YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Bought with the income
of the
ALFRED E. PERKINS FUND

This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in
cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You
may not reproduce this digitized copy ofthe book for
any purpose other than for scholarship, research,
educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You
may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy
(or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes.

A':
9H;
¦s.
Hi

THE

HISTORY

OF

BRISTOL,
CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL;

INCLUDING

Biographical jBotte

OF

EMINENT AND DISTINGUISHED NATIVES.

Urbs antiqua
1 Dives opum.
Like some renown'd Metropolis
With glittering Spires and Pinnacles adorn'd.

VOLUME I.

By JOHN CORRY,
Author of " A Satirical View of London," fyc. fyc.

^Bristol;
PRINTED FOR AND PUBLISHED BY W. SHEPPARD, EXCHANGE ;
SOLD BY BARBY AND SON j AND NORTON AND SONS.
AND IN LONDON, BY LONGMAN AND CO.; AND LACMNOTON AND CO.
1816.

J^"J»<«<US***A*JJSA^

Mary Bryan* Printer, SI, Corn-street.

T>yz 311 %\ 6c

ADVERTISEMENT.

The following Work was originally projected by Mr. Ass, Who
proposed to publish it in Parts, and accordingly Part the First
appeared in 1808. Six Parts, forming the first volume, were
written by Mr. John Corry, a gentleman previously known to
the public as the Author of several popular productions. In con
sequence, however, of Mr. Agg'b bankruptcy, the work became
the property of Mr. Sheppard, by whom application was made
to the Author of this advertisement for its completion, by extend
ing it to twelve parts, or two volumes,^ of which it was at first
proposed the History should consist. The Author's fondness for
topography in general, and the attention which he had given to
that of his native city in particular, induced him, though with
some degree of reluctance, to engage in the task. This wa»
towards the close of the year 1809. From that period to the
present, a portion of the leisure afforded by the stillness of the
evening-hour, or by the recurrence of vacation-time, has occa
sionally been given to the History. Its progress was therefore,
of necessity, slow, independently of impediments arising from
circumstances over which the Author had no eontroul.

ADVERTISEMENT.
Of the manner in which the task has been executed, every
Reader will determine for himself. The Author wishes it had been
completed more to his own satisfaction, and regrets that several
errors of the press have escaped correction, ' especially in the
early part of his volume. For these iu particular he solicits
the reader's indulgence ; and will only add, that in his opinion
something will have been accomplished, if he has in any degree
contributed to excite attention to a portion of knowledge
which, at all times, is a source of innocent amusement, and
frequently the spring of a pure and constantly recurring
pleasure ; for, by associating the recollection of the talents and
the virtues of our ancestors witli the places in which ' they had
their being,' we are not only most delighted with the remem
brance, but also most powerfully impelled to the imitation of
their excellencies.
JOHN EVANS.

Aeademy, Kingsdown, Bristol,
March 1816.

CONTENTS.
VOL. I.

CHAPTER THE FIRST.

Introductory Observations — Bristol founded by Kin; Brennus — Etymology of
Bristol — Life of Brennus — The Discovery of the Western Coast of Britain by
the Phenicians — Origin of Commerce in the Port of Bristol — Britain invaded by
Julius Cassar — Intrepidity of the Ancient Britons — A Description of their
Manners — The Druids — Peculiar Advantages of the Situation of Bristol —
Christianity promulgated in Britain — Description of the first Christian Church
in this Island — Progress of Ostorius in Britain — Heroism of Caractacus —
Ostorius fortifies a Roman Station near Bristol, and rebuilds the City — Descrip
tion of a Roman Camp — The Camps on Clifton Down, Rownham Hill, and
Leigh Down, described — A Danish Fortification founded on the Ruins of the
Roman Camp — The Result of Observations made on those Ruins in 180S. Page 3

CHAPTER THE SECOND.
State of Bristol about. the middle of the first Century — Improvements introduced
among the Britons by Agricola — Departure of the Romans from Britain, and
consequent Misery of the I nhabitants — Introduction of the Saxons by Vortigern —
Manners ofthe Saxons in the fifth Century — A civil War in Britain, destructive
ofthe Commerce of London and Bristol— Achievements of Arthur, Monarch of
Britain — The Heptarchy founded — Cruel Persecution of the" Britons by the
Saxons — Revival of Christianity in Britain — Piety and Wisdom of King Ina —
Invasion of England by the Danes — Eventful Rsign of Alfred — Account of a.
Cavern near Bristol — The Castle of Bristol founded by Alfred — Life of Alfred,
King of England — Great Naval Power of England in the tenth Century — Com
merce of London and Bristol at that Period — Predominance of Danish Power in

II CONTENTS.
England — Restoration of the Saxon Kings to the English Throne — Battle of
Hastings — Reign of William the Conqueror — An Account ofthe Construction of
Castles in England, during the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries — The
Castle of Bristol rebuilt — A Description of the Castle andits Inhabitants. Page 61

CHAPTER THE THIRD.
A Description of Bristol in its ancient State — Curious Document, proving the
.Existence of a Mayor, and other Municipal Officers, in Bristol, at the Com
mencement of the Twelfth Century — Ancient Boundaries and Fortifications of
the City — Commerce with Norway and Ireland — Civil War in England, in the
Reign of King Stephen — The Inhabitants of Bristol espouse the Cause of Matilda
— Robert Earl of Glocester lands in England, and proceeds to the Castle of
Bristol, where he is joined by his Sister the Empress — Robert coins Money for
the Payment of his Army — Stephen taken Prisoner at the Battle of Lincoln fcy
the Earl of Glocester— The Royal Captive treated with great Rigour by Matilda,
and confined in the Castle of Bristol — The Earl of Glocester taken Prisoner — Is
exchanged for Stephen — The Earl of Glocester dies, and is interred at Bristol — -
His Character — The Castle of Bristol governed by Bartholomew de Curishall 
Is restored to William, eldest Son of Robert Earl of Glocester — Robert Fitz"
harding Governor of Bristol, in the Time of Henry II. — He retires to the
Monastery of St. Augustine in this City — William Earl of Glocester dies, and
King Henry bestows the Castle of Bristol, with the Earldom of Glocester, on
his Son, John Earl of Moreton — Charter of John to the Burgesses of Bristol, in
the Year 1190 — Vassalage of the Majority of the People of England in the
Tr. elfth Century — State of the Commerce of Bristol at that Period — Short Reign
of Richard I. — A Review of Chivalry, and its Influence on national Manners —
King John ascends the Throne in the Year 1199 — Inglorious Reign of King John
—He is compelled by the Barons lo sign Magna Charta — The Princess Eleanor
imprisoned in the Castle of Bristol — King Henry III. crowned at Glocester in
1216 — Resides at Bristol, and establishes its Municipality by a Charter  The
Princess Eleanor dies in Captivity at Bristol Castle— Immunities granted to the
Burgesses of Bristol by a Charter of King Henry III. in 1244 — The Quay made,
and a Bridge built over the Avon at Bristol — The Town and Castle of Bristol
bestowed by the King on his Son Prince Edward — Civil War between Henry HI.
and the Barons — Prince Edward's Arbitrariness at Bristol the cause of an
Insurrection — He is besieged in the Castle — Bravery of Prince Edward at the
Battle of Evesham — The Inhabitants of Bristol fined — King Edward 1. makes
Preparations to invade Wales — Four Ships belonging to the Port of Bristol
capture a Welsh Ship off the Isle of Scilly — King Edward I. comes to Bristol
and restores their Charter to the Burgesses-^Tax paid by the Inhabitants of
Bristol in 1305— "Edward II. accompanies Gaveston to Bristol— Prices of
Articles sold in the Market of Bristol, regulated by Royal Authority. Pa°-e 169

CONTENTS. Ill

CHAPTER THE FOURTH.
Dreadful Famine in Bristol in 131G — The Earl of Winchester belieaded in this
City — King Edward II. imprisoned in the Castle of Bristol — He is removed to
Berkeley Castle, and assassinated by Order of Mortimer — Accession of Edward
III. — Extensive Commerce of Bristol with the Natives of the Continent — The
Woollen Manufacture established in England by King Edward III. — First
Naval Victory gained by the English over the French — Political Importance of
Bristol in the Fourteenth Century — Municipal Laws established in this City —
Ships furnished by the Merchants of Bristol to assist at the Blockade of Calais-
Military Glory of England — Rapid Increase of Population and Commerce —
Devastations of the Plague in Bristol — Excesses of the Survivors — The Staple
of Wool transferred from Flanders to Bristol by King Edward — A Royal Charter
granted to Bristol, by which it was erected into a County, with Power to send
two Representatives to Parliament — The High Cross erected as a Memorial of
the Liberality of Edward III. to Bristol — General Prosperity and Civilization of
the English in the Reign of Edward — Unjust Exactions of King Richard II —
He is deposed by the Duke of Lancaster, and three of his Ministers beheaded
at the High Cross in Bristol. Page 315
CHAPTER THE FIFTH.
Prosperity of Bristol in the Fifteenth Century — Charter granted by Henry IV. —
Charter granted by Henry VI. — Edward IV. comes to Bristol — Extensive Com
merce of William Cannings, and other Merchants of this City — A Description
of Bristol in 1470 — Destructive Tempest and Inundation in this City and iti
Vicinity — Henry VII. comes to Bristol — Improvements in the City — Sebastian
Cabot sails from Bristol on a Voyage of Discovery — An Account of his Success
¦— Enterprizing Disposition ofthe Merchants of Bristol — A Charter granted by
Henry VII. — Bristol Manufactures — Henry VIII. comes to Bristol in disguise —
Suppression of Monasteries — Curious Letter respecting Relics found in the
Abbey of St. Augustine, in this City — Bristol proclaimed a City — Liberality of
Henry VIII. to the Citizens of Bristol — The Tolzey built— Persecution during
the Reign of Queen Mary — Five Men burnt in this City — Ships of War furnished
by the Merchants of Bristol for the Service of the State — Honourable Acquittal
of the Mayor of Bristol — Accession of Queen Elizabeth to the Crown . Page 391
CHAPTER THE SIXTH.
State of Bristol on the Accession of Queen Elizabeth — Great Plague in this City ia
1-56-5— A Public Market opened in St. Thomas»-street, in 1570 — Manners and

IT CONTENTS.
Customs of the People at that Period— Establishment of Train Bands for the
Protection ofthe City — Queen Elizabeth comes to Bristol in 1513 ; an Account of
the Rejoicings on that memorable Occasion— Charter granted by the Queen to the
Citizens of Bristol— Extension of the Commerce of this City — A Description of
Bristol in 1586 by the learned Camden — Four Ships of War fitted out by the
Merchants of Bristol, which assisted in defeating the Invincible Armada — A Pnb-
lic Thanksgiving in this City in Celebration of that Event — A Petition presented
by the Citizens of Bristol to Queen Elizabeth — Numerous charitable Benefactions
given by opulent Citizens of Bristol — Establishment of the Queen's Hospital in this
City — Memorable Speech of Queen Elizabeth to a Deputation from the House of
Commons — King James I. proclaimed in Bristol — This City visited by the Pesti-
. lence — A dreadful Inundation— Importation of Grain at Bristol daring the Dearth
in 1608 — Queen Anne, Consort of James I. comes to Bristol — The City Library
established — Improvements in the City — The Castle of Bristol granted to the
Citizens by a Charter of King Charles I. — Oppressive Exactions of the King —
Bristol fortified by the Corporation in 1642 — Taken Possession of for the Parlia
ment by Colonel Essex — Conspiracy to surrender this City to the Royalists —
Stormed by Prince Rupert — Military Establishment of Bristol, according to the
King's Letters Patent, in 1643. Page 345

CHAPTER THE SEVENTH.
Particulars of the Siege of Bristol in 1645— ^Preparations made by Fairfax and
Cromwell to storm the City — Summons sent by Fairfax to the Governor Prince
Rupert — His Answer — Several Propositions from Prince Rupert rejected by
General Fairfax — Bristol stormed — Prince Rupert surrenders the City and Castle
by Capitulation — Letter from the King to Prince Rupert on that Subject — The
Prince vindicates his Conduct — Honourably acquitted by a Council of War, held
before the King at Newark. Page 431

CHAPTER THE EIGHTH.
Prevalence of Party Animosity in Bristol during the Civil War — A Fire on Bristol
Bridge; — Audacity of the Garrison in 1647 — Oliver Cromwell conies to Bristol 
Charles II. defeated at Worcester — Escapes in disguise, and passes through
Bristol to Abbot's Leigh — The Body of Ireton received « ith great Formality and
funeral Honours by the Corporation of Bristol--Bristol Castle demolished in 1665
— Persecution of the Quakers in this City — Richard Cromwell entertained by the
Corporation — Proclaimed Lord Protector in this City on the Demise of Ms, Father
— Insurrection at Biisto). Pa»e46I

CONTENTS OF
CHAPTER THE FIRST.

Introductory Observations — Bristol founded by King Brennus — Etymo
logy of Bristol — Life of Brennus — The Discovery of the Western
Coast of Britain by the Phenicians — Origin of Commerce in the
Port of Bristol — Britain invaded by Julius Csesar — Intrepidity of
the Ancient Britons — A Description of their Manners — The Druids —
Peculiar Advantages of the Situation of Bristol — Christianity pro
mulgated in Britain-^-Description of the first Christian Church in
this Island — Progress of Ostorius in Britain — Heroism of Carac-
tacus — Ostorius fortifies a Roman Station near Bristol, and re
builds the City— Description of a Roman Camp— The Camps on
Clifton Down, Rownham Hill, and Leigh Down, described — A
Danish Fortification founded on the Ruins of the Roman Camp —
The Result of Observations made on those Ruins in 1808.

THE
HISTORY OF BRISTOL.

CHAPTER THE FIRST.

History, by presenting to the mind an
authentic retrospect of the origin, progress, and
vicissitudes of celebrated communities, affords an
instructive gratification to human curiosity; and
among the various records of the historic pen,
perhaps none so strongly engages the attention as
the topography of great cities, and the biography
of eminent individuals. In order, therefore, to
combine the advantages derivable from history in
general, it may be expedient to give a concise
narrative of the principal historical facts recorded
in the annals of this island, especially those
which have a more immediate connection with

Bristol. -This work will also be interspersed with
short biographies of those illustrious characters,
both ancient and modern, whose public zeal has
contributed to the improvement, prosperity, and
aggrandizement of this ancient city.
An historic sketch o^f the Aborigines of Britain,
and a general view of the succession of public
events, during the rise and progress of this
powerful nation, are, indeed, indispensably requisite
for the complete elucidation of facts relative to
our ancient commercial cities ; and the following
work, by an adherence to authenticated records,
will enable the reader to contemplate the gradual
progress of our ancestors, from barbarism to civi
lization. It is, indeed, the high privilege of history, to
exhibit a retrospective view of mankind ; to pre
sent to the enquiring mind, a faithful represen
tation of characters and manners which have loner
ceased to exist ; by an impartial portraiture, at
once to, reanimate the images of the great and
the wise; and thus, by a detailed series of im
portant events, to conduct the student, through
the vista of ages, to a retrospection of those
interesting scenes, consecrated by the presence of
pur venerable ancestors.

.. Perhaps < no .nation recorded in the history of
man, has a stronger claim to attention than Bri
tain. This favorite residence of liberty, science,
and virtue ; this island, which has been truly and
emphatically denominated the empress of the ocean,
at this moment displays whatever can gratify*,
inform, or dignify the human race. Happily
isolated from those continental nations, who bow
before martial usurpation, Britain sits secure amid
her tributary waves. Her naval power, founded
by the^ wisdom of the immortal Alfred ; promoted
by the patriotism of Elizabeth ; and established
in its present unparalleled strength by the House
of Brunswick ; while it affords protection to our
commerce and national independence, at the same
time, ., hurls the lightning of liberty at the iron-
crowned head of foreign despotism. It doubtless
will be grateful to posterity, to survey, with a
retrospective glance, the present unanimity and
public spirit of a nation, which boldly asserts its
dignity, and inviolable liberty, while the other
states of Europe, by a retrogression into bar
barism, relinquish their natural claims to freedom ;
and, in all the degradation of vassalage, crouch
before the footstool of a military adventurer.
. May this happy island continue, through all
successive ages, to realize the greatness, security,
and independence, now enjoyed by the inhabitants ;

and so admirably described by the poet in the
following apostrophe:
" Island of bliss! amid the subject seas,
" That thunder round thy rocky coasts, set up,
" At once the wonder, terror, and delight
" Of distant nations, whose remotest shores
" Can soon be shaken by thy naval arm;
" Not to be mov*d thyself, but each attempt
" Baffling, as thy hoar cliff the loud sea wave."
Various have been the conjectures of anti
quaries, respecting the original situation of Britain,
and the state of its Aborigines. Their researches
have not, however, clearly ascertained those facts ;
and much ingenious disquisition has rather demon
strated the abilities of the writer, than given a
satisfactory elucidation of the subject in question.
The situation of the island, its vicinity to the
Continent, and the similarity of the opposite
high coasts, have induced historians and poets
to imagine that Britain was formerly separated
from the Continent by some violent concussion
of nature. A native antiquary has, with much
ingenuity, proved that such an idea was merely
the offspring of an effervescent imagination, adopted
by romantic writers, for the embellishment of
their productions. Having disproved this feasible
hypothesis, by a series of reasons, equally cogent

and satisfactory, this author contends that Britain
has always been mentioned as an island, by the
earliest tradition and historical records.
" It has ever been," says he, " the glory and
safety of Great Britain to be environed by the
sea, and to command those waters that encompass
it ; and, whilst other nations are subject to daily
incursions, being separated only by rivers, hills,
or vallies, and imaginary lines, by turns one king
dom elbows out another ; but nature has set
Britain such distinct bounds and limits, that its
empire is preserved entire ; and, as it abounds, in
all things, both for the necessary delight, and
support of man ; and needs not the world to sus
tain it, so was it always esteemed and called,
Novus Orbis, and Orbis Britannicus, by reason of
its greatness, and especially, separation from the
Continent.* Brutus, or Bruto, a descendant of Eneas, is
recorded by our ancient historians as the first King
of Britain. He invaded this island with a num
ber of Gauls and other adventurers, Anno Mundi
2850; and having conquered the Aborigines, who
are described as a race of giants, he settled in
the country, and founded London. f
* Sammes's Britannia Antiqua Illustrata, p. 36-
t Hollinshead's British History, p. 9-

8
Among his successors, Malmutius, King of Corn
wall, was distinguished for his valour, success and
wisdom. He subjugated the other provincial Kings,
and was crowned Monarch of Britain, A. M. 3529,
being the first British prince who was installed
with the ceremonies of a coronation. On this
occasion he wore a crown of gold, a sceptre, and
other regal ornaments ; and his inauguration was
accompanied with all the solemnity of pagan rites.*
This monarch may be honoured with the title
of the first legislator of Britain ; and his code
was termed the Malmutian laws. They were first
translated out of the British language into Latin,
by Gildas; and, afterwards, out of Latin into the
Saxon, by Alfred the Great. Malmutius is also
recorded as the founder of Malmsbury (which
probably took its name from that prince) and
two neighbouring castles, Lacoc, and Tetbury.f
But the most memorable transaction in his rei<m
was the formation of four great roads that ran
across Britain. This event is recorded by a British
antiquary, with an exactness that has every mark
of authenticity ; and is the more remarkable, as
one of these roads is described as leading to a
direct communication with Bristol.

* Samraes's Britannia Antiqua IUustrata, p. 172.
t Mem.

9
" Dunwallen (or Malmutius) King of Britayne,
about 483 years before the birth of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, seeing the subjects of his realme to
be in sundry wyse opprest, by theeves, and robbers,
as they traveyled to and fro ; and being willing
(so much as in him lay,) to redresse these incon
veniences, caused his whole kingdom to be surveyed,
and then, commanding some principall wayes to be
made, which should lead such as traveyled into all
partes thereof, from sea to sea ; he* gave sundry
large privileges unto the same, whereby they
became safe, and were much frequented.
'* The fosse goeth not directly, but slopewise,
over the greatest part of this island ; beginning
at Totnesse in Devonshire, where Brute sometymes
landed, or (as Ranulphus sayeth) which is more likely,
at the point of Cornwal ; though the eldest writers
do seem to note the contrary. Frome hence it
goeth thorow the middle of Devonshire, and So-
mersetshire, and cometh to Bristow, from whence
it runneth manifestly to Sudbury market, Tetbury,
and so forth, holdeth on as you go almost to the
middle way betwene Gloucester and Cirencester,
straight as a line, until you come to Cirencester
itself. From Cirencester it goeth by Chepingnorton
to Coventrey, Newarke, and so to Lincolhe, over-
thwart Watling Streate, where, by general consent

10
of all writers, (except Alfred of Beverley,) it is
sayde to have an end.*"
After the demise of Malmutius, his two sons
Belinus and Brennus, being left co-heirs of the
kingdom, reigned conjointly, as Kings of Britain.
Belinus was the founder of several cities and castles,
and Brennus enlarged and improved Bristol, which
was thenceforward denominated Caer Bren, as a
public memorial of his munificence. It is evident,
however, that Bristol had existed, as a place
of some consequence, prior to the reign of the
brothers ; for it is mentioned as one of the towns
to which a communication was opened by the
Fosse, one of the principal roads made during
the reign of their predecessor. But Brennus,
in imitation of his brother, who improved many
places in hb dominions, contributed, by his royal
patronage, to the prosperity of Bristol; and, as
a proof that the account is not merely traditionary,
antique statues of the two brothers are placed,
one on each side of St. John's gate, in this city.
A further corroboration of the fact is obtainable
from the ancient names of Bristol. It is classed
as the seventeenth city, among the twenty-eight,
which are recorded by Gildas, and Ninnius, to
* Hollinshead's British History, p. 36.

11
have existed when the Romans conquered Britain ;
and is distinguished by the following names. Ceir
Oder Nant Badon. — Oder. — Ceir Bren. — Veiita
Belgarum, and Brightstow.* Among these names,
Caer Bren has a manifest reference to the name
of Brennus the reputed founder of Bristol, and
seems to establish its claim to high antiquity.
Several antiquaries have written on the ety
mology of Bristol. The origin of its name l is
undoubtedly British, Caer Brito signifying the City
of the Britons. An antiquary, whose authority is
held in high estimation by the learned, is of
opinion, that Bristol, in the early ages, was de
nominated the City Odera, and that Nante Badoh,
(i.e. in the vale of Bath,) was afterwards added to
it, because that city was but eleven miles distant.
Nante signifies a valley in which a river flows,
and therefore it should be read Nante Avon, from
that river.f
A native antiquary, with commendable public
spirit, has refuted the assertions of the learned
Camden, against the antiquity of Bristol. ""Mr.
Camden," says he, " confesses that Ninnius, about
eight hundred years before he published his Britannia,
(i.e. some years before the rise of the Saxon mo-
* Hollinshead's British History.
f Leland.

12
narchy,) wrote a chronicle, in which he-gives a
catalogue of the renowned British cities in that
age; and, amongst others, mentions Caer Brito,
which Mr. Camden allows to be Bristol ; and
this Ninnius was an author of character and credit,
and, as such, is cited by Mr. Camden on all occasions ;
and particularly, for the ancient name of Bristol,
in the paragraph relating to that place ; and yet,
which is hardly credible, this very learned gen
tleman, styled the Prince of Antiquaries, and stand
ard of the Criticks, does, against all established
rules of argument, gravely, deliberately, positively,
and in the very same, page, give it as his opinion,
without the least evidence in the world to support
it, that Bristol- rose in the declension of the Saxon
government, and for no other reason, that I can
see, -but, because he had luckily hit on the two
Saxon radicals, bright and stozoe, signifying a bright,
illustrious place, that when put together, form a
word of nearly the same sound as Bristow."*
Ptolemy, who wrote in the beginning of the
second century, and was the first geographer who
described the British isles, says, " Under the
Dobuni lie the Belga?, and the cities Ilchester,
Bath, and Venta," or Bristol, according to the
interpretation of Leland, who is of opinion, that
Venta was formerly that city which the Saxons
* Hooke's Dissertation on the Antiquity of Bristol, p. 19.

13
afterwards called Brightstowe. Hence Bristol was
a capital city of the Belgae, in the second cen
tury, and, if we trace it to the time of the royal
founder, its origin, as appears from historic records,
may boast the venerable antiquity of two thou
sand years, p, period nearly equal to that of the
existence of London itself.
Camden himself mentions Bristol as a celebrated
city in the time of the Saxons. He says, " it is
called by the Britons Caer Oder Nant Badon,
(i. e. the city Odera in Badon Valley.) In the
catalogue of ancient cities, it is named Caer Brito,
and in the Saxon it is Brightstowe, (i. e. a famous
place.)* Mr. Hooke concludes his Dissertation with the
following cogent observations :— " If any credit
is to be given to the positive testimonies of Ninnius
and Ptolemy ; any regard paid to the opinions
of Leland, Lambarde, Dr. Gale, Sir Symonds
D'Ewes, and all the eminent antiquaries, except
two ; if oral and written tradition, supported by
antique memorials, still remaining on the spot ; if
circumstantial and comparative evidences, corres
ponding with those of a more positive kind ; and
just conclusions drawn from the whole, be of any
force, I believe I may venture to affirm that
* Camden's Britannia, p. 74.

14
Bristol, for eminence and antiquity, is, next to'
London and York, the most considerable city in
England."*THE LIFE OF KING BRENNUS, THE FOUNDER OF BRISTOL.
Brennus, the original benefactor of Bristol, stands
highly conspicuous among those ancient heroes,
whose adventures and achievements have been
recorded by the historian.
At the commencement of his political career,
Brennus, by a partition of Britain with his bro
ther Belinus, was put in possession of Albania,
now called Scotland ; while his brother reserved
to himself the fertile and extensive territory on
this side of the river Humber. After a reign of
six years, however, Brennus became dissatisfied
with his portion of the island, and resolved on
the subjugation of the whole ; and, while his
ambition thus incited him to aim at absolute
sovereignty, he was advised by his courtiers to
solicit the aid of Elfin, King of Norway.
Accordingly, he made a voyage to that country,
and was received with every demonstration of
friendship by the Norwegian prince, who entered
into an alliance, which was still further strengths
t Hooke's Dissertation on the Antiquity of Bristol.

15 '
ened by the matrimonial union of his daughter
With our adventurer.
Meanwhile, Belinus received intelligence of the
hostile project of his brother ; in consequence of
which he invaded and took possession of Albania.
To increase the misfortunes of Brennus, the royal
navy of Norway, with an army on board, intended
for the conquest of Britain, was attacked and
defeated by GuilthdacUs King of Denmark, the
former suitor of the Princess of Norway. This
defeat was much aggravated by the capture of the
bride, and the difficulty with which Brennus him
self escaped.
The fleet of the victorious King of Denmark,
being driven by a tempest upon the coast of
Northumberland, was taken by Belinus ; and, soon
afterwards, Brennus, having refitted his ships, in
vaded Albania, with a powerful host ; but, at a
wood, then known by the denomination of Callater,*
he was met and overcome by his brother. The
unfortunate Brennus; accompanied by only twelve
of his retinue, sought refuge in Gallia ; and Seginus,
King of Armorica, or Brittany, received him with
hospitality and munificence.
The British prince, who was as remarkable for
* Now Callader.

16
personal comeliness and courtesy of manners, as
elevation of sentiment, soon ingratiated himself
with the sovereign of Armorica, who gave him
his only daughter in marriage, and, with the con
currence of his nobles, decreed, that, if his son-
in-law should fair of male issue, he should himself
be admitted lawful heir of the crown. Brennus
continued for some years at the court of Seginus,
enjoying the social delights of conjugal affection
and friendship ; but the listlessness of indolence
was irksome to his active and enterprizing mind ;
and the demise of his father-in-law at length ena
bled him to realize his ideas of aggrandizement.
Soon after his investittire with supreme power,
he raised an army of Gauls, invaded Britain, and
marched against his brother Belinus, who, apprised
of his landing, advanced to meet him at the head
of a powerful host. But at the very crisis when
the hostile armies were draWn out in array, await
ing the signal to begin the conflict, Conwenria,
the -mother of the rival brothers, interposed, and,
by the irresistible eloquence of maternal persuasion
and tears, effected a reconciliation.
Brennus was now admitted, by his brother, to
a full participation of regal power in his native
country; and, by many acts of munificence, espe
cially the erection of forts for the defence of the

17
State, he established his claim to the gratitude of
posterity. It was at this period that he perpe
tuated his name as the founder of Bristol,* and
several other towns.
But ambition incited him to new projects for
the extension of his power; and, with the consent
of his brother, he made preparations for a descent
on Gallia, to effect the conquest of that extensive
country. In this enterprize he was completely suc
cessful ; and, pursuing his ambitious designs, he,
with, the aid, of the Gauls, crossed the Alps,
and invaded Italy. Having besieged and taken the
city of Chiusi in Tuscany, he proceeded in his
victorious march towards Rome, then^the capital
of the world. He was opposed by a Roman army,
within twelve miles of the city, and, after a
desperate conflict, remained master of the field. —
Advancing with the enthusiasm of a victor, he
marched to the gates of Rome ; part of the
citizens retreated to the capitol, which was well
supplied with military stores and provisions ; but
the Senators, in their robes, continued firmly at
their post.
On entering the Senate-house, the Gauls were
struck with awe at the majestic and venerable
appearance of the Senators, who Avere seated in
* Anno Mundi.3584..
VOL. T. B

18
their chairs in silence. For a few minutes the
victors contemplated those ancient fathers with
the utmost reverence, conceiving them to be the
gods of the Romans; but one of the Gauls
having presumed to stroke the beard of Marius
Papyrius, was struck by that senator with a
staff. The resentful Gaul slew the Roman, and
this act operated as a signal for the assasination
of the senators, who were all slain by those
pitiless barbarians. The city was given up to
the plunder and spoliation of the soldiers, but
Brennus Avas slain during the siege of the capitol,
and the Gauls Avere afterwards defeated and dis
persed by Camillus, Avho was recalled from exile to
head the Roman army. It must, even at this hour,
afford gratification to the natives of this island,
to know that a Briton conquered Rome many
ages before the Romans invaded Britain.*
Commerce Avas introduced into Britain many
ages prior to the Roman invasion. Indeed, Ave
have historic authority! for affirming that the
name of the island is of Phoenician derivation.
Four hundred and fifty j^ears before the Christian
era, the British isles, including those of Scilly,
* The reader, who is desirous to obtain a more full detail of the
exploits of Brennus, is referred to the works of Hollinshead, Vitus^
and Sir J. Price. t Strabo.

19
were discovered by the Tynans ; who, having
extended their commerce to all the shores of the
Mediterranean, at length passed the streights of
Gibraltar, in quest of neAv discoAreries and sources
of traffick. The ships sent on this voyage of dis
covery, Avere under the command of Hercules, who,
having built several cities on the streights, and
taken possession of the islands of Tartassus, Ery thea,
and Gades,* Avith a considerable part of the con
tinent of Spain and Africa, proceeded on his
voyage into the Avestern seas, and discovered
the Scilly islands, and the coast of Convvvall.
Finding that the country abounded in tin mines,
the Phoenicians named it Bratanac, or the land
of tin. They also called this island Alpin, or
Albion, which, in the Phoenician language, sig
nifies a high mountain ; and in the country
of the Silures, now South Wales, there are
many high cliffs called Pens, such as Penman-
maAvr, &c.f
When the Phoenicians landed in this island,
they found it populous ; and, like judicious
adventurers, instead of having recourse to the
sword for their establishment, they opened an
amicable commercial intercourse Avith the inha
bitants, Avho permitted them to build forts and
* Now Minorca, Majorca, and Yvica.
t Sammes's Brit. Antiqua Illustrata. p. 49.

2Q
castles along the coast for the. protection of
their trade.
The articles of commerce furnished by the:
Britons, Avere tin and lead ; which they exchanged
with the strangers for earthen ware, salt, and
brazen vessels.*
This early commercial intercourse, Avhich. was
probably the origin of the present Avealth, and
glory of Britain, called into exertion the. in
genuity of our ancestors ; Avho improved their
shipping after the Phoenician mqdel, and dis
covered the art of manufacturing tin and potters'
clay into, a variety of utensils,
The Phoenicians concealed their discovery of
this island from the other maritime nations ;
and, when a Roman bark was dispatched to dis
cover the destination of one of their vessels bound
for Britain, the pilot of the merchantman ran her
ashore, and, at his return to Tyre, Avas indem
nified by the state. t At this period, the inha
bitants of the Avestern part of Britain had made
little progress in the arts of civilization. They
are described as wearing black garments ; the
men being clothed in long coats, descending to
their ancles . Their feet and legs were defended with
* Strabo. t Idem.

21
a. kind: of buskin, open at the toes ; and they
walked with staves, like the furies in tragedy.*
• The trade of the port of Bristol Avas probably
v^ery considerable, even during the voyages of
the: Phoenicians to the western shores of Albion ;
for its- situation Avas favorable to the supply of
the Silures, or people of South Wales, Avith
those foreign articles imported from Tyre ; and
considerable emolument must also have accrued
to the merchants of this city, even at this early
period, from the ' sale of' their goods to the
inhabitants of the fertile and populous circum
jacent country.
Ancient records are generally vague, obscure,
and unsatisfactory ; but we are noAV come to an
era . in the annals of Britain, equally eventful,
interesting and important ; that period when the
Roman legions under the banners of the in"
vincible Cassar, first invaded this island.
When Cassar had completed the conquest of
Gaul, his insatiable ambition stimulated him to
invade Britain ; and, as a pretext for the justi
fication of this act of hostility, he accused the
Britons of having lent their aid to the Gauls,
and afforded an asylum to ' the unsuccessful
* Samrnes's Britannia Antiqua Illustrata.

22
Belgae, after having excited them to rebellion
against their Roman conquerors.
Before Caesar engaged in this dangerous enter-
prize, he consulted several of the continental
merchants, who traded Avith the Britons ; and
made enquiries respecting the extent of the
country, and its population ; the disposition^
customs and laws of the inhabitants, and their
method of Avarfare. The information was un
satisfactory, for the merchants Avere totally igno
rant of the internal state of the country ; their
observations having been confined to a limited
space along the sea coast, and the vicinity of
London, the principal toAvn of the island,
During the preparations of Caesar for his mi
litary expedition, the Britons, who inhabited the
villages on the coast, having received an intima
tion of his design from some of the Gallic
merchants, thought it expedient to send over
ambassadors Avith an offer of submission, and
hostages as a proof of their pacific disposition.
This embassage met Avith a gracious reception
from the Roman warrior, Avho dismissed the
messengers with an assurance of his protection.
He also sent over Comius, a British prince, of
whose attachment he Avas convinced, and avIio
was held in high esteem among the Britons.—

23
This Prince had instructions to visit the dif
ferent states of Britain, and exert his influence
in persuading his countrymen to a general sub
mission to Caesar, on his arrival in the island.
But the brave, though ignorant Britons, were
not to be persuaded to a tame resignation
of their natural liberty ; they were then a free
people, and nothing but Avant of unanimity
and discipline prevented them from being in
vincible to the assaults of an invader.
Even Caesar himself seemed conscious that the
subjugation of the Britons Avould be a difficult
achievement ; but nothing could deter him from
the pursuit of glory, a sanguinaiy phantom, on
Avhose altar he sacrificed the happiness, the
liberty, and the lives of many nations.
All the requisite preparations for invasion being
made, he embarked his cavalry in eighteen large
transports, and the infantry in eighty vessels of
inferior burthen ; and sailing Avith a fair wind
about midnight, he next morning appeared near
the coast of Britain, Avhere his hostile approach
Was awaited by a host of intrepid islanders, ready
to oppose his landing.

24
This formidable appearance, and the difficulty
of landing on a rocky shore, induced Cassar, to,
sail along the coast about eight miles further,,
Avhen he came in vieAV of an open beach, thought
to be near Deal in Kent.
The Britons detached their Avar chariots and
cavalry in the same direction, Avhile the, main
body, consisting of infantry, followed, and reached
the shore before the Romans were able to, make
a descent. Animated with all. the enthusiasm
of patriotic valour, the Britons furiously drove
their chariots into the sea, and slew the Romans
as they descended from their ships. Their im
petuosity astonished the invaders, AvhoAvere unable
for some time to effect a landing ; , while the British
infantry rushed into the sea, engaging the enemy
hand to hand, and boldly opposing their naked
bodies to the armour of the Romans. Who can
Avithhold his admiration of the generous. ardour
of our. ancestors, Avho. so bravely repelled the
conquerors of the Continent? May the recol
lection of .their magnanimity continue to • inspire
their descendants Avith similar virtue and reso
lution, and enable them . to t defend their native
land from the. evils of invasion, till time shall be,
no more !

25
Notwithstanding the heroism of the Britons,
however, the superior discipline of their oppo
nents eventually prevailed ; and, after a well-
contested battle, in which veteran valour oA^er-
Came the natural intrepidity of patriotism, Cassar
and his \rictorious legions landed in Britain.
After their partial defeat, the Britons sent
ambassadors to Cassar, with pacific overtures,
which were accepted by the conqueror. Indeed
he seems conscious, even from his oavu account,
of his inability to subdue the nation. Yet this
invasion, though fatal to the independence of
those Britons, Avho inhabited that part of the
sea-coast, Avas eventually beneficial to the nation,
by the introduction of the polished arts of ciAri-
lized society.
" The Roman taught 'thy stubborn knee to bow,
" Though twice a Ceesar could not bend thee now,
" His victory was that of orient light,
" When the sun's shafts disperse the gloom of night i
" Thy language at this distant moment shews,
" How much the country to the conqueror owes ;
" Expressive, energetic, and refin'd,
" It sparkles with the gems he left behind."
Cassar, Avho is not only celebrated as a Avar-
rior, but an author, has left an interesting record
, of the state of that part of Britain, Avhich came
Within the reach of his observation, \vben lie

26
invaded the island. The inland districts were
inhabited by the Aborigines, the sea-coast by
adventurers from Belgium. The Aborigines Arere
numerous ; they lived in cottages or huts thatched
Avith straw, like those of the Gauls ; their prin
cipal employment Avas pastoral, and their chief
subsistence derived from their flocks and herds ;
for they were unskilful in the art of tillage.
They Avere taller of stature than the Gauls,
wore their hair long and floAving doAvn the back
and shoulders, and shaved all the beard except
Avhat greAV on the upper lip. They were divided
into three classes, the Druids, or priests ; the
Equites, or nobles, Avho commanded in Avar; and
the Plebeians, or common people. The peculiar
manners ofthe Druids are unknown -to posterity;
but their authority, influence, and religious rites,
have been fully ascertained. Strabo and Cassar
have left a description only of the customs and
manners of the laity : probably the reserve of the
Druids, and their solitary seclusion, precluded
the observations of 'these writers.
With respect to the nobles, denominated by
Cassar the Equites, their principal garment was
called Gauriacum, from which our Avord gown is
probably derived; it was made of coarse wool,
with a knap, on both sides, and well calculated
to repel the humidity or cold of the atmo-

27.
sphere. Another garment much avqiii by the
Batons, Avas called bardiacus. It Avas made of
fine avooI, of curious intenvoven colours, similar
to the particoloured garment yet avohi in the
highlands of Scotland. The principal clothing
of the common people Avas composed of the
skins of beasts, and many of them went almost
naked. Before a battle they painted their bodies
blue Avith the ashes of sea- weed, to render them
selves more terrible to their enemies.*
Their money consisted of brass or iron rings,
of value proportionate to the size or Aveight. —
The intercourse of the sexes Avas promiscuous;
yet the Avomen were not destitute of delicacy ;
for Queen Boadicea, in her address to the army,
expatiated on the virtue of chastity.f
The administration of justice Avas vested in
the Druids ; Avhose power Avas absolute over their
superstitious votaries. They held nothing more
sacred than the misletoe, and the oak on Avhich
it greAV ; it Avas considered by them as a gift
sent from heaven ; and, Avhen they found it, the
day on Avhich it Avas cropped was devoted to
* Caesar says they coloured their bodies with glass. " Omnes -
Britanni se glasto inficiunt quod caeruleum efficit colorem, atque. hoc
horribiliore sunt in pugna aspectu.'' Com. lib. 7.
¦f- Sammes's Britannia Antiqua Illustrata. p. 226.

28
festivity. Their temples Avere open -at the top»
and Avere composed of a circle of massy stone
pillars, with a sloping altar in the centre, and
a stone obelisk near it.
But the most unnatural, as well as horrible,
of their religious rites, was the sacrifice of human
victims ; which, hoAvever, only took place on
some important occasion. They considered cri
minals, or Avicked men, as the most acceptable
sacrifice to their gods ; but sometimes even in
nocent persons suffered. For this purpose, a
colossal image of wicker work Avas constructed,
and fastened to the obelisk, in the centre of their
temple, The inside of the holloAV body and
limbs of this image was then filled Avith living
men, and, after some preparatory rites, it was
set on fire, and the victims perished amid the
smoke and flame.*
This barbarous practice Avas probably intro
duced by the Phoenicians, Avhen they traded to
the. western coast of Britain. Sometimes a hu
man victim Avas sacrificed for the purpose of
divination. The druid having stabbed the victim,
prognosticated good or evil fortune from the
appearance of the streaming blood, or the con-
"*¦ Casar's Com;

29
vulsions of the frame ; and afterwards made his
omens from the inspection of the entrails.*
These inhuman ceremonies are described by a
great, though unfortunate poet, a native of
Bristol, with a degree of animation which strongly
excites horror. f
" Ye dreary altars, by whose side, ,
** The druid priest, in crimson dy"d,
" The solemn dirges sung;
" And drove the golden knife
" Into the palpitating seat of life,
* While rent with horrid shouts the distant valleys rung 1
" The bleeding body bends,
" The gloomy purple stream ascends,
" While the troubled spirit near
*' Hovers in the steamy air,
" Again the sacred dirge they sing,
" Again the distant hill and coppice-valley ring.*'
Another poet, Avhose Avorks will delight and
instruct successive generations, has also described
the rites- of the Druids with his usual energy.
" Thy Druids struck the well-hung harps they bore,
" With fingers deeply dy'd in human gore ;
" And while the victim slowly bled to death,
" Upon the rolling chords rung out his dying breath."
* Diodorus Siculus. f Chattertovu

30.
NotAvithstanding the .superstition ofthe Druids,
their doctrine concerning futurity is .entitled
to respect. One of the principal points they
taught Avas the immortality and transmigra
tion of souls. This doctrine they inculcated
with great zeal ; for they conceived it most
proper for the excitement of courage, a virtue
of the utmost importance to the state in those
warlike ages. They also delivered orations or
lectures, concerning the motions of the heavenly
bodies ; the magnitude of the heavens and the
earth ; the nature of things ; and the power and
majesty of the immortal gods.*
Soon after the conquest of Britain by the
Romans in the reign of Nero, Avhen Setonius
reduced the isle of Anglesey, which Avas the last
asylum of the druids, he exterminated them so
suddenly, that all the traditionary knoAvledge
transmitted to them, in the songs of their pre
decessors, was lost to the Avorld ; a circumstance
much to be regretted by the antiquary and
historian^ for such oral communications Avould
have been invaluable, as illustrative of the origin,
customs and . manners of our ancestors.
It is uncertain, at Avhat period the Phoenicians
relinquished their commerce Avith the western
* Caesar's Commentaries.

31
part of Britain. Some political concussion at
home might have interrupted a trade so advan
tageous to the Tyrians, and so beneficial to the
Britons. Their commercial intercourse Avas en
tirely abandoned, Avhen the Roman poAver pre
vailed over this part of the island.
The early traffic of the Phoenicians Avith the
Western Britons ; the remoteness of this part of
the island from the districts OA^er-run by the
victorious Romans ; and the resolution Avith Avhich
their legions Avere resisted by the Silures, Avho
secured a temporary independence, by a retreat
into the mountainous tracts of the country, Avill
justify the conclusion, that the inhabitants of
Bristol Avere comparatively opulent and respect
able. This city must, from its situation as a
frontier town, have been a place of great im
portance ; and its progressive trade and manu
factures Avere, in all probability, not inferior to
those of London itself. The metropolis Avas
subject to the insults of every invader ; Avhile
Bristol, remote from Gallic and Roman adven
turers, Avas, for a considerable period after the
first descent of Cassar, preserved by its situation,
from the devastations of Avar. The early mari
time traffick of this city Avas, hoAvever, incon
siderable ; a feAV barks employed as coasters
constituting the Avhole of its shipping ; but even

32
this trade gave Bristol a decided superiority over
every other port on the western coast of the
island ; and contributed to the gradual prosperitj?
and civilization of its inhabitants.
After the assassination of Julius Cassar, during
the interregnum of the Romans, and to the time
of the Emperor Claudius, the Britons were under
the dominion of their OAvn kings, and goA'erned
by their own laws. Consequently in their traffick
with the Continent, they paid the customs and
duties required by the Romans, not as an acknoAV-
ledgement of submission, but to obtain the ad
vantages of commerce.
Intestine commotions, however, fomented by
the ambition of petty princes, from time to time
involved the Britons in the miseries of civil war.
The leaders of the unsuccessful faction found an
asylum at Rome3 Avhich exasperated the Britons
to such a degree, that they committed acts of
open hostility against those Romans, who had
settled in the island as merchants*
The Emperor Claudius sent Plautius with an
expedition against the Britons, to revenge this
injury ; and, afterwards, invaded Britain in person,
With a powerful army.t He landed at the mouth
* Dion. Cass. f A. D. 44.

33
of the Thames, and advanced to attack the
Britons, Avho, impatient of delay, came to a
general engagement, in which the Romans ob
tained a complete victory. This conquest was
secured by the wisdom and clemency of Claudius,
who merely disarmed the Britons ; and, having
appointed Plautius his lieutenant in Britain, he
sailed from this island, at the expiration of six
teen days from the time of his landing. On the
return of Claudius to Rome, he was honored with
a magnificent triumph ; and received the sir-name
of Britannicus.
But these honors, so ostentatiously conferred
on the Roman Emperor, by the gratitude or
vanity of his countrymen, originated in their
ignoranee of the real state of Britain at this period ;
for, so far were the inhabitants from yielding a
general submission to the invader, that they sought
security in their woods and morasses. A consi
derable part pf the island was, indeed, occupied
by the Romans ; but the western and northern
districts remained unconquered.
Arviragus was King of those Britons who still,
preserved their freedom ; he succeeded his brother
Guiderius in regal authority; was crowned A. D.
45; and, by his prudence and valour, protected
vol. i. c

34
his subjects from the degradation of submitting
to foreign poAver. *•¦ '
In the sixth year of his reign, Christianity was
promulgated in Britain ; and a short account
of this interesting event will illustrate the history
of the Western Britons.
We are informed by an ancient writer* of ac
knowledged veracity, that Joseph of Arimathea
Avas sent over to Britain, by the apostle Philip,
to convert the inhabitants to Christianity. He
first preached the gospel at Glastonbury, in
Somersetshire, where he not only converted the
inhabitants, but also their King to the Christian
faith, a fact which is recorded in the following
lines, written by Harding :
" Joseph converted the King Arviragus,
" By his preaching to know the law divine ;
" And baptiz'd him as written hath Ninnius,
" The Chronicler in Britain tongue full fine."
The fact that the inhabitants of the Avestern
part of Britain embraced the Christian religion
in the first century, is also recorded by a Roman
author, f whose authority is a corroboration of
the circumstance. Indeed those numerous testi-
* Ninnius. f Tertullian.

35
monies tend to establish a fact, which reflects the
highest honor on the understanding and virtue
of our ancestors ; by proving that they became
zealous converts to a religion, which had a direct
tendency to humanize their hearts, and render
them at once enlightened and happy ; while their
southern countrymen were yet under the two-fold
yoke of Roman despotism, and Pagan superstition,
The first Christian church in Britain, is re
corded to have been founded by Joseph of Ari-
mathea, at a place called Ines Withen, in the
British language, but now known by the name of
Glastonbury,* Avhich Avas granted to him for that
purpose by Arviragus. This church was small, and
built of rude materials, such as composed the
architecture of that age. The particulars of this
transaction were engraved on a brass plate, fixed.
on a pillar, in the neAv church, and preserved,
after the demolition of Glastonbury Abbey, in the
reign of Henry VIII. The inscription is in
Latin, to the following purport :
" In the year thirty-one, from the passion of
our Lord, there arrived here twelve holy men,
of Avhom Joseph of Arimathea was chief; who
built in this place the first church of this king
dom. He appointed a burial-place, and dedicated
* Sammes's Brit. Ant, Iljustr. p. 112,

36
the church in honour of the mother, of Christ ;
David, archbishop of Menew, attesting the same.
Afterwards the same bishop, the number of the
saints of that church increasing, added to it, on
the eastern part, a chancel, which he consecrated
in honour of the blessed virgin ; the altar of which,
for a memorial to future ages, he adorned with
a saphire of inestimable value ; and, lest the
original place and dimensions of that church,
might in consequence of such augmentation, be
forgotten, there was a column or pillar erected,
in a line drawn through the eastern corner of
it, towards the south, dividing it from the chancel.
The length of the church from that line towards
the west, Avas sixty feet ; its breadth twenty-six
feet ; and the distance of the centre of the column,
from the middle point, between the corners, forty-
eight feet."
Joseph of Arimathea, the founder, was entombed
at the south angle of the oratory ; and, near his
grave, St. Patrick, the first Abbot of this place,
Avas also interred, beneath a stone pyramid, which
was afterwards overlaid with silver.*
The walls of this church were made of inter
twisted twigs, supported by posts, driven into the
ground ; the roof was thatched with straw ; and
* Melkinus,

37
of such materials were even the palaces of our
ancient kings composed. But soon after the
erection of this church, the ancient Britons were
instructed by the Romans in the art of building
houses and fortifications of stone. Many vestiges
of their encampments remain in this island ; and,
among others, the ruins of a fortified camp on
Clifton-Hill, and two others on the opposite bank
of the Avon.
In the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius,
the propraetor Ostorius, a man of consummate
military talents and experience, was appointed
general of the Roman army in Britain. On his
arrival in this island, he experienced much an
noyance from the unsubdued Britons ; who made
frequent inroads into the districts occupied by
their countrymen, Avho had formed an alliance
with the Romans.
Ostorius, by a vigorous effort, subdued the
southern part of the island, which he formed into
a province ; he afterwards marched into the coun
try of the Cangi, a small territory in Somerset
shire. Having succeeded in the subjugation of
the Cangi, he disarmed them, and, to prevent a
revolt, took possession of the heights, on the
banks of the Avon and Severn, which he fortified
as a chain of posts, calculated, from their ele-

38
vated situation, to command a view of the cir
cumjacent country, and overawe the natives. We
are informed by a Roman historian, that Ostorius
maintained his authority over the inhabitants on
the banks of the Avon and Severn, by surround
ing them Avith camps.* A proof that our an
cestors submitted with great reluctance to the
sovereignty of a foreign state ; and that the popu
lation of Bristol was not only considerable, but
formidable. When Ostorius had thus taken possession of,
and fortified Bristol, and its vicinity, he resolved
to complete the conquest of the island. Leaving
a garrison at the camp on Clifton-Down, he
crossed the Severn at Aust passage, which- anti-r
quaries agree has taken its name from this war
rior ; and invaded the country of the Silures, or
inhabitants of South Wales. Those brave, and
hitherto unconquered people, Avere then ruled by
Caractacus, a hero famous in history. He Avas
a prince of great prudence and magnanimity,
equally distinguished for his intrepidity in the
field, and his patriotism in the government of the
state. This hero, having collected his forces,
encamped Avith his army in Shropshire, on a hill
called Caer Caradoc, a post Avhich Avas strong by
nature, and fortified by art. •
* Tacitus,

39
On this hill, he waited the attack of the
Roman legions ; and, on the approach of Ostorius,
prepared for battle. Caractacus excited the cou
rage of his Avarriors with the persuasive and en
ergetic eloquence of patriotism. He invoked the
names of his glorious ancestors, whose bravery
had repelled Caesar himself ; and hitherto pre
served the people from the ignominious yoke of
the enemy. He exhorted his countrymen to
defend their liberties, their altars, their wives,
and their children, from dishonour and slavery.
" This is the day, and this the field !" exclaimed
Caractacus, " in which Britain will recoA^er her
liberty, or be reduced to perpetual slavery." The
troops, with acclamations, and all the enthusiasm
of generous patriotism, voluntarily bound them
selves, by a solemn oath, to conquer or die ;
and that neither darts nor Avounds should compel
them to yield.
The formidable appearance and ardour of the
Silures startled Ostorius ; who beheld a river
apparently unfordable in his front ; a rampire on
the opposite bank ; and the steep hills covered
with armed men. But his soldiers were unappalled,
and, eager for the contest, loudly demanded the
signal to begin the attack ; exclaiming that to
brave men nothing was impregnable. The Romans
then crossed the river, and, after a conflict main-

40
tained Avith the utmost heroism by both armies,
the superior discipline of the Romans, and their
auxiliaries, prevailed over the native valour of
the Britons, whose overthrow was fatal to the
independence of their country. This event hap
pened in the ninth year of the invasion of Britain
in the reign of Claudius Cassar ;* and after the
defeat of the Silures, Ostorius returned to the
fortified camp near Bristol, which was peculiarly
favourable for the purposes of defence and obser
vation ; and situated in a fertile country, affording
abundant supplies of provisions for his army.
From the form of the ancient City of Bristol ;
and its having been walled with stone, it is pro
bable, that it Avas rebuilt and fortified by the
directions of Ostorius ; the four principal streets
being made to correspond Avith the four cardinal
points, Avhich Avas the usual form of Roman cities. t
Indeed, the advantageous situation of Bristol, on
the banks of a navigable river, was a sufficient
inducement to the conqueror, to provide for its
future security and defence.
The vestiges of the labors of Ostorius are still
perceptible in the vicinity of Bristol; where the
ruins of three Roman camps impress the mind of
the antiquarian Avith enthusiastic veneration. A
* A. D. 54. t Tacitus.

41
Roman station on the high banks of the Avon/
consisting of three distinct camps, commanded"
the river and- circumjacent country, for many
miles. The principal of these camps was situ
ated on Clifton Down ; another, directly opposite,-
on the south-west bank of the Avon, called Bower-
walls ; and the third on the verge of ,Leigh-DoWn,
of smaller extent, on a projecting part of the
bank, further doAvn the river; > • l
There is a romantic description of these ruins-
recorded in. the fifteenth century, by a native of
Bristol. This chronicler, however, seemed more
inclined to adopt the traditional legend of the
vulgar, than investigate the origin of those forti
fications by rational enquiry,
" The fortified camp," says he, " upon the high
ground, not distant a quarter of a mile from
Clifton-cliff, is said by vulgar people to be there
founded before the time of William the Con
queror, by Saracens or Jews, or by One Ghyst,
a giant. And, as a proof that such a fortress Avas
in all likelihood founded there in ancient times/
there remains to this day, in an extensive circle,
a heap of stones great and small. It is wonderful
to behold those circular ruins, lying in such order.
They seem to be the remains of a strong castle,
which is said to have stood on this spot, for some

42
hundreds of years past, but is now nearly levelled
with the ground. It is an honour and ornament
to my native city Bristol, and a proof of its
antiquity, to have the foundation of such a noble
fortress or camp; and I write this as a record
of its existence."*
The name of Saracens was probably given by
the common people to the Romans ; but mere
tradition is insufficient for the establishment of
a fact ; and various circumstances shall be adduced,
as proofs that these fortifications were originally
greeted by the conquerors of the world. A de
scription of the Roman manner of encampment
will furnish the antiquarian Avith evidence, at once
curious and important, in favour of the assertion,
that Clifton Down and the opposite eminence,
on the western bank of the Avon, were once a
Roman station, and fortified by Ostorius, when
he extended his conquests, to this quarter of
the island.
The military system and discipline of the Ro
mans was a model of regularity. A legion ori
ginally consisted of three thousand infantry and
three hundred cavalry, which Avas afterwards aug
mented by Caius Marius, to the number of six
* William of Worcester, who was parish clerk in St. James's Priory,
Bristol, in th» year 1480,

43
thousand two hundred. The number of legions
was twenty, or upwards, according to the increase
of population, and the nature or extent of their
warfare. Their defensive armour was compleat, and their
offensive weapons consisted of a pile, or long
dart, and a sword, and dagger. When on their
march, in an enemy's country, a centurion Avent
before with the adAranced guard, to choose a
convenient place for encamping ; which, Avhen
practicable, Avas always on an eminence, and near
the banks of a river. The highest ground was
first marked out for the prastorium,* or pavilion
for the general. The form of the prastorium Avas
circular ; it was high and surmounted Avith a
white flag, contained the tribunal or chair of
state ; the augurale or place of divination ; and
other appendages of supreme authority.
Around the prastorium, an area of one hundred
feet in extent, on every side, was marked out ;
and, on the side most convenient for water and
forage, the legions were encamped ; each being
separated by a street, fifty feet in bFeadth ; and
stationed according to the degree Of honor Which
they held in the army. The centre was accounted
* This pavilion took its name from the generalissimo of the army,
who was formerly called Praetor.

44
the most honourable post, and the extremities of
the camp, an inferior station, > ,
*
The principia was a way of one hundred feet
in breadth, which extended throughout the camp,
between, the maniples or subdivisions of every
legion, and the prastorium. In this space the
tribunes sgit occasionally to administer justice ; the
principal officers of the army frequented it as
,a place , of recreation, and the soldiers amused
themselves with different athletic and military ex-?
ercises, .; ,-.
,, Every tribune had his tent pitched at the
head of his legion, and the legates and treasures
were stationed nearer to the prastorium*.
The encampment was encompassed by a ditch
and rampire, two hundred feet distant from the
tents; that the soldiers, marching into the camp
in, battle array, might, without confusion, be
formed in subdivisions ; or drawn up in regular
Order, before they advanced to attack ^n enemy.
The fortification was also made at this distance
from the tents, that tlie soldiers might be pro
tected from the darts and other missile weapons
of the enemy* The tents were made of skins
or hides supported by stakes driven into the
* Polybius.

45
ground, and fastened with cords. Each tent
contained eleven soldiers ; this society was de
nominated contubernium ; and the principal person,
who was commonly a veteran, was called caput
contubernii. Every soldier was sworn not only
not to commit theft, but if they found any thing
to bring. it to the tribunes.
The camp was fortified by the whole army ;
the soldiers, armed with their swords and daggers,
made the ditch; every maniple having a "pro
portionate part measured out, under the superin-
tendance of the officers. The ditch was generally
eight feet wide, and eight deep. '* Of the earth
which they cast inwards, a rampire was formed,
faced towards the trench, with turf cut regularly ;
or, if there was no turf, they strengthened the
' loose earth with boughs and faggots. The rampire,
from the verge of the ditch, formed a breast
work, fortified on the outside with thick sharp
stakes deeply fastened in the ground.
The camp had four gates ; the first, or porta
prmtoria, which was in the rear of the general's
tent, commonly faced the east; By the opposite
gate the soldiers weiit to fetch their wood, water,
and forage. The two other gates stood opposite
to both ends of that respected place, Avhich they
called principia. These gates Avere secured by

m
doors; and, in standing camps,' fortified with
turrets ; upon which were placed the baiista or
sling, and other defensive engines.
The Romans divided the night into four
Watches, every watch containing three hours ; the
first commencing at six o'clock in the evening,
and the last ending at six in the morning. —
These Avatches were distinguished by different
notes, of the trumpet, the charge of sounding,
which belonged to the chief centurion of a
legion, at Avhose tent the trumpeters attended,
to be directed by his hour-glass.
The chief standard of every legion was an
eagle, and the ensign of a maniple Avas a dragOn,
wolf or sphinx, with the head tOAvards the
enemy.* When the commander in chief had determined
to fight, a scarlet flag Avas hoisted above the
prastorium, as a signal to the soldiers to prepare
for battle ; the sound of many trumpets together,
was the second signal ; and the third Avas a short
harangue or oration, to encourage the troops,
and confirm their valour by rational motives.—
Such Avas the regularity, discipline, and pru-
* Trajan's column at Rome is adorned with sculptured ensigns wfth
these devices,

47
denc§ with which a Roman, army* was con
ducted to victory.
From the foregoing sketch, it must be evident,
on a survey of the place, that Clifton-down. Avas
formerly a Roman station. The importance of
the situation induced Ostorius to fortify it in
the best manner ; but there was a deviation from
the usual regular square of the Roman camp ; the
circular hill on Avhich he encamped requiring
him to adopt a similar form in his fortifi
cation. Yet there is a visible regularity in his
outworks, particularly the ditches and rampires,
with which this station was surrounded, ap
proaching as nearly as the hill would admit,
to the square form of other Roman fortifica*
tions. The most elevated part of the hill, Avhere
the prastorium undoubtedly stood, is indeed
semicircular; but the opposite quarter, Avhere
the porta decumana Avas placed, and which led
directly to the river, presents a regular line,
which, when fortified, must have been im*-
pregnable, as Avell as inaccessible to an enemyi.
..There appears to have been a communication
between the camp on Clifton-down and those
on the opposite bank of the river, by a ford
across the Avon. This ford, the bottom, of which
consisted of solid rock, existed till within these

48
few years ; but, being a bar to the shipping, it
was blown up with gunpoAvder.
A variety of Roman coins' and utensils dug
up by Sir William Draper, and other antiqua
ries, among the ruins of the camp on Clifton
Down, afford sufficient proofs of its origin, though
the researches of the curious tend to destroy the
vestiges of this station ; some of which are hoAV-
ever still visible. The other camps on the
opposite bank, have escaped the scrutinizing
research of the antiquary, and are therefore more
perfect ; that knoAvn by the name of BoAver Walls
is overgrown Avith wood ; and several traces of
ancient masonry are still perceptible among its
mouldering ruins. How different now the appear
ance of these once important fortifications, Avhere
the Roman eagles, displayed on the airy summits,
in all the pomp of military sway, overawed and
intimidated the ancient Britons, compelling them
either to submit to foreign poAver, or preserve
their independence amid the woods and morasses
of South Wales.
The remains of the camp on RoAvnham-hill,
directly opposite to Clifton Down, exhibit the
most .< perfect traces of the Roman manner of
fortification. It is generally called BoAver walls,
a name probably first given to it by some fanr

49
ciful individual Avho planted with Avood, the spot
once occupied by warriors.
It is nearly as extensive as the camp on Clif
ton Down, and displays its once formidable
triple ditches and rampires, in a semicircular
form, along a space of at least five hundred
yards in extent, enclosing an area sufficiently
capacious to contain an army of 10,000 men ;
and bounded by the verge of a dingle on the
northern side, and the indented bank of the
Avon on the east. The outer and the second
trenches and rampires appear to haAre been made
on the plain, and doubtless Avere principally
intended to resist the first shock of assailants ;
but the third trench is^ deep, and a fortification
of solid masonry, built on a thick rampire, and
twelve feet higher than the outworks, must at
the period when it was raised have been im
pregnable. The masonry is composed of small
stones, strongly cemented with lime, part of
which has withstood the efforts of time, during
the lapse of thirteen centuries. Traces of three
entrances to this- camp are still visible- The
widest, which probably led to the principia, is
on the south Avest side of the fortification ; but
it could have no correspondent gate-Avay on the
opposite side of the camp, Avhich is bounded by
a precipice of, -at least three hundred feet deep,
VOL. I. D

50
which forms the bank of the Avon opposite
Clifton down.
A narroAver entrance on the eastern side, which
probably was the porta prcetoria, is nearly opposite
to a third gate-way, Avhich, from its situation,
on the verge ofthe dingle, must doubtless have
been the porta decumana, or gate by which the
troops Avent out for wood, water, and forage ;
and through which criminals Avere conducted to
execution. There have been various conjectures
respecting the situation of the prastorium in this
camp ; but Ave are yet left in a state of in
decision, as the place marked out for the general's
pavilion seems to have been optional, or accord
ing to circumstances. An antiquary describes
the porta pr&toria as being ' ' always situated be
hind the general's tent ; and this gate did usually
look towards the east, or to the enemy, or that
Avay the army was to march.*" The prastorium
is described by Polybius, as being always placed
in the most elevated part of the camp, com
manding a vieAV of it, and the circumjacent
country. Hence it must have been placed in
this camp on the eastern side, near the bank.
of the Avon ; a situation, which afforded a full
vieAV of the other encampments, and enabled the
Commanding officers to communicate by signals*
* Sammes's Brit. Antiqua Illust. p. 380,

51
This camp has long been planted Avith a
variety of trees ; particularly, the oak, ash, and
elm, Avhich extend their pleasant emboAvering
shades, and offer a delightful shelter from the
heat of summer, to numerous parties of pleasure
Avho frequent these romantic scenes. The dingle
is also planted with trees, that rise along its
banks, presenting a picturesque scene, Avhich is
still more grateful to the lover of nature, by its
contrast with the barren "rocks that extend along
the northern side of the Avon, beneath Clifton
Doavii. The river, Avinding amid its rocky shores,
also presents a beautiful object, and the scenery
is often enlivened by the transient appearance
of a ship towed into port, deeply laden Avith
the choicest produce of foreign climes. Yet,
amid all the beauties of the rich, romantic, and
varied scenery, presented by a landscape, which
affords the richest display of fertility, picturesque
sublimity, • and ornamental architecture, animated
by a happy "population ; the Arenerable ruins . of
this ancient fortification, once manned by the
intrepid conquerors of the world, have a tendency
to inspire the contemplative mind Avith more
enthusiastic emotions, than those excited even
by the beautiful perfection of art and nature.
From the camp on RoAvnham-hill there is a
communication Avith that on Leigh-DoAvn, by

52
the deep and narrow dingle, or by passing along
the verge of this valley, to its extremity on the
Down. Stoke-leigh camp is the smallest of the
three, situated on a projecting part of the bank
of the Avon, to the N. W. of the camp on
Rownham-hill, and somewhat loAver than the
fortification on Clifton-hill. It is fortified on
the south and south-Avest, by two trenches and
rampires, the outer bank is comparatively low,
'and the inner rampire, ten feet thick at the top,
and gradually broader toAvards the base, com
posed of earth and stone, without any apparent
intermixture of mortar, rises at least ten feet
above the level of the camp ; and, with a ditch,
eight feet deep, must impress the beholder with
a lively idea of its former strength.
The principal, or western entrance, crossed the
first trench, and through the rampire, into the
second ditch, which led to another gateway,
immediately communicating Avith the interior of
the camp, Hence the assailants, if successful in
forcing the outworks, Avould afterwards be obliged
to pass along a space of sixty yards, exposed to
the darts, and other missile weapons' of the
besieged, before they could penetrate into the
interior.

53
An extensive narroAV wall, with a ditch, may
be traced from the northern extremity of this
,camp, to a considerable distance along the DoAvn ;
and it probably enclosed a repository for forage,
and a separate place for the horses belonging to
the army.
The entrance at the northern side of this camp,
is conjectured by Mr. Barrett to have led to
the prastorium, the scite of Avhich he describes
as surrounded Avith a trench. But not a single
vestige of this intrenchment is noAV discoverable,
and that it never existed, is extremely probable ;
for the prastorium, and its area, including a cir
cular space of two hundred feet in diameter,*
Avas situated so as to afford an easy communi
cation with every other part of the camp ; and
it also was sufficiently defended by the general
fortifications. The supposition of the existence, at this early
period, of a general chain of communication by
forts erected on heights, seems also erroneous ;
for the Roman army, under the command of
Ostorius, had no reason to apprehend an attack
from the Britons, after the defeat of Caractacus.
It does not appear that Ostorius received any
of his reinforcements, or military supplies, by
* Polybius.

u
Avater ; for it Avas during the government of
Agricola , that Britain was .first- discovered by the
Romans to be an island. Hence Ostorius had
nothing to fear from any sudden attack ; and he
probably thought himself, sufficiently secure in
those fortified camps, Avhich Avere rather estab
lished to overaAve a conquered people, than resist
the assaults of a poAverful enemy.
After the final departure of the Romans from
Britain, these fortified camps afforded an occa
sional protection to the Avestern Britons when
assaulted by the Scots and Picts ; and afterwards
when the Saxons conquered this country, they
doubtless not only availed themselves of the
fortified posts formerly occupied by the con
querors of the world, but extended and strength
ened those Avorks by additional fortifications.— r
It is not improbable that Alfred the Great built
the forts supposed by Mr. Barrett and other
antiquarians to have been raised by the Romans.
As a corroboration of this conjecture it may be
mentioned that the English were unskilled in
architecture at that period, and consequently the
forts built by them have long since, sunk into
ruins, Avhile the ancient cement of the Romans
continues to this day, almost as hard as the stones
it binds.

55
When the Danish barbarians overran England,
at the commencement of the eleventh century,
almost every monument of national skill Avas
destroyed by those rude conquerors. But not
withstanding their ferocity and ignorance, they haid
sufficient sagacity to occupy the different forti
fications ; and, among others, the ancient Roman
station near Bristol, which, from its situation,
was peculiarly favourable to the security of a
maritime intercourse with their piratical coun
trymen.' ' It is Avell known that the ancient
Danes were enterprising navigators, who for ages
harrassed and plundered the other maritime
nations of Europe. When they conquered
England, they built a number of forts on the
hills throughout the kingdom, which, Avhen occu
pied by troops, enabled them to keep up a
general communication. Several of those forts
Avere erected along the banks of navigable rivers,
and when the Danes Avere apprehensive of an
insurrection of the natives, they were thus ena
bled to receive requisite reinforcements from the
continent ; or, if defeated, to retreat to their
shipping for security.
Their unskilfulness in the art of fortification
is manifest from the ruins of their forts, which
Avere commonly circular, consisting of earth and
atones, and surrounded with a deep ditch. But

56
that they occupied the stronger forts erected by
the Saxons on the banks of the Avon, cannot
be doubted. In those early ages, indeed, man
kind trusted more to personal prowess than the
protection of a fortress; hence we frequently
read of the besieged sallying forth and repelling
the besiegers hand to hand. Those hardy and
fierce northern nations, known by the name
of Danes, were not deficient in that daring
valour, Avhich probably occasioned them to be
the more negligent in the erection of military
works, which were in general built for tem-!-
porary purposes, and of perishable materials.
For the more complete illustration of the
antiquities of Bristol and its vicinity, the camp
on Clifton Down was dug up in several places
in the year 1808 ; but those researches were un
productive, nothing curious being found except
a part of a Roman or Danish dagger. *
Similar researches were also made in the two
camps on the opposite bank of the Avon, but
without success. Stoke-leigh camp was disco
vered to be founded on solid rock, covered with
a thin stratum of soil or mould, which Avas
probably accumulated from the adjacent down.
* It is now in the possession of the publisher.

57
This camp Avas not planted Avith trees like that
on the adjacent eminence, Avhere the soil is
deeper : yet even there no ancient coins, armour,
or utensils, Avere discoverable. It is indeed im
probable that the Roman army, commanded by
Ostorius, buried any part of their treasure in
the camps near Bristol, for it does not appear
from history, that there Avas a battle fought be
tween them and the Britons in this neighbour
hood, and it Avas customary for them to conceal
their money beneath the earth, only Avhen they
expected an engagement with an enemy.

HiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiH

•CONTENTS OF
CHAPTER THE SECOND,

State of Bristol about the middle of the first Century— Improvements
introduced among the Britons by Agricola — Departure of the
Romans from Britain, and consequent Misery of the Inhabitants —
Introduction of the Saxons by Vortigern— Manners of the Saxons
in the fifth Century — A civil War in Britain, destructive of the
Commerce of London and Bristol — Achievements of Arthur,
Monarch of Britain— The Heptarchy founded— Cruel Persecution
of the Britons by the Saxons— Revival of Christianity in Britain-
Piety and Wisdom of King Ina — Invasion of England by the
Danes — Eventful Reign of Alfred — Account of a Cavern near
Bristol— The Castle of Bristol founded by Alfred— Life of Alfred,
King of England— Great Naval Power of England in the tenth
Century — Commerce of London and - Bristol at that Period —
Predominance of Danish Power in England — Restoration of the
Saxon Kings to the English Throne — Battle of Hastings — Reign
of William the Conqueror — An Account of the Construction of
Castles in England, during the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth
centuries — The Castle of Bristol rebuilt — A Description of the
Castle and its Inhabitants.

CHAPTER THE SECOND.

1 he extension of the Roman power and
influence to the western part of Britain, is an
eventful era in the history of Bristol ; for it is
remarkable, that the victorious progress of those
foreign conquerors to this city, and the promul
gation of Christianity within its Avails, happened
at nearly the same period of time. Joseph of
Arimathea first preached the gospel in the country
of the Cangi, about the middle of the first cen
tury ; and, at the same period, Ostorius took
possession of Bristol, and encamped with his legions
on the high banks of the Avon in the vicinity
of the city. Hence the accession of both Divine
and human knowledge thus communicated to the
inhabitants of Bristol, must have had a powerful
influence in the melioration of their manners, the
exaltation of their religious ideas, and their ad
vancement in those useful and elegant arts which
contribute to the improvement and happiness of
mankind.

62
A circumstantial detail of the gradual improve
ment of this great community in population,
manufactures, and commerce, would afford a high
gratification to the curiosity of the general reader,
and contribute to an elucidation of that pro
gression of the human mind from barbarism to
refinement, which is so grateful to the moral
philosopher. But such complete and authenticated
documents of the ancient state of Bristol, and
the various vicissitudes experienced by its in
habitants, are unattainable from the obscure writings
of monkish historians. Their researches and studies
Avere chiefly confined to the ecclesiastical history
of those dark ages, — the foundation of monasteries
eulogiums on their regal or noble benefactors
and ridiculous stories of pretended miracles, which
constitute the very essence of the information
communicated by their records. The transactions
of commerce were considered as unworthy of
notice by men who could obtain the wealth of
the industrious Avithout effort. We must, how
ever, avail ourselves of even the imperfect me
morials of past ages, supplied by those chroniclers,
Avhose pages present us with a misty retrospect
of the general state of Britain and its inhabitants.
Several hints on this subject, though evidently
dictated by prejudice, are also obtainable from
the elegant productions of the Roman historians.

When the Romans extended their conquests
to the northern and Avestern tracts of Britain,
their intercourse Avith the inhabitants Avas much
impeded by woods and morasses. The four
principal highways through Britain, having in
the lapse of ages become almost impassable,
were repaired by Trajan about the close of the
first century.
But the advantages generally derivable by the
natives and their conquerors frOm this facility of
intercourse, Avere dearly purchased by those
Britons Avho were employed in this great public
work. For the roads were repaired and paved
by the natives, under the direction of Romans,
Avho compelled them to work like slaves.—
Hence they justly complained that the Romans
stood over them like relentless task-masters,
compelling them to labour with stripes and
indignities, consuming their strength and wear
ing out their limbs in clearing away Avoods
and paving fens.*
It Avould be tedious to give a detail of the
struggles made by the Britons for their eman
cipation, during the ascendency of Roman poAver
in this island. But it ought to be observed,
that notAvithstanding the loss of their independ-
* Tacitus.

6*4
ence, they derived many benefits from their
intercourse Avith a people who introduced' the
useful and ornamental arts AvherevCr their arms
prevailed. In the reign of Domitian, Britain was governed
by Agricola, who established the Roman power
in this island, and immortalized his name by a
decisive victory over the Caledonii, under the
brave but unfortunate Galgacus. This event
completed the subjugation of Britain, which was
thenceforward considered by the conqueror as a
Roman province, and consequently admitted to
a participation of all the immunities enjoyed by
the allies of Rome.
The island was governed by Agricola with
great moderation and prudence. He appointed
officers of virtue and talents to preside over
the different districts ; was indefatigable in the
reformation of abuses, and administration of justice
according to the laAvs of Rome ; and he con
tributed to the improvement of the Britons, by
the institution of establishments for the education
of youth. By this mild and equitable admini
stration he conciliated the minds of the people,
and this pacific disposition was still further pro
moted by the extensive promulgation of Christi
anity in the island.

65
The Britons were also instructed by the
Romans in the cultivation of the soil ; an art
hitherto much neglected by a people Avho pre
ferred pastoral indolence to the active industry
ofthe husbandman. But the numerous advantages
and gratifications arising from successful agri
culture soon rendered it popular, and improve
ments, not only in handicraft arts, but also in
navigation gradually introduced that adventurous
and enterprizing spirit, which at this remote period
of time is the foundation of the commerce, opu
lence, and glory of this island.
London, Bristol, and other sea-ports, gradually
emerged from obscurity under the auspicious in
fluence of Agricola ; but the subsequent commo-ji
tions and final dismemberment of the Roman
empire involved Britain, and its other dependen
cies, in similar ruin.
In the year 410, the Romans finally resigned
their authority over Britain. But they previously
exhausted the population by levies of troops for
the defence of their dominions on the Continent,
insomuch that the island was left almost de
fenceless.* After the departure of the Romans, the people
* Gildas.
VOL. I. E

66
Avere left to choose their own rulers ; but this
short enjoyment of peace and liberty, was inter
rupted by the incursions of the Picts and Scots-,
barbarians who inhabited the northern part of the
island, and invaded their neighbours for the pur
poses of plunder and devastation.
Embassadors were deputed by the Britons to
Rome, entreating aid against the ScOts and Picts,
and a legion was sent to assist in their repulsion.
The Romans soon defeated those marauders, and
having cleared the frontiers which divided those
uncivilized banditti from the civilized Britons,
they built a wall or rampire across the island,
from sea to sea.*
But the barbarians soon broke down part of
this wall, and again poured into the country
like a torrent, spreading destruction around where
soever they came. The Britons in their distress
again sent ambassadors to Rome, imploring the
aid of their former protectors ; and Valentinian
III. then emperor, -f sent another body of
troops to their assistance. These auxiliaries soon
drove the plunderers beyond their frontiers, and
for the protection of the Britons, a wall of
stone was built tAvelve feet high and eight feet
thick, which formed a strong barrier from New-
* Sammes's Brit. Ant. Illus. p. 344. f'An. Dom. 418.

67
castle-on-Tyne to Solway-frith. They also built
towers on the southern coast to prevent piratical
invasions in that quarter.
Having thus fortified the frontiers of their Bri
tish allies, the Romans exhorted them to defend
themselves valiantly, as they could no longer afford
them any assistance. The Romans then embarked
for the Continent,* and soon after their departure
the northern barbarians recommenced hostilities
against the Britons, and by their savage and des
perate valour, captured the frontier towns, and
devastated the country.
A pathetic account of the misery of the people
is recorded by our most ancient historian,-f who
informs us that the Britons, exhausted and dis
pirited by continual wars, sent deputies to Rome
for assistance. % Their letters directed to iEtius,
the president of Gallia, were to the follow
ing purport :
" To iEtius, thrice consul, the groans of the
Britons. — The barbarians drive us to the sea, and
the sea drives us back to the barbarians ; so that
between both we are reduced to the wretched
alternative of being murdered or drowned.

*&

* An, Dom. 423. t Bede. J An. Dom. 44fJ,

68
" We the poor remains of the Britons, besides
the miseries of war, are afflicted with famine and
mortality, which at this time depopulates our
land." This supplicatory address obtained only an
ansAver from iEtius, in which he informed the Bri
tons that he could afford them no assistance, being
then engaged in preparations for the repulsion of
Attila, Avho Avith an army of eight hundred thou
sand Huns, had imraded Gaul. Thus left desti
tute, the dispirited Britons had before them the
miserable prospect of famine or extermination ;
for the Scots and Picts in their frequent incursions,
not only interrupted tillage, but drove off the
flocks and herds, and destroyed the habitations
of our ancestors.
But the immorality of the Britons at this period;
was a greater obstacle to their happiness, than
even the inroads of the enemy. Their religion
if it deserved the name, consisted of an intermix
ture of Pagan errors Avith the truths of Christi
anity ; the manners of the people were tinctured
with the grossness of their superstition ; and their
morals Avere debased by sensuality. The light of
Revelation, which had shone on the inhabitants;
of the western part of Britain, and consequently
those of Bristol, was eclipsed by the gloomy
superstition of Paganism ; and though numbers

69
of the people were professors of Christianity s the
enormity of their vices disproved the sincerity
of their professions.
While the people in general were in this wretched
state of depravity, Avithout virtue, government, or
laAvs ; a few of the nobles held a convention, to
devise some method of counteracting the evils of
anarchy. At this meeting it Avas deemed ex
pedient to nominate Vortigern King of the
Dunmonii,* monarch of Britain. This decision
met with the general concurrence of the people,
who, harassed by the reiterated incursions of the
northern barbarians, wished for a ruler whose
abilities and valour might enable them to repel
their enemies.
But Vortigern Avas incompetent to the per
formance of this important task ; for instead
of the wisdom, disinterestedness, and virtue Avhich
should form the character of a great monarch,
his characteristics Avere cunning, treachery, and
sensuality. The Scots and Picts continued their
depredations in defiance of the feeble exertions
of this British soA>creign, who finding his resources
inadequate to the continuance of the contest^
convened an assembly of his nobles, at which he
persuaded them to call in the aid of the Saxons,
* Inhabitants of Cornwall ajid Devonshire,

70
a warlike nation who inhabited the country near
the coasts of the German Ocean.
Accordingly ambassadors were sent to Wittigisil,
general of the Saxons, who summoned a council
of his principal officers to receive them. When
introduced to the council, the senior ambassador
of the Britons addressed them in the following
words, " Illustrious and generous Saxons, the Britons*
harassed by the incessant inroads of the Scots
and Picts their neighbours, yet their enemies,
have deputed us to implore your aid. The fame
of your valour has reached our ears, we are
sensible your arms are irresistible, and therefore
come to intreat your protection. Britain for
some ages made a considerable province of the
Roman empire, but our protectors having aban
doned us, we invite you to an alliance. Grant
our request, and in return we offer all that a
country rich and fertile, like ours, can afford.—
We shall submit to whatever terms of recom
pense you shall judge reasonable, if as allies you
afford us your assistance in the repulsion of the
enemy out of our country."*
To this address Wittigisil returned a concise
* Nennius,

71
but favourable answer. " Be assured," said he,
" that the Saxons will assist you in your pressing
necessities." The result of this conference was a
treaty of alliance, in which the Saxons agreed
to send the Britons an army of nine thousand
auxiliaries, on condition, that the troops should
be allowed a certain pay, and that they should
be put in possession of the isle of Thanet for the
establishment of a colony in Britain.
Prior to this embassage and alliance, Britain
was not altogether unknown to the Saxons, who
had made several piratical descents upon the
eastern coast of the island, whence they had been
repelled with so much vigour, that they con
sidered the Britons a truly formidable race, till
they themselves made a discovery of their
weakness. The warlike people whom the Britons had
thus engaged to become their assistants, were at
this period celebrated on the continent for their
valour. Their origin is unknown", though several
antiquarians have favoured the world Avith in
genious conjectures on the subject. Mr. Camden
is of opinion that they derived their name from
the Sacas of Asia, and this conjecture is cor
roborated by some runic verses descriptive of the.

n
Heaven of these idolaters. Thus translated by
Sammes.
" Methinks I long to end,
" I hear the Dyser call,
" Which Woden here doth send
" To briog me to his hall.
" With Asians there in highest seat,
" I merrily will quaff,
." Past hours I- care not to repeat,
" But when I die I'll laugh."*
The Saxons believed that after death they
were to be admitted into Woden'sf Hall, there
to drink ale Avith him and his companions in
the skulls of their enemies. They also imagined
that a goddess named Dyser was employed by
their god to convey the spirits of the valiant
into his paradise.
When the Saxons were invited to the aid of
the Britons, they were idolaters, the principal
objects of their worship being the Sun, Moon,
Tuisco, Woden, Thor, Friga, and Seater, from
whom the days of the week Avere named.
, According to Herodotus, their leagues were
confirmed with human blood. Having put wine
* Sammes's Britannia Antiqua Illustrata, p. 436. -
t Woden was the Saxon god of war.

7S
into an earthen vessel, they with a SAVord or
knife made ai gash in their bodies, then dipped
the weapon into the cup, and after many invo
cations to their idols, and imprecations against
Avhoever should fail of this solemn engagement,
they drank up the wine.*"
The Saxons Avere naturally warlike. For cou
rage of mind, strength of body, and indefatigable
activity3, ' they were ' the most renowned of the
German nations. t They were dreadful to the
Romans in consequence of their courage and
agility .J They were tall, well proportioned, and
handsome ; wore their hair loose On their shoulders,
and were clothed in long flowing garments of
linen, embroidered with A^arious colours. Their
armour consisted of spears, swords, daggers and
small shields. To their enemies they were cruel,
especially prisoners Of war, whom they sacrificed
to their idols. §
According to their agreement with the British
ambassadors, a considerable body of troops, under
the command of Hengist and Horsa, the sons
of Wittigisil, Avere sent from Saxony to this island.
They landed in the isle of Thanet, where Vor
tigern, who stood on the shore ready to receive
* Herodotus, lib. 4. f Zosirnus. J Marcellinus.
§ Paulus Diaconus.

74
them, welcomed his allies with unfeigned joy. —
The Saxons, were joined by a small army of
Britons, and marched against the Scots and Picts,
who had penetrated into the country as far as
Stamford in Lincolnshire.
At the first onset the Saxons, unappalled by
the darts of the enemy, marched up to them
with a firmness and discipline that terrified those
plunderers, who had been accustomed to the
feeble opposition of the ill-armed Britons. The
total discomfiture of the northern barbarians in
the first battle, was succeeded by a series of
victories, obtained by the Saxons over them,
that eventually compelled them to retire into
their own barren and almost inaccessible regions.
When Hengist the Saxon general had thus
expelled the enemies ofthe Britons, he requested
permission to build a small fort for the pro
tection of the northern part of the country,
and the accommodation of the troops who
might be placed there as a garrison. Vortigern
readily complied with his request, and granted
him as much ground as he could surround with
the hide of an ox, which being cut into small
thongs, enclosed a space sufficient for the founda
tion of a fort, called Thong Castle.

75
The British nobles, however, were displeased
at thus seeing a foreign poAVer established in the
very heart of their country, "and Hengist per
ceiving their dissatisfaction, and apprehensive of
treachery, immediately dispatched "a messenger
to Saxony with an account of his situation,
requesting a powerful reinforcement of his
countrymen. These troops were accompanied by Escus, the
eldest son of Hengist, and Rowena his niece, a
young lady of consummate personal beauty and
mental endowments, in honor of whose arrival
the Saxon general prepared a splendid enter
tainment, to which King Vortigern Was Invited.
During the entertainment, the beauty and
agreeable manners of Rowena, captivated the
British prince, who demanded her jn marriage
of Hengist ; but the wily Saxon replied, that he
could not bestow his niece on a person who Avas
hot only already married, but also a Christian.
Vortigern removed these obstacles by divorcing
his wife, and consenting that Rowena should
have the free exercise Of her religion. Their
marriage was afterwards solemnized with great
pomp, contrary to the sentiments of the British
nobles.

76*
This, matrimonial union established the Saxons
in Britain, for Vortigern, soon . afterwards, dis
placed Gorgonus, the, governor of Kent, and
invested Hengist and Horsa with -.the- sovereignty
of that proyince, giving them permission to people
it with emigrants from Saxony.
The ambitious Hengist, however, resolved to
extend his authority throughout Britain, and for
that purpose obtained further reinforcements, of
warriors from time to time, insomuch that he at
length Avas at the head of a powerful army,
sufficient to, repel any sudden attack of tfye
Britons, Avho now looked upon him as a pro
fessed enemy. He also informed Vortigern, who
continued his steadfast friend, that the Britons
held a. secret .correspondence with Ambrosius, a
prince descended from Roman ancestors, who was
then at the court of Aldwen, King of Armorica
or Brittany,
Vortigern, who now despaired of ever regain
ing the affections of his British subjects, and
dreaded Ambrosius as a dangerous rival, applied
for advice and assistance to Hengist, who told
him .that. all the Saxons in Britain Avere at his
devotion, and persuaded him to admit a greater
number of soldiers from Saxony into Britain,

•77
The British prince agreed to this proposal, and
a fleet of forty ships, with a powerful reinforce
ment, under the command of Octa, landed in
this island in the year 452. Hengist now openly
complained that the Saxon soldiers had not been
paid according to the original contract, and boldly
demanded the arrears.
The Britons, exasperated at his conduct, re
solved to repress the power of the Saxons, and
Vortimer, the son of Vortigern, inspired with
patriotic zeal, having entered into a secret con
federacy with the principal British nobles, a suc
cessful insurrection against Vortigern compelled
him to admit his son. copartner with him in the
government. The British nobles also entrusted
the sole management of the public affairs to
Vortimer, hence the power of his father was
merely nominal and inefficient.
This revolution was the .. commencement of a
sanguinary war between the Saxons and Britons,
which ended *n the subjugation of the latter ;
for although Vortimer distinguished himself by
his valour and Avisdom both in the council and
the field, his countrymen were driven to such
extremities, that by the advice of Guithelin,
archbishop of London, they sent ambassadors to-

78
the King of Armorica for aid. This application
made way for the introduction of Ambrosius,
who landed at Totness with ten thousand men ;
but his arrival only increased the miseries of the
Britons by a civil war between his partizans and
those of Vortimer.
Meanwhile the Saxons, profiting by the dis
cord of the Britons, daily took firmer possession
of Kent, and the country beyond the Humber.
After a civil war of eight years, the kingdom
was, by mutual agreement, divided between the
contending princes ; the British Kings Vortigern
and Vortimer exercising their authority over the
eastern, and Ambrosius over the western part of
the kingdom ; the highway called Watling-street
being the boundary.
At the conclusion of this sanguinary civil war,
Briton exhibited a deplorable scene of devasta
tion. Whole districts were depopulated by the
sword, tillage neglected, all manufactures and
commerce suspended, except the fabrication of
warlike instruments ; and as a still further aggra
vation of internal misery, the coasts Avere insulted
by the piratical Saxons, and the advantage of
a commercial intercourse Avith foreign nations pre
vented by these desperate adventurers.

79
During this temporary state of public calamity,
the sea-ports of Britain, particularly London and
Bristol, Avere reduced to the verge of ruin. 
The merchants were deprived of their property,
which Avas seized under the name of contri
butions exacted hy the predominant party; and
the cheering influence of trade and plenty, was
succeeded by penury and indolence.
A narrative of the battles and other memo
rable events in the history of Britain, during a
period of one hundred and thirty years, which
terminated in the conquest of the country by
the Saxons, would be amusing ; but the annalists
of those ages, as has already been observed,
were monks, Avhose records principally consist
of an account of the establishment of monasteries,
and the immunities granted to the clergy. —
Hence their annals are almost barren of infor
mation respecting the state of manners, trade
and commerce ; and even the actions of those
princes recorded by them, are merely mentioned
as having a reference to some ecclesiastical
endowment. One hero has, however, engaged their at
tention, Arthur, the illustrious defender of his
country's liberties, is spoken of even by monks
Avith enthusiastic admiration. This British hero

80
made his first campaign under his father, Uter
Pendragon, in 466, when he Avas only fourteen
years of ' age, and "even then distinguished
himself by a heroism Avhich re-animated the
hopes of his countrymen.
In the year 508, Arthur Avas elected Monarch
of Britain, after a series of victories over the
Saxons, which completely repressed their en
croachments. They still, hoAvever, kept possession
of Hampshire and Somersetshire, Avhich Avere
granted by Arthur to Cerdic the Saxon general,
after the battle of Badon Hill. Cerdic was the
founder of the kingdom of Wessex.
During this interval of peace, Arthur rebuilt
seA^eral churches Avhich had been destroyed by
the Saxons, and after a glorious reign, he
Avas mortally Avounded in a battle Avith the
Picts, and was interred in the church-yard of
Glastonbury. After the death ' of Arthur, multitudes of the
Angles, a people who inhabited the country
contiguous to Saxony, emigrated into Britain,
to the aid of the Saxons, who Avith such poAver-
ful auxiliaries, at " length succeeded in the total
conquest of the country. Having obtained com
plete possession of the fertile part of Britain,

and all its celebrated cities, particularly London,
York, and Bristol, the Saxons gradually estab
lished the heptarchy; or seven kingdoms into
Avhich that part of the island noAV known by
the name of England, Avas divided.
The Britons, as a last refuge, retreated across
the Severn into Cambria, Avhere they were secured
from the fury of the invader by inaccessible
morasses and mountains. Wretched indeed Avas
the state of the Britons before they tried this
last resource ; for when the Saxons became mas
ters of the country they were Pagans, and they
persecuted the British Christians Avith unrelenting
cruelty. f -,
* " From the east to the Avest nothing Avas to
be seen but churches burnt and destroyed to
their very foundations. The inhabitants Avere
extirpated by the sword, and buried under the
fuins of their own houses ; and the altars Avere
daily profaned by the blood of Christians who,
during their devotions, Avere slain on them by
their merciless persecutors."*
r Bede, who was himself of Saxon origin, and
consequently not disposed to exaggerate the cru-
» Gildas."
VOL. I. P

6$
elties of his countrymen, imputes the persecution
of the British Christians to the judgment of
Heaven upon their crimes.
" By the hands of the Saxons, a- fire was
lighted up in Britain, that served to put in
execution the just vengeance of God against the
Avicked Britons, as he had formerly burnt Jeru^
salem by the Chaldeans. The island Avas so ra->
vaged by {.he conquerors, or rather by the hand
of God making use of them as instruments, that
there seemed to be a continued flame from sea
to sea,, Avhich burnt up the cities, and covered
the surface of the Avhole isle. Public and pri
vate buildings fell in one common ruin. Th§
priests were murdered on the altars : the bishop
Avith his flock perished by fire and SAVord, Avith
out any distinction, no one daring to giye their
scattered corpses an honorable burial."*
About the close of the sixth century } the An
glo-Saxons in Kent Avere converted to Christi
anity by Augustine, a Benedictine Monk, and
in the course of fifty years afterwards the gospel
was promulgated throughout the heptarchy. At
this period Birinus revived the Christian religion
among the West Saxons, Avhere all recollection

Bedc.

83
of its doctrines had been extinguished by the
persecution of the Saxon Pagans.
The origin of the revival of* Christianity in
Britain, is recorded by Bede, a priest of North
umberland, Avho flourished at the commencement
of the eighth century. His authority Avas indeed
chiefly traditional ; but the Avritten documents
of Pope Gregory authenticate the account given
by our first British historian.
*' According to report, on a certain day Avhen
merchants lately arrived brought a variety of
goods into the market-place at Rome, for to be
sold, and many chapmen came to buy, Gregory
himself came thither, and beheld among other
things, a number of boys exposed to sale. 'Their
bodies Ave re well proportioned, their complexions
fair, their hair beautiful, and their countenances
SAveet and amiable. While Gregory wistfully
beheld these boys, he demanded from Avhat coun
try they were brought ; and was ansAvered by
the merchant that they came out of the isle of
Britain, Avhere the people in general were as Avell
favoured as they. He then enquired Avhether
those islanders were Christians, or ensnared still
Avith the errors of Paganism ; and the reply was,
that they Avere Painims, on Avhich he sighed
deeply, exclaiming, ' Alas what a pity that the

84
father of darkness should be lord of such bright
and beauteous faces, and that they Avho are so
graceful in their persons, should be destitute of
"inward grace.' Continuing his enquiries, he de
sired to know by Avhat name their nation Avas
knoAvn. The merchant made answer that they,
were called Angli ; " and well may they be so
named," replied he, " for angel-like faces they
have, and meet it is that they should be coheirs
with angels in heaven." — " But what is the name
of the king of the province from whence these
youths were brought?" " His name is Aelle,"
replied the merchant. Then Gregory, in allusion
to the name of that prince, said, " that Alle-
lujah should be sung in that province to the
praise of God the Creator."
Inspired with a sacred enthusiasm for the pro
mulgation of Christianity among those Pagans,
Gregory entreated permission of Pope Benedict,,
to go and preach the gospel in Britain. The
Pope readily consented, and the missionary pre
pared for his departure, but Avas persuaded by
the entreaties of the people of Rome to defer
his voyage.
Gregory, hoAvever, still looked forward to the
performance of his plan of conversion, and after
the death of Boniface being chosen successor to

85
that Pontiff, he appointed Augustine, his chief
instrument, in this important work.
Augustine, who Avas by birth a Roman, and
celebrated for his sanctitude, Avas sent into
Britain by Gregory, in the year 596, Avith forty
monks, and several of the inferior clergy, as
assistants. In 597, Augustine converted Ethel-
bert, King of Kent, and the greatest part of his
people, whom on the day of Pentecost he bap
tized in the church of St. Martin, at Canter
bury. The same year he went to Aries in Gaul,
Avhere he was by the command of Gregory or
dained archbishop of the English, by Ethurius,
metropolitan of that city.
On his return to England, Augustine Avas re
ceived by Ethelred, Bertha his Queen, and the
people in general with every demonstration of
joy and respect. Soon after his ordination, he
sent messengers to Gregory, Avith an account of
the government of the church Avhich he had
established among the Saxons, and as a reAvard
for his zeal and success, he Avas in the year
601, honoured by that Pontiff with the *pall,
* The pall is a piece of fine white woollen cloth, about two inches
broad, fastened at the ends, and thrown over the shoulders. To
this are fastened two similar pieces, one of which is placed on
the breast, and the other on the back, each adorned with a red

86
or in other words nominated metropolitan of
Britain. Augustine is extolled by Bede, and other
eminent writers, for his learning and piety;
they also praise the apostle of the English for
his abstinence, prayers, alms, zeal in the pro
mulgation of Christianity, and earnestness in his
endeavours to exterminate Paganism. He is
represented as the first introducer of Monks
into England, praised for his activity in founding
churches, and said to have been, endued with the
poAver of Avo.rking miracles, but accused of pride,
against which he Avas admonished in the fol-
lowing epistle from Pope Gregory himself.
Gregory to Augustine, Bishop, of the English.
" Glory be to God on high, and on earth
peace, good will toAvards men, because a grain
of corn falling dead upon the earth hath brought

cross. The upper part of the pall is also ornamented with several
smaller crosses of the same colour. The pall is first placed upon St.
Peter's tomb by the Pope, and then sent to the respective metro
politans as the badge of their authority. At the delivery of it they
swear fealty to the Pope. The ancient pall, from the Lathi Pallium,
was an entire and magnificent habit, designed to remind the Bishop
that his actions should correspond with the dignity of his appearance.
Pet. de Marca.

87
forth much fruit, that it might not alone reign
in heaven, by Avhose death Ave live, by Avhose
infirmity Ave are strengthened, by whose passion
Ave are delivered from passion, by Avhose love
we sought brethren in Britain Avhom Ave kneAV
hot, and by Avhose courtesy, Avhom not knowing
Ave sought, we have found. Who is able to
relate hoAV great the joy is that is arisen in
the hearts of the faithful, that through the
grace of Almighty God co-operating, and your
brotherhood labouring, the darkness of error
being driven aAvay, the English nation is covered
over with the glorious light of holy faith, that
now, out of a sincere mind and pious devotion,
it tramples on those idols to Avhich before it
blindly crouched, that it prostrates itself before
God Avith a pure heart, that it is restrained
from relapsing into sin by the rules and in
structions of holy preaching, that it submits in
mind to the Divine precepts, but raised in
understanding, humbles itself in prayer on the
ground, lest in affections it should grovel in
the earth ? Who, that he might make it mani
fest to the world that he converts not by
wisdom of men, but by his OAvn virtue and
poAver, the preachers he sent into the Avorld he
made choice of Avithout learning, using the same
method here also, for in the English nation he

88
has wrought mighty things by the hands of
Aveak persons."*
The promulgation of this benign religion gra
dually humanized the manners and purified the
morals of the Anglo-Saxons. It was, zealously*
promoted in Wessex by King Ina, who began
his reign in the year 694. This great prince,
who Avas celebrated as a hero, a legislator, and
a devout Christian, rebuilt Glastonbury Abbey
on a magnificent plan, and augmented the re
venues of that royal establishment, insomuch that
it became one of the most considerable Abbies
in England. His code of laAvs, entitled West-
Saxon-leaga, Avas gftenvards improved and am
plified by Alfred. f
* Gregorian Register, lib. g.
f Among the laws of King Ina, the following are particularly-
curious and illustrative of the manners of the age in which they
were established.
Ina, by the grace of God, King of the West-Saxons, by the ad
vice apd institution of Cenred my father, and Heildes and Erkenwald
my bishops, with all my aldermen and sage ancients of my people,
in a great assembly of the servants of God, have religiously en
deavoured, both for the health of our soul, and the common pre
servation of our kingdom,, that right laws and true judgment be '
founded and established throughout our whole dominions, and that
it shall not be lawful for the time to come, for any alderman, or
other person whatever, to abolish these our constitutions.
• of god's ministers. •
In the first place, we command that the ministers of God keep

89
In the year 727, Ina Avent to Rome, and Avith
the concurrence of Pope Gregory the second,'
and observe the appointed rule of living ; and next, we will, that
amongst all our people these laws and judgments be observed.
OF INFANTS.
A child shall be baptized within thirty days after it is born> if
not, the neglect shall be punished 30s.*
OF WORKING ON SUNDAY.
If a servant do any work on Sunday by command of his master,
he shall be free, and the master shall pay thirty shillings ; but if
he went about the work without command from his master, he shall
be beaten with stripes, or redeem the penalty of whipping with a,
price. A freeman, if he work on this day without command of his
master, shall lose his freedom, or pay sixty shillings : if he be a
priest, his penalty shall be double.
OF THE PRIVILEGE OF A TEMPLE.
If any one guilty of a capital crime shall take refuge in a church,
he shall save his life, and make recompense according to justice and
equity ; if one deserving stripes take sanctuary, he shall have the
stripes forgiven him. OF QUARRELS.
If any one fight within the King's court, he shall forfeit all his
goods and chattels, and it shall be at the will and pleasure of the
King, whether he be not to lose his life also. He that fights in a
cathedral church shall pay 120s.; in the house of an alderman, or
another sage noblemen, 60s. Whosoever shall fight in a villager's
house paying scot, or any yeoman's, shall be punished 30s. and shall
give the villager 6s. And if any one fight in the .open field, he
shall pay 120s. If there happen among guests a quarrel, and some
of them shall patiently take ill language, the rest' shall be punished
30"!. a piece. OF THEFT.
If any one shall steal without the privity of his wife and children,
he shall be punished 60s. But if he steal, his whole family con-
* A Saxon Shilling was of the value of five-pence sterling.

9CT
founded a college for the reception and in
struction of all Britons Avho should come to
senting, they shall be given into servitude. A child of ten years old
shall be accounted accessary in theft.
OF CLAIMING JUSTICE.
If any plaintiff shall require right to be done him by a judge,
and the defendant give no pledge, the judge shall forfeit 30s. and
nevertheless within a seven-night do him true justice.
OF SELF-VINDICATION.
He that on his own private account shall take satisfaction for a
wrong done to him, before he hath demanded public justice, shall
restore what he took away on that account, or give the worth of
the thing, and besides forfeit 30s.
OF RAPINE.
If any shall rob within the confines of our state, he shall restore
what he hath taken* and be punished 60s.
OF MEN-BUYERS.
If any one' shall buy his countryman, either bond or free, or
guilty of a crime, and send him beyond sea, he shall pay the value
of his head, and give over and above sufficient satisfaction.
OF FALSE WITNESS.
If any before a bishop give false witness or pledge, he shall be
amerced 120s. OF ROBBERS TAKEN.
If a robber be taken, he shall lose his life, or redeem it according
to the estimation of his head. We call robbers to the number of
seven men, and from seven to thirty -five a band ; all above an army.
OF A THIEF SLAYER.
He that shall slay a thief, shall make oath he slew him for his
theft only; but nevertheless he shall not be exempted from all pay
ment to his friends. OF A KING'S VILLAIN.
A King's villain's oath is valued at sixty hides of land ; and if
he be a housekeeper, the estimation of his head is twelve hundred
shillings.

91
that city to study divinity. He also built a
church contiguous to 'the college, and appointed
a certain number of priests to officiate in it,
for Avhose maintenance he levied a tax of a
penny on every family in the kingdoms of
Wessex and Sussex. This money was sent an
nually to Rome, under the name of Rome-scot,
afterwards termed Peter-pence,*
After a glorious reign of thirty-nine years, Ina
resigned his crOAvn to Adeland his kinsman,
and retired into a monastery, a kind of self-
denial and devotion held in the highest esti
mation by his cotemporaries.
In the year 800, King Egbert began his reign
over the West Saxons, and after a series of con
flicts and victories, he obtained the sovereignty
OF AN INFANT EXPOSED.
For the breeding up an infant exposed, the first year shall be given
fls.; the second year 12s.; the third year 30s.; and afterwards ac
cording to his worth. OF HIM THAT SHALL BUY A WOMAN.
If any one buy a woman, and performeth not 'the bargain, he shall
gite the money itself, and pay as much more, and nevertheless suffer
such penalties as if he had violated his security.
OF A BOOR THAT POSSESSETH LAND.
A Welchman that holdeth a whole hyde of land shall be valued
at 120s. his head; if he hath but half a hyde, at 80s.; if none
at all, 60s. * William of Malmsbury, 1. 1. c. 1-

92
of the heptarchy, which by his edict issued iii
the year 829, were united under the common
appellation of England.*
. This warlike prince Was scarcely established
in his sovereign pOAver, when England was in-
yaded by. a host of northern pirates* knoAvri
by the general name of Danes, Avho landed at
Charmouth in Dorsetshire, in the year 833.
, Egbert marched against the invaders Avith an
army hastily collected, and attacked them near
the sea-shore, but was defeated and compelled'
to retreat Avith precipitation, being so closely
pursued, that he Avas indebted to the friendly
shades of night for the preservation of his life.
The victors having plundered the country ad-^
jacent to the coast, re-imbarked Avith their
spoils. The Danes, who subsisted chiefly by piracy
and plunder, thus began a contest with the - Eng
lish, which was reiterated for ages, and at length
¦-* It is probable that Egbert only revived or confirmed the name
of England, for we find in Bede's ecclesiastical history, that the thiee
nations settled in Great Britain were called Angli or English. Bede
wrote 150 years before the reign of. King Egbert; and Ina, in hi&
laws enacted for the West Saxons, stiles them Englishmen. " If an
Englishman," says he, " commits theft." » If a Welch slave shall
kill an Englishman," &c. Brampton's Leges In«e. I, 26. lex. 78.

93
terminated in the establishment of a Danish
monarch on the English throne. Those northern
barbarians were Pagans, and their idolatry ren
dered them more sanguinary against the English,
who were Christians. Hence the predatory war
fare of the pirates was attended with wanton
devastations ; whatever they could not carry off,
they destroyed Avith fire, and the coasts most
favourable to their descent, especially those of
Northumberland, were desolated.
An outrage fatal in its consequences to the
tranquillity of England, proved favourable to the
ambitious projects of the Danes. Osbert, King
of Northumberland, on his return from hunting.
stopped at the house of Bruern Brocard, a noble
man who in consequence of his abilities Avas ap
pointed guardian of the coasts against the descents
of the Danes. Bruern was absent, engaged in the,
duties of his important office, and his lady, a
woman of uncommon beauty and accomplishments,
entertained her royal visitor, who, enchanted with
her attractions, under pretence of communicating
a secret of great importance to her husband, led
her to a remote apartment, and solicited her
compliance with his amorous desires. The lady<
rejected the suit of Osbert Avith all the dignity r of
offended virtue, but that brutal prince having
recourse to force, left the victim of his inordi-

94
nate passion in a state of dishonour and afflic
tion. Bruern, on his return home, was made acquainted
Avith this infamous outrage, and incited by revenge,
thenceforward exerted all his influence against the
ravisher. The people, exasperated at the wrongs
of Bruern, revolted, and proclaimed Ella King
of Northumberland. A civil war ensued, which
deprived Osbert of one half of his dominions ;
but the injured honour of Bruern was unappeas
able, and he resolved to apply for foreign redress.
Accordingly he made a voyage to Denmark,
disclosed his wrongs to King Ivar, and intreated
his aid. The ambition of the Danish prince ea
gerly embraced an enterprize Avhich promised sO
much fame and emolument. In the ensuing spring
he entered the Humber with a large fleet, landed
a formidable army, which spread terror through
out England, and in two battles conquered both
Osbert and Ella, and took possession of North
umberland. The victor afterwards penetrated into
the country as far as Nottingham, where Buthred
King of Mercia, and Ethelred King of Wessex,
were ready with their united forces to oppose
him ; but Ivar thought it expedient to retreat-
into his neAvly acquired territories without hazard-'
ing a battle.

95
In their progress through England the idola-*
trous Danes committed terrible ravages, and des
troyed the churches and monasteries wherever
they came. The Abbess of Coldingham, on the
approach of this barbarous enemy, persuaded the
nuns to disfigure themselves, by cutting off their
noses and upper lips, for the preservation of
their chastity ; but the Danish soldiers were so
much exasperated at the appearance of these
victims of virtue, that they set fire to the nun
nery, and destroyed the whole sisterhood in the
flames. Ivar on his return to Northumberland, resolved
on the conquest of the eastern provinces of Eng
land, and embarking a chosen body of troops,
he sailed along the coast, and made a descent
upon East AngUa, which submitted to him, after
a decisive battle. This success inspired Ivar
with ambition to complete the conquest of Eng
land. Accordingly he sailed for the coast of
Wessex with a powerful army, landed his troops,
and advanced as far as Reading, where he was
met by Ethelred, King of Wessex, who, accom
panied by Alfred his brother, had marched to
oppose the invader.
In the course of the campaign, nine pitched
battles were fought Avith various success, victory

96
sometimes declaring for one competitor, and some
times for another, Alfred distinguished himself
for his valour and presence of mind throughout
this arduous and important contest ; and whert his
brother Ethelred received a mortal wound in the
ninth battle, the youthful hero was appointed his
successor. This illustrious prince ascended the
throne of his ancestors in the year 872, when
the enemy had obtained a footing in the very
heart of his kingdom.
During an almost uninterrupted contest of
fourteen years with the Danish settlers in Eng
land, Avho were aided by powerful armies of
their countrymen which invaded the kingdom
at different points, Alfred was at length reduced
to the necessity of disbanding his small army,
and seeking refuge Avherever Providence should
direct his steps. The Isle of Athelney afforded
an asylum to this illustrious fugitive ; and while
numbers of the dispirited English crossed the
Severn to seek shelter in the Avoody and moun
tainous regions of South Wales, several of the
principal nobles, and their brave and patriotic
adherents, concealed themselves in various parts
of Wessex, particularly Selwood Forest.
A cavern discovered about forty years ago on
the south-Avest bank of the Avon, near Bristol,

97
was ' probably one of the hiding places of those
true patriots, who still looked forward to the
moment Avhen they might be instrumental to
the emancipation of their country.
The situation of this subterraneous retreat Avas
favourable to the security of the refugees, for
several reasons. Bristol, rendered almost unin
habitable by the ravages of Danish plunderers,
Avas at this period abandoned by its inhabitants ;
and as the victors had nothing to appre
hend from the maritime armaments of the Eno--
lish, they probably plundered the city, and
afterwards reduced it to ruins.
Hence Bristol became desolate ; the cheerful
sounds of population Avere no longer heard in
the streets, which presented nothing but a general
scene of ruin and dilapidation. The country in
its vicinity Avas in many places overgrown with
Avood, particularly the hills above the cavern ;
and all these circumstances rendered that retreat
at once secluded and secure. At the same time
it Avas an advantageous situation, which enabled
the refugees to hold a communication by water
Avith the inhabitants of South Wales, and those
of the western extremity of the island.
VOL. I. G

9B
From the extent of the cavern it Avas suffici
ently capacious to contain some thousands of
troops ; and the following description from actual
observation, may enable the antiquary to account
for this extraordinary and extensive excavation.
The entrance from the river-side is evidently
of modern masonry, and was probably made when
the cavern was discovered in the year 1768 ; but
the excavations have every appearance of great
antiquity. A passage of a few yards leads to a
kind of apartment from which two branches extend
to a distance that has not yet been fully explored.
The roof of the cavern is in general about five
feet high, composed of solid rock, and supported
by rude square columns rising on each side in
the form of an - arch. The rock is reddish,
similar to that from which the parish of
Redcliff takes its name, and the excavation must
have been made with great labour. It was pro
bably hewn out with hatchets or bills, the traces
of which are visible on the roof and pillars.
Fissures are perceptible in different parts of the
roof; they were probably made for the admission
of air, Avhich in general is sufficiently pure for
the support of animal life. The two branches
extending from the mouth of the cavern appear

.99
aftenvards to unite, and several of the inferior
branches terminate in a kind of recess. A straight
passage, of several yards in length, and suffici
ently broad for tAvo persons to pass, leads to an
irregular area, the roof of Avhich is at least seven
feet high, and the space sufficient to contain
fifty men. On proceeding along the principal
passage, another more capacious apartment, but
with a lower roof, presents itself, and several
still lower apertures or excavations, leading to
different parts of the cavern, at once tend to
beAvilder the visitor, and amuse his imagination,
by their singular appearance. They are so .deeply
involved in darkness, that it Avould require seve
ral lights to illumine the place. The floor in
general is irregular, and in some places damp,
so that the cavern at best must have been a
most uncomfortable habitation ; a place of refuge
which nothing but the hope of preserving life,
and regaining of liberty, could have rendered
tolerable even to the most resolute individual.
How the refugees of this subterraneous habita
tion were supplied with food, is now unknown.
Probably alternate parties issued from their hiding
place, and collected flocks and herds for subsist
ence ; a small supply of fish might also have been
obtained. It is not improbable that King Alfred
himself occasionally sought refuge in this retreat ;

100
for it ' is recorded " that he was constreyned for
a time to kepe himself close within the fennes
and marrisse groundes of Somersetshire with such
small companies as he had aboute him."*
After having experienced a variety of remark
able Aucissitudes, which shall be related in his
biography, King Alfred Avas eventually victo
rious over the. enemies of his country. In the
year 887, he equipped a fleet, rebuilt the dis
mantled castles on the sea-shore, and built several
neAv fortresses, among which was the castle of
Bristol. The remains of a chapel yet to be seen in a
house and warehouse in ToAver-street, Bristol, are
probably of Saxon origin. The Ioav roof arched
with stone, and the rude pilasters, were doubtless
erected before the invasion of the Norman con
queror ; and Ave may venture with the eye of
retrospection to vieAV the great and pious Alfred
himself assisting at the consecration of this chapel.
Alfred was croAvned in the year 871, and in
887 he began to fortify several towns for the
security of the inhabitants, and the protection of
commerce, which under his benignant auspices,
* Hollinshead, p. 214.

101
began, to flourish in England. Among the sea
ports Bristol was conspicuous. Indeed its situ
ation, as a frontier town on the banks of a
navigable . river, gave it a decided superiority
over every other sea-port in Wessex, a province
in Avhich Alfred experienced his most remarkable
vicissitudes, and to Avhich he Avas naturally attached
as his hereditary dominion. Bristol, therefore,
Avas not neglected by a sovereign, avIio afforded
every encouragement to incite the enterprize of
the mariner and the merchant ; and Avere we in
possession of records respecting the eventful and
important epoch in Avhich a hero and philosopher
dispensed the choicest blessings of civilization to
his countrymen, we should be enabled to authen
ticate the fact, that Bristol was then a prospe
rous commercial city, inferior only to London
itself in foreign and domestic traffick.
That he first built the castle of Bristol for
the protection of this sea-port against a foreign
enemy, can no longer be doubted, if Ave recur
to the improvements made during his reign ; nay,
it is probable that he enlarged and adorned the
city itself, at the same period of time that he
built other towns. It must doubtless be a refined
gratification to the present inhabitants of this
ancient city, to knoAV that a fortress Avas built
for the protection of their ancestors, by a prince

102
renoAvned for etery civic Stnd every social virtue*;
and that Bristol, which has been so often honored
Avith the presence of kings, and other illustrious
personages, derives an additional claim to anti
quity and splendour, from its having been favoured
Avith the munificence, and protected by the genius
of the immortal Alfred,
Blest, Alfred, be thy honour'd name !
A people's voice of praise is sweet,
And sweet the songs his ear that greet,
The prince whose bosom glows with freedom's name.
See Britain rising from her seat,
Proud of her rights and equal laws,
Ardent in freedom's sacred cause,
She form'd thee wise, and has proclaiin'd thee great'.
When the valour and wisdom of Alfred re
established the peace and liberty of his country
men, he introduced improvements in several arts
and manufactures, particularly ship-building, agri
culture, architecture, and the fabrication of linen
and woollen cloths. Under his patronage the
useful arts flourished; the Anglo-Saxons became
skilful in the manufacture of flax and wool, which
they dyed of various colours. The perfection to
which they brought the arts of spinning, dying,
and weaving, will receive some illustration from
the following simile of a Saxon author.* " It
* Aldhelm Bishop of Sherborn.

103
is not the web of one uniform colour and tex^
ture, without any variety of figures, that pleases
the eye, and appears beautiful ; but one that is
woven by shuttles, filled with threads of purple
and various other colours, flying from side to
side, and forming a variety of figures and images,
in different compartments with admirable art."
The traces and remains of mines and potteries
yet discoverable in several places in the vicinity
of Berkeley, Sodbury, Bath, and Bristol, afford
proofs that considerable manufactures of iron, and
earthen-ware, exercised the industry and ingenuity
of the Anglo-Saxons, and contributed essentially
to the commercial prosperity of Caer Bristou,
recorded by two of our historians to have been
a flourishing sea-port at this auspicious era.*
Bristol certainly was a place of considerable
importance during the reign of Alfred, and his
successor ; for we are informed by an antiquarian,
" that about the year 900, Aylward, a valiant
Saxon nobleman, related to Edward the elder,
was lord of Brightstowe, and founder of the mo
nastery of Cranbourne."t
Having thus from a variety of documents au
thenticated the fact that Alfred was an active
* Gildas and Ninnius. t Leland.

104
patron of Bristol, and that the city rapidly increased
in commerce, opulence, and population, under his
protection, a biographical sketch of his eventful
life will probably afford new gratification to the
present descendants of those citizens, who, glad
dened by his presence, and encouraged by his
example, cultivated those useful and elegant arts
Avhich adorn human nature.
THE LIFE OF ALFRED, KING OF ENGLAND.
" Wouldst thou gain thy Country's loud applause,
'* Be thou the bold assertor of her cause ;
" Her voice in council, in the fight her sword.
" In peace, in war, pursue thy Country's good,
f* For her bare thy bold breast, and pour thy generous blood."
CHOICE OF HERCULES.
Alfred, the fourth son of Ethelwulph,* king
of Wessex, was born at Wantage, t in Berkshire,
A. D. 848. His father was a prince remarkable
for piety, and his veneration for the Pope induced
him to send Alfred to Rome, in the fifth year
of his age, to receive the pontifical benedic
tion. * Ethelwulph, soon after he ascended the throne, married the
beautiful Osburga, his butler's daughter, a queen who had the hap
piness to be the mother of Alfred the Great  Hollinshead.
t Wanating, or Wantage, was then a royal manor.

105
, Pope. Leo IV. not only received the young
prince with cordiality, and a prompt compliance
with his father's request, but also conferred on
him the royal unction, from an anticipation that
he should be exalted to regal dignity.* On his
return to England he resided at Wantage, which
was then a royal villa, where Ethelwulph held
his court.
Few particulars, respecting the juvenile amuse
ments or pursuits of Alfred, have reached pos
terity. The public records were then entirely
entrusted to the monks, who were the only
historians of those ages, which have been justly
and emphatically termed dark ; whatever had a
tendency to establish the clerical authority over
an ignorant and uncivilized laity, was recorded
Avith care ; but the more interesting facts relative
to characters, manners, arts, and sciences, were
thought unworthy of notice, by those supersti
tious and illiterate annalists.
When Alfred was tAvelve years of age, he acci
dentally turned his attention to literature. One
day, in the presence of his mother, Osburga, he
happened to open a little book belonging to the
queen, and being much delighted with its orna-
* Asseriuj.

106
nients, which consisted of capital letters in gold,
and a variety of brilliant colours, he expressed
an earnest wish to become the possessor. At
this time he was ignorant of letters ; and his
mother, who was capable of giving him instruc
tion, promised to give him the book, on condition
that he should commit the contents to memory.
Alfred undertook the task Avith such assiduity
and success, that he soon read, and repeated
the task to his mother ; and from this incident
his love of learning increased, insomuch that he
became one of the most accomplished scholars
of the age*
His principal attention in his youth seems to
have been devoted alternately to literature and
those martial exercises which were indispensable
in an age, when valour was considered the prin
cipal virtue. Nor does it appear that the cul
tivation of his intellect diminished his natural
intrepidity, which a series of wonderful vicissi
tudes afterwards proved to be equal to that of
the most renowned heroes of Greece or Rome.
Alfred was endowed with a combination of ex
traordinary talents, which were afterwards matured
by adversity, and experience ; and a candid in-r
vestigation of his character will prove, that he
was, in the extremes of adversity and prosperity,

107
one of the most remarkable men, that ever
existed. . >¦
It is a singular fact, that his three bre
thren who SAvayed the sceptre of Wessex in suc
cession, died in the course of sixteen years.
Ethelred, indeed, fell in the field of battle, covered
Avith glory ; and Alfred, his successor, was crowned
in the twenty- third year of his age.
The accession of Alfred to the throne of his
ancestors, was considered by his subjects as an
auspicious circumstance. They had already, on
many important Occasions, been witnesses to his
valour and prudence. When he came to the
croAvn, the Danes had penetrated into the very
centre of the kingdom, and were in possession of
several of the sea-ports, particularly Exeter and
Bristol. Those terrible and barbarous marauders,
Avho lived entirely by piracy and plunder, spread
devastation wherever they came ; and Alfred, in
less than a month after his coronation, was obliged
to march against them, at the head of an army
hastily embodied.
The Danes, who had advanced as far as Wilton,
were attacked by the West-Saxons, who, not
withstanding the courage and skill of their leader,

108
Avere, after, a: desperate: conflict; compelled to
retreat before the victorious invaders. Undismayed
by this defeat, Alfred again led his men against
the Danes, who, astonished at his intrepidity, .and
ignorant of his resources, sued for peace. They
offered to march out of his dominions, on con
dition . that he would not pursue them to any
other part of England. He complied with the
terms ; and without delay, increased his military
force, for the protection of the state against future
invasion. This precaution Avas indispensable, for the Danes;
who were Pagans, disregarded the performance of
their engagements, and were equally perfidious,
treacherous, and cruel. They ravaged the other
provinces of England, haying made themselves
masters ; of .JVtercia, East Anglia, and Northumber
land ; and. Hubba, their general, a man of inor
dinate ambition, again prepared to attempt the
conquest of Wessex, .which then contained the
other, four kingdoms that formerly composed the
Heptarchy. But the. known valour of Alfred and
his subjects, induced Hubba to defer his project.
His people noAV began to cultivate the lands of which
they had taken possession, and the inhabitants
of Wessex enjoyed a temporary tranquillity under
the gOArernment of their • benignant sovereign.

109
Halfden, another Danish adventurer, however
landed in East Anglia, in the year 875, and ad
vancing into Wessex, took Warham Castle, in
Dorsetshire, by surprize. Alfred, Avho, in conse
quence of his treaty with Hubba, thought himself
secure from the depredations of the Danes, was
not sufficiently prepared for the repulsion of this
new invader, and endeavoured to avert the
miseries of Avar from his people by a treaty with
Halfden, who ratified his agreement by an oath,
that he would never again set foot in Wessex.*
But this perfidious 'warrior, regardless of his
oath, on his march toAvards Mercia attacked a
body of English cavalry, slew the men, and
mounting part of his OAvn troops on the horses,
marched to Exeter, which he immediately besieged*
When the news of this transaction reached
Alfred, he convened a general assembly of his
nobles, and exhorted them to unanimity and
resolution, in defence of their country, against
Pagans, who were regardless of all laAvs, human
and divine.
" Let us, my countrymen," said the magna
nimous prince, " sacrifice every private consi-
* The most solemn manner of swearing among the Danes, and
other northern nations, was by their arms.

110
deration to the public Aveal. This is the trying
moment, in which Ave must be, decisive, if we
hope to preserve our country from spoliation,
our Avomen from dishonour, ourselves from ig
nominy, and our posterity from vassalage to
Pagan barbarians. There is no reliance to be
placed on the oaths or contracts of those laAvless
banditti ; for if Ave enter into an amicable treaty
with the present invader, another host of des
peradoes, unacquainted Avith the promised amity
of their countrymen, Avill pour in upon- us
from the northern regions, and commence a
neAV career of devastation. It remains for us
then, my friends, to rouze our native valour.
Animated in the cause of our homes, our altars^
and all that can render life honourable or dear,
let us repel in the field those ferocious savages,
Avho delight in destruction. Though unequal in
number, Ave are superior in courage, and Heaven
will doubtless prosper our efforts, in defence of
the liberties of our country."
This exhortation excited a generous sentiment
of patriotism : an army was levied by the nobles,
and Alfred led them against the Danes. He
engaged the enemy seven times in one campaign,
without being able to give them a compleat
overthroAV. Consequently he Avas once more
necessitated to enter into another treaty Avith

Ill
Halfden, who agreed to quit the territories of
Alfred, and return no more.
But although this army of Danes, from a con
viction of the military proAvess of Alfred, thought
it expedient to perform their engagement, another
host, under the command of Rollo, poured in
upon the coast of Wessex. Fortunately Alfred
was yet in the field, and he immediately marched
to repel this ne# enemy. He Avas successful, and
Rollo, disconcerted at this sudden repulse, reim-
barked his troops, and made a descent on the
Continent, Avhere he aftenvards became so famous
as a conqueror, that he Avas styled the scourge
of France.
The reiterated invasions of the Danes, which
kept England in continual alarm, induced Alfred
to devise means for their effectual repulsion.
His inventive genius, in an auspicious moment
for the liberty of England, suggested the equip
ment of a fleet, by which he should be enabled
effectually to resist the enemy on an element,
where they had hitherto roved with unlimited
poAver.. He soon realized his project, by invent
ing a galley Avrought with oars, and of such a
size and construction, as rendered* it an over
match for any Danish vessel. The ships of the
Danes were merely transports, fit only for the

112
conveyance of troops, stores, or merchandise ; but;
the gailies of Alfred, -of" which he soon equipped
one hundred, were strong, and built purposely
for Avar. Thus Alfred first taught Britons to repel
the invader from their shores, and by a mode
of Avarfare for which their insular situation was
peculiarly favourable, they eventually prevailed,
insomuch that at this moment their descendants
are in possession of the empire of the ocean.
This first English fleet Avas sent on a cruise,
and falling in with six Danish vessels, captured
the largest of them, filled Avith soldiers, Avho
were immediately thrown overboard, — ran historic
fact, which affords a striking proof of the ferocity
of warfare in those ages, and the hatred which
our ancestors harboured against those invaders
of their country.
Soon aftenvards, one hundred and twenty sail
of Danish transports, on approaching the Avest-
ern coast of England to land their troops, were
attacked by King Alfred's galleys with such
resolution and effect, that the greater part of
them' were sunk, and the rest dispersed. This
important naval victory was obtained by the Eng
lish, in the year 876, and the next year another
Danish fleet was Avrecked on the coast of Wessex.

113
Encouraged by those favourable circumstances,
Alfred inarched to besiege Exeter, which Avas
then a fortified town, occupied by a Danish gar
rison. The Danes Avere compelled to capitulate,
to give the conqueror, hostages, and entirely
evacuate Wessex.
But the Danes were still in possession of three
of the ancient kingdoms of the heptarchy ; and
invited by the fertility of Wessex, they entered
into a secret combination to invade that king-
dom, "which had hitherto successfully resisted
their attacks. Having concentrated all their
forces, they marched toAva'rds Wessex, before
Alfred could possibly put himself in. a posture
of defence. They penetrated into the kingdom,
besieged Chippenham, a strong town which they
soon stormed, and putting all the inhabitants to
the SAVord, proceeded in their victorious career
Avithout further opposition.
At this calamitous juncture, the Wext Saxons
seemed bereft of their natural courage, and fled
before the terrible invader. Numbers of them
crossed the Severn, and sought an asylum in
Wales ; others betook- themselves to their gallies,
and put to sea ; -while the remainder submitted
to the dominion of their conquerors. '
Vol. i. h

n4
All the sea-ports in the kingdom were now
occupied by the Danes, and among others Bristol,
Avhich had been voluntarily abandoned by as
many of the inhabitants as could put to sea, or
seek refuge in Cambria : consequently, Avhatever
property remained became the prize of the vic
torious barbarians, Avho Avith heathenish malig
nity, destroyed all places consecrated to religion,
Avhich had been erected in the city.
During this scene of public distress, Alfred
was forsaken by all his terrified adherents, except
a few of his OAvn household servants, who, from
motives of duty and affection, continued their
attendance. But their sovereign, after giving
them advice suitable to their circumstances, dis
missed them, and alone sought a place of security
from the enemy.
While he wandered along the bank of the
Thone, he came to the confluence of that river
with the Parret, where a small river island en
gaged his attention. The spot was remote from
all appearance of human habitations, but he
observed that a narroAV foot-path led through a
morass to the isle, Avhich appeared overgroAvn
with alders, thorns, and briers. The king pro
ceeded cautiously along the quaking path, and
on entering the isle, discovered a cottage, inha-

115
bited by a neatherd and his Avife. Here con
cealed alike from friends and enemies, the royal
guest met a hospitable reception, and Avas occa
sionally employed by his hostess about her
household affairs. Of this fact there is an anec
dote on record.
ie Having one day placed a cake upon the
coals, with directions to the king to turn it,
while she was busied Avith something else, Alfred,
whose mind was probably engaged in some pro
ject for the emancipation of his countrymen,
neglected his charge. The cake was burnt, and
his hostess chid him severely, telling him that
" though he would not take the trouble to turn
the cake, he could eat it. fast enough."*
While Alfred thus continued in a state of
seclusion from the Avorld, an unexpected event
revived the hopes of the West Saxons. Hubba,
the Danish general, invaded Wales, Avhich he
devastated Avith fire and SAVord. He aftenvards
sailed along the coast of Devonshire, where he
landed, and continued his desolating progress.
The Earl of Devon, with a troop of brave fol
lowers, retired into KinAvith Castle, to avoid the
fury of the Danes ; it Avas immediately besieged,
* Asserius.

116
and the garrison came to the desperate resolution
of opening a passage with their swords through
the ranks of the enemy. Their leader, whose
eloquence had persuaded them to make this noble
effort, sallied forth SAVord in hand., and, supported
by his gallant followers, attacked the Danes with
such impetuosity, that he threAV them into dis
order. The West Saxons, animated by this
success, continued to press the enemy, without
giving them time to recover from their surprize,
and defeated them Avith great slaughter. Hubba
Avas slain, and , the famous Danish standard, the
Reafen, or raven, fell into the hands of the
victors. The news of this event Avas communicated to
Alfred by the neatherd. The king immediately
discovered himself to the hospitable peasant, and
sent him Avith a message to the nobility who
yet remained in the kingdom, requiring their
attendance. Hastening to his retreat, a number
of his faithful nobles came to receive the com
mands of their sovereign : he gave them instruc-
tions to collect small bodies of troops, in different
parts of the kingdom; stationed so that they
might co-operate in any emergency.
But Alfred and his adherents Avere unacquainted
Avith the force and position of the enemy ; it

11?
Avas therefore expedient that a spy should be
sent to obtain the requisite information.. The
king resolved to engage in this dangerous public
service himself; and in the habit of a minstrel,
with a harp in his hand, he boldly entered the
Danish camp. His disguise and skill as a
musician deceived the enemy, avIio, though fe
rocious as tygers, Avere vincible by harmony. —
Having continued some days in the enemy's
camp, and made the necessary observations, he
returned to a feAV of his nobles, avIio remained
at the river-isle, which Avas afterwards called
iEthelingley,* or the isle of nobles, as a memorial
of the interesting fact, that it was once the
court of Alfred the Great.
Alfred appointed Selwood Forest as the ren
dezvous of his army ; and in a few days, so great
Avas the joy of his subjects when informed that
their king Avas alive, and their indignation against
those enemies who had reduced him to; adversity,
that he found himself at the head of a poAver-
ful body of forces, Avith which he immediately
marched to attack the Danes.
Surprized at this . unexpected opposition, the
Danes Avere thrown into evident confusion on
* Distant from Taunton, in Somersetshire, about five miles. —
Hollinshead's Brit. Hist. p. 217.

118
¦
the approach of Alfred, who, in a short and
animated address to his countrymen, called forth
all their martial enthusiasm. He then gave the
signal of battle, and attacked the Danish van
Avith irresistible valour. The conflict Avas long
and sanguinary, but it ended in the total dis
comfiture of the Danes, who were entirely des
troyed, except a small number that retreated into
an adjacent castle.
These fugitives Avere immediately besieged by
the victorious English, Avho, animated by the
example and presence of their king, soon com
pelled the Danes to capitulate. According to
the terms granted by Alfred, he agreed to give
possession of East Anglia to those Danes who
Avere Avilling to become Christians ; but required
that the rest should immediately quit the island,
never to return to England. Hostages Avere also
required for the performance of this agreement.
Guthrum, governor of East Anglia, Avho after
the death of Hubba commanded the Danish
army, agreed to these conditions ; and having
shipped off all those Danes who refused to be
baptized, he surrendered himself, Avith thirty of
his chief officers, to Alfred. The king Avas his
sponsor at the font, and gave him the name of
Athelstan.*
* Hollinshead's Brit. Hist. p. 214.

119
Alfred treated the vanquished Danes Avith great
humanity, and honourably performed his engage
ment with them ; in consequence of .which, all
their countrymen who had settled in the three
kingdoms of the Angles, submitted to his autho
rity, and SAVore allegiance to him as their soAre-
rergn. Hence, by a single but decisive victory,
Alfred not only conquered the Danes, but Avas
re-established in his kingdom, Avith an accession
of poAver, from the submission of his neighbours.
But the Danes Avere insincere, and embraced
Christianity more from necessity than principle :
they considered their oath of allegiance to Alfred
merely as the exaction of a conqueror, and as
such, no longer binding than suited their OAvn
convenience. With these sentiments, they were
ready to revolt Avhenever a favourable oppor
tunity should occur ; and Avhen Hastings, a Dan
ish pirate, landed in Kent, he Avas joined by a
great number of his countrymen, and marched
to besiege Rochester. But the vigilance of Alfred
baffled those desperadoes ; he advanced with his
army, by forced marches, to oppose them, and
compelled them to abandon their plunder, and
retreat with precipitation to their ships.
When Alfred was completely re-established ori
the throne, he turned his attention to the pro-

120 "
teCtion of his subjects from the future invasions
of those Danish rovers, who, by dividing their
piratical fleet into small squadrons, had long
infested the coasts of England; and rendered them
uninhabitable. For this purpose he built a fleet;
manned it Avith the utmost expedition, and en
trusted the command of it to an admiral of
invincible courage, Avith instructions to take or
destroy all Danish vessels, without distinction.
The English fleet sailed on a cruise off the
coast, and the admiral having obsen^ed sixteen
of the enemy's ships at anchor in the port of
Harwich, he attacked, and captured or sunk the
Avhole. His vigilance and resolution soon cleared
the seas of the Danish pirates, Avho no longer
ventured to approach a coast Avhere destruction
awaited them, and the kingdom Avas soon restored
to a state of tranquillity,
But the subjugation of the Danes Avas consi
dered by Alfred incomplete, Avhile they remained
in possession of London ; Avhich, situated on a
navigable river, Avas favourable to a communi
cation with Denmark, and consequently exposed
England to the danger of future invasion. He
therefore besieged that city Avith such vigour,
that the Danes were soon compelled to come to
a capitulation. "

121
Alfred being now master of London, Avhich Avas
the most populous city in the kingdom, he made
it the royal residence, and convened the assem
bly of the states there, Avhich Avas held twice
every year, for the establishment ¦ of the laws.
By this public measure, he aAved the Danish
residents, who, admitted to a participation of
rights Avith his other subjects, acknowledged that
so\Tereignty against Avhich they Avere no longer
able to rebel.
In the year 887, an universal tranquillity pre
vailed throughout England ; and for the future
protection of the sea-coast, Alfred built several
castles and forts, insomuch that there Avas not
an inlet accessible to an enemy Avhich was left
unfortified. Prior to this important epoch, which is the most
remarkable recorded in English history, Bristol,
in common with several sea-ports, had been
reduced to a ruinous state, having been aban
doned by the principal part of its inhabitants,
Avhen the edifices consecrated to the worship of
the Deity were destroyed by the malignity of
the heathenish Danes. It Avas noAV rebuilt by
Alfred, Avho undoubtedly Avas the founder.; of its
Castle, as has already been mentioned.*
* Page 100.

Thus protected by the Avisdom and valour of
their sovereign, the English \*entured to repeople
those toAvns and districts adjacent to the sea-
coast, which had for some years been abandoned.
All the benefits of peace, plenty, and pros
perity, gradually arose like a neAV creation
out of the chaos of a disorganized state, which
Avas noAV restored to order by the active bene
ficence of a prince, who might indeed be de
nominated the vicegerent of the Deity, ap
pointed to protect, instruct, and humanize his
countrymen. Alfred Avas acknoAvledged by the different pro
vinces as King of England ; the Welch became
his tributaries, and the King of Scotland paid
him homage. Even the Danes who remained
in England were so struck with admiration of
his clemency and justice, that they cheerfully
submitted to his authority. This sudden exalt
ation, however, was uninjurious to a sovereign,
Avho evinced his magnanimity in the extremes
of adA'ersity and prosperity. He was ever the
same dignified hero and humble Christian.
In private life he was amiable and unassum
ing, according to the most authentic records.
His consort, Ethelswitha, was the daughter of

123

Ethelred, Earl of Mercia, and their progeny
were tAvo sons and three daughters.*

'D*

But it is in the public character of Alfred
that Ave are to contemplate the preeminence of
that master-mind, Avhich has since commanded
the gratitude and veneration of posterity. Eng
land, during the incursions of the Danes, had
been reduced to a state of laAvless degradation.
Every religious and moral tie was dissolved in
the general confusion and carnage. Man plun
dered or assassinated his fellow-creature without
compassion or restraint, for the subversion of
gOA^ernment and the suspension of law, permitted
the uncontrolled depredations of banditti. Con
sequently, on the restoration of Alfred, he found
himself at the head of an ignorant and intractable
people, whose respect for their sovereign Avas
principally excited by their conviction of his
superiority in military prowess and skill.
Thus circumstanced, the comprehensive mind
of this great legislator looked fonvard, through
the vista of anticipation, to happier times, Avhen
ignorance and ferocity Avould give place to in
tellectual refinement, and the humanizing arts of
civilization. With the ardour of intuitive genius,
* Hollinshead's British History, p. 216*.

124
he beheld the gradual progress of posterity,
through all the gradations of improvement and
exaltation, to the proud zenith of national
glory. With his OAvn hand he formed the basis
of that superstructure, which has since been the
envy of surrounding nations ; and hence, Alfred
the Great may, under the guidance of Divine
Providence, be considered as the tutelary genius
of British liberty, virtue, and happiness.
For the reorganization of the state, Alfred
devised equitable laws, tending at once to protect
the Aveak, and repress the violent. He restrained
the self-love of man from the perpetration of
injustice, by the inculcation of moral principles ;
and directed the natural propensity of the human
heart to self-gratification, to its proper object, by
the immunities and honours conferred on merit.
He digested a code founded on the decalogue,
and several of the judicial laws Of the Old Tes
tament ; united Arith many of- those of his pre
decessor, Ina; Offa, King of Mercia ; amLEthel-
bert; King of Kent.*
For the investigation and establishment of this
code, he summoned a convocation, consisting of
* Spelman.

125
a secret council of a select number of individu
als, who were in the confidence of their sove
reign ; a second council, composed of bishops,
earls, judges, and some, of the principal thanes
or barons ; and a third council, called the Wit-
tena-gemot, or assembly of the nation, to which
rank and office entitled .the individual to admis
sion independent of the sovereign. This first
English parliament assisted the king Avith their
advice and concurrence, and facilitated the equal
distribution of justice.
For the better protection of his subjects from
outrage or injustice, Alfred ordained, that in all
criminal actions, twelve men, chosen with the
approbation of the person accused, should deter
mine the matter according to evidence ; and that
the judge should pronounce sentence, agreeably
to their decision. Numerous banditti and vaga7
bond depredators still infested seA^eral parts of
the kingdom, for the suppression of Avhom, and the
restoration of order and justice, the king divided
England into counties, hundreds, and ty things.
Every householder was responsible for the conduct
of his wife, his children under fifteen years of
age, and his domestic servants. The tything
was accountable for the householders, the hun
dred for the tythings, and the county for the
hundreds. Hence the body politic Avas like a

126
regulated machine, under the controul of the
mechanist; while the protection so impartially
afforded to every individual, operated as an ex
citement to industry.
Internal peace and subordination being thus
established, the sovereign embodied the militia;
each county furnishing its quota proportionate to.
the population. These troops, commanded by
the earls or governors of the counties, were al-
Avays in readiness to march to any point, for the
defence of the state ; while the fleet, augmented
and divided into small squadrons, cruised round
the island to prevent invasion.
Having thus provided for the security of his
people, Alfred turned their attention to the bene
fits arising from manufactures and commerce. For
this purpose he built several ships, which he let
to merchants, who, availing themselves of the
royal patronage, and the advantages of their insu
lar situation, soon realized Avealth, by a commercial
intercourse with other nations. Artificers and
manufacturers were invited from the Continent,
by the encouragement so liberally held out to
them by the English sovereign ; a spirit of nati
onal enterprize was rouzed, especially in the sea
ports, the choicest produce of distant climes
was imported, and English merchandise exported

127
In exchange.* Thus realizing the benefits of com
mercial union, so beautifully described by the
poet.
" Heav'n speed the canvas gallantly unfurl'd,
" To furnish and accommodate a world ;
*' To give the pole the produce of the sun,
" And knit th' unsocial climates into one 
" Soft airs and gentle heavings of the ¦ wave
" Impel the fleet, whose errand is to save,
** To succour wasted regions, and replace
" The smile of Opulence in Sorrow's face —
" Let nothing adverse, nothing unforeseen,
" Impede the bark, that plows the deep serene,
*' Charg'd with a freight transcending in its worth,
" The gems of India, Nature's rarest birth,
" That flies like Gabriel on his Lord's commands,
" A herald of God's love to Pagan lands."
How different is the prospect presented by Eng
land in the course of a feAV years ! Instead of the
smoking ruins of sea-ports, plundered and des
troyed by pirates, Avhile the interior exhibited
scenes of carnage, misery, and despoliation, Ave
behold our ancestors, under the protecting genius
of Alfred, cultivating the useful and ornamental
* We are told by Malmsbury, that King Alfred sent a present to
the Indies in honour of St. Thomas. Sigelin, bishop of Sherbora,
was employed to deliver it, and that prelate returned with precious
stones, perfumes, and other oriental commodities, which were then
great rarities in England. It is thought that those valuable gems
adorned the crown which he wore on solemn occasions.

128
arts of peace, defended by an army and navy,
and adventuring, Avith all the animation of enter-
prize, to distant regions of the globe. Hence
the origin of the opulence, refinement, and ele
gance of London, Bristol, and other maritime
toAvns, in Avhich the inhabitants enjoy all the
privileges and gratifications that can render life
desirable and happy.
When Alfred had contributed to the political
and commercial prosperity of his people, he in
troduced those elegant arts, Avhich so essentially
promote the rational pleasures of man. An ar
dent votary of literature, himself, he patronised
the arts and sciences with unbounded liberality ;
and having invited over learned men from foreign
countries, he stationed them in the several dio--
ceses for the instruction of the people. In the
year 886 he founded three schools or colleges at
Oxford,* and expended a part of his revenue in
the education of several young noblemen, avIio
Avere instructed in every branch of knowledge that
* Alfred was the founder of three colleges at Oxford, and their
situation is very exactly described by that learned antiquary, Camden.
" The first,", says he, " at the end of High-street, for Grammarians,
was called Little-University-Hall ; the second, in School-street, for
Philosophy, was stiled Less-University-Hall ; and the third, in High-
street, more to the west than the first, for Divinity, was named Great-
University-Hall, now University-College."— Camden's Britannia,

129
might qualify them for employments of trust and
honour in the state. , Some of those noble pupils
were educated at court, under the immediate eye
of the sovereign, and others at Oxford.
The piety of Alfred Avas as sincere as, his love
of learning, and he built three abbies for the
accommodation of the recluse and devout. The
first of these Avas founded in the Isle of Athel-
ney, as a memorial of his pious gratitude. " This
isle had formerly a bridge between two towers,
Avhich were built by King Alfred ; also a Arery
large grove of alders, full of goats and deer ; but
the firm ground not aboA^e two acres. Upon
this he built a monastery,* the whole structure
* A small curious amulet of enamel and gold, richly ornamented,
was found in lo93, in Newton Park, at some distance northward from
the Abbey. On one side of it is a rude figure of a person sitting
crowned, and holding in each hand a sceptre surmounted by a lilly,
which Dr. Hickes and other antiquaries have imagined to be designed
for St. Cuthbert. The other side is filled by a large flower, and
round the edge is the following legend : " Aelfred mec heit
gevvkcan ;" that is, Alfred ordered me to be made. This piece of
antiquity is now in the Museum at Oxford, accompanied with the
accounts of Doctors Hickes and Musgrave, and the following memo
randum :—" Nov. 16, 1718, Tho. Palmer, Esq. of Fairfield, in So
mersetshire, put this ancient picture of St. Cuthbert, made by order
of King Alfred, into my hands, to be conveyed to the Bodleian
Library in Oxford, where his father Nat. Palmer, Esq. lately dead,
desired it might be placed and preserved. Geo. Clark."
Collinson's History of Somersetshire. Vol. I. p. 87.
Vol. 1. 1

130
whereof is supported by four posts fastened in
the ground, with four arched chancels around it."*
Alfred also built Winchester Abbey, then called
the new minster, and the nunnery at Shaftes
bury, of which his own daughter, the Princess
Elgiva, was the first abbess.
Among other improvements in the arts of civi
lization, Alfred improved the English cities and
" Dr. Hickes, in his Thesaurus, has engraved a famous jewel of this
King. It was found in the Isle of Athelney, where King Alfred, iu
his distresses, concealed himself so successfully, and afterwards in gra*
titude for that signal deliverance, erected a monastery. It is not
certainly known to what use this valuable curiosity, which, it seems is
of exquisite workmanship, far superior to what might be expected
from the rude state of arts in those times, might be put ; but amongst
other conjectures, Mr. Wise imagines, and very probably, it might
have been the handle of a stylus.

" Dr. Musgrave once thought it might have been an amulet ; but
Alfred never ran, that we know of, into such vanities. Dr. Hickes
thought it might be the head of our Saviour, or of the Pope that
consecrated this King in his youth. He imagined afterwards, the
King might wear it on his breast as a constant memorial of St. Cuth
bert, whose head he supposes to be represented on it. — Mr. Wise
objects to its being either the head of Christ, or St. Cuthbert, on
account of the military habit and the helmet ; and proposes it to
consideration, whether it may not be the head of Alfred himself—
The weight of this jewel is about one ounce five-eighths."
Archaeologia, Vol. II. p. 72, &c.
* Malmsbury.

131
towns, by the introduction of ornamental archi
tecture. The art of brick-making Avas first known
in England during his reign ; and he not only
built his palaces, but also several churches, castles,
and other edifices, of brick or stone. The supe
rior elegance and durability of those buildings,
induced the nobles to imitate their sovereign ;
but the common people, either from inability,
or want of refinement, continued to build their
houses of Avood, or hurdles and clay. Various
improvements in furniture, household utensils, and
instruments of husbandry, were also gradually in
troduced ; and the seat, with three legs,* on which
this amiable prince might have sat in the early
part of his reign, was displaced for the chair of
state, and the superb canopy.
In private life, this great prince was equally
exemplary, amiable, and beneficent. During his
seclusion in Athelney, he vowed to devote the
third part of his time to the service of his Cre
ator, as soon as he should be restored to his
original dignity ; and he performed this votive en
gagement with scrupulous punctuality.
He divided the day into three parts, allotting
eight hours to devotion, eight to public business,
* " On such a stool immortal Alfred sat,
•• And swayed the sceptre of his infant realms."— Cow PER.

132
and eight to reflection, study, and repose. Clocks
and hour-glasses were then unknown in England ;
he therefore invented the expedient of wax-can
dles, marked with circular equidistant lines of
different colours, which served as hour-lines.
These candles were inclosed in lanterns of trans
parent horn, to preserve them from the action of
the air ; and after a few experiments, he arrived
at such precision Avith this apparatus, that he
was enabled to ascertain the horal division of time
with exactness.*
He divided his revenue, which consisted en
tirely of his own hereditary estate, into two parts,
one of which was appropriated to charitable uses.
It was subdivided into four parts : the first was
distributed in alms ; the second Avas given for the
maintenance of the monasteries ; the third for the
subsistence of the professors and students at
Oxford ; and the fourth for the relief of poor
monks, as well foreigners as English.
The other moiety was disbursed in three divi-
* He ordered a quantity of wax to be made into six candles,
each twelve inches long, with the, division of inches marked out dis
tinctly. These being lighted one after another, did orderly burn four
hours apiece, that is, every three inches an hour, so that the whole
six candles lasted just twenty-four hours, the watching of which was
committed to the keepers of his chapel, whose office it was to put
:im in mind how each hour passed."— Spelman.

133
sions : the first for the use of his family ; the
second in paying his architects, and ingenious
artificers ; and the third was bestowed in pen
sions to learned foreigners, Avhom he had invited
to his court for the instruction of the English.
When Ave consider the general ignorance of his
countrymen at that period, the attainments of
Alfred must appear truly extraordinary. Endued
Avith a perception of whatever was sublime or ele
gant in nature and art, he devoted his juvenile
hours to study ; and his diffusive beneficence after
wards imparted the knowledge thus obtained, not
only to his co temporaries, but posterity. He
translated into the Saxon language Gregory's Pas
toral, Boethius de Consolatione, and Bede's Ec
clesiastical History. He also began a translation
of the Psalms, but did not live to finish it.* So
great was his zeal for the encouragement of learn
ing, that literary attainments were requisite qua
lifications for any post of honour at his court,
or in the government of the people. In private
life, his manners Avere amiable, and he delighted
in the conversation of men of learning and genius,
Avhom he retained near his person. Hence his
court became one of the most polite in Europe,
and exhibited a respectable combination of talents
* Asserius.

134
and virtues, sanctioned by the patronage of a
prince, who himself outshone all competitors.
After a reign- of twenty-eight years and six
months, this great prince died on the 28th day
of October, A. D. 900, to the inexpressible regret
of his people, to Avhom he had ever been a most
liberal benefactor and affectionate father. He Avas
buried — first in Winchester Cathedral, but the
superstitious canons having raised a report that
he frequently appeared to them, his body was
aftenvards taken, up by his son and successor
King EdAvard, and interred in the monastery of
that city.
The language of panegyric fails in an attempt
to describe the character of Alfred, avIio is justly
denominated the Great. Even at this remote period,
after a lapse of nine centuries, his virtues shine
with undiminished lustre, and a degree of supe
rior excellence that supersedes comparison. Peter,
the legislator of Russia, can alone have any
pretension to a competition with our illustrious
law-giver. But Peter, though great as a sove
reign, was inferior to Alfred in the social virtues;*
and even when Ave compare their public labours,
the Englishman deserves pre-eminence.
* The following anecdotes, illustrative of the benignity and moral
excellence of Alfred, will enable the reader more fully to appreciate
the character of that extraordinary prince and philosopher.

135
Indeed the energetic and active genius of Alfred
perceived, as it Avere, intuitively, whatever coul4
" In the year of our Lord's incarnation 886, in the second year
of St. Grimbald's coming over into England, the University of Oxford
was founded; the first regents there and readers in Divinity, were St.
Neot, an abbot, and eminent professor; of Theology ; arid St. Grim-
bald, an eloquent and most excellent interpreter of the holy scrip
tures : Grammar and Rhetorick were taught by Asserius, a monk, a
man of extraordinary learning : Logick, Music, and Arithmetick, were
read by John, a monk of St. David's : Geometry and Astronomy, were
professed by John, a monk and colleague of St. Grimbald, one of
a sharp wit and immense knowledge. These lectures were often hon«
oured with the presence of the most illustrious and invincible monarch,
King Alfred, whose memory, to every judicious taste, shall be always
sweeter thau honey."  Annals of the Monastery of Winchester.
" There arose a sharp and grievous dissension between Grimbald
and those learned men whom he brought hither with him, and the
old scholars whom he found here at his coming ; for these absolutely
refused to comply with the statutes, institutions, and forms of read
ing, prescribed by Grimbald. The difference proceeded to no great
height for the space of three years ; yet there was always a private
grudge and enmity between them, which soon after broke out with
the utmost violence imaginable. To appease these tumults, the most,
invincible King Alfred being informed of the faction by a message
and complaint from Grimbald, came to Oxford with a design, to
accommodate' the matter, and submitted to a great deal of pains and
patience, to hear the cause and complaint of both parties. The con
troversy depended upon this : the old scholars maintained, that before
the coming of Grimbald to Oxford, learning did here flourish, though
the students were then less in number than they had formerly been,
because that very many of them bad been expelled by the cruet
tyranny of Pagans. They further declared and proved, and that by
the undoubted testimony of their ancient annals,, that good orders

136
contribute to the civilization and felicity of his
countrymen.
*• He found them savage, and he left them tame."
To his venerable name is attached the idea of
whatever is extraordinary, admirable, and esti
mable in the human character. Alfred may
justly be considered one of those honourable in
struments of Divine Philanthropy with which the
omniscient Deity, from time to time, enlightens
and reforms mankind ; thus mercifully prevent
ing that retrogression into barbarism and bru
talized ignorance, which otherwise Avould inevi-
and constitutions for the government of that place, had been already
made by men of great piety and learning, such as Gildas, Melkin,
Ninnius, Kentigern, and others, who had there prosecuted their studies
to a good old age, all things being then managed in happy peace
and quiet: and that St. German coming to Oxford, and residing
there half-a-year, what time he went through all England to preach
down the Pelagian heresy, did well approve of their rules and orders.
" The King, with incredible humility and great attention, heard
out both parties, exhorting them with pious and importunate entreaties,
to preserve love and amity with one another.* Upon this he left
them, in hopes that both parties would follow his advice, and obey
his instructions. But Grimbald resenting these proceedings, retired
immediately to the monastery at Winchester, which King Alfred had
lately founded; and soon after, he got his tomb to be removed thi
ther to bim, in which he had designed his bones should be put after
his decease, and laid in a vault under the chancel of the church of
St. Peter, in Oxford ; which church the said Grimbald had raised
from the ground, of stones hewn and carved with great art and
beauty."-  Asserius.

137
tably deface his fairest work in the visible cre
ation. The history of all nations will prove illus
trative of this important fact : all communities
have been blest with their illustrious law-givers ;
and England may, Avith the exultation of con
scious superiority, confront the talents and virtues
of her immortal Alfred, Avith those of the most
renowned benefactors of the human race,
" Let laurels drench'd in pure Parnassian dews,
" Reward his memory, dear to every muse :
" 'Tis to the virtues of such men, man owes
" His portion in the good that Heav'n bestows."

England,' during the latter part of the reign
of her great legislator, had made a rapid progress
in those arts Avhich promote civilization. Her
coast, protected by a powerful fleet ; her mer
chants secured in the possession of their property ;
and her people in general governed by magistrates
whose indispensable qualification for the appoint
ment was integrity, presented a scene of human
felicity never ' before beheld in this country. —
During this tranquil period, population multiplied
in England ; a traffick with the maritime nations
of the Continent contributed to the diffusion of
general knowledge ; a taste for learning, and the
liberal arts, was cultivated by the nobility and
clergy ; and the native produce of the soil was

138
exchanged for the elegancies of Flanders, France^
Italy, and Spain.
Soon after the accession of Edward, however,
the Danish settlers who occupied nearly one half
of England, made an insurrection in favour of
Ethehvard, the son of Ethelbert, who claimed
the croAvn ; while the English, in consequence
of their veneration for Alfred, continued firm in
their attachment to his son. Edward, Avho ob
tained repeated victories over the Danes, com
pelled them to submission ; and, after a glorious
reign of twenty-four years, died, and was suc
ceeded by his son Athelstan, in the early part
of whose reign England Avas harrassed by intes
tine commotions, and foreign invasion.
Athelstan, who had been knighted by his grand
father Alfred, and who inherited the valour of
his predecessor, Avas victorious over all his ene
mies. He died in the year 941, after a reign of
sixteen years. This prince left the kingdom in a
state of profound tranquillity, and is recorded by
the monks for his piety, learning, and munificence.
During his reign, the bible Avas translated into
Saxon, the language then generally spoken through
out England ; and this great work, which was
accurately performed by Englishmen, yet remains,

139
a memorial of the successful establishments of
Alfred, for the encouragement of learning.
Edmund, the brother and successor of Athel
stan, during a short and troublesome, but glo
rious reign, repressed the Danes who were in
possession of Northumberland, and part of Mercia.
An army of Danes and Norwegians, stimulated
by reports of the beauty and fertility of England,
invaded Northumberland, where they were joined
by Danish insurgents. But after several conflicts,
Edmund not only conquered those invaders, but
compelled the two Danish princes, Anlaff and
Reginald, to abandon the island. Having thus
restored peace to his country, Edmund endea
voured to promote the security of his people, by
enacting a laAv for the punishment of robbers.
According to that law, the oldest delinquent in
gangs of robbers was condemned to the gallows;
but the audacity of those depredators led to an
incident that was fatal to the king.
In the year 948, as Edmund Avas solemnizing
a public festival, in honour of St. Augustin, at
Puckle-Church, in Glocestershire, he observed
Leolf, a notorious robber, who had been banished
for his crimes. This outlaw had the audacity to
come and sit at one of the tables in the hall,
where the king was at dinner, who, exasperated

140
at his presumption,* ordered him to be appre
hended. Perceiving that Leolf drew his dagger
to defend himself, Edmund leaped up, and seiz
ing him by the hair, dragged him out of the
hall ; but before the attendants could interfere,
the robber stabbed him in the breast with his
dagger j and the nation was deprived of this excel
lent prince, in the twenty-fifth year of his age,
and eighth of his reign.
His successor, Edred, was only remarkable for
his munificence to 'the monks. From the middle
to the end of the tenth century, England was
governed by six native kings, the most remarkable
of whom was Edgar. This wise sovereign, by
the augmentation of his navy and army, over
awed the Danes who lived in his dominions, and
deterred those of the Continent from invasion.
According to one author,* he fitted out four
thousand ships. Another writer f asserts, that the
number of his shipping amounted to four thou
sand eight hundred ; but their statements were
probably exaggerated . This formidable fleet, Avhich
cruised around the island, prevented the descent
of Danish pirates.
The foreign commerce of England at this timet
must have been considerable, and naval architecture
* Malmsbury. -)¦ Matthew of Westminster. % A. D. 960.

141
much encouraged ; for it, would have been impos
sible for King Edgar to have built and manned his
fleet, if the English merchants had not supplied
him with shipwrights and mariners. It is pro
bable, indeed, that he hired some of the sailors
of Flanders and France, and also employed fish
ermen on board his. navy; but the majority of
seamen were undoubtedly his OAvn countrymen..
London and Bristol Avere the principal sea-ports
of England at this period ; and the importation
of foreign merchandise introduced a degree of opu
lence and refinement into those cities, unknoAyn
in the other toAvns of the kingdom.. The situ
ation of Bristol, and its communication with seve
ral navigable rivers, : facilitated its inland trade
with Wessex, Wales, and . Mercia ; and it is not,
improbable that many continental articles of com
merce Avere then exported from this port to Ireland.
After the demise of Edgar, England was ruled
by his two sons in succession ; but during the reign
of Ethelred, the kingdom was overrun by the
Danes. In 1016, Edmund, the successor of Ethel-
red, and Canute, King of Denmark, consented
to an amicable partition of the . English terri
tories : during the , folloAving year, the Anglo-
Saxon prince was assassinated, and the Dane
was immediately proclaimed Monarch of Eng-

142
land. He reigned nineteen years, and died A. D,
1036. After an uninterrupted succession of three Dan
ish kings, namely, Canute, Harold I. and Hardi-
Canute, the latter having left no issue, the crown
devolved to Edward III. the son of Ethelred II.
During the reign of that prince, the Danes
entirely lost their influence in England ; nay, it
is recorded by the Danish historians, that all
their countrymen in this kingdom were assassi
nated in one night. The English historians are
silent on this subject ; but the sudden diminution,
or rather cessation of Danish power in this coun
try, in the year 1042, is an incontrovertible
fact, which amounts to a proof that the Danes
must either have been massacred or expelled,
The restoration of the Saxon line to the throne,
was doubtless a subject of triumph to every pa
triotic Englishman. Edward died in the year
1066, after a reign of twenty-five years, and was
succeeded by Harold, whose succession was dis
puted by William Duke of Normandy. That
prince, under the pretext that the crown of Eng
land was bequeathed to him by Edward, pre
pared to enforce his claim by an appeal to arms.
Harold, avIio had made the requisite preparati-

143
ons to repel the expected invader, waited some
months for the Duke of Normandy's arrival ;
but on receiving, intelligence that he had post
poned his embarkation to the spring, he rashly
unrigged his fleet, and disbanded his army.
Another invader, hoAvever, soon aftenvards made
a descent on the coast of England. Harfager,
King of Nonvay, accompanied by Earl Toston,
brother of Harold, entered the Tyne, with a fleet
of five hundred sail, and ravaged the country
on both sides of that river. Harold hastily col
lected his army, marched against the Norwe
gians, and engaged them at Stanford-bridge, on
the Derwent, near York, Avhere, after a battle
of eight hours, the invaders Avere defeated, and
Harfager and Toston both slain. The discom
fiture of the Norwegians Avas so complete, that
out of an army of sixty thousand men that came
over in fiA^e hundred ships, the remains Avere re-
imbarked, Avith the permission of the victorious
¦Harold, on board of twenty vessels.
While King Harold Avas thus successfully en
gaged in the north, in the expulsion of his ene
mies, the Duke of Normandy set sail Avith a
fair Avind from St. Valery, and landed at Peven-
sey, in Sussex, in the month of September, 1066.
William marched immediately to Hastings, Avhere

144
he erected a fort, and published a manifesto,
declarative of his reasons for invading Eng
land. This unjustifiable invasion excited the strong
est emotions in the minds of the English nobi
lity, Avho prepared Avith alacrity to arm their
dependants, and march against the common enemy.
One general sentiment of heroic ardour seemed
to animate every bosom ; and couriers were dis
patched with the, news of the Norman invasion
to King Harold, who Avas at the head of his
victorious army in the north of England.
Harold immediately proceeded by forced marches
to London, Avhere he Avas joined, by the nobi
lity, and advanced without delay . to meet the
Normans. On the 14th, of October, at day
break, the two armies came to a general engage
ment, in which Harold displayed his characte
ristic heroism in the fairest light. He fought
on foot in the centre of the van, which con
sisted of Kentish men, who had long been in
possession of that post of honour. At the head
of these brave troops, Harold boldly exposed
himself to 'the greatest danger, animating his
men by his voice and .example.
The Norman army, draAvn up in three grand
divisions, commenced the attack Avith a volley

145
of arroAVS, which annoyed the close ranks of the
English, who, unaccustomed to this method of
warfare, were throAvn into momentary confusion.
Encouraged by the apparent disorder of. their
opponents, the Normans pressed fonvard sword
in hand; but the English, who were rallied by
Harold and his officers, met them Avith such
bravery, that they were soon compelled to retreat
Avith breathless precipitation. On a renewal, of
the conflict, they Avere unable to penetrate the
firm phalanxes of the English, who stood their
ground with invincible resolution.
During this ardent and momentous contest,
the soldiers of both armies fought hand to hand,
and a scene of carnage ensued in which the
front ranks, thinned by the sword, were conti
nually reinforced by fresh troops from the rear.
Animated by the heroism of their officers, both
Englishmen and Normans evinced the most un
daunted courage, and fought with a determina
tion to conquer or die, insomuch that the vic
tory was at length obtained only by stratagem.
The Duke of Normandy, who Avas an expe
rienced warrior, perceiving that it. was impossible
to break the ranks of the English, issued orders
to his officers that the troops should feign a
retreat, and at the same time keep their ranks
Vol. i. k

146
unbroken. On the retreat of the Normans, they
wpere fiercely pursued by the English, who en
couraged each other by reiterated shouts of tri
umph to press the retiring enemy. But in the
ardour of pursuit, their ranks were broken,- and
the Normans, on a preconcerted signal, again
formed, attacked the English army then in
disarray, and compelled them to retreat, Avith
dreadful slaughter.
Harold made incredible exertions to rally his
troops, and succeeded in draAving up a consider*-
able body of infantry upon an eminence, near
the field of battle. It Avas now the close of an
eventful day, and the contest was yet under
cided. The English, confiding in the wisdom
and valour of their king, resolved to maintain
their position, and renew the battle on the fol
lowing morning ; but the Duke of Normandy,
eager to complete his victory, attacked them
Avith impetuosity, but Avas repelled Avith great
loss. He resolved, hoAvever, to make another
effort, and in this attack Harold was slain by
an arrow, Avhich penetrated his head. With the
fall of their king, the English lost their reso
lution, and retreated, exposed to the relentless ,
rage of a victorious enemy. A considerable .
part of the English army, however, retired
from the field, under the conduct of Morcar

147
and EdAvin, tAvo noblemen of distinguished bra
very. Thus fell the last of the Saxon kings, on the
bed of honour, like a true patriot, with his
sword in his hand, in defence of his country's
cause. Posterity has not done justice to the
civic virtue of this brave but unfortunate prinee,
whose memory ought to be dear to every patriot.
" And ^hen recording history displays ,
" Feats of renown, though wrought in ancient days,
" Tells of a. few stout hearts, that fought and died,
" Where duty placed them, at their country's side ;
" The man that is not mov'di with what he reads,
V That takes not fire at their heroic deeds,
" Unworthy of the blessings of the brave,
" Is base in kind, and born to be a slave."
After the battle of Hastings, in which Harold,
and the floAver of the English nobility and
army were slain, the victor proceeded with great
precaution in securing his conquest. He first
besieged Dover, Avhich in a few days opened
its gates ; and he afterwards marched to the
vicinity of London, and encamped in Soutrnvark.
Morcar, Earl of Chester, and his brother EdAvin,
Earl of Northumberland, who had survived the
conflict, and Avere at the head of the army in
London, Avarmly exhorted the citizens to place
Edgar Atheling on the throne. This proposal

148
met the general approbation of the people; but
the clergy, Avith the Archbishops of London and
York at their head, strenuously opposed it, from
motives of avarice and pusillanimity. The en-
terprize of the Norman adventurer had originally
received the sanction of the pontiff himself, and
consequently that Avarrior was considered as under
the immediate protection of the church ; the
clergy, therefore, exerted their influence among
the citizens, in favour of a victorious foreign
invader, from whose munificence they had reason
to expect lasting benefit, The patriotic party
were consequently obliged to submit, and Wil
liam entered London in triumph, where he Avas
soon aftenvards croAvned, and proclaimed King
of England.
By the moderation and prudence of his con
duct to his new subjects, he soon obtained their
universal submission ; and his impartial adminis
tration of justice, for some months after his
coronation, induced the English to consider him
as a great and virtuous sovereign, in consequence
of Avhich they ceased to lament the revolution
as a national calamity.
But the conqueror gradually developed his
real character, which was a hideous compound
of avarice, injustice, and pride. He now treated

149
his English, subjects with rigour ; and having
quelled an insurrection which happened the se
cond year of his reign, and compelled several
of the native nobility to seek refuge in Scotland,
he disarmed the people, to prevent another revolt.
He also resorted to the arbitrary measure of
compelling the English to extinguish their lights
at eight o'clock every evening, when a bell,
called the Curfew,* was rung as a signal.
But his oppressions did not terminate here,
for in the year 1070, he seized upon all the
baronies and fiefs of the crown, and distributed
them among his Norman folloAvers. Hence the
ancient English nobility were deprived of their
heritage, and reduced to a state of extreme in
digence and misery ; while the common people
languished in abject and hopeless vassalage. —
Such Avere the calamities Avhich followed sub
mission to a foreign usurper, Avhom the nation
might, by a bold effort, have precipitated from
that throne of which he Avas umvorthy.
" King William the Conqueror reserved in
his own hands, or in those of his farmers or
tenants at will, !or for short terms of years, a
great part of the lands of England ; the same,
., . ;¦: * Couvrefcu, or cover fire.

150
as it is said, that Was in the hands of his prede-
cessor, EdAvard the Confessor, for the support of
his royal dignity, and the ordinary expences of
wovernnient. The rest of the lands of England
he granted away to his Norman and French
companions, in very large quantities, dispossess
ing for the most part the former English pos
sessors of them. This he did not, indeed, do at
first, because he claimed the crown of England
by a legal, or pretendedly legal, title ; namely,
the appointment of EdAvard the Confessor, rati
fied by the consent of the principal great men
of England ; and consequently he Avould not, con
sistently Avith this pretence, and in fact he did
not, make use of his victory over Harold, as a
victory over the Avhole English nation, that
authorized him to treat them as a conquered
people : but he confiscated, and granted away to
his Normans, only the estates of such of the
English as had assisted Harold, and whom he
considered in the light of rebels"; leaving the
rest of the English in quiet possession of their
lands, upon their swearing allegiance to him.
Those, however, who had adhered to Harold,
and whose estates Avere confiscated upon that
ground, were very many ; and by that means
the Normans became immediately possessed of
very great estates in England. Afterwards the
English made several insurrections against King

151
William, in different years of his reign ; and he
came to have so strong a suspicion of their fi
delity to his government, that he took occasion,
from those insurrections, to dispossess them al
most all of their lands, and give them to his
Normans ; insomuch, that towards the latter end
of his reign, there Avere extremely feAV English
in the nation, that held lands under him, or at
least that held any land immediately of him,
Avhich Avas the most powerful and most honour
able kind of tenure. He eA^en Avent further, as
the cotemporary historians, and particularly In-
gulphus assures us ; and would not suffer any
Englishman whatsoever, though his merit and
character Avere ever so great, to rise to any con
siderable employment, in church or state.
" The lands which he thus granted aAVay to
his Norman companions, and which he permit
ted perhaps some few of the English to conti
nue in the possession of, he brought under the
feudal law ; that is, under the form of it which
then prevailed in Normandy, the principal ar
ticles of Avhich Avere these : — The landholders
held their lands of the king by homage and
fealty, and certain military services, that is, by
doing homage to the king, and thereby declar
ing, that they became his homines, or men to
assist him and serve him in all things relating

152
to his worldly honour and glory ; and by swear
ing fealty or fidelity to him, and by putting,
themselves under an obligation of attending and
assisting him with a certain number of knights,
or horsemen, armed Math complete armour cap-
apee, for a certain number of days, in all his
Avars : and they held these lands for them and
their heirs for ever, that is probably to their
children and descendants, but not as yet to their
collateral relations. Upon failure of heirs, the
lands Avere to fall back (icori) to the king,
Avhich Avas called escheating; as they were like
wise upon the commission of treason against the
king, and of murder or wilful homicide, and cer
tain other atrocious crimes, called felonies."*
Several centuries have passed away since Eng
lishmen Avere reduced to such degradation ; and
Avith the public spirit, and resources Avhich the
inhabitants of this country now possess, the
ambitious projects of any foreign despot against
their chartered rights, and all the social blessings
Avhich they enjoy, Avould doubtless be repelled
Avith patriotic valour.
«' Act but an honest and a faithful part;
" Compare what then thou wast, with' what thou art;
•'And God's disposing providence confess'd,
*' Obduracy itself will yield the rest 
* Archaeologia, Vol. II. p. 301, &c.

153
" Then thou art bound to serve Him, and to prove
" Hour after hour thy gratitude and love.
" Has he not hid thee, and thy favour'd land,
" For ages safe beneath his shelt'ring hand,
'¦ Giv'n thee his blessing on the clearest proof,
" Bid nations leagued against thee stand aloof,
" And charg'd Hostility and Hate to roar
" AVhere else they would, but not upon thy shore?
" Peculiar is the grace by thee possess'd,
" Thy foes implacable, thy land at rest;
'* Thy thunders travel over earth and seas,
" And all at home is pleasure, wealth, and ease.
" Freedom in other lands scarce known to shine,
" Pours out a flood of splendour upon thine;
" Thou hast as bright an int'rest in her rays,
" As ever Roman had in Rome's best days."
But the most iniquitous act of oppression per
petrated by the conqueror in England, was the
depopulation of a district in Hampshire, above
thirty miles in circumference, containing thirty-
six parish churches, and one hundred hamlets
or villages. This desolated space he planted
with trees, and named it the NeAV Forest : it
was appropriated as a range for beasts , of chace,
and in it the Norman Nimrod amused himself
with his favourite diversion of hunting.
This tyrant also endeavoured, but in vain,
to abolish the English language, and for that
purpose he established public schools in all the
cities and boroughs of England, where the Nor-

154

man, consisting of a barbarous jargon of inter
mingled French and Danish phrases Avas taught.
AH public acts were also written in the Norman
language. After a turbulent reign of forty-two years in
Normandy, and twenty-one in England, William
died at Hermentrude,* on the 9th of September,
1087, in the sixty- first year of his age. This
conqueror wras remarkable for courage and un
shaken fortitude, qualities Avhich in all ages have
stood high in the estimation of mankind ; but
the perverse misapplication of which, in the gra
tification of ambition, or self-aggrandizement,
has been a fruitful source of human calamity.
" Let eternal infamy pursue
•' The wretch to nought but his ambition true;
" Who for the sake of filling with one blast
" The post-horns of all Europe  lays her waste."
A retrospection of British history, from the
invasion of the Normans in the eleventh cen
tury, to that of the Romans in the first, pre
sents an afflictive scene of commotion, Avar, and
devastation. Sometimes a momentary ray of
intellectual excellence irradiates the dreary re
trospect; and like " a sunbeam in a Avinter's
* A village on the -banks of the Seine, opposite Roan.

155
day," the virtues of a Caractacus, an Arthur,
an Ina, and an Alfred, reconcile us to those
dark ages, when the sIoav progress of our ances
tors was the consequence, not of their oavh indo-
cility, but the rapacity and ferocity of invaders.
— The unsettled state of society in England,
during the contest of the natives and Danes,
was unfavourable to civilization ; and the revo
lution effected with such quickness and facility
by William I. introduced an almost total change
of polity and manners.
By conferring the confiscated estates of the
English nobility, upon his Norman folloAvers,
William established a general feudal system in
England ; and the Norman barons Avho held their
new possessions on the tenure of devoting their
future services to their sovereign, were ready to
march at the head of their vassals to his aid
in warfare.
But exclusive of this obligation, the barons
Avere, in a great degree, independent of their
prince. When established in their new posses
sions, they considered themselves surrounded by
enemies, and for their greater security, built
castles, at once to overaAve their English vas
sals, and protect themselves from the danger of
assassination. Those fortresses Avhich were of

156
much greater extent and strength than any con
structed in England in the time of the Saxons,
were multiplied for some ages after the Norman
conquest, in such numbers, that in the turbulent
reign of King Stephen, when the kingdom Avas
convulsed with civil war, no less than eleven
hundred and fifteen castles Avere completely built
in the space of nineteen years.*
The castles built by the Norman barons in
England, during the reign of their countryman
and benefactor, William I. were more remark
able for strength than magnificence ; being has
tily constructed of such rude materials as were
to be found in the vicinity. Those gloomy tow
ers, with their lofty battlements rising above the
foliage of the circumjacent trees, formed a bold
and picturesque object in the English landscape ;
which at once reminded the natives of their de
gradation, and the impossibility of emancipating
their country, while such formidable castles
were occupied by their oppressors. In those
castles the barons resided amid their extensive
domains, in all the pomp of isolated state, des
pising their vassals, and exercising uncontrolled
authority.
* Grose's Antiquities.

157
From the time of the Norman conquest to
the commencement of the thirteenth century,
military architecture Avas cultivated and improved
in this country, according to the most perfect
models of fortification then known. As the feu
dal monarchy of William I. had been established
by the SAVord, he Avas convinced that it could
only be secured by military superiority. He
therefore fortified several towns, and also built
the castles of Lincoln, Huntingdon, and Cam
bridge, and the tower of London.
The situation of a castle was generally on
an eminence, in the vicinity of a brook or river.
The form varied according to the plan of the
projector, and the extent of the edifice ; it was
fortified with a strong external wall, twelve feet
high, flanked Avith toAvers, and surrounded with
a deep moat, generally filled with Avater. A
drawbridge, communicating with the entrance,
was raised on the inner bank of the fosse, to
be let down Avhen requisite ; and beside the bridge,
the barbican, or Avatch-toAver, Avas erected.
But the principal and strongest part of the
fortification, was the keep, a high square toAver,
divided into five floors. The subterranean floor
was the dungeon ; the ground floor was a recon-
ditory for proAasions, fuel, and arms ; the second

158
story was a barrack for the garrison ; the third
consisted of state-rooms for the baron and his
family ; and the fourth, or attic story, surmounted
by turrets, was divided into bed-chambers. The
windows were small in proportion to the size of
the rooms. The walls of the keep were twelve
feet thick, and the entrance of the portal was
at the second story. This portal was approached
by a stone staircase on the outside ; and about
halfway it was fortified by a strong gate, and
the entrance .was further secured by a draw
bridge. Beyond the first entrance, another strong
gate secured a small tower, which formed the
vestibule of the keep, or citadel, and this portal
Avas defended by a portcullis, formed of strong
pieces of timber, with horizontal and perpendi
cular spikes of iron. This engine Avas fixed in
grooves of stone, and was worked by a windlass ;
it was so ponderous, that in its sudden descent
it was not only destructive to those assailants
who attempted to force the entrance, but pre
sented an almost insuperable obstacle to the fur
ther progress of the besieger. It was necessary
to pass through this entrance, and the small tower,
to the portal of the citadel; which was also for
tified with strong gates, and a portcullis. A for
tification constructed with such art must have
been impregnable, before the. invention of gun
powder ; indeed, nothing less than famine or dis-

m
ease could reduce a determined garrison, in such
a fortress, to the necessity of a capitulation-
Among those fortresses remarkable for extent
and magnificence in feudal times, the castle of
Bristol, rebuilt in the reign of Henry I. by hk
illegitimate son, Robert Earl of Gloceste.r, is one
of the most remarkable recorded in English his
tory, A variety of important and affecting events,
equally interesting to the politician, the antiqua
rian, and the philosopher, have been transacted
within its boundaries. Its history affords a &ur-r
prising and almost incredible variety of incidents,
descriptive of human manners in the days of
yore, and strongly illustrative of the perishable,,
fleeting, and evanescent glory of the world.
Within its precincts the splendid palace, and
the gloomy dungeon, have realized the extremes
of human happiness, and human misery. The
laugh of festivity, and the shriek of assassinated
innocence, have been re-echoed by its walls. The •
standards of royalty, and the banners of rebellion,
have alternately waved in proud defiance, on its
highest towers. War has displayed a host of as
sailants, sealing its strong battlements, and engaged
in mortal conflict .with its garrison, Avhije the
worst, passions of man overspread its spacious
courts Avith carnage and devastation,

160
How various and interesting have been the
scenes of human life, exhibited in the castle of
Bristol ! Here the dauntless warrior has appeared,
bracing on his armour to meet the foe, while his
eyes beamed with the anticipation of victory ;
and hither the captive has been dragged to con
finement, covered with wounds, yet indignantly
silent, and suffering the most excruciating anguish
with invincible fortitude. In the remote and
darksome cells of its dungeon, the grim assassin
has presented himself muffled, and hastening on
tip-toe, dagger in hand, to sacrifice some victim
to the vengeance or ambition of his employer.
In the seclusion of hopeless solitude, in its remote
apartments, have appeared the pale visage and
tearful eyes of beauty languishing in captivity,
from which only death could liberate the pri
soner. Kings conquered in the field have been
led in chains into Bristol castle, exposed to the
taunts of haughty and triumphant malevolence ;
and have afterwards issued from its portals, to
reassume the ensigns of royalty.
From a singular peculiarity of circumstances, jt
appears that a castle originally built for the pro
tection of Bristol, was, in many instances, ren
dered detrimental to the security and prosperity
of a city, to which, from its antiquity, it ought
to have been a defence.

161
When Robert Duke of Normandy, brother to
William I. concerted measures with his English
partisans, for the dethronement of the king, the
Bishop of Constance, with his nephew MoAvbray
Earl of Northumberland, summoned their vassals
in Bath, Berkley, and Bristol, to join their
standard. The bishop took possession of the
castle of Bristol, which, though small, was Avell
fortified ; but the indolence of the Duke of Nor
mandy defeated the plans of his friends, and ren
dered the conspiracy unsuccessful. He ceded his
right to the croAvn of England to his brother
William, for a yearly pension of three thousand
marks, on condition that he should inherit the
croAvn as successor. The Bishop of Constance,
and his partisans, Avere therefore obliged to eva
cuate the castle of Bristol, and it was conferred
by the king, in the year 1089, with the honour*
and earldom of Glocester, on Robert Fitzhamon,
a valiant and faithful subject, Avhose activity and
zeal had been instrumental to the failure of the
plot in favour of the Duke of Normandy.
There is nothing important on record, respect
ing the castle, during the time it was in the
* The honour of Glocester contained three hundred and twenty-
i
seven knights fees, and some fractions ; that is, upwards of two hun
dred and twenty-two thousand three hundred and sixty acres, —
Archasologia, vol. 2, p. 335.
Vol. i. L

162
possession ofthe first Earl of Glocester, who does
not appear to have made it his residence. He
died in 1107, and the castle, with his hereditary
possessions, devolved to his eldest daughter Ma
tilda, who was married in the year 1009 to
Robert, illegitimate son of Henry I.
It appears from the account given by Robert
of Glocester, in the following lines, that the king
was suitor for his son, on Avhich occasion the lady,
conscious of the importance attached to her wealth
and rank, insisted that a higher title of nobility
should be conferred on her lover, prior to the
marriage.
" He sede heo ssolde hys sone to hyre spouse anonge,
" This mayde was ther agen and with syde yt longe,
" The king of soght hyre suithe ynon that atenende,
" Mabile him answerede as gode mayde and hende,
" Sire hoe syde wel y cot that youre herte up me ys,
" More vor myne eritage than vor my sulue ywis,
" So vair eritage as ych abbe, yt were me gret same,
" Vor to abbe an Loverd, bote he adde an tu name,
" Sr. Roberd le Fyts Haim mi fader was,
" And that ne myghfe nogt be hys that of his kunne nogt nas,
" Therefore Syre vor Godes love, ne let me non mon owe,
" Bote he abbe an two name warthorou he be y knowe,
" Damoysele, quoth the king, thou seyest wel in thys cas ;
" Sr. Roberd le Fitz Haim thy fader's name was,
" An as fair, name he ssal abbe gyf me hym may byse,
" Syre Roberd le Fytz Roy ys name ssal be ywis,
" Syre quoth this mayde tho that ys a vayr name,
" As wo seyth all hys lyf and of grete fame,

163
" Ac wat ssolde hys sone hote thanne, and other that of hym come ;
" So ne mygte hij hote noght thereof nymeth gome.
" The king understood that the mayde ne seyde non outrage,
" And that Glocester was chef of hyre eritage,
" Damasile, he seyde tho' thy Loverd ssal abbe an name,
" Vor him and vor hjs eyrs, vayr without blame,
" Vor Roberd Erl of Glocestre hys name ssal be and ys,
" Voi he ssal be Erl of Glocestre & ys eyrs ywys.
" Sire quoth the mayde tho wel lyketh me thys,
" In this fourme ychole'that al my things be hys,
" Thus was Erl of Glocestre vorst ymade there,
" Ac this Roberd of alle thulke that lange byvore were
" Thys was enlene Hundredger and in the ger ryght
-' After that our Lorde was in his moder alyght."*
When Robert Earl of Glocester was put in
possession of the castle, he was only twenty years
old ; and he was one of the most remarkable cha
racters of that age, for superiority of abilities,
and a taste for literature. He is thus charac
terised by a noble historian : — " The Earl of Glo
cester had no inconsiderable tincture of learning,
and was the patron of all who excelled in it ;
qualities rare at all times, in noblemen of his
high rank, but particularly in an age when know
ledge and valour were thought incompatible ; and
not to be able to read was a mark of nobility.
This truly great man broke through that cloud
of barbarous ignorance, and after the example of
his father, Henry I. enlarged his understanding,
* Robert of Glocester's Chronicle, • published in 172*, by Thomas
Hearne, the Oxford Antiquary.

164
and humanized his mind, by a commerce with
the muses, which he assiduously cultivated, even
in courts and camps."*
With these rare endowments and accomplish
ments, the Earl of Glocester began his public
career. Soon after his marriage he made Bristol
his place of residence, rebuilt the castle on a
more extensive scale, and fortified it with a strong
outer wall, defended with towers, and surrounded
by a deep moat, over which there Avas a pas
sage to the city by a draAvbridge. In the exten
sive square enclosed by this fortification, he erected
a magnificent toAver or palace of white stone,
imported for the purpose from Caen, in Nor
mandy, -f
But instead of the usual divisions of the keep
or principal tower of ancient castles, the entrance
to the palace of the Earl of Glocester was by a
stately arched vestibule, which led to a great
hall, where the proprietor entertained his friends
and partisans with the dignified hospitality of that
age. A suite of superb apartments, furnished for
the accommodation of royalty, displayed the taste
and opulence of the proprietor ; the garrison was
lodged on the ground floor, in spacious rooms,
* Lord Lyttelton's History of the reign of Henry II, vol. 2, p. 58.
f Leland.

165
contiguous to the great hall ; and the upper cham
bers Avere partly appropriated to the purposes of
study or repose, and partly occupied by the la
dies, and their female attendants.
In this stately and magnificent pile, the Earl
of Glocester gave laws to his dependants in the
vicinity of Bristol, for some time ; and it conti
nued to be his favourite residence while he Avas
permitted to enjoy the uninterrupted pleasures of
domestic retirement, and the elegant pursuits of
literature. His serenity too soon suffered inter
ruption ; a civil war between the Empress Maud
and King Stephen involved the whole nation in
one common calamity ; and the Earl of Glocester,
who was the avoAved adherent of the fair com
petitor, was . obliged to relinquish the delights of
his pleasant castle, for the turbulence and dan
ger of the camp.
During the earl's absence, a violent and laAv-
less body of his partisans, from time to time,
made the castle their rendezvous ; and being in
general men of desperate circumstances, they com
mitted intolerable outrages against the peaceable
inhabitants of Bristol. These depredators are thus
described by a cotemporary writer. " On one
part of the city where it is more exposed, a
large castle rises, with high ramparts, a Avail, bul-

166
Avarks and towers, and other contrivances, to pre
vent the approach of besiegers. In this fortress
a multitude of vassals, both horse and foot, are
collected, which are terrible, nay, horrible to the
beholder. These freebooters, protected by a rich
lord, and a very strong castle, ravage this fertile
country with impunity.*
* M. S. in the collection of Bishop Laud.

CONTENTS

OF

CHAPTER THE THIRD.

Description of Bristol in its ancient State — Curious Document,
proving the Existence of a Mayor, and other Municipal Officers,
in Bristol, at the Commencement of the Twelfth Century —
Ancient Boundaries and Fortifications of the City — Commerce with
Norway and Ireland; — Civil War in England, in the Reign of King
Stephen — The Inhabitants of Bristol espouse the Cause of Matilda —
Robert Earl of Glocester lands in England, and proceeds to the
Castle of Bristol, where he is joined by his Sister the Empress —
Robert coins Money for the Payment of his Army— Stephen taken
Prisoner at the Battle of Lincoln by the Earl of Glocester — The
Royal Captive treated with great Rigour by Matilda, and confined
in the Castle of Bristol — The Earl of Glocester taken Prisoner — .
*
Is exchanged for Stephen — The Earl of Glocester dies, and is
interred at Bristol — His Character — The Castle of Bristol governed
by Bartholomew de Curishall — Is restored to William, eldest Son
of Robert Earl of Glocester — Robert Fitzharding Governor of Bristol,
in the Time of Henry II. — He retires to the Monastery of St.
Augustine in this City — William Earl of Glocester dies, and King
Henry bestows the Castle of Bristol, with the Earldom of Glocester,
on his Son, John Earl of Moreton — Charter of John to the Bur
gesses of Bristol, in the Year 1190 — Vassalage of the Majority of
the People of England in the Twelfth Century— State of the
Commerce of Bristol at that Period— Short Reign of Richard I.—

168
A Review of Chivalry, and its Influence on national Manners —
King John ascends the Throne in the Year 1199— Inglorious Reign
of King John— He is compelled by the Barons to sign Magna
Charta — The Princess Eleanor imprisoned in the Castle of Bristol
King Henry III. crowned at Glocester in 1216 — Resides at Bristol,
and establishes its Municipality by a Charter — The Princess Eleanor
dies in Captivity at Bristol Castle — Immunities granted to the
Burgesses of Bristol by a Charter of King Henry III. in 1244 —
The Quay made, and a Bridge built over the Avon at Bristol —
The Town and Castle of Bristol bestowed by the King on his Son
Prince Edward — Civil War between Henry III. .and the Barons —
Prince Edward's Arbitrariness at Bristol, the Cause of an Insur
rection — He is besieged in the Castle — Bravery of Prince Edward
at the Battle of Evesham — The Inhabitants of Bristol fined — King
Edward I. makes Preparations to invade Wales — Four Ships belonging
to the Port of- Bristol capture a Welsh Ship off the -Isle of Scilly
— King Edward I. comes to Bristol, and restores their Charter to
the Burgesses— Tax paid by the Inhabitants of Bristol in 1305—
Edward II. accompanies Gaveston to Bristol — Prices of Articles
sold in the Market of Bristol, regulated by Royal Authority.

CHAPTER THE THIRD.

Ijristol is situated on an eminence gradually
rising from the banks of the Frome and the
Avon, two rivers by which the city is nearly
surrounded. This city is partly in Glocestershire.
and partly in Somersetshire. It Avas formerly
described as part of the county of Somerset : but
in the reign of Edward the Third, it was made
a distinct county, dignified with peculiar privi
leges, and governed by its OAvn municipality.
This ancient city was first fortified by the Ro
mans, and afterwards rebuilt by Alfred the Great,
on the original scite ; but he improved the forti
fications, which he extended on the eastern part,
and strengthened with a castle. Bristol then con
sisted of four principal streets, with four gates,*
* According to a plan of the city, taken in 1470, it had four
principal gates, with a church or chapel at each ; and the high cross
in the centre of the city was surrounded by four churches.

170
besides six smaller gates in different parts of the
fortification, including that of the castle.
Bristol must have made a considerable progress
in population and opulence, prior to the conquest;
for in Domesday Book it is rated higher than
any town in England, except London, York, and
Winchester. " Bertune and Bristow paid to the
king 110 marks of silver, and the burgesses re
turned that Bishop G. had 33 marks, and one
mark of gold."* The chief magistrate of the city
was then called prepositor ; and it is probable
that the governor of Bristol Avas denominated
mayor many ages prior to its being made a cor
poration ; for we are informed that " Harding, who
in the year 1066 was made governor of Bristow,
removed the calenderies to the church of All
Hallows, which before was at Christ Church.
The schools founded by these calenderies for the
conversion of Jews in Bristow, Avere put into the
order of the calenderies and the mayor. f"
When the Norman invader triumphed over the
patriotic English, he parcelled out their posses
sions among his needy followers. Among other
adventurers, Harding, son to the King of Den-
* Domesday Book, p. 75. It is conjectured that Bishop G. was
Geoffry Bishop of Constance. t Leland, p. 88.

171
mark, had distinguished himself, by his superior
valour, at the battle of Hastings, and Avas re
warded for his services by ample possessions in
the counties of Glocester and Somerset. He was
also appointed governor of Bristol, and this cir
cumstance is a proof that the city was then es
teemed a place of considerable importance.
Harding is the first governor of Bristol re
corded in history ;* for the vague account given
by Mr. Barrett, of the Saxon governors Avho
presided here, during the reigns of Alfred and
EdAvard, is unauthorized by any other historian.
It appears that Mr. Barrett obtained his infor
mation on this subject from an ancient manu
script, said to have been written by Turgotus,
an imaginary historian of the twelfth century ;
but such authorities are unworthy of serious con
sideration. In common with other English sea-ports, Bris
tol undoubtedly advanced in prosperity, immedi
ately after the conquest ; for a general communi
cation was then opened with the continental na
tions, and the merchants of this city were con
sequently enabled to extend their commercial con
nections. Harding, during his residence in Bristol,
* Collinson's History and Antiquities of Somersetshire, p. 275,

172
Contributed to its advancement. He married an
English lady, named Lyveda, by Avhom he had
five sons and three daughters, and died in the
year 1115, after having goArerned the city with
wisdom and equity during forty-eight years. He
was succeeded by his eldest son, Robert Fitz-
harding, a nobleman Avho left a lasting memorial
of his piety and munificence, by founding the
abbey of St. Augustine, in this city.
The exact epoch Avhen Bristol was first governed
by municipal laws, is unrecorded ; but there re
mains a curious document in the little red book
deposited in the archives of St. George's Chapel,
which is a satisfactory proof of the existence of
a mayor in this city, prior to the year 1100.
The memorandum is in old French, of Avhich the;
following is a translation.
" Memorandum, that on Monday before the
feast of All Saints, in the first year of the reign
of King Henry the First, after the conquest, the<
harness of the black scabbard of the sword of the
Mayor of Bristow, was weighed in the Guildhall
of Bristow, before Thomas Norton, mayor, and
Walter Milton the elder, one of the bailiffs, and
it weighed twenty-eight ounces and a quarter."*
* Memorandum, que le Lundy presch. denant le fest de towts
Seincts, 1 an du reigne le Roy Henri le prim, puys le Conquest

173
Hence the first municipal officers of Bristol Avere,
in all probability, nominated, when this city was
governed by Harding ; and this record is an
honourable memorial, not only of its antiquity,
but its early importance and considerable popu
lation. It has been customary with topographers to
lavish panegyric on the object of their descrip
tion ; but Bristol requires no adventitious embel
lishment to recommend it to our attention ; and
instead of exploring the gloomy recesses of an
tiquity, in quest of curiosities not Avorth the
pains of research, or of wasting time in vague
and unprofitable conjectures, respecting transac
tions and manners Avhich have long since passed
away, Ave shall adhere to facts of unquestionable
authority, descriptive of the former state of this
ancient city, and the gradual advancement to its
present dignity and importance, both commercial
and political.
The form of ancient Bristol was nearly OA7al,
its boundaries being two confluent rivers, which
environed it with a natural defence, except at the
eastern quarter. Its situation was airy and plea^
prim.- le harneys de la scauberthe de le noir espe del ' Maior feust
poisir en le Guildhal de Bristruyt, denant Thom. Norton Maire, et
Walter Milton leisne a' dongs' vu de les Bailifes, et poisa 2SJ vnc,

174
sant, in the vicinity of the Avon and Frome,
to which a subterraneous communication by sewers
contributed to the cleanliness of the place, and
the health of the inhabitants. The fertile circum
jacent country supplied it with the necessaries of
life in abundance, while its facility of commu
nication Avith the sea, and its importance as a
frontier town, rendered it an object of political
importance. When Bristol Avas rebuilt and fortified by
Alfred, the Avail with which he surrounded it ex
tended along the banks of the two rivers, the
channels of which being deepened where requisite,
formed an impassable moat, except at one en
trance, Avhere a strong castle was built, and
surrounded with a deep trench filled with water,
to complete the fortification.
The channel of the river Frome formed the
principal part of the moat ; it passed close to the
northern part of the wall, continued its course
to St. Nicholas port, where it supplied a mill
with water, and afterwards disembogued itself into
the Avon. This ancient course of the Frome is
proved by several records. Nicholas-street being
one of the boundaries of the ancient city, part
of the wall is yet discernable in several places.
The remains of the old wall, with its battle-

175
ments, are also perceptible in Leonard's-lane, near
St. Giles's Gate, from whence it was continued
along Bell-lane to St. John's Gate, and joined
the Tower-wall in Tower-lane. From the ToAver
the ancient line of fortification extended into
Wynch or Wine-street ; and at Defence-lane
joined the wall which extended from St. Nicholas
Gate along the bank of the Avon.
Defence-lane is mentioned in old deeds. It
formed a barrier between the castle and the city,
to protect the citizens from the assaults of the
garrison of that fortress, which was governed by
a separate jurisdiction, and consequently not ame
nable to the municipal laws. This inner wall is
said to have been built by the Bishop of Con
stance, when he reared his standard at Bristol, in
favour of Robert Duke of Normandy, brother to
William Rufus. The outer wall on this side was
built on the bank of the Frome, extending from
Frome Gate to Pithay Gate and Newgate, where
it joined the outer wall of the castle. From its
elevated situation, and its natural and artificial
fortifications, this city must have been a place of
great strength ; and we are informed by a noble
historian, that " The Earl of Glocester so forti
fied the. city of Bristol, as to make it impreg
nable."*
* Lord Lyttelton's History ef the Life of King Henry II. vol 1.
p. 312.

176
But this city, happily for the inhabitants, de
rives its celebrity and splendour from the suc
cessful speculations of enterprizing merchants, and
the cultivation of the useful arts, which adorn
civilized society, instead of the false glory attached
to military operations. Many interesting events,
of a political nature, have indeed occurred Avithin
its boundaries ; but in every instance, the citi
zens were injured by the competitors for martial
superiority. Several Avriters have expatiated on the early
commerce of Bristol, particularly De Chesne, Avho
describes it as a place of great traffick in the
reign of King Stephen. " Bristol is one of the
richest cities of England, receiATing merchandise
from neighbouring and foreign places, Avith ships
under sail. It is situated in a Arery fertile part
of the kingdom, and one of her most defensi
ble cities ; for as Ave read of Brundusium, a
part of the county of Glocester is here formed
in a peninsula by tAvo rivers, Avhich extend on
each side, and by their confluence almost envi
ron the city. A strong and rapid tide Aoavs up
both these rivers, Avhich ebb into the broad and
deep sea, Avhere there is a safe and commodious
haAren for a thousand ships. The city is so closely
environed by the tide, that it seems to swim
in the Avaters, as it appears along the banks of
the riA-ers." Lord Lyttelton, on the authority

177
of William of Malmsbury, says, that in the
reign of Henry II. " Bristol Avas full of ships
from Ireland, Nonvay, and every part of Eu
rope, which brought hither great commerce, and
much foreign wealth." Had Malmsbury parti
cularized some of the principal commodities
imported, as well as those exported at this pe
riod, he Avould have communicated interesting
information, respecting the trade of Bristol; but
the general assertions of our ancient writers are
mostly hyperbolical, as Avell as unsatisfactory.
In the infancy of British commerce, the ships
so pompously mentioned by this historian Avere
probably not larger than our present coasters.
What commodities could Ireland or Nonvay then
supply ? Naval stores were probably imported
from the north of Europe ; but the manufactures
of Ireland, as Avell as England, were then but
feAV. The mariners' compass Avas unknown ; a
voyage to a remote region must consequently
have been extremely hazardous, and an inter
course Avith distant nations almost impracticable.
But Avhatever commerce England then enjoyed
Avas amply shared by the port of Bristol ; hence
it must have been a place of considerable opu^
lence in the tAvelfth century.
The election of Henry the First to the throne
of England, in the year 1100, having interrupted
Vol. i. m

178
the regular succession, that prince endeavoured
fo establish his popularity by the correction of
abuses, and the reformation of manners. During
the reign of William Rufus, the English courti
ers had assumed illegal authority over the peo
ple, whom they treated Avith intollerable inso
lence. This petty tyranny was still further ag
gravated by the infamous sensuality of several
young noblemen, Avho publickly boasted of their
success in the seduction of the Avives and daugh
ters of the citizens of London.
To remedy these moral and political disorders,
King Henry published an edict against all of
fenders, especially adulterers ; several of the no
bility, who had been notorious oppressors of the
people, Avere banished from the court ; Ranul-
phus bishop of Durham, the unpopular minister
of the late king, Avas imprisoned ; and those no
blemen, Avho had- the temerity to continue their
outrages, after the proclamation of the royal
mandate, Avere condemned to suffer death by
the hands of the common executioner.
The king also abolished the curfew, and granted
a charter to his subjects, by Avhich he con
firmed several of the liberties enjoyed by the
people during the reign of the Saxon kings, es
pecially Alfred, and Edward the Confessor. This

179
charter, on Avhich the great charter afterAvards
granted by King John Avas founded, restored the
ancient liberties of the church, and the people ;
and having been approved by the lords spiritual
and temporal, a transcript of it Avas sent to
each county, and lodged in the principal mo
nastery to be occasionally consulted.
Having thus obtained the esteem of the peo
ple, the king, under the pretext of his right
to the dukedom of Normandy, invaded his bro
ther Robert's dominions Avith a powerful host,
in the year 1107, and at the battle of Tinch-
enbray the English obtained a decisive victory.
OATer the Normans, and took possession of the
country. Thus by a fortuitous incident, about
forty years after the battle of Hastings, which
terminated in the conquest of England, the Eng
lish became conquerors of Normandy. The vic
tor, hoAA'ever, tarnished his glory by inclemency
to his brother, Avho Avas taken prisoner in the
field of battle, and sent over to Cardiff Castle,
Avhere he died, after twenty-six years of close
confinement. King Henry, having receiA^ed the homage of
his Norman vassals, returned to England, and
soon afterwards ambassadors Avere sent to the
English court from the emperor Henry the Fifth,

180
demanding the King of England's daughter, Ma
tilda, in marriage. This proposal Avas received
by the king Avith joy, for his ambition Avas gra
tified by such a splendid alliance ; the Avedding
Avas celebrated by proxy, and the princess, avIio
Avas then very young, was sent over the folloAV-
ing year to her imperial husband, Avith a nu
merous retinue, and a dowry suitable to her
rank. The prosperity of the King of England made
him unmindful of his charter, and the auspi
cious commencement of his reign in favour of
the liberties of the people. Elated Avith suc
cess, he became presumptuous, and exacted the
most exorbitant taxes without remorse. In the
year 1120 he had the misfortune to lose his
only son, prince William, avIio in the seven
teenth year of his age, Avas, with nearly one
hundred and forty of the English nobility, lost
in a voyage from France to England.
The king convened the vassals of the croAvn in
1 127, and proposed that the empress Matilda, avIio
had resided at the court of her father since the
death of the emperor, should be acknowledged
presumptive heir to the croAvn of England. The
members of this assembly gave their unanimous
consent, and Stephen, Earl of Boulogne, nepheAV

181
to the king, Avas the first who took the oath of
allegiance to Matilda. Soon after this ceremony,
the princess Avas married to Geoffrey Plantagenet,
Earl of Anjou.
In the year 1135, Avhile the king resided in
the castle of Lyons, he was seized Avith a dis
temper Avhich proved mortal. When he per
ceived that the hour of his dissolution approach
ed, he sent for Robert Earl of Glocester, his
favourite son. The dying father earnestly gave
it as his last injunction to the earl, that he
should assert the right of his sister, Matilda, to
the English crown, Avhich he then promised to
perform, and afterwards realized, in his brilliant
contest Avith King Stephen.
Twenty-four clays after the demise of King
Henry, his nepheAV Stephen Duke of Boulogne,
and grandson to William the Conqueror, assumed
the sceptre of England, notwithstanding the prior
claim of the empress Matilda, to Avhom the ba
rons and clergy had formerly swrorn allegiance.
But although invested Avith royal authority by
the clergy, the pretensions of Stephen met with
a bold competitor in Robert Earl of Glocester,
who landed in England in the year 1136, for
the purpose of disputing the succession. Soon
after his arrival, however, finding with what faci-

182
lity Stephen had ascended the throne, he thought
it expedient to temporize, and accordingly took
the oath of allegiance to. that sovereign, with
the stipulation that he should be no longer bound
by it, than the king continued to govern the
people according to his coronation oath, and his
profuse promises to the barons, and the clergy.
But the people in general were unfavourable
to their new king, and in the third year of his
reign, a general revolt of the barons, and their
vassals, prevailed throughout England.* Robert
Earl of Glocester Avas at the head of the insur
gents. He previously avowed himself the par
tisan of his sister, the. empress Matilda ; Avrote
a letter to Stephen, upbraiding him Avith the
breach of his oath to that princess, and pub
lished a manifesto, in which he styled the king
an usurper, and formally declared Avar against
him. To this letter Stephen returned no ansAver,
but confiscated the estates of the earl in Glo-
cestershire, and compelled him to retire to the
Continent. In the year 1138, the Earl of Glocester re
turned to England, and took possession of Bris
tol Avith great facility, on account of the mul-
* Malmsbury.

titude of his adherents in the city, and sur
rounding district. At the same time, several
noblemen, Avho were partisans of the empress,
took possession of the neAV castles Avhich had
been erected by Stephen for the security of the
crown. But the king Avas unintimidated by this
poAverful faction, and at the head of his army
marched against the confederates Avith such promp
titude and activity, that he disconcerted their
plans, and reduced their fortifications one after
another. Hence the Earl of Glocester had the
mortification to find his adherents diminished and
dispirited, and found it expedient to retire to the
Continent. But this temporary triumph of King
Stephen, and the consequent interval of peace
enjoyed by the nation, were succeeded by a still
more fatal contention betAveen the kins: and the
bishops, Avhich Avas- carried to such a degree of
animosity, that the prelates had recourse to arms.
At this period the bishops lived in royal
state, in strong castles, defended by a Avell-ap-
pointed garrison. The bishops of Salisbury,
Lincoln, and Ely, were particularly remarkable
for the magnificence of their household estab
lishment, and numerous retinue ; and when they
came to the court of their sovereign, they were
attended by so formidable a body of armed . de-

184
pendants, that they seemed rather to assume
superiority than acknowledge that of their sove
reign. Such an assumption of pomp and autho
rity in the clergy- was highly offensive, not
only to Stephen, but the nobility in general;
and, in consequence of a riot at Oxford, in
Avhich the Bishop of Salisbury's folloAArers Avere
the aggressors, the king required that prelate,
and his brethren, to deliver up their castles as
pledges for their future allegiance. An insur
rection Avas the consequence ; but Stephen march
ed against the insurgents, and soon reduced them
to submission. He then made himself master of
the principal castles belonging to the bishops,
and seized their treasures.
This contest Avith the bishops, however, soon
rendered the king very unpopular, insomuch that
he Avas looked upon by many of his subjects
Avith abhorrence ; and their disaffection was
strongly fomented by the inferior clergy, who
represented this attack upon the property of the
church as sacrilegious. The kingdom swarmed
Avith malecontents, avIio only Avanted a leader ;
and the empress, availing herself of this juncture,
landed in Sussex, accompanied by the Earl of
Glocester, and attended by one hundred and
forty knights. This event is very circumstanti
ally recorded by Lord Lyttelton.

185
" Adelais, the widoAv of King Henry I. though
she was married again to William de Albiney,
Earl of Arundel and of Sussex, retained such
an affectionate regard to the memory of her de
ceased husband, that she kept up a secret friend
ship with his daughter Matilda, Avhich the Earl
of Glocester iioav thought they might avail them
selves of, to draAV them out of the difficulties
they were under hoAV to land Avith safety in
England. Arundel Castle Avas a part of her dower.
Stephen had put no garrison into it, out of res
pect to the lady in Avhose right it Avas held ;
nor did he think of guarding the coast about it
Avith an army or fleet, as he had no suspicion
of her corresponding at this time with the
empress, because he lived in friendship Avith
her husband. A secret application M'as there
fore made to her, by the Earl of Glocester
and Matilda, to receive them into the castle ;
which she consenting to, they came into Arun
del harbour on the last day of September, in
the year eleven hundred and thirty-nine. After
a very short abode in the castle, the earl, at
tended by only twelve of the knights Avhom he
had brought over from Anjou, Avent from thence
in a dark night, and travelled toAvards Bristol,
by unfrequented roads, passing unknoAvn through
a country that Avas more than any other devo
ted to the king. When he was come about

186
half of his way to that city, Brian Fitz-comte,
o-overnor, or constable, of Wallingford Castle,
met and escorted him, during the rest of his
journey, Avith a good body of troops. Thus, he
arrived safe at Bristol : but it appeared no small
hazard, to Avhich he exposed the person of Ma
tilda, by leaving her thus shut up in Arundel
Castle. Yet he thought he might securely de
pend upon the faith of the doAvager queen, and
the great strength of the place, which the enemy
could not take Avithout a long siege; so that he
hoped to relieve it, before his sister should suf
fer any extreme inconvenience, and to make
himself master of all the Avest of England, while
Stephen was employed in besieging her there.
The project was that of a great man, extraor
dinary, but Avell grounded. And Matilda's cou
rage was such, that there is reason to believe
she gave her consent to it, with as much con
fidence as her brother advised it.
" Intelligence being brought to the king of
her landing, he instantly quitted Marlborough,
Avhich he was besieging, and Avith the best of
his forces, very expeditiously came before Arun
del Castle, hoping to find the Earl of Glocester
there Avith the empress. But Avhen he was in
formed that the earl Avas gone, he pursued him
with part of his troops, leaving a sufficient

187
number to block up the castle, and the pur
suit being ineffectual, returned to the siege and
pressed it vigorously, thinking Avith good rea
son that he ought to make that his principal
object, his principal enemy being there enclosed.
But the Bishop of Winchester advised him to
let her go out of the castle and join the Earl
of Glocester, under a notion that he might more
easily subdue them together, than Avhile they
Avere separate. Stephen Avas so Aveak, as to fol
low his advice, and having first given her hos
tages, as Avell as his oath, for her security, sent
her under his OAvn safe conduct to Bristol, es
corted by his brother and the Earl of Meulant,
his chief minister ; a thing hardly credible, if
it were not attested by so many historians, that
a king should convey a princess, who came to
invade and claim his kingdom, out of a castle
in which he held her besieged, to another part
of the country, where her greatest strength and
interest lay, safely and peaceably, under the guard
of his OAvn troops ! It Avas indeed a strange ef
fect of that infatuation, Avhich sometimes seems
to sIicav itself in the conduct of a sovereign Avhom
the Providence of God intends to chastise. For
even supposing that it Avould have been neces
sary for Stephen to go, and make head in the
Avest against the Earl of Glocester, he might have
committed the siege of Arundel Castle, during

188
his absence, to' William of Ipres, or at least
have blocked up the place 'so closely, by sea
and land, as to hinder Matilda's escape, instead
of sending her to head her friends, dispel the
anxiety they Avere in for her safety, and foment
the revolt.
" Matilda having been thus by the folly of
Stephen, delivered from her confinement in Arun
del Castle, found herself mistress, in a A^ery short
time, of a considerable part of the kingdom.
The Earl of Glocester had so fortified the city of
Bristol, as to make it impregnable. By the abi
lities of the Earl of Glocester, who had all the
great qualities that are requisite in the head of
a party, and all the virtues that could be con
sistent Avith the unhappy necessities of that situ
ation, the cause of the empress Avas supported.*"
The Earl of Glocester, whose character and
influence gave confidence to the confederates, now
assumed the prerogatives of a sovereign, and
coined money at Bristol for the payment of his
troops. |
* Lord Lyttelton's History of the Life of Henry the Second,
vol. 1. p. 250, &c.
f " There were at this time two armies in the field ; one headed
by Robert, the other by Eustace, both of which must be paid ; and
the currency of money at that time was so small, that the prelates.

189
Meanwhile Stephen was not inactive, but
marched against the insurgents with his charac
teristic ardour. The decisive battle of Lincoln
terminated the contest in favour of the empress,
for on this occasion the bravery and skill of the
king Avere counterpoised by the prowess of the
Earl of Glocester, who in person took Stephen
prisoner. The victor conducted his royal captive
into the presence of the empress, who ungene
rously commanded him to be confined in chains
in the castle of Bristol. This severity, which
was totally incompatible with the magnanimity
of the Earl of Glocester, is only attributable to
the pride and malevolence of his sister.
The partisans of the imprisoned king having
relinquished a hopeless cause, Matilda, who was
every where acknowledged victor, and was received
with congratulations even by the citizens of Lon
don, now looked forward to the completion of
her hopes by a coronation ; but the Bishop of
Winchester, brother to the captive sovereign,
counteracted all her projects. Before this popu-
earls, and barons, took upon them to coin their own money, accord
ing to Hoveden,. This will rationally account for this coin having
been struck by Robert Earl of Glocester. The name Roberdus ou
this penny seems to be owing to a mistake in punching the letters
on the die." — Vide Observations on a Coin of Robert Earl of Glo
cester. Archa;ologia, Vol, 4. p. 137.

190
lar and powerful prelate proceeded to open hos*
tilities, he entreated the empress to set his bro
ther at liberty ; but she haughtily rejected his re
quest. Entreaties being unavailing, the bishop laid
a plot to seize the person of Matilda, of which
having received a secret intimation, she escaped
precipitately from London, and putting herself at
the head of her army, attended by the Earl of
Glocester, and David, King of Scotland, she marched
to besiege Winchester. The bishop was at his
castle, and perceiving that on the approach of
the empress, the inhabitants of Winchester ap
peared zealous in her cause, he set fire to the
city, and reduced it, and tAventy churches and a
nunnery, to ashes. He then abandoned his cas
tle, Avhich was immediately taken possession of
by the Earl of Glocester ; but a reinforcement of
Kentish men coming most opportunely to the aid
of the bishop, he besieged the castle so closely,
that at the expiration of two months, the earl
and his troops, reduced almost to famine, resolved
to cut their Avay through the army of the be
siegers. Accordingly they sallied out in good order,
with Matilda, and the King of Scotland, in the
van, while the Earl of Glocester commanded the
rear. They were immediately attacked by the
king's troops, who Avere frequently repulsed by
the bravery and skill of the earl, whose efforts

191
¦enabled the' empress to effect her escape. But
the eari Avas himself taken prisoner ; for, intent
on the safety of his sister, and the preservation
of his troops, he, Avith characteristic gallantry,
marched last through a defile, Avhere, after de
fending himself Avith undaunted resolution, he
was taken prisoner, and conducted under a strong
•escort to Rochester.
During the imprisonment of the Earl of Glo
cester, he Avas solicited by the Bishop of Win
chester, and the rest of the king's friends, to
abandon the cause of Matilda ; but notwith
standing his captivity, and the dangers Avith
which he Avas surrounded, he continued stedfast
in his allegiance to his sister. After the earl had
continued six months in prison, Matilda, in
order to effect his liberation, consented that King
Stephen should be set at liberty. Accordingly,
the king was released, after having suffered the
rigours of confinement for nine months.

'ov

From that period, the king's party obtained
the ascendancy, insomuch that the Earl of Glo
cester thought it expedient to solicit the aid of
the Earl of Anjou in defence of the rights of
Matilda, and her son Henry. But that prince,
Avho Avas engaged in a civil Avar, could only
afford the aid of a feAV troops, Avhich invaded

192
vaded England in the year 1142, under the com
mand of the Earl of Glocester, who Avas accom
panied by his nephew, Prince Henry.
Prior to this period, Bristol, the counties ly
ing on the side of the Severn, and that part of
Wales inhabited by English settlers, had declared
for Matilda; but notwithstanding the influence
of the Earl of Glocester, she Avas unable to
obtain the crown. A civil Avar ensued, with lit
tle interruption, for eight years ; and wasted and
depopulated the country, without deciding the
contest in favour of either competitor. After
the return of the Earl of Glocester from the
Continent, the war was continued with little vi
gour, a few skirmishes, and the siege of several
castles, being the whole of the military opera
tions. Meanwhile the earl turned his attention to
the education of Prince Henry, Avho resided at
the castle of Bristol during four years, and
A^as placed under the tuition of the best in
structors. At the expiration of that time, the
Earl of Anjou, being desirous to see his son Henry,
who had now completed his education, the prinCe
Avas accompanied by the Earl of Glocester to
Ware ham, where he embarked for the Continent.
The earl returned to Bristol, where he died on
the 31st of August, 1147, in the 58 th year of
his age, and was buried in the choir of the

193
priory of St. James, in this city, under a green
jasper stone.*
Robert Earl of Glocester was the most accom
plished and virtuous nobleman of the age, equally
distinguished for his valour, munificence, and
piety. When he rebuilt the castle of Bristol of
stone which was imported from Normandy, he
gave every tenth stone towards the erection of
a .chapel to the honour of St. Mary, in the
priory of St. James, in this city. He also
built the castle of Cardiff, and founded Margam
Abbey, in Glamorganshire ; and he was a bene
factor to the monasteries of Neath, TeAvkesbury,
and Glocester. His literary knowledge gave him
a decisive superiority over his noble cotempo-
raries, and he communicated a taste for science
and literature to his nephew. " The four years
Avhich Prince Henry passed in England at Bris
tol, laid the foundation of all that Avas after
wards most excellent in him ; for his earliest
impressions were taken from his uncle, Avho not
only in learning, hut in all other perfections, in
magnanimity, valour, prudence, and all moral
virtues, was the best example that could be pro
posed to his. imitation."! With such endoAV-.
* Dugdale's Monasticon Anglicanum.
f Lord Lyttelton's History of the Life of Henry II,
Vol. i, n

194
ments and accomplishments, the Earl of Glo
cester became so popular in England, that he
might readily have obtained the crown, but he
gloried in his inviolable allegiance to his sister,
from Avhich nothing could make him swerve. In
the army, indeed, he exercised the authority of
a general ; and when a resident of his castle,, he
ruled as a sovereign. In the year 1141, he ap
pointed Milo, Earl of Hereford, governor of his
castle at Bristol ; but during the civil war, many
outrages were committed with impunity by the
garrison, not only upon the defenceless husband
men and shepherds of the circumjacent country,
but even the inhabitants of the toAvn itself.
That the possessions of Robert Earl of Gloces
ter were very extensive, is evident from the for
tress erected for the protection of his domain
in Wales ; and it is recorded, that Robert Fitz-
harding held of him the manor of Bedminster.*
When King Stephen took possession of the
castle of Bristol, after the death of the Earl of
Glocester, he appointed BartholomeAv de Curi-
shall governor; but when Henry II. ascended the
English throne, in the year 1154, the castle Avas
restored to William, the eldest son and successor
of Robert Earl of Glocester. The favourite re-
* Tanner's Notitia Monastica;

195
sidence of William was at Cardiff Castle, in
Glamorganshire, to which he had retired on the
death of his father. This castle he possessed by
hereditary right from Robert Fitzhamon, who,
in the time of William II. had, with twelve
knights, and their followers, subdued the circum
jacent territory.
Earl William, while he resided in Wales, ex
perienced much annoyance from Yvor, one of
his vassals, a man of diminutive stature, but of
indefatigable activity and invincible courage. The
retreat of Yvor, and his adherents, was in the
Avoody mountains near the castle ; and the
Earl of Glocester frequently endeavoured, but in
vain, to dislodge him from those sylvan fortifi
cations. Yvor, exasperated at the hdstilify of
the earl, boldly approached the castle of Car
diff with his partisans, and though the battle
ments were high, and strongly guarded by one
hundred and twenty soldiers, and a number of
archers, the assailants successfully scaled the
walls, surprized and disarmed the troops, and
carried off the earl, his countess, and their young
son, to the Avoods. This bold adventurer after
wards released his captives, on receiving the earl'$
promise that he should have full restitution of
his property.*
* Giraldus Cambrensis. Itm. Cambr. lib. 1, cap. 6',

196
On the accession of Henry II. to the throne,.
in the year 1155, he commanded all the castles
Avhich had been erected since the death of Henry I.
and which were receptacles .of rapine, to be de
molished, except a few which were retained by
the crown, on account of their advantageous situ
ation for the defence of the kingdom, and the
protection of the maritime towns. Robert Fitz-
harding, who was then governor of Bristol, and,
by the supplies of money and troops which he
afforded to Henry, on his invading England, in
the year 1152, had been principally instrumental
in the recovery of the throne from the usurper
Stephen, was rewarded by his grateful sovereign
with the estates of Berkeley, which were confis
cated in consequence of the former possessor hav
ing fought for Stephen. But Roger, the late
proprietor of Berkeley, was permitted to retain
his title and estate of Dursley ; his being dis
possessed of his other hereditary estate, hoAvever,
excited such a violent hatred and resentment
against Fitzharding, that the interference of Ste-.
phen and Henry was found requisite to effect
the reconciliation of these noblemen. Their
amity was further established by a marriage
between Maurice, son of Fitzharding, and Alice,
a daughter of Lord Dursley ; and also be
tween Robert, the heir of Dursley, and Helena,
daughter of Robert Earl of Berkeley. The

*97
nuptials were solemnized with great magnificence
at Bristol, in the presence of Stephen and Henry.
Hence Robert Fitzharding Avas not only gover
nor of Bristol, but Earl of Berkeley ; yet his
acquisition of poAvCr was exercised Avith great
moderation. He was a liberal benefactor to the
monastery of St. Augustine, which he founded
hi Bristol ; and he was also founder of the hos
pital of St. Catherine, at Bedminster, near this city.
Robert Fitzharding, on cOming into possession
of Berkeley Castle, repaired - and enlarged that
fortress: He took his seat as peer in the par
liament convened in the first year of the reign
of Henry II. He married EAre, the ' daughter of
Estmond, and Godwina, sister to * William the
Conqueror, by Avhom he had four sons and two
daughters. It appears that in the decline of his
life he became a devotee ; for it is recorded that
he was a canon of the abbey of St. Augustine,
in Bristol, and when he died, in the year 1170,
at the age of seventy-five years, he Avas interred
between the abbot and prior's cell, at the en
trance of the choir in that monastery.* His eld
est son and successor, Robert, laid aside the
name of Harding, and assumed that of Berkeley.
* Collinston's History and Antiquities of the County of Somerset,
p. 27(5.

198
He was a benefactor to the hospital of St. Ca
therine, in Bedminster
William Earl of Glocester, who distinguished
himself more by his munificence to monasteries
and religious establishments, than his military
exploits, died in the year 1173, and Avas buried
in the abbey of Keynsham. His only son, Ro
bert, died in his father's life-time ; his eldest
daughter, Matilda, Avas married to the Earl of
Evereux ; his second daughter, Amice, was mar
ried to the Earl of Hertford ; and his third daugh
ter, Avisa, was united to John Earl of MorOton,*
the youngest son of King Henry II. The king
had retained the castle of Bristol, and the honour
of Glocester, during eight years after the demise
of William, the late earl ; but on the marriage
of his son Avith Avisa, f he conferred them on
the prince, together with the hundred of Barton
Regis, near Bristol. Hence this city, with its
castle and domains, came into the possession of
a presumptive heir to the croAvn, and from this
* Rapin's History of England.
f " King John had no issue by her, and so repudiating her, toke
to wyfe the Erie of Hereforde's daughter, and reteynid yn his hondes
the town and eastelle of Brightstowe within the hundred of Berton,
lying in Glocestyrshire hard by Brightstowe, as betwixt the forest of
Kingeswode and it : and so it hathe synce stil remaynid yn the kinge's
handes." — Leland's Itin, vol. 6. p. 86.

199
period it arose, by a regular gradation, to that
enviable opulence and importance, which it noAV
enjoys. The first royal charter granted to Bristol was
by John Earl of Moreton, in the year 1190,
and is to the following purport.
The Charter of John Earl of Moreton to his Bur
gesses of Bristow.
" John Earl of Moreton to all his men and
friends, Frenchmen and Englishmen, Welchmen
and Irishmen, now present, and in time to come,
greeting. Know ye, that I have granted, and
by this my present charter confirmed, to my bur
gesses of Bristow, dwelling within the walls and
without, unto the bounds of the town, that is to
say, Sandbrook, Bewel, and Brightnee-bridge,
and the well in the way near' Addlebury of
Knoll,* all their free customs, as well, and in a
lull and free manner as in the time of my pre
decessors. The liberties which are granted to

* These were the ancient boundaries of the town, which were not
enlarged at the perambulation in the reign of Edward III. 1373, when
inquisition was made of its ancient liberties, upon the oaths of thirty-
six jurors, before magistrates appointed for that purpose. At that
period these bounds were ratified by a record in the Court of Chan
cery, under the great seal, and confirmed by act of parliament.

200
them are these : that is to say, that no burgess
of Bristow, may sue or be sued out of the walls
of the said town, in any place, except for any
pleas of foreign tenements that do not belong to
the hundred of the town ; and - that they shall
be free of murder within the bounds of the town ;
and that no burgess shall wage duel, unless he
Avere appealed of the death of any foreigner that
was kjlled in the toAvn, and who was not of the
town ; and that no man shall take an inn within
the walls by the assent and order of the mar
shal, against the will of the burgesses. And that
they shall be free from toll, lastage, and pont
age, and of all other customs, through all, my.
lands and territories, And that none shall be
judged and amerced in money, but according to
the laws of the hundred, that is to say, by the
forfeiture of forty shillings. And that the hun
dred court of BristoAv be kept only once in
seven days ; and that in no plea any one be
charged with prevarication. And that they may
lawfully have their lands and tenures, days of
appearance and duty, through all my lands, what
soever shall be due unto them. And that for
the lands and tenures Avithin the town, ri<*ht be
done, according to the custom of the town... And
that for the debts Avhich Avere made in BristoAv,
and for the pledges there made, pleas may. be
there holden in the town, And that if any one!

201
any .where, of any land shall take toll of the
men, of BristoAv, if he doth not deliver it again
after it shall be demanded to be restored, to the
provost, he may take and distrain a ship for the
same. And that no. foreign merchant shall buy
Avithin the tOAvn of any stranger hides, corn, or
wool, but of the burgesses. And that no foreigner
shall have any tavern but in his ship, nor sell
cloth to be cut but in the fair; And that no
stranger shall tarry in the town with his mer
chandizes to sell the same, but- only forty days.
And that no burgess any where else within, my
land or jurisdiction shall be attached or distrained
for any debt, unless he be debtor or surety. And
that they may marry themselves, and sons and
daughters, and widows, Avithout licence of their
lords. And that none of their lords, by reason
of their foreign lands, may have the custody or
gift of their sons and daughters or widows ;. but
only of their tenements, which be of 'their fee,
until they be of age. And that no recognizance
be made in the town. And that none shall take
tynam in the town, but to the use of, the lord
of the country, and that according to the custom
of the town. And that they may grind their
corn Avheresoever they will. And they may have
all their reasonable guilds in as full manner as
they held them in the time of Robert, and Wil
liam his son, earls of Glocester. And no bur-

202
gess shall be compelled to take sureties of any
man, except himself be willing thereunto, al
though he be remaining on his ground. And I
have also granted to them all their holds, with
in the walls and without, unto the aforesaid
mounds of the town, in houses and woods, in
buildings, by the water and elsewhere, whereso
ever it shall be, to be holden in free burgage ;
that is to say, by landgable service, which they
shall do within the walls. And I have also
granted, that every one of them may amend as
much as he can, in making buildings, every where
upon the bank and elsewhere, Avithout the da
mage of the borough and town. And that they
may have and possess all lands and void places,
which are contained in the said mounds, at their
wills to build. Wherefore I will and strictly
command, that my said burgesses of Bristow, and
their heirs, shall have and hold all those afore
said liberties and free customs as aforesaid, of
me and my heirs, as amply, wholly, peaceably,
and honourably, as ever they had the same, when
well, and in time of peace, without the hin
drance or molestation of any person whatsoever.
" Witness, Stephen Rid, my chancellor, William
de Wennen, Roger de Dlan, Roger de Newbo-
rough, Maurice de Berkly, Robert his brother,

203
Harmer Deval, Simon de Marisco, Gilbert Ralph*
William de la Feleyse, Master Benedict, Master
Peter, and many others at Bristow."
This important charter is illustrative of the
state of laws, commerce, society, and manners,
at the remote period when it was granted ; yet
the reader can receive but little gratifica
tion from .. a retrospect of the almost incredible
ignorance and vassalage which then prevailed,
not only throughout England, but the nations
of Europe in general. When William I. par
celled out this kingdom to his Norman adven
turers, he also gave the inhabitants of the ma
nors as vassals to cultivate the soil. Hence a
numerous class of men, called villains, who in
habited the villages, were obliged to work for
their lord without reward ; they Avere incapable
of acquiring any property by inheritance,- indus
try, or gift, their money, goods, and lands, being
seizable at the option of the baron, who was-
only restrained by the common law from maim
ing or killing his vassals, or ravishing the female
slaves or nieves. But another class of men,, who
Avere free in their person, obtained a livelihood
by working as journeymen at the few trades
then known, or as day labourers at agriculture.
The majority of the inhabitants of the walled

204
towns, or boroughs,* were, however, the property
of some lord ; they held their tenements, called
burgage, at his will, and worked at some trade
by his permission, paying him Avhatever part of
the profits of their industry he might think pro
per to require. The trades at that period were
few, and such as contributed to supply the ne
cessities of the community, particularly those of
mason, carpenter^ smith, baker, butcher,' clothier,
and taylor ; but the conquest of England by the
Normans gradually introduced Avhatever useful
or elegant in dress, furniture, or building, was
then known on the Continent. • Architecture,
particularly the ancient gothic style, Avhich gave
such an air of grandeur to the churches and
monasteries, was also introduced at this period :;
and various improvements in the art of fortifi
cation Avere adopted in the construction of cas
tles. But the houses of. the common people,
even in the great towns of England, were inele
gant and inconvenient ; the repeated hostilities of
foreign invaders, and the oppressive exactions of
the Norman settlers, impoverished the people;
and even their manufactures of linen, woollen,
earthen ware, iron, and tin, were suffered to lan
guish, without the cheering influence of royal
patronage.
* The meaning of the word borough was originally a walled town.

205
The immunities and privileges conferred by
Prince John on Bristol, contributed essentially to
its advancement in trade and population. On
the demise of King Henry II. in the year 1189,
his son Richard assumed the reins of government.
King Richard Avas sirnamed cceur de lion, for his
invincible courage ; and _ soon after the ceremony
of -his coronation, , made preparations for (the
crusade ; but as he was suspicious that his bro
ther John might seize the crown during his ab
sence, he conferred several favours on him, to
secure his grateful fidelity.
In addition to the earldom of Glocester,*
which. Prince John already enjoyed, Richard in
vested him Avith six earldoms, namely, those of
Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset, Nottingham, Derby,
and Lancaster. After having thus secured the
attachment of his brother, and renewed his alli
ances Avith the kings of Scotland and Whales, to
preserve the tranquillity* of the kingdom during
his absence, Richard embarked his troops, and
set sail for France, where he Avas to be joined
by King Philip and his army. The crusades,
*• Rapin informs us that the late Earl of Glocester, father of
Avisa, for reasons unknown, had made John his heir ; but this is an
error, for King Henry II. doubtless retained the earldom for several
years, and afterwards conferred it on his son, as the dowry of the
lady Avisa.

206
though unsuccessful in the conquest of the Sa
racens, and their expulsion from Jerusalem, was
beneficial to the commercial intercourse of Eng
land, not only with Europe, but with Africa
and Asia.
The feudal government cherished that passion
for military glory, which was productive of such
numerous instances of heroism, during the twelfth
and thirteenth centuries. Chivalry may indeed
be said to have attained the meridian of its glory
in the reign of Richard I. but its influence on
society and manners, was paramount for ages
prior to that period. According to the feudal
system, each landed proprietor Avas a soldier,
and bound to follow his lord on horseback when
he went to war. Hence the education of young
noblemen was entirely military, learning, and the
polite arts, being then in their infancy in Eu
rope, and thought derogatory to the dignity of
the heroic character. The idea of whatever was
magnanimous, generous, and gallant, Avas attached
to knighthood ; and consequently the protection
of the fair sex, and the redress of injuries, were
considered as the indispensable duties of the
accomplished knight. Nay, in many instances
an appeal to the sword superseded the opera
tion of the laws.

207
Knighthood was an honorary dignity, which
was thought to add lustre to the highest degree
of nobility, nay, even to royalty itself; and
its influence on the manners of European nati
ons, during three centuries, was so great as to
form the characters and manners of the most
distinguished individuals. The following account
of the nature and purposes of this singular in
stitution, may afford a rational gratification to
curiosity. " When Alphonso V. King of Portugal, had
taken the city of Arzila by assault, from the
Moors, he went in great solemnity to the prin
cipal mosque, where he prayed for some minutes
before a crucifix, which Avas placed upon the
corpse of the Count de Marialva, who had been
killed in the action. He then commanded his
son, the Infant of Portugal, to kneel doAvn, then
drew his SAVord, and said to the prince, ' My
son, we have received this day a great favour
from Almighty God, who has made us masters
of so important a place, and given me so fair
an opportunity of conferring on you the honour
of knighthood, and arming you with my own
hand. But, first to instruct you what the na
ture of that order is, know my son, that it con
sists in a close confederacy or union of poAver
and virtue, to establish peace among men, when-.

208
ever ambition, avarice, or tyranny, trouble states,
or injure individuals. For knights are bound to
employ their swords on these occasions, in order
to dethrone tyrants, and put good men in their
place. But they are likewise obliged to keep
fidelity to their sovereign, as well as to obey
their chiefs in war, and to give them salutary.
counsels. It is also the duty of a knight to be
frank and liberal, and to think nothing his own,
but his horse and arms, which he ought to keep
for the sake of acquiring honour with them, by
using them in the defence of his religion and country,
and of those who are unable to defend themselves.
For, as the priesthood was instituted for , divine.
service, so was chivalry for the maintenance of
religion and justice. A knight ought to be the
husband of widows, the father of orphans, the
protector of the poor, and the stay of those Avho
have no other support ; and they Avho do not
act thus are unworthy to bear that name. These,
my son, are< the obligations Avhich the order of
knighthood will lay upon you ; consider whether
you are desirous of it upon these terms.' The
prince having expressed his acquiescence, the king
asked him if he would promise to perform all
those several duties, and make them to be ob
served, with other rights and customs of the
order of knighthood ? To Avhich the prince hav
ing consented, ' On these conditions,' said the

209
king, ' I make and arm you a knight, in the
name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost ;' and at each of these sacred names strik
ing him with his SAVord on the helmet, he added,
' May God make you as good a knight as this
Avhose body you see before you, pierced in seve
ral places, for the service of God, and of his
sovereign.' Then kissing him in the forehead,
he raised him up with his hand."*
The ceremonies of inauguration in England
were somewhat different. It was customary that
the person Avho Avas to be knighted should re
ceive absolution the evening before ; and after
having watched all night in a church, he in the
morning should offer his. sword on the altar, and
receive it from, the priest,, with a benediction.
When the honour of knighthood Avas conferred
by the king in person, which was frequently the
case, the candidate was bathed, and afterwards,
his sword was girded on by his sovereign, who
also put on his feet a pair of gilt spurs, and
struck him gently with a sword on the neck,
head, or shoulders. This solemnity Avas graced
Avith the songs and music of minstrels, who at
tended on the knight, and by many other marks
of rejoicing and honour. f
* Marmel. Africa, t. ii. 1. 4. c. 53.
t Upton de Militari Officio, 1.1. c. 3.
Vol. i. o

210
Both the defensive and offensive armour of a
knight Avere of superior excellence, and in some
instances, of great value. When Geoffry Plan-
tagenet, the father of Henry II. received the
honour of knishthood, he was armed with a ha-
bergeon of double plates, or scollops, of steel,
Avhich no arrow or lance could penetrate ; his
cuishes, or boots of iron, were equally strong.
Gilt spurs Avere put on his feet, a shield was
hung on his neck, adorned Avith lions of gold,
and his head was defended with a helmet, which
glittered with precious stones, and was so well
forged, that no sword could penetrate it ; his de
fensive arms consisted of a lance of ash, armed
Avith the steel of Poitou, and a sword from the
royal armory, where it had been laid up for ages,
being the workmanship of Galan, Avho had, forged
it Avith his utmost skill.* Thus equipped, and
inspired with all the ardour of religious and mar
tial enthusiasm, a knight Avas truly formidable.
In France, the education given to those who
aspired to the honour of knighthood, was well
calculated to make them good soldiers. A young
gentleman destined to arms, was taken Avhen he
was seven years old, out of the hands of the
women, and remained a page till fourteen, in
* Monach. Mariemb. Hist. Guafrid.

211
the family of a knight ; after which he served
seven years in the quality of esquire, and then
was knighted. After the Conquest of England
by William Duke of Normandy, a similar me
thod of education was adopted in this country ;
for the Norman princes introduced into their
courts the manners of the French, with little
variation. With the English, fifteen was accounted
the lawful age of knighthood.*
According to the laws of chivalry, every knight
vowed fidelity to some lady, whose favours he
Avore in tournaments and battles, and for Avhose
honour he was always prepared to combat. This
amatory sentiment was inculcated in their edu
cation ; and hence the passion of love was an
incitement to their valour, while it humanized
their manners. Every knight had power to make
other knights, wherever he AVCnt. During the
reign of King Stephen, the Earl of Glocester
conferred the honour of knighthood on his bro
ther ; nay, some of our kings themselves have
been knighted by their own subjects. f
The institution of knighthood was admirably
calculated to cherish generous and exalted sen-
* Spelman.
f Henry the Sixth was knighted by the Duke of Bedford ; aud
Edward the Sixth by the Duke, of Somerset.

212
timents ; and, as a noble historian justly ob
serves, " From the ninth to the sixteenth cen
tury, the brightest virtues Avhich dignified either
the history of this nation, or that of any other
people in the Avhole Christian world, were chiefly
derived from this source. Had it not been for
the spirit of chivalry, the corruption of religion,
the Avant of all good learning, the superstition,
the ferocity, the barbarism of the times, would
have extinguished all virtue and sense of huma
nity,, as well as all generous sentiments of honour,
in the hearts of the nobility and gentry of Eu
rope : nor Avould they have been able to resist
the military enthusiasm of the Saracens and the
Turks, Avithout the aid of another kind of fana
ticism, which Avas excited and nourished in them
by means of that spirit.'

»*

During the continuance of this romantic in
stitution, European armies were principally com
posed of cavalry ; the infantry, for the most
part, were archers, and both the Welsh and Eng
lish Avere celebrated for their strength and dex-
terity in drawing the bow. Besides the heavy
cavalry, there Avere light armed horsemen, avIio
only Avore a habergeon and helmet of iron. The
defensive armour of the infantry consisted of
* Lord Lyttelton's History ofthe Life of King Henry II. vol. '2. p. 249.

213
skull-caps, and light breast-plates or targets of
Avood. Tilts and tournaments, for the display of per
sonal dexterity and prowess in the use of arms,
were first introduced into Germany by the Em
peror Henry, in the tenth century.* In the
folloAving century, they Avere established in France
and England. They Avere regulated by a pecu
liar code of laws, sanctioned by royal authority.
These military exercises were of great use- to
instruct the nobility in the management of their
horses and lances ; they also cherished a martial
disposition, and an emulation for military glory,
in time of peace. Nor ,-Avere these military
amusements confined to the nobility, or even
those Avho had received the honour of knight-
hood ; for Ave are informed that in fhe time of
Henry II. every Sunday, during lent, the sons
of the citizens of London sallied forth hi troops,
from the gates, mounted on war-horses, and
armed with shields and lances, or javelins, the
iron of which Avas taken off; and proceeded to
the fields, Avhere they exercised themselves in
mock fights, and acts of military contention.
On those occasions, many of the young nobility
* Selden.

214
and gentry, who had not been knighted, came
from the palace, and engaged in those tourna
ments. It was also customary for the young
citizens, every holiday during summer, to go into
the fields and practice archery, wrestling, throw
ing missile weapons, and other martial sports;
and during the festival of Easter, they represented
a naval engagement on the river Thames.*
The maritime force of England was very con
siderable when Richard ascended the throne.
The navy was principally composed of galleys,
which were long, narrow, and low built, with two
rows of oars. The prow was strengthened with
a piece of wood covered with iron, which was
called a spur, and was designed to pierce the
ships of the' enemy. Before. Richard embarked
in that memorable crusade, in Avhich he became
so highly distinguished, he augmented his navy
with several large galleys ; and we are informed
that after the conquest of Cyprus, when all his
galleys arriA^ed in one of the ports of that island,
including five which he had taken from the Cy-
priots, they amounted to one hundred. Fifty
of these were triremes, or gallies of three oars;t
and besides these armed vessels, he sailed from
* Fitz-Stephen. f Spelman.

215
Messina with one hundred and fifty large ships,
which he used as transports.*
The foreign commerce of England, in the
twelfth century, was extensive and lucrative, as is
evident from the fact, that Avhen King Richard I.
ordered an exact account -to be taken of the
royal treasure, the amount was about ninety
thousand pounds Aveight in silver and gold. The
prelates, and principal nobility, had also much
plate, and rich ornaments, in their houses and
wardrobes; and the cathedral churches, and those
belonging to several of the monasteries, were de
corated with crucifixes, shrines, and vessels of-
gold and silver. As there are no historical re
cords respecting the discovery of mines of gold
or silver in England, and those precious metals
were very rare in Europe at this period, the
balance of trade with other nations must have
been greatly in favour of the English. But the
articles which were so productive are unknoAvii.
We are indeed told by a learned writer, " that
in the time of Henry the Second, and Richard
the First, this kingdom greatly flourished in the
art of manufacturing woollen cloth : but by the
troublesome wars in the time of King John, and
Henry the Third, and also of Edward the First
* Hoveden,

216
and Edward the Second, this manufacture was
Avholly lost, and all our trade ran out in wool,
Avoolfells, and leather, carried out in specie."*
The great staple of the nation was, at this early
period, a ery beneficial to the manufacturers ; and
both the clothing and dying trades were carried
on to a considerable extent, in the cities of Bris
tol, Worcester, Glocester, and many other toAvns,
Avhich paid fines to King John, 'f that they might
buy and sell dyed cloth, as they were accustomed
to do in the time of King Henry the Second. "t
In the twenty-seventh year of the same king's
reign, a licence Avas giA^en to export corn from
Norfolk and Suffolk to Norway, which was un
doubtedly paid for in specie. The trade from
the Avest of England to every part of Europe,
must have been very considerable at this period ;
for William of Malmsbury expatiates on the
Avealth of London, and other sea-ports, and the
multitude of ships from the different maritime
nations of Europe, which, he says, " filled the
port of Bristol, and brought thither much foreign
wealth." The principal articles imported Avere
foreign wines, which Avere chiefly brought from
France.
* Hale's Primitive Original of Mankind, p, 16.1.
t Madox's History of the Exchequer.

217
Among the exports from Bristol, mentioned in
the charter granted by King John, were hides,
corn, and avooI ; a proof that the manufacture of
woollen goods Avas then on the decline. Yet the
grant for the incorporation of guilds admits the
inference, that there were a considerable number
of artificers in this borough, at that period. The
article of grain exported was probably the prin
cipal merchandise supplied by the fertile counties
of Somerset, Wilts, and Glocester ; for it was
not till the reign of Edward III. that the Avoollen
manufacture became the staple commodity of the
Avest of England.
On the death of King Richard, who Avas mor
tally wounded Avith an arroAV at the siege of
Chaluz, in 1199, his brother, Prince John, Avas
croAvned at Westminster by the Archbishop of
Canterbury,* in the presence of the barons, se-
* The speech of the archbishop on this occasion is too remark
able to be omitted. " No person can have a right to the crown of
this kingdom, unless after humbly invoking God's holy spirit, he be
first unanimously elected for his extraordinary, virtues, and then so
lemnly anointed and consecrated. In this we imitate what was prac
ticed with regard to Saul and David, whom God was pleased to set
over his people, though neither of them was the son of a king, nor
royally descended. The former was chosen for his valour, the latter
for his humility and piety j it being God's will that such as were to
be cloathed with sovereign power, should be distinguished in an emi
nent manner by their virtues. If, therefore, any one of the family
of the late king outshines the- rest in noble qualities, we ought to

218
veral of the clergy, and a vast concourse of the
people. In the second year of his reign, A. D. 1200,
he granted the town of Bristol in fee farm to the
burgesses, at the annual rent of X245. In the
year 1201, when he levied a tax to defray the
expence of his expedition to Ireland, the inha
bitants of Bristol paid one thousand marks ; the
men of Redcliff, an equal sum ; and the burgesses
of Glocester, five hundred marks, which were
paid to Englard de Cigoni, the king's treasurer
at Bristol. A very unjustifiable act of despotism
of this prince is recorded. In 1210, he seized
the property of the Jews; and a rich Jew at
Bristol, who refused to pay an exorbitant sum,
was tortured into compliance, by the persons
employed to enforce the mandate of the tyrant.
The three principal events in the reign of King
John, were, his war with Philip King of France,
who deprived him of all the provinces which his
predecessors held in that kingdom ; the depri-
make no scruple to submit ourselves to his authority. I say this in
behalf of the noble duke John, here present, brother to our illustri
ous King Richard, who died without issue. This prince being en
dowed with many virtues, particularly consummate wisdom, and un
daunted courage, we therefore, on account of both his birth and
merit, elect him for our sovereign lord, after having humbly invoked
the Holy Spirit."

219
vation of his crown by Pope Innocent III. who
restored it on condition of his paying a shameful
homage to that pontiff; and his grant of Magna
Charta to the barons, at Runnymede, in the
year 1215. Hertce the reign of this prince,
though inglorious, was propitious to the liberties
of the people. The most unjustifiable act of
King John was the imprisonment of his niece,
the Princess Eleanor of Brittany, whom he brought
from the Continent, and immured in Bristol Cas
tle in the year 1202. This unfortunate princess
was closely confined here during a period of forty
years, being guarded by four knights, lest she
should have an opportunity of engaging in a
clandestine marriage, by which the succession to
the croAvn might afterwards become disputable.
Certainly never were knights employed in a ser
vice more inconsistent Avith the laAvs of chivalry ;
and in an age, too, Avhen the romantic heroism
of knighthood continued in its meridian glory.
King John has also been accused of the assas
sination of Prince Arthur the brother of Eleanor;
but no sufficient proofs of the fact have been
brought forward, even by his enemies, for his cri
mination. An unpopular tax upon sea-ports, in the thir
teenth year of his reign, was withdrawn ; and'

220
this king made several improvements in the civil
government of London, Bristol, and several other
places. He Avas the first king who coined ster
ling money ; he also introduced the English laAvs,
into Ireland, and granted to the cinque ports
their peculiar privileges.
On the demise of King John, in the year
1216, Prince Henry, his eldest son, to whom he
left the crown, was but ten years of age ; but.
he found in the Earl of Pembroke a Avise, brave,
and loyal subject, whose influence induced the
barons to espouse his cause. Accordingly, Prince
Henry Avas crowned at> Glocester, on the 28th
day of October, 1216 ; after which the assembly
of the barons, who at that time represented the
whole nation, chose the Earl of Pembroke guar
dian to the king, and protector of the realm, or
regent of the kingdom, during the minority of
the sovereign.
Soon after his coronation, King. Henry III.
accompanied by his guardian, the Earl of Pem
broke, Gallo, the legate, and several noblemen,
came to. reside in Bristol for security, the army
of the disaffected barons, avIio had opposed his
father, being then in the field. The legate ex
erted his authority to the utmost, in favour of

221
Henry ; and excommunicated the barons avIio
were the partisans of Louis, son to the King of
France, Avho claimed the crown of England.
Gallo also persuaded eleven English and Welsh
bishops, who came to Bristol, to SAvear fealty to
King Henry.
During his residence in this city, in the year
1216, the king authorised the inhabitants to choose
a mayor, and two prepositors ; and those are the
first municipal officers mentioned in the annals
of Bristol. It is recorded, that in the year 1216, King
Henry- celebrated the festival of Christmas in
Bristol ; but how long he afterwards continued
here, is unknoAvn. The inhabitants' of Bristol
had manifested a steady loyalty to King John,
in opposition to those barons who favoured the
pretensions of Louis ; and the unfortunate Eleanor,
another competitor for the croAvn of England,
of Avhich she Avas undoubtedly the hereditary
heiress, had been confined in Bristol Castle,
as a place of the greatest security. Here
she languished, in hopeless imprisonment, during
the minority of King Henry the Third ; but it
Avas thought expedient that the governor of the
castle should annually exhibit the royal captive
before the people, to prevent any suspicion of

222
injurious treatment ; * a fact which proves that
her captivity excited public commiseration.
The revenue of this princess appears to have
been the rent of the manor of Melksham, which
she bequeathed to the nunnery of Ambrosbury.
She died at Bristol Castle, in the year 1240,
after a long captivity ; her remains were first
interred in the priory of St. James, in this city,
but afterwards taken up, and entombed in the
cliurch of the nunnery abovementioned, according
to her dying request. Prior to this period, Louis
had been defeated, and compelled to return to
the Continent ; and the death of the Princess
Eleanor was a new subject of triumph to King
Henry, who was thus left in peaceable possession
of the throne. The title of Eleanor to the crown,
which she could never be persuaded to relinquish,
amid all the privations of confinement, had been
a continual source of apprehension to King Henry,
avIio was so suspicious of the fidelity of his sub
jects, that the year preceding her demise, he
obliged all persons in England) above the age of
twelve years, to take an oath of allegiance . to
his infant son, EdAvard, as his successor.
* The profits of the county were granted to William Purtort, for
the custody of the castles of Bristol and Glocester, and for the exhi
bition of Eleanor, the king's . cousin, imprisoned at Bristol, through
Iier claim to the crown. — Fosbrook's History of Glocestershiie.

223
As a reward for the fidelity of Ralph de Wi-
linton, governor of Bristol Castle, he was appointed
by the king warden of the forest and chase of
Keynsham ; and the burgesses of Bristol were also
recompensed for their loyalty, by several royal
charters and immunities, particularly the following,
granted by their sovereign in the year 1244.
" Henry, King of England, Lord of Ireland,
Duke of Normandy and Acquitain, and Earl of
Anjou. Know ye, that we do grant, and by this
our charter confirm, for us and our heirs, to the
burgesses of Bristol, that they may, out of them
selves, choose a coroner. And the burgesses,
through the trespass of servants, shall not forfeit
their goods. And if any of the burgesses should
die within our land or jurisdiction, their goods
shall not be forfeited by death, with or without
a will. And they shall have their liberties as
free as the city of London. And the neglect of
usage of privileges shall be no prejudice. And
all their liberties shall be by them freely enjoyed.
Whoever shall violate any of their privileges,
shall forfeit twenty pounds. And we do grant
and confirm this charter, as it doth reasonably
testify. And moreover, we do grant to the bur
gesses, for us and our heirs, that they and their
successors, burgesses of the said toWn«for eA^er,
shall be free of murrage, stallage, and pannage,

224
throughout England, and the dominion thereunto
belonging. And whenever they shall choose their
mayor (the time of war excepted) they shall present
him to the constable of the castle of Bristol, as
he Avas Avont to be at the Exchequer, and thereof
shall certify to the treasurer. These being our
witnesses,— rour best beloved brother, Edmund
Earl of Kent, &c."
This charter was dated in the twenty-eighth
year of the reign of King Henry, and confirmed
in the fortieth.
By a charter of King Henry, granted in the
year 1247, Redcliff Avas incorporated Avith Bristol,
and subject to its municipal jurisdiction. Seve
ral important improvements were soon afterwards
realized by the inhabitants, particularly the neAv
quay in the marsh of St. Augustine, and a bridge
across the Avon, for a ready communication be-
tA\Teen Redcliff and Bristol.
Leland, in his Itinerary, gives the following
account of these important transactions. " In
the year of our Lord 1247 was the trenche made
and cast of the river, from Gib Taylor to the
Key, by the commonalty as well of Redcliffe syde
as of the toAvn of Bristoll ; and the same tyme
the inhabitants of Redcliffe Avere combined and

225
incorporated to the aforesaide towne. As for the
ground of Saynt Augustin's syde of the river, it
was geven and granted to the comonalty of the
sayed towne by Sir William Bradstone, then be
ing Abbot of the same Monastery for certayne
money thereof payed to him by the comonalty,
as it apperithe by writynge thereof made betwigne
the mayor and comonalty and the abbote and
his brethren."
But among various records, that of Ricaut, in
the Mayor's Calender, is of unquestionable au
thority, and illustrative of the benefits resulting
to the inhabitants of Bristol and Redcliff from
these improvements.
" 1247- — This year the mayor and common
alty of the town of Bristow concluded to build
a bridge over the river Avon, with the consent
of Redclifft, and the governors of Temple Fee;
thereby minding to incorporate them with the
town, and so to make of two but one incor
porate town. For they passed by boat from St.
Thomas's Slip, unto St. Mary le Port, to come
to BristoAv ; for at that time the port Avas where
St. Nicholas Shambles is, and there the shipping
did ride, for which cause the church is called
the Church of our Lady her Assumption, and
the port, St. Mary Port. At that time no
Vol. 1. p

226
Avater did run doAvn the quay, but with one cur
rent did run doAvn the castle, and so to Keynsham's
river ; for the marsh of St. Augustine's side was
one main close, called Center's Close, belonging
then to the abbey of St. Augustine.  For their
conveying the river from the point called the Gib
to the Quay, the mayor and commonalty as well
of the Temple side as of the Town of Bristow,
bought so much ground as it parted from St.
Augustine's side, of Sir William Bradstone, the
abbot, for a certain sum of money to him paid,
as it appeareth by an old writing made between
him and the mayor with the convent. And then
the trench was digged for the bringing the riA^er
into the quay. For at that time the fresh water
from behind the castle mills, did run down un
der Froome Gate, and so through Baldwin-street,
noAV so called, and it driA'ed a mill, called Bald-
Avin's Cross Mill ; and when the trench to the
Quay was finished, the water Avas stopt at the
point against the Redciifft, and all the Avhile
the foundation of the arches Avas laying, and the
masons building, the water did run down the
bridges of Redciifft and Temple Gates, being made
for the same purpose ; and at ToAver Harris the
water was bayed that it could not come down to
hinder the building, but kept its current that
way ; and when the bridge Avas built, the bays
were broken down, and the current did ebb and

227
floAV as it formerly did, and then the fresh river
which did run by Baldwin's Cross was damped
up and made a street. Thus these two toWns
were incorporated into one, both on Somersetshire
side and Glocestershire side, that whereas they had
usually oh every Monday a great market at the
Stallenge Cross in Redciifft, and in Bristow every
Wednesday ahd Friday, at the High Cross, and it
was much trouble for the people to pass from one
side to the other, the bridge being built, the mar-
kett was kept in High-street, at the High Cross."
In this improvement Of the harbour of Bris
tol, the burgesses were assisted by the inha
bitants of Redcliff, by virtue of a Avrit of man
damus sent to them by King Henry III. to the
following purport.
" Plenry, by the grace of God, King of Eng
land, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy,
Acquitaine, and Earl of Anjou, to all his honest
men dwelling in Redcliffe, in the suburb of
Bristol, Avisheth health. Since our beloved bur
gesses of Bristol, for the common benefit ofthe toAvn,
and your suburb, have begun a trench or quay in
the marsh of St. Augustine, that ships coming
to our port of Bristol may more freely arid
without hindrance come in and go out, Avhich
trench indeed they cannot perfect without great

228
charges ; Ave therefore command you, that since
from the improvement of the said port, no small
advantage will accrue, not only to those bur
gesses, but also to you, Avho are partakers of
the same liberties which our said burgesses have
in the said town, and are joined Avith them
both in scot and lot, that you lend the same
assistance as they do ; as it will also be very
profitable and useful to you to have the work
of the trench completed, according to Avhat shall
fall to your share, together with our burgesses;
and so effectually that the aforesaid work, which
Ave regard as our oavii, receive no delay through
any defect or negligence in you. Witness my
self, at Wyndleshore, 29th April, 24th year of
our reign."
According to a memorandum in the great
Avhite book, in the city chamber, the expence
of making the quay was five thousand pounds,
a very considerable sum at that period. But
the advantages arising from this improvement of
the harbour, caused a rapid increase of com
merce and population. When the quay was
completed, and the marsh of Bristol divided
from that of St. Augustine, several warehouses
were erected for the reception of merchandise
brought by large vessels. Many of the mer
chants also built houses near the quay, for their

229
residence. Marsh-street, terminated by a gate
and a chapel, dedicated to St. Clement, and
Back-street, Avith a gate and a chapel, Avere
built in a few years after the completion of the
quay. These streets, Avith several intermediate
buildings between the Back* and the Quay,
Avere enclosed by a strong Avail, with battle
ments. Prior to the year 1247, the Back was
the usual place for landing goods ; a custom
house Avas then erected on the bank of the river,
and still remains, adorned with the arms of Eng
land in the front.
From this period may be traced the gradual
increase of commerce and opulence in this city ;
the necessity of deepening its harbour for the
reception of large vessels, is a sufficient proof of
the prosperous state of foreign trade, while a
more general communication Avith Somersetshire
opened by the erection of a bridge across the
Avon, was also productive of a. -sudden accession
of prosperity to Bristol.
It has been asserted, that a bridge of wood
had been made across the river, prior to the
erection of the stone bridge, in 1247 ; but the
record already quoted invalidates the assertion.
* Back, or Beck, is the Saxon name of a river.

23Q
For it appears thaj: two distinct markets were
formerly held, one on each side . of the river, in
consequence of trie difficulty of a passage oyer it.
Bristol-bridge was built when the river w^s abouf;
two hundred feet broad ; it consisted of four par-
row elliptic arches, supported by three massy
pillars, which occupied nearly qne hundred feet
of the channel. The bridge was only nine feet
broad, and this narrow passage Avas rendered still
more incommodious, by the erection of houses,
supported by small gothic arches on each side,
Avhich gave it the appearance of a lane. But at
this early period in the history of the population
and commerce of Bristol, feAV carriages were used
in this kingdom, and those comparatively small.
Coaches and Ayaggpns were then equally unknown.*
The saddle horse, and the palfry for the pomp
of a procession, or the purposes of travelling or
hunting, and the pack-horse for the conveyance
of merchandise, Avere then adequate to all the
purposes of trade or recreation. The population
of the country Avas then comparatively few, and
the extent of Bristol itself inconsiderable. The
following curious account of a pompous proces
sion of the inhabitants of Bristol over the bridge,
when i,t was first, opened for public accommo-
* Coaches were first introduced into England in the reign of
Oueen Elizabeth, A. D. 1589.

231
dation, is taken from an ancient manuscript, the
authenticity of Avhich has been disputed ; but
undoubtedly the joyous event Avas celebrated with
great festivity.
" On Fridaie Avas the tyme fixed for passing
the neAve brydge, about the tyme of the tol-
lynge the 10th clock. Master Greggorie Dal-
benye, mounted on a fergreyne horse, enformed
maister maior all thyngs Avere prepared, and two
beadles Avent fyrst streinge fresh stre, next came
a manne drest up as folloAVS. Hose of goatskyn,
crine part outA^ards, doublet and Avaystcoat also,
over Avhich a white robe Avithout sleeves, much
like an albe, but not so long,, reaching but to
his lends, a girdle of azure over his left shoul
der reached also to his lends, on the ryght, and
doubled back to his left, bucklyng Avith a goul-
den, buckel, dangled to his knee, thereby repre-
sentyne a Saxon elderman. In his hande he
bare a shield, the inaistrie of Gille a Brogton,
Avho painted the same, representynge Saincte
Warburgh crossing the ford. Then a mickle
strong manne in armour carried a huge anlace;
after whom came six claryons and six minstrells,
Avho sang the song of Saincte Warburgh ; then
came master maior, mounted on a Avhite horse
dyght Avith sable trappins Avrought- about by the
nunnes of Saincte Kenna, with gould and silver ;

232
his hayr brayded with ribbons, and a chaperon,
Avith the. auntient aurms of Brightstowe, fasten^
ed on his forehead. Maister maire bare in his
hande a goulden rodde, and a congeon squier
bare in his hande his helmet Avaulking by the
syde of the horse : then came the eldermen and
citie broders mounted on sable horses, dyght
Avith white trappings and plumes, and scarlet
copes and chapaus, haveing thereon sable plumes ;
after them the preests and freeres, parish men
dicants and seculors, some syngyng Saincte War-
burgh's song, others soundyng claryons thereto,
and others some citrialles. — In thilke manner
reechyng the biydge, the manne with the anlace
stode on the fyrst top of a mound, yred in the
midst Of the brydge ; than AVent up the manne
Avith the sheelde, after him the mynstrels and
clarions ; and then the preests and freeres all
in white albs, makyng a most goodlye sheAve ;
the maior and eldermen standyng ground, they
sang Avith the sound of claryons, the song of
Saincte BaldAvin, Avhich being done, the manne
on the top threAve Avith greete myght his anlace
into the see, and the claryons sounded an aun
tient charge and forlyn : then they sang again
the scmg of Saincte Warburgh, and proceeded up
Chryst's Hill to the Cross, Avhere a Latin ser
mon Avas preeched by Ralph de Blundeville.
And wyth the sound of claryon theie againe.

233
Avent fo the brydge and there dined spendyng
the rest of the daie in sports and plaies, the
freeres of Saincte Augustin doeyng the plaie of
the knyghtes of BristoAve, makyng a great fire
on Kynwulph Hill."
King Henry III. by a charter, dated at Wood
stock, in the thirty-sixth year of his reign, A. D.
1246, confirmed the charter of King John to the
burgesses of Bristol ; and he granted them, as an
additional privilege, that they should not be mo
lested by any of his Avardens of the forest for
venison found within the walls ofthe tOAvn. This
grant, however, seems to have been rather a matter
of courtesy than utility ; but it might be con
sidered Araluable in an age Avhen the chace was
one of the principal amusements of both sovereign
and people. About this period stones were set
up to mark the boundaries of the corporation.
In the year 1253, King Henry bestOAved upon
Prince Edward, his son, a grant of Ireland, Avith
the earldom of Chester, the town and castle of
Bristol, and all his dominions on the Continent.
The king, in consequence of his exactions of pro
perty from the inhabitants of London, and other
cities, became very unpopular ; he also extended
his rapacity to the Welch, Avhom he considered
as his OAvn subjects, and compelled to pay tri-

234
bute ; but they soon became impatient, and had
recourse to arms, indemnifying themselves by
plundering the defenceless English who inhabited
the borders. The tyrannic conduct of Henry ex
cited the resentment of the barons, avIio were
indignant at seeing the most considerable posts
enjoyed by foreigners. " This," says a candid
historian,* " is usually the motive Avhich stirs
up the zeal of great men ; this is what makes
them such mighty sticklers for the good of the
public. If their own pirate interest was not
joined to that of the kingdom, in vain would it
be expected that the nobles Avould expose their
lives and fortunes in defence of the liberties of an
injured people." Among other calamities, the
people were afflicted with a dreadful famine in
the year 1256. Provisions Avere so scarce at
Bristol, that Avheat Avas sold for the exorbitant
price of sixteen shillings a bushel ; and many of
the common people devoured the carcases of dogs.
Before King Henry provoked the barons to
open hostilities, he summoned a parliament to
meet at Oxford ; and apprehensive that the male-
contents would make preparations Avhich he could
not counteract, he gave them a positive promise
that he would join Avith them in redressing all
* Rapin*

235
apuses. On the day appointed, the barons, at
tended by all that owed them military service,
came armed to Oxford. Twenty-four commissi^
oners were elected, twelve of Avhom were chosen
by the king, and fAvelve by the barons ; and
Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, was chosen
president. These commissioners drew up six arti-r
cles,* to Avhich the parliament reserved a poAver
to add such others as should be deemed neces
sary for the good of the state.
King Henry, thus depriAred of his prerogatives,
was obliged to submit to eArery thing the gover
nors were pleased to prescribe to him ; but Prince
Edward Avas averse from the barons. The prince
* The articles were as follows, and afford a memorable proof of
the lordly independence and public spirit of the barons of that age.
" I. That the king should confirm the Great Charter, which he
had sworn so many times to observe, without any effect.
" II. That the office of chief justiciary should be given to a
person of fit capacity and integrity, that would do justice as well
to the poor as the rich, without distinction.
" III. That the chancellor, treasurer, justices, and other officers
and public ministers, should be chosen by the four and twenty.
" IV. That the custody of the king's castles, and of all strong
holds, should be left to tho care of the four and twenty, wha
should entrust them to such as were well affected to the state.
" V. That it should be death for any person, of what degree or
order whatsoever, to oppose, directly or indirectly, what should be
enacted by the four and twenty.
" VI. That the parliament should meet at least once a year, to
make such statutes as should be judged necessary for the welfare.
©f the kingdom."

236
had raised some foreign troops, under pretence of
employing them against the Welch, who conti
nued to make predatory incursions on the Eng
lish side of the Severn, and even extended their
depredations to the vicinity of Bristol. But Ed
ward's principal motive for assembling troops, was
to oppose the barons. Being destitute of money
to pay his army, he went to London, and led his
armed partisans to the new Temple, which he
plundered of ten thousand pounds, which the
citizens had deposited in the treasury of the tem
plars. This outrage excited the clamour of the
sufferers, but the prince caused the money to be
conveyed to Windsor Castle, Avhere he had placed
a strong garrison.
A civil war ensued in 1263, King Henry con
tinued inactive in the Tower of London, while
the barons made themselves masters of Glocester,
Llereford, Bridgnorth, Worcester, and Tewkes
bury. Meanwhile Prince EdAvard was not inac
tive. He thought it expedient to lay in provi
sions and military stores, for the use of his gar
rison in Bristol Castle. On his arrival in Bris
tol, he issued orders to the inhabitants to fur
nish the requisite stores at their own expence ;
but the minds of the people being already irri
tated against his father, on account of his former
exactions, they not only refused compliance, but
compelled the prince to retire hastily to his for-

237
tress, which they immediately besieged. In this
situation, convinced that he could not hold out
long, and unwilling to exasperate the populace,
he sent for the Bishop of Worcester, who then
happened to be in Bristol. During the intervieAV
he declared to the prelate, that his intention was
to espouse the party of the barons, but he wanted
first to tiy Avhether he could persuade his father
to grant them satisfaction Avithout coming to ex
tremities. This apparently pacific disposition in
duced the bishop to interfere in the prince's
behalf Avith the besiegers. He represented to
them that it was injurious to the peace of the
nation to detain the prince at such a juncture,
and promised to accompany him to London, for
the purpose of mediation. The blockade was
immediately raised ; Prince Edward passed in safety
through a crowd of the armed citizens, Avho an
hour before were in open hostility, and, accom
panied by the bishop, set out for London. When
the travellers arrived at Egham, however, Prince
Edward set spurs to his horse, and rode full
speed to the castle of Windsor; while the bishop,
exasperated at his equivocation, proceeded to the
metropolis, and complained to the barons, who
resolved to besiege the castle immediately.
Prince Edward, finding Windsor Castle un
provided for a siege, resolved to amuse the barons
by a negotiation, and for that purpose he Avent

233
to meet the Earl of Leicester, who #£& Mvitit-
mg with his army towards Windsor. He met
that general at Kmgston-upori-Thames ? but not
being able to bring the object of dispute to Sit
amicable termination, the prince was seized by
the advice of the Bishop of Worcester, as he- avSs*
preparing to return to the fortress.*
Prince Edward was afterwards liberated, antf
during the contest between the king arid the'
barons, distinguished himself by his bravery/ par
ticularly at the battle of Evesham, in the year
1265, where he not only gained a' complete vic
tory, but had the satisfaction to set the king
his father at liberty, Avho had been a captive
fourteen months. j This victory obtained over
the barons, Avas fatal to their power, and the
system of feudal government , which had pre
vailed in England from the time of the con
quest. Soon after the battle of Evesham, the"
victorious Prince EdAvard besieged and took
Bristol Castle, Avhich Avas then garrisoned by
the partisans of the barons. He afterwards fined
the inhabitants of Bristol one thousand pounds^
as a punishment for their former- revolt.
In the year 1272 King Henry died, and his
eldest son, Prince Edward, Avas unanimously
**'MatheW- of AVestminster;- f Rapin.

239s
chosen by the barons as his successor. Edward
Avas then absent on the Continent ; but on his
return to England in 1274, he Avas crowned,
and immediately after bis coronation, appointed
commissioners to go through the counties, and
examine into and punish the misdemeanors of
those magistrates avIio had
rity by acts of oppression.

those magistrates avIio had abused their autho-

King Edward, who, during the civil Avar had
suffered many injuries from LleAvellyn Prince of
Wales, noAV resolved to prevent him from doing
any future mischief. While he was making
preparations- to- invade Wales, four ships be
longing to the port of Bristol captured a Ares-
sel near the island of Stilly, on board of Avhich
was one of the daughters of the late Earl of
Leicester, avIio Avas contracted to LleAvellyn.
The prize Avas particularly acceptable to the
King, Avho at once deprived an enemy of his
expected bride, and held in captivity the daugh
ter of his once formidable opponent. The
prince demanded his bride, but experienced the
mortification of a stern refusal ; nothing there
fore remained but an appeal to the sword. In
the course of the summer of 1277 > EdAvard con
quered Wales, and compelled the haughty
LleAvellyn to submit to a treaty, by Avhich he
Avas obliged to pay fifty thousand pounds, and

240
hold the isle of Anglesey of the crown of Eng
land, under the annual tribute of one thousand
marks. At the conclusion of the treaty, the
king restored the lady to Avhom Llewellyn Avas
contracted, and did him the honour to assist at
his nuptials.
In the year 1285 King EdAvard came from
Wales to Bristol, about the middle of Decem
ber, and restored to the citizens their charter,
which they had forfeited by encroaching upon
the rights of the constable of the castle. He
also kept his court in this city, and solemnized
the festival of Christmas here. During his stay,
he held a private council, but no general par
liament ; and having established his court of
chancery in this city, he Avent Avith his family
to London.
Among other improvements in Bristol, and its
vicinity, the parish church of St. Mary Red
cliff was founded in the year 1292, by Simon
de Burton, an opulent inhabitant, who Avas
afterwards chosen mayor six times. He also
erected an alms-house in the Long Row, called
Burton's Alms-house, but did not live to finish
the building of the church, Avhich Avas after
wards continued by William Cannings, a rich
merchant.

241

In the year 1305 the king took a tallage of
all the cities, boroughs, and toAvns in England:
and on this occasion the burgesses of Bristol
paid four hundred pounds into the royal treasury.

Soon after the accession of King Ecbvard II.
Gaveston, his favourite, became so unpopular,
that the parliament petitioned the king to banish
him. EdAvard consented Avith great reluctance,
and having appointed Gaveston governor of Ire
land, he accompanied him to Bristol on his
way to that kingdom. The comparative value
of money will appear by the prices fixed by
royal authority, to the folloAving articles, sold
in the markets of this city, in the year 1311.
The best corn-fed ox, twenty-four shillings ;
grass-fed, sixteen shillings ; a fat stall-fed coav,
twelve shillings ; grass-fed, ten shillings ; a fat
sheep, twenty pence ; a shorn sheep, fourteen
pence : a fat hog, two years old, three shillings
and four pence ; a goose, two pence halfpenny;
a capon, two pence ; a hen, one penny ; four
pigeons, one penny; and two dozen of eggs,
one penny. Such a regulation Avas certainly' ar
bitrary, and could be attended Avith no beneficial
effect. Indeed at this early period, the neces
saries of life Avere subject to such frequent vari
ations in price, as sufficiently proAre the imper
fect state of agriculture.
Vol. i. Q

242
Many concomitant circumstances prevented
the industrious exertions of the people. The
petty Avarfare of neighbouring barons ; the fre
quent depredations of robbers, who issued from
the forests Avith the ferocity of Avild beasts, and
plundered the defenceless villagers ; the imper
fect administration of the laws, in consequence
of the unsettled state of the government, and
the frequency of civil Avars, in Avhich the young
men of the country Avere sacrificed to the am-^
bition of competitors for regal poAver, at once
dispirited the agriculturist and the manufacturer.
At the present happy period, when Ave are pro
tected in our liberties by established laAvs, Ave
can scarcely conceive the miserable state of the
common people during the feudal system. The
peasantry, Avho Avere necessitated to pass their
lives in a state of hopeless vassalage, felt no in
citement to industry ; and if an ingenious indi
vidual invented a useful implement of husbandry
or manufacture, his merit Avas generally unno
ticed, and unreAvarded. It was, therefore, only
by the successful exertion of superior strength
and" courage, that a vassal could hope for the
happiness of emancipation.

CONTENTS

OF

CHAPTER THE THIRD.

Dreadful Famine in Bristol in 1316 — The Earl of Winchester be
headed in this City — King Edward II. imprisoned in the Castle
of Bristol — He is removed to Berkeley Castle, and assassinated by
Order of Mortimer — Accession of Edward III. — Extensive Com
merce of Bristol with the Natives of the Continent — The Woollen
Manufacture established in England by King Edward III. — First
Naval Victory gained by the English over the French — Political
Importance of Bristol in the Fourteenth Century — Municipal Laws
established in this City — Ships furnished by the Merchants of
Bristol to assist at the Blockade of Calais — Military Glory of
England — Rapid Increase of Population and Commerce — Devasta
tions of the Plague in Bristol — Excesses of the Survivors — The
Staple of Wool transferred from Flanders to Bristol by King
Edward — A Royal Charter granted to Bristol, by which it was
erected into a County, with Power to send two Representatives to
Parliament — The High Cross erected as a Memorial of the Libe
rality of Edward III. to Bristol — General Prosperity and Civili
zation of the English in the Reign of Edward — Unjust Exaction?
of King Richard IL — He is deposed by the Duke of Lancaster,
and three of his Ministers beheaded at the High Cross in Bristol.

CHAPTER THE FOURTH,

During the short and calamitous reign of
a
Edward II. Bristol Avas the scene of several
important political events. The king, by his
injudicious partiality for particular favourites,
exasperated the barons ; nay, the affection of his
queen, Isabella, became alienated. His inglori
ous and unsuccessful war against the Scots served
to render EdAvard still more unpopular; and the
evils of the state Avere aggravated by a dearth
and famine, Avhich prevailed throughout Eng
land in 1316, and was so dreadful that the
people were ready to devour one another. " Even
in the Avest of England, a tract remarkable for
fertility, the famine Avas so intolerable, that we
are told " the prisoners in the prison of Bristol
did pluck and tear those that were neAvly brought

246
in, and devoured them half alive."* A prohi-
bition Avas issued against breAving any sort of
beer, upon pain of death ; but the ravages of
famine Avere succeeded by those of disease, and
an epidemic dysentery Avas so fatal, that the
living Avere scarcely sufficient to bury the dead.
But even those dreadful national visitations
seem to have had no beneficial influence upon
the moral conduct of King EdAvard. His fa
vourite GaAreston, Avho in 1312 sought refuge in
Scarborough Castle from the Arengeance of the
confederated barons, had been seized by them
and put to death, Avithout even the formality
of a trial; but his place at court was soon af-
tenvards occupied by Hugh Spencer, the king's
high chamberlain, Avho . Avith his father, the Earl
of Winchester, by adulation obtained an ascen
dancy oA-er their Aveak sovereign. The mind of
Edward resembled one of the plants known by
the name of creepers, Avhich require support ;
left to himself, he Avas irresolute and pusilla
nimous, a sovereign of all others the most in
adequate to govern this nation. Queen Isabella,
a Avoman of an imperious mind, Avas disgusted
Avith the imbecility of her royal consort; and
having obtained permission from him to pay a
* M. S. Annals of Bristol.

247
visit to her brother, Charles King of France,
she set sail for her native country, accompa
nied by her son, Prince Echvard. The king had
consented to her voyage at the suggestion of the
Nuncio, Avho pretended that her influence Avith
her brother Avould promote a reconciliation be
tween that sovereign and Echvard, Avho Ave re
then making preparations for Avar. At the court
of Paris the infamous Mortimer, who had made
his escape from England, is supposed to have
reneA\red his criminal intercourse Avith Queen
Isabella. .
During her residence at the court of France,
the Queen of England entered into a project
to dethrone her husband, and place Prince Ed
ward upon the throne. Intimation of this con
spiracy having been communicated to King
EdAvard, he declared Avar against France in the
year 1326 ; but the tyrannical conduct of the
tAvo Spencers, his favourites, increased the po
pular odium to such a degree against the un
happy sovereign, that very few troops rallied
round his standard. In the mean time, Isabella's
partisans Ave re active in fomenting the discon
tents of the people, and preparing them for open
rebellion. On the 22 d of September, 1326, the
queen invaded England, with an army of three
thousand men, commanded by John de Hainault,

248
Avho Avas permitted, as a particular honour, to
style himself the knight of his royal mistress,
and Avear her favours. This hostile army landed
in Suffolk, where the queen's standards Avere
soon joined by a numerous army raised by the
enemies of the Spencers.
At this juncture the unfortunate Edward Avas
entirely deserted by his subjects, and retired to
the Avest of England, accompanied by the Spen
cers, and a feAV adherents. On his arrival in
Bristol, he was received by the inhabitants Avith
their characteristic loyalty ; but finding that he
Avas unable to raise a sufficient army to meet
his enemies in the field, he rashly resolved to
abandon his country, and seek an asylum in
Ireland. With this intention, he left Hugh
Spencer, the elder, Earl of Winchester, with a
small garrison to defend the city of Bristol, and
embarked from this port for Ireland, attended
by a feAV faithful adherents. But the king was
driven back by contrary Avinds, on the coast of
Wales, and compelled to seek refuge in the
abbey of Neath. Meanwhile Queen Isabella
proceeded by a rapid march, at the head of a
Avell-appointed army, in pursuit of the king.
During the progress of her troops, they com
mitted several depredations on the property of

249
the inhabitants of the tract over which they
marched. The Earl of Hainault's followers, Avho
composed part of her army, actually carried aAvay
in carts to Bristol all the Avheat and oats be
longing to the inhabitants of Clingre Hamlet, in
Berkeley Hundred, Glocestershire.* The queen's
army besieged Bristol Avith such vigour, that at
the expiration of three days, Spencer was obliged
to make an unconditional surrender of the city
and castle. The vengeful queen had noAV an
opportunity of punishing the Earl of Winchester
for his former presumption. He Avas ninety years
of age, but that consideration did not prevent
the revenge of a vindictive female, avIio gave
orders that he should be gibbeted in complete
armour. After hanging two days, his body Avas
by her directions taken down, cut in pieces,
and given to the dogs, and his head exposed on
the top of a pole at Winchester. Such Avas the
relentless vengeance of this cruel and adulterous
Avoman. Queen Isabella continued some days at Bris
tol, Avhere she issued a proclamation by which
the king was summoned to reassume the reins
of government, in conformity to the advice of
his barons ; but as the sovereign did not appear,
* Smythe's Lives, p. 842.

250
Prince EdAvard Avas declared regent during his
father's absence. The younger Spencer Avas pro
claimed a traitor, and a reAvard of tAvo thousand
pounds offered by the queen for his apprehen
sion, in consequence of which he Avas soon after-
Avards discovered Avith the king, at Neath Abbey,
Avhere they Avere both made prisoners by Henry
of Lancaster. The royal captive and his favourite
Avere conducted to Monmouth Castle till farther
orders ; and at a council summoned by Isabella,
it Avas resolved that the Bishop of Hereford
should be sent to demand the great seal of the
king, that the queen might thus be legally au
thorised to convene a parliament. But the im
patience of this implacable woman to be revenged
of her enemies, Avould not permit her to aAvait
the decision of parliament ; she hastened to Here
ford, Avhere she caused Spencer to be tried, and
executed on a gibbet fifty feet high. Three ad
herents and ministers of the king Avere likeAvise
sacrificed to the popular hatred.
At the meeting of parliament in 1327, the
king Avas deposed by an unanimous vote, and
Prince EdAvard chosen his successor. Young Ed-
ward was accordingly proclaimed king in West
minster Hall. When the neAvs of this rigorous
sentence of the parliament against an unfortu
nate sovereign was communicated to Isabella,

251
that dissembling woman affected to be grieved,
and shed tears ; the prince, who was then in the
fifteenth year of his age, was so much affected
on the occasion, that with the tenderness and
generosity of a great mind, he solemnly voAved
not to accept the crown during his father's life,
without his consent. A deputation was therefore
sent to Kenelworth Castle, Avhere the deposed
sovereign Avas then confined, to receive his resig
nation. The deputation consisted of three bishops, two
earls, two barons, two abbots, and Judge Trussel,
avIio Avas nominated special proxy for the people.
When the deputies were introduced to the king,
he Avas dressed in mourning ; and an interview
with his formidable enemies so completely over
powered his feelings, that he fainted. On his
recovery, he was informed of the purport of their
visit, and formally resigued the croAvn, sceptre,
and other ensigns of royalty, into their hands.
Trussell then renounced his allegiance in the
name of the people, in the following words.
" I William Trussel, of the parliament and of
the whole English nation procurator, do declare
in their name, and by their authority, that I
revoke and retract the homage which I did you,
and from this time forward do deprive you pf
royal power, and protest never more to obey you"

252
as my king/'* The high steward then broke his
staff, and declared that all the king's officers were
discharged from his service. Such Avere the cere
monies which attended the deposition of the
unfortunate Edward II. in the forty-third year
of his age, and twentieth of his reign.
On the return of the commissioners from Ke-
nelworth Castle, Prince Edward Avas proclaimed
a second time, under the name of Edward III.
and on Candlemas Day, having previously re
ceived the order of knighthood, by the hands
of the Earl of Lancaster, he was crowned at
Westminster by the Archbishop of Canterbury. t
Immediately after the coronation of the young
king, twelve regents were nominated by parli
ament to superintend the affairs of the state,
during his minority. His mother, Queen Isa
bella, did not venture to oppose their authority,
but she conducted herself Avith such address,
that none but her creatures had any share in
the government. Her minion, Roger Mortimer,
was appointed prime minister, and exercised his
authority with all the insolence of an elated fa
vourite, to the great disgust of the regents ; but
such was the influence of the queen with the
* Poly chron, 1. 7. c. 4.5. f Speed, p. 596,

253
parliament, that she procured a grant of a dowry,
which required the appropriation of two-thirds of
the revenue of the crown to her use.
Soon after the coronation of Edward III. the
tranquillity of England was disturbed by an in
cursion of the Scots, who, to the number of
twenty thousand men, ravaged the English bor
ders. King Edward, who was possessed of pru
dence uncommon at his time of life, put himself
at the head of an army of sixty thousand men,
and marched against the invaders, who retreated
on his approach, and retired to Scotland. The
king then disbanded his army.
During these events, the deposed king conti
nued in close confinement at Kenelworth Castle,
where he was treated in a very unbecoming man
ner. One hundred - marks a month were granted
by parliament for his maintenance ; but although
this sum was more than enough for his expen
diture, his life was rendered miserable by the
inexorable cruelty of his queen, who would not
permit him to take the least diversion. lie
wrote to her from time to time ; and in order
to deceive the public, with respect to the real
situation of the royal captive, she not only an
swered his letters, but sent him presents of linen,
and other articles of dress, to induce the people

254
to believe that she was actuated by compassion
for her unfortunate husband.
At length, Henry of Lancaster, who had the
custody of the deposed king, daily relented, and
carried his compassion so far, that he expressed
an inclination to aid him in his escape from
confinement. The earl, who was naturally reso
lute and generous, was also incited to befriend
his prisoner in consequence of the indignation
which he felt at the irregular behaviour of the
queen, and the odious arrogance of her favourite,
Mortimer. Isabella was alarmed at some sen
timents which escaped the Earl of Lancaster^
and, apprehensive of the restoration of her hus
band, she secretly concerted a plan with Mor
timer for the destruction of the ill-fated EdAvard.
Accordingly, they entrusted the captive to two
knights, who were their creatures, with orders
to remove him from Kenehvorth to Berkeley
Castle. He was first carried to Corfe Castle,
and thence to the castle of Bristol, where he con
tinued for some time. At length it was disco
vered that some of the citizens of Bristol had
formed a design to liberate the royal captive, and
assist him in making his escape beyond sea ; and
he Avas, for greater security, removed to Berkeley
Castle.

255,
During his journey from Bristol to Berkeley,
his brutal conductors made him suffer the great
est indignities. It is even asserted that they
caused him to be shaved in the open fields with
cold water taken from a ditch. It appears to
have been the intention of Isabella, and the in
famous Mortimer, to have shortened his life by
those reiterated fatigues and vexations ; but the
excellence of his constitution having frustrated
this design, they resolved to proceed by a shorter
method. For this purpose, it is said that Adam
Olerton, Bishop of Hereford, one of the queen's
ministers, sent orders for the assassination of the
captive, in a letter written in Latin, in Avhich,
according to the different punctuation, the keep
ers to whom it was addressed were commanded
to murder EdAvard, or to refrain from that crime.
The regicides well knew how to construe the
meaning of this equivocal mandate, and hasten
ing to his apartment, they put him to death,
by forcing a red hot iron into his bowels. The
cries of the unhappy sufferer Avere heard at a
distance from the castle, and the murderers, in
order to conceal this execrable deed, sent for
some of the inhabitants of Bristol and Glocester,
Avho examining the body, and finding no signs
of violence, gave their verdict that he died a*
natural death. This account, attested by such
respectable witnesses, was circulated throughout

%56
the kingdom, to prevent any suspicion of the
murder. The assassination of the deposed king
Avas committed on the 21st of September, 1327;*
his body Avas interred in the Abbey-Church
at Glocester, without any funeral pomp; but the
king his son afterwards ordered a magnificent
tomb to be erected to his memory, in that ca
thedral .
The murderers of Edward II. did not long
enjoy their triumph over their unfortunate victim.
In the year 1328, on the demise of Charles the
Fair, King of France, Philip of Valois, cousin-
german to the king, assumed the crown ; and in
April, 1329, summoned Edward III. of England
to do homage for Guienne and Ponthieu. EdAvard
reluctantly complied, and soon after his return
from France, he began to be suspicious of his
mother's conduct, in consequence of the secret
intimations of his friends. The king was reminded
of the sudden death of his father, — the decapi
tation of the Earl of Kent his uncle, in conse
quence of the enmity of Isabella, and her favou
rite;— and the extravagant doAvry of the queen,
Avhich she profusely expended for the gratifica
tion of Mortimer, Avhose pride since his elevation
to the earldom of March, Avas intolerable. Struck
* Barns's History of Edward III.

257
with abhorrence at their wickedness, the king
resolved to bring his mother, and her minion,
to condign punishment ; and to accomplish his
design, pitched upon the time parliament was
to meet at Nottingham. On the arrival of
Isabella, and her court, at that town, she made
the castle her residence, Avhere she lived in the
most sumptuous style with the Earl of March,
who was attended by a train of one hundred
and eighty knights.
King Edward Avas content with more humble
accommodations ; he came to Nottingham at*-
tended by a small retinue of faithful adherents,
and lodged in the town. Soon after his arrival,
the king surprized and made captive the Earl
of March, who lived Avith his royal paramour
in the utmost magnificence, and was probably
unsuspicious of the approaching hour of retri
butive justice. The circumstances of the seizure
of Mortimer are truly curious, as they are de
tailed by an ancient annalist. " There was a
parliament holden at Nottingham, where Roger
Mortimer was in such glorie and honour, that
it was without all comparison. No man durst
name him anie other than Earle of March : a
greater rout of men waited at his heeles, than
on the kinge's person : he would suffer the kin'ge
Vol. i. R

258
to. rise to him, and would walke Avith the kinge
equally, step by step, and cheeke by cheeke,
never preferring the kinge) but would goe fore
most himself with his officers. Which things
troubled much the kinge's friends, to Avit, Wil
liam Mentacute, and others, who for the safegarde
-of the kinge; sware themselves to be true to his
person, and drew unto them Robert de Holland,
who had of long time beene keeper of the castle,
to whom all secret corners of the same were
knoAvne. There upon a certain night, the kinge
lying without the castle, both he and his friends
were brought by torch-light through a secret
Avay under ground, beginning far off from the
sayde castle, till they Came even to the queene's
chamber, Avhich they by chance found open:
they therefore being armed with naked swords
in their hands, went fonvards, leaving the kinge,
also armed, without the doore of the chamber,
least that his mother should espie him : they
which entered in sleAV immediately tAvo of the
•attendants. From thence they went towarde the
queene mother, Avhom they found with the Earle
of March readie to have gone to bedde : and
having taken the sayde earle, they ledde him
out into the hall, after Avhom the queene folloAved,
crying, ' Bel filz, bel filz, ayes pitie de gerttil Mor
timer :' ' Good sonne, good sonne, take pittie

25.9
upon gentle Mortimer ;' for she suspected that
her sonne was there, though she saw him not,"*
But notwithstanding the entreaties of an aban
doned woman, the gallant Mortimer Avas carried
out of the castle the same Avay the king came
in, and immediately sent under a strong guard to
the Tower of London.
After this eA7ent the king dissolved the parli
ament, which he considered too much devoted
to the interests of his mother and the Earl of
March, and convened another by proclamation.
In his speech to the new parliament, the king
complained, in general terms, of the conduct of
the queen and Mortimer, — declared that it was
his intention, with the concurrence of his people,
to assume the reins of government, although yet
in his minority, and that he would exert him
self to the utmost, to correct abuses in the ad
ministration of public affairs. To this proposal
the parliament readily consented, and the first
use the king made of his emancipation from the
thraldom of his mother, Avas the reduction of her
dowry to one hundred pounds a year. He also
confined her in the castle of Rising, in Norfolk ;
and thus she was most equitably doomed to suf
fer imprisonment for the rest of her life. The
* Stow's Annab, 1329.

260
partner of her crimes, the fallen Mortimer, .was , ^
impeached by the parliament, and condemned to
be executed at Tyburn, in the most ignominious
manner. King Edward having thus taken upon himself
the administration of public affairs, the people
looked fonvard Avith lively expectation to the
dory and prosperity which aftenvards distin
guished his reign. The king had been married
in the year 1327, to Phillipa of Hainault ; and
in 1331, the birth of a son confirmed his hap
piness. The prince was called Edward, after
wards distinguished by the name of the Black
Prince, a name renowned in the annals of chi
valry. The ambition of EdAvard iioav. prompted him
to invade Scotland, and after reiterated victories,
he subjugated that kingdom. He afterwards
turned his thoughts f o the conquest of France ;
and having strengthened his interest on the Con
tinent, by alliances with several princes, he in
the year 1337 raised one of the finest armies
that had ever been seen in England. As he had
offered his protection to the Fleming);, Avho were
apprehensive of being oppressed by Philip King
of France, he sent part of his troops to their
assistance. On the arri\ral of the English forces,

261
they defeated the army of the, Earl of Flanders,
who had espoused the cause of Philip, and in a
short time compelled his adherents to submit.
During his military preparations, King Edward
summoned a parliament, the principal business
of Avhich Avas to make laws for the encourage
ment and regulation of the woollen manufacture
in England: A general intercourse now existed
between this country and the maritime states of
Europe, particularly Genoa, Spain, France,
Flanders, and Nonvay. Of this trade, Bristol
and Exeter possessed a very considerable propor
tion; but Avhen Edward III. ascended the throne,
our principal exports consisted of grain, tin, and
avooI. In the year 1332, the king granted a
charter to the burgesses of Bristol, confirming
the charters of his predecessors, Henry III. Ed
Avard II. and King John. He also confirmed
the municipal laAvs digested by the magistracy
for the government of the town,
The inhabitants of Bristol also received seve
ral marks of royal favour from this prince, who
Avas principally instrumental in the establishment
of a profitable manufacture among them. His
genius Avas indeed alike calculated to promote
the useful arts among his people, or to shine in
the field. He had observed during his journies

262
on the Continent, the successful industry of the
French and Flemish manufacturers of woollen
cloth, and therefore resolved to re-establish that.
beneficial trade in his native country. But as
the art of manufacturing woollen cloths Avas but
imperfectly knoAvn in England, he thought it
expedient to encourage skilful workmen from
Flanders, for the instruction of his English sub
jects. The circumstances of this important event
are detailed in a very entertaining manner, by
an authentic historian.
" The king and state began now to grow
sensible of the great gain the Netherlands got
by our English wooll, in memory Avhereof the
Duke of Burgundy, not long after, instituted the
order of the Golden Fleece, wherein indeed the
fleece Avas our's, the golden their's, so vast their
emolument by the trade of clothing. Our king*
therefore resolved, if possible, to reduce the trade
to his own country, who as yet were ignorant
of that art, as knowing no more what to do
with their wool than the sheep that weare it, as
to any artificial and curious drapery, their, best
clothes then being no better than freezes, such
their coarseness for want of skill in their making,
*— But soon after followed a great alteration,
* Edward the Thjrd,

263
and Ave shall enlarge ourselves in the manner
thereof. " The intercourse being great betwixt the
English and the Netherlands, (increased of late
since King Edward married the daughter of the
Earl of Hainault,) unsuspected emissaries were
employed by our king with those countries, Avho
Avrought, themselves into familiarity with such
Dutchmen as were absolute masters of their
trade, but not masters of themselves, as either
journeymen or apprentices. These bemoaned the
slavishnesse of these poore servants, whom their
masters used rather like Heathens than Chris
tians, yea, rather like horses than men ; early
up and late in bed, and all day hard work, and
harder fare (a &av herrings and mouldy cheese)
and all to enrich the churles their masters,
Avithout any profit unto themselves.
" But oh ! how happy should they be if they
Avould but come over into England, bringing
their mystery with them, which would proviue
their Avelcoine in all places. Here they shou<d
feed on fat beef and mutton, till nothing but
their fulnesse should stint their stomachs ; yea,
they should feed on the labour of their own
hands, enjoying a proportionable profit of their
pains to themselves : their beds should be good,

264
and their bed-fellows better, seeing the richest
yeomen in England would not disdain to marry
their daughters unto them ; and such the Eng-
lish beauties, that the most curious foreigners
could not but commend them.
" Liberty is a lesson quickly conned by heart,
men having a principle Avithin themselves to
prompt them in case they forget it. Perswaded
Avith the premises, many Dutch servants leave
their masters, and make over for England.
Their departure thence (being pickt here and
there) made no sensible vacuity, but their meet
ing here altogether amounted to a considerable
fulness. With themselves they brought over
their trade and their tools, namely, such which
could not (as yet) be so conveniently made in
England. " Happy the yeoman's house, into Avhich one
of these Dutchmen did enter, bringing industry
and wealth along with them ; — such who came
in strangers Avithin doors, soon after went out
bridegrooms, and returned sons-in-law, having
married the daughters of their landlords, Avho
first entertained them ; yea, those yeomen in
Avhose houses they harboured, soon proceeded
gentlemen, gaining great estates to themselves,
ftrms and Avorship to their estates.

265
" The king having gotten this treasury of fo
reigners, thought not fit to continue them all in
one place, lest on discontent they might embrace
a general resolution to return, but bestowed them
thorow all parts of the land, that clothing thereby
might be better dispersed. This new generation
of Dutch Avas now sprinkled every where, so that
England (in relation I mean to her own coun
ties) may bespeak these inmates in the language
of the poet,
' Quae regis in terris vestri non plena laboris;'
though generally (when left to their oavii choice)
they preferred a maritime habitation.
EAST. NORTH.
1 Norfolk, Norwich, fustians. I Westmoreland, Kendall cloth.
2 Suffolk, Sydbury, bayes. 2 Lancashire, Manchester cotton.
3 Essex, Colchester, sayes and surges. 3 Yorkshire, Halifax clothes.
4 Kent, Kentish broadcloths. 4 
WEST. SOUTH.
1 Devonshire, kersies- 1 Somersetshire, Taunton serges.
2 Glocestcrshire, cloth. 2 Hampshire, cloth.
3 Worcestershire, ditto. 3 Berkshire, ditto,
4 Wales, Welch frizes. 4 Sussex, ditto.
"" I am informed that a prime Dutch cloth-
maker in Glocestershire, had the sirname of
Web given him by King Edward there ; a fa
mily still famous for their manufacture. Observe
Ave here, that mid-England, Northamptonshire,
Lincolnshire, and Cambridge, having most of wool,
have least of clothing therein.

266
" Here the Dutchmen found fuller's earth, a
precious treasure, whereof England hath (if not
more) better than all Christendom besides ; a
great commodity of the quorum towards making
good cloth ; so that nature may seem to point
out our land for the staple of drapery, if the
idlenesse of her inhabitants be not the only hin-
derance thereof. This fuller's earth is clean, con
trary to our jesuites, who are needlesse drugges,
yet still staying here, though daily commanded
to depart, whilst fuller's earth, a precious Avare,
is daily scowred hence, though by laAv forbidden
to be transported.
" And noAV was the English avooI improved to
the highest profit, passing through so many
hands, every one having a fleece of the fleece,
sorters, kembers, carders, spinsters, zoeavers, fullers,
diers, pressers, packers ; and these manufactures
have been heightened to a higher perfection since
the cruelty of the Duke of Alva drove over
more Dutch into England. But enough of this
subject, which let none condemn for a deviation
from Church History-; first, because it could not
grieve me to goe a little out of the Avay, if the
way be good, as this digression is for the credit
and profit of our country ; secondly, it reduc-
tively belongeth to the Church History, seeing

267
many poore people both young and old, formerly
charging, the parishes, Avere hereby enabled to
maintain themselves."*
The woollen manufacture thus established un
der the royal patronage, became a productive
source of national industry and wealth ; but it
Avas pursued with peculiar success in the west of
England, where it still continues to be brought
to the highest state of perfection. Not only the
inland, but the maritime towns shared this lu
crative trade ; Bristol, from its situation, was
peculiarly favourable to the manufacturer, by
affording him a ready market for his goods ; and
it is a singular fact, that a particular fabric of
woollen cloth owes its name to a native of this
city. In the year 1340, soon after the revival
of the trade in England, a citizen of Bristol,
named Thomas Blanket, and several other inha
bitants of this city, set up looms in their own
houses, for weaving those woollen cloths from
him called blankets. f
The progress of King Edward on the Conti
nent, which so essentially contributed to the es
tablishment of the woollen, and various other
* Filler's Church History, p. 110, 111, 112.
f IJakev's Chronicle.

268
manufactures, and a general commercial inter
course with France, and its dependencies. Avas
also conducive to the glory of England. In the
spring of the year 1339, he sailed from England
Avith a fleet of one hundred and fifty ships of
Avar, with a Avell-appointed army on board, and
after a prosperous voyage, landed at Antwerp, to
form a junction Avith his continental allies. But
although his ambassadors had concluded alliances
in his name, with several princes, yet it required
much time and exertion to concentrate their
forces. The commencement of the campaign be
ing thus retarded for some months, Edward went
to Cologn, Avhere he held a conference with the
emperor, and was nominated vicar of the empire
in the most public manner, in the market-place
of that city, in the presence of all the principal
nobility and clergy of Germany. King Edward
afterwards went to Ghent, Avhere he granted the
cities of Flanders, Avhich had entered into the
league, several privileges, for the facilitation of
their trade Avith England. Thus, like an enligh-
tened statesman, the king employed his time and
influence alternately, in promoting the commerce,
and exalting the glory of his country.
In the month of September, King EdAvard ad
vanced, at the head of forty thousand men, to
Cambray, Avhere he Avas informed that Philip

269
was advancing with a formidable army to oppose
his progress. He immediately passed the river
Scheld with his army, and a herald arrived
with a challenge from his competitor, on condi
tion that the plain should be sufficiently exten
sive for the operations of the tAvo armies. Ed
ward, with his characteristic decision, immedi
ately accepted the challenge, and left it to
Philip to appoint the time and place. But
while both armies were making preparations for
this momentous contest, Philip received a letter
from Robert King of Naples, a famous astro
loger of that age, avIio foretold his defeat, and
disheartened him so much, that he retired Avith
precipitation. Edward being thus disappointed in his expec
tation of conquest, returned with his army to
Flanders, Avhere he assumed the title of King of
France, and quartered the arms of England Avith
those of that kingdom, with the motto, Dieu et _
mon droit. But his claim to the croAvn of France,
in consequence of his mother being sister to the
late king, who died Avithout issue, Avas con
demned by the salique laAv. On his return to
England in February, 1340, he summoned a par
liament, which granted him a considerable sub
sidy, obtained from him the confirmation of
Magna Charta, and his promise that the title of

270
King of France, which he used in the public
acts, should have no influence on the constitution
of England.
The king had indeed sufficiently demonstrated
his zeal for the prosperity of England, by the
encouragement which he held forth for the pro
motion of manufactures and commerce ; and the
paucity of records, respecting the state of agri
culture and the useful .arts, at this period, is to
be ascribed to the general neglect of letters which
prevailed throughout Europe. Heroism Avas then
the chief passport to distinction, and literature
was neglected, nay despised by the Avarriors of
the age. The art of killing Avas studied with
more success than the art of healing ; and while
a A^aliant knight, armed cap-a-pee, was eager to
destroy, the care of the wounded and sick was
commonly left to Avamen.
During the reign of Henry II. English manu
factures had been encouraged, and even learning
held in some estimation ; but national prosperity
suffered a severe depression in the turbulent reign
of Stephen. The revival of commerce in the
time of Henry III. and Edward I. has already
been mentioned, and the increasing trade of
Bristol demonstrated, by an account of the im
provements made in the tOAvn and harbour during

271
the thirteenth century But the real state of
foreign and domestic trafnek in this sea-port, at
that time, is noAV unknown; and it doubtless
suffered much injury and interruption from the
civil war in the time of Edward II. It was re
served for the genius of his son and successor, to
exalt the military, naval, and commercial glory
of the English nation, to a degree of enviable
superiority which has continued Avith little inter
ruption to the present day.
In the year 1340, King Edward made great
preparations for another expedition against France ;
and having increased his fleet to three hundred
ships of Avar, and augmented his army, he em
barked his troops about midsummer, and steered
for Flanders, Avhere a poAverful French fleet,
consisting of four hundred sail, Avaited to op
pose him at Sluys. Edward heard this intelligence
Avith joy, and resolved to fight his way through
the enemy's fleet, notwithstanding its superiority.
He met the French fleet on the coast of Flan
ders, and began the engagement with a vigour
that presaged victory. After a conflict of eleven
hours, the French were totally defeated, and
their whole fleet destroyed, or taken, except
thirty ships Avhich escaped. This memorable
engagement Avas the first in Avhich the English
distinguished themselAres by their naval superi-

272
ority over the French, and the first in which
the King of England commanded his fleet in
person. The.victorious Edward afterwards landed
his troops Avithout opposition, and, joined by
the forces of his allies, he marched to besiege
Tournay, Avith an army of one hundred and
fifty thousand men. His competitor, King Phi
lip, advanced Avith a much stronger army to the
relief of the city ; but the two rivals were pre
vented from coming to a general engagement, by
the mediation of Joanna de Valois, mother-in-
law to King Edward, and sister to King Philip.
By her persuasions they consented to sign a
truCe of nine months, which Avas afterwards pro
longed two years, by the interference of the
pope. Edward returned to England much mortified
at the unsuccessful termination of the campaign,
and looked forward with eager anticipation to
the recommencement of hostilities. The renewal
of a war with Scotland engaged his attention
during 1341, and the following year, which
terminated in a truce of two years. In the par
liament convened in 1343, the king created Ed
Avard, his eldest son, Prince of Wales, and in
vested him Avith that principality by an open
crown on his head, and a ring on his finger.
The same year he ordered a magnificent tour-

273
nament to be held at Windsor, to which all
knights, both native and foreign, were invited,
and entertained with the utmost politeness and
liberality. Bristol was at this time a sea-port of great
and increasing opulence and importance, and,
next to London, distinguished for the alacrity
with which its inhabitants contributed to the
exigencies of the state. To its shipping and
seamen the victorious EdAvard was, in a great
measure, indebted for the defeat and destruc
tion of the French fleet ; and the liberal im
munities which that prince afterwards conferred
on the inhabitants, proved that he Avas not for
getful of their public services. Its peculiar ad
vantages, both as a maritime toAvn, and a place
where the woollen manufacture Avas successfully
pursued, induced several foreign individuals to
settle here ; but with this increase of population.
and opulence, there was also a consequent" cor
ruption of public morals. For the better regu
lation of the community, the mayor, and forty-
eMit of the principal inhabitants, in the year
1345 employed William de Colford,* the recorder,
to transcribe the ordinances and customs of the
* This is the first recorder mentioned in the annals of Bristol*
VOL. I. $

274
town in a regular series, with such additional, bye-
laws as were rendered expedient by the state of
society. Among the new regulations it was or
dered that no person afflicted with the leprosy
should be permitted to reside within the liber
ties of the town, nor any harlot to remain within
its walls. That no prostitute should appear in
the streets, or even within the bars of St-
James's Priory, without having their head co
vered ; and that if such women were found re
siding in Bristol, the doors and windows of the
house which they inhabited should be taken away
by the mayor's officers, or the constable of the
ward, and kept till the harlots were removed.
Such just severities against incontinence, while it
demonstrates, the vigilance of the municipality for
the preservation of decency and morality, forms
a striking contrast to the profligacy of modern
manners, Avhen chastity is a kind of by- word
in the mouths of worthless sensualists.
In 1347, King Edward embarked in that me
morable expedition against France, Avhich has
been the favourite theme of all English histori
ans, and Avhere, at the battle of Cressy, the
Prince of Wales, though only in his sixteenth
year, immortalized his name by his valour and
magnanimity. It is recorded, that Avhen the king
congratulated his son on the victory, the prince

275
fell on his knees, and asked his father's blessing,
according to the custom of the English at that
period. Such was the inconsistent morality of
chivalry, that the very hands which but a mo
ment before had been employed in the destruc
tion of human beings, were raised with submis
sive and reverential awe, to implore the paren
tal benediction.
. From Cressy, EdAvard marched to Calais, a
town which Avas strongly fortified, and from its
situation opposite the coast of England, was con
sidered by the victor as a desirable acquisition,
which would enable him the more readily to
land his troops in France.
But the English hero found Calais no easy
conquest; he therefore besieged it with vigour,
and to prevent supplies from being brought by
sea to the garrison, he sent to England for a
.fleet of seven hundred ships, which completely
blockaded the harbour. The different sea-ports
of England furnished a number of ships to aid
the royal navy on this occasion ; and the follow
ing is an accurate statement of the shipping and
mariners which they supplied.*
* Vide Roll of the flept of Edward III. at the siege of Calais ia
1347, in the Cottonian Library.

276 SHIPS. MARINERS',
London  25  662
Bristol  22  608
Weymouth  20.  264
Pool  4  94
Lime  4  62
Wareham  3  59
Seton  2  25
The near approach made by Bristol to Lon
don, both in the number of ships and seamen,
at this period, is a sufficient demonstration of its
maritime prosperity ; and the subsequent immu
nities conferred on this city by King Edward,
afford an honourable memorial of the loyalty of
the inhabitants, and the gratitude of their sove
reign. It must, however, be a subject of regret*
that so few documents are in existence respect
ing the trade of Bristol, in its early state ; for
the most entertaining, as well as instructive kind
of history, is that of the progress of a commu
nity from barbarism and indigence, to wealth,
civilization, and aggrandizement.
The garrison of Calais, after a brave resist
ance during a siege of a year, Avere compelled at
length by famine to open their gates to the con
queror. Edward, in order to secure the future
possession of the toAvn, compelled all the inha-

277
bitants to evacuate it, to make room for an Eng
lish colony. He afterwards consented to a truce
of a year with his competitor, and returned to
England in 1347, in triumph.
On his return, he Avas received Avitli the con
gratulations of the people, who admired his bril
liant talents, and almost idolized the heroism of
his illustrious son, the Black Prince. England
now enjoyed tranquillity ; an invasion of the
Scots, under their King David, in the absence
of Edward, had been repelled by the English,
under Queen Phillipa, who defeated the invaders,
and made their king captive. At this auspicious
epoch, England stood high in the estimation of
the civilized world, The important victories
achieved by her army and navy, over aL nation
that had been considered the most poAverful in
Europe, and in an age when military puissance Avas
considered the highest virtue, commanded the
admiration and respect of the other continental
states. At the same time, the judicious com
mercial treaties made by King Edward with the
other maritime nations of Europe, contributed
essentially to a more intimate intercourse, and
the establishment of a beneficial traffick between
them and his native country. The manufactures
which had been revived in England, under tha

278
fostering patronage of this sovereign, continued to
increase in a steady and rapid progression, which
naturally had a powerful influence on the increase
of population, that true source of national wealth
and grandeur ; the agriculturist, alike secure from
foreign depredation and domestic fraud, brought
the produce of his farm to a higher degree of
perfection, than had hitherto been known in this
country ; while a ready market for his commo
dities, particularly grain and wOoh crowned his
industrious exertions with merited prosperity. In
the principal sea-ports and manufacturing towns;
especially London and Bristol, the raw materials
were manufactured, and exported to distant na
tions ; while the most valuable' productions of
foreign climes contributed to the gratification and
embellishment of civilized society.
But the history of all nations has proved^
that the continuance of prosperity is productive
of moral evil. The English nation became pre
sumptuous and dissolute ; nay, sensuality was so
universally prevalent, that We are informed the
women, laying aside their modesty, seemed to
glory in the loss of their chastity. They fre
quented the tournaments, dressed like knights,
with swords by their sides, and mounted on
steeds adorned Avith costly trappings. The ex-

279
cesses of the rneii Avere no less scandalous and
corrupt. But their career of dissipation was sud
denly interrupted by a terrible visitation.
In 1348, the plague which had afflicted Asia,
and part of the continent of Europe, at length
reached France. Pursuing its tremendous' pro
gress, it passed over into England, where it de
stroyed more than one half of the population.
The people near the sea-coast in Dorsetshire and
Devonshire, were first afflicted, in the month of
January, and it soon afterwards reached Bristol,
Avhere it raged to such a degree, that the liv
ing Avere scarcely able to bury the dead. This
terrible visitant began its devastations in the cen
tre of the city, and so destructive Was its, pro
gress, that the healthful population of Bristol,
which at the commencement of the pestilential
contagion, consisted of several thousands, was
reduced to a few individuals. It is recorded
that the city became so desolate, that grass grew
several inches high in High-street and Broad
street, then the principal thoroughfare. To add
to the misery of the unhappy sufferers, " the
Glocestershire mten would not suffer the Bristow
men to have any access to them." Thus realiz
ing the afflictive description of a similar cala
mity -, given by the poet.

280
-Mute the voice of joy,

" And hush'd the clamour of the busy world.
" Empty the streets, with uncouth verdure clad;
" Into the worst of desarts sudden turn'd
" The cheerful haunt of men : unless escap'd
" From the doom'd house, where matchless horror reigns> •
" Shut up by barbarous fear, the smitten wretch,
" With frenzy wild, breaks loose; and, loud to heaven
" Screaming, the dreadful policy arraigns,
" Inhuman and unwise. The sullen door,
'• Yet uninfected, on its cautious hinge
" Fearing to turn abhors society :
" Dependants, friends, relations, love himself,
" Savag'd by woe, forget the tender tie,
" The sweet engagement of the feeling heart.
" But vain their selfish care: the cii cling sky,
" The wide enliv'ning air is full of fate ;
" And, struck by turns, in solitary pangs
" They fall, unblest, untended, aud unmourn'd,
" Thus o'er the prostrate city black Despair
" Extends her raven wing: while, to complete
" The scene of desolation, stretch'd around,
" The grim guards stand, denying all retreat,
" And give the flying wretch a better death."
But human precautions were unavailing ; the
pestilence Avas not to be arrested in its progress,
and Glocester, Oxford, and London, languished
beneath its fatal contagion. The common peo
ple, alarmed at the approach of death, became
penitent, and even the most profligate were ter
rified into a reformation of manners ; but the
pomp, splendour, and gaiety of the court of

281
Edward, suffered no diminution. In April, 1349,
when the pestilence raged in its highest vio
lence, he instituted the Order of the Garter,
Avhich was celebrated at Windsor with the utmost
pageantry and festivity, notwithstanding the ca
lamitous situation of the people in general : a
circumstance by no means honourable to the
humanity of the sovereign. But in the days
of chivalry, knights and persons of distinction
only were thought worthy of estimation ; while
the laborious classes, not yet fully emancipated
from feudal vassalage, were considered as an in
ferior species by their imperious masters.
When the pestilence subsided, the temporary
penitence of the survivors was succeeded by in
credible excesses. The inhabitants of the prin
cipal towns, being few in number, found in the
former possessions of the victims of disease a
sudden accession of opulence and superabundance
of necessaries, which precluded the necessity of
industrious effort. Forgetful of the terrible ca
lamity from which they had so recently escaped,
they became dissolute, revelled in excess, mar
ried and discarded their wives at pleasure, and
indulged in idleness. " They persuaded them
selves that henceforth they should never neede
to till the earth, work, builde houses, plant vines,
or doe ought else that appertayned unto humane

282
life: having, as they supposed, more -store* of.
foode and all other necessaries left unto them
then they could spende, whilst they shoulde live,
and believing likewise that they were nowe sem
eme, the fury of God's justice being past. Where-
uppon God sent a great and universall famine ;
the cattle, for Avant of men to look to them,
wandering about the fields at random, and pe
rishing among hedges and ditches; and vast quan
tities of corn being lost for Avant of hands to
gather it in."*
The complete establishment of the woollen
manufacture in England, appears to have been
a favourite object of King Edward III. and in
the year 1362, the superiority of the Avoolleh
cloth manufactured in Bristol, over the produc
tions of the Flemish looms, induced that prince
to order the staple of wool to be transferred
from Flanders, and established in this city.
From that period the woollen became the staple
manufacture of England, and it has proved a
rich and productive source of national wealth.
Among the most remarkable improvements in the
architecture of Bristol, may be mentioned Red
cliff Church. It had been founded in 1292, by
Simon de Burton; the building was continued in
* Knighton.

283
1369, by William Cannings, and was finished by his
grandson, the celebrated William Cannings, an emi
nent merchant, in the reign of King Henry VI.
On the 8th of August, 1372, the king re-
Avarded the loyalty of the inhabitants of Bristol,
by granting them a charter which conferred pe
culiar immunities. In this charter the king
expressed his Avillingness to promote the pros
perity of the town, as a reward for the attach
ment and loyalty of the burgesses, and their
good service by their ships and otherwise, done
in time past. For a fine of six hundred marks
paid by the corporation, his majesty granted
the town to be separated from Glocestershire and
Somersetshire, and to be henceforth a county of
itself; to have one sheriff out of three returned
into chancery, to be chosen by the king, av ho is
to be escheator. That the sheriff shall hold his
court the first Monday in every month; and
the mayor to hold his court at the customary
time. That the mayor, after his election, shall
take the municipal oath before his predecessor,
in the Guildhall ; and it shall not be requisite
for the new mayor to be presented before the
constable of the castle for his acquiescence, in
the nomination of that magistrate ; that the
mayor and sheriff are to hear and determine the
several offences committed within the liberties of

284
the corporation, without the interference of any
other magistrate. That the mayor shall have
power to enroll deeds of lands, tenements, &c.
within the town of Bristol, in the same manner
as is practised in chancery, with power to prove
bequests of lands, &c. in the said town, and
to put the legacies in execution. That the cor
poration of Bristol shall send two burgesses to
parliament as their representatives ; and in any
case of difficulty, the mayor and sheriff shall
choose forty honest men, who together shall be
empowered to make bye-laws, and to raise taxes
for the necessity or advantage of the town. All
disturbers of the public tranquillity to be punish
able by the mayor and sheriff. All former liber
ties and charters are also confirmed by this char
ter. Witnesses, William Archbishop of Canter
bury, primate of all England, and others. Dated
at Wodestock, the 8th of August, the forty-
seventh of Edward III. The king also granted
a commission, empowering twelve men of Glo-
cestershire, twelve of Somersetshire, and twelve
of Bristol, by perambulation to fix by verdict
the boundaries of the town, as described in the
charter of King John.
This comprehensive charter was a proof of the
high estimation in which the king held the loy
alty and public services of the inhabitants of

285
Bristol. That the shipping and mariners belong
ing to this sea-port had materially contributed to
the success of his majesty's arms, must be evi-?
dent from the tenor of the charter ; the erection
of Bristol into an independent county, was in
deed a peculiar demonstration of royal favour ;
the investiture of the municipal officers with more
extensive powers for its civil government; and
the privilege of sending two representatives to the
senate of the nation, justifies the assertion, that
the population and wealth of this ancient city,
must have been very considerable, even at this
early period.
As a memorial of gratitude to their beneficent
sovereign, the corporation of Bristol, in 1373,
erected a new high cross, on the scite of an an
cient cross in High-street. It was adorned Avith
rich gothic ornaments ; the statues of King John^,
Henry III. and Edward III. were placed in
niches ; and the statue of Edward IV, another
royal benefactor to the city, was afterwards placed
in a vacant niche, in the year 1461.
The death of Edward, the Black Prince, in
1376, to the universal regret of the English na
tion, was folloAved by that of King Edward him
self, who died at his palace at Sheen, or Rich-

286
mond, in the year 1377, in the sixty-sixth year
of his age, and fifty-first of his reign.
During the long reign of this illustrious prince,
the people of England made a considerable pro-.
gress in trade, manufactures, and civilization.
Edward was remarkable for all those brilliant
qualities that constitute a great character. He
was brave, just, and patriotic ; a warm friend to
merit, a respecter of the laAvs and liberties of
the realm, and a patron of learning. Chaucer,
the father of English poetry, was an inmate of
his court ; and Gower, another English writer
of merit, enriched the literature of his country
at this auspicious period. But in the reign of
Richard II. the successor of his magnanimous
grandfather, the nation was again involved in all
the evils attendant upon the measures of an ar
bitrary sovereign. At length Richard, after in
tolerable exactions and confiscations, was opposed
by a confederacy of the barons, who compelled
him to banish his favourites.
In the year 1389, St. John's Church, in Bristol,
was founded by Mr. Walter Frampton, a rich
merchant. This beneficent individual also be
queathed sixty-two tenements to be sold, and the
price divided into three parts ; one-third to be

287
given to .industrious young people on the day of
their marriage ; one-third to the relief of the
poor, and the residue to be laid out in the re
pair of the high ways,
, In 1398 King Richard levied an army for the
subjugation of the reyolters in Ireland;. and hav
ing left the regency of the kingdom to the Duke
ojf York, his uncle, he set sail, and on the 31st
of May landed at W^aterford, marched to Dublin,,
and obtained, several victories over the rebels.
During his progress in Ireland, however, a con
spiracy was formed against him in England, and
the Duke of Hereford, his cousin, whom he had
unjustly banished into France the preceding year,
having received intelligence that the nation Avas
ripe for a revolt, embarked Avith the Archbishop
pf Canterbury, and about eighty armed parti
sans ;. and having sailed for some time along the
coast of England, he was at length encouraged
to land, by the alacrity with which the- people
took up arms, Avhen informed of his approach.
Accordingly, he landed at Ravenspur, in York
shire, Avhere he assumed the title of Duke of
Lancaster and published a manifesto, expressive
pf his having had recourse to arms merely to
obtain redress for the injustice Avith Avhich he
had been treated by the king. Multitudes, in
flamed with anger against the tyranny of Richard,
hastened to the banners of the Duke of Lan-

288
caster, whose army in a short time amounted
to sixty thousand men. With this formidable
host he marched without opposition to London,
Avhere he was received in triumph.
In the mean time, the regent having made
some ineffectual attempts to raise an army, the
Earl of Wiltshire, and the rest of the ministry,
abandoned him, and retired to Bristol Castle.
But as soon as the Duke of Lancaster had se
cured the allegiance of the citizens of London,
he marched to Bristol, where the gates were
opened to him with joy. He then commanded
the castle to be assaulted ; it was resolutely de
fended by the adherents of the ministry, but
after a vigorous siege of four days, the besieged
were obliged to surrender at discretion. The
popular rage against the Earl of Wiltshire, and
his companions, was so violent, that the duke,
in order to secure his OAvn popularity, com
manded these ministers of an arbitrary sovereign
to be sacrificed to the vengeance of the people.
Accordingly, to appease the public Avrath, the
Earl of Wiltshire, Sir John Busby, and Sir
Henry Green, Avere beheaded at the High Cross
in Bristol, and soon afterAvards the whole king
dom submitted to the Duke of Lancaster, who
compelled Richard to resign his croAvn, and Avas
himself proclaimed, and crowned on the 30th of
September, 1399, by the name of Henry IV.

CONTENTS

OF

CHAPTER THE FIFTH,

Prosperity of Bristol in the Fifteenth Century — Charter granted by
Henry IV. — Charter granted by Henry VI. — Edward IV. comes
to Bristol — Extensive Commerce of AVilliam Cannings, and other
Merchants of this City — A Description of Bristol in 1470 
Destructive Tempest and Inundation in this City and its Vicinity
— Henry VII. comes to Bristol — Improvements in the City — Sebas
tian Cabot sails from Bristol on a Voyage of Discovery — An Ac*
count of his Success — Enterprizing Disposition of the Merchants of
Bristol — A Charter granted by Henry VII. — Bristol manufactures
— Henry VIII. comes to Bristol in disguise— Suppression of Mona
steries — Curious Letter respecting Relics found in the Abbey of
St. Augustine, in this City — Bristol proclaimed a City — Liberality
of Henry VIII. to the Citizens of Bristol — The Tolzey built —
Persecution during the Reign of Queen Mary — Five Men burnt in
this City — Ships of War furnished by the Merchant* of Bristol for
the Service of the State — Honourable Acquittal of the Mayor of
Bristol — Accession of Queen Elizabeth to the Crown.

Vol. i.

CHAPTER THE FIFTH.

JTrom the accession of Henry IV. in 1399,
to the deposition of Henry VI. in 1461, a
period of sixty-two years, Bristol appears to
have enjoyed the advantages of commerce with
little interruption. The trade and manufactures
of the kingdom in general continued to prosper,
in consequence of the excellent regulations es
tablished by Edward III. and his successor,
Henry IV. Avas in some degree actuated by si
milar patriotism. The first instance of his no
tice of Bristol, was his confirmation to the
church of St. James of the lands of Esseley,
the fair of Bristol in Whitsuntide week, and the
tythe of several mills, which had formerly been
conferred by William Earl of Glocester.

292
By a statute- enacted in .the 4th year of the
rei<m of Henry IV. it Avas ordained that all
ships laden with merchandise, entering the realm,
or passing out of the same, should be discharged
or laden in some great port, and not in any
creek, or small river. And by a proclamation
issued in the sixteenth year of the reign of
Henry V. all officers Avere commanded to see
this act strictly put in execution. This royal
edict was greatly in favour of the principal sea
ports of England, and soon after it Avas pub
lished, the magistrates of Bristol, jealous of any
encroachment on their traffick, presented a
petition to parliament, complaining of the in
jury to the revenue in consequence of vessels
unloading their cargoes at other ports and
creeks in the Bristol channel, and at Chep
stow, and other places in Wales. King Henry
IV. also granted a charter to the mayor and
commonalty of Bristol, exempting them from
the power and jurisdiction of the admiralty of
England, in consideration of their liberality to
their sovereign. This charter is to the follow
ing purport. " Considering the many notable
services Avhich very many merchants, burgesses
of our toAvn of Bristol, have done for us, and
our famous progenitors, in many ways, Avith
their ships and voyages, at their OAvn great

293
charges and expence ; as also for the grateful
sense Avhich Ave have recently found in the
mayor and commonalty of. the, said towm, in
freely giving us ,£200. in our necessities, for
the more readily expediting certain arduous af
fairs of our kingdom ; and also since many of
the said burgesses and merchants have been
grievously vexed and disturbed by the lieute
nants and other officers of our admiralty of Eng
land, to their great loss and inconvenience. We
therefore, of our special grace, mere motion,
and certain knoAvledge, have granted for us and
our heirs, to the mayor and commonalty, and
their heirs, that the. said toAvn, &c. shall for
ever be free from the jurisdiction, &c. of the.
said admiralty, &c,"
In 1441 William Cannings, mayor for. that
year, repaired the church of St. Mary Redcliff,
which had been built by .his grandfather; but
in the following year the steeple of that beau
tiful edifice Avas demolished by lightning.
King Henry VI. came to Bristol in the year
1446, and conferred a neAV charter on the bur
gesses, by Avhich he granted -the toAvn " to them
and their successors, during the term of sixty
years, to commence at the end of twenty years,

294
ee He also granted to the mayor and commonalty
of Bristol, during the said term of sixty years,
certain liberties, &c. under a certain form, on
condition of their yielding and paying yearly to
the king, and his heirs, at the expiration of the
said twenty years, during the said term of sixty
years, £102. 15s. 6d. ; at the feast of Easter
and St. Michael the Archangel, by equal por
tions, to the abbot of Tewkesbury, £14. 10s. ;
to the prior of St. James's of Bristol, and his
successor for the time being, for the annual rent
of the mill of the said toAvn, £3. ; to the con
stable of the castle of Bristol, and his officers
for the time being, that is to say, to the por
ter of the gate, and watchmen of the castle,
and to the forester of King's-Avood, <£39. 14s. 6d.
to be paid during the aforesaid term of sixty
years. " The king also granted all fines, forfeitures,
&c. in as full a manner as if he had retained
the town,- so that the mayor and commonalty
-were empoAvered to levy, and receive and retain
all goods forfeited, to the use and profit of
themselves and their successors. They Avere also
to have the court of view or frank pledge, &c.
(the escheat of lands and tenements in times to
come being always excepted.) All the before-

mentioned privileges, liberties, &c. Avithin the
said town, and its precincts, he fully and Avholly
granted to the mayor and commonalty, on their
yielding and paying £102. 15s. 6d. in the man
ner aforesaid."
Queen Margaret, the consort of Henry VI.
honoured Bristol with a visit in 1456 ; but we
have no record of the procession of the bur
gesses, and other public demonstrations of loy
alty on that Occasion. Such an account Avould
have been grateful to curiosity, as illustrative
of the manners of the people at that period.
In March, 1461, Henry VI. Avas deposed by
the partisans of the house of York ; and Ed
Avard, Earl of March, the eldest son of the
Duke of York, was elected King of England,
by a council of all the bishops, noblemen, gen
tlemen, and magistrates, in London and its
vicinity. On the day after his election, . EdAvard
went in procession to St. Paul's, and Avas after-
Wards conducted to Westminster-Hall, Avhere he
sat in the coronation chair, with the sceptre of
St. EdAvard in his hand. He there received the
homage of the lords, afterwards proceeded to
Westminster Abbey, and was placed in the
chair as king, Avhile Te Dqum was sung. Next

•'296
day he was proclaimed at London, by the name
of Edward IV.*
Soon after his coronation, King EdAvard pro
ceeded through different parts of England, for
the purpose of encouraging his friends, and re
pressing the partisans of the House of Lancas
ter, Avhom he punished with great severity. In
the course of his progress he came to Bristol,
*SPEECH OF .EBWARD IV. TO HIS PARLIAMENT, A. D. 146l.
•' James Strangways, and ye that be comyn for the common of
this my Lond, for the true hertes and tender considerations that ye
have had to my right and title, that Y. and my Auncestres, have
had unto the Conine of this Reame, the which from us have been
-longe tyme. witholde ; and nowe, thanked be Almyghty God, of whos
grace groweth all Victory, by youre true hertes and grete assistens,
Y am restored unto that that is my right and title ; wherefore Y
"thanke you as hertely as Y can. Also for the tender and true hertes
that ye have shewed unto me, in that that ye have tenderly had
in remembraunce, the correction of the horrible murdre, and cruell
deth of my Lord, my Fader, my Brother Rutland, and my Cosyn of
Salysbury, and other, Y thanke you right hertely : and Y shall be
unto you, with the grace of Alnryghly God, as good and -gratious
.Soverayn Lord, as ever was eny of my noble Progejiitours to their
Subgettes and Liegemen. And for the feithfull and lovyng hertes,
and also the grete labours thut ye have born and susteyned toward
nte, in the recoverying of ray seid 'right and title which Y nowe
possesse, Y thanke you with all my heite : and yf Y had eny
better good to reward you withall then my body, ye shuld have
it, they which shall alvvey be redy for your defence, never sparyng
nor lettyng for noo jeopardie; praying you all of youre herty
assistens and good conty nuance, as Y shall be unto you youre verey
rightwisse and lovying Liege Lord."— Pari. Roll, vol. 5. p. 487.

297
in September, and Avas present at the execution
of Sir Baldwin Fulford, and his two compani
ons, Bright and Hesant. They had been im
prisoned for some time in Bristol Castle, in
consequence of Sir BaldAvin having given his
bond to Henry VI. that he would take awray
the life of the Earl of Warwick, Avho then
plotted the dethronement of the king, or
lose his own head. King EdAvard, Avith the
sanguinary vengeance Avhich Avas one of the cha
racteristics predominant in the fifteenth century,
commanded the knight and his accomplices to
be beheaded, and he afterwards departed from
Bristol on the same day.
- More than a century had noAV elapsed since
the discovery of the loadstone, and the invention
of the mariner's compass. This important .ac
quisition stimulated the enterprise of adA^enturous
merchants ; the intercourse of the civilized jiati-
ons of the globe Avas materially facilitated, and
the general benefits of commerce more Avidely
diffused. The numerous and extensive privileges
bestowed on Bristol by different sovereigns,, gave
this city a decided superiority over every sea
port in England, except London ; and the pros
perity of the merchants was further promoted by
the public spirit of several noblemen, and other
principal proprietors of lands, who liberally sup-

298
plied the manufacturers and traders with wool,
grain, lead, tin, timber, and other productions of
the soil; and also lent industrious tradesmen
money to enable them to pursue their business
Avith success. Such was the beneficial influence
of the royal patronage of Edward III. to the
commerce of his country. During the fourteenth
century, the merchants of Bristol were so suc
cessful, that several of them Avho had com
menced business as factors to the landholders,
were enabled to trade upon their OAvn capital,
and realize immense fortunes.
Nor was the wealth of those fortunate indi
viduals mispent. They left lasting memorials
of their piety and philanthropy, by the erec
tion of edifices appropriated to the public
worship of the Deity ; and the endowment of
hospitals and alms-houses for the mitigation of
pain, and the accommodation of indigence. At
the same time the corporation in general mani
fested their public spirit, by the erection of new
buildings, and the general improvement of the
town. A most important and satisfactory document,
respecting the merchants and shipping of the
port of Bristol, in the fifteenth century, has been
preserved from oblivion by Mr. Nasmith, who, with

299
indefatigable patience, decyphered and transcribed
the Itinerary of William Botoner, commonly called
William of Worcester, which was preserved in
the library of Benet College, Cambridge.
According to the records of William of Wor
cester, the celebrated William Cannings was the
most opulent merchant of Bristol at this period.
He employed eight hundred men, during eight
years, in the following ships. TONS.
The Mary and John, burthen  900
The Mary Redcliff  ,  500
The Mary Canyngs  400
The Katherine of Boston  223
The Margaret of Tylny  200
The Mary Bat  ....200
The Katherine  140
The Little Nicholas  140
A ship of Ireland.....  100
The Galliot  ~  50
Total  2853
Ten merchantmen, of such considerable tonnage,
and manned by so great a number of seamen, is
a sufficient demonstration of the extensive foreign
commerce carried on by one Bristol merchant ;
and Botoner superadds the names and tonnage of
shipping belonging to other merchants of this

300
port, in 1480. Among those particularized are
the following. TONS.
The John, of  511
The Mary Grace  ;  300
The   360
The George  ......200
The Kateryn  180
The Mary Bryd  100
The Christofer  90
The Mary Shernman  54
The Leonard  50
The Mary of BristoAv  —
The George  —
He also observes that Thomas Strange had twelve
ships, and John Godeman 
During the mayoralty of William Cannings,
in the year 1466, the following ordinances were
established for the regulation of merchants, accord
ing to custom from time immemorial.
" 1. The mayor and council, fifteen days after
Michaelmas, were to call a council, and choose
a person that had been mayor or sheriff, to be
master of the society of merchants, and to choose
two merchants for wardens, and two beadles, Avho
were to officiate as brokers, arid be attendant
during a year upon the masters and wardens, &q,

301
" 2. The master- and society to have the cha
pel, and the draught chamber at Spicer's-hall,
to assemble in, paying tAventy shillings a year.
" 3. All merchants to attend, if in town, upon
summons, or to pay one pound of wax to the
master and society.
" 4. All rules for selling to strangers of any
of the four merchandizes, to be kept on pain of
twenty shillings for every default : one half to be
paid to the society, and the other to the cor
poration chamber.
" 5. No merchant to sell goods to any stran
ger under the regulated price, under a penalty
of twenty shillings, to be disposed of as above-
mentioned. " 6. If any merchant be in distress, he must
apply to the wardens or beadles, declaring the
same ; and if they provide not a remedy in three
days, then the merchant burgess shall be set at
liberty to dispose of any of his four merchan
dizes at his pleasure."
By such prudent regulations did the merchants
of Bristol steadily pursue their commercial plans,
which generally were crowned with success, and

302
laid the foundation of the present opulence, of;
their successors.
The following description of this ancient city,
as it appeared in 1470, is recorded by a native ;*
and a comparison of what it then was, with its
present improved state, will doubtless afford gra
tification to the native citizen, and admirer of
topography. " Near the High-Crosse four weyes meet, Adz.
Hygh Strete, Bradstrete, Wynchstrete, and St.
Collas-Strete. At Seynt Callas-yate, in the north
syde of the yate meten acrosse wyse IIII weyes,
whych ben ye shamelys and Seynt Nicholas
Strete. At the sout side of Seynt Collas yate
meten twey chyff weyes, the chieff brygge upon
four grete arches of ten vethym yn hyth, and
the fayre chappelle upon the fifth arch, and the
second way havyng the space of a tryangle goyng
to Bak by Seynt Nicholas Chyrch.
" Item, at the begynnyng of the Bakk, there
the fyrst gryse called a Slypp, ben twey weyes,
the fyrst wey ys the seyde sleye of *** yerdes
long, goyng to the water called Avyn-water to
Avesh clothes, and to entre ynto the vessels and
* William Botoner.

303
shyppes that comen to the seyd Bak ; and the
.second wey entry th yn BaldAvye-strete.
" At the crosse yn Baldwype-strete been four
cross Aveys metyng one way goyng ys a grete
wyde way goyng to Bafft-strete, ye second waye
goyng northward by a hygh grese called a steyr
of 32 steppes ynto Seynt Collas-strete ; the other
tweyn metyng wayes at the seyd cross of Bald-
wyne-strete. At the south syde of Seynt Johnys
ys yate meten also 4 crosse weyes, whych one
chief way ys Brad-strete. the second ys Toure-
strete bye Seynt Johnys Chyrch, goyng streyt to
Wynch-strete, and ys but a streyt way goyng by
the old Towne walle and the old ToAvne yate
called blynd yate, streyt by the anntient fyrst
yate called Pyttey-yate uppon the Lylle entryng
ynto Wynch-strete, called Castel-strefe ; the third
wey ys Seynt Laurens-strete goyng from Seynt
Johnys gate into Smalle- strete. The fourth wey
through the sayd yate of Seynt John goyng ynto
Cristmas-strete, called Knyf-smyth-strete.
" In the north syde of Seynt Johyns-yate ys
a 3 triangle ways, one way goyng right to Crista
masse-strete warde. The second wey goth ryghest
by the woult of Seynt Johnys Chyrch goynt ynto
Gropecounte-lane to Monken-brigge a pryson
plase sometyme. The third wey goyng 9, crosse

304
wey to: the key by the lower wey. of Seynt
Laurens, and by the old Temple yewys where be
grete vowts under the hyest walle of Bristow,
and the old Chyrch of Seynt Gylys was bylded
over the vowtes yn the way goyng to Seynt.
Laurens Laane ynto Small-strete.
" At Seynt. Leornard yate yn the east syde
meten wyth me the yate 4 quadryvalle wayes,
as Corn-strete in the est parte, the second wey
toward the north is Seynt Leonard way goyng
from ye chyrch streyt into Small-strete ; the 3d
Avay goth esterly from Seynt Leonard Chyrch
ynto Seynt Collas-strete.
" The yate of Seynt Leonard under the. seyd
chyrch crosseth two ways, the south-east way ys
Baldwyne-strete goong to the Bak ; the second
way ys called Pylle-strete, those of old days runne
the Avater called Frome by BaldAvyne-strete to
the Bakk, fallynge into Avyn- water, and whych
Pylle-strete gooth streyt . north by the old cusr
tom-house to the key, Avhere ys a grate space
lyke to a large .tryangle, and in the myddel of the
seyd tryangle ys a fayre Tour of frestone bylded..
" Item, yn the myddys of Pyle-strete, toward
the neAV chyrch to lire of Seynt Stevyns metyn 4
Ways dyArers!y at the entree of Seynt Stevyn's

305
chyrch-yerde at the style or ly tille yate ; the
first Avay westward ys a large and a long Avay
called Mersh-strete, there many merchauntes and
also maryners dwellin.
•" At the seyd chyrch style ys a lane goyng in
the south syde of Seynt Stevyn's Chyrch, goyng
by the chyrch-yerde to the kay by old Leycester
dore yn the north syde of the toure of the
chyrch by the neAV doore to the seyd kay.
" Item, at the end of the seyde Pylle-strete,
by the seyd lane that returned by the begyn*
nyng of the seyd fyrst lane ys another laane,
that goth evyn ryght by the este ende of Seynt
Stevyn Chyrch under the hygh auter, and so
contyneAvyth the ^seyd laane to the seyd kay
northly. " Item, out of that laane that goth by the
est eende of Seynt Stevyn Chyrch returnyth
another laane from the north syde of Seynt
Peter Chyrch by the west dore of the seyd
chyrch, turnyng to aforesaid fyrst laane so en
try ng to the kay.
- " At New Gate in the West front of yt.
Avythynne Bristow, there meten two large w.eys,
,and the norther Avey ys called ToAvr-strete*
vol. i, tj

306
aliter Wynch-strete, and so goth by the old
yate of the toune, about one hundred and
twenty stepps yn length to the Hygh Crosse
Avard, where the old toune Avail stode"
During the sanguinary competition betAveen
the Houses of York and Lancaster, Bristol en
joyed comparative tranquillity; for Avhile several
other cities of England Avere ravaged by the par
tisans of the Avhite rose and the red, the ma
nufacturers and merchants of this port continued
their lucrative pursuits with prosperous activity.
We have already seen that the majority of the
inhabitants of Bristol Avere attached to the cause
of King Edward IV. and in the year 1470, the
Duke of Somerset marched with his army from
this city to TeAvkesbury, where a decisive vie-
tory obtained by Queen Margaret and Prince
Henry, secured the crown to Edward.
The unrelenting severity of EdAvard against
the partisans of the House of Lancaster, con
tinued with little relaxation ; he appears to have
been of a cruel disposition, faithless to his en
gagements, and delighting in the sacrifice of
his enemies. Malignant individuals availed them
selves of this characteristic of their sovereign ;
and, among other instances, it is recorded, that
in 1478 Thomas Norton, Esq. a resident of

307
Bristol, accused Mr. William Spencer, mayor,
of high treason. He Avas immediately impri
soned, and continued in confinement thirteen
days ; but on investigation, the accuser being
unable to substantiate his charge, Mr. Spencer
was set at liberty. Another instance of per
sonal malignity occurred in Bristol in the year
1479- Mr. Robert Strange, avIio had formerly
been mayor, Avas accused by Robert Marks of
coining money, and exporting it to the Conti
nent, for the use of the Earl of Richmond. On
this charge Mr. Strange was confined in the
ToAver of London during seven or eight Aveeks ;
but Avhen the truth was knoAvn, and his inno
cence proved, his accuser Avas sent to Bristol,
Avhere he Avas hanged, drawn, and quartered, for
the false accusation.
On the 15th of October, 1483, during an
eclipse of the moon, the inhabitants of Bristol
Avere exposed to the dangers of an inundation,
accompanied Avith a tempest. Several ships
were wrecked in Kingroad, and the low coun
try on the banks of the Severn, and the Avon,
as far as Bristol, was inundated. Two hundred
men, Avomen, and children, Avere droAvned ; and
houses, corn, and cattle, carried aAvay by the
flood. Great damage Avas done to goods in the

308
merchants' warehouses in Bristol ; and the dark
ness which prevailed when the inundation wa»
at the height, rendered that circumstance more
dangerous and terrible. The appearance ofthe
moon during the eclipse was singularly curious.
Her disk Avas variegated with streaks of red,
blue, and green, with a little light at the upper
part. King Edward V. was only in the thirteenth
year of his age when he succeeded his father,
in 1483 ; and in the course of that year he
was deposed, and assassinated by his ambitious
uncle, who was proclaimed king, by the name of
Richard III. But this cruel usurper enjoyed
the regal authority only tAvo years and two
months, being defeated and. slain by the Earl
of Richmond, at Bosworth, on the 22d day of
August, 1485.
The victor Avas proclaimed king by his army
on the field of battle, by the name of Llenry VII.
The marriage of this king and the Princess
Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward IV.
terminated the competition between the house*
of York and Lancaster, and the commotions
which had existed in England for thirty years,
and cost one hundred thousand men their lives,

309
entirely subsided. On the day of his coronation
King Henry instituted a guard of fifty archers
to attend him and his successors for ever.
In 1487 the king came to Bristol, Avhen he
Avas met by the mayor and burgesses in Redfield.
The corporation Avere dressed in green ; they
attended his majesty to the High Cross, where
the clergy met him in their robes, with chil
dren singing, and other demonstrations of joy.
He was received at St. John's Gate, and con
ducted with great pomp to the abbey of St.
Augustine, where he was entertained by the abbot.
In the year 1490, among other improvements,
the streets of this city were newly paved, and
the High Cross painted and gilded : the cor
poration manifested their loyalty and opulence
by a gift of five hundred pounds to their sove
reign, who in the course of the year honoured
Bristol Avith another, visit. The King Was
acompanied by the lord chancellor ; he lodged
at the abbey of St. Augustine ; and before
his departure, every inhabitant of Bristol,
Avorth tAventy pounds in goods, Avas compelled
to pay a fine of twenty shillings, because
their Avives went so richly apparelled. This
exaction was not very honourable to the feel
ings of a prince, to whom the burgesses had so

310
recently manifested their attachment and libe
rality by a large donation ; but financiers are
seldom scrupulous respecting the means requisite
for the acquisition of money. The increasing
population, as well as prosperity of Bristol,
induced seA^eral opulent individuals, in the year
1495, to begin the erection of houses in the
space Avhich surrounded St. Augustine's Green,
iioav called College Green.
ToAvards the close of the fifteenth century,
several opulent merchants of Bristol left memo
rials of their philanthropy, by the endowment
of alms-houses and hospitals, which shall be
described in a subsequent part of this work.
— But the principal event by Avhich Bristol
was distinguished at this period, Avas the adven
turous spirit manifested by some of its inha
bitants. The art of printing, Avhich Avas invented in
1430, contributed to a more general diffusion
of knowledge, and its beneficial consequences
Avere soon demonstrated by the successful ex
tension of geographical discoveries. America
Avas discoA^ered in 1492, by Columbus j and the
fame of this great navigator excited the emula
tion of other enterprizing adventurers. John
Cabot, a native of Venice, Avho had settled at

311
Bristol, and became an opulent merchant, ob
tained the king's letters patent, authorising him
to sail, with his three sons, for the discovery of
new and unknown lands. This royal permission,
which fully evinces the liberality of King Henry
VII. is to the following purport.
" Henry by the grace of God, &c. Be it.
known to all, that we have given and granted,
3,nd by these presents do give and grant to our
well-beloved John Cabot, citizen of Venice ; to
Lewis, Sebastian, and Sanctius, sons of the said
John, and to their heirs and deputies, full and
free authority, leave, and power, to sail, to all
parts, countries, and seas, of the east, of the
west, and of the north, under our banners and
ensigns, with five ships of whatsoever burthen or
quality they be ; and as many mariners and
men as they will take with them in the said
ships, upon their own proper costs and charges,
to look out, discover, and find, whatsover isles,
countries, regions, or provinces of the Heathens
and Infidels, wheresoever they be, and in what
part soever of the world, which before this time
have been unknown to all Christians. We have
granted to them jointly and separately, and to
their deputies, and have given them our licence,
to set up our banners and ensigns in every vil
lage, town, castle, isle, or continent of them

312
newly found ; and that tho said John and his
sons, and their heirs, may subdue, occupy, and
possess all such cities, towns, &c. by them found,
which they can subdue, occupy, and possess, as
our vassals and lieutenants, getting to us the
rule, title, and jurisdiction of the same villages,
towns, &c. yet so that the said John and his
sons, and their heirs, c-f all the fruits, profits,
and commodities groAving from such navigation,
shall be held and bound to pay to us, in wares
or money, the fifth part of the capital gain so
gotten, for every voyage, as often as they shall
arrive at our port of Bristol^ at which port they
shall be obliged only to arrive, deducting all man
ner of necessary costs and charges by thern made :
we giving and granting unto, them, and their
heirs and deputies, that they shall be free from
all payment of customs on all such merchandise
as they shall bring with them from the places
so newly found. And moreover, Ave have given
and granted to them, and their heirs and depu
ties, that all the firm land, islands, \dllages,
towns, &c. they shall chance to find, may not
Avithout licence of the said John Cabot, and his
sons, be frequented and visited, under pain of
a forfeiture of the ships and goods of those who
shall presume to sail to the places so found :
Avilling and commanding all and singular our
subjects, as well on land as on sea, to give good

313
assistance to the said John and his sons, and
their deputies ; and that as well in arming and
furnishing their ships and vessels, as in provision
of food, and buying victuals for their money,
and all other things by them to be provided ne
cessary for the said navigation, they do give
them all their favours and assistance. Witness
myself at Westminster, the 5th March, iu the
eleventh year of our reign."
Under the animating influence of royal patro
nage, John Cabot appears fo have exerted him
self to the Utmost of his power, in preparations
for a voyage, which was fraught with such be
neficial consequences to the commerce of Eng
land. But his second son, Sebastian, was the
fortunate navigator, who realized the ideas of
the projector. On the 3d day of February,
1497, the king, by an additional grant, permit
ted " John Cabot to take six ships of England,
in any haven or havens of the realm, of the
burden of two hundred tons or under, with all
the requisites for their equipment or repair, and
all things necessary for the intended voyage, and
also to take in the said ships such masters, ma
riners, .and. subjects of the king as were willing
•to. go with him." In the spring of the same
year, John Cabot, and his son Sebastian, sailed
from the port of Bristol, in a ship called the

314
Matthew, and another vessel, the name of which
is unrecorded. On the 24th of June they dis
covered the island of Newfoundland, St. John's,
and the continent of North America. It is re
markable that in the same year South America
was discovered by Americus Vespusius, who had
the honour to give his name to that vast con
tinent. We are told by an annalist of that age,
that " in the fourteenth year of the reign of
Henry VII. three men were brought from New
foundland, and presented to the king. They
are described as being clothed in the skins of
wild beasts : their food consisted of raw flesh,
and they spoke in an unknown language. Their
manners were savage, but they afterwards became
humanized, and Avere clothed in the common
dress then worn in England."*
«
Peter Martyr, a Spaniard, accurately described
the first voyage of Sebastion Cabot from Bris
tol to America. " The north seas have been
explored by Sebastian Cabot, a Venitian born,
whom his parents in his infancy carried with
them to England, having occasion to resort thi
ther for trade. For the Venitians leave no part
of the world unsearched for riches. He fur
nished two ships in England at his own ex-
* Fabian,

315
pence, and manned them with three hundred
mariners. He first steered so far towards the
north pole, that even in the month of July he
found vast mountains of ice floating in the sea.
At that season of the year, there was almost
continual day-light in those northern regions,
and the land along the coast was free from ice,
which had been dissolved by the heat ofthe sun.
The obstruction he met with from the moun
tains of ice, compelled him to change his course,
and steer westward, coasting along the shores of
that unknown country. As he proceeded near
the coast of this great land, he discovered that
the course of the waters Avas westward, but more
gentle than the rapid current which the Spani
ards found in their navigation southwards. Se
bastian Cabot called these lands Baccalaos, a
name given by the inhabitants to a large kind
of fish, which appeared in such shoals that they
sometimes interrupted the progress of his ships.
He found the natives of those regions covered
with the skins of beasts, yet not destitute of
reason. He also observed great numbers of bears
which frequented the shores, and lived upon fish
Avhich they caught with their claws. The only
metal which he saw in use among the inhabi
tants, and which they had in abundance, was
called laton. Cabot is my friend ; he frequently
visits at my house, and I am delighted with

316
his company. After the death of King Henry
of England the 7th of that name, Cabot was in
vited out of England by the catholic king of
Castile, and was made one of the council and
assistants for the regulation of affairs in the new
Indies. We are in daily expectation that ships
will be fitted out to enable him to make new
discoveries in that part of the globe, and the
voyage is to be begun next March, A.D. 1516."
It appears from one account of Cabot's dis
coveries, that like Columbus, his enterprising ge
nius was thwarted by the mutinous disposition of
his fellow-adArenturers. Sir H. Gilbert, in a
work entitled A Discovery of a new Passage to
Cataia, informs us that Sebastian Cabot, by his
personal experience, described this passage in his
charts, Avhich are yet to be seen in the queen
majesty's privy gallery at Whitehall. He was
sent to make this discovery by King Henry
VII. and having entered the fret, he affirmed
that he sailed very far westward, with a quarter
of north, in the north side of Terra Labrador,
the 11th of June, until he came to the septen
trional latitude of 6>J\ degrees ; and finding the
seas still open, said that he might and would
have gone to Cataia, if the enmity of the
master and mariners had not prevented him*

317
. Of Cabot's second voyage from Bristol, we
have a short account recorded by an accurate
annalist.* " 1498,— this year one Sebastian Ca-
bota, born at Bristow, professing himself to be
expert in knowledge of the circuit of the world
and islands thereof, as by his charts, and other
reasonable demonstrations he shewed, caused the
king to man and victual a ship at Bristow, to
search for an island which he knew to be re
plenished with rich commodities : in the ship,
divers merchants of London adventured small
stocks, and in companie with this ship say led
also out of Bristow three or four small shippes>
fraught with slight and other grosse wares, as
coarse cloth, caps, laces, prints, and such other."
, The intended voyage of Cabot from Spain, in
1516, was realized ; he discovered the coast of
Brazil, and the river of Plate, and was rewarded
with the appointment of pilot-master of Spain,
an honour which he long continued to enjoy ;
and in his old age, a pension of £166. 13s. 4d.
sterling was conferred on him by King EdAvard
VI. in 1549, with the appointment of grand
pilot of England. The money was to be paid to
him during his natural life, out of the treasury
of the exchequer at Westminster.
Howes's Continuation of Stow's Chronicles.

318
The reputation and success of Cabot soon in
duced other adventurers from Bristol to sail on
a voyage of discovery. We are informed that
those navigators " in two ships of 80 tons, of
Mr. Jay, a merchant, began their voyage 15th
July, 1480, at the port of Bristol, in Kingroad,
for the island of Brazyle, taking their course
from the west part of Ireland, plowing the seas
through, and Thylde is master of the ship, the
most skilful mariner of all England ; and news
came to Bristol Monday, 18th September, that
the said ships sailed over the seas for nine
months, and found not the island, but through
tempests at sea returned to port in Ireland, for
laying up their ships and mariners.'

"#

Such was the activity and perseverance mani
fested by the merchants of Bristol for the ex
tension of commerce at the close of the fifteenth
century, a most important epoch in the history
of man. The intercourse opened between America
and Europe contributed essentially to the diffu
sion of benevolence, and the acquisition of geo
graphical knowledge. The cruelties, indeed, which
Avere exercised by the Spaniards in South Ame
rica, were not consistent with the principles of
justice or humanity; but the general effect of
* Botoner's Itinerary, p. 67.

319
an intercourse between Europe and the Asian
and American nations, was certainly favourable
to civilization. Mankind imperceptibly became
united by the ties of reciprocal advantage ; and
the natives of remote regions no longer regarded
each other as mortal enemies.
It may with truth be asserted, that Bristol
has a claim to the honour of being the birth
place of those intrepid and experienced naviga
tors who first sailed from England on a voyage
of discoveiy. Columbus, indeed, is entitled to
the precedence, as an adventurous and success
ful navigator ; but Cabot, a native of Bristol,
stands next to his illustrious cotemporary among
those celebrated mariners whose discoveries have
contributed to the happiness of the civilized
world. The commencement of the sixteenth century
was an auspicious aera to the inhabitants of
Bristol. A charter, conferring very extensive pri
vileges, was granted to the corporation by King
Henry VII. In this charter it was specified " that
the corporation shall have six aldermen, the recor
der to be one, with like powers as the aldermen
of London, to be chosen for the first time by
the mayor and common-council, and always af
terwards by the aldermen. The two bailiffs to

320
be chosen as formerly, shall likewise be sheriffs of
the county, and be sworn into and execute both
offices. The mayor and tAvo of the aldermen,
with the assent of the commonalty, to choose
the forty common council-men, with the same
powers as were granted to them by the charter
of the 47th EdAvard III. That for the future
there shall be one chamberlain, Avho shall be
elected by the mayor and common council in the
Guildhall ; the person so elected shall be a bur
gess, and ' continue in that office as long as the
mayor and common council shall please : he shall
also take an oath to perform his office before
the mayor, &c. and shall have a seal affixed to
his office, with the like powers as the chamber^
lain of the city of London. If any inhabitant
of the town of Bristol, &c. for the future shall
be disobedient to the ordinances of the mayor,
aldermen, and common-council, or shall cause
disturbance on the election of the mayor, or any
other officer Avhatsoever, the offender shall be
punished according to the law of the kingdom
of England, by the mayor and two of the al
dermen. Also the said mayor shall have power
to take the probates of wills of lands, tenements,
rents, and termes, within the said town, suburbs,
and precincts of the same, bequeathed within
two years after the death of the testator : so that
such tenements and legacies be proclaimed in full

321
court of the Guildhall of Bristol, and enrolled
in the rolls of the said court, the enrolment shall
be of record ; and from thence the said mayor,
and his successors, may have poAver to put the
legacies aforesaid in execution by his officers in
form of laAv, or by due process to be made
before them by writ ex gravi querela, and the
prosecution and election of any man avIio will
prosecute the same. The mayor and one alder
man may hold their courts, and such pleas, as
at any time before have been used and accus
tomed for the time being, for ever. And all
fines and amercements shall come to the mayor
and commonalty of the toAvn, Avithout account
ing to the king, his heirs, or successors."
This royal grant Avas obtained by the corpo
ration in the year 1500. In the first year of the
reign of King Henry VII. he granted to Thomas
Hoskins the office of bailiff of the water of
Bristol, for the time of his life ; and at his de
cease, it was granted to the mayor and com
monalty to nominate one of the burgesses of the
toAvn to that office. " And the mayor, &c.
shall have poAver to name and constitute the
Avages, fees, &c. to the said office due and an
ciently accustomed, yielding to the king and his
heirs a rent of four marks of lawful money of
England yearly, at the feast of St. Michael the
Vol. i. x

322
Archangel, and to be accountable for no more
than four marks as aforesaid, to be paid for
the said office. And we grant that any three
of the said aldermen, whereof two of them shall
be the mayor and recorder of the said town,
may be justices of gaol delivery within the town,
and may have for the future for ever the like
power, with other justices of gaol delivery, sav
ing always to the king, and his heirs, all amerce
ments at gaol delivery. These being witnesses,
our most dear first-born son Arthur, Prince of
Wales, Duke of Cornwal, and others. Dated at
Knoll, the 17th of December, in the fifteenth
year of bur reign, 1500."
While these important charters established the
municipal government of Bristol, the industry of
her merchants and manufacturers promoted her
prosperity. The emulation to make foreign dis
coveries continued, and a patent Avas granted in
1502 by King Henry VII. dated 9th Decem
ber, authorising James Elliot and Thomas Ash-
urst, merchants of Bristol, and John Gonzalles
and Francis Fernandez, natiAres of Portugal, to go
with English colours in quest of unknown coun
tries, on certain terms expressed in the patent.*
The event of this voyage is unrecorded.
* Collection of Public Acts.

323
The first coinage of shillings in England, in
1505, contributed to the accommodation of the
trader ; and in 1509, the art of horticulture was
introduced from the Netherlands. At this period
the kingdom enjoyed the blessings of peace and
prosperity. The accession of Henry VIII. to the throne
was considered by the people as a felicitous
event. This youthful sovereign, Avho was only
in the eighteenth year of his age Avhen he Avas
crowned, Avas one of the most accomplished
scholars of the age ; he Avas also skilful in ath
letic exercises, courageous, and handsome. In
the early part of his reign, few events of im
portance are recorded of Bristol. A custom,
which originated in humanity, but had been
abused, was abolished during the mayoralty of
Mr. Joy, in 1516. It had been customary, from
time immemorial, that every person from the
countiy, who came to sell goods in the market
of Bristol, should pay one halfpenny for every
sack, &c. pitched in the market-place. The
money thus collected Avas paid to the gaoler for
the relief of the prisoners confined in NeAvgate ;
but it was discovered that he appropriated it to
his OAvn use. Mr. Abbinton, a public-spirited
burgess, with the concurrence of the mayor, un
dertook to reform this abuse, and exempted the

324
country people from paying the custom. He
also established a fund to supply the prisoners
Avith victuals, wood, and straAV.
The reformation, begun by Martin Luther, in
Germany, in 1517, excited the general attention
of all Christendom. King Henry VIII. mani
fested his zeal against what Avas considered as
heresy, by writing an answer to Luther in de
fence of the Papal authority. For this public
service he Avas honoured by Leo X. with the
title of Defender of the Faith ; but his subsequent
conduct proved how much the Pope was mis
taken in his champion.
In the year 1522, eveiy man Avas sworn Avhat
he was worth throughout the kingdom ; a very
unjustifiable and arbitrary measure in the govern
ment. The manufacture of soap, begun in Bristol in
1523, Avas carried on with such skill and success,
that the London market was supplied Avith that
article of the best quality, at one penny a pound.
But while manufactures Avere thus pursued, til
lage must have been either neglected or misma
naged ; for in the year 1524, grain was so scarce
in England, that several persons attempted to
make bread of fern-roots ; and it is recorded that

325
during the scarcity, bread Avas brought to Bris
tol, and the populace Avent in croAvds to meet
the waggons at Pile Hill.
Among the branches of foreign commerce, se
veral merchants of Bristol traded to the Canary
Islands in 1526. They exported cloth, soap, and
other English commodities, in return for Avhich
they imported drugs, sugar, dying stuff, and
kid-skins. In a ledger belonging to Mr. N. Thorn, sen.
a principal merchant of Bristol, under the
date of the year 1526, there is an invoice of
armour, and other merchandise, sent by him to
T. Tison, an Englishman, who had settled in
the West Indies. This is the first record of a
trade from this city to that quarter of the globe.
But a Arery considerable traffick between this
port and Spain, Avas established early in the six
teenth century. Among other English merchants
who traded to Spain, it is recorded that Mr.
Robert Thorn, of Bristol, and his partner, " ven-
tured and employed 1400 ducats in a fleet of
ships, fitted out and armed by the merchants
of Seville ; for that tAvo Englishmen, friends of
his, learned in cosmography, were to go in the
said ships Avith Sebastian Cabot, then intended
for the Moluccas, by the streights of Magellan,

326
in April, 1527- But the voyage was pursued
only to the river Plate." The adventurers Avere
to bring him a true account of the situation of
the country, the navigation of those seas, any
charts by which the inhabitants of those regions
sailed, and information respecting the climate,
soil, and produce of the different' countries at
which they touched. The conclusion of Mr.
Thorn's letter to Dr. Ley, ambassador from
Henry VIII. to the Emperor Charles, is strongly
expressive of the adventurous disposition of the
merchants of Bristol, at that early period of
English commerce. " If from the islands of the
Moluccas," says he, " the sea doth extend Avith
out interposition of land to sail from north to
north-east point 1700 or 1800 leagues, they
should come to the Newfoundland islands that
the English discovered, and so we should be
nearer to the spiceries by almost 200 leagues than
the emperor, or the King of Portugal."
In 1533 the celebrated Thomas Cranmer, Arch
bishop of Canterbury, came to Bristol, where he
continued nineteen days. During his stay, he
reformed many abuses in public worship, and
preached in St. Augustine's Abbey, and other
churches. The papal authority in England was
abolished, by an act of the legislature, in 1534,
and the king was declared head of the chuich,

327
A curious account of the means resorted to for
the edification ofthe people, is recorded in Stow's
Chronicle. " During the sitting of parliament,
every Sunday at St. Paul's Cross, London, preached
a bishop, declaring the Pope not to be supreme
head of the church. Also in other places of this
realm troubles Avere raised about preaching, even
at Bristol, where Maister Latimer preached : and
there preached against him one Maister Hober-
ton, and Dr. Powell ; so that there were great
part-taking on both sides, insomuch that divers
priests and others set up bills against the mayor,
and against Maister Latimer. But the mayor,
permitting laymen to preach, caused divers priests
to be apprehended and cast into Newgate, with
bolts upon them, and divers others ran away and
lost their living, rather than come in the mayor's
handling," In 1534, King Henry, in his progress through
England, arrived at Thornbury. The mayor of
Bristol sent ten fat oxen, and forty sheep, as a
present to his majesty, and a silver cup and
cover, with one hundred marks of gold, to
Queen Ann. It is probable that the king Avas
much gratified with the liberality of the corpo
ration ; for it is recorded that when he afterwards
came to Brissol in disguise, accompanied by se
veral gentlemen, he passed through the town incog-

328
nito, attended by Mr. Thorn, a merchant, to
whom he said, " This is now the town of Bris
tol, but I Avill make it the city of Bristol."
The king had formerly experienced the zeal
and promptitude of the merchants of Bristol in
his service, as appears by the following record.
" Bristol Avas first made a county of itselfe the
47th EdAvard III. for notable services done to
the king ; and in the 34th Henry VIII. made a
city, in regard of the love the said king did bear
to the place, and of the great services done by
the said towne, especially in the Avars against
the French king, who would have landed in the
Isle of Wight ; at which time this towne did set
forth eight ships. When King Henry VIII. came
on board Bristowe's fleet on that memorable time,
he asked the names of their ships, and they an
swered the king, it is this ; the first is, TONS.
The barque Thorn, of.  600
The barque Pratt  600
The barque Gourney  400
The barque Younge  400
The barque Winter  •  300
The barque Shipman  250
The Elephant  120
The Dragon  120
The king wished he had many such Thorns, Pratts,
Gourneys, and the like, in his londe."

329
In 1536 there was a general procession of the
corporation, clergy, and principal inhabitants of
Bristol, on account of Queen Jane being deli-
Arered of a son. The reformation had iioav made
an extensive progress in England ; but so capri
cious was King Henry, that he punished with
equal injustice the Protestants, and the clergy
Avho adhered to the Pope. Bristol Avas not with
out its share of religious animosity and persecu
tion. In 1538 George Wisard, avIio preached in
St. Nicholas' Church, Avas accused of heresy,
and condemned to bear a faggot for his errone-r
ous doctrine. ,
The suppression of monasteries throughout
England, in 1539, was fatal to the papal autho
rity in this kingdom. Among other religious es
tablishments, the abbey of St. Augustine, and
the house of St. Mark, called the Gaunts, in
Bristol, were suppressed ; and the following cu
rious account of that event was transmitted by
one of the commissioners to Lord Thomas Crom
well, who Avas nominated visitor-general. It is
transcribed from the 26th volume of DodsAvorth's
M.S. in the Bodleian Library.
" Pleaseth your mastership to understand, that
yesternight late we came from Glassenburie to
BristoAv to St. Austine's, whereas Ave begun this

330
morning, intending this day to dispatch both
this house, here being but 14 chanons, and also
the gauntes, whereas be 4 or 5. By this bringer
my servant, I send you reliques ; 1st, two fknv-
ers wrapped in white and black sarcenet, that
on Christmas Even, (hora ipsa qua Christus natus
fueratj Avill spring and burgen and bear blos
soms, quod expertum est, saith the prior of
Maden Bradeley. Ye shall also receive a bag
of reliques, whereon ye shall see strange things,
as shall appear by the scripture, as God's coate,
Our ladies smocke, part of God's supper, in
Cozna Domini. Pars petrm super quamnatus erat
Jesus in Bethlehem. Belike there is in Bethlehem
plenty of stones. The scripture of every thing
shall declare you all, and all these of Maden
Bradeley, Avhereas is an holy Father Prior, and
hath but six children, and but one daughter
married yet of the goods of the monastery,
trusting shortly to many the rest. His sons be
tall men, waiting upon him, and he thanke
God a never medelet Avith married Avomen, but
all with maidens, the fairest could be gotten,
and always married them right well. The Pope,
considering his fragility, gave him leave to keep
a whore, and hath good writings sub plumbo, to
discharge his conscience, and to chuse Mr. Un
derbill to be his ghostly father, and hee to giA'e
him plenam remissionem, Sec. I send you alsoe

331
our lady's girdell, of Bruton red silke, Avhich is
a solemn relique sent to Avomen travelling, Avhich
shall not miscarry in partu. I send you alsoe
Marie Magdalen's girdell, and that is Avrapped
and covered with Avhite, sent alsoe Avith great
reverence to Avomen travelling, Avhich girdell
Matilda, the empress, founder of Farley, gave
to them, as saith the holy father of Farley. I
have crosses of sibber and gold, Sir, Avhich I send
you not now, because I have moe that shall
be delivered mee this night by the prior of
Maden Bradeley himself. To-morrow early in
the morning, I shall bring you the rest when
I have received all, and perchance I shall find
something here. In case you depart this daie,
that it may please you to send me word by
this bringer, my servant, which Avaie I shall re
pair after you. Within the charter-house hath
professed and done all things, according as I
shall declare you at large to-morrow early. At
Bruton and Glassenbury there is nothing nota
ble, the brethren be soe straight kept that they
cannot offend, but faine the Avould, if they might,
as they confesse, and such fault is not in them.
" From St. Austyne's without BristoAve, this
St. BartholmeAv's daie, att nine of the clock in
the morning, by the speedy hand of your most
assured poore prieste, Richard Hayton."

332
In the month of July, 1541, Bristol Avas pro
claimed a city. Paul Bush Avas chosen suffra
gan bishop, and to be resident at St. Augus
tine's abbey, Avhich Avas, according to the pro
clamation, to be thenceforAvard called- Trinity
College of the city of Bristol for ever. This
city, noAV exalted to the highest honours that
royalty could bestow, seems to have enjoyed
considerable tranquillity during the remainder of
the reign of Henry VIII. In 1543, the litany
was sung in English, in a general procession
from Christ Church to the Church of St. Mary
Redcliff ; and in the same year, Temple Fee Avas
incorporated Avith the city.
The citizens of Bristol distinguished themselves
by their patriotism and loyalty, at this period ;
— " in 1543, twelve ships sailed out of Bris
tol in the king's service, to assist at the siege
of Bulloign, with MattheAV Earl of Lenox,
under whom served William Winter and Sir
Richard Maunsell, avIio returned again with the
earl." In the year 1544, this city was visited
by the plague. Gunpowder had been invented
in 1340, but so unskilled Avere the people in
general in the use of this destructive chemical
preparation, that frequent accidents happened.

333
A ship was set on fire at the quay in Bristol,
in 1544, by the bursting of a gun, which killed
three men.
On the 26th of June, 1545, it Avas proclaimed
at the High Cross, that the five gates of the
city of Bristol should be free for the ingress and
egress of strangers, with their goods ; and the
Back and the Quay were also proclaimed to be
free for all manner of merchandise, except salt
fish. This year was also memorable for the erec
tion of a press for printing, and a mint for
coining money in the castle. The plate seized
in the west of England, at the dissolution of the
monasteries, was coined at this mint. About
this time, King Henry gave £1000. to the city
of Bristol of the purchase of the Gaunt land,
to be laid out by the corporation in good uses.
His majesty also gave to his physician, George
OAven, certain lands in Bristol, Avith an injunc
tion that he should engage a minister, at a salary
of £12. to preach eight times a year, and pray
for the king and his successors ; and also pro
vide a competent dwelling for three poor people.
In 1546 King Henry VIII. died ; and his
successor, Edward VI. was proclaimed king, in
the ninth year of his age. The late king, who
from the inconsistency of his character had been

334
alternately the persecutor of the Roman Catho
lics and Protestants, and exercised an almost un
limited authority over the people of England,
nominated m his will sixteen persons to be his
executors, regents of the kingdom, and governors
of his successor, Edward VI. during his mino
rity. Consequently, the short reign of that prince
may be said to have been a government by the
regents. Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Can
terbury, was at the head of the executors ; and
being a zealous Protestant, he in 1548 dbtained
an act of the legislature for the removal of all
images and paintings, and whatever else had a
tendency to promote idolatry, out of the diffe
rent places appropriated to public worship through
out the kingdom. According to the same act,
the service of the church was performed in the
English language.
According to an account given in manuscript an
nals of Bristol, the populace, in 1549, assembled in
a riotous manner, and pulled doAvn all the enclo
sures about the city, in open defiance of the
mayor, and other municipal officers ; in conse
quence of which, several individuals were arrested,
and imprisoned in Newgate, arid others sent to
London. The period is now too remote for a
clear investigation of facts relative to this riot,
but it is not improbable that the account is an

335
exaggeration of circumstances. No motive is
assigned for this public outrage; and it is very
improbable that the rioters should extend their
devastations indiscriminately to all the fences about
the city.
Among other improvements in this city, the
place of justice called the Tolzey was built in
1550. In July,, the same year, the value of the
current coin Avas reduced by proclamation, the
shilling to nine-pence, the two-pence to a penny,
and the penny to a halfpenny, to the great in
jury and inconvenience of the people in general;
and to add to the grievance, the price of grain
rose so high that the day-labourer could hardly
get bread. The benevolence of the corporation
of Bristol to the indigent inhabitants, . was truly
laudable ; for, according to a regulation of the
mayor, it was ordered that the bakers should
supply them with bread at a moderate price.
The year 1551 was memorable for a peculiar
epidemic disease, known by the name of the
sweating sickness, which committed fatal ravages
throughout England, raged in this city from
Easter to Michaelmas, and carried off several
hundreds of the inhabitants every week. For the
encouragement of domestic traffick, a fair was
appointed to be. held yearly in Temple-street, to

336
commence the 29th of January, and continue
nine days. During the reign of Edward VI. the
regency seems to have paid considerable atten
tion to the improvement of public morals ; for,
according to an act of parliament, the magis
trates of Bristol Avere restricted from granting li
cences to more than six vintners in this city.
On the demise of King Edward VI. in 1553,
Lady Jane Grey Avas proclaimed Queen of Eng
land ; but her pretensions Avere justly disputed by
the Princess Mary, eldest daughter to King
Henry VIII. The partisans of Jane were de
feated, and the successful competitor ascended
the throne on the 3d of April. Soon after the
accession of Queen Mary, she Avas married to
Philip King of Spain ; on the 4th of August,
1554, they were proclaimed King and Queen of
England, at the High Cross of Bristol ; and
there was a solemn procession of the clergy
and corporation through the [principal streets
of this city, in celebration of that event. In
Consequence of this marriage, the interests of
England and Spain became more closely united ;
and the merchants of Bristol, availing them
selves of that circumstance, entered into more
extensive commercial engagements Avith the Spa
nish merchants.

337
The reign of Queen Mary was disgraced by
the malignity of religious persecution. This
anti-christian violence was at once subversive of
that philanthropy which is the predominant prin
ciple of Christianity, and prejudicial to the tem
poral interests of the people of England. The
infuriated zeal of the bigot, and not the patri
otism of a benevolent sovereign, actuated the
unhappy queen, who was misled by enthusiasm
to the perpetration of cruelties at which huma
nity shudders. In the course of her short reign
of four years, four months, and eleven days,
eight hundred Protestants, including five bishops
and twenty-one ministers, went to the flames,
and yielded up their lives as martyrs for the
truth of their religion.
" Patriots have toil'd, and in their country's cause
" Bled nobly, and their deeds as they deserve,
" Receive proud recompence. We give in charge
" Their names to the sweet lyre. Th' historic muse,
" Proud of the treasure, marches with it down
« To latest times: and sculpture, in her turn,
" Gives bond in stone and ever-during brass
" To guard them, and t' immortalize her trust :
" But fairer wreaths are due, though never paid,
" To those, who, posted at the shrine of Truth,
" Have fall'n in her defence. A patriot's blood,
" Well spent in such a strife, may earn indeed
«• And for a time ensure, to his lov'd land
« The sweets of liberty and equal laws ;
" But martyrs struggle for a brighter prize,
" And win it with more pain. Their blood is shed
VOL. I. Y"

33S
" In confirmation- of the noblest claim,
" Our claim to feed upon immortal truth*
" To walk with God, to be divinely fre.e,
" To soar, and to anticipate the skies.
" Yet few remember them. They liv'd unknown,
" Till Persecution dragg'd them into fame, ,
" And chas'd them up to Heav'n. Their ashes flew"
" — No marble tells us whither. With their names
" No bard embalms and sanctifies his song :
" And History, so warm on meaner themes,
" Is cold on this. She execrates indeed
" The tyranny that doom'd them to the fire,
" But gives the glorious sufferers little praise."
Among other victims of persecution, William
Stephen, a weaver, was burnt at Bristol, on the
17th October, 1555; and in 1556, two men, one
a weaver, and the other a shoemaker, were burnt
on St. Michael's-hill ; and a shearman suffered
in the flames, for denying the sacrament at the
altar to be the very body and blood of Christ.
The only instance of the royal patronage., to
commerce, during the reign of Queen Mary, was
the incorporation of the Merchant Adventurers to
Russia, in the year 1556. The company con
sisted of four consuls, and twenty-four assistants.*
* Mr. Barrett says, that Sebastian Cabot was constituted the first
governor, being the chief encourager of this branch of trade. But
this assertion is unauthorised by any existing documents. Cabot, who
sailed on a voyage of discovery in 1497, must have been superannu
ated in 1556, a period of more than half a century.

339
In 1557, the queen declared, war against France,
by the advice of her royal consort. In the first
campaign, the combined forces of Spain and
England invaded Flanders, and obtained a vic
tory over the French army, at the battle of
St. Lawrence ; but in 1558 the ecclesiastics, avIio
composed the council of Queen Mary, -were so
intent on the destruction of the English Protes
tants, that they neglected the defence of Calais,
and that important toAvn being left with an in
adequate garrison, and insufficient military stores,
Avas besieged by the Duke of Guise with a pow
erful army, and takepi ofter a siege of only seven
days. The people of England were exasperated
at the government, for having left Calais un
provided with the means of defence. By some
bold individuals, the ministry Avere accused of
treason, and by all with incapacity. Nor were
these murmurings groundless ; for while Calais
continued in the possession of the English, they
could in twenty-four hours have landed an army
from England.
Queen Mary was strongly urged by the King
of Spain to make a vigorous effort for the reco
very of Calais ; but her attention was so com
pletely occupied with the persecution of the Pro
testants, that the project was deferred. In 1558,
however, she equipped a fleet of one hundred

340
and twenty ships of war, commanded by Lord
Clinton, who sailed with an intention to seize
Brest. But his enterprise was frustrated, and the
English, after having landed a body of troops
which burnt the town of Conquest, were repelled
by a superior force, and obliged to retire to their
ships, with the loss of six hundred men. The
citizens of Bristol participated in the risk and
loss of this unsuccessful expedition ; for it is re
corded in an ancient manuscript, that " Bristol
hath been always loyal to the king's majestie's
progenitors, and the next to the crown, not con
senting to the proclaiming Queen Jane,< though
she Avas so proclaimed in sundrie places. Bristol
has been found willing and serviceable ever to
their prince, in Queen Marie's time against the
French, when they sustained great losses by
sea, to the undoing of many, whereof some
were taken prisoners."
Robert Adams, mayor of .Bristol, was cited to
appear before the queen's council in 1558 ; the
charges against him are unknown, but they were
probably respecting his religious principles. It
appears that he was honourably dismissed ; and
his retinue and mode of travelling affords an
idea of the pomp attached to municipal autho
rity, and the hospitality characteristic of that age.
During his journey to Londqn, and on his return,

341
he kept a table for the accommodation of all
visitors ; he was attended by eight men in livery,
and accompanied by the steward and chamber
lain. On his approach to the city, he was met
at Marshfield by four hundred horsemen, and two
hundred men on foot ; a proof of his popularity,
and the high estimation in which he was held
by his fellow-citizens.
On the demise of Mary, in November, 1558,
her sister Elizabeth was proclaimed queen. This
princess, who was a Protestant, had lived with
the utmost circumspection during the reign
of her sister, whose zeal for Popery Avould
have sacrificed Elizabeth, had not King Philip
generously dissuaded her from the perpetration
of so enormous a crime. Elizabeth had passed
her juvenile years in retirement, where she de
voted herself to literature, first as an amuse
ment, and aftenvards as a favourite pursuit, which
proved highly conducive to her future glory,
during a long and prosperous reign. Immedi
ately on receiving intelligence of the death of her
sister, she came from her retirement at Hatfield,
in Essex, to London, followed by a numerous
train of the nobility, and a vast concourse of
the people, who testified their joy at her acces
sion to the throne by reiterated acclamations.

342
She Avas proclaimed queen* and crowned at West
minster, on the 19th Of November, 1558, in the
twenty-sixth year of her age.

I!!l!!'iSs> ,..!»

CONTENTS

OF

CHAPTER THE SIXTH.

State of Bristol on the Accession of Queen Elizabeth — Great Plague
in this City in 1565 — A Public Market opened in St. Thomas-
street, in 1570 — Manners and Customs of the People at that
Period — Establishment of Train Bands for the Protection of
the City — Queen Elizabeth comes to Bristol in 1573 ; an Account
of the Rejoicings on that memorable Occasion — Charter granted
by the Queen to the Citizens of Bristol — Extension of the Com
merce of this City — A Description of Bristol in 1586 by the
.learned Camden — Four Ships of War fitted out by the Merchants
of Bristol, which assisted in defeating the Invincible Armada —
A Public Thanksgiving in this City in Celebration of that Event
— A Petition presented by the Citizens of Bristol to Queen Eli
zabeth — Numerous charitable Benefactions given by opulent Citi
zens of Bristol — Establishment of the Queen's Hospital in this
City — Memorable Speech of Queen Elizabeth to a Deputation
from the House of Commons — King James I. proclaimed in Bristol
— This City visited by the Pestilence — A dreadful Inundation —
Importation of Grain at Bristol during the Dearth in 1608 — Queen
Ann, Consort of James I. comes to Bristol — The City Library
established — Improvements in the City — The Castle of Bristol
granted to the Citizens by a Charter of King Charles I. —
Oppressive Exactions of the King — Bristol fortified by the Cor
poration in 1642 — Taken Possession of for the Parliament by
Colonel Essex — Conspiracy to surrender this City to the Royalists
 Stormed by Prince Rupert — Military Establishment of Bristol,
according to the King's Letters Patent, in 1643.

CHAPTER THE SIXTH.

Ooon after the coronation of Queen Eliza
beth, the Protestant religion was re-established
in England, by three acts of the legislature.
The first appointed the public Avorship to be
performed in the English language ; the second
restored to the queen her right of supremacy in
the church of England ; and the third renewed and
confirmed all the acts made in the reign of
Edward VI. respecting religion. In the House
of Lords eight bishops and nine peers protested
against the restoration of the Protestant religion ;
but in the House of Commons it was carried
unanimously. Few important events relative to
Bristol are recorded in the early part of this
sovereign's reign That the merchants and ma
nufacturers of this city successfully persevered in

346
the acquisition of wealth, cannot be doubted ;
their ample charters, peculiar immunities, and
extensive foreign connections, all contributed to
a steady increase of wealth, and the consequent
improvement of the town ; and when the king
dom was menaced by invasion, the alacrity, zeal,
and success of the merchants and mariners of
this ancient city, in the repulsion of the enemy,
afforded an illustrious instance of their bravery
and patriotism.
The first appearance of the Aurora Borealis in
our hemisphere, in 1564, is mentioned as having
excited in some of the citizens of Bristol a super
stitious dread of an approaching national calamity.
We are gravely informed, in a manuscript record
of the city, that " on the 17th of October, in
Bristol, there were seen in the sky, beams as red
as fire out of a furnace, and after that there
followed a plague, which lasted a Avhole year in
this city, and carried off upwards of two thou
sand five hundred people." In the winter of the
same year there was a very severe frost, inso
much that the river was frozen over at King-
road, and people went over on foot to St. GeOrge's'.
In 1568, the Duke of Norfolk came from
Bath to Bristol. On the day of his arrival, his
grace viewed the city with much satisfaction, and

34f
next morning he went to the church of St. Mary
Redcliff, and heard a sermon ; and thence to
Temple Church, to see the vibrations of the
tower during the ringing of the bells. This noble
man was executed for high treason in 1572. An
important regulation for the prevention of accidents
by fire, Avas established in this city in 1569 ; by
Avhich all houses and buildings Avere forbidden to
be thatched with straAV or reeds, on pain of being
pulled doAvn.*
* A Description of the Houses, . Furniture, Manners, and Customs of the
English in the Year 1571, from Hollinihed's British History, p. 84.-85. .
OF THE MANNER OF BUYLDING, AND 'FURNITURE OF OUR HOUSES.
The greatest parte of our buylding in the cities and good townes
of England consisteth only of timber, for as yet fewe of the houses
of the comminalty (except here and there in the west country townes)
are made of stoned although they may in my opinion in divers other
places be builded so good cheape of the one as of the other. IS
olde tyme the houses of the Brytons were slitely set up with a few
posies, and many rabies, the like w hereof almost is to be seerie in
the fenny countries unto this day, where for lacke of wood they are
inforced to continue this auncient manner of buylding. It is not in
vayne, therefore, in speaking of buylding to make a distinction
betweene the playne and woddye countrie, for as in these, our houses
are commonly strong and well timbered, so that in many places there
are not above six or nine inches betweene studde and studde ; so in
the open and champaine soyies they are inforced for want of stuflfe
to use no studdes at all, but only raysines, groundselles, transomes,
and upright principalis, with here and there an overthwart post in
their walles whereunto they fasten their splintes or rabies, and then
cast it all over with clay to keepe out the winde, which otherwyse
would annoy them. In like sort as every country house is thus
appareled on the ousside, so is ' it inwardly devided into sundric

348
For the better accommodation of the citizens
of Bristol, and the inhabitants in its vicinity,
rowmes above and beneth, and where plentie of woode is they covet*
them with tyles, otherwise with straw, sedge, or reede, except some
quarry of slate be near hand, from whence they have for theyr
money, so much as may suffice them. The clay wherewith our houses
are empanneiled is eyther white, redde, or blewe; and of these the-
first doth participate very much with the nature of our chalke ; the-
seconde is called lome ; but the thirde eftsoones changeth coulour so-
soone as it is wrought, notwithstanding that it looke blewe when it is
throwne out of the pit. Of chalke also we have our excellent whyte
lime made in most places, wherewith we stricke over our clay workes
and stone walles, in cities, good townes, rich fermers, and gentlemen's-
houses. Within their doores also, such as are of abilitie do oft make their
flowers and parget of fine alabaster burned, which they call plaster
of Paris, whereof in some places we have great plentie, and that very
profitable agaynst the rage of fire. In plastering likewise of our
fayrest houses over our heades, we use to lay first a lair or two of
white morter tempered with heire upon lathes, which are nayled one
by another, and fynallye cover all with the aforesayde plaster, which
beside the delectable whitenesse of the stuffe itselfe, is layed on so
even and smouthly as nothing in my judgment can be done with
more exactnesse. This also hath bene comon in England, contrarie
to the customes of all other nations, and yet to be seene (for example,.
in most streetes of London,) that many of our greatest houses have
outwardly beene very simple and plaine to sight, which inwardly
have beene able to receive a duke, with his whole trayne, and lodge
them at their ease.
Hereby moreover it is come to passe, that the frontes of our
streetes have not beene so uniforme and orderly buyldfed as those of
forrain cities, where, to say e truth the utterside of theyr mansions and
dwellings, have oft more cost bestowed upon them, then all the reast
of the house, which are often very simple and uneasie within, as
experience doth confirme. Of olde tyme our country houses insteede

349
the market in St. Thomas-street was opened in
1570, by the following proclamation, at the High
of glasse dyd use much lattice, and that made eyther of wicker or
fine riftes of oke in chekerwyse. I read also that some of the bettef
sorte in and before the tymes of the Faxons did make panels of home
insteede of glasse, and fix them in woodden calmes ; but as home ' is
quite layd downe in every place, so our lattices are also growtie into
lesse use, bycause glasse is come to be so plentiful), and within a
very little so good cheape as the other.
Heretofore also the houses of our princes and noblemen were often
fjased with beril, (an example whereof is yet to be seene in Sudley
Castell) and in divers other places with fine cristall ; but this especially
in the time of the Romaines, whereof also some fragments have been
taken up in olde mines. But nowe these are not in use, so that onely
the clearest glasse is most esteemed, for we have divers sortes, some
brought out of Burgundie, some out of Normandy, and much out of
Flaunders, beside that which is made in England so good as the best,
and eache one that may, will have it for his building. Moreover, the
mansion houses of our couutry townes and villages, (which in chamr
paine grounde stande altogether by streetes, and joining one to another ;
but in woodelande soyles dispersed here and there, each one upon the
several groundes of their owners are builded in suche sorte generally, as
that they have neither dairy, stable, nor bruehouse, annexed unto them
under the same roofe, (as in many places beyonde the sea) but all
separate from the first, and one of them from another. And yet for
all this, they are not so farre distant in sunder, but that the good
man lying in his bed may lightly heare what is done in each of them
with ease, and call quickly unto his meney if any danger shoulde
attacke hym.
The auncient maners and houses of our gentlemen are yet and for
the most part of stroug tymber. Howbeit such as be lately buylded
are commonly either of bricke or harde stone, their rowmes large and
stately, and houses of office farder distaunt fro their lodginges. Those
of the nobility are likewise wrought with bricke and hard stone, as
provision may best be : but so magnificent and stately, as the basest

350
Cross. et: Whereas it hath pleased the queen's
majesty, for gracious respects, to grant unto the
h6use of. a barren doth often match with some honours of princes in
plde tyme, so that if ever curious buylding dyd florish in Englande,
it is in these our' dayes, wherein our worckmen excell, and are in
manner, comparable in skill with olde . Vitruvius, and Serlo.
,'. The :. furnitute ¦ of pur houses also exceedeth, and is growne in
manner even to passing delicacie; and herein I do not speake of the
fiobilitie'- and gentries' onely, but even of the lowest sorte that have- any
thing atalltq *ake to. Certes in noblemen's houses it is not rare to
see! abVndarice pf arras, riche hangings pf"-tapistry, silver vessell, and
so much other -plate, as may furnish sundrie cupbords to the summe
oft ;times of a thousand or two thousand pounde at least : whereby
the value of this 'and the reast of their stuffe doth grow to be ines
timable. Likewise in the houses of knightes, gentlemen, marchauntmen,
and some other wealthie citizens, it is not geson to beholde generallye
there great provision of tapestrie, Turkeye worke, pewter, brasse, fine
Jitien, and therto costly cupbords of plate worthe five or six hundred
pounde, to.be deemed by estimation. But as -herein all these sortes
doe farre exceede there elders, and predecessours, so in time past, the
costly furniture stayed there, whereas now it is descended yet lower, .
eyen into the inferiour artificers and most fermers, who have learned
also to garnish their 'cupbordes with plate, their beddes with tapistrie,
and' sflk"' hangings, and -their tables with fine ---iiaperie, whereby 4he
wealth of our countrie doth infinitely appeare. Neyther do I speake
- this in reproch of any man God is my judge, but to show that I doe
rejoyce rather to see how God hath blessed us with his good giftes,
and to behould how that jn a time wherein all thinges are growen to
most excessive prices, we do yet finde the meanes to obtayne ^nd
atchieve such furniture as heretofore hath been impossible.
There are olde men yet dwelling in the village where I remayne,
which have noted those things to be marveylously altered in Englande,
within their sound remembraunce. One is the multitude of chimnies
lately erected, whereas in their young dayes there were not above two
.or three, if so many, in most uplandish townes of the realme, (the

351
mayor and commonalty of this city of Bristol,
and to their successors for ever, a market to be
religious houses and manour places of their lordes always excepted,
and peradventure some great personages) but eache one made his fire
against a rerebosse, in the hall where he dined and dressed his meate.
The second is- ye great amendement of lodginge, for sayde they, our
fathers and we ourselves have lyen full oft upon straw pallettes
covered onejy with a sheete under coverlettes made of bagswain or
hopharlots (I use their owne termes) and a good rounde logge under
their heades insteade ot a boulster. If it were so that our fathers or
the good man of the house, had a materes or flockbed, and thereto
a sacke of chafe to rest hys heade upon, he thought himselfe to be
as well lodged as the lorde of the towne, so well were they con
tented. Pillowes, sayde they, were thougt meete onely for women
in childebed. As for servantes, if they had any sheete above them,
it was well, for seldome had they any under their bodies, to keepe
them from the pricking strawes, that ranne oft thorow. the canvas,
and raced their hardened hides.
The thirde thinge they tell of, is the exchange of treene platter?
into pewter, and woode spoones into silver or tin. For so common
were all sorts of treene vesselles in old time, that a man should
hardly find four peces of pewter (of which one was peradventure a
sake) in a goode farmer's house, and yet for al this frugaltie (if it
may so be. -justly called) they were scarce, able to- lyve and paye
their rentes, at their dayes without selling a cow, or a horse, or mare,
although they payde foure poundes at the uttermost by the yeare.
Such also was their poverty, that if a fermour or husbandman had
.beene at the alehouse, a thyng greatly used in those dayes, amongst
six or seaven of hys neyghbours, and there in a bravery to shewe
what store he had, did cast downe hys purse and therein a noble or
sixe shillings in silver unto them, it was very likely that all the rest
could not lay downe so much against it : whereas in my tyme
although peradventure foure ponnde of olde rent be improved to
fourty or fiftye pound ; yet will the farmour thinke his gains very
small toward the middest of his terme) if he have not- sixe or seaven

352
kept weekly in St. Thomas-street, within the
parish of St. Thomas, for wool, yarn, and cattle,
and all things there to be bought and sold, by
her grace's letters patents, bearing date the 14th
of December, in the thirteenth year of her
reign. Know ye, therefore, that we, William
Tucker, mayor of this city, and the aldermen
of the same, do by virtue of the said letters
patents, give understanding and knowledge unto
all her majesty's loving subjects, that the said
market shall begirt to be holden and kept in
the city of Bristol, in St. Thomas-street, upon
the Thursday next and after the Annunciation
of our Lady, in Lent now coming, in the pre
sent year of her majesty's reign, and so it shall
continue. God save the Queen." — This year the
Earl of Bedford, and his son, came to Bristol,
attended by a retinue of many knights.
yeres rent lying by him, wherewith to purchase a new lease, beside
a fine garnishe of pewter on his cupborde, three or foure feather
beddes, so many coverlettes and carpettes of tapistry, a siver salte,
a bowle for wine (if not a whole neast) and a dussen of spoones to
furnish up the sute. Thys also he taketh to bee his own cleare,
for what stocke of money soever he gathereth in all his yeares, it
is often seene, that the landlorde will take such order with him for
the same, when he neneueth his lease (which is commonly eight or
ten years before it be expyred, sith it is nowe growen allmoste a
custome, that if he come not to his lorde long before, another shall
step in for a reversion, and so defeate him outright) that it shall
never trouble him more then the heare of his bearde, when tho
barber hath washed and shaven it from his-chinne.

S53
In 1571, Queen Elizabeth gave the chapel of
St. Mary1; in the church-yard of St. Mary Red-^
cliff, to the parishioners, for a free grammar and
writing school. It is adorned with a statue of
the royal donor, and supported by many bene
factions. The year 1572 is memorable in the annals
of Bristol, for the first incorporation of the city
companies. The mayor for this year changed
the watch which was kept on Midsummer night
and St. Peter's night, into a general muster of
the burgesses on St. John's and St. Peter's days.
The city companies mustered with arms, under
their proper ensigns, and performed the military
exercise ; and this establishment of trained bands
was occasioned by the hostile preparations of
the Spaniards for the invasion of England.
On the 14th of August, 1573, Queen Elizabeth
came, in her progress through the kingdom, to
Bristol, where she Avas received with great pomp
and solemnity by the mayor, aldermen, and in
corporated companies formed under their proper
ensigns. The mayor carried the sword of state
before her majesty, bareheaded, and attended
her to Mr. John Young's, on St. Augustine's
Back. During the procession, all ranks of peo
ple testified their joy at the condescension of
Vol. 1. z

354
the royal visitor, by acclamations, and other
demonstrations of loyalty and attachment. At
her departure she conferred the honour of knight
hood on Mr. Young. The following curious ac
count of the reception of the queen in Bristol,
and the amusements for her gratification, is at
once entertaining and illustrative of the manners
and sentiments then prevalent in this city.*
" At the Highe Crosse, in a disgised manner,
stood Faem, very orderly set forth, and spoke
as followeth, by an excellent boy.

*' Ne flete of foot, nor Swift of wyng, nor skarCe the thought in brest,
'" Nor yet the arrowe out of boe, nor wynd that seid doth rest;
"' Compares with me, quick world's report, that som call flying Faem,
" A bruit of praise, a blast of pomp, a blazer of good naem,
" The only lawd that kings do seek, a joy to catch estaet,
'' A welcome friend that all men loves, and noen alive doth haet,
" Salutes the Queen, of rare renown, whose goodly gifts devien,
.*' Throw earth and air with glory great shall passe this trump of mien.
" And knowing of thy coming here, my duety bad me goe,
" Before unto this present place, the news thereof to shoe.
" No sooner was pronounst the name, but babes in street gan leap,.
" The youthy the age, the ritch, the poor, cam runninge all on heap,

* This description is taken from a pamphlet entitled " The whole
order- howe our Soveraigne Ladye Queene Elizabeth was received into
the Citie of Bristowe, 1574-, and the speeches spoken before her pre-
sens at her Entry. Devised and published only by Thomas Church
yard, Gent. Imprinted at London, in Flete-streate, near unto Saint
Dunstan's Church, by Thomas Marsh, 1575."

355
'« And clapping hands, cried maynly out ' O blessed be the owre !
" Our Queen is comyng to the towne, with princely trayn and poure.'
" Then collors cast they o'er the walls, and deckt old housis gaye,
" Out flew the bags about afayres that long a herding laye,
" Asid they set their townish trashe, and works of gredy gayen,
" And torn'd their toils to sports and mirth, and warlike pastimes playn,
" As shall be seen to morn in feeld, if that your Highness pleas;
" Where dutie hath devis'd by art a shoe on land and seas.
" To other matter yet unknown that shall explained be
" By such dom sights ahd shoes of war as thear your Grace shall se.
" Thus subjects mean to honor Prince, whose sight thy have enjoy'd,
" Most glad hit is thear hap to have their service so employed."
" Then Faem flung up a great garland, to the rejoicing of the
beholders. At the next gate and near her Highness lodgings, stood
III other boyes, called Salutacion, Gratulacion, and Obedient Good-
Will : and two of these boyes spoke as followe, and all three drue
their swords when it was named, the hoel Staet is reddie to deferid
against all dissencions a peaceable prince.
SALUTACION THE FIRST BOYE.
" All hayll, O plant of grace, and speshall sprout of faem,
'• Most welcome to this western coest, O perl and princely Daem,
" As loe a custom is whear humble subjects dwells,
" When Prynce approaeheth neer their vew for joy to ring their bells 3
" So all that beareth lief in Bristowe now this daye
" Salutes the Queen from deepth of breast with welcome ev'ry way,
" And we poor silly boyes, that cam fromskool of late,
" Rejoice and clap our hands withal!, as members of thy staet, &c "
*' After these speeches wear ended, III hundred soldiers well ap-
poynted wayted on her Highness to her lodgyng, and thear she beying
settled, they shot off" thear peeces in passyng good order, at which
warning the great artillry went of, a hundred and xxx cast peeces,
and so the watch charged, and a hundred shot apoynted for her gard,
her, Highness rested that night, whear she lay all the season in Sir
John Yong's house.

356
« A fort was made beyond the water in a ground fit for that
purpose, to which piel the soldiers of the main fort did repayre.
Now must be understood that Dissension passing between War and
Peace had certain speeches in vers, which could not be said in the
hearing of the Prince, wherefore they were put into a book and
presented. " The Sunday next the Queen went to the Colledge, to hear a
Sarmond, whaer thear was a speetch to be sayd and an imme to be
songe ; the speetch was left out by an occasion unlook'd Vor, but
the imme was songe by a very fien boye.
" A skafold the next day was set up full over against the fort ;
and the Prince being placed, after which was warres in such a store,
that you might see the feelde all. overspread with soldiers as they
marched down a hill full against the little fort, and repulsing in
all the soldiers of the same, wan it with great furie, and so rased it,
and overthrew it down to the earth.
" The mayn fort in the mean while did send sutch suker as they
might : but prevaylyng not, they wear in like sort driven back, and
thear fort besieged and mutch ado abut the saem, which drove out
that day, and then by tortch light the Prince from her skaffold went
to her lodgyng, and in the mean season som fier-works wear seen,
and the watch was changed.
" The second day was thaer maed a new aprocht to the mayn
fort ; for a better order of wane, and to the ayde of the fort, cam
divers gentylmen of good callyng from the court, which maed the
shoe very gallant, and set out the matter mutch.
" Now served the tied, and up the water from Kyng-road cam
three brave galleys, chasing a ship that cam with vittayls to the
fort. The fort seyng that their extremitie within was great, sent a
gentilman to the prince for ayd, who brought her a book covered
with green velvet, which uttered the whoell substance of this device.

357
" So he departed, and all this while the business was great about
the fort, and in a wonders bravery the broyll continued, with a shoe
of fight on land and sea, till the very night approtched, at which
time the Prince partted, and stoed marvelously well contented with
that she had seen.
" Now you must conceyve that warres waxt a weery, and that
neither the fort, nor the wickedness of the world (which warres re
presented) were desirous of further trobuls, but rather glad to have
the matter taken up on any reasonable conditions, for which purpose
was devised that Perswasion should go and tell his taell (to the Citie)
and unfold what follies and conflicts rise in civill broylu, and that
quietness comes by a mutual love and agrement.
THE CITIES ANSWER TO PERSWASION.
" Dissention first that cal'd to mind our old foerfathers faem,
«« And ript up seams of patched prayers, skarce worth the noet or naem,
" Brought peace and warre in this uproar, our ruels sutch brawls denies,
" Our traed doth stand on siville lief, and thear our glory lies ;
" And not on strife, the ruen of staets, a storm that all destroys,
'¦' A heavy bondage to eatch hart, that Freedom's fruet enjoys ;
" Our orders makes the royster meek, and plucks the proud on knees,
" The stif and stubborne kno the yoke, and roots up rotten trees,
" That may infect a fruitful field : what can be sweet or sownd,
" But in that soyl whear for offence is due correction fownd ?
" Wee make the sivill laws to shien, and by example mild,
" Reform the rued, rebuke the bold, and tame the country wield.
" We venter goods and lieves, ye knoe, and travill seas and land,
" To bring by trafick heaps of wealth and treasuer to your hand.
" We are a stay and stoerhouse both to kingdoms farr and neer,
" A cause of plentie throw foresyght whan things wax scarce and deer,
" And thoughe our joy be most in peace, and peace we do maintain,
" Whereon to prince and realm throwout does ries great welth and gain ;
" Yet have we soldyars, as you see, that stoers but when we pleas,
" And sarves our towns in houshold things, and sits in shop at eas.
" And yet daer blaed hit with the best, when cawse of country corns,
" And calls out courage to the fight by sound of warlike droms.

358
« We marchants keep a mean unmixt with any jarring part
" And bring both treble and the baess in order still by art.
" A souldiour shal be, liked wel, if his dezarts be sutch,
" A noble mind for noble acts shall suer be honorM mutch,
" But if men glory all in warres, and peace disdayns indeed,
" We skorn with any siroep sweet their humour sowre to feed,
" And blest be God, we have a prince by whom our peace is kept,
" And under whom this Citie long and land hath safly slept;
" From whom likewyse a thousand gifts of grace enjoy we xloe,
" And feel from God in this her rayne ten thousand blessings too,
" Behold but how all secrets fier of falshed corns to light
" In these her dayes, and God taks part with her in troeth and right
" And mark how mad dissention thrives, that would set warre abroetch
" Who sets to saell poor people's lives, and gets but vile reproetch,
" And endless shame for all their sleights, O England joy with us,
" And kis the steps where she doth tread, that keeps her country thus .
'.' In peace and rest, and perfact stay ; whearfore the God of Peace,
" In peace by peace our peace preserve, and her long lief encrease."
" This was to be done and put in exercises before the Queen cam
to the knitting up of the matter ; but perswasion being dismist, the
battry was planted befoer the fort, and they within so straitly enclosed
that they must needs abied the mercy of the sword and cannon.
" At which instant, in the afternoon that present day, the prince
was in her skaffold, to behold the successe of these offers of warre ; and
so went the battry off and the assaut was given in as mutch order as
might be ; the enemie was three times repulsed, and beholdyng new
succurs commyng from the court to the fort's great comfort, the
enemie agreed on a parley, whearin was rehersed that the cortain was
beaten down, and the fort made sawtable, and yet the enemie to save
the lives of good citizens and soldiors therof, would give them leave
to depart with bag and bagaeg, as orders of warre required. To the
which the fort maed answer, that the cortains nor bulwarks were theit
defens, but the corrage of a good peple, and the force of a mighty
Prince (who saet and beheld all these doyngs) was the thing they
trusted to, in which answer the enemie retired, and so conditions of
peace were drawn and agreed of, at which peace both the sides shot off

359
their artillerie, in'sien of a triomphe, and so crying " God save the
Queen," these triomphs and warlike pastims fininished. The prince,
liking the handlyng of these causes verie well, sent two hundreth
crowns to mak the souldiers a banket. Now here is to be considered
that the prince went into the gallees, and so down to Kingroed (fop
Wales) aer these things wear brought to an end.
" At her Highness departure a gentilman in the confiens of the
town's liberties spaek this speech that follows.
THE DOLEFOLL A DUE,
" Our joy is joyn'd with grevous groens, our triumphe torn'd to tears, '
" The brantch whose blossoms gladnes broght a bitter berry bears.
'' In house and street whear mirth was hard is moen and moorning noies,
" The summer day is dim'd with clowds, eclypsed are our joys.
" The loed star leavs our wished cowrs, and dims the heavens high,
'• Our sofrant wile no longer lord in walls of Bristow lie. <'
" Long loek'd this citie for a prince, long sens and many a year,
" A JKing and Queen beheld this town, sljort time she taryes haer,
" Good fortune follow thee O Queen ! and gied thy doings all,
" A world of threefold blessed happ upon thy kingdom fall !
" As loeth to taek our heavy leave, as leave our liyes indeed ;
ff A due deer Lady of this Land; the living Lord thee speed!"
According to an ancient manuscript the plague
was very hot in this city in 1574, but the par
ticulars of the mortality are unrecorded. During
the fair of St. James's, in 1574, several seamen
stole out of Crogan-Pill a bark, with an intent
to rob the passengers that came in other vessels
from Bristol. But their daring piracy proved
unsuccessful, and they abandoned the vessel on
the coast of Wales, where four of them were
taken and brought to this, city. On the 25th

360
of September, they were arraigned and con
demned ; one of them was pardoned, but the
others were executed on a gibbet in Cannon's
Marsh, opposite Gib-Taylor, at the point near
the river
Amon' the numerous benefactions and bequests
of benevolent citizens to the different charitable
establishments of Bristol, may be mentioned the
sum of two thousand pounds, bequeathed by Sir
John Gresham, of London, in 1577, to purchase
land for the benefit of the poor clothiers of this
city. The increase of the population and extent of
Bristol requiring a greater number of magistrates
for the due administration of justice, the Queen,
in the year 1581, granted the citizens a new
charter ; by which they were empowered to no
minate six additional Aldermen, and to divide the
city into twelve wards, over which eleven Alder
men and the Recorder presided.
The advantages obtained by the merchants of
Bristol, from the fishery on the banks of New
foundland, animated them to the prosecution of
another voyage of discovery to the western he
misphere. Accordingly, in 1583, they solicited
the royal permission, to fit out one vessel of sixty,

and another of forty tons, for the coast of Ame
rica, S. W. of Cape Breton. They also offered
one thousand marks for the service of the state,
and received an answer from Sir Francis Walsing-
ham, her Majesty's principal secretary, in which
their zeal and public spirit Mas highly praised.
It does not appear, however, that they realized
this scheme.
This was indeed a most remarkable epoch in
the history of English commercial and maritime
adventure. The East India Company, and
Turkey Company were incorporated in 1579 ;
in the subsequent year Sir Francis Drake returned
from his voyage round the world ; and in 1583,
Sir Walter Raleigh settled a colony in North
America, which he named Virginia in honour of
the Queen.
Among the number of eminent men who adorned
England, during the reign of Elizabeth, the learned
Camden was pre-eminent for his knowledge of
British topography ; nay he may justly be consi
dered as the first satisfactory writer on that sub
ject. The itineraries of Antoninus and Leland
are evidently defective, when compared with the
Britannia of Camden. That work is indeed a
most elaborate and valuable description of the
British islands ; the documents were collected with

362
incredible application and perseverance during ten
years ; 'and the first edition was published in 1586,
dedicated to that patriotic statesman, Lord Bur
leigh. In the progress of his great topographical
work, Camden collected a considerable portion
of his materials from actual observation ; and the
following description of Bristol at that period,
translated from his Britannia, is truly curious and
interesting, affording an entertaining account of the
city, its vicinity, and the state of its commerced
'f The river Avon parts Bristol in the middle
It was called by the Britons Caer Oder Nant Badon,
or the city Odera in Badon valley. In Antoni-
nus's catalogue of ancient cities, it is named Caer
Brito ; and in Saxon, Brightstowe, that is a fa-*
mous, place. But those who have affirmed it to
be the Venta Belgarum, have probably imposed
both upon themselves and the world.
" This city is situated partly in Somersetshire,
and partly in Glocestershire, but it does not pro-.
perly belong to either, having distinct magistrates,
and being a county incorporate by itself. It
stands upon pretty high ground, between the Avon
and the little river Frome, and is well defended
with walls and rivers. It was formerly enclosed
with a double wall. The general appearance both
of its public and private buildings is beautiful and

363
magnificent. Its streets are clean, and the filth
is conveyed to the river by Cloacae, or what the
inhabitants call gouts, which are built in subter
raneous caverns ; in consequence of which, carts
or other heavy carriages are not used here. No
thing is deficient in Bristol, with respect to neat
ness or convenience in the streets and houses ; it
is so populous, and well supplied with the neces
saries of life, that next to London and York, it
may justly claim a pre-eminence over all the
cities in Britain. In consequence of its advan
tageous situation for commerce, and the excel-
lence of the harbour, by which large vessels under
sail are admitted at high water into the very heart
of the city, the trade of many nations is drawn
hither. The citizens themselves carry on a pro
fitable trade with the different nations of Europe,
and make voyages to the most remote regions of
America, " At what time and by whom the city of Bris
tol was built, is hard to say ; but it seems to
be of late date, since during the piratical inva
sion of the Danes, it is not so much as mentioned
in our histories. I am of opinion, that it rose
on the decline of the Saxon government, since it
js first mentioned in the year of our Lord 1063,
when Harold (according to Florence of Worcester)
get sail from Brytstoxc to invade Wales,

364
" In the beginning of the Norman times Berton
an adjoining farm and Bristow, according to the
record in doomsday book, paid to the king 110
marks of silver, and the burgesses returned that
bishop G. had 33 marks and one of gold. After
wards Robert, bishop of Constance, plotting
against William Rufus, chose this for a seat of
war, and fortified the city with that inner wall,
part of which yet remains. In a few years after
wards, the suburbs were enlarged on every side,
and Radcliff on the south, is joined to the rest
of the city by a stone bridge, on each side of which
a row of houses gives it the appearance of a street.
This part is included within the walls, and the
inhabitants have the privileges of citizens.
" In this city there are neat churches, built
for the glory of God, and hospitals for the relief
of the poor. Among the churches, the most beau
tiful is St. Mary's of Radcliffe, without the walls,
to which there is a stately ascent by many stone
stairs. This edifice is so large, and the gothic
workmanship so exquisite, the roof so artificially
vaulted with stone, and the tower so high, that
in my opinion, it much excels all the parish
churches in England that I have yet seen. In
it the founder, William Cannings, has two hono
rary monuments ; the one is his image in the
habit of a magistrate, for he was five times mayor

365
of this city — the other represents him in a clerical
habit, for in his latter days he took orders, and
was nominated to the deanery of the college which
-he founded at Westbury. In the vicinity of this
church there is another called Temple, the tower
of which vibrates when the bells are rung, inso
much that there is a chink from top to bottom,
between it and the body of the church, of three
fingers breadth, alternately growing narrower and
Haroader according to the vibration of the bells.
" St. Stephen's church is remarkable for its
stately tower of curious workmanship, which was,
in the memory of our grandfathers, built by John
Barstaple, a rich merchant of Bristol.
" On the northern and eastern parts, the city
was also enlarged with many buildings included
within the walls, being defended by the river
Frome ; which after it has passed these walls,
runs calmly into the Avon, forming a great har
bour for shipping, and a creek convenient to load
and unload merchandize, which the citizens call
the Quay. Under this, near the confluence be
tween the Avon and the Frome, there is a con
siderable space called the Marsh, which is planted
with trees, and affords a pleasant walk to the
citizens.

366
".At the south-east, where the rivers did not
encompass Bristol, Robert, illegitimate son of
Henry I. built a large and strong castle for the
defence of his city, and out of a pious inclina
tion, appropriated every tenth stone for the erec
tion of a chapel, near the priory of St. James, which
he also erected near the city. He married Ma-
bile, daughter and sole heir of Robert Fitz-hamon,
who held this city in fealty of William the
Norman. This castle, when scarcely finished,
was unsuccessfully besieged by King Stephen ;
who not many years after being made a prisoner
there, was a fair instance of the uncertain, events
of war.
" Beyond the river Frome, over which at
Frome-gate is a bridge, a steep hill in the suburbs
affords, a pleasant prospect of the subjacent city
and harbour. On the top of this hill there is a
large green plain, with a grove in the middle,
where there is a pulpit of stone, and a chapel, in
which, according to tradition, Jordan, the com
panion of St. Augustin the English apostle, was
buried ; but it is now a free school.
" This city, not to mention the private houses,
is beautified on all sides with magnificent public
buildings. On one side with a collegiate church,

,367
called Gaunt's, from its founder Sir Henry Gaunt,
Knight ; who quitting temporal affairs, here de
dicated himself to God. Now by the munificence
of T. Carre, a wealthy citizen, it is converted
into an hospital for orphans. On the other side,
opposite this hospital, are two churches dedicated
to St. Augustin ; the one but small and a parish
church — the other larger, and the bishop's cathe
dral, adorned by King Henry VIII. with six
prebendaries. The greatest part of it is now
pulled down ; and the college gate, which indeed
is curiously. built, has the following inscription:
" Rex Henricus secundus et Dominus Robertus
filius Hardigni filii , Regis Daciae hujus monasterii
primi fundatores extiterunf." That is, " King
Henry II. and Lord Robert, the son of Harding,
son to the King of Denmark, were the first
founders of this monastery." Robert Harding's
son of the blood royal of Denmark, was an alder
man of Bristol, and so high in favour with King
Henry, that according to the advice of the sove
reign, his son Maurice was married to the daugh
ter of the lord of Berkley ; whence his pos
terity, who flourished in great pomp, are to
this day called Barons of Berkley, some of whom
are buried in this church.
" At a short distance from Bristol towards the
sea, where the Avon runs, there are high rocks

368
on both sides of the river, as if nature had formed
them with particular skill. One of these rocks *
which hangs over the river on the east side, is
called St. Vincent's, which yields abundance of
diamonds, insomuch that bushels of them may
be obtained ; but their number lessens their value
among us, for in transparency they are equal to
the gems imported from India, and do not yield
to them in any property except hardness. Their
being formed by nature into four or six angles,
in my opinion, renders them more admirable than
the productions of the foreign mines. The other
rock, on the western side, is likewise full of dia
monds, which by a wonderful operation of nature,
are contained in hollow reddish flints. The Avon,
after it has passed by these rocks, disembogues
itself into the broad estuary of the Severn."
The most important political event, during the
long and auspicious reign of Elizabeth, was the
total defeat of the Spanish Armada, in 1588, off
the coast of England. On this glorious occasion,
the citizens of Bristol fitted out four ships of
war, named the Unicorn, the Minion, the Hand
maid, and the Ayde, which joined the royal fleet
at Plymouth, and shared in the danger and glory
of a contest with the Spanish fleet, which, from
it's magnitude and force, was vauntingly called
by the Spaniards, " The Invincible Armada." But,

369
like the Invincibles of Bonaparte, those proud
braggarts were vincible by Britons. Let then
the descendants of those heroic warriors who sd
nobly signalized themselves in defence of their
country, their liberties, and their religion, under
the animating influence of one of the most illus
trious women that ever called forth the spirit of
chivalry, look forward with confidence in the pro
tection of the Great Being whose omnipotence
has hitherto preserved them from foreign hos
tility. Well may they adopt the grateful senti
ments of the poet apostrophizing his country.
" His Power secur'd thee when presumptuous Spain
" Baptiz'd her fleet Invincible in vain ;
" Her gloomy monarch, doubtful and resign'd
" To ev'ry pang, that racks an anxious mind,
" Ask'd of the waves, that broke upon his coast,
" What tydings ? and the surge replied — All lost !"
Never did the characteristic heroism of the
English, and their attachment to their sovereign,
appear with more lustre than in their prepara
tions to repel the Spaniards, both by sea and
land. The fleet under the command of Admiral
Lord Howard and Vice- Admirals Drake, Hawkins,
and Forbisher, engaged the Spanish Armada
on the 23d of July, 1588, and captured fif
teen large ships, and 4791 men, and the prin
cipal part of the remainder being dispersed by a
storm on the coast of Ireland, seventeen ships
VOL. I. -A a

370
and 5394 men, were taken in the month of Sep
tember. The residue were either wrecked, or
returned with difficulty to Spain.
Three armies, amounting to 76,000 infantry,
and 3000 cavalry, were stationed along the southern
coast, and at different points where the enemy might
attempt to land. The queen went to the camp,
exhorted the soldiers to the valiant defence of
their country, and avowed her intention to ven
ture her life in the common cause. But the
victory obtained at sea prevented an invasion ;
and the 24th of November, being the day ap
pointed by her majesty for a general thanksgiving
to Almighty God, for his providential deliver
ance of the kingdom from foreign tyranny and
slavery, was kept in this city with the greatest
solemnity by the magistracy, and the citizens
in general, " The mayor and corporation, in their
scarlet robes, attended by the city companies,
with their ensigns, went to the College to hear
a sermon, after which the magistrates received
the sacrament, and distributed money to the
poor." This account presents a pleasing picture
of simplicity of manners and pious gratitude. '
The destruction of the Spanish fleet was indeed
a proper subject for the exultation of the Eng
lish ; had the ambitious project of the Catholic

371

monarch for the subjugation of England, been
successful, the most cruel persecution that bigotry
could devise, wpuld undoubtedly have inflicted
misery on the people ; but the signal defeat of
this mighty armament established the security

of the kingdom for ages.

Queen Elizabeth was now in the zenith of
her glory, swaying the sceptre over a free, gal
lant, and grateful people, surrounded by heroes
and sages whose wisdom and valour were devoted
to her service, and commanding the admiration
or the awe of surrounding nations. Spain, baf
fled and defeated, was unable to renew hostili
ties ; France, torn by intestine commotions, was
incapable of hostility against this country; Scotland
was under the dominion of a youthful sovereign,
who, naturally pusillanimous, and consequently
pacific, felt no inclination to disturb the Queen
of England, from whom he expected the bequest
of the crown of this kingdom ; and even the
Pope himself, whatever might be his animosity
against Elizabeth, was unable to contend with
her without the aid of Spain, or some other
potent Catholic kingdom. As for the infant re
public of Holland, it was devoted to the cause
of England, as far as the rivalship of a maritime
state would permit.

372
During this period of general tranquillity in
England, the arts and manufactures of the coun
try made a successful progress ; the queen, who
was a zealous patriot, and intent on the pros-*
perity of her people, was extremely frugal of the
public money; hence taxes were few, trade good,
and the community enjoyed the fruits of pros
perous industry, without being subject to the
exorbitant exactions of statesmen. The hap
piness of the people became proverbial, and " the
golden days of good Queen Bess" were afterwards
the topic of national praise and regret, during the
tyrannic government of the House of Stuart.
Queen Elizabeth endeavoured to promote the pros
perity and commerce of several small sea-ports
in England, doubtless under the influence of the
purest patriotism ; among others, the towns situ
ated on the banks of the Severn were made
independent ports ; and the following petition
was presented by the corporation of Bristol to
her majesty's council, entreating the repeal of a
grant so ruinous in its consequences to this city.
"¦ Brystowe is scytuated in an angle behveene
the counties of Somerset and Gloucester, mayn-
tened only by the trade of merchandizes, and
making and ventinge collored cloths for the sea,
made in Bristowe and in Somersetshire, where
with many thousands of handy craftsmen have

373
been set a worke and mayntened, and they have
also great store of ledde out of Somersetshire,
with which their trade of merchandizes they
have alwaies sufficiently furnished all the coun
ties adjoining to the said river, as also all
towns and counties lyinge upon arid near aboute
the river of Severn, and the creeks of the same,
as farre inwarde towards the land as to the
town of Shrewsbury,
" There is belonging to Bristowe, between
Somerset and Gloucestershire, a sufficient port
for shippes of all burdens to ryde and fieete
in, wherein hathe bynne buildyd and mayhteh'd
from time to time as many great serviceable
shippes as in any poorte in this her majesty's
dominion (London excepted,) and there have
been broughte and trayned uppe as many and
skilful maryners as to suche shippinge should
belong, and more which serve in divers other
places. " There have been belonging to the sayde
cityes and poorte of Bristowe, tyme oute of
mynde (as the records of the Exchequer doe
prove and shewe, and for th' advoydinge of dy-
versitye of accomptes so confirmed) all the creeke
upon the river of Severn inwards towards the

374
land, as Barkeley, Gatcombe, Newenham, Glou
cester, Tewkesburye, and all other the creeks
and pills extending as farre upward as Wygorn,
bye and thoroughe which creeks the sayd city
had their chefest vente for all manner of for-
ren merchandizes as farre as Shrewesburye, and
from the same creeke also the sayde citye and
citizens have had their chiefest provision of
graine and other victualles.
" Out of the said city by reason of their
trades, portes, and creekes, the queen's majesty
receaveth yerely, for feefarms, fifteenes, customs,
subsidies, impostes, and other duties, great somes
of money, and the shippes of the sayde city and
citizens have had their chiefest provisions of
graine and other victualles.
" But so yt is, right honourable, that all the
said creekes (uppon an untrew suggestion), byn
by her majesty's letters patent, of late taken
from the said city and porte of Bristoll, and
are become a poorte of themselves to the imy-
nente ruin of the said city, impoverishinge of
the said artificers, anayne of the shippinge and
mariners, hindrance of the queen's majesty's
customs, duties, and profits, bringinge and rais-
inge of dearth and scarsetye, encouraging and

375
encreasinge of pyrotts, and other great incon-
veniencies. " The parliament house, anno 34, Hen. VIII.
was enformed and well understood how grayne
was convayed over the seas by small barkes of
the river of Severn, and the rode for shippes
greatlie hurte by castenge oute ballaste, and tak
ing in come which came out of the creekes,
and therefore for the better searche and res-
traynte appoynted the same to be brought and
measured at Bristoll, before it should be trans
ported. " Gloucester is no place for trade or mer
chandize, because they have no lawfull wares
meete to be transported in shippes servicable,
or defensible to transporte and retorne merchan
dize if they had any.
" Gloucester standeth uppon other good trades
and concourse of people, whereby they have
been well mayntened ; but yf they adventure
any thing at sea, the same is in small barkes
with corne and prohibited wares, wherewith they
make more profitable retournes then Bristoll
wythe there great shippinge and lawful wares
can doe.

376
" Gloucester standeth between Bristoll and
Wigorn Warr' (i. e. Warwick,) Coventry, and
Shrewburie, and all other places upp Severn,
where the merchants of Bristoll did usually make
their vente of such commodities as they bringe
from beyond seas ; but yf the same continues a
poorte, they doe not only serve themselves, but
also those other counties and towns aboute them,
and so the trade of Bristoll and their great
shippes, when the vente of their commodyties is
taken from them must consequently decaye.
" The more tradinge or discharginge places,
the greater concealmente and stelthe of her ma
jesty's customes, and convey inge awaie of pro-
hibyted wares in small barkes, and therefore was
yt provided for in the statute and decree, that
nothing should be laden or discharged upon Se
vern, but only at Bristoll, and certain small
places whereof the officers of Bristoll had special
charge, as by the same more at large doth
appere. " The chefest place of ladinge and discharging
for Gloucester was a place called Gatcombe,
which is sixteen miles downewardes the sea, be
fore the officers of Gloucester, and within little
as near to the porte of Bristowe, which is be
tween them and the sea ; and this hath hot

377
depth of water, but for a shippe of fiftie tonnes,
which cannot come thither laden but at highe
springe tydes in fayre wether, with a good py-
lott, and cannot continue ther many yers with
out spoyle and ruin, and no officer dwelling
nigher than Gloucester ; neither is it anie town
or popelous village to discrie or understand, howe
her majestie is deceaved, and the county spoyled
of grayne.
" It is more conveniente that the creeke upp
Severn do belong to the port of Bristoll, and
be under their controllement, then to Glouces
ter, or be a port of themselves, because Bristoll
standeth in nede of the grayne and victualls,
which Gloucester and the counties upon Severn
do abound in and can spare.
" When the deputies of Gloucester delivered
their books to the officers of Bristoll, they were
then able to find their Orforders, and to reforme
them, mete with them, and staye their passage,
which now they cannot do.
" The barkes upp Severn be so small, that
they pay no tonnage to the peere of Dover ac-
acording to the statute, as appeareth by their
books, and their owners be corn-merchants and
fermers ; and these small barkes will shippe away,

378
come and goe at every meane tyde, and so may
deceave as much as they will, yf the officer
of Brystowe have no authoritye to meet and
searche them.
" The city of Brystowe, which in time past
badd the most part of theire grayne from upp
Severne, have not had, within three yeres after
the erection of the custom-house at Gloucester.,
ten quarters of wheat from them, and have been
restrayned of grayne to come to Bristoll ; so- as
when they have occasion, they must nowe tra-
vell to Gloucester for a cockett, and there put
in sureties ; and yf they obtayne it, the same is
not without great difficulty, which is a great
overthrowe, and chaunge to the said city of
Bristoll. _,
*' Irishe men also with their barkes have found
a directe trade to Gloucester, and all to shippe
away corn, and soe we lose the benefit of their
commodyties, and the utteringe of our owne,
another great decaie to us.
" The servicable shippes of Bristoll have and
must serve her majestie upon all occasion, to
their great hindrance and charges, and in the
meane time the said barkes of Severne are free,
and do spoyl the countrie of grayne and vie-

379
tualls, for they are out of the controllment of
Bristoll, which do lack the same corn and grayne,
" When the creek of Severne belonged to
Bristowe, their corn, grayne, and victualls came
from thence by cocket from Bristoll, ordinarylie
taken out by the trowe men upp Severne, and
then was her majestie for the victuallinge of Ire
land, and for other services, redely and well pro
vided at Bristoll, but now her charges upp Se
verne to provide together the same is great ; as
by the book of the purveior for their service
apereth ; and great exaccons been at Gloucester
for cockett and other fees, for where before the
charge of cockett and certificate was but two
shillinges and eight pence, yt is now five shil-
linges and eight pence, besides fee, and the coun-
trie upp Severne will be as well in everie respect
eased by a deputation at Gloucester, as by the
custome-house, and for less charges by two shil
linges and eight pence in a cockett, of which
exaction the trowmen uppe Severne have often
complayned and exhibited supplications to the
mayor of Bristoll.
" The trade and shippinge of Bristoll is already
so decayed by reason of the premises, that they
have done awaye and must do awaye their great
shippinge, and have offered the same to be sold,

380
to their great losse ; for although the great shippes
be more worthier and servicable, yet are the small
sort more profitable for the merchants, and better
chape to be fraghted, and will turne and winde
in narrower places, &c.
" In tender consideration whereoff, and foras
much as the erectinge of the newe porte doth
and is lyke to decaye, the said citye of Bris
toll, and stop the vente of our English lawfull
merchandizes, decrease and demenishe the great
sheppynge of Bristowe, and the maryners to them
belonging ; stope and chooke the vente and ut-
teraunce which the sayd city hath had upp Se
verne with their forrene merchandizes, demenishe
her highness' customes, and profits, and raise a
dearth and scarsetye in this commonwealthe, and
of the other side no profit or benefit compara
ble to the last of these.  May it please your
honnors, of your accustomed regarde in suche
urgente distresses, to be a meane to her majes
tie, that the said letters patent may be repealed,
and the seyd city and port of Bristowe be res
tored to their auncyent estate, for in the begyn-
nyng of these decayes we thinke it not our part
to be silent."*
* HaFleian MS. No. 368.

381
The grievance complained of in this petition
was afterwards redressed by the revocation of
a charter so injurious to the prosperity of the
second sea-port of the kingdom, so prejudicial
to the revenue of the state, and of such com
paratively inconsiderable benefit to the many
small cities and towns to which it had been
granted. An instance of skill and enterprize in the
nautical art, which occurred in the year 1590,
deserves to be recorded. Richard Ferns, a wa
terman of London, engaged for a considerable
wager to sail in his wherry from that city to
Bristol, in the course of twelve months. Accord
ingly, he set sail from London on the 24th of
June, and on the 23d of August following ar-
rived at Bristol, under sail, when the tide was
at half-ebb, and landed at the farther slip at the
Back. His wherry was immediately carried on
men's shoulders to the Tolzey, and deposited in
a storehouse, as a curiosity. The fortunate na
vigator was congratulated by the populace on
his arrival ; he performed his solitary voyage
in eight weeks and four days, and afforded a
memorable proof of the extraordinary success
which often attends human enterprise and per
severance.

382
The variety of the benefactions of benevolent
citizens of Bristol, at this period, was demon
strative of the benign effects of that strict mo
rality enjoined by the Christian religion, and
practised during the auspicious reign of Eliza
beth with particular purity. Several gifts and
bequests of pious individuals contributed to the
relief and comfort of the diseased and necessi
tous in this city, the population of which con*-
tinually increased ; and in 1590,theGuants Church
in College-green was given by Mr. Carr, a mer
chant of Bristol, for an hospital to be founded
for forty poor girls, to be admitted from the
age of eight to ten years, and lodged, boarded,
clothed, and instructed, till they were eighteen.
It was called the Queen's Hospital, in honour of
her majesty. Among its principal benefactors
was Mr. Bird, who gave o£500. towards its es
tablishment, disbursed money for the fee simple
of the house and orchards adjoining for a lodg
ing and play-ground for the children, and during
his mayoralty, obtained permission of the mer
chants to lay a toll during eight years, on the
following commodities : for every ton of lead
landed on St. Mary Redcliff Hill, four-pence ;
for every ton of iron landed for sale on the
Back or Quay, four-pence ; and for every frail
of raisins, two-pence. This toll was carefully
collected.

383
During a general dearth throughout the king
dom in the year 1596, the mayor and corpora
tion of Bristol manifested their philanthropy and
prudence, by a regulation for the relief of the
necessitous, according to which every burgess in
proportion to his property, supplied a certain
number of the poor daily with provisions. This
was avowedly adopted to prevent an insur
rection, and preserve the indigent from famine.
< — The price of wheat was twenty shillings a
bushel, and of malt and rye ten shillings. This
year was also memorable for a successful expe
dition of the English against Spain. Queen Eli
zabeth having received information that the Spa
nish monarch was again making preparations to
invade England and Ireland, she fitted a fleet
of one hundred and fifty ships of war and tran
sports, which were joined by twenty Dutch
ships, and commanded by Admiral Howard.
The command of the land forces embarked in
this expedition was given to the celebrated
Earl of Essex. This fleet, to the equipment of
which the citizens of Bristol readily contributed,
sailed from Plymouth in June ; and on the twenti
eth day of the same month, they attacked the
Spanish fleet in the harbour of Cadiz, and, after
an engagement from day-break till noon, com
pelled the enemy to abandon their ships, which
they set on fire. The St. Matthew and St.

384
Andrew, two Spanish ships of war, were captured,
and all the rest of the fleet destroyed. In the
meantime, the English troops landed from the
transports, and after a conflict of several hours,
Cadiz was surrendered to them by a capitu
lation, according to which the citizens agreed
to pay seventy thousand ducats to the victors.
Besides the merchantmen destroyed by Sir Wal
ter Raleigh, at Port- Real, the King of Spain
lost two galleons, taken by the English, eleven
ships of war, and twenty-three merchant ships
richly laden. The loss was estimated at twenty
millions of ducats, and the victorious English
seamen and soldiers returned to their native
Country with a vast treasure. This second blow
convinced Philip of the absurdity of attempting
the conquest of England ; but Queen Elizabeth,
in order to provide for the future security of
the state, augmented the royal navy in 1599,
to thirty- five ships of war of different rates.
The queen, who was distinguished for affabi
lity to her subjects on all occasions, had been
induced, by the petitions of individuals, to grant
them her letters patent, securing their exclusive
right to trade in particular commodities. This
species of monopoly, which was detrimental to
the general welfare ofthe community, being loudly
complained of, her majesty, in the year 1601,

385
annulled those grants, an act of patriotism which
was so pleasing to the Commons, that a depu
tation of eighty members waited on her with
their thanks. Her answer to their address is
remarkable, and justly defines the principles by
which she was actuated. " I owe you" said her
majesty, " hearty thanks and commendations,
for your singular good will to me, not only in
your hearts and thoughts, but which you have
openly expressed and declared, whereby you have
recalled me from an error proceeding from my
ignorance, not my will. These things had un
deservedly turned to my disgrace, had not such
harpies as these been made known and disco
vered to me by you. I had rather my heart
or hand should perish, than that either my heart
or hand should allow such privileges to mono
polists, as may be prejudicial to my people,
The splendour of regal majesty hath not so blinded
mine eyes, that licentious power should prevail
with me more than justice. The glory of the
name of a king may deceive princes that know
not how to rule, as gilded pills may deceive a
sick patient. But I am none of those princes:
for I know that the commonwealth is to be go
verned for the good and advantage of those that
are committed to me, not of myself to whom
it is intrusted ; and that an account is one day
to be given before another judgment-seat, I
Vol. i. b b

386
think myself most happy, that by God's assist
ance I have hitherto so prosperously governed
the commonwealth in all respects ; and that I
have such subjects, as for their good I would
willingly leave both kingdom and life also. I
beseech you, that whatever misdemeanours and
miscarriages others are guilty of by their false
suggestions, may not be imputed to me : let the
testimony of a clear conscience entirely in all
respects excuse me. You are not ignorant that
princes' servants are oftentimes too much set upon
their own private advantage ; that the truth is fre
quently concealed from princes, and they cannot
themselves look narrowly into all things, upon whose
shoulders lieth continually the heavy weight of
the greatest and most important affairs."
In 1602 Lady Ramsey, the wife of Sir Tho
mas Ramsey, Lord Mayor of London, gave one
thousand pounds for the further maintenance of
the children of the Queen's Hospital, in Bristol.
To this benefaction the Corporation added ,£450.
with which they purchased lands of the value of
<£90. per annum.
On the 24th of March, 1603, Queen Elizabeth
died, in the 45th year of her reign, to the general
regret of the nation ; and on the 28th of the

387
same month, her successor, the King of Scotland,
,was proclaimed at the High Cross in Bristol, by
the name of James I. This ceremony was at
tended by the mayor and aldermen, in their scar-
let gowns, and all the city companies under
their proper ensigns. The two sheriffs in their
scarlet gowns stood in the High Cross, with
his majesty's picture placed over their heads
in the sight of the populace. After the pro
clamation, the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses,
went to St. Nicholas' Church to hear a sermon.
By the accession of King James, the two
kingdoms of England and Scotland were united
under the name of Great Britain. In the first
* year of his reign a pestilential disease began its
ravages in Bristol, where it continued upwards of
a year, during which there died 2440 persons of
the plague, and 516 of other distempers, accord
ing to the list of burials kept in the church
books. On the 20th of January, 1607 at high water,
this city was inundated, insomuch that in St.
Stephen's, St. Thomas's, and Temple Churches,
the water was half way up the seats ; the
arches of the bridge were filled, but it did not
. injure the houses. The water rose five feet at
Trim Mills. In the marshes near the Severn,

388
both on the English and Welsh coast, the sea
broke over the banks of that river with such
impetuosity, that it drowned all the cattle, and
carried away the corn and hay. The people, to
save their lives, climbed to the tops of their
houses, and those who were in the fields- were
obliged to climb upon the trees. In the begin
ning of August, the same year, another inun
dation overflowed all the low grounds near the
Severn, and continued in the fields to the depth
of six feet. Many persons who had climbed on
trees for security, continued in that perilous si
tuation two days. The mayor of Bristol, when
informed of their distress, sent boats to their
assistance. In Bristol, at the Back, it rose
four feet and a half above the streets, all the
lower part of the city was covered with the
flood, and the merchants and tradesmen had goods
to a considerable amount damaged by the water
in their warehouses and cellars. But the most me
morable circumstance relative to this city, in
1607, was a severe frost, which commenced on
the 20th of November, and lasted to the 8th
of February in the following year. The rivers
Severn and Wye were so completely frozen over,'
that the navigation was entirely stopped. People
made fires and dressed their victuals on the ice
of the Severn, and amused themselves with se
veral rustic pastimes. At the thaw, the broken

389
ice was carried by the tide into Kingroad with
such violence, that it did much damage to the
shipping that lay at anchor.
In 1608 a dreadful dearth prevailed, and thou
sands must have perished of famine, had it not
been for the seasonable supplies of grain imported
into this kingdom. The imports of corn from
Dantzic, and other places, into the port of Bris
tol, were immense. It appears from the custom
house books, that from the 23d of July, 1608,
to the 24th of July, 1609, no less than six hun
dred vessels, laden with grain, entered this port.
The quantity imported was,
Of Wheat, 34,629 Bushels, valued at 5s. per Bushel, £ 8,657 5
Of Rye, 73,770 ditto  4s  14,754 0
Of Barley, 4,040 ditto  3s  606 0

112,439 =£24,017 5

Wheat was sold for some time at 6s. 8d. a bushel,
and rye at 5s. 4d. ; but an abundant harvest re
duced the prices, and wheat was sold at 4s. a
bushel before the end of the year. The fre
quency of dearth in England, during the six
teenth and seventeenth centuries is a proof of the
unskilfulness or indolence of the English agri
culturist, for lands were not rated high. In 1544,
good lands let in England at one shilling per
acre ; and the art of gardening, which had been

390
introduced into this country from the Continent
nearly forty years prior to that period, must
have been productive of great benefit to the
community long before the accession of King
James I. The inglorious reign of that worth
less prince was indeed undistinguished by any act
of patriotism ; national glory was sacrificed to
his indolence and cowardice, and his obstinacy
respecting prerogative, was the foundation of that
arbitrary system which terminated with the tra
gical death of his successor. Prince Henry, his
eldest son, who died in his minority, from the
early indication which he gave of superior talents
and heroism, would probably have been worthy
to have reigned over this island ; but James him
self, by pusillanimous concessions to foreign states
for the preservation of peace, while he lavished
the public money on worthless favourites, excited
the just contempt both of his owji subjects and
foreigners. In 1612, the city of Bristol was honoured
with a royal visit ; and the following description
of the ceremonies and amusements which took
place on that occasion, are described with a
simplicity characteristic of that period, and the
love of show which was then one of the favourite
gratifications of the English natiOii.

391
" On the 4th of May, 1612, Anne of Den
mark, wife to the king, came from Bath to this
city, accompanied by the Earl of Worcester,
and the mayor,, with all the magistrates and
common council, in their scarlet robes, with the
recorder, did ride two and two on horseback,
in their foot cloaths, accompanied by the chief
masters of the several trades, with their hoods,
unto Lawford's Gate, when Mr. recorder made
a very handsome oration. The mayor presented
her majesty with a rich embroidered purse of
gold, and then with all the magistrates, took
horse again, the last common-councilman did
ride first, and the mayor did ride bare-headed
before her majesty's coach, with a chain of gold
about his neck. When they came up Wine-
street, all the trained soldiers of the city stood
along each side of the street, every one accord
ing to his ability, having their apparel suitable
to their colours, with hats and feathers, and white
doublets, every one by his dress seeming to be
a commander rather than a private soldier. After
the mayor and council had brought the queen
to her lodgings, (which was at Sir John Young's,)
upon their coming back; all the trained soldiers
drew to the quay, and loaded every one his gun,
and fired a volley, by a private notice from the Earl
of Worcester, who was at an house on the quay ;
then they marched to the Green, before the queen's

392
lodgings, and fired another volley ; they then
left her, leaving an honourable guard at her ma
jesty's lodgings.
" On Sunday, the 6th of June, the mayor,
with the council in their scarlet gowns, came on
foot to bring her majesty to the College to hear
a sermon, the mayor walking before the coach
bare-headed, with a chain of gold about his neck.
But the sword of state was not carried before
the mayor ; in honour to the queen, all the trained
soldiers attended, and the queen was accompa
nied in the coach by the Earl of Worcester, and
the Lord Bishop of Wells. Dr. Robson, Dean
of Bristol, preached, and the queen returned to
her lodgings in the same state that she was con-
ducted therefrom. And the next day, to shew
the queen some diversion, there was a sham-fight
on the river at high water, against the mouth of
the river on the Gibb ; and there was built a
place in Cannon's Marsh, finely decorated with
ivy-leaves and flowers for her majesty to sit in,
and see the fight. And when the time came,
the mayor and aldermen, in their gowns, did
bring her majesty thither, they riding before in
their foot cloaths ; and having placed her majesty,
a ship came up under sail and cast anchor, and
drew their ensigns upon their top-masts, making
obeisance to the queen. After that they spread.

393
their flags again, and up came two galleys of
Turks, and set upon the ship^ and there was
much fighting and shooting on both sides. The
Turks boarded the ship, and were put off again
with loss of men ; some of the Turks running
up the main-top-mast to pull down the fla<*
were thrown overboard into the river, whilst the
ship's side did run over with blood. At last
the Turks were taken, and presented to her ma
jesty, who, laughing, said, " they were not only
like Turks by their apparel, but by their coun
tenances." This fight was so excellently performed
for the time, that it delighted her majesty much,
and she said " she never saw any thing so neatly
and artificially performed." Afterwards she was
conducted to her lodging by the mayor, alder
men, and trained soldiers. It was surprizing to
see the company that attended at this exhibition.
" The next day, being Tuesday, about two
o'clock, her majesty left Bristol, being attended
to Lawford's Gate by the mayor and corporation.
The mayor then took his leave of her on his
knees, and the queen presented him with a dia
mond ring worth sixty pounds, which he wore
about his neck hung by a chain of gold. The
queen expressed great satisfaction at her enter
tainment here, and was pleased to say, that she
n&yer knew she was- queen till she came to Bristol.'*

394
The citizens of Bristol had hitherto been un
distinguished for their progress in literary at
tainments, but in 1614, Doctor Tobias Mat
thews, Archbishop of York, established the
City Library, in the Marsh. This prelate
was born on Bristol-bridge, and was a cele
brated and eloquent preacher. The books
presented by him to the citizens of Bristol,
were expressly " for the use of the aldermen
and shopkeepers." Mr. Robert Redwood was
the builder of the Library, and the Reverend
Richard Williams was the first librarian. Hence
with the successful extension of manufactures and
foreign commerce, literature and the sciences
also became inmates of Bristol.
In 1615, several old houses were taken down
near the west end of St. Nicholas's shambles,
and a fish-market established ; a new public-
walk was made near All-Saints Church ; the
Tolzey was rebuilt on a more extensive plan,
and the windows made higher. These improve
ments, which marked the progress of the citi
zens in opulence and refinement, also contri
buted to the beauty and salubrity of the city.
An instance Of invincible obstinacy Avas this
year evinced by a felon confined in Newgate,
who when brought to his trial refused to be
tried by his country, and was remanded to pri-

395
son, where he was pressed to death according
to law.
In the year 1623, the Corn-market was built
in Wine-street, where a well was sunk, and a
pump set up for the public accommodation, at
the expence of the city Chamber. Soon after
the accession of King Charles I. he granted a
charter to the citizens of Bristol, by which the
Castle, with the walls, banks, ditches, houses,
gardens, &c. within its precincts, were for ever
separated from the county of Glocester, and
made part of the city and county of Bristol.
According to this charter, the Castle of Bristol
was thenceforward to be within the jurisdiction,
and subject to the authority of the mayor,
sheriffs, coroners, and justices of the city ; no
officer of the county of Glocester was to inter
meddle in its municipal government ; and all the in
habitants of the Castle were admitted to a par
ticipation of the privileges of the burgesses of
Bristol, the king reserving his right to all his
tenants within the said Castle, as his demesne
or parcel of the possessions of his crown. This
charter was granted on the 13th of April, 1630,
in the fifth year of the reign of King Charles I.
And by another charter, dated the 26th of Octo
ber, 1631, " the king, in consideration of the
sum of £951. paid by the mayor, burgesses, and

396
commonality of the city of Bristol, into the
Exchequer at Westminster, which was acknow
ledged in full discharge for ever, of all that
grant made by his majesty to the said mayor,
&c. of all his castle of Bristol, with all its
rights, members, and appurtenances whatsoever,
in reversion of three lives of John, Gillian, and
Nathaniel Brewster, granted to Francis Brews
ter, the 23d of August, in the second year of
the reign of King Charles I. 1626, under the
yearly rent of one hundred pounds." After this
grant, a new armoury was built in the Castle,
and in 1634, the corporation of Bristol pur
chased of John Brewster his estate, and one
life more to come of the Castle, for £520. —
The Castle was granted to the city in fee farm,
at £40, per annum, for the queen's life*, as a
recompence for the public services of the bur-
* Prior to the period that the burgesses of Bristol thus obtained pos
session of the Castle of Bristol, it had become an intolerable nuisance
to the city. Being out of the jurisdiction of the magistracy of the city,
and distant from the residence of any magistrate for the county of
Glocester, the castle became the rendezvous of thieves, robbers, and
other lawless desperadoes who escaped out of Bristol to elude justice
and pursued their nefarious practices with impunity.
The most remarkable events which occurred in Bristol Castle from
the time that it became a royal demesne, A.D. 1173, to the date of
the abovementioned purchase, including four hundred and sixty years,
have already been detailed in this work in chronological order, A
list of the Governors or Constables of the Castle duting that time;
is now annexed for the satisfaction of the antiquarian.

397
gesses in billeting soldiers, furnishing shipping
to transport them to Ireland, and fitting out
King John, in the sixth year of his reign, conferred on John le
Warre, the honour of Glocester, the Castle of Bristol, and the manor
of Brislington. In 1224 Henry III. nominated Ralph de Willington, governor and
constable of this Castle, and warden of the chace of Keynsham.
In 1234, William, son of Hugh Lord Talbot, had custody of the
Castle of Bristol.
In 1260, Roger de Leeburne was appointed Constable ofthe Castle
of Bristol, and he was succeeded in this office by Bartholomew de
Inovence, in 1264.
In the year 1271, John de Musegres was constable of this Castle,
in which office he was succeeded A. D. 1289, by Peter de la Mare,
who rendered an account to King Edward I. of o£23. 9s. lOd. in lieu
of prise of beer belonging to the Castle as part of its profits.
In the reign of Edward I. Bartholomew Badlesmere, was, for his ex
ploits during the wars with Scotland, promoted to the rank of a.
baron, and made governor of the Castle, town, and barton of, Bristol,
His nephew and heir, Roger Bygod, had a grant from King Edwardi
ofthe Castles of Bristol and Nottingham, to hold for life.
In the reign of the unfortunate Edward II. his favourite minister,
Hugh Spencer, Earl of Winchester, was left by the fugitive king, as
governor of the Castle of Bristol. His surrender and execution have
already been mentioned.
In the year 1336, Richard de Kyngheston was constable of thii
Castle. In the 35th year of the reign of Edward III. Edmund Flamberd
was appointed by Queen Phillipa to the office of Constable of
Bristol Castle, with a fee of <£20. per annum ; and on his resigna
tion, the queen nominated Robert de Foulhurst his successor, which
was confirmed by the King.
In 1366, Hugh de Legrave was appointed by King Edward III.
governor of this Castle for life; and in the year 1370, John de Thorp

398
ships of war to cruise against the pirates which
then infested the coast. The citizens of Bristol
had disbursed £'1,100. in billeting soldiers.
succeeded to that office, and continued in it to the 8d year of the
reign of Richard II.
In 1413, Henry IV. constituted Hugh Lutterel constable of the
Castle of Bristol.
In 1442, Sir John St. Loe was made constable of the Castle of
Bristol for life, and in 1444, King Henry VI. granted the manor and
hundred of Bristol to Henry de Beauchamp, in reversion from the
death of Humphry, Duke of Glocester.
During the reign of Edward VI. Sir Humphry Stafford was ap
pointed constable of the Castle of Bristol, and of several of the king's
forests, including Kingswood.
In the 4th year of Edward VI. 1550, Sir William Hubert was
granted the custody of Bristol Castle.
In 1549, during the tumults about religion, the walls of the Castle
and City of Bristol were repaired, cannon mounted, and proper guards
placed, which prevented an insurrection.
In the glorious reign of Queen Elizabeth, Sir John Stafford, knight,
was, as a reward for his valour, granted the constableship of Bristol
Castle. It appears, however, that "he was negligent of his office, for
immediately after the accession of King James I. a petition was pre
sented to the Privy Council, on the 6th of March, 1602, complain
ing, " that Sir John Stafford, Knight, Keeper of his Majesty's Castle
of Bristol, being seldom or never resident there, but leaving a mean
and unworthy resident in his stead, hath of late time suffered many
poor and indigent people, to the number of 49 families, consisting of
about 240 persons, to inhabit within the said castle, who for the
most part are persons of lewd life and conversation, and in no way
able to relieve themselves but by begging and stealing, to the great
annoyance of the citizens, the rather for that the said Castle being
exempted from the liberties of the city, though it standeth within the
body of the same, doth serve for a refuge and resceptacle of male
factors, as well of the city, as others that fly thither to escape jus-

399
The following curious anecdote is recorded of
Mrs. Cary, a widow, who lived on the Back, in
Bristol, in the year 1631. Having been terri
fied by several frightful apparitions of King Charles
I. who appeared in black, with his head off, and
his crown covered with blood, she went to Lon
don, and was introduced by the Earl of Dorset
to his majesty. When she informed the king of
her visions, he dismissed her with this observa
tion, " Take her away, she is a merry woman."
Mrs. Cary returned to Bristol, where her mind
was again disturbed by a repetition of her visi
ons, which induced her to go to London a second
time. On her arrival in the capital, she was
informed that the king was gone to York, whi-
tice : it was thought and ordered to the petitioners humble request,
that for avoiding the present inconvenience, and preventing the like
for the future, the Lord High Treasurer of England, and Chancellor
of the Exchequer, calling the said John Stafford before them, should
take order for removing the persons then residing in the said Castle,
into such places where they last dwelt, and also that there be not
hereafter . any more admitted to inhabit there, but only such as Sir
John Stafford will undertake for their sufficiency and good behaviour,
to the end the city be not further charged or molested by them, or
his Majesty's Castle pestered with any such base cottagers, or scan
dalous inmates."
It appears from a record of the offices and fees of the king's
household in 1606, that the salary of the Constable of Bristol Castle
was only 20£. which was the sum paid in the reign of Edward III.
so that it was rather a post of honour than emolument.
Such are the principal facts respecting the government of Bristol
Castle, while it remained independent of the city.

400
ther she went, and was admitted to another in
terview with his majesty, whom she earnestly
importuned to reflect on what she had seen, but
was again discredited, the apparition being sup
posed the effect of a distempered imagination. It
is, however, remarkable, that a fanciful woman
forewarned the king of his danger eleven years
before the commencement of hostilities between
him and the parliament, and prior to those arbi
trary acts of the king, which compelled the peo
ple to take up arms in defence of their liberties.
The unjustifiable exactions of Charles I. were
very offensive to the people in general, but the
tax called ship-money was particularly unpo
pular. In 1635 the city of Bristol paid £"25,000.
for customs; and soon afterwards the corporation
contributed the sum of £2,1 63. 13s. 4d. towards
the equipment of a fleet against France and
Holland. But notwithstanding their liberality,
the merchants of Bristol were, in 1638, harassed
by commissioners and pursuivants, who examined
them on oath respecting their imports and ex
ports. Tradesmen and manufacturers were also
compelled to pay heavy imposts ; soap-makers
paid a duty of £'4. per ton on soap, and brewers
were obliged to pay forty marks per annum for
a licence. Several opulent merchants of Bristol
went to London to petition the king for redress;

401
they were graciously received by his majesty,
who expressed his regret at having granted
oppressive commissions, in consequence of hav
ing received wrong information, and gave them
permission to prefer a bill against the commis
sioners in the Star-chamber. But after consi
derable delay, the trial remained undetermined ;
yet the king advised them to continue the pro
secution, promising to act as mediator. The
grievances of the merchants, however, remained
unredressed, and they returned to Bristol much
incensed at those unjust exactions of his majes
ty's ministers, which at length led to a civil
war, that harassed the inhabitants of England
for some years, and terminated in the decapi
tation of the sovereign, and the subversion of
the state.
The importance of Bristol, both as the second
city of the kingdom, commanding the county
of Somerset, and the principal entrance into
Wales, rendered the possession of it of the ut
most consequence in the event of a war ; and
when the civil commotions began to assume a
formidable aspect, in 1642, the castle and city
walls were repaired, by an order of. the magis
trates, and at the expence of the corporation.
A fort on Brandon-hill, and another on St. Mi-
Vol. i. c c

402
chael's-hill, afterwards called the royal fort, were
erected, planted with cannon, and united to the
principal fortifications by lines of communication.
At the commencement of hostilities between
the king and parliament, the nation was divided
into parties, insomuch that there was scarcely a
town but contained different partisans. Bristol,
in common with the rest, was also divided into
political factions ; but the preponderant influence
seems to have been hostile to the sovereign ; for
towards the close of 1642, when Sir Ferdinando
Gorges, and Mr. Smith, of Ashton, were sent
by Lord Paulet, to request the admission of ca
valry into Bristol, it was refused by Richard
Aldworth, the mayor. Soon afterwards, Sir
Alexander Popham approached the city with
five hundred cavalry, which he intended to have
augmented by a reinforcement of four hundred
more, to take possession of Bristol for the par
liament. But the corporation refused him admit
tance, and stationed parties of the trained bands,
to the number of one hundred men, armed with
pikes and muskets, at the different gates, which
were strengthened by port-cullises. The fortifi
cations of the castle being repaired, several pieces
of heavy ordnance were planted on the strong
wall of the principal tower, to annoy besiegers
at a considerable distance, and smaller cannon

403
were placed on different forts, for the protection
of the city.
Soon afterwards Colonel Essex, who command
ed the parliamentary forces at Glocester, being
secretly invited by some of the citizens of Bris
tol to come and take possession of the city, he
approached it on the 5th of December, 1642,
with a considerable army. But the gates were
immediately shut against him ; the citizens ap
peared in arms, and the mayor and common
council met at the Tolzey, to devise the best
means for the defence of the city. Their deli
berations were, however, interrupted by the
mayor's wife, and several other women of dis-r
tinction, who presented a petition, requesting the
corporation to admit the parliament's army.
Their importunities eventually prevailed, for on
the following night the gates were opened to
Colonel Essex, who marched into the city with
two regiments of infantry, and took possession
of the castle in the name of the parliament.
The new governor, Colonel Essex, was a man
of gaiety and dissipation, a character ill adapted
to enforce that strictness of discipline requisite
in a garrison. An intimation of his negligence,
and the consequent danger to which the city
was exposed, having been transmitted by some

404
of* the principal citizens to parliament, the go
vernor was ^arrested, and the command given to
Colonel Fiennes.
" About the 6th of March came information
by letters from Bristoll, that Colonel Essex had
so ill demeaned himself there, that the honest
and well-affected inhabitants of the citie were
both weary and afraid of him, and of his govern
ment, because he spent his time in little else
but drinking, feasting, dancing, riotous gaming,
and such like vain and profane living. Where
fore to rid themselves of him, they caused him
to be invited (whereunto he was easily intreated)
to feast and dance in a house some distance from
the citie, where being mighty joviall and merry,
in the midst of his cups, he was suddenly appre
hended by Colonel Fynes, (son and heir to that
noble and pious peer, the Lord Sey) and his
troop of horse, and presently by them carried
prisoner from thence, first to Berkeley Castle,
and afterwards to the citie of Gloucester, where
he was kept in safe custodie."
It appears that party spirit was at a great
height in Bristol at this period, and the friends
of the popular cause were so turbulent, that
fhose citizens who were royalists found it dan-

405
gerOus to appear in the streets, and if they
passed the boundaries of the city, they were
seized as disaffected persons, and sent prisoners
to Taunton or Berkeley Castle.
On the 16th of February, 1643, Colonel Na
thaniel Fiennes, at the head of five troops of ca
valry, and five companies of infantry, entered
Bristol, and assumed the title of governor of the
city and castle. On the 27th of the same month,
Sir Edward Hungerford came with his forces,
the castle was made a garrison for the parlia
ment, and strengthened with additional fortificati
ons ; to defray the expence of which, the citi
zens were compelled to pay a heavy contribution,
amounting to .£55. 15s. a week, assessed on
their lands, goods, money at interest, and stock
in trade. This tax was to last for three months*
or, till the king's troops were disbanded ; and it
was confirmed by act of parliament. At this
period, the city of Bristol supplied Sir William
Waller with a considerable body of recruits for
his army ; but while he proceeded in the reducr
tion of several towns in Glocestershire and Here
fordshire, an association or conspiracy was en
tered into by some of the principal inhabitants
of this city, to open the gates to the king's
forces, under the command of Prince Rupert.

406
The principal persons concerned .in, this plot
were Mr. Robert Yeomans, Mr. George Bouchier,
merchants ; Mr. William Yeomans, Mr. Edward
Dakes, Mr. Arundel, Mr. Teague, Thomas Bar
ret, cutler; John Nickens, trunkmaker; Ephraim
Goody, goldsmith; Mr, Millard, Mr. Collins,
Mr. Brent, Mr. Blackborough, Captain Cole,
Mr. Thrompe, Cowley a quack* and Green an
attorney, John Pester, Thomas Luphens, Mat
thew Stephens, ; Nathaniel Street, tiler,' Henry
Russel, and others.
On the 7th of March, at night, Prince Ru
pert, Prince Maurice,, and Lady Digby, with
4,000 cavalry, and 2,000 infantry, were to ad
vance to Durdham Down, half a mile from the
city, on the Glocestershire side ; and the toyal
adherents in the city engaged to seize Froom-
gate and Newgate, for their admission. Black-
borough, who lived near Froom-gate, was to give
a passage to the king's forces through his gar
den. The signal wras to be the tolling of a bell,
at St. Nicholas's, St. John's, and St. Michael's
Churches. The bell at St. Nicholas's was to be
a signal to those who were to attack the main-
guard, near the High Cross and Tolzey ; the
bell at St. John's to those who were to seize
Froom-gate, and the bell at St. Michael's to
the troops under Prince Rupert to act in con-

407
©ert with their friends in the city. The royalists
were to be distinguished by white tape in their
hats, inscribed with the word Charles *
According to agreement, about fifty of the
conspirators met in arms at Mr. Yeoman's house,
expecting to be joined by a number of butchers
from the shambles near St. Nicholas-gate. Ro
bert Yeomans, who was nominated colonel in
the king's service, was to march with this party
to attack the mainguard, and post a strong body
of forces at St. Nicholas-gate, to prevent any
attack from the garrison stationed on the other
side of the bridge, in Somersetshire.
Mr. Bouchier was to command the party that
was to seize Froom-gate, at the tolling of St.
John's bell, in which he was to be assisted by
the seamen from St. Augustine's Back. Then
was the bell at St. Michael's on the hill to be
tolled, and the royal army immediately to march
down to Froom-gate and Blackborough's garden,
while their friends in the city broke open the
house of Humphry Hooke, mayor, and having
killed him and his family, and seized the keys
of the city gates, were to open them to their
confederates. Those citizens who did not wear
white tape,, and other marks of thek loyalty,
were. to. be plundered and massacred.*
* Pari. Chron. p. 278.

408
About an hour before this conspiracy was to
have been put in execution, a man came to the
guard at the bridge-foot, and said he saw seve
ral men go into the house of Mr. Robert Yeo
mans, It was then twelve o'clock at night. In
a few minutes the house was invested by a party
of the soldiery, the entrance was forced, and a
number of men found in arms, who were imme
diately apprehended, and escorted to the castle.
Mr. Bouchier being also a suspected person, his
house was searched, and another party found
there in arms. Prince Rupert advanced* accord
ing to the projected scheme ; but hearing no
tolling of the bells, after waiting four hours,
he approached with some cavalry to Brandon-
hill, but a few shot frorri the Fort compelled him
to retire.
The following written proclamation was found
in the house of Mr. Yeomans : — " All inha
bitants of_ the Bridge, High-street, and Corn-
street, keep within your doors upon peril of
your lives. All other inhabitants of this city
who stand for the king, let them forthwith ap
pear at the High Cross with such arms as they
have, and follow their leaders,"
According to the account given by Mr. Bar
rett, the two principal conspirators, Mr. Robert

409
Yeomans, and Mr. George Bouchier, were treated
with great severity, being chained by their
necks, and confined in a dungeon in the Castle,
for several weeks, without permission, to con
verse with their nearest relations. They were
tried by a court-martial, in the house of Mr.
Robert Rogers, at the Bridge, and sentenced
to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, which
was put in execution on the 30th of May, in
Wine-street, at the Nag's Head door.
During the time these unfortunate: citizens
lay under sentence of death, king Charles made
great " exertions to save them. His Majesty
first sent a letter by General Ruthen, to the
governor of Bristol, with a menace, that if
these citizens were put to death, several par
tisans of the parliament, who Avere his prison
ers should also suffer a similar punishment; but
colonel Fiennes, in his answer, pointed out
the difference between prisoners of war, and
spies or conspirators. After this unsuccessful
application, the king wrote a letter to Mr.
York, the mayor; Mr. William Colston, and
Mr. Henry Creswick, sheriffs; in which he
told them that the execution of Yeomans and
and Bouchier, " would call down the just
Vengeance of God, and bring perpetual infamy
on the city, he therefore willed and commanded

410
them to raise all the power and strength ofthe
city to rescue them." But this royal mandate
was disregarded, and the culprits suffered the
rigour of martial law. Indeed it was unrea-
sonable to suppose that the municipality of
Bristol would venture to act in open defiance
to the governor of this city, especially when
" the mayor was a puritan, and the governor
a presbyterian." The execution of two respectable citizens,
and the severity with which the contributions
were exacted by governor Fiennes, exasperated
the inhabitants of Bristol, and intimations of
this general discontent being communicated to
the king, he was encouraged to besiege the
city.* Accordingly, on the 22d day of July,
* A few days before this city surrendered to prince Rupert, the
following letter was sent by colonel Fiennes, the governor, directed
to Mr. Gunning the younger.
" Bristoll,  —Whereas this city is at this time environed, and in
great and imminent danger to be swallowed up by many cruel and
barbarous enemies of papists, Irish rebels, and others- ; r and' most of
the inhabitants of this city have, and all ought to take an oath of
protestation for defence thereof, with their lives and fortunes. These
are to require you forthwith to pay to my servant Ralph Hooker, to
be employed for the defence of the city, the- sum of two hundred
pounds; which sum, in respect of your 'estate, is below the propor
tion required of other persons of your quality, by an ordinance o
parliament. And if you shall refuse in this time of so great neces
sity, you may expect whatever the desperate resolution of soldiers,

411
1643, Prince Rupert came before Bristol with
an army of twenty thousand men, and having
summoned the garrison to surrender, which was
refused, he immediately besieged the city, and
the same day, with the assistance of the sea
men, according to a preconcerted plan, he
seized all the shipping that were in the har
bour, laden with goods of great value, which
were put on board by the citizens for greater, safety.
On the 23d of July, Prince Rupert reconnoitred
the out-works, which he found but indifferently
fortified, it was therefore resolved at a council of
war to proceed by assault, The attack in the
Somersetshire side, was led on by Prince Maurice
and the Marquis of Hartford ; several of the as
sailants scaled the wall, but, by the vigorous
defence of the garrison they were repelled with
great slaughter. On the Gloucestershire side,
where Prince Rupert commanded in person, the
royalists were successful ; for Colonel Washington
having discovered a weak part in the curtain be
tween Brandon-Hill and Windmill forts, out of
the reach of the cannon shot of the besieged, he
entered, and his pioneers soon made a sufficient
reduced unto extreme necessity may put them to act against your
person and. estates, unless by a Speedy contribution towards their
supply, you shall prevent the same. Given under' my hand, July 25,
I64,3i Nath. Fiennes."

412
passage for the cavalry. Thus Prince Rupert
pressed forward to Froome-gate with the loss
of five hundred men, who were shot by the
inhabitants from the walls and windows. This
resolute progress of the royalists compelled the
governor into a capitulation in the articles of
which it was stipulated.
" 1. That none of the citizens should be
molested in their persons or goods.
"2. That every officer should march forth
with his arms.
" 3. That every trooper should ride out
with his horse and his sword.
"4. That every soldier should march away
with his sword, bag, and baggage. :i
" 5, That a safe convoy should be allowed
for twenty miles."
The articles of this capitulation were wan
tonly violated by the royalists, who even stripr
ped the. soldiers of the garrison of their clothes.
Colonel Fiennes, the governor, was afterwards
tried by a court martial, for cowardice, and
condemned to die, but he was reprieved by

413
the Earl of Essex, who mitigated the sentence
to banishment for life.
According to the account of this siege given
by a noble historian.* " There were in the
town 2,500 foot, and a regiment of horse and
dragoons. The line about the town was finished,
yet in some places the graff was deeper than
in others. The castle was very well prepared
and supplied with great store of provisions to
endure a siege."
The royalists found in the military stores
1,700 barrels of gunpowder, with proportionate
match and bullets, sixty pieces of brass cannon,
and a great number of muskets and pikes ;
eighteen ships in the river, belonging to the
merchants, and four ships of war belonging to
the parliament, that came with supplies of am
munition to the garrison. The citizens paid
£1,400 of a contribution to prevent the city
from being plundered ; and by a royal procla
mation the soldiery were forbidden to plunder
on pain of death. When Sir Arthur Ashton
communicated the news of this important vic
tory to King Charles, who was then at Oxford,
his Majesty ordered public thanksgivings on
? Lord Clarendon in his History of the Rebellion, vol. II. p. S9i.

414
the joyful occasion. At a council of war, and
council of state, it was agreed to send Sir John
Pennington, speedily to Bristol, to take the
command of the ships, and a proclamation was
issued inviting all mariners that were willing to
serve the king, and promising that those should
have their pardon who had served under the
Earl of Warwick, and that the arrears of their
pay due by him should be immediately paid
at Bristol, with his Majesty's pay and favour
for the future.
According to the quaint humour of the age,
an account of the victorious progress of the
royal forces; on the 31st of July, 1643, was
given in the following rhymes.
Bristol taking,
Exeter shaking,
Glocester quaking.
Prince Rupert, with part of the royal
army, to the number of 900 cavalry, and 4000
infantry having taken possession of the city
and casfle of Bristol; the King, accompanied
by Prince Charles, and the Duke of York,
came to this city, on the 3d of August, and
appointed the Victorious Prince Rupert, gover
nor. During his Majesty's stay in this city,
he lodged at the house of Mr. Creswick, in

415
Small-street, the beautiful gothic architecture
of which is yet entire. Towards the close of
the year 1643, letters patent, of which the
following is a copy, passed the great seal ap
pointing the military establishment of this gar
rison. " Charles by the grace of God, King of
England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, De
fender of the Faith, &c. To our trustie and
welbeloved s'vant, Edward Turnor, Esq. the
th'rer of our garrison of Bristoll, Bathe, the
Towne and Castle of Berkley, Nunney Castle,
Farley Castle, and Portshall Pointe, lying and
being within our severall counties of Som'sett,
Glocester, and the citie and countie of Bristoll.
Whereas for the good and safetie of our peo
ple, we have thought fitt to plan and settle
sev'all garrisons in our cities of Bristoll and
Bathe, the Town and Castle of Berkley, Nun
ney Castle, Farley Castle, and Portshall Point,
and for the well ordering, fortifying, manneing.,
and maynteyning of the said several garrisons,
have thought it likewise fitt, by the advice of
our Councell, to cause an establishmt of con-
tribuc'on to be made, settled, assigned, and set
out, to and for the mayntenance of the gar
risons aforesaid, and the officers and soldiers
there. As also an establishmt of a constant

416
pay and allowances to be made, issued forth*
and allowed weekly to such troopes and regi-
m'ts of horse and foote, and sev'all officers
and souldiers of the same, and for divers other
ends and purposes, tending to our service, the
mayntenance and safetie of our said garrisons
in such sorte as by one schedule, signed with
our sign manuall, bearing the same date with
theis presents hereunto annexed, doth and may
appeare. And we doe further order and as-
signe two hundred pounds by the weeke to
be duely and constantly paid out of such
moneys as shall arise and become due out of
the customes, by the hand of the officer or
officers of our customes, for the use and better
mayntenance of our said garrisons. Now, to
the end our good inten'cons for the safetie of
our garrisons aforesaid, and all our loving
subjeets there, may have a good effect, by a
due execn'con of the said establishmt in all
parts thereof, as it is intended by us, Wee
reposing espe'iall trust and confidence in your
abilitie, integretie and good inclina'con to our
said s'vice, have ordained, constituted, and
appointed, and doe by these presents ordain,
constitute, and appoint you, the said Edward
Turnor, to be our th'rer for our said gar
risons of Bristoll, &c. giving you hereby full
power to acte and perform -whatsoever upon

417
the plan of th'rer of our said garrisons doth
and may in any sorte belonge or app'rteyne.
And you, the said Edmund Turnor, are to
com'ence and beginne to be th'rer of our
garrisons aforesaid, for the receiving, collecting,
and issuing forth, all the said sev'all somes of
money from the first of November last past.
And the better to enable you, the said Ed
mund Turnor, for the p'formance of our s'r-
vice aforesaid; wee do hereby will and require
all our sheriffs, commissioners, justices of peace,
maiors, bayliffes, high-constables, and petit-con
stables, and all other our officers, ministers,
and other loveinge subjects whatsoever, in our
severall counties of Som'sett, Wiltes, and Glou
cester, and our citie and countie of Bristoll,
to be aidinge and assisting to you, your suffi
cient deputies, collectors, or assignes, and every
of you, in receiving, leaveying, collecting, and
gathering the contribuc'ons of the severall and
respective hundreds, cities, townes, villages,
and places menc'oned in the said schedule here
unto annexed. And wee doe hereby further
com'and that all high constables, and petit-
constables, and all other p'sons whatsoever,
whome these may concerne, doe yield obedience
and forthwith execute all such warrants as they,
or any of them, shall, from tyme to tyme, receive
from you the said Edmund Turnor, as th'rer
vol. i. d d

418
of our said garrisons, or any of your de
puties, collectors, or assigns, authorized by
you, touching or concerning the leavying arid
receiving all such somes of money as shall
arise and growe due by Way of contribuc'on,
which somes of money soe leavied and received
by them, they, the said high constables, petit-
constables, and all others whatsoever, whome it
concerned as aforesaid, are to bring in and
convey to such places, and to such p'sons,
and att such tymes as you, the said Edward
Turnor, your deputies, collectors, or assigns;
shall appointe and direct, and hereof they nor
any of them, may att any tyme fail], under
such paine and penalty as shall be inflicted uppon
them by a councell of warre ; and for defaulte
of paym't of the aforesaid contribuc'on, wee
doe also hereby require and com'and all our
officers and soldiers within or belonging to our
said garrisons, from tyme to tyme, to give their
best assistance in sending forth such parties of
horse or foote, as you shall think fitt and ne
cessary for the due leavying and collecting of
the contribuc'ons aforesaid. Arid you, the said
Edmund Turnor, are, fr6m tyme to tyme, to
issue forth and pay out of all and every such
some or somes of money as shall be raised and
leavied, as well out of the contribuc'ons as the
customes aforesaid, to such p'sons, and ac-

419
cording to the order and forme for the paym't
of the said sev'all garrisons expressed arid set
forth in the said establishm't hereunto annexed.
And you are hereby alsoe required to demeane
and behave yourself in the said place of tre'r,
and to p'forme and execute such orders and
instruc'cons as you shall receive from us, bearing
the same date with theis p'sents, and all such
further orders and instruc'cons as you shall from
tyme to tyme receive from us. And for the
execu'con of our said service, wee doe give,
grant,' and allowe to you, the said Edmund
Turnor, thirteene shilling four pence p. diem,
to you for two clerks, to each two shilling six
pence p. diem, to you for eight collectors of the
contribu'cons, to each four shilling p. diem, to
three keepers of the stores or magazines for pro
visions and victualls, to each three shilling four
pence p. diem. And likewise we doe hereby
give allowance for books, bagg, paper, inke, pens,
and all such other necessaries as our said service
shall require; all which said severall allowances
shall be allowed unto you uppon your accompt ;
and for soe doeing this shall be your sufficient
warrant. Ifi witnes whereof wee have carised
theis our 1'res to be made patent. Witnes our-
selfe att Oxford, the fourth day of December, in
the twentieth yeare of our Raignep. ip'm. Regem."
Willys.

420
" Charles R.
" An Establishment for Bristoll, comprisinge
Bath, Berkeley Castle, Portshall Pointe, Nun-
ney and Farley Castles dependant thereof, to
com'ence and beginne the first of November,
1644.

£C Three regiments of foote, 1,200 in each re-

s>

o
giment, officers and all, each regiment to bee
paid accordinge to theise ensuing particulars, viz.
PER WEEKE.
To a Colonel  £'05 00 00
To a Lieuten'nt-Colonel  04 03 04
To a Sergeant- Major  03 16 08
To a Captaine  02 10 00
To a Lieuten'nt  01 08 00
To an Ensigne  00 18 00
To a Gentleman of Armes .... 00 08 00
To a Corporal!  00 05 00
To a Drum'e-Major  00 08 00
To a Drum'er  00 05 00
To a Quarter-master  01 00 00
To a Chaplaine  01 00 00
To a Provost-Marshall  01 00 00
To a Chirurgeon  02 00 00
To a Carriage-Master  00 18 00
To a Com'on Souldier  00 03 06
After which rate, three regiments
of foote, theire pay ainounteth
weekly to  833 17 10

421
" A regiment of seaven troopes of horse, con-
sistinge of 60 horse to each troope, officers and
all, and his highness' troope of horse, consisting
of 200, besides officers, to bee paid according
to the ensuing particulars : PER WEEKE.
To a Colonell  ,£07 00 00
To a Lieutenant-Colonell  06 00 00
To a Sergeant-Major  05 10 00,.
To a Captaine  05 00 00
To a Lieuten'nt  03 00 00
To a Coronet  02 05 00
To a Quarter-master . . . . . . .01 10 00
To a Corporall  01 01 00
To a Trumpeter  00 17 06
To a Chirurgeon  00 17 06
To a Chaplaine  , . . 01 08 00
To a Trooper . . .'  00 10 00
After which rate, one regiment
of horse theire pay amounteth
weekly to  352 02 00
His Highness' troope of horse,
theire paye weekeley  120 17 00
" The chief officers of the sev'all garrisons
to be paid weekely as followeth, viz.
The Governour, the Treasurer, to
supply his charges,

422 PER WEEKE.
The Lieuten'nt-Governour . . . .£21 00 00
The Deputy-Governour  10 00 00
The Major  05 00 00
The Com'issary-General or Mus
ter-Master  03 10 00
The Quarter-Master-Gen'all . .. 02 06 08
The Engineir  02 06 08
The Petardier or Engineir for
, Fire-works  05 00 00
The Provost Marshall  02 06 08
The Keeper of. the Stores ..... 01 00 00
The Proviant Mr  01 00 00
The Governour of Bathe  07 00 00*
The Governour of Berkeley ... 07 00 00
The Governour of Portshail-Pointe 05 00 00
* Short notices respecting the garrisons subordinate to Bristol*
in 1644. Bath was garrisoned in the early part of the civil wars for
Charles I. and ,£7,000, were expended on its fortifications ; but it
soon became one of the principal posts of .the parliamentary forces.
Sir W. Waller lay there a considerable time with his whole army :
but after the battle of Roundway Down, in 1643, the king's troops
retook possession of the city without difficulty. It was then
included in the Bristol establishment; but was given up by Sir Tho.
Brydges, in July, 1643, previous to the surrender of Bristol.*
Berkeley Town and Castle, in Gloucestershire, the chief strength
of which consisted in the outworks and church, was delivered up to
the parliamentary forces by the gallant Sir Charles Lucas, the 25th
of September, 1645, after a vigorous defence of nine days.f
* Collinson's Somersetshire, I. 30. + Anglia Rediviva, ut supra.

423

.« PER WEEKE.
The Governour of Nunny Castle £05 00 00
The Governour of Farley Castle 05 00 00
The Treasurer  04 13 04
To him for eight Collectors ... 11 04 00
To him for two Deputyes .... 03 10 00
To him for two Clerkes  01 05 00
To him for three Keepers of the
Magazine of Victualls  03 10 00
To the Gunners, and other inferiour Officers, as
followeth, viz.
Master Gunner ... £ 02 06 08 per weeke.
Waterfort, Ordinance John Greenfield, Mr Gunner ... .00 17 06
7. Richard Abbot, Mate  00 14 00
To three Gunners, each 10s. ... 01 10 00
Brandon-Hill Fort, Francis Pitt. Mr Gunner •  00 17 06
Ordinance, Henry Gosse, Mate  00 14 00
6. To two Gunners, each lOsh. ... 01 00 00
Great Forte, John Skinner, Mr Gunner  00 17 06
Ordinance John Sherland, Mate  00 14 00
22, To six Gunners, each lOsh  03 00 00
' Com-'issary of Victualls  01 10 00
Nunney Castle, three miles S. W. of Froom, in Somersetshire,
had in it a large magazine ; but was taken by the parliamentary
army, after a. siege of two. days, . and burnt to prevent the possibi;
lity of its future service to the king, September 8, 1645.*
' FaTley . Castle, Somersetshire, surrendered to the parliamentary
army September 15, I645.f
Portshall, or Portshead Point, in Somersetshire, a fortification
commanding King's Road, in the Bristol Channel, surrendered to the
parliamentary army on the 28th. of. August, 1645, after six days
resistance; and thus the communication with the channel by water
was cut off, previous to the siege of Bristol.
* Anglia Itedmva. t CoIHnson's Somersetshire, II. 21';.

424

PER WEEKE.
Redoute. Ordinance Walter Daniell, Mr Gunner . . «£00 17 06
7, John Gilburte, Mate  00 14 00
To two Gunners, each lOsh. ... 01 00 00
Prior Hill Joseph Tucker, Mr Gunner .... 00 17 06
Ordinance, William Howlett, Mate  00 14 00
13. To three Gunners, each lOsh. , . 01 10 00
T^afford Gate John Simonds, Mr Gunner  00 17 06
Ordinance John Jones, Mate  , . . 00 14 00
7. To six Gunners, each lOsh  03 00 00
Temple, James Fuller, Mr Gunner  00 17 06
Ordinance John Scott, Mate  00 14 00
14. To five Gunners, each lOsh. ... 02 10 00
Redcliffe, John Sterrey, Mr Gunner  00 17 06
Ordinance Richard Hamans, Mate  00 14 00
15. To four Gunners, each lOsh. ... 02 00 00
Castle and Newgate, John Robert, Mr Gunner  00 17 06
Ordinance John Warden, Mate  00 14 00
16. To eleaven Gunners, each lOsh. .05 10 00
Com'issary of Victualls  01 10 00
Frome Gate, & Pithay William Purser  ,. 00 14 00
Gate Ordinance* William Crookebank  00 14 00
2.
For makinge of Armes and Ammun'con  £350
For finishinge the Workes  219
Which is to be raised upon the Assigna'cons following, viz,
Out of the Hundreds of Som'set hereunto annexed, rated
weekly att may yield  850
Out of the Hundreds of Wilt'es hereunto annexed, rated
weekly att may yield  500
Out of the Hundred of Gloucester, being the whole Division
of Berkeley, rated Weekly att but may yield . . 300
Out of Bristol, hereunto annexed, rated Weekly at ... . 150
Out of the Customes  200

425
" The Hundreds of Som'sett, beinoe the east
division to bee established for the several garri
sons aforesaid. Bartcliffe cum Bedminster.
Portbury.
Bren cum Wreinton.
Bempston. Winterstoke. 12 hides cum Glaston.
Welsford cum Burgo.
Whitston.Chew.
Chewton Keynesham.
Bathford cum Burgo.
Hainxton cum Claverton.
Wilbey cum lib'tat Hosethorne.
Froom cum lib'tat.
Almersdon cum lib'tat.
Catsash.
Norton Ferryes.
Brewton cum Burgo.
" The Hundreds of Gloucester, beinge the whole
division of Berkeley, to be established for the
garrisons aforesaid.
Berkeley Hundred.
Crumbaldash Hundred.
Lanley cum Swinshed Hundred

426
Thornebury Hundred.
Henbury Hundred.
Puckle-Church Hundred.
Barton Rs, Hundred."

By this establishment, the treasurer had full
power to demand such force as he might judge
necessary to compel the payment of contribution
to the garrison, subject only to his majesty's
directions : thus the commission was held inde
pendent of any intermediate authority.
The sums which were payable in each county
appear already in the schedule ; the only parti
culars which the author of this communication
is possessed of, are as follow :
" Hundred of Radcliffe cum Bed-
minster payeth £200. per month.
Long Ashton  40 0 0
Bedminster  40 0 0
Barron  20 0 0
Batcombe and Rigilberry .... 20 0 0
Backwell  33 6 8
Chelby-  6 13 4
Winford  40 0 0

£200 0 0

427
-'< Portbury Hundred: PER month.
Wraxall and Fayland ...... £?25 0 0
Naylsie  18 15 0
Broxton  q 5 q
Walton  rr g 4
Portbury  31 0 6
Abbots Leigh . . . ,  16 10 8
St. George's  16 17 0

£'121 10 6"

Vestiges of the outworks of Bristol, beginning
at the spot where the water-fort was built, near
the glass-house, in Limekiln-street, may yet be
traced to where Brandon-Hill fort stood, and
thence to the south-east corner of Berkeley-
square. The line was continued by the west end
of ^Park-street to the royal fort near the seat of
Thomas Tyndall, Esq. and thence to Mr. Car-
den's garden near the Montague tavern, where
remains of the redoubt, or Colston's fort, are
still perceptible, and so on to Prior's-hill fort
near the north end of St. James's Place and
Somerset-street ; thence by Stake's Croft, across
the river Frome to Lawford's-gate, and onward
to the bank of the Avon opposite Tower Har-
ratz, whence the line of fortification extend
ed by where Temple and Redcliff gates stood,

428
to another part of the bank of the Avon, which
completed the line of four miles in circumference.
The works from Prior's-hill fort to Lawford's-
gate were not five feet high, and the highest
work of the royal fort not quite twelve feet.
The ditch or trench which surrounded the works
did not exceed seven feet wide, and five feet deep.
A line of fortification so imperfect, extensive,
and inadequately defended by artillery, was in
sufficient for the protection of Bristol ; but as
the garrison was supported by precarious monthly
contributions raised in the city and its neigh
bourhood, the governor was not censurable for
the weakness of the works. The civil war be
tween the king and parliament affords indeed a
memorable instance of the evils of despotism.
Had King Charles been satisfied with the con
stitutional means of increase, he might have lived
glorious and died lamented. The best defence
of a prince is the affection of the people ; tow
ers, cannon, and guards, sink beneath the energy
of a nation rouzed in defence of its liberties ;
and although a despot may, with temporary glory,
" Comet-like, flame lawless through the void,
" Destroying others, by himself destroy'd,
history clearly demonstrates how short, and how
fatal, is the career of power, actuated by the
folly of ambition, and the enormity of injustice.

CONTENTS

OF

CHAPTER THE SEVENTH.

Particulars of the Siege of Bristol in 1645 — Preparations made by
Fairfax and Cromwell to storm the City — Summons sent by Fairfax
to the Governor Prince Rupert — His Answer — Several Propositions
from Prince Rupert rejected by General Fairfax — Bristol stormed
— Prince Rupert surrenders the City and Castle by Capitulation
Letter from the King to Prince Rupert on that Subject — The
Prince vindicates his Conduct — Honourably acquitted "by a Council
of War, held before the King at Newark.

CHAPTER THE SEVENTH.

During the time that Prince Rupert was go
vernor of Bristol, the fortifications of the city and
castle were strengthened, and the peaceful pursuits
of commerce interrupted by warlike preparation
and discipline. While the city continued in pos
session of the royalists, its trade suffered annoy
ance from the fleet belonging to the parliament;
though in some instances the commanders of ships
of war manifested their attachment to the king,
and detached themselves from the enemies of
royalty. In the month of January, 1644, a new
ship, called the John, of London, belonging to
the English merchants who traded to the East
Indies, was brought to Bristol by Captain Mack-
nelly, his officers, and ship's crew, for his ma
jesty's service. This ship mounted twenty-six
guns, and contained £'17,000. in money, besides

432
several valuable commodities. The Prince of Wales
came to this city on the 10th of March follow
ing, and conferred the honour of knighthood on
Captain Macknelly. This was the only remark
able occurrence in this city during a period of
more than two years that Prince Rupert con
tinued governor. The army under Fairfax and
Cromwell came before this city in the month of
August, 1645, and after a siege of several days,
it was taken by storm. The following are the
authentic particulars of this memorable siege, dur
ing which the inhabitants of Bristol were in a
state of peculiar calamity, being at once exposed
to the miseries of war, and a terrible pestilence,
of which no less than one hundred and fifty
persons died in a week.

a

After reducing Sh^fborn, Bristol being con
sidered as the only considerable port the king.
had in the whole kingdom, for shipping, trade,
and riches, and also a magazine for all sorts of
ammunition and provisions, it was resolved to
irk
march thither for reducing that city.
" Two thousana horse were sent before, under
Commissary-General Ireton, to preserve the towns
adjacent to Bristol from plunder and firing, for
the better accommodation of our quarters ; and
advice was sent to Vice- Admiral Captain Mul-

433
ton, riding about Milford-Haven, to send ships
into King-road, to block up Bristol by sea, as
this army intended to go by land.
" Thursday, August 21, General Fairfax and
Lieutenant-General Cromwell, went and viewed
the town, which was now approached, appointed
guards and quarters on the west side of the river,
and quartered themselves at Kainsham that night,
where divers lords sent for passes to come out
of the city to go beyond sea, but were all denied.
" Friday, 22, a general rendezvous of horse ;
all this day spent in setting guards on Somer
set side, where the country men maintained a
passage, the head-quarters being this day removed
to Hanham. " Saturday, 23, Fairfax and Cromwell em
ployed the whole day in settling the quarters
and grounds on the other side Bristol. The
cannon played this day from the great fort, and
Prior's Hill fort, but hurt none but one dra
goon, who had his thigh shot off. The t head
quarters removed to Stapleton.
".^August 24. — The Lord's day. A sally out
of the sally-port, near Prior's-hill fort, repulsed
by Colonel Rainsborough's brigade and horse.
Vol. i, Be

434
" Tuesday, August* 26. — A third sally on So
merset side, on a post of Colonel Welden's, at
Bedminster, ten killed, and as many wounded.
Sir Bernard Ashley, a rOyahst, taken, and died
a few days after of his wounds.
" Thursday, 28.— The fort of Portishead Point,
after four days siege, taken, with six pieces of
ordnance, by which means a communication was
laid open with the ships in Kingroad.
" Friday, 29- — A fast observed by the army
to ask God for a blessing upon the designs against
Bristol. Mr. Del and Mr. Peters kept the day
at the head-quarters, but were disturbed by a
sally about noon upon the quarters at Lawford's
Gate ; three or four soldiers taken.
'f August 31. — Captain Moulton* from King-
road, held a meeting with the general, and of
fered to assist in storming the city with his seamen.
" Monday, September 1. — Prince Rupert, with
1,000 horse, and 600 foot, sallied out about
twelve at noon, the sixth time, in full career$
upon our horse-guards, with much fierceness,
and were made to retreat very hastily ; Captain
Guilliams killed, and Colonel Okey taken by
Prince Rupert. Orders given to view the line

435
and works,, and the soldiers to make faggots,
and all fitting preparations for a storm.
" September 2.— After a council of war held,
it was determined to storm Bristol ; and the
manner was referred to a committee of the colo
nels to present in writing to the general next
morning, to be debated in a general council of
war, which was agreed to be in the following
manner. Colonel Welden, with his brigade; of
four regiments, were to-storm in three places on
the?i Somerset side; 200 men in the middle;, 200
on each side as forlorn hopes to begin the storm ;
twenty ladders to each place ; two men to carry
each ladder, at twenty shillings each. Each of
the musketeers that followed the ladder to carry
a faggot ; a serjeant to command them, and to
have the same reward. Twelve files of men,
with fire-arms and pikes, to follow the ladders
to each place where the storm was to be; those
to be commanded each by a captain and lieute
nant, the latter to go before with five files, the
captain to second him with the other seven ; the
200 men appointed to second the storm to fur
nish each party of .them twenty pioneers, who
were to march in their rear, the 200 men com
manded each by a field officer, and the pioneers
each by a serjeant ; (those pioneers were to throw
down the line to make May for the horse ;) the

436
party that was to make good the line to possess
the guns, and turn them; a gentleman of the
ordnance, gunners, and matrosses, to enter with
the parties; the drawbridge to be' be let down;
two regiments and a half to storm? in after the
foot, if way was made; Much after this . man
ner was the general brigade under Colonel Mon
tague's command, consisting of the General's, Col.
Montague's, Col. Pickering's, and Sir Hardresse
Waller's regiments, to storm on both sides Law-
ford's-gate, both to the river Avon, and the
lesser river Froom ; the bridge* over Froom to
be made good against horse with pikes, or to
break it down. Colonel Rainsborough's 'brigade, :
consisting of his own, Major-General Skippon's
Colonel Hammond's, Colonel Birche's, and Colo
nel Pride's regiments, to storm on this side the *
Froom, beginning at the right hand of the sally
port up to Prior's-hill Fort, and to storm the
fort itself as the main business ; 200 . of this bri
gade to go up in boats with the seamen to storm
Waterfort (if it could be attempted ;) one regi
ment of horse, and a regiment of foot, to be
moving up and down in the closes before the
royal fort, to "ply hard upon it, with a field-
officer to command them ; the regiment of dra
goons, with two regiments of horse, to carry
ladders with them, and to attempt the line of
works by Clifton and^ Washington's "breach,

437
"Such was the manner of storm agreed on;
the cannon baskets were ordered to be filled, sea
men and boats sent for, and on the 4th of Sep
tember, the weather which^ had been extremely
Wet before,- begun to alter, and the great guns
began to play from the new battery against Pri-
or's-hill Fort. The following summons was also
sent to the governor of the city,
To Prince ' Rupert.
" Sir,
" For the service of the parliament, t have.
brought Jtheir own army before the city of Bris-
jjtol, and do summon you in their names to
render it, with all the forts belonging to the
same, into my hands, for their use. — Having
used this plain language, as the business requires,
I wish it may be as effectual with you as it is
satisfactory to myself, that I do a little expos
tulate with you, about the surrender of the
same ; which I confess is a way not common,
and which I should not have so used, but in
respect to a person of such sort, and in such
a place: I take into consideration your royal
and relation to the crown of England, your hon
our, courage, and all the virtues of your per
son, and the' strength of that place, which you
may think ypurself bound and able to maintain.
Sir, the crown of England is and will be where

438
it ought to be ; we 'fight to maintain it there ;
but the king, misled by evil counsellors* or through
a seduced heart, has left -his parliament and
people, (under God, the best assurance of his
family :) the maintaining of this schism is the
ground of this unhappy war on your part; and
what sad effect it hath produced in the three
kingdoms, is visible to all men. To maintain
the rights of the crown and the kingdom jointly,
the principal part is, that the king, in supreme
acts concerning the whole state, is not to be
advised by men of whom the law takes no
notice, but by the parliament, the great council
of the nation, in whom (as much as man is
capable of,) he hears all his people as it were,
at once addressing him, and in which multitude
of counsellors lies his- safety, and his people's
interest. To set him right in this hath been
the constant and faithful endeavour Of the par
liament, and to bring those wicked instruments
to justice, that have misled him, is a principal
ground of our fighting. Sir, if God'make's this
clear to you, as he hath to us, I doubt not but
he will give you an heart to deliver this place,
notwithstanding all the considerations of honour,
courage, and fidelity, &c. because < their consis
tency and use in the present business depends":
upon the right or wrongfulness of what has been
said. And if, upon such convicti6n, you should

439
surrender the city, and save the loss of blood,
and the hazard of spoiling such a place, it would
be an act glorious in itself, and joyful to us,
for restoring you to the endeared affections of
the parliament and people of England, the truest
friends to your family it hath in the world.
But if this be hid from your eyes, and so great,
so famous, so ancient a city, so full of people,
be exposed through your wilfulness in putting us
,to force the same to the ruin and extremity of
war, (which yet we shall in that case as much
as possible endeavour to prevent ;) then I appeal
to the righteous God, to judge between you and?
us, to requite the wrong ; and let all Eng
land judge whether to burn its towns, and ruin
its cities, and destroy its people,* be a good
requital /from a person of your family, which
have had the prayers, tears, money, and blood
of this parliament; and if you look on . either
as now divided, both ever had the same party
in parliament, and among the people most zea
lous for their assistance and restitution ; which
you now oppose and seek to destroy ; and whose
constant grief hath been, that their desire to
serve your family hath been ever hindered, and
made fruitless by that same party about his
/majesty, whose councils you act, and whose in
terest you pursue in this, unnatural war. I ex-

440
pect your speedy answer to this summons by
the return of the bearer this evening, and am,
" Your Highness's humble servant,
" Sept. 4, 1645. Tho. Fairfax."
(Answer.)
" Sir, ;
" I received your'» by your trumpet, and de
sire to know if you will give me leave to send
a messenger to the " king, to know his pleasure
therein. I am, ' " Your servant, " Rupert."
(Reply.)
" Sir, ,
" Your overture of sending to his majesty to'
know bis pleasure, I cannot give way to,^*nor
admit of so much delay as that would requite j
wherefore, thereby I cannot but understand your
t intention intimated not to surrender without his
majesty's consent ; yet because it is but implicit, I
send you again to know more clearly, if you
have any more positive answer to give from
yourself, which I desire to receive; and which
1 1 desire may be such as may render me capable
to approve -myself \ h<t
^fs *"'J" Your Highness's humbje servant.
" Sept. 5, 1645. || Tho.' Fairfax."

441
t *| From the 5th to the 9th of September^
repeated propositions from Prince Rupert and
General Fairfax were received and rejected ; and,
on the 10th, at two o'clock in the morning,
the signal for the assault was given, by setting
fire to some straw and faggots on the top of a
hill, and firing four great guns frpm the gene
ral's station during the storm, which was an old
farm-house opposite Prior's-hill fort. On the
signal, the storm immediately began around the
city, with all the combined horrors of darkness
and carnage. Colonels Montague and Pickering,
with their regiments, soon forced a passage at
Lawford's-gate, where they seized the, cannon,
and made several of the garrison prisoners, Major
Desborough advancing with the cavalry after them.
Another brigade, commanded by Lieut .-Colonel
Jackson, scaled- the J works between Lawford's-
gate and the river Froom; while Colonel Rains-
borough's and Colonel Hammond's -regiments |
entered near Prior's fort. Major-General Skip-
pon's and Colonel Birdie's regiments, entered
nearer to ..the river Froom ; and the regiment
.^commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Pride was di-?t
vided, part being detached to attack Prior's fort,
and part :to alarm the troops in the Royal fort;
" After the line was broke down by the pur
suers, and a~ gap made in the same, the horse

. 442 r $¦
with undaunted courage entered, and within th»
line met with a party of the enemy's horse,
put them to a retreat, mortally wounded Colo
nel Taylor, of which wounds he died, and took
divers prisoners. This so disheartened .their horse,
that they never came on again to give one charge,
but retreated, and stood in a body under the
favour of the great fort, and Colston's fort.
" In the meanwhile Pripr's-hill fort obstinately
held out, playing fiercely with great and small '
4 shot on, our men, for two hours , after the line
was entered ; our men all tha| time in like
manner plying them, hard with musket shot in
at the port-holes, until they brought up ladders
to the fort ; but it being an high, work, many
of the ladders proved too? short, through which
fault some that got up were beaten down again.
Notwithstanding, this disheartened them : not,
-%but up they went again upon the greatest dan- >s
ger and disadvantage, some at last creeping in
at the port-hples, and others got on the; top
of the works f& Captain Lagoe, , of Lieutenant-
u " ' ' : Mk '' 'V*t
Colonel ".Pride's regiment^ being the first man
that laid hold on the colours, and in the end
we forced the enemy within to run below into
the inner rooms of the work, hoping to receive
quarter ; but our soldiers were so little prepared
to shew mercy, by the opposition they had 'met

443
withal in the storm, and the refusal of quarter
when it was offered, that they put to the sword
the Commander, Major Price, a Welshman, and
almost all the officers, soldiers, and others in
the fort, except a few which at the entreaty of
our officers, were spared their lives. All this
Was done between two o'clock and five in the
morning. <c Most happy it was that the storm began
so early, for otherwise had the enemy had day
light when we first entered, we could not have
attempted Prior's-hill fort, in regard this jjreat
fort, and Colston's fort on the one side, and the
castle on the other, might Tiave cut ».off all our
men as fast as they had been drawn up ; but
being in the dark, they durst not fire for fear
of killing their own men ; their horse during the
s%orm being drawn up between the great fort
and Colston's fort : but on Somerset side, suc
cess was riot answerable to that on this side, our
forces there being put to a retreat, though they
went on with much courage; the works on that
$ide were so high that the ladders could nofy
near reach them, and the approach into the
line of gipat disadvantaged ¥

'[ Lest during the storm the prince? (in case
he saw the town like to be, lost), should endea-

444
vour to escape with his horse, to prevent ihi
same, Commissary-General Ireton, Colonel But
ler's, and Colonel. Fleetwood's regiments of horse
were appointed to be : in a moving body upon
Durdham-Down, that place being the most open
way, and most likely for the prince to escape
by; besides part of those horse did alarm that
side of the line, and the great fort ¦ towards
Durdham-Down and Clifton during the storm ;
as likewise to secure the fort, Colonel Okey's-
dragoOns alarming Brandon-Hill fort, and the
line towards Clifton. — About two hours after
taking Prior's-hill fort, a trumpet came from
the prince 'to desire, a . parley, which the general
embraced on account of the y. city' 's being! set on fire
in several places, and on condition of. the fire being
immediately stopt .\ which was done* accordingly,
and so the treaty proceeded, and by seven at
•night was concluded according to articles.
*' I. That his Highness Prince Rupert, and
all noblemen, officers, gentlemen, and soldiers,
and all other persons whatsoever, now residing
in the city. , of Bristol,* and in the castle and
forts thereof, shall, march out, of the^said city
apd castle, and forts, with colours, , drums, pikes,
bag, and baggage. The prince his highness,
gentlemen, and? officers in commission, with their
horse and arms, .and their servants .with, their.

445
horse and swords, and common soldiers with their
swords, the prince's life-guard of horse with
their horse and arms, and 250 horse besides* to
be disposed of by the prince, and his life-guard
,of fire-locks with their arms, with each of them
a pound of powder, and a proportion of bullet;
and that none of the persons, who are to march
out under this article, are to be plundered,
searched, or molested.
*' II. That such officers and soldiers that shall
be left sick or wounded, in the city, castle, or
forts, shall have liberty to stay till their reco
very, and then shall have safe conduct to go to
his majesty, and in the5 interim to be protected.
¦ "III. That such persons above-mentioned, who
are to march away, shall have sufficient convoy
provided, for them to such garrison of » the king
as the prince shall name, not exceeding fifty miles
from Bristol, and shall ..have eight days allowed
them to march thither, and shall have free ^quar
ter by the way, and shall havej two officers . to
attend them for their accommodation, and twenty
waggons Jbr their baggage, if they shall have
occasion to use them, *|
" IV. That all the citizens of Bristol, and
all noblemen, gentlemen, clergymen, and all other

446*
persons residing in the said city and suburbs,
shall be saved from all plunder and violence,
and be secured in their persons and estates from
the violence of the soldiers, and shall enjoy
those rights and privileges which other subjects
enjoy under the protection and obedience to the
parliament. <l V. That in consideration thereof, the city
of Bristol, with , the castle, and all other forts #
and fortifications thereof, and all the ordnance^
arms, and ammunition, and all other furniture
and provisions of war, excepting what is before
allowed, shall be delivered up to Sir Thomas
Fairfax to-morrow, being Thursday, the 11th of
this instant, September, by one o'clock in the
afternoon, without any diminution or embezzle
ment, his Highness Prince Rupert then naming
to what army or garrison of the king's he will
march. " VI. That none of the army, who are to
march out on this agreement, shall' plunder,
hurt, or spoil the town, or any person in it,
or carry any thing but what is properly his
own, «*
" VII. That upon these articles being signed,
Colonel Okey, and all persons now in prison

447
in the city of Bristol, and the castle 'and forts
of the same, shall immediately be set at liberty.
" VIII. That sufficient hostages be given to
Sir Thomas Fairfax, and such as he shall ap
prove this night, who' are to remain with him
until the city be delivered.
" IX. That neither the (convoy nor officers
gent with the prince shall receive any injury in
their going and coming back, and shall have seven
days allowance for their return.
" X. That upon delivering of the town, suf
ficient hostages be given for the performance of
the articles on both parts.
" Signed by us, commissioners on the behalf
of his Highness Prince Rupert, " John Mynne,
" W. Tillyer,
"¦ W. Vavasour.
" Signed by us, comntlssioners on the behalf
of Sir Thomas Fairfax, " Ed. Montague,
" T. Rainsborough,
" John Pickering."

448
Such was the termination of the siege of
Bristol. In the storm several of the parlia
ment officers were killed, and many wounded.
While Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Oliver Crom
well, were sitting on the top of Prior's-hill fort,
a Cannon-ball from, j the Castle grazed upon the
wall within a foot of. them, but without doing
them any injury.
On Thursday, the 11th? of September, Prince-
Rupert marched, out of. the great fort, accom
panied by eight lords, and several ladies and
gentlemen!' General Fairfax escorted his high
ness about two miles, and multitudes of the
country people assembled to see the prince and
his garrison marching off. Many of the spectators
cried out, " give them no quarter, give them no
quarter," for the outrages committed by the gar
rison had provoked the people. Nay, it is even
recorded that " the cause Of sitting down before
Bristol, was to prevent the plunder and cruel
ties of Prince Rupert in that country."* But
this censure is too severe ; the prince was a
brave riian, and as no particular instance is men
tioned of his inhumanity, this misrepresentation
of Iiis character probably proceeded from party
malevolence. * Whitlocke.

449
Bristol was an important acquisition to the
parliament. In the city, castle, and forts, were
taken 140 pieces of cannon, and 100 barrels of*
gunpqwder. The great fort and castle had pro
visions for 150 men for 350 days. According
to the account given by Mr. Creswick, the
mayor, to Oliver Cromwell, the garrison con
sisted of 2500 infantry, 1,000 cavalry, and 1,500
trained bands and auxiliaries; but there marched
out only 500 cavalry, and 1,400 infantry, the
rest being killed, wounded, or having made
their escape. The besiegers lost 160 men, in
cluding seven officers., Major-General Skippon
was appointed governor of the city and castle ;
Mr. Creswick, the mayor, was displaced; and
Mr. John Gunning, who had been sheriff in
1631, put in his "office.
A short time before the siege of Bristol,
King Charles, who was in SoutlT Wales, resolved
to make this city his head-quarters, and had
actually adwanced to Chepstow, where he was
met by Prince Rupert. But the irresolution
which marked the councils of this unfortunate
sovereign prevailed ; he continued in Wales,,
and, was levying troops for the relief of the
garrison of Bristol, when he received the dread
ful news of its surrender. Prince .Rupert was
vol. J. Ff

450
severely censured by the king, in the following
letter, written from Hereford.
" Nephew,
'" Tho' the loss of Bristol be a great blow
to me, yet your surrendering it as you did is
so much affliction to me, that it makes me not
only forget the consideration of that place, but
is likewise the greatest trial of my constancy
that hath yet befallen me. For what is to be
done, after one that is so near to me both in
blood and friendship, submits himself to so
mean an action ? I give it the easiest terms
such  I have so much to say, that I
will say no more of it, only lest rashness of
judgment be laid to my charge, I must remem
ber you of your letter of the 12th of August,
whereby you assured me, that if no mutiny
happened, you would keep Bristol for four
months. Did you keep it four days ? Was there
any thing like a mutiny ? More questions might
;be asked, but now I confess to little purpose.
My conclusion is, to desire you to seek your
subsistence, until it shall please God to deter
mine of my condition someAvhere beyond sea,
to which end I send you herewith a pass, and
I pray God to make you sensible of your pre
sent . condition, and give you means to redeem
what you have lost; for I shall have no greater

451
joy in a victoiy than a just occasion, without
blushing, to assure you of my being
" Your loving uncle, and
" Most faithful friend,
" C. R."
It is evident, however, from the particulars
of the siege and surrender of Bristol, that the
city was no longer tenable. During the storm
the assailants obtained possession of the line
and works to the extent of a mile on the
strongest part of the fortification ; the city was
on fire, in several places ; the whole of Tem
ple-street was burnt down, and Prince Rupert
had no other way left to save himself, the
garrison, and the place, from total destruction,
but by those very favourable articles of capi
tulation which he obtained. Yet the royalists
were so dissatisfied, that he published a vindi
cation of his conduct in a pamphlet, entitled,
" A Declaration and Narrative of the State of
the Garrison, and of the City of Bristol, in
1645." As this publication affords much infor
mation, respecting the state of Bristol, and its
inhabitants, at the most important juncture re
corded in its history, the following extract will
doubtless prove interesting to the general reader,
a^s well as the native citizen,

452
" On Prince Rupert's coming to Bristol, the
constitution of the garrison had, by the estab
lishment, contributions settled for 3,600 men,
for that and the subordinate garrisons, at Nun-
ney, Portsend Point, &c. but on his exacter
enquiry, the presidiary soldiers which went for
eight or nine hundred men, were really in the
judgment of honest and judicious persons be
twixt five and six hundred effective ; the aux
iliary and trained bands, by interruption Of
trade, and by the pestilence then raging there,
and by poverty and pressures laid upon them,
were reduced to 800 ; and the mariners betook
themselves to other parts, or the enemy. The
commissioners entrusted for the contribution and
support of the garrison, abandoned the town
upon the enemy's approach ; and many consi
derable persons had leave to quit the town,
which disheartened the rest. For securing the
place, his highness drew in so many as to make
2,800 men upon sight. But after the enemy
approached, he could never draw up on the
line 1,500, and it was impossible to keep them
from getting over the works, and many of those
were new levied Welch, and inexperienced men.
The line to be defended was above four miles
in compass, the breast-work low and thin, the
graff very narrow and of no depth, and by the

453
opinion of all the colonels, not tenable on a
brisk and vigorous assault. The great fort,
which had the reputation of strength, lay open
to Brandon-hill fort, which, if taken, would,
from its height with the cannon, command the
whole 'plain within it ; and the want of water
was not to be borne many days. For the like
consideration of danger to the line from another
part, his highness built a redoubt without, which
on that side prevented the enemy from erecting
a battery, as likewise three others during the
siege, and drew a line of five hundred feet.
After the misfortune which happened to Lord
Goring's army, the loss of Bridgwater and Sher-
born, and upon his majesty's sudden recess out
of Wales, the prince conceiving it would be
best for his majesty's affairs to remain here, and
that the enemy's designs would be for Bristol
after their former successes, he gave orders for
all the inhabitants to victual themselves for six
months ; and upon strict survey, there were
2,500 families then remaining in the city, whereof
1,500, through indigence and want, could not
provide for themselves. To supply this defect,
2,000 bushels of corn were imported from Wales ;
and on the certain approach of the enemy ; all
the cattle thereabouts were ordered to be drove
in, by parties commanded out for that purpose.
The ammunition was scant, considering there

454
were in the forts, castle, line, and streets, above
one hundred cannon mounted ; the quantity of
powder not Exceeding 130 barrels, and at his
highness's coming in, there were not musket-
balls for three hours fight ; therefore, he caused
great quantities of lead to' be cast into bullets ;
and the manufacture of match was quite down,
and set up by his highness during the siege.
" These preparations made the colonels of
posts to be consulted about the tenableness of
the line ; their judgment AvaSj that notwith
standing the works and lines were very defec
tive, the circuit large, the soldiers few ; yet,
if a general storm could be once repelled, the
enemy would be discouraged from attempting a
second time, and the season of the year might
incommodate the besiegers. — On which account
they determined upon the best general defence
to be made upon the whole, wherein all might
share alike.
" A general defence being fixed on, the colo-
toels were all ordered to the several posts and
forts upon the line ; and his highness being so
licitous for securing the place, the enemy on
the 22d of August, appeared on Pill-Hill, on
the south side of the town ; he sent a party of
horse, commanded by Sir Richard Crome (who

455
in that action received his death's wound) to
encounter them: a little before that, Bedmin-
ster was fired, on intelligence that the enemy
that night intended to quarter 2,000 men in it,
and notwithstanding the fire, they drew thither,
and plied their small shot all night. — August
23d. The prince caused a traverse or blind of
earth to be made within the draw-bridge at
Temple-gate, and a battery raised in the Marsh,
for securing the river, and the fields beyond
it. The enemy began some breast-works,
and a battery on the hill without Temple-
gate, with a traverse across the way to hinder
our sallies.
*' Instructions for delivering the city up to
the parliament, signed Thomas Fairfax, and
Oliver Cromwell, were privately sent to the
citizens, August 25, 1645. Upon the intercept
ing these papers, his highness caused seven ac
tive and suspected persons to be restrained,
which prevented the design, and by his perso
nal presence, prevented the great fort from sur-
prizal ; and in the mean time, to interrupt the
enemy's working, made several sallies, which all
succeeded according to the design. August 26^
soon after the storm being expected by the
enemy's drawing together great bodies of horse
and foot, his highness double-manned the " liney

456
but nothing followed! — August 28. Five par
liament ships entered King-road, and forced
Captain Browne, who commanded the Tenth
Whelpe, to run up the Severn for security. —
August 29- The enemy was making a bridge
over the Avon, to conjoin their quarters. — Sep
tember 3. His highness began a work or cut
ting off within the line by Lawford's-gate, when
Sir Thomas Fairfax sent a summons to sur
render. " The castle and great fort indeed might have
held out for some time, but no assistance from
the west, nor from the king, was to be relied
on ; and the enemy could have blocked up the
castle, and advanced 12,000 men to have fought
a battle if required, or else have secured them
selves with the lines' against all opposition.
Besides, it appeared they were so absolutely
masters of all the passes, and had so barrica
ded up the ways, that a small force might
have hindred now a great army. And at that
time General Pointz so closely observed his
majesty's motions, that relief was very impro
bably to be expected, and Colonel Massey was
on the watch to intercept Lord Goring ; and
as the line was forced, Prior's-Hill fort, an im
portant place, lost, the officer to whose trust
it was committed, deserting it, (who never since

457
that time appeared, and who was said to have
been killed,) the city on resistance must have
been exposed to the spoil and ruin of the enemy ;
so many gallant men, avIio had so long and
faithfully served his majesty (whose safeties' his
highness conceived himself in honour obliged
to preserve as dearly as his own) had been left
to the slaughter and rage of a prevailing enemy ;
and the Scots being, on the 8th of September,
at Glocester, an intermediate place near which
his majesty must have marched to the relief of
Bristol, cut off all hopes of succour from him."
At a council of Avar, held before the king at
Newark, on the 18th and 21st of October,
Prince Rupert produced this narrative of facts
in his own justification; and on a full hearing,
his majesty was- pleased to declare that " his
nephew was not guilty of the least want of cou
rage or fidelity to him;" and the royal decision
was confirmed by the unanimous opinion of the
council.

CONTENTS

OF

CHAPTER THE EIGHTH.

'Prevalence of Party Animosity in Bristol during the Civil War— A
Fire on Bristol Bridge — Audacity of the Garrison in 1647— Olivej;
Cromwell comes to Bristol — Charles II. defeated at Worcester-
Escapes in disguise, and passes through Bristol to Abbot's Leigh,
— The Body of Ireton received with great Formality and funereal
Honours by the Corporation of Bristol — Bristol Castle demolished
in 1665 — Persecution of the Quakers in this City — Richard Crom*
well entertained by the Corporation — Proclaimed Lord Protector in
this City on the Demise of his Father — Insurrection at Bristol.

CHAPTER THE EIGHTH.

During the memorable year 1645, the
inhabitants of Bristol suffered the combined evils
of war and pestilence, it being computed that
3,000 persons died in this city of the plague,
exclusive of those that perished by the sword.
Soon after the surrender of the city to Fairfax,
all the clergy here who were suspected of dis
affection to parliament, were deprived of their
livings, and others appointed in their stead.
Hence party rancour prevailed over that cordial
unanimity for which the peaceful and industrious
citizens of Bristol had been distinguished ; the
concussions of civil warfare interrupted manu
factures ; foreign and domestic traffick suffered a
temporary suspension, and anarchy threatened
the dissolution of the body politic

462
In the year 1646, a fire broke out in the
house of an apothecary on the bridge, and burnt
all the houses on both sides, to the number of
twenty-four, from the chapel to St. Nicholas's
Gate. The licentiousness of the soldiers who
composed the garrison of this city, under Gene
ral Skippon, was intolerable to the inhabitants ;
and it is recorded that in 1647 a party of the
soldiery seized one of the aldermen, and refused
to release him till they received a month's pay,
and indemnity for the outrage. Indeed the coun
try was, in a great degree, under martial law
for some time prior to the trial and decapitation
of Charles I. and after that event the constitu
tion was subverted by a military usurper. —
Royalty was abolished by proclamation in 1648,
and the mayor of Bristol proclaimed the suc
cessors of Charles I. traitors to the state.
In 1649 the citizens of Bristol were, by an
act of parliament, obliged to pay £168. 19- 3f.
monthly, towards the maintenance of the army :
the commissioners were the mayor for the time
being, five aldermen, and nine of the principal
inhabitants. On the 7th of July this year, Lieu
tenant-General Oliver Cromwell came to this
city, and sailed for Ireland, of which he was
appointed chief governor by the parliament.

463
When the Prince of Wales, who was at the
Hague, received the melancholy news of his
father's death, he assumed the title of king, and
appointed his confidential adherents to be his
privy counsellors. He embarked from Holland
in June, 1650, and landed in Scotland, where he
was acknowledged by the principal nobility as
their lawful sovereign, and an army raised in
support of his pretensions. When the parlia
ment received intelligence of this circumstance,
Oliver Cromwell, who had been victorious against
the Irish, was recalled! On his arrival in Lon
don, , he received the thanks of parliament for
his public services in Ireland ; and on the resig
nation of General Fairfax, he was appointed
commander in chief of the army, and sent with
19,000 veterans to Scotland, against the king.
On the 3d of September, 1650, Cromwell de
feated the Scottish army at Dunbar, and imme
diately marched to Edinburgh, which opened its
gates, but the castle did not surrender till after
a close siege of three months.
King Charles II. arrived at Scone on the 1st of
January, 1651, and at the head of an army of
15,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry, he marched
to Torward, between Edinburgh and Sterling,
where he formed an entrenched camp. Cromwell

464
with his usual promptitude, marched to attack
the royal forces, but found them so strongly
posted, that he was unable to force their entrench
ments ; he therefore conveyed his army by sea
into the county of Fife, in order to cut off the
King's supplies; and Charles, availing himself
of the opportunity, marched into England, where
he was joined by a few friends. After a fatiguing
march, the King at the head of his army arrived
at Worcester, on the 22d of August. He was
received with the utmost respect by the magis
trates, and solemnly proclaimed in that city ; and
this favourable reception induced him to stop for
a few days, that his troops might rest, after which
he purposed to inarch to London.
In the mean time Cromwell pursued the King,
with an army superior to that of his Majesty,
both in number and discipline. On the 3d of
September, the two armies came to a general
action, in the vicinity of Worcester ; where, after
a contest of some hours, in which the King sig-
nalized his courage, he was defeated and com
pelled to enter the city, whither the royalists
were pursued by the enemy, and the principal
part of the infantry either slain or taken prisoners.
The King himself escaped in the disguise of a
rustic, to Boscobel, on the borders of Stafford
shire ; where he concealed himself in an oak tree,

465
in the thickest part of a wood, during a strict
search of his enemies, and travelled only in the
night, accompanied by his faithful guide, Richard
Pendrell. In his progress towards Bristol, he
was pursued by a party of the enemy to the
new ferry over the Severn. " He rode through
Shire Newton, and crossed the Severn at Chis-
well Pitt, on the Glocestershire side. The boat
had scarcely returned, before a corps of about
sixty republicans followed him to the Black
Rock, and instantly compelled the boatmen, with
drawn swords, to ferry them across. The boat
men, who were loyalists, left them on a reef
called English Stones, which is separated from
the Gloucester side by a lake fordable at low
water ; but the tide, which had just turned, flowed'
in with great rapidity, and they were all drowned
in attempting to cross. Cromwell, informed of
this unfortunate event, abolished the ferry; and
it was not renewed until the year 1748. The
renewal occasioned a law-suit between the family
of St. Pierre and the Duke of Beaufort?s guar
dians. In the course of the suit, depositions
taken before a commission of Chancery held at
Bristol, went evidently to prove the undoubted
right of Mr. Lewis to the ferry, and to confirm
the above interesting anecdote."*
* Fosbrooke's History of Gloucestershire, Vol. I. p. 37.
Vol. i. g g

466
The king had been conducted by Richard
Pendrell to Mr. Lane's, in Staffordshire, where
he was concealed nearly a week, and afterwards,
according to a concerted plan, he rode disguised
jike a servant before Mrs. Lane, who called him
William, to the seat of Mr. Norton, at Abbot's
Leigh, near Bristol. Lord Clarendon, who has
given an authentic and circumstantial account of
his majesty's escape, says, " There was no rest
ing in any place till they came to Mr. Norton's ;
nor any thing extraordinary happened in the
way, save that they met many people every day
in the way, who were well known to the king;
and the day that they went to Mr. Norton's,
they were necessitated to ride quite through the
city of Bristol, a place and people the king, had
been so well acquainted with, that he could not
i>ut send his eyes abroad,, to view the great al
terations that had been made there % and when
he rode near the place where the great fort had
stood, he could not forbear putting his horse
out of the way, and rode with his mistress be-
"hind him around it."*
From Abbot's Leigh, the king went to Coi,
Francis Windham's, at Trent, not far from Sher-
born, intending to take shipping for France at
* Lord Clarendon's History, Vol. III. p. 419.

46?
Ijynne. Brit being disappointed, he rode in dis
guise before a young gentleman from Trent to
Salisbury Plain, where he was met by Doctor
Henchman, who conducted him to Heal, and
thence to Stonehenge, where Lady Wilmot, a
faithful friend, met and conducted him to Sus
sex, where he embarked in a small vessel at
Brighthelmstone, and sailed for Normandy, where
he was safely landed in the month of Novem
ber. When this royal exile arrived at Paris, he
was neglected by the court of France, and obliged
to depend upon his mother's pension for a main
tenance. Such was the deplorable state of indi
gence to which the lawful sovereign of this great
nation was reduced by adversity.
In 1651, the Lord Deputy Ireton5 son-in-law
to Oliver Cromwell, died in Ireland. The ves
sel in which his body was conveyed to England
came into King-road, notice of which being sent
to the Mayor of Bristol, he sent a boat covered
with black, in which , the corpse was brought to
this city. When it was landed, a velvet pall
was put over the coffin, and the mayor, alder
men, and common-council, in their formalities,
and the governor and his officers, with a mul
titude of the citizens, attended the body. On
this occasion the great guns were fired from the
castle and fort. These pompous ceremonies in

468
honour of the dead, was a striking contrast to-
the obscurity with which Charles II. was obliged
to pass through this city.
Soon after the exaltation of Oliver Cromwell
to the sovereign power, under the title of Lord!
Protector, he issued orders for the demolition of
the castle of Bristol, which was begun on the
3d of January, 1655 ; and in the course of the
following year, a new road was made into the
qounty of Gloucester, through the place on which
the fortress formerly stood, A gate was erected
in 1659, called Castle-Gate, which was taken
down in 1766. Cromwell, who was convinced of
the general .adherence of the inhabitants of Bris
tol to royalty, probably thought it expedient to
deprive them of the protection of a fortress.
During the protectorate of Cromwell, the Quakers
suffered a severe persecution. Preachers of that
sect first came to Bristol in the year 1653 ; and
on the 13th of November, 1656, James Nailor,
and Dorcas Erbury, were summoned to appear
before the parliament in London. James Nailor
was sentenced by the parliament to a severe
punishment, which was executed in Bristol on
the 17th of January, 1757, according to the fol
lowing order.

469
" Cause James Nailor to ride in at Lawford's-
gate upon a horse bare ridged, with his face
backward ; from thence along Wine-street to the
Tolzey ; thence down High-street over the bridge,
and out of Rackly-gate ; there let him alight,
and bring him into Saint Thomas-street, and
cause him to be stript and made fast to the
cart-horse ; and there in the market first whip
ped ; from thence to the foot of the bridge, there
whipt ; thence to the end of the bridge, there
whipt ; thence to the middle of High-street, there
whipt ; thence to the Tolze)^, there whipt ; thence
to the middle of Broad-street, there whipt, and
then turn into Tailor's-hall, thence release him
from the cart-horse, and let him put on bis
cloaths, and carry him from thelice to Newgate
by Tower-lane the back way.
" There did ride before him, bare-headed,
Michael Stamper, singing most part of the way,
and several other friends, men and women ; the
men went bare-headed by him, and Robert Rich,
(late merchant of London) rode by him bare-
headed, and singing, till he came to Redcliff-
gate, and there the magistrates sent their officers
and brought him back on horseback to the Tol
zey, all which way he rode singing very loud,
where the magistrates met. It seems x James
Nailor is not noticed in the sufferings of •> the

470
Quakers, being justly censured by the generality
of them, till he had passed the bitter paugs of
a sincere repentance. Howbeit it was very ob
servable, that he endured his extreme punish
ment with a patience and magnanimity astonish
ing to the beholders ; and many were of opi
nion, that had not the blindness of their zeal
who condemned him, been at least equal to ..the
blackness of his guilt, a punishment much more
moderate might have sufficed." This rigorous
punishment was inflicted according to the sen
tence of a bigotted parliament, and not by the
desire of Cromwell, who was naturally brave, and
no persecutor,
On the 8th of December, 1657, the following
letter from, the Lord Protector was received by
the Mayor of Bristol. u Oliver, P.
¦' Trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well ;
remembering well the late expressions of love
that I have had from you, I cannot omit any
opportunity to express my care of you. I do
bear on all hands, that the cavelier party are
designing to put us into blood. We are, I hope,
taking the best care we can, by the blessing of
God, to obviate this danger ; but our intelligence
on all hands being that they have a design upon

471
your city, we could not but warn you thereof,
and give you authority, as we do hereby, to put
yourselves into the best posture you can, for
your own defence, by raising your militia by
virtue of the commission formerly sent you, and
putting them in a readiness for the purpose
aforesaid ; letting you also know, that for your
better encouragement herein, you shall have a
troop of horse sent you to quarter in or near
your town. We desire you to let us hear, from
time to time, what occurs, touching the malig
nant party, and so bid you farewell. Given at
Whitehall, the 2d December, 1657.
" To our trusty and well-beloved the mayor,
aldermen, and common-council of the city
of Bristol."
From the tenor of this letter, it is evident
that the usurper was apprehensive of the friends
of royalty, although King Charles, almost des
titute of resources, then lived in obscurity in a
foreign country. But perhaps this precaution was
dictated by the prudence or suspicion of the
Protector, whose apparent zeal for the protection
of the citizens, by sending " a troop of horse
to quarter in or near the town," seems to indi
cate his doubt of their attachment. According
to his command, the militia of the city was

472
raised, which probably contributed to the tran
quillity of the place.
The following instance of that temporising dis
position common among mankind, is extracted
from Mercurius Politicus, a newspaper published
during the interregrium. It is dated the 3d of
July, 1658, and is descriptive of the pompous
reception of Richard Cromwell, eldest son to the
Protector, " On Thursday last the most illustrious lord,
the Lord Richard Cromwell, (having received
two or three invitations in the name of this
city) set forward from Bath hither, attended by
a numerous train of gentry, and was met three
miles from the town by the sheriffs, accompa
nied with at least two hundred horse, whence
after their salutation and compliment in the name
of the city, they conducted his lordship, with
his lady, and the Hon. Col. William Cromwell,
Mr. Dunche, &c. into Bristol, waited on by
near four hundred horse, at whose entry the
artillery was fired from the Marsh, and the ships
that lay in the road ; and his lordship, riding
forward, was encountered by the mayor and" al
dermen, and was by them waited on to a house
provided for bis lordship, at Colonel Aldworth's,

473
in Broad-street, and there received with hearty
demonstrations of their affection to their high
nesses, (whom they said they had formerly the
honour to see there) and particularly to his lord
ship. The next day his lordship rode out to be
witness to the beauty of the place, and was at
his return entertained with a noble dinner, at
which it is observable that (although there were
plenty of wine, &c.) yet there was so much
respect paid to their prudent orders and civil
decorum, that that great entertainment was void
of that rudeness, and excess, and noyse, into
which the liberty of feasts, in these our days,
doe often betray their guests.
" The same evening his lordship passing thro'
another part of the city, round the Town Marsh,
was complimented with the discharge of the great
guns upon the place, and in his way forth treated
particularly by the mayor with a banquet, &c.
and returned safe to Bath. Throughout this whole
entertainment, there appeared as clear a fare of
duty and good affection, as ever was seen at any
time upon the like occasion : yet it is no more
than what is paid to that noble lord in every
place, by such as have had the honour to ob
serve his great humanity, joyned with so great
hopes, and the noblest inclinations of a virtuous
mind."

474
But the short, though triumphant irruption
of Oliver Cromwell, was drawing near to a ter
mination. In the month of August, 1658, he
was seized with a fever at Hampton-Court, and
his distemper daily increasing, he was brought
to Whitehall, where, after having nominated his
son Richard for his successor, he expired on the
3d of September, in the fifty-eighth year of
his age.
On the day after the demise of Oliver Cromwell,
his son Richard was proclaimed at London, Pro
tector of the Common Wealth of England,
Scotland, and Ireland ; and a similar proclama
tion was made without opposition in the prin
cipal towns of the three kingdoms. The follow
ing is an account of the procession, ceremonies,
and rejoicings in Bristol, on that occasion.
" The certain tydings of the decease of his
late highness Oliver Lord Protector, and the
news of proclaiming his now highness the Lord
Richard, came to our city this day by the post,
With an order from the council, for the pro
claiming of him here likewise with all speed,
which order being communicated by the mayor
to the common-council, direction was presently
given for putting all things in the best readi
ness could be, for such a solemnity, which in-

475
deed was performed the best that ever was in
this place, upon such an occasion. The order
whereof was thus : the place of meeting was the
Guildhall ; the several livery companies in their
gowns, and with their banners, went first ; after
them the drums of the city regiment, and the
Serjeants with all their halberts, and then the
militia officers ; after them the several civil offi
cers belonging to the corporation, with the city
musicians playing ; and then followed the mayor
and common-council in scarlet. Being come to
the Cross and near about it, the trumpets sounding,
the drums beating, and the music playing, the
sheriffs in their scarlet went up into the Cross,
and there one of them read the proclamation,
according to order; which, being ended, there was
a very great acclamation of the people, with
sounding of trumpets, &c. The whole compa
nies aforesaid brought the mayor to his house,
and then returned to their several homes. All
this was seconded with the firing of many great
guns in the Marsh, ringing of bells, bonfires,
and discharging of the great guns in the ships;
the concourse of people attending this service
was very great, considering the shortness of time
for their appearance ; and indeed all was carried
on and done in the best manner, and with the
highest affection that could possibly be." <,.,

476
But although the Protector Richard received
addresses from boroughs, cities, and counties, to
the number of ninety, and had similar compli
ments paid him by all the regiments without
exception, he soon felt his inability to rule the
factions then prevalent in England. In 1659,
the officers of the army appointed Fleetwood,
son-in-law to the late protector, commander in
chief, and compelled Richard to dissolve the
parliament. Soon afterwards the protector re
signed his authority, and the government was in
a state of anarchy. In January, 1660, General
Monck, at the head of the Scotch army, entered
England, and marched without opposition to
London. On the 5th of February he went to
parliament, and received the compliments and
thanks of the speaker, in behalf of the house.
At this period, the city of Bristol was exposed
to the danger of an insurrection. The mayor
had forbidden the inhuman practice of throwing
at cocks on Shrove-Tuesday ; but the appren
tices, exasperated at being deprived of this an
nual amusement, " did rise in a riotous and
tumultuous manner, and assembled in the Marsh.
To obey the mayor's orders, they squailed at
geese, and tosst bitches and cats before his
door ; and the sheriff had his head broke for
endeavouring to drive them away."

477
The following is a circumstantial account of
this insurrection, which appears to have origi
nated in political rancour.
" Bristol, February 6th, 1660.
" Here hath been a great disorder in this
city, where two troops of horse being designed
to come, could not gain admittance. Those mas
ters of families, who underhand hatched and fo
mented the tumult, were so wary as not to
appear themselves, but set on their apprentices,
who with the meaner sort, ran up and down
the streets, crying out, " A free Parliament !"
In this confusion they shewed who . they were
for, by falling foul upon such as have stood in*
all times most firmly to the interest of parlia
ment and common wealth, many of whose houses
they forced open, and took away all the arms
from them that they could find, and from some
more than their arms. By this means the rabble
being up, the magistrates were, at a stand, and
knew not well what to do a good while ; but at
last they in prudence so ordered the matter, that
hearing how the common cry went, they had
conference with some of the leaders, and to pa
cify them, told them, that if they would have
their desire, this was not the way to get it; and
that if they would proceed orderly, and join
with them in an address to parliament, they

478
might be successful. The multitude hearing this,
began to cool, and at length dismissing their
guards which they had set in several parts, they
retired to their several houses. Presently upon
their pacification, the magistrates took the op
portunity to disperse, and settle their militia in
such a manner, that all is quiet, and we doubt
not they will prevent the like disturbances for
the future i
" February 10th. This day se'nnight the ap
prentices and others broke out into an insur
rection, and secured the main-guard before any
company could be raised to suppress them, and
continued increasing daily in great numbers, not
withstanding all endeavours used to suppress them,
declaring for a free parliament, and some for
Charles Stuart ; and they gave out that they
should be backed with numbers of men from the
adjacent counties, setting a guard upon the mayor
in his own house. They did beat up drums round
about the city, and made great brags what they
would do, being the more confident, because se
veral of the gentry came into them out of the
country. Nevertheless, when Major Izod's first
party appeared near the city, (which was about
two miles before his body) the apprentices began1
to divide, and promised the magistrates they
would lay down, their arms, and return home to

479
their masters ; but afterwards failed in the per
formance thereof, through the persuasion of their
abettors. But at length they began to alter again,
hearing that Major Izod was at hand, and re
solved to make his way into town. So their
ringleaders deserted them, and the multitude
returned to their own homes, some hours before
the coming in of the said major, who yesterday
in the evening had free entrance with four troops
of horse. Captain Vicarage, with a company of
the trained bands, entertained him at the gate,
and Captain Kelly, with another company of the
trained bands, kept the ground last night. This
day the mayor made proclamation that all men
should bring in their arms that were in the late
insurrection. We are now all in peace and quiet,
and are upon enquiry after the abettors and
promoters of this disturbance, the heads whereof
are fled. — Feb. 18th. This city is quiet again ;
six hundred of Colonel Twisleton's regiment are
come hither. Nevertheless, when last Thursday
night, news came from London of a free par
liament, the multitude shewed themselves so far
only, as to make bonfires and ring bells through
the city ; but in half an hour's space the bon
fires were extinct, and the bells made to cease.
But the same humour runs in most towns here
about." END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 01326 0840

' YALE
BWnSH HISTORY
PRESERVATION PROJECT]!
SUPPORTED BY NEH