. John. The manors of Weft-ham, Wood Grange, Eaft Weft-ham, and Playz, were theirs. They 
 had alfo the manors of Eaft-ham ; of Beringer's, and Rye-houfe, in little Ilford and Berking ; of Low Leyton ; of 
 Bamfted in Aveley and Upminfter ; of Great Burghfted, Challeweden, Whites and Gurneys ; of Buckurns, in 
 Butterfbury; of Cowbridge, in Mounteneys-ing ; of Calircots or Caldircots, in South Weald ; of Brygginge, in 
 Chaldwell ; and two tenements, called Ofe and Warrewyke, in Coringham, Clerkenwyke, or the Abbots Marfli 
 in Hadleigh Caftle ; Grangewyke Marfli, in Little Thurrock ; lands in Chigwell, Eaft and Weft Tilbury, &c. ; 
 the advowfon of little Ilford rectory ; the rectory of Eaft-ham ; the rectories and advowfons of the vicarages of 
 Weft-ham, of Great Burghfted, of Layton, and of Great Maplefted, in this county ; fome houfes in Clement's- 
 Lane, and elfewhere in London : the manor of Lewiftiam, and a mefliiage and lands at Woolwich, in Kent. In 
 the foreft of Melkefham, in Wiltlhire, 472 acres — — j common pafture in Warfted 3 free warren in moil of the 
 
THE ABBEY OF STRATFORD LANGTHORNE, 
 
 pnriflies abovementioncd, and in Woodford, Dnnton, Eaft Horndon, &c. ; a market and two fairs in Bellerica i 
 paflure for 800 fheep, and liberties in Windfor Foreft. 
 
 This houfe being fituated low amongft the marfhes, was liable at firft to frequent inundations, fo that the monks 
 were obliged to remove to a cell of theirs at Great Burghfted ; where they continued till K. Richard, the Second, 
 we fuppofe, caufed their damages to be repaired, and brought them back to Stratford. 
 
 The abbot had fummons to parliament in 1307. At the fupprefllon, this abbey was valued at £it1. 16s. 3d- 
 per ann. according to Dugdale, and at 573k 1 £s. 6d. ob. 9. according to Speed. To whom the feveral revenues 
 belonging to it were granted, is fhewn under the refpective parifhes where they lay. 
 
 A s to the abbey itfelf, K. Henry 8th, in 1538, gave the houfe and fite of this monaftery, with the church, belfrey, 
 and church-yard, and feveral parcels of ground thereto belonging, and Richard's chapel, now unknown, to Peter 
 Mewtas, or Meautis, Efq; and Joane his wife, and their heirs male. This Peter's grandfather, was John 
 Meautis, a native of Normandy, who came into England with K. Henry 7th, and was made by him his fecretary 
 
 for the French tongue. Thomas Meautis his fon and heir had, by Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Foxley, of 
 
 £s T orthamptonfhire, Peter Meautis, of Weflham, Efq; juft now mentioned : he was embaflador from K. Henry 8th 
 to the court of France, and knighted. At the time of his death, which happened at Dieppe, 8th September, 
 3562, he held the houfe and fite of this monaftery, ten mefluages, ten tofts, four water mills, ten gardens, 300 
 acres of arable, 200 acres of meadow, 100 of p»fture, 50 of wood, 3*0 of marfh, 40 called red ground, wet 
 ground and ozier hopps, one fifhery from the mouth of the river Lee, and 40s. rent. Part of the wall, which 
 keeps out the Thames, is ftill called Meautys his wall. He left two fons, Henry and Hercules, and one 
 daughter, Frances, wife of Henry Howard, vifcount Bindon. Hercules, the fecond fon, married Philippa, . 
 
 daughter of Richard Cook of Gidding-hall, Efq; by whom he had Thomas ; Frances, wife of Shute; and Jane, 
 
 married, firft, to William Cornwallis, anceftor of the prefent Earl Cornwallis, afterwards to Sir Nathaniel Bacon, 
 ofCulford, K. B. Thomas, the fon, afterwards knighted, was fecretary to Francis Bacon, Lord Verulam, and 
 feated at Gorhambury. He married Anne, eldeft daughter of Sir Nathaniel Bacon, juft now mentioned, remarried 
 to Sir Harbottle Grimftone, Bart. 
 
 Henry Meautis, Efq; of Weft Ham, the elder brother of Hercules, married- Anne, daughter of John Jermy, 
 ©f Suffolk, Efq; and had by her Thomas, Henry, Peter, and Margaret. Thomas, the eldeft fon, by Elizabeth his 
 wife, daughter of Sir Henry Coningfby, of North-Mims, had five fons, and three daughters. Henry Meautis, . 
 Efq; the eldeft fon, married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir William Glover, and had by her Henry and Anne. 
 
 Either this lalt Henry, or his father, fold the fite of the abbey, with appurtenances, to John Nutts, Efq, 
 3t belonged afterwards to Peter Knight, Efq; and now to — —Newman Knight, and others, being divided among 
 feveral proprietors. 
 
 Some of the confiderable privileges belonging to the abbey were obtained, or purchafed, by Sir Thomas 
 Cambell, of Clay-hill, in Berking. His defcendant, Sir Harry Cambell, procured a confirmation of them by an 
 infpecimus of K. Will, and Q. Mary, 15 Nov. 1689, by which he was to enjoy the fame liberties, cuftoms, 
 franchifes, profits, emoluments, &c. as any abbot of Stratford Langhorn at any time enjoyed ; namely, to take in 
 vVindfor Foreft, thorns, or brufli-wood, where moll convenient, and as much as would be ncceflary for the life 
 of their houfe : to cut down, and carry away, wood or timber out of their woods in the foreft of Eflex ; paflure 
 for 800 flieep, reckoning by the great hundred, between the Frith, or Wood-Grange, and Walthamftow : to 
 enjoy the Grange, or manor of Wood-Grange, with all its rights and members ; 60 acres of wood, and under- 
 wood, belonging to that Grange ; and ten acres in Higham's Mead; all the tythes of grain and hay in Stratford 
 Langthorn, belonging to the reclory of Weftham ; together with the tythes of Cho'ohams, free warren in Weft 
 Ham, and common of paflure in the waftes of all commonable places within the foreft, for all commonable beafts, 
 except in the fence month ; and to cut down pollard trees. Sir Harry Cambell dying in 1699, was fucceeded 
 in the manor of Wood-Grange, and his other eftates, by his only daughter, whofe fon fold it to Mr. Pickering, 
 father of Mifs Pickering, late proprietor thereof. 
 
 This abbey was bound to maintain the bridge at Bowe, faid to be the firft arched ftone bridge in this county, 
 and thence named ; though perhaps it might derive its appellation from the word Beau ; or Handfome, an epithet 
 very likely to be given to it in thofe times. 
 
 This view was drawn anno 1758. 
 
57. BRIJFEL's CASTLE, GLOUCESTERHIRE. 
 
 *' This Parifli (fays Sir Robert Atkyns, in his Hiftory of Gloucefterfhire) lies in the 
 Hundred of St. Briavel's, to which it gives name, five miles diftant north from Chep- 
 " flow, in Monmouthfhire, three miles fouth from Colford, and eighteen miles weft from 
 " Glocefter." Here it may be neceffary to acquaint the Reader, that Sir Richard eftimates 
 thefe diftances by computed miles, every one of which meafures at lead a Statute mile and 
 a half. 
 
 " The place (continues he) was anciently called Brulais, and was reputed to be a part 
 *' of the Parifh of Newland. A Market was granted to this place,. 9th John. 
 
 '* THisCaftle is extra parochial, and has been formerly of great account ; and the ruins 
 " mew it to be ftrong, and of a large extent. It was built by Miles Earl of Hereford, in 
 *' the reign of K. Hen. I. It is remarkable for the death of Mahel, third fon of the Earl, 
 " and younger brother to Roger and Walter, fucceftively Earls of Hereford. This Mahel 
 " was cruel and covetous •, and being entertained here by Walter de Clifford, and a fire hap- 
 " pening in the Caftle, a ftone fell from an high tower on his head, and killed him in the 
 *' place. A daughter of this Mahel was married to Herbert, who, in right of his wife, was 
 M Lordof Dean,andprogen:tortotheprefentHerberts, Earls of Pembroke and Montgomery. 
 
 " The Cuftody of St. Briavel's Caftle, with the Foreft of Dean, was granted to John dc 
 " Monemouth, 1 8 John. 
 
 44 The Tenants of this Manor were admitted to their eftates by the Conftable of the 
 " Caftle, until it was ordered, 2d Hen. III. that the Tenants for the future fhould not be 
 " admitted until they had compounded for their fines with the King. 
 
 " In the 45th Henry III. John Giffard was made Governor of St. Briavel's Caftle, and 
 ** Warden of the Foreft of Dean ; 47 Henry III. W alter Wither held St, Briavel's j, 
 
ST. BRIAVEL's CASTLE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 
 
 " 54th Henry III. Thomas, brother to Gilbert the Red Earl of Gloucefter, was made 
 M Governor of St. Briavel's Caftle, by Simon Montfort, Earl of I.eicefter, after the battle 
 " gained over King Henry III. at Lewes. 
 
 " John de Bottourt defcended from Arrsfridde Bottourt, who lived 2d Henry II. was 
 11 made Governor of St. Briavel's Caftle, and Warden of DeanForeft, 19th of Edw.I. He was 
 *' foon difplaced, but put in again, ift Edw. II. Thomas de Everty held the Caftle of St. 
 " Briavel's, 21ft Edw. L; Ralph de Abbenhall held St. Briavel's Caftle, 29 Edw. I. 
 
 " Alma rick de St. Amand was Governor of St. Briavel's Caftle, Warden of Dean Foreft, 
 " Governor of Hereford Caftle, and High Sheriff of the County, in the reign of King Edw. I. 
 
 " William de Staure held the Caftle of St. Briavel's, and one meftuage and twelve 
 *' acres of land, 2 Edw. II. There was a grant of Fairs and Markets in this Town the 
 " fame year. Hugh le Difpenfer the elder was made Governor of St. Briavel's, and of the 
 *' Foreft of Dean, 15th Edw. II. William de Staure held St. Briavel's, 17 Edw. II. 
 
 " John de Nivers was made Governor of this Caftle, and Warden of the Foreft of 
 *' Dean, to hold at pleafure, and in as full a manner as John William or Robert Sapy 
 " held the fame, 18th Edw. II. Robert de Aure held St. Briavel's, 19th Edw. II. Roger 
 " Clifford was Governor of this Caftle, and had fifty-five marks yearly allowed him out of 
 " the Exchequer, and all fucceeding Governors were to have feeding, houfe-boot, and 
 " hay-boot out of the Foreft of Dean, 14 Edw. III. 
 
 " The Caftle of St. Briavel's was granted to Thomas Duke of Cornwall, 14th Rich. II. 
 *' King Henry IV. fettled it and the Town on John Duke of Bedford, his third fon, 
 " iftHen. IV. who died feifed thereof, 14th Henry VI. Henry de Aure was feifed of 
 " St. Briavel's, 3d Henry IV. William Warren was feifed of lands in St. Briavel's, and 
 " of a Bailiwick in the Foreft of Dean, 7th Henry V. 
 
 " Richard Nevil, Earl of Warwick, and Anne his wife, were feifed of St. Briavel's 
 *' Manor and Caftle, and levied a fine of them to the ufe of themfelves, in tail, the remainder 
 *' to the right heirs of Richard Beauchamp, late Earl of Warwick, 6th Edw. IV. The 
 " fame Countefs did afterwards levy a fine of the Manor and Caftle to the ufe of King 
 M Flenry VII. and in the 3d year of his reign. 
 
 " The Manor of St. Briavel's was in the Crown in the year 1608. The Conftablewick 
 " of the Caftle of St. Briavel's was granted to Henry Lord Herbert of Ragland, for life, 
 " with a fee of 40/. a year, 1660. 
 
 " The Duke of Beaufort is the prefent Lord of the Manor, and hath a Court of 
 " Attachment. The Caftle ferves now only as a prifon for offenders in the Foreft, and 
 *' of Debtors within the Hundred." Thus far Sir Robert Atkyns. 
 
 From the Defcription of this Caftle given by Camden, it appears it was even in his 
 time " more than half demolifhed j" and, probably, not having been repaired fince, or at 
 leaft only partially, it has gradually lapfed to its prefent ftate. The Front feen in this View 
 ft ill ferves for a prifon •, but will in a few years be habitable only by Owls and Jackdaws. 
 About a year ago a lofty tower on the fouth-fide fell down into the ditch by which the 
 Caftle is furrounded. The Earl of Berkeley is the prefent Conftable. The antient falary 
 was 9I. 8 s. id. per ann. 
 
 This View, which reprefrnts the North-wed Afpedt, was drawn Anno 1775. 
 
LA NT HO NY PRIORT, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 This Priory Hands about half a mile S. Weft of Gloucefter ; the ftory of its foundation is in fubftance thu* 
 related : 
 
 In a deep and folitary Valley, near the River Hodney, in Monmouthfhire, encompafied with rocks, which almoft 
 exclude the light of the mid-day fun, St. David built a fmall Chapel and Cell, and there led the life of a Hermit for 
 many years ; the place Mill bears his name ; Landeuvi Nanthotheni, the Welch name of that (pot, fignifying the 
 Church of St. David on the River Hotheni. 
 
 After his death this Cell remained for fome time unoccupied, 'till nn Englifli Prince, (for fo the Legend 
 calls him) Hugh de Lacy, and his attendants, having loft their way, or rather, as the ftory fays, led by Provi- 
 dence, came into this Valley. One of his Knights, named William, being much fatigued, laid himfelf down to 
 reft a-while, and furveying the folemn objects around him, and the deferted Chapel, conceived the defign of be- 
 coming a Hermit, incited thereto by a divine impulfe. This rcfolution he began immediately to put in execution ; 
 and taking leave of his comrades, he laid afide his gay clothes, and put on a hair-fhirt, and over it his ar- 
 mour, which he conftantly wore till it was confumcd by ruft and age, in order the more to mortify his body. 
 Here he long remained in prayer and contemplation, fufTering great hardlhips, praclifing many aufteritics, and re- 
 fitting the attacks of Satan, who aftailed him in divers ways; among others, by frequent lafcirious virions in the 
 night : During this refidence, he almoft miraculoufly acquired fufficient learning for Holy Orders, and was accord- 
 ingly ordained a Prieft. 
 
 The fame of his extraordinary fanclity being' noifed far abroad, and reaching the ears of oneErnefi, who had 
 formerly been a Hermit, but was then Chaplain to Maude, Queen of Henry the Firft, a man of great power 
 and learning, this Erncfi refolved to pay a vifit to William ; and on an interview, was fo ftruck with hi* piety, aud 
 the awful folitude of the place, that he became his aflociate : This happened Anno 1103. 
 
L ANTHONY PRIORY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, Plate L 
 
 Here thefe two holy Men built a fmall homely Church, which was confecrated by Urban, Bifhop of the 
 Diocefe, and alfo in the year 1108, by Rameline, Bifliop of Hereford ; it was dedicated to St. John the Baptift, 
 whole rcfulence in the Wildemefs made him a proper patron for Hermits. They were affifted and patronized 
 by Hugh de Lacy, who would have beftowed on them many valuable donations, but they refolutely refufed any 
 more than what was barely fuilicient for their immediate fubfiflence. 
 
 At length it came into the mind of Ernefi, that it would be conducive to the good of Religion, if they were mul- 
 tiplied into a Convent. William at firft did not readily come into this propofal ; but being influenced by the counfel 
 of many refpeetable perfons, and the approbation of Anfelm, Archbilhop of Canterbury, he at length concurred : 
 They next confulted what Order they lhould make choice of, and, after mature confideration, pitched on that of 
 Regular Canons of St. Auguftine. 
 
 These preliminaries being fettled, they invited religious men from the Convents of Merton and St. Trinity, 
 in and /lear London, and alfo from That at Colchefter ; and being increafed to the number of forty and more, 
 they applied to the Bilbop, to confirm the choice they had made of Ernefi for their Prior, which he accordingly 
 did ; and that Prior by the meeknefs of his carriage, and the exactnefs of his difcipline, not only gained the love 
 of his Canons, but fo raifed the reputation of his Monaftery, that King Henry the Firft and his Queen, Hugh 
 de Lacy, and other great Barons, became protectors and benefactors to their Houfe ; efteeming themfelves pecu- 
 liarly happy to be entitled to the prayers of this Holy Society. Hence they foon obtained large poffeffions, and 
 might have had many more, but that they pofitively refufed to receive many rich benefactions that were offered to 
 them ; faying, they rather chofe to live poor in the Houfe of God. 
 
 A singular inftance is related of this felf-denying fpirit : The Queen, defirous of beftowing a gift on the Con- 
 Tent, requefted of William, that he would let her put her hand into his bofom ; he with great modefty fubmitted 
 to her requeft, when fhe, by that means, dropped a purfe of gold between his coarfe hair-fhirt and iron boddice : 
 This, however, he would not accept of, but only permitted her to beftow fome ornaments on the Church. About 
 this time Walter, Conftable and chief Captain of the King's Guards, became a Canon in this Houfe. Ernefi, the 
 firft Prior, dying, Robert de Retun or Betun was elected in his place, and afterwards, Anno 113 1, confecrated 
 Bifliop of Hereford. Robert de Braci fucceeded to the office of Prior. 
 
 Soon after the death of Henry the Firft, this Priory began to tafte of the cup of adverfity. They were fre- 
 quently plundered by the Welch, who took even their provifion ; and the troubles in England prevented their being 
 properly protected from thence. Among other misfortunes, a number of women, belonging to the family of a 
 Welchman, who had fled to that Monaftery for fafety from his enemies, took pofleflion of their refectory, and by 
 their light and wanton behaviour caufed great offence and fcandal to them. Under thefe difficulties, they applied 
 to the Bifliop of Hereford (their former Prior) for his advice ; and he greatly compaffionating their cafe, invited them 
 to take refuge in his houfe at Hereford ; which houfe and offices, together with a proper revenue for their main- 
 tainance, he afligned to them : fome, however, of the Brethren ft ill continued at Lanthony, refufing to leave the 
 place of their converfion and profeflion. 
 
 Here they continued two years ; but feeing no appearance of better times, new broils arifing every day in the 
 nation, the Biihop applied to Milo, the Conftable, Earl of Hereford, and acquainting him of the fituation thefe 
 Canons were in, and reminding him of the affection his father bore them, and of his being buried in their Mo- 
 naftery ; that nobleman beftowed on them a certain place near Gloucefter, then called Hyde, where they, with the 
 money they had faved from Lanthony, and with farther fupplies from the Bifliop, erected the Church and Mo- 
 naftery, the remains of which are here fhewn. It was confecrated in the year 1136, by Simon, Bifhop of Wor- 
 cefter, and Robert, Bifhop of Hereford, and dedicated to the honour of the Blefled Virgin, Mother of God. 
 Hither were then removed the Convent from Hereford. 
 
 Tins View fhews the grand Entrance of the Monaftery, which, when entire, probably confifted of a large 
 Gate and two Pofterns. Only one of the latter now remains ; over it are three Coats of Arms : Firft ; under a 
 Crown, the Arms of England : Second ; on the left a Bend, cottifed between Six Lions ; and on the right a Saltire 
 between three Birds. The Royal Arms, placed in the center, are confiderably larger than the other two. 
 
 This View was drawn Anno 1775. 
 
LAN7H0NT PRIORT, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 In the former account we left the Canons in poffeffion of this Houfe, which, at firft, they intended to confider only 
 as a temporary refidence, refolving to return to their former abode as foon as peace was reftored, and they could with 
 fafcty do it. They, however, had engaged to Milo, always to leave thirteen difcreet and reputable Cancns to perform 
 Divine fervice at this their new Monaftery, which after their firft was alio named Lanthpny ; but when the ftonri was 
 OTer, and tranquility reftored, it being propofed by their Prior that they mould return to Wales, molt of them lhewed 
 their dillike to it, having experienced the convenience and i'afety of their prelent habitation. — Some of them openly re- 
 futed, faying, that the Monaftery of St. John the Baptilt was not a fit place for lealbnable creatures ; and declaring! 
 they mould be glad every ftone in the Building was a ftout hare ; and others wilhing the Church, and all its Offices, at 
 the bottom of the fea ; and jokingly anting, whether they mould fmg to the wolves, and whether thofe animals liked 
 loud mufic, with many other equally improper fpecches. And although Robert Bifhop of Here fold had procured the 
 Popes Eugenius and Lucius to declare St. John's the parent or fuperior Monaftery, and St. Mary's at Gloucefier 
 only a Cell dt pendent thereon ; yet, neverthelefs, the Canons of the latter took the lead in all things, (tripping the 
 former of all its ornaments, and even its hells ; and fending to them only the weak and fuperannuated perfons, or fuch 
 as were difagreeable to them ; at the fame time fullering them to want even food and raiment, their daily fare being 
 rery frequently only bread and water ; whilft at Gloueefter there was a great plenty of not only the necefTaries, but 
 conveniencies of life. 
 
 Robert Bracy dying, was buried in the Conventual Church. He was fucceeded by William Wycomb, who, at- 
 tempting to reftore the ancient discipline, was fo perfecuted by the rebellious Canons, fupporttd by Roger Earl of 
 Hereford, that he rcligncd his office, and Clement, then Sub-Prior, was elected in his place. He being no lefs pious 
 than his PredecefTor, and having more courage and perfeverance, reformed moft of the ahull s, and obliged the whole 
 Monaftery, except thirteen left at Gloueefter, to relide with him l'ome time every year, at the Mother Church at Lan- 
 thony, in Wales ; but, at length, not being able to keep them any longer to this cuftom, ufed frequently to fay, We 
 (hall all go to Hell on account of St. John the Baptift. 
 
LAN THONY PRIORY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, Plate II, 
 
 Th e deeds of benefadHoti to this nowfe were confirmed by King John, who alfo confirmed the fuperiority of the 
 Monaftery of St. J.,hn the Baptift over this of St. Mary's ; but in the z.ft'year of the reign of K. Edward IV. they were 
 united, and the former regulation refpecTmg fuperiority charged ; the Priory of St. Mary's being declared the princi- 
 pal, and that of St. John the Baptift the dependent Cell, wherein the Canons of Gloucefter were obliged to maintain 
 a Kdi.lenliary Prior and four Canons to fay maffes, which Prior was removeable at pleafure. The reafon affigned 
 foi this regulation was thejnilbeliaviour of the Prior of the firft Lanthony. 
 
 A i the $ifl«fufion, this Houfc was endowed with 748I. 19s. nd. ob. per annum. 
 
 Tut fitc of the Moo lftery and landa adjoining were granted in the 38th of Henry VHIth. by that King, to Sir Ar- 
 thur Porter, wlaofeonly daughter marrying to Sir John Scudamore, this eftate came into that Family, and James 
 Lord V.feount Scudamore of Ham Lacy, in 'ilerefordfhire, was late proprietor thereof. 
 
 The; iuilov.-ng Cata'ogue of its Prior:., is given by Browne Willis, from Wharton's Anglia Sacra, Vol. II. p. 3:1, 
 and 3:2, and other collections. 
 
 Ervisius was made the Tirlt Prior of Lanthony in Monmouthfhire, an. 1180. The fecond was 
 
 Ron. d'e Betu'n, an. 113 1 ; on whofe promotion to the Bimoprick of Hereford, an. 1131, 
 
 Rob. de Braci fucceeded ; who removing this Convent, an. 1134, built a Church at a place near Gloucefter, and 
 called it Lanthony. His fuccefibrs were, 
 
 Will, de W y e o m :; l: ; he occurs an. 1137, in the time of K. Stephen ; as does 
 Clement, in the time of Henry II. ; alter him 
 
 R0GE.R de Norwich prefided here, in the year 1178 ; whofe fuccefibr, 
 Geffry de'Henelawe, being an. 1203, preferred to the See of St. David's, 
 
 Matthew was elected to this dignity ; who being made Abbot of Bardeney, co. Lincoln, an. 1214, was, I judge, 
 
 fucceeded by ' • 
 
 Johx. He occurs Prior an. rai8 ; and was on bis deceafe, which happened an. 1340, fucceeded by. 
 Godfrey; on whofe refignation, an. 1251, . ' ' ■* 
 
 Ever ard was elected Prior ; after whom I meet with 
 Martin*; and then .' , 
 
 Roger de Godestre ; and after him 
 Walter, in the year 1285 ; and 
 
 John deChaundos, an. 1289, to whom, as I judge, fucceeded 
 
 Stephen; and to him 
 
 Phi called by fome Peter ; and then 
 
 David, whofe fuccefforis laid to be 
 
 Thomas de Gloucester ; he refigned this office an. T301, and had for his fucceffor one 
 
 John. He occurs an. 1310, 4 Edw. II. Who his fucceffors were I find not ; but after him I find mention mr.de of 
 Simon Brocvvorthe, 
 Edward St. John, and 
 
 Will. Charitons, being Priors here; but when they lived, my Authors are filent ; and all I know is, that one 
 William, whom I take to be William Cheriton, was Prior here, an. 1358 After him' I find another 
 William, furnamcd De Peni bury, enjoyed this office. The next that occurs is 
 T110. Elinu a m ; he prelided an. 141 j ; but how long after, I know not, nor the infeitution of 
 Henry De an ; who prefided here temp. Edward IV. and was firft made Biihop of Bangor, and afterwards, an. 
 
 1 J02, Archbilhop of Canterbury. The next I find is 
 Edmund Forest. He governed, as A. Wood fays, an. 1513 ; and had for his fucceffor, as I prefume, 
 Richard Hempsted, whom A. Wood alfo calls Hart, an. 1534. He, with William Nottingham, and twenty-one 
 
 others, fubferibed to the King's fupremacy, Sept. 2, and afterwards ligned the furrender, May 10, 1539, with the 
 
 like number of Monks, viz. 21. He obtained a penfibn of iool. per annum. 
 
 An. 15.53 here remained 20I. 6s. 8d. in annuities, and the following penfions, viz. to Will. Henlowe, John Ambros, 
 
 Dflvid Matthew, alias Kempe, 81. each; John Kellom, Will. Worcefter, George Dean, Richard Weftbury, Will. 
 
 AbjR'gton, Will. Barrington, 61. each; John Hempeftedj Maurice Berkley, Will. Byford, Will. Prefbury, 4 1. each. 
 S 'i'.iL remains of this Priory are very extehfive ; they are now converted into a Farm-Houfe, with its offices ; many 
 
 of them are partly built with ftone, and partly with timber, lath, and plaifter. Here are alfo divers brick buildings. 
 The building here delineated is vulgarly called The Church ; but certainly was nothing more than a Barn or Store- 
 
 houfe, it being lighted and aired by chinks, inftead of windows ; befides, its fize and plaitonefs ill fuit the Church of 
 
 fo rich an Abber, where, doubtlefs, all the decorations of the ftile of architecture then in faihicn would have been 
 
 employed. The iniide of this, as well as of the Gate, is of brick. 
 
 This View was drawn Anao 1775. 
 
THORN BURT CASTLE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 
 
 This caftle ftands in the hundred and manor of Thorn bury, from which it takes its name. Leland, treating of 
 it in his Itinerary, fays, " Edward, late duke of Bukkyngham, likynge the foyle aboute, and the fite of the howfe, 
 " pullyd dovvne a greate parte of the olde howfe, and fette up magnificently in good fquared Hone the fouthe fyde 
 *' of it, and accompliftiyd the weft parte alfo withe a right comely Gate-howfe to the firft foyle ; and fo it ftondithe 
 ** yet, with a rofe forced for a tyme. This infcription on the fronte of the Gate-howfe : This Gate was begon in 
 ** the yere of owr Lorde God 151 1. the 2 yere of the reigne of Kynge Henry the viii. by me Edward, duke of 
 " Bukkyngham, erle of Hereford, Staforde and Northampton." He likewife made a fine park near the caftle ; 
 for which purpofe, he enclofed a confiderable tradl of rich corn land. (Atkins fays, he had licence from Henry 
 the Seventh to impark a thoufand acres.) This, according to Leland, drew on him the curfts of the neighbour- 
 hood. He alfo propofed to have brought up to the caftle a fmall branch of the Severn, which flowed into the park. 
 He did not, however, live either to perform this, or to finifh his building, being beheaded anno 1522 ; and his 
 eftates then efcheating to the crown, it was never completed. Hiftorians feem, in fome meafure, to attribute his 
 fall to the effects of a ridiculous quarrel he had with Cardinal Wolfey on the following occafion. The duke, one 
 day after dinner, according to the accuftomcd ceremonial, being on his knees, holding a bafon of water to the king, 
 who had juft finifhed walhing, and turned away, the cardinal, before the duke could alter his pofture, fportingly 
 dipped in his hand ; which fo offended the haughty Buckingham, that rifing in a rage, he threw the water into 
 V/olfey's (hoes. He, in his turn, being greatly incenfed, threatened him that he would fit on his fkirts. On the 
 morrow tlie duke came to court without fkirts to his doublet; the king demanding the reafon thereof, Buckingham 
 related the cardinal's menace, and faid he had taken this method to prevent his putting it in execution. 
 
 The following is a defcription of its ftate, as found by a jury at a court of furvey for the caftle and manor, upon 
 the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th days of March, in the fifth year of the reign of queen Elizabeth, in the year 1582 : it is 
 printed in the laft edition of Leland's Collectanea, from a manufcript in the poffeflion of Thomas Aftle, cfq. 
 
 " The houfe or caftle of Thornbury, containing thefc rooms following : viz. The houfe or caftle of Thornbury 
 " aforefaid is /landing, and being within two miles of the river Seavernc, which runneth on the north fide thereof, 
 " and is bounded and adjoined unto the church-yard of the parifii- church of Thornbury aforefaid on the fouth part ; 
 " the park, there called New Park, on the north and t„ft part; and one fmall parcel of ground, called the Pettics, on 
 •« the weft part. At the firft entry towards the faid caftle is a fair bafe court ; containing by eftimation, two acres and 
 " an half, compofed about with buildings of ftone for fervants' lodging, to the height of fourteen or fifteen feet, left 
 " unfinilhed, without timber or covering, fet forth with windows of free ftone, fome having bars of iron in them, and 
 " fome none. At the entry into the caftle (being on the weft fide of the fame) arc two gates, a large and a lefler, with 
 •* a wyck-gate ; on the left hand thereof is a porter's lodge, containing three rooms, with a dungeon underneath thr 
 
THORNS UR"Y CASTL E. v * " 
 
 V fame for a place of imprifonment ; next Adjoining unto the fame is a fair room, called the duke?s wardropp, with 
 " a chimney therein ; within the fame is a fair room or lodging chamber, with a cellar or vault underneath the fame ; ' 
 " over all which arc four lodging chambers with -chimneys ; on the right hand of the faid gates are two fair room-., ? 
 '* called the dutchefs's wardropp, and over them are two fair chambers, called the Reward's chambers; within all 
 " which is a court quadrant, paved with ftone, containing by eftimation half an acre, encompafted with the cattle 
 " building, and leading from the gates aforefaid to the great hall, at the entry whereof is a porch, and on the right 
 *' hand of a fmall room called the . On the left, .or north fide of the fame court, is one fair wet larder, 
 
 ** a dry larder, a privy, bake-houfc and a boyling houfe, with an entry leading from all the fame rooms of office to 
 ** the great kitchen, over all which are five chambers for ordinary lodging, and over the fame again, is one long 
 " room called the cock-loft ; the great kitchen having two fair large flues or chimneys and one lefler chimney, and 
 " within the fame kitchen is. a privy kitchen, over which is a lodging-chamber for cooks. On the back fide of 
 " which laft recited building are certain decayed buildings, fometimes ufed for a back-houfe and armery, with 
 " certain decayed lodgings over the fame: from the great kitchen (leading to the great hall) an entry ; on the one 
 e: fide whereof is a decayed room - called the fcullery, with a large flue or chimney therein, and a pantry to the fame 
 *' adjoining: on the other fide of the entry are two old decayed rooms, heretofore ufed for fellors ; on the back fide 
 " whereof is a little court adjoining to the faid kitchen, and in the fame, is a fair well, or pump for water, partly 
 " decayed; between which decayed cellars, and the lower end of the faid hall is a buttery ; over all which laft recited 
 
 rooms are four chambers called the Earl of Stafford's Lodging, partly decayed, with one room called the Clerk's 
 " Treafury, thereunto adjoining: from the lower end of the great hall is an entry leading to the chapel, at the ccrner 
 " of the end of which entry is a fel'or; the utter part of the chapel is a fair room for people to Hand in at fervice- 
 " time, and over the fame, are two rooms or petitions, with each of them a chimney, where the duke and dutchefs 
 " ufed to fit and hear fervice in the chappell : the body of thechappell itfelf fair built, having 22 fettles of wainfeote 
 " about the fame, forpriefts, clerks and quarifters : the great hall fair and large, with a hearth to make £re on in 
 " the midft thereof. Adjoyning to the upper end of the fame hall, is one other room called the old hall, with a 
 " chimney in the fame : next adjoining to the fame, is a fair cloyffer or walk, paved with brick paving, leading 
 1 from the dutchefs's lodging to the privy-garden ; which garden is four fquare, containing about the third part of one 
 :: acre, three fquares whereof are compahed about with a fair cloyffer or walk, paved with brkk paving, and the fourth 
 " fquare bounded with the principal parts of the caftle, called the new building ; over all which laft recited cloyffer 
 ' is a fair large gallery ; and out of the fame gallery goeth one other gallery, leading to the parifli church of Thornbury 
 « aforefaid ; at the end whereof is a fair room, with a chimney and a window into the faid church, where the duke 
 ' fometime3 ufed to hear fervice in the fame church. Near adjoining unto the faid large gallery are certain rooms anci 
 ' lodgings, called the earl of Bedford's lodgings, containing thirteen rooms, whereof fix are below, three of them 
 '■' having chimneys in them, and feven above, whereof four have chimneys likewife. All which houfes, buildings 
 ' and rooms aforementioned are for the moll part built with free-ftone, and covered wilji flatt or tile. The lower 
 ' part of the principal building of the caftle is called the new building ; at the weft end thereof is a fair tower; 
 ' in which lower building is contained one great chamber, with a chimney in the fame, the fealing and timber work 
 t* thereof decayed, being proped up with certain pieces of other timber ; within the fame is one other fair chamber, 
 !« with a chimney therein ; and within the fame again is one other fair lodging chamber, with a chimney therein, 
 ;< called the dutchefs' lodging, with one little room or clofet between the two laff recited chambers; within all which 
 * is one room, being the foundation or lowermoft part of the faid tbwer, called the dutchefs' cloflet, with a chimney 
 
 therein ; from the which faid dutchefs' lodging leadeth a fair gallery, paved with brick, and a ftayer at the end 
 ; ' thereof, afcending to the duke's lodging being over the fame, ufed for a privy way from the upper end of the great 
 k hall, a fteyer afcending up towards the great chamber, at the top whereof are two lodging rooms. Leading from the 
 < fteyer's head to the great chamber is a fair room, paved with brick, and a chimney in the fame ; at the end 
 1 whereof doth meet a fair gallery, leading from the great chamber to the earl of Bedford's lodging on the one fide, 
 '■' and to the chappell on the other fide; the gieat chamber very fair, with a chimney therein : within the fame, is 
 ;t one other fair chamber, called the dining-chamber within ; a chimney therein likewife : and within that again is 
 ' one other fair chamber, with a chimney therein alfo, called the privy-chamber ; and within the fame again is 
 £ one other chamber, or clofet, called the dukes jewell chamber. Next unto the privy-chamber, on the inner part 
 ' thereof, is a fair round chamber, being the fecond ftory of the tower, called the dukes bed-chamber, with a chimney 
 ;t in the fame. From the privy-chamber, a fteyer leadeth up into an other fair round chamber, over the dukes bed- 
 '* chamber (like unto the fame) being the third ftory of the tower, and fo upwards, to anfwer a like chamber over 
 " the fame, called the fame again, where the evedents do lye. All which laft recited buildings, called the new 
 '•< buildings, are builded fair with free-ftone, covered with lead, and . On the eaft fide of the faid caftle, 
 
 " is one other garden, containing by eftimation three quarters of one acre, adjoyning upon the earl of Bedford's 
 » lodging; at the weft corner whereof is a little void court, or wafte ground. On the north fide of the caftle, 
 " adjoyning upon the chappell, is a little orchard, containing by eftimation half an acre, well fet with trees of 
 " divers kinds of fruits : all which caftle, buildings, courts, orchards, and gardens aforefaid, are walled round about 
 " with a wall of ftone, part ruined and decayed in diverfe places thereof, containing in circuit and quantity, by 
 " eftimation, 1 2 acres of ground, or thereabouts. On the eaft fide of the faid caftle, adjoyning to the utter fide of 
 M the wall thereof, is one fair orchard quadrant, containing, by eftimation, four acres, paled about well, and thick 
 " fett with fruit-trees of diverfe kinds of fruit." 
 
 This drawing was made anno 1763. 
 
' 94 '5 
 
 THe GETTY C