A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government

Of his Acquest of Ireland.

RObert Fits-stephen was the first of all Englishmen, after the Conquest, that entered Ireland, the first day of May, in the year 1170. with 390. men: and there took Werford, in the behalf of Deruntius, son of Marcherdach, called Mac Murg, King of Leymster. In September following, Richard Earl of Chepstow, surnamed Strong-bow, sailed into Ireland with twelve hundred men, where he took Waterford and Dublin ; and married Eeve, the daughter of Deruntius, as he was promised. From these beginnings, King Henry being then at rest from all Hostile Arms, both at home and abroad, takes into his consideration the Kingdom of Ireland, as a Kingdom which oftentimes afforded assistance to the French ; and therefore purposing with himself by all means to subdue it: he provides a mighty Army, and in the Winter season saileth thither, taking Shipping at Pembroke, and landing near to Waterford: where entering into consultation what course was fittest to be taken in the enterprise, suddenly of their own accord, the Princes of the Country came in, and submitted themselves unto him, only R • d • rick King of Connacht stood out; who being the greatest, thought to make himself the only King of that Nation: but King Henry forbearing him for the present, who kept himself in his fastnesses of Bogges and Woods, and was not to be followed in the Winter season: takes his journey to Dublin, the chief City of the Country; and there calling the Princes and Bishops of the Nation together, requires their consent to have him and his heirs to be their King: which they affirming they could not do without the Popes authority; to whom, at their first conversion to the Christian Religion, they had submitted themselves; the King sent presently to Adrian the then Pope an English man, requiring his assent; which upon divers good considerations he granted: and hereupon the King built him a stately Palace in the City of Dublin ; and having thus without blood possessed himself of the Kingdom, the Spring following he returns joyfully into England. About four years after Rodorick also sends his Chancellor to King Henry, to offer his submission, with a tribute to be paid of every ten beasts, one sufficient. After this, in the one and thirtieth year of his Rain, he sent his son John to be the Governor there.

His Taxations, and ways for raising of money.

TAxations in his time, was chiefly once; when he took Escuage of Englishmen, towards his wars in France, which amounted to 12400. pounds: but confiscations were many, because many Rebellions, and every Rebellion was as good as a Mine. Also vacancies of Bishoprics and Abbeys, kept in his hands, sometimes many at once; no time without some. He resumed also all Lands which had either been sold or given from the Crown by his Predecessors: but a principal cause that made him plentiful in money, was his Parcimony; as when he was enjoined for a Penance, to build three Abbeys, he performed it, by changing Secular Priests into Regular Canons, only to spare cost. And it was not the least cause of alienating his sons from him; that he allowed them not maintenance answerable to their calling. And it could be nothing but Parcimony while he lived, which brought it to pass, that when he died, there were found in his Coffers, nine hundred thousand pounds besides Plate and Jewels.

Laws and Ordinances in his time.

IN the beginning of his Raign, he refined and reformed the Laws of the Realm; making them more tolerable & more profitable to his people then they were before. In the one and twentieth year of his Raign, he divided his whole kingdom into six several Circuits; appointing in every Circuit three Judges, who twice every year should ride together, to hear and determine Causes between man and man: as it is at this day, though altered in the number of the Judges, and in the Shires of Circuit. In this Kings days the number of Jews all England over was great: yet, wheresoever they dwelt, they might not bury any of their dead anywhere but in London ; which being a great inconvenience to bring dead bodies oftentimes from far remote places, the King gave them liberty of burial in the several places where they lived. It was in this Kings days also ordained that Clergy-men offending in hunting the Kings Deere, should be punishable by the Civil Magistrate, according to the Laws of the Land; which order was afterward taken with them for any offense whatsoever they committed. Though it be not a Law, yet it is an Ordinance which was first brought in by this King, that the Lions should be kept in the Tower of London.

Affaires of the Church in his tim • .

THis Kings Rain is famous for the contention of a Subject with the Prince, and though it may be thought no equal match, yet in this Example we shall find it hard to judge which of them had the victory. But before we come to speak of the Contention, it is fit to say something of the Man, and of the Quarrell. The man was Thomas Becket, borne in London, his Father, one Gilbert Becket, his Mother an outlandish Woman, of the Country of Syria. His first rising was under Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, who taking a liking to him, (as one saith, no man knew for what) made him first Arch-deacon of Canterbury, and then used means to have him be the Princes Tutor, after that to be Chancellor of England, and after the decease of the said Theobald, was himself made Arch-bishop of Canterbury in his place. One memorable thing he did at his coming to be Arch-bishop, he surrendered his place of being Chancellor, as not thinking it fit to sit at the Helme of the Common-wealth, and of the Church, both at once. But now began the Contention between the King and him: the difference was, the King would have it ordained that Clergy men who were malefactors, should be tried before the Secular Magistrate as Lay men were: This Becket opposed, saying, it was against the liberty of the Church, and therefore against the honor of God. Many Bishops stood with the King, some few with Becket the Contention grew long, and with the length still hotter, till at last Becket was content to assent to the Ordinance with this clause, Salvo Ordine suo : the King liked not the Clause, as being a deluding of the Ordinance: He required an absolute assent, without any clause of Reservation. At last, after many debatings and demurs, the Arch-bishop yields to this also, and subscribes the Ordinance, and sets his hand unto it. But going homewards, it is said, his Cross-bearer and some other about him, blamed him for that he had done, but whether moved with their words, or otherwise upon second thoughts, the next day when they met again, he openly repented his former deed, retracts his subscription, and sends to the Pope for absolution of his fault: which the Pope not only granted, but encouraged him to persist in the course he had begun. It may be thought a Fable, yet is related by divers good Authors, that one time during this Contention, certain fellows cut off the Arch-bishops horses tail; after which fact, all their Children were borne with tails like horses; and that this continued long in their Posterity, though now long since ceased, and perhaps their Families too. But King Henry finding there was no prevailing with Becket by fair means, begins to deal more roughly with him, and first makes use of Authority upon his Temporalties; and withal a censure was spoken of to be intended against his person; which Becket understanding, thought it his best course to flee the Realm, and thereupon passing under the name of Dereman, he passeth over Sea, and there, two years by the Pope, and five by the King of France, was maintained as it were of Alms: in which misery, nothing vexed him so much, as that King Henry sent all his kindred, Men and Women, old and young into Banishment after him. And now King Henry finding that Becket stood much upon his Legatine Power, sent messengers to the Pope, desiring him to take that power from him, and to confer it upon his Arch-bishop of York, but the Pope answered, he would not do so, but was content the King himself should be his Legate, and sent him Letters to that purpose, which King Henry took in such scorn, that he threw away the Letters, and sent them presently back to him again.

In this mean time, the King of France prevailed with King Henry to afford Becket a conference, hoping to bring them to some Agreement, where being together, King Henry alleged before the King of France, that he required nothing of Becket, but his assent to an Ordinance, to which in his Grandfather King Henries the first time, all the Bishops of the Realm, and the Arch-bishop of Canterbury that then was did give their Assent; yet this moved not Becket at all, but he continued his former Tenet, it was against the honor of God, and therefore desired to be excused. See now (saith King Henry ) the perverseness of this man, all that agrees not with his own humor, is presently against the honor of God. While these things were thus a working, Becket had gotten him more friends at Rome, and by their means prevailed with the Pope, to give him power to interdict some Bishops in England that had done him wrong, and the Pope spared no • to threaten Excommunication to King Henry himself, if he restored not Becket to his Dignity. But whether awed with his threatening, or won by the King of Frances importunity, or else perhaps relenting in himself, he was contented at last that Becket should return home, and enjoy his Bishopric; who being come to Canterbury, the Bishops whom he had indicted, for Crowning the young King Henry, (which he said, was his right to have done) made humble suite unto him, to be released of the censure. Which, when the Arch-bishop would not grant, but with certain cautions and exceptions, the Bishops discontented went over to the King, complaining of the hard measure that was offered them by the Arch-bishop: whereat the King being much moved, Shall I never (saith he) be at quiet for this Priest? If I had any about me that loved me, they would find some way or other to rid me of this trouble. Whereupon four knights standing by that heard the King make this complaint, namely Reynold Fits-urse, or Bereson, Hugh Morvyll, William Tracy, and Richard Briton, thinking they should do an acceptable service to the King, went shortly after into England, and going to Canterbury, found the Arch-bishop then at Church, when upon the steps there, they struck him upon the head with their swords and slew him the thirtieth day of December, in the year 1172. Afterward, with much ado, by King Henries means they were pardoned by the Pope, only enjoined Penance, to go on P • lgrimage to Jerusalem, as some write; but others more probably, that the King abhorred them ever after; and that within three years they all died miserably. You have heard his persecution, and (as some would have it called) his Martyrdom: now hear the honors that have been done him, and the visitations to his Tomb. And first King Henry himself coming to Canterbury, as soon as he came within sight of Beckets Church, lighting off his horse, and putting off his hose and shoes he went barefoot to his Tomb, and for a further penance suffered himself to be beaten with rods, by every Monk of the Cloister. A few years after, King Lewis of France comes into England of purpose to visit the Shrine of Saint Thomas, where having paid his Vowes, he makes Oblations with many rich Presents. The like many Princes since that time have done; and many Miracles are reported to have been done at his Tomb, which yet may be unbeleeved without unbelief, and with Faith enough. Another difference in this Kings days, was between the two Arch-bishops of England, about the jurisdiction of Canterbury over York, which being referred to the Pope, he gave judgment on Canterburies side. Also in this Kings days there was a Schism in the Church of Rome, two Popes up at once, of whom Alexander the third was one; which Schism continued the space of almost twenty years. Also in this Kings days, one Nicholas Breakespeare, borne at Saint Albans, or as others write, at Langley in Hartfordshire, being a bondman of that Abbey, and therefore not allowed to be a Monk there, went beyond Sea, where he so profited in Learning, that the Pope made him first Bishop of Alba, and afterward Cardinal, and sent Legate to the Norwayes, where he reduced that nation from Paganism to Christianity, and returning back to Rome, was chosen Pope, by the Name of Adrian the fourth, and died being choked with a Fly in his drink. In his days also, Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem, came to King Henry, desiring aid for the Holy Land, but not so much of money as of men; and not so much of men neither, as of a good General, as himself was; to whom King Henry answered, that though he were willing to undertake it, yet his unquiet State at home would not suffer him; with which answer the Patriarch moved, said, Think not Great King, that Pretences will excuse you before God, but take this from me, that as you forsake God's cause now, so he hereafter will forsake you in your greatest need. But (saith the King) if I should be absent out of my kingdom, my own Sons would be ready to rise up against me in my absence; to which the Patriarch replied, No marvel, for from the Devil they came, and to the Devil they shall • and so departed. Also in this Kings days there came into England, thirty Germans, Men and Women, calling themselves Publicans, who denied Matrimony, and the Sacraments of Baptism, and of the Lord's Supper, with other Articles, who being obstinate, and not to be reclaimed, the King commanded they should be marked with a hot iron in the forehead, and be whipped, which punishment they took patiently, their Captain (called Gerard ) going before them singing, Blessed are ye when men hate you. After they were whipped, they were thrust out of doors in the Winter, where they died with cold and hunger, no man da • ing to relieve them. This King after his conquest of Ireland, imposed the tribute of Peter pence upon that kingdom, namely, that every house in Ireland should yearly pay a penny to Saint Peter.

Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time.

THis King Founded the Church of Bristow, which King Henry the eighth afterward erected into a Cathedral: He also Founded the Priories of D • ver ; of Stoneley ; and of Basinwerke ; and the Castle of Rudlan : and began the Stone Bridge over the Thames at London. He caused also the Castle of Warwick to be built. Maude the Empresse his Mother, Founded the Abbey of Bordesly. In his time also Hugh Mortimer Founded Wigmore Abbey, Richard Lucye the Kings Chief Justice laid the Foundation of the Coventuall Church, in the honor of Saint Thomas, in a place which is called Westwood, otherwise Les • es, in the Territory of Rochester, in the new Parish of Southfleete. He also built the Castle of Anger in Essex. Robert Harding a Burgess of Bristow, to whom King Henry gave the Barony of Barkeley ; built the Monastery of Saint Augustine's in Bristow. In the tenth year of his Rain, London Bridge was new made of Timber, by Peter of Cole-church a Priest. Robert de Boscue Earl of Leycester, Founded the monastery of Gerendon, of Monks; and of Leycester, called Saint Mary de Prate, of Canons Regular, and his Wife Amicia, Daughter of Ralph Montford, Founded Eaton, of Nuns. In the two and twentieth year of his Rain, after the Foundation of Saint Mary Overeyes Church in Southwarke, the Stone bridge over the Thames at London, began to be Founded, towards which a Cardinal, and the Arch-bishop of Canterbury gave a thousand Markes. Aldred Bishop of Worcester Founded a Monastery at Gloucester of Benedictine Monks.

Casualties that happened in his time.

IN the Eleventh year of this Kings Rain, on the six and twentieth day of January, was so great an Earth-quake in Eli, Norfolk, and Suffolk, that it overthrew them that stood upon their feet, and made the Bells to ring in the Steeples. In the seventeenth year of his Rain, there was seen at Saint Osythes in Essex, a Dragon of marvelous bigness, which by moving, burned houses, and the whole City of Canterbury was the same year almost burnt. In the eighteenth year of his Rain, the Church of Norwich with the houses thereto belonging was burnt, and the Monks dispersed. At Andover, a Priest praying before the Altar, was slain with Thunder. Likewise one Clerke and his Brother was burnt to death with Lightning. In the three and twentieth year, a shower of Blood Rained in the Isle of Wight two hours together. In the four and twentieth year, the City of York was burnt, and on Christmas day, in the Territory of Derlington, in the Bishopric of Durham the Earth lifted up it self in the manner of an high Tower, and so remained immovable from morning till evening, and then fell with so horrible a noise that it frighted the Inhabitants thereabouts, and the earth swallowing it up, made there a deep pit, which is seen at this day: for a Testimony whereof Leyland saith, he saw the Pits there, commonly called Hell-kettles. Also in the same year, on the tenth day of April, the Church of Saint Andrew's in Rochester was consumed with fire. In the eight and twentieth year of his Rain, Barnewell, with the Priory, near unto Cambridge was burnt. In the thirtyeth year, the Abbey of Glastenbury was burnt with the Church of Saint Julian. In the year 1180. a great Earthquake threw down many buildings, amongst which the Cathedral Church of Lincoln was rent in pieces the five and twentieth of April : And on the twentieth of October, the Cathedral Church of Chichester, and all the whole City was burnt. This year also, near unto Orford in Suffolk, certain Fishers took in their Nets a Fish, having the shape of a Man in all points, which Fish was kept by Bartholomew de Glanvile in the Castle of Orford six months and more; he spake not a word; all manner of meats he did gladly eat, but most greedily raw Fish, when he had pressed out the juice; oftentimes he was brought to Church, but never shown any sign of adoration: at length, being not well looked to, he stole to the Sea, and never was seen after. In the year 1188. on the twentieth of September, the Town of Beverley with the Church of Saint John there was burnt. And in this Kings time the bones of King Arthur, and his Wife Guynevour, were found in the Vale of Avalon, under an hollow Oak, fifteen foot under ground; the hair of the said Guynevour being then whole and of fresh color; but as soon as it was touched, it fell to powder, as Fabian relateth.

Of his Wife and Children.

HE married Eleanor Daughter and heir of William Duke of Guien, late Wife of Lewis the seventh, King of France, but then divorced, but for what cause divorced is diversely related; some say King Lewis carried her with him into the Holy Land, where she carried her self not very holily, but led a licentious life, and which is the worst kind of licentiousness, in carnal familiarity with a Turk; which King Lewis though knowing, yet dissembled, till coming home, he then waived that cause, as which he could not bring without disgrace to himself, and made use of their nearness in blood, as being Cousins in the fourth degree, which was allowed by the Pope, as a cause sufficient to divorce them, though he had at that time two Daughters by her. Being thus divorced, Duke Henry marries her, with whom it was never known, but she led a modest and sober life, a sufficient proof, that the former Report was but a slander. By this Queen Eleanor he had five Sons, William, Henry, Richard, Geoffrey, and John ; and three Daughters, Maude, married to Henry Duke of Saxony; Eleanor, married to Alphonso the Eighth of that name, King of Castile ; and Jane or Joan, married to William King of Sicily. Of his Sons, William died young. Henry borne the second year of his Rain, was Crowned King with his Father, in the eighteenth year, and died the nine and twentieth year, and was buried at Roan ; married to Margaret, Daughter of Lewis King of France, but left no issue. Richard, borne at Oxford, in the fourth year of his Fathers Rain, and succeeded him in the kingdom. Geoffrey, borne the fifth year of his Fathers Rain, married Constance, Daughter and Heir of Conan, Earl of Little Britain, in the fourteenth year, and in the two and thirtieth year died; leaving by his Wife Constance, two Daughters, and a Posthumus Son named Arthur. John, his youngest, called John without Land, because he had no Land assigned him in his Fathers time; borne the twelfth year of his Fathers Rain, and succeeded his Brother Richard in the kingdom. And this may be reckoned a peculiar honor to this King, that of his five Sons, three of them lived to be Kings; and of his three Daughters, two of them to be Queens. Concubines he had many, but two more famous then the rest; and one of these two, more famous then the other: and this was Rosamond, Daughter of Walter Lord Clifford ; whom he kept at Woodstock, in lodgings so cunningly contrived that no stranger could find the way in, yet Queen Eleanor did, being guided by a thread: so much is the eye of jealousy quicker in finding out, then the eye of care is in hiding. What the Queen did to Rosamond when she came in to her, is uncertain, but this is certain, that Rosamond lived but a short time after, and lies buried at the Nunnery of Godst • w near to Oxford. By this Rosamond King Henry had two Sons, William called Long-Sword; who was Earl of Salisbury in right of his Wife Ela, Daughter and Heir of William Earl of that Country, and had by her much issue, whose posterity continued a long time: And a second Son named Geoffrey, who was first Bishop of Lincoln, and afterward Arch-bishop of York, and after five years banishment in his Brother King John's time, died in the year 1213. The other famous Concubine of this King Henry, was the Wife of Ralph Blewet a knight; by whom he had a Son named Morgan, who was Provost of Beverley, and being to be elected Bishop of Durham, went to Rome for a dispensation, because being a Bastard, he was else uncapable: But the Pope refu • ing to grant it, unless he would pass as the Son of Blewet, he absolutely answered, he would for no cause in the world deny his Father; and chose rather to lose the Dignity of the Place, then of his Blood, as being the Son, though but the base Son, of a King.

Of his personage and conditions.

HE was somewhat red of face, and broad breasted; short of body, and therewithal fat, which made him use much Exercise, and little Meat. He was commonly called Henry Shortmantell, because he was the first that brought the use of short Cloakes out of Anjou into England. Concerning endowments of mind, he was of a Spirit in the highest degree Generous; which made him often say, that all the World sufficed not to a Couragious heart. He had the Reputation of a wise Prince all the Christian World over; which made him often say, that all the World sufficed not to a Couragious heart. He had the Reputation of a wise Prince all the Christian World over; which made Alphonsus King of Castile, and Garsyas King of Navarre, refer a difference that was between them, to his Arbitrament: who so judicious • y determined the Cause, that he gave contentment to both Parties; a harder matter then to cut Cloath even by a thread. His Custom was to be always in Action; for which cause, if he had no Real Wars, he would have Faigned: and would transport Forces either into Normandy or Britain, and go with them himself, whereby he was always prepared of an Army: and made it a Schooling to his Soldiers, and to himself an Exercise. To his Children he was both indulgent and hard: for out of indulgence he caused his Son Henry to be Crowned King in his own time; and out of hardness he caused his younger Sons to Rebell against him. He was rather Superstitious, then not Religious; which he shown more by his carriage toward Becket being dead then while he lived. His Incontinency was not so much that he used other Women besides his Wife, but that he used the affianced Wife of his own Son: And it was commonly thought, he had a meaning to be divorced from his Wife Queen Eleanor, and to take the said Adela to be his Wife. Yet generally to speak of him, he was an excellent Prince; and if in some particulars he were defective, it must be considered he was a Man.

Of his death and burial.

HE was not well at ease before, but when the King of France sent him a List of those that had conspired against him, and that he found the first man in the Lyst to be his Son John, he then fell suddenly into a fit of Fainting, which so increased upon him, that within four days after he ended his life: So strong a Corrosive is Griefe of mind, when it meets with a Body weakened before with sickness. He died in Normandy, in the year 1189. when he had lived threescore and one years; Raigned near five and thirty: and was buried at Founteverard in France. the manner of whose burial was thus: He was Cloathed in his Royal Robes, his Crown upon his head, white Gloves upon his hands, Bootes of Gold upon his legs, Gilt Spurres at his heels, a great rich Ring upon his finger, his Scepter in his hand, his Sword by his side, and his face uncovered and all bare. As he was carrying to be Buryed, his Son Richard in great haste ran to see him, who no sooner was come near the Body, but suddenly at his Nostrils he fell a bleeding afresh; which though it were in Prince Richard no good sign of Innocency, yet his breaking presently into bitter tears upon the seeing it, was a good sign of Repentance. It may not be unseasonable to speak in this place of a thing which all Writers speak of, that in the Family of the Earls of Anjou, of whom this King Henry came, there was once a Princesse a great Enchantresse, who being on a time enforced to take the blessed Eucharist, she suddenly flew out at the Church window, and was never seen after: From this Woman these latter Earls of Anjou were descended, which perhaps made the Patriarch Heraclius say, of this King Henries Children, that from the Devil they came, and to the Devil they would. But Writers perhaps had been more complete, if they had left this Story out of their Writings.

Men of note in his time.

OF Clergy men, there was Theobald Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Hugh Bishop of Lincoln; Richard Bishop of Winchester; Geoffrey of Eli; Robert of Bathe; Aldred of Worcester ; all Learned Men, and of great integrity of life. Of Military Men, there was Robert Earl of Leycester; Reynold Earl of Cornwall; Hugh Bigot, Robert Ferrys, Richard Lacy, Roger Mowbray, Ralph Fulger, Ranulph Granula, William V • sei, • nd Baynard Baylioll ; Men of great achievements in War, and of no less abilities in Peace.

Of his coming to the Crown, and of his Coronation.

K ING Richard, the first of that name, after his Fathers Funeral, went to Roan, where he settled the state of that Province; and from thence came into England, where he was Crowned King at Westminster, by the hands of Baldwin Arch-bishop of Canterbury, the third day of September, in the year 1189. And herein this Prince is more beholding to Writers then any of his Predecessors: for in speaking of their Crowning, they content themselves with telling where, and by whom they were Crowned: but of this Prince, they deliver the manner of his Crowning, in the full amplitude of all circumstances; which perhaps is not unfit to do, for satisfaction of such as are never like to see a Coronation; and it was in this manner. First, the Arch-bishops of Canterbury, Roan, Tryer, and Dublin, with all the other Bishops, Abbots, and Clergy, appareled in rich Copes, and having the Cross, holy Water, and Censers carried before them; came to fetch him at the door of his Privy-Chamber; and there receiving him, they led him to the Church of Westminster, till they came before the high Altar, with a solemn Procession. In the middle of the Bishops and Clergy, went four Barons, bearing Candlesticks with Tapers; after whom came Geoffrey de Lucie, bearing the Cap of Maintenance, and John Marshall next to him, bearing a massive pair of Spurres of Gold; then followed William Marshall Earl of Striguill, alias Pembroke, who bare the Royal Scepter, in the top whereof was set a Cross of Gold; and William de Patrick Earl of Salisbury going next him, bare the Warder or Rodde, having on the top thereof a Dove. Then came three other Earls, David, brother to the King of Scots, the Earl of Huntingdon, John the Kings brother, Earl of Mortaigne, and Robert Earl of Leycester, each of them bearing a Sword upright in his hand, with the scabberds righly adorned with Gold. The Earl of Mortaigne went in the midst betwixt the other two; after them followed six Earls and Barons, bearing a Checker Table, upon the which were set the Kings Scotchens of Arms • and then followed William Mandevill Earl of Albemarle, bearing a Crown of Gold a great heighth before the King, who followed having the Bishop of Durham on the right hand, and Reynold Bishop of Bathe on the left; over whom a Canopy was borne: and in this order he came into the Church at Westminster, where before the high Altar, in the presence of the Clergy and the people, laying his hand upon the holy Evangelists, and the relics of certain Saints, he took a solemn Oath that he should observe peace, honor and reverence to Almighty God, to his Church, and to his Ministers, all the days of his life: also that he should exercise upright justice to the people committed to his charge, and that he should abrogate and disannul all evil Laws and wrongful customs, if any were to be found in the precinct of his Realm; and maintain those that were good and laudable. This done, he put off all his garments from his middle upwards, but only his shirt, which was open on the should • rs, that he might be annointed. Then the Arch-bishop of Canterbury annointed him in three places; on the head, on the shoulders, and on the right arm; with Prayers in such case accustomed. After this, he covered his head with a linen clothe hallowed, and set his Cap thereon; and then after he had put on his Royal Garments, and his uppermost Robe, the Arch-bishop delivered him the Sword, with which he should beat down the enemies of the Church: which done, two Earls put his Shooes upon his feet, and having his Mantle put on him, the Arch-bishop forbad him on the behalf of Almighty God, not to presume to take upon him this Dignity, except he faithfully meant to perform those things which he had there sworn to perform; whereunto the King made answer, that by God's grace he would p • rforme them. Then the King took the Crown beside the Altar, and delivered it to the Arch-bishop, which he set upon the Kings head, delivering to him the Scepter to hold in his right hand, and the Rod Royal in his left hand: and thus being Crowned, he was brought back by the Bishops and Barons, with the Cross and Candlesticks, and three Swords, passing forth before him unto his Seat. When the Bishop that sang the Mass, came to the Offertory, the two Bishops that brought him to the Church, led him to the Altar, and brought him back again. The Mass ended, he was brought with solemn Procession into his Chamber: and this was the manner of this Kings Coronation. But at this solemnity there fell out a very dysastrous accident: For this Prince not favoring the Jews, as his Father had done; had given a strict charge, that no Jew should be admitted to be a spectator of the solemnity: yet certain Jews, as though it had been the Crowning of their King Herod, would needs be pressing in; and being put back by Officers set of purpose, it grew to a brabble, and from words to blows, so as many Ie • es were hurt, and some slain: and thereupon a rumour was suddenly spread abroad, that the King had commanded to have all the Jews destroyed. Whereupon it is incredible what rifling there was of Jews houses, and what cutting of their throats: and though the King signified by public Declaration, that he was highly displeased with that which was done, yet there was no staying the fury of the multitude till the next day; so often it falls out, that great solemnities are waited on with great dysasters; or rather indeed, as being connatural, they can hardly be asunder.

Of his first Acts after he was Crowned.

HE began with his Mother Queen Eleanor, whom upon her Husbands displeasure, having been kept in Prison sixteen years; he not only set at liberty, but set in as great authority, as if she had been left the Regent of the kingdom. The next he gratifies, was his brother John ; to whom he made appear, how much the bounty of a Brother was better then the handnesse of a Father. For he conferred upon him, in England, the Earledomes of Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, Nottingham, Darby, and Leycester ; and by the marriage of Isabel, daughter and heir to the Earl of Gloucester, he had that Earldom also; as likewise the Castles of Marleborough, and Lutgarsall, the Honors of Wallingford, Tichill, and Eye, to the value of 4000. Markes a year: an estate so great, as were able to put a very moderate mind into the humor of aspiring, of which Princes should have care. Concerning his affianced Lady Adela, it may be thought strange, that having desired her so infinitely when he could not have her, now that he might have her, he cared not for her: but the cause was known, and in every man's mouth; that she was now but his Fathers leavings: yet he would not send her home but very rich in Jewels, to make amends, if it might be, for the loss of her Virginity: though this was something hard on his part, when the Father had taken all the pleasure, that the son should afterward pay all the charges. But by this at least he made a quiet way for his marriage now concluded; and shortly after to be consummated in Sicily with Berengaria the daughter of Garsyas King of Navarre. And now his mind is wholly set upon his long intended voyage to the Holy Land, for which he thinks not the treasure left by his Father, to be sufficient, which yet amounted to nine hundred thousand pounds: but forecasting with himself the great charge it must needs be, to carry an Army so long a journey, he seeks to enlarge his provision of money by all the means he can devise. Not long before, Hugh Pudsey had been advanced to the Bishopric of Durham ; and now for a great sum of money he sold him the Earldom: and then said merrily amongst his Lord's, Do ye not think me a cunning man, that of an old Bishop can make a young Earl? From the Londoners also he drained great sums of money, and made them recompense in Franchises and Liberties, which they had not before. He made also greatsales: to the the King of Scots, he sold the Castles of Berwick and Roxborough, for ten thousand pounds: to Godfryde Lucie, Bishop of Winchester, the Manors of Weregrave and Ments : to the Abbot of Saint Edmundsbery, the Manor of Mildhall, for one thousand Markes of silver: to the Bishop of Durham, the Manor of Sadborough ; and when it was marvelled that he would part with such things, he answered, that in this case he would sell his City of London, if he could find a Chapman. But the worst way of all was, that pretending to have lost his Signet, he made a new; and made Proclamation, that whosoever would safely enjoy what under the former Signet was granted, should come to have it confirmed by the new; whereby he raised great sums of money to himself, but greater of discontentment in his subjects. By these, and such like means he quickly furnished himself with money: and now it remained only to consider, to whose care he should commit the government of the Kingdom in his absence; and after deliberation, he made choice for the North parts, of Hugh Bishop of Durham ; joining in Commission with him, Hugh Baldulph, and William Brunell: and for the South parts, he appoints William Longshampe Bishop of Eli, and Chancellor of England, and for his greater strength, causeth the Pope to make a Legat of all England and Scotland: and for Normandy, and Aquitaine, Robert Earl of Leycester ; all men eminent for prudence and uprightness, and which is most of all, for loyalty: and indeed to make a man fit for such employment, all these virtues must concur. As for his brother John, he knew very well his aspiring mind, and therefore would have tied him to live in Normandy, and not to come into England till his return; but that their Mother Queen Eleanor interceded, and passed her word for him: and that nothing might be left unprovided for, he appointed his Nephew Arthur, the son of his brother Geoffrey Duke of Britain to be his Successor, if himself should fail. And now, Undique convenere, vocat jam carbasus auras: every man is ready to take Shipping, and no stay now but for a Wind; only some say that King Richard before his departing, calling his Lord's and Knights unto him, and swearing them to be true; gave to overy of them a blew riband to be known by; from whence the first occasion of the Order of the Garter is thought to begin.

Of his journey into the Holy Land.

KING Richard having prepared an Army of thirty thousand foot, and five thousand horse, and having appointed to meet Philip King of France in Sicily, at the latter end of June, in the year 1190. sets forward himself by Land to Marseillis, and there stays till his Ships should come about; but his Navy being driven by tempest to other parts, and the King weary of long staying, after six weeks, he hireth shipping for himself and his company, and passeth forward to Messana in Sicily, where arrived also the King of France ; and not long after, his own Navy. In this Island the King William now lately dead, had married Jane, King Richards sister; from whom Tancred the present King withheld her Dower: and therefore though he shown King Richard fair countenance, yet he dealt secretly with the Messanians to use all means to get him gone; whereupon the Messanians taking a small occasion, set suddenly upon the English, and thrust them out of their Town: with which King Richard justly offended, who had his Campe without the Town, prepares himself to revenge the affront; when Tancred sending to him, to signify that the affront was offered without his knowledge, and much against his liking, so pacified him, that for the present he remained satisfied; but understanding afterward, that the Messanians did but wait their opportunity till the Spring, when King Richard should be going: he resenting their intention, stays • ot their leisure, but assaulting the Town with fire and sword, in one days labor takes it, and had made great slaughter in it, if King Richard had not been moved to compassion with the Messanians tears, but chiefly with King Tancreds offers; both to pay his sister Jane her Dower, and to marry his daughter to King Richards Nephew Arthur, Duke of Britain, and to give a good part of the Portion in hand. But King Philip was not well pleased with these conditions, yet he breaks not out into open dissention, till more fuel was afterward cast upon the fire of his anger. In the Spring King Philip sails with his Army to Ptolemais otherwise called Acon ) which the Christians had long besieged, and with them he joins: while King Richard taking his sister Jane, and Berengaria the young daughter of the King of Navarre with him in 190. Ships, and 50. Galleys, puts to Sea for the Holy Land, but is by tempest cast upon the Coast of Cyprus ; where the Ilanders seeking to hinder his landing, he sets upon them with his forces; and invading the Island, easily subdues, and brings it under his subjection; and the King of the Cou • trey being taken prisoner, and entreating King Richard not to put him in bonds of Iron, King Richard gives him his word, and keeps it, but puts him in bonds of Silver. In this Island he solemnizeth his marriage with Berengaria, and then leaving Richard de Canvile, and Robert de Turnham, his Lieutenants in Cyprus ; he passeth on to Ptolemais, which City was defended by Saladine, and had been besieged now two years: when the enemy seeing and fearing the increase of the Christian forces, propounds conditions, upon which accepted, they deliver it up in August, the year 1192.

At the taking of this Town there fell out an accident, seeming an honor to King Richard for the present, but proving a disgrace, at least a great trouble and charge to him afterward. For Leopold Duke of Austria had first set up his Colours upon the wall, which King Richard caused to be thrown down, and his own to be set up; but this was no place to stand a quarrelling, it came not to the reckoning till some time after. When Ptolemais was taken, Saladine fearing the Christians further proceeding, dismantles all the best Towns that were near it: as Porphyria, Cesarea, Askelon, Gaza ; but of Joppa King Richard takes a care, and placeth in it a Colony of Christians. For Joppa is a City of Palestine, that was built before the Flood; and hath belonging to it a Haven of great convenience. And now the King of France, though valiant enough himself, yet thinking his own great acts to be obscured by greater of King Richards ; he began, besides his old hating him, now to envy him. For indeed emulation when it is in Virtue, makes the stronger knot of love and affection: but when it is in Glory, it makes a separation, and turns into the passion of envy and malice; and so did it with King Philip, who pretending the air of the Country did not agree with his body; but was indeed because the air of King Richards Glory did not agree with his mind; obtained King Richards consent to return home, swearing first solemnly, not to molest his Territories in his absence. But this fell out for the present enterprise most uns • asonably: For the departure of the King of France, though it diminished not much the strength; (for he left Od • , Duke of Burgundy in his place) yet it diminished much the show of assistance: and indeed Saladine, who was at this time in terms of surrendering Jerusalem ; when he saw the King of Franc • departed; as knowing there must needs be a conclusion, where there was a beginning, doubted not but the rest would follow soon after, and thereupon st • ied his hands; and grew more confident then he was before. At this time Guy of Lu • ignan was possessed of the City of Tyre, and with it, of the right of the Kingdom of Jerusalem: with him King Richard makes an exchange, that G • y should have the Island of Cyprus which King Richard had won, and King Richard should have the kingdom of Jerusalem, to which Guy had a right: and upon this Title the Kings of England, were styled Kings of Jerusalem a long time after: as likewise the posterity of the said Guy hath by this exchange held the kingdom of Cyprus to this day. Now was King Richard more hot upon taking Jerusalem then ever before, and had cert •• nely taken it, but that by ill counsel diverted, because the Winter drew on: and indeed by the drawing back of Odo Duke of Burgundy, who envied that King Richard should have the honor of taking it, he removed for that season to Askalon ; after which time, the Enemy growing stronger, and the Christians weaker; all opportunity of taking it was utterly lost, and they could never come to the like again. And shortly after King Richard was advertised of the King of France his invading Normandy, contrary to his oath at his departure; which forced King Richard, much to his grief, to conclude a peace with Saladine, and that upon conditions not very honorable for the Christians; and himself presently to retu • ne home: and so sending his wife Berengaria, and his sister Jane, with a great part of his Army into Sicily, and from thence into England: he passeth himself with some few in his company, by the way of Thrace, and was by tempest brought into Dalma • iae ; from whence being to pass through Germany, and particularly through Duke Leopolds Country of Austria: he remembering the old grudge, changed his apparel, and travelling sometimes afoot, and sometimes on horseback, he used all means possible to keep himself from being known: but destiny is not to be avoided, for as soon as he came to Vienna, partly by his tongue, and partly by his expenses, it was presently found he was an Englishman, and withal some great man; and by and by a rumour was spread, that it was Richard King of England: who finding himself to be discovered, and no means possible to escape, he puts off his disguise, putting on his Princely apparel, and avows himself: which Duke Leopold understanding, sent presently to have him apprehended; but King Richard refusing to yield himself to any, but to the Duke himself; the Duke himself came and led hi • to his own Palace honourably enough, but yet strongly guarded: whereof as soon as Henry the Emperor heard, he sent with great instance to Duke Leopold to send King Richard over to him, under pretence of safer custody, but with a purpose indeed to be a sharer in his Ransom. And the Duke though well knowing his meaning, yet knowing withal that it was not safe for him to deny the Emperor, he sent him over to him; who soon after put him into a prison he had, called Trivallis, into which no man was ever known to be put that escaped with life, though done perhaps to him, but in terrorem, to draw the better Ransom from him. That with which King Richard was charged, beside the wrong done to Leopold, in throwing down his Colours at Ptolemais, was the death of Conrade Duke of Tyre, whom they pretended King Richard had murdered; wherein though King Richard made his innocence appear by the testimony of Limbeldus, who confessed himself to have been the author of the Marquesses death; yet the pretence served to detain him in prison; and in prison indeed they kept him, till his Ransom was agreed upon and paid: which being a hundred thousand pounds, fourscore thousand was paid in hand: whereof two parts to the Emperor, a third part to Duke Leopold: and for the rest, hostages given to the number of fifty; of whom the Bishop of Roan was one: though the hostages afterward were delivered without paying the rest: for Henry the Emperor dying shortly after, his Successor had the conscience not to take it, as knowing it had been unjustly exacted: and indeed the accidents that befell both the Emperor and the Duke Leop • ld, were evident demonstrations of the injustice they had done; for the Emperor shortly after died; and the Duke Leopold, in a Tilting for solemnity of his Birth-day, fell off his horse, and so broke his leg, that to save his life, he was fain to have his leg cut off. And now after fifteen months imprisonment, King Richard is released, and returns into England four years elder then he went out; and thus ended his journey to the Holy Land. Yet one memorable accident happening to him in the Holy Land, may not be omitted; that going one day a Hawking about Joppa, finding himself weary, he laid him down upon the ground to sleep; when suddenly certain Turks came upon him to take him; but he awakened with their noise, ri • eth up, gets a horseback, and drawing out his sword, assaults the Turks, who faigning to fly, drew the King into an Ambush where many Turks lay; who had certain • lie taken him if they had known his person: but one of the Kings servan • , called William de Patrellis, crying out in the Saracene tongue, that he was the King; they presently lay hold upon him, and let the King escape.

Troubles in his Dominions in his absence.

KING Richard at his going out of England, had so well settled the Government of the Kingdom, that might well have kept it in good order during all the time of his absence; but disorders are weeds which no foresight can hinder from growing, having so many hands to water them: where occasions of distaste are no sooner offered, then taken; and o • tentimes taken before they be offered, as was here to be seen. For King Richard had left in chief place of authority, William Longshampe, Bishop of Eli ; a man who so carried himself, that although the things he did, were justifiable; yet the pride with which he did them was unsuffer • ble: seldom riding abroad without five hundred, some say a thousand in his train; not for safety, but for state: and though there were other left in authority besides himself, yet his power was so predominant, that he made of them but Ciphers, and ruled all as he list himself. This insolency of governing was soon distasted by many, and specially by John the Kings brother, who counting the greatness of his Birth an equal match at least with any substitute greatness, affronted the Bishop in the managing of affairs, in such sort, that while some adhered to the one, and some to the other; the Kingdom in the mean time was in danger to be rent asunder, till at last the Bishop finding himself too weak, or at least fearing that he was so; but rather indeed deposed from his authority by the Kings Letters, and the Arch-bishop of Roan put in his place, thought it best for him to fly the Real • e: whereupon for his greater safety, disguising himself in woman's apparel, and carrying a Webbe of Cloath under his arm, he sought in this manner to take Shipping and pass the Sea. But being discovered and known, the women in revenge of the abuse done to their clothes, in making them his instruments of fraud; fell upon him, and so beat him, that it might have beaten humility into him forever after. This disgrace made him glad to get him into Normandy, his native Country, where to little purpose he wooed King Richard and Queen Eleanor for reparation. But this was but a sport in comparison of the mischiefs done in Normandy by Philip King of France: for first he invades Normandy, where he takes many Towns, and amongst others Gysorts, and draws the Kings brother John to combine with him, promising to assist him in winning the Kingdom of England, and to have his sister Adela, whom King Richard had repudiated to be his wife; with which promise Duke John had been ensnared, if his Mother Queen Eleanor had not dissuaded him. But in England Duke John took upon him as King, persuading the people that his brother King Richard was not living; and indeed it was easy to remove, the knowing him to be a prisoner, to the affirming him to be dead; but such was the faithfulness of the Arch-bishop of Roan, and other the Princes of the Realm to King Richard, that they opposed Duke John, and frustrated all his practices: and the Bishop of Eli had told him plainly, that though King Richard were dead, yet the succession in the kingdom belonged not to him, but to Arthur Duke of Britain, son of Geoffrey his elder brother. And in these terms King Richard found his State when he returned from the Holy Land.

His Acts and Troubles after his returning from the Holy Land.

AT his coming home from the Holy Land, the first thing he did; was to give his Lord's and people thanks for their faithfulness to him in his absence, and then for their readiness in supplying him for his Ransom. But as for his brother John in whom ungratefulnesse seemed to strive with ambition, which should be the greater in him; he depriveth him of all those great possessions he had given him: some ado he had to make sound certain pieces which he had corrupted, as the Castles of Marleborough, Lancaster, and a Fortress at Saint Michaels Mount in Cornwall ; but chiefly the Castles of Nottingham and Tichill, which stood so firmly for Duke John, that they were not reduced to obedience without some blood, and much expense. But h • s greatest trouble was with Philip King of France, in whom was so engraffed a spleen against King Richard, that he seemed to be never well but when he was working him some ill. Now therefore King Richard to make it appear he had not left the Holy War for nothing (having first obtained in Parliament a Subsidy towards his charges, & caused himself to be new Crowned at Winchester, lest the people through his long absence might have forgotten they had a King) he departs with a hundred Ships into Normandy ; but it was withal, upon this occasion: sitting one day at dinner, in his lit • le Hal (as it was called) news was brought him, that King Philip had besieged Vernoull, with which he was somoved, that he swore a great oath, he would not turn his face till he were revenged: whereupon he caused the wall right before him to be presently beaten down, that so he might pass forward without turning his face; and thus in haste he goes to Vernoull, whither he was no sooner come, but the King of France made as great haste to be gone, not without some loss, and more disgrace. Here his brother John submits himself to him, and with great show of penitence intreats his pardon, which he readily granted; saying only, I wish you may as well remember your fault, as I shall forget it. The King of France having left Vernoull, enters Turonia, and near to Vindocinum pitcheth his Tents; thither King Richard follows him, and with his coming so affrighted him, that leaving bag and baggage, Munition, Tents, and Treasure to a marvelous value, he gets him gone, and glad he was so rid of King Richard. After this a Truce was agreed upon for a year, which each of them longed till it were expired, as having no pleasure but in troubling one another. In this time there was a trouble at home, though not to the King, yet to the kingdom: for Robin Hood accompanied with one little John, and a hundred stout fellows more, molested all passengers upon the Highway; of whom it is said, that he was of Noble blood, at least made Noble, no less then an Earl, for some deserving services: but having wasted his estate in riotous courses, very penury forced him to take this course; in which yet it may be said he was honestly dishonest, for he seldom hurt any man, never any woman, spared the poor, and only made prey of the rich: till the King setting forth a Proclamation to have him apprehended, it happened he fell sick at a certain Nunnery in Yorkshire, called Birckleys ; and desiring there to be let blood, was betrayed, and made bleed to death. Such another trouble, though not to the King, yet to the kingdom, fell out by reason of the Jews: and first at the Town of Linne in Norfolk, upon this occasion: A Jew being turned Christian, was persecuted by those of his Nation, and assaulted in the street; who thereupon flying to a Church hard by, was thither also followed, and the Church assaulted; which the people of the Town seeing, in succor of the new Christian they fell upon the Jews, of whom they slew a great number, and after pillaged their houses. By this example the like assaults were made upon the Jews at Stamford ; and after that at Lincoln ; and lastly at York, where infinite numbers of Jews were massacred; and some of them blocked up in the Castle, cut the throats of their wives and children, and cast them over the walls upon the Christians heads, and then burnt both the Castle and themselves: neither could this sedition be stayed, till the King sent his Chancellor, the Bishop of Eli, with force of Arms, to punish the offenders. His last trouble was a punishment of covetousness, for one Guydomer having found a great treasure in the Kings Dominions, and • or fear of King Richard, flying to a Town of the King of France for his safeguard; was pursued by the King, but the Town denying him entrance, and he thereupon going about the walls to find the fittest place for assaulting it, one Bertram de Gurdon, or as others call him, Peter Basil, shot at him with a Crossebow, and hit him on the arm, of which wound he died within fo • re days after, and so ended all his troubles.

Of his Taxations, and ways for raising of money.

OF Taxations properly so called, there were never fewer in any Kings Rain: but of ways to draw money from the subject, never more. It is true, the first money raised for his journey, was all out of his own estate, by selling or pawning of Lands; but when at his coming back, he resumed the Lands into his hands aga • ne, without paying back the money he had received; this if it may not have the name, yet certainly it had the venom of a bitter Taxation. Likewise the feigning to have lost his Seal, & then enjoining them to have their Grants confirmed by a new; though it went not in the number, yet it had the weight of a heavy Taxation where it lighted. Afterward, the money raised for his Ransom, was not so properly a Taxation, as a Contribution: or if a Taxation for him, yet not by him; which was done in his absence, by the subjects themselves: and indeed no Taxations are commonly so pinching, as those which are imposed upon the subject by the subject, and such was this; for to raise money for his Ransom, there • was imposed upon every Knights Fee, 20. s. of all Lay-men's Revenues, the fourth part; and the fourth part of all the Revenues of the Clergy, with a tenth of their goods. Also the Chalices and Treasure of all Churches were taken to make up the sum. Afterward, this only was a plain Taxation, and granted in Parliament; that of every Plough-land through England, he should have two shillings, and of the Monks Ci • teaux, all their Wooll of that year: And one more greater then this; and was this year imposed towards his wars in Normandy ; that every Hide of Land, as much as to say, every hundred Acres of Land, should pay five shillings; which computed without deductions, will rise to a sum that will seem incredible.

Laws and Ordinances in his time.

HIs Ordinances were chiefly for the Meridian of London: for where before his time the City was governed by Portgraves, this King granted them to be governed by two Sheriffs and a Major, as now it is; and to give the first of these Magistrates the honor to be remembered, the names of the Sheriffs were Henry Cornhill, and Richard Reyner ; and the name of the first Lord Major, was Henry Fits-Allwyn, who continued Major during his life, which was four and twenty years. And now began the City first to receive the form and state of a Commonwealth, and to be divided into Fellowships and Corporations, as at this day they are: and this Franchise was granted in the year 1189. the first year of King Richard the first.

Affaires of the Church in his time.

THe Church within his own Dominions was quiet all his time, no contestation with the Pope, no alterations amongst the Bishops, no difference between the Clergy and the Laity, or the Clergy amongst themselves; they all seemed to lie asleep, till they were afterwards awakened, in the time of the succeeding King. But abroad, in his time, there was an addition of three Orders of Devotion; the Order of the Augustine Friers, called Friers Mendicants, begun by William of Paris ; then the Order of Friers Minors begun by Saint Francis ; and lastly the Orders of Friers Preachers begun by Saint Dominick, though not confirmed till the first year of Pope Honorius.

Works of Piety in his time.

WOrkes of Piety are for the most part works of plenty; penury may inwardly have good wishes, but outwardly it can express but little: and indeed all parts of the kingdom, all sorts of people were drawn so dry; by the two great occasions of his Journey and his Ransom, and afterward by other Taxations, that the richest men had enough to do to maintain themselves, without being at the charge to make provision for others. All works of Piety were now for the service of the Holy Land, and therefore it may well pass, if not for a work of Devotion, at least worthy to be remembered; that William Bishop of Eli built the outer wall of the Tower of London, and caused a deep ditch to be made about it, with an intention the River of Thames should have surrounded it, though it could not be effected. Only Hubert Walter, who at one time was Arch-bishop of Canterbury, the Popes Legat, Lord Chancellor, Lord Chief Justice, and the immediate Governor under the King, both in Wales and England, Founded a Monastery at West Derham in Norfolk, where he was borne: begun another at Wolverhampton, and finished a Collegiate Church at Lambeth.

Of his Wif • and Children.

IN his Infancy he was contracted to a daughter of Raymond Earl of Barcelone, after that affianced to Adela, or Alice, daughter of Lewis King of France, yet married to neither of them; but he married Berengaria daughter of Garsias King of Navarre, whom his Mother Queen Eleanor brought unto him into Sicily, from whence passing into Cyprus, their marriage was there solemnised: afterward, going forward to the Holy Land, he carried her and his sister Jane Queen of Sicily along with him, where they remained till his return home; and then sent them to pass to Sicily, and from thence into England: but that ever she came into England, no mention is made, neither what became of her after she parted from King Richard at the Holy Land. But children certainly he had none, either by his wife, or by any Concubine, unless we reckon as a Priest in Normandy did; who told King Richard, he had three daughters: and the King marvelling who they should be, seeing he knew of none he had; yes (saith the Priest) you have three daughters, Pride, Covetousness, and Lechery; which the King taking merrily, called to the company about him, and said; I am told by a Priest here, that I have three daughters, and I desire you to be witnesses how I would have them bestowed: my daughter Pride, upon the Templars and Hospitallers: my daughter Covetousness, upon the Monks of the Cistercian Order: and my daughter Lechery, upon the Clergy.

Casualties happening in his time.

IN his time the Town of Mawling in Kent, with the Nunnery, was consumed with fire, and in his time the bones of Arthur the famous King of Britain were found at Glastenbury in an old Sepulcher, about which stood two Pillars, in which letters were written but could not be read; Upon the Sepulcher was a cross of Lead, whereon was written, Here lie • th the Noble King of Britain Arthur. Also in this Kings days for three or four years together, there reigned so great a dearth, that a Quarter of Wheat was sold for 18. shillings 8. pence, and then followed so great a mortality of men, that scarce the living sufficed to bury the dead.

Of his Personage and Conditions.

HE was tall of stature, and well proportioned, fair and comely of face, of hair bright abourne, of long arms, and nimble in all his joints, his thighs and legs of due proportion, and answerable to the other parts of his body. To speak of his moral parts, his Vices for the most part, were but only upon suspicion: Incontinency in him much spoken of, nothing proved; but his Virtues were apparent, for in all his actions he shown himself Valiant, (from whence he had the appellation or surname of Cae • r de Lyon ) wise, liberal, merciful, just, and which is most of all, Religious; a Prince borne for the good of Christendom; if a Barre in his Nativity had not hindered it. The remorse for his undutifulneesse towards his Father, was living in him till he died: for at his death he remembered it with bewailing, and desired to be Buryed as near him as might be, perhaps as thinking they should meet the sooner, that he might ask him forgiveness in another world.

Of his Death and Burial.

HE died of a wound with an Arrow in his Arm, which neglected at first, and suffered to wrankle, or as others say, ill handled by an unskillful Chirurgeon, in four days brought him to his End. But his Charity deserves to have it remembered, that finding himself past hope of Recovery, he caused the Party that had wounded him to be brought before him, who being asked what moved him to do this Fact? answered, that King Richard had killed his Father and two of his Brothers with his own hand, and therefor • would do it, if it were to do again. Upon this Insolent answer, everyone looked the King should have censured him to some terrible punishment, when contrary to all their expectations in a high degree of Charity, he not only freely forgave him, but gave a special charge he should be set at liberty, and that no man should dare to do him the least hurt: commanding besides to give him a hundred shillings for his pains. An Act that well shown he had been at the Holy Land, or rather indeed that he was going to it. He died the sixth day of April in the year 1199. when he had lived 44. years, Raigned nine, and about nine months, and had his Body Buryed at Founteverard, by his Father; his heart at Roan, in remembrance of the hearty love that City had always borne him; and his bowels at Chalons, for a disgrace of their unfaithfulness; others say at Carlisle in England.

Of Men of Note in his time.

IN his time were famous Baldwyn Archbishop of C • nterbury, who followed King Richard into the Holy Land, and died there; Hubert that succeeded him; Hugh Bishop of Lincoln; William Bishop of Eli, a man equally famous and infamous; also Baldwyn Archbishop of Canterbury, a learned Writer in Divinity; Daniel Morley a great Mathematician, John de Herham, and Richard de Herham, two notable Historians; Guilielmus Stephonides a Monk of Canterbury, who wrote much in the praise of Arch-bishop Becket ; also one Richard Divisiensis, Nicholas Walkington, and Robert de Bello Foco, an excellent Philosopher. Of Martial men, Robert Earl of Leycester; Ranulph de Fulgers ; two of the B •• dolphs, Hugh and Henry ; three Williams, Marshall, Brun • ll and Mandevill, with two Roberts, Ross, and S • vevile.

Of his troubles in contestation with his Nephew Arthur.

THough King John had entered upon Normandy, and made that Province sure unto him, yet the Province of Anjou stood firm for Arthur, in observance of their love to his Father their former Prince: which also King John soon after invading, reduceth by Force of Arms to his Obedience. And now Constantia the Mother of Prince Arthur, finding King John too powerful an adversary, and no likelihood for her party, to be able long to stand out against him without further assistance, conceives it her best way to have recourse to the King of France, and thereupon commits her Son Arthur to his Tuition: who seemed to receive him with the tenderness of a Father, and promiseth to assist him with his uttermost Forces, in the recovery of his Right both in France and England. Here we may observe upon what hinge the affection of the Kings of France was used to turn. For in King Henry the seconds time, King Lewis of France was so great a Friend to his Son Richard, that by all means he would help him to get the kingdom from his Father; Afterward when Richard was King, then Philip King of France, was so great a Friend to John, that by all means he would help him to get the kingdom from his Brother; and now that John is come to be King, he is presently grown so great a Friend of Arthur, that by all means he will help him to get the kingdom from his Uncle; and no doubt, if Arthur should ever have come to be King, he would have been as ready to help any other to get the kingdom from him: by which it appears, that it was not the Persons of the Men they either hated or loved, but that they were always jealous of their growing too great; and indeed this balancing of States keeps Princes affections always in suspense, and never suffers the Glass of their Love or Hate, to make a true Reflection. About this time William King of Scots came to London to visit King John, and there did homage to him for his kingdom of Scotland, though some say, but only for the Counties of Northumberland and Cumberland, but being required aid against the French, he excused himself, saying, he could not do it without consent of his kingdom, and so returned home.

And now Philip King of France having undertaken the protection of the young Prince Arthur, with a mighty Army enters Normandy, takes many of the best Towns, and pursuing his Victories, enters the Province of Anjou also, and recovers it from King John, which he the year before had gotten from Prince Arthur. Upon this King John makes a Journey into Normandy, accusing King Philip for breaking the Truce, which formerly he had made with King Richard for five years; but when he should come to make his Accusation good by Arms, he falleth to Treaties, and obtaineth a new Truce for fifty days: with which new Truce, Baldwyn Earl of Flanders, who had professed himself of that side, was not well pleased; and thereupon cometh to King John to Roan, and entering a new League with him, they there consult how to proceed, when the fifty days should be expired. This consultation the King of France understood; and thereupon both sides prepare for war, but at the end of the Truce, both sides seemed to relent, and divers meetings were had for Treaties of Peace, and in conclusion, King John more desirous of Peace then was for his Honor, agreed to these Conditions; that his Ni • ce Blanch, Daughter of Alphonsus King of Castile by his Sister Eleanor, should marry with Lewis King Philip's Son, who should have with her in Dower, besides thirty thousand Markes in money, all those Cities, except only Angiers, which the French before that time had taken, which were many and very great: and his Peace thus made, he returns into England with great joy, but was not with like joy received of the English Lord's, who counted themselves dishonored, in the dishonorable Conditions he had made; and Baldwyn Earl of Flanders also, when he saw the poor spi • its of King John, to descend to such base Conditions; left his Party, and entering League with the King of France, disposed himself for the Holy War.

But King John having now gotten a Vacation, and a time of ease, which agreed much better with his nature then War, sets his mind wholly upon pleasures; and for maintaining his pleasures, upon seeking after profit, which he pursues by all manner of injustice, under the name of Prerogative; and with such violence, that when his Brother Geoffrey Arch-bishop of York, in the dutifulness of a Counselor, advised him not to take such unlawful courses, he most unworthily took from him all he had, and it was a years work for all the Arch-bishops friends to pacify his anger. In the neck of this injustice, he commits another, he procures a divorce from his Wife Avis, the Daughter of Robert Earl of Gloucester, only for being of kin to him in the third degree, and by advice of the King of France, marries Isabell Daughter and Heir of the Earl of Angoulesme, Affianced before to Hugh le Brun Earl of March ; and shortly after brings her with him into England, where he and she together, are both Crowned at Canterbury. And here the Earls and Barons of the Realm, being all summoned to attend the King into France at Whitsuntide following; they all by a general consent send him word, that unless he would restore them their Rights and Liberties, they would do him no service out of the kingdom. But what it was that made the Lord's more violent in pressing their Demands at this time then before, no Writers of these times do sufficiently deliver: Only some of them speak scatteringly of certain oppressions (besides the general Grievance for Exactions) lately offered to some of the Lord's, one to the Earl of Chester, whom he would have banished, only for advising him to leave his cruelty and incontinency: Another, a pursuit in Love to a Daughter of Robert Fits-Water, called Maude the Faire, who not consenting to the Kings lust, a messenger was sent to give her poison in a potched Egg, whereof she died: And a third, offered to William de Brawse and his Lady, for a rash word spoken; for when the King sent to have de Brawses Son delivered him for a pledge, the Lady answered, We shall do well indeed to commit our Son to his keeping, who kept so well his own Nephew Prince Arthur. This rash word cost de Brawse his Country, and his Lady and their Son their lives, both of them being famished to death in Prison. For, though these directly were but particular Grievances, yet reflectingly they were general, what one suffered all might; but whether any of these, or all of these together, were Ingredients to make a Compound of violence in the Lord's at this time, or whatsoever was the true cause, this was plainly the effect, that unless the King would restore their liberties, they would not follow him out of the kingdom. But notwithstanding this refusal of his Lord's, he passeth over with his Queen into Normandy, and from thence to Paris, where the King of France receives them with all complements of Love and amity. But now Hugh Earl of March, resenting the injury done him by King John ; in taking away his affianced Wife, joins with Prince Arthur, and the King of France also, for all his fair show of amity lately made, joins with them, as having sometime before married his youngest Daughter to Prince Arthur, and these with their Forces joined, invade first the Turones, and then the Anjovins: of which Province Queen Eleanor the Kings Mother was left Regent, who thereupon betakes her self to Mirabell the strongest Town of those parts, and sends to her Son King John, acquainting him with the danger she was in, and requiring his speedy succor. When in the mean time Prince Arthur takes the City, and in it his Grand-mother Queen Elea • or, whom he used with greater reverence and respect then she expected. But King John at the hearing hereof, was so moved, calling the French King ungrateful and perfidious for succouring Prince Arthur, contrary to his League, that study • ng presently the Art of Revenge, he fell upon a stratagem, of all other the most prudent against an Enemy: For a Surprise in War is like to an Apoplexy in the Body, which strikes without giving warning for defense: And this Stratagemme at this time King John put in practice, for travelling night & day with indefatigable labor, he came upon his enemies before they were aware, and setting upon them unprovided, it was rather an execution then a battle; and they who remained unslaine were taken prisoners, amongst whom Prince Arthur him • else, who committed presently to the custody of Robert de Veypont in Roan, lived not long after whether it were that attempting to make escape, he fell down from the walls of his Prison, and was drowned in the River Seyne, as some say; or whether it were, that through anguish of mind he fell sick and died, as others say; or whether indeed he w • re made away by King John, as the common fame went; Certain it is, that he survived his imprisonment but a very few days. But though he were gone, yet his sister Eleanor, a preceding Competitor to King John, was still remaining: Her therefore, at this time also King John seizeth upon, and commits her in safe custody to Bristow Castle, where, after she had lived long, she died.

Of his Troubles after the death of his Nephew Arthur.

KIng John being now freed from his Competitor, one would think he should have ended all his troubles, but like a Hydraes head, they rather multiplied upon him: For they who had been so ready to assist Prince Arthur in his life, were now as ready to revenge his death. And first, Constance his Mother comes to King Philip, with open exclamations against King John, accusing him with the murder of her Son, and with all the instance of Tears and Entreaties, solicits him to revenge it. Hereupon King Philip summons King John to appear at a day, and because he appeared not according to the tenure of his Homage, it was decreed against him, that he had forfeited all the property of his Estate in France, and thereupon King Philip with mighty Forces invades his Territories, takes many Towns of principal consequence, while King John lived idle at R • an, no more regarding it then if it had not at all concerned him; and when some of his Lord's seemed to marvel what he meant to suffer the French to rob him of such goodly Cities: You say true indeed, (saith he) for it is but Robbery, and within a few days you shall see, I will make him to restore them back with usu • y. In this slighting humor he returns into England, where he looks not after the levying of Soldiers, or the raising of an Army, as this case required, but continues his old course for raising of money, accusing sometimes one of his Lord's, sometimes another, as 〈◊〉 it w • re their fault that he had lost these Towns in France • and upon 〈…〉 made many of them pay great sums of money, which brought 〈…〉 into hatred at home, but into contempt abroad; for the King of 〈◊〉 • n ••• standing his unworthy courses, proceeds more violently in his Invasi • ns 〈…〉 , getting Falai • , Damfr • nt, and all the good Towns of Normandy, but only Roan, and at last, though R • an was a Town strongly fortified with Walls, and more strongly with the faithful hearts of the Inhabi • ants, yet finding no hope of succor from King John, it was forced for want of Victuals to submit it self to the King of France, whose example all the other Cities followed; and so all Normandy returned to the subjection of the French, after three hundred and sixteen years that Roll • the Dane had first possessed it. It was now the year 1205. and the fourth of King John's Rain, about which time, the two props of his Estate, or rather indeed, the two Bridles of his intemperancy, died, his Mother Queen Eleanor, whose virtues had oftentimes qualified the vices of her Son; and Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury, who repented him at his death of nothing more, then that he had been an Instrument of bringing him to the Crown.

And now King John being a Substantive of himself, hath a devise in his head to make his subjects as willing to give him money as he was to have it: for knowing the great discontentment they all had for his losses in France ; he gives it out, that he would presently rais • an Army, for recovery of those losses, if he might have money to go about it: whereupon, never was money given with more alacrity; and as soon as he had it, he instantly went to Portesmouth, and there took Shipping before it was possible for his Lord's and others to be in readiness to accompany him; and sailing forward some certain Leagues into the Sea, upon a sudden he returns back again, and then lays the fault upon his Lord's, that had not followed him; and for this backwardness of theirs, imposed afterwards great Fines upon them; by which means he got money no less by pretence of his not going, then he had done before by pretence of his going. About this time died Geoffrey Fits-Peter Justitiar of England, who while he lived kept the King in some awe, in so much, as hearing he was dead, he swore by the feet of God, that now at length he was King of England ; and with great rejoicing said to some Lord's about him: Now when this man comes into Hell, let him salute the Arch-Bishop Hubert, whom certainly he shall find there. But Philip, King of France, intending to leave the English nothing on that side the Sea, invadeth Chinon, and takes it; and in it the valiant Captain Roger Lacie, which had given a period to King Philip's victories, had not Guido the husband of Constantia Prince Arthurs Mother revolted to King John ; who with his assistance once again leavies an Army, besiegeth Mount Auban, a Castle thought impregnable, and within fifteen days takes it, which Charles the Great could not get with his seven years siege: where so great a number of French Lord's were taken prisoners, that King John sent a Catalogue of their names into England, for a memorial of so great a victory. After this, he taketh the strong Town of Angiers, and utterly defaceth it; for which afterward he was sorry, as being the Town where he was borne. But now when the two Kings were ready to meet, and to give battle, intercession was made by friends of both sides, and thereupon a Peace concluded for two years: and King John returned into England.

King John being returned, performs no less worthy acts at home, then he had done in France: for first he invades the Borders of Scotland, and brings Alexander King of Scots to do him homage; and then understanding many of the Irish to be revolted, he passeth over to Dublin, and reduceth them to his obedience; and then placing John Bishop of Norwich Governor there, he returns into England ; where passing through Wales, he subdueth certain Rebels there, and takes eight and twenty children of the best Families, for pledges of their future loyalty; but not long after, hearing they grew mutinous and rebelled again, he was so incensed, that he would not go to dinner till he had seen those twenty eight children to be all hanged before his face: so inconsiderate a thing is the desire of revenge, that it makes no difference between innocence and guiltiness; though indeed a thing oftentimes must be done for example, which considered in it self, would be forborne.

And it was the year 1214. and the fourteenth of K. John's Raign, when he going to Angiers, strongly repairs it; and the Province of Poitou revolted to him; which Lewis King Philip's son understanding, comes upon them with a mighty Army, and using much severity upon the Authors of the revolt, takes prisoners, Reynold Earl of Boleigne, and William Earl of Salisbury, with many others of King John's Captains, and defeateth his whole Army: whereof when King John was certified, he grew in a manner desperate, and as a man dejected, makes a new Truce upon any conditions with the King of France, and returns into England ; where he finds a worse business ready to entertain him: for the Lord's of the Realm having often required their ancient Rights and Liberties; and finding nothing but delusions, endure no longer to be abused; but meeting at Saint Edmundsbery, they there confer how they may find a remedy to redress this evil; and at la • t concluded to go to the King themselves in person, and make their Demands; whereof a Charter was produced, that had been formerly granted in King Henry the firsts time: whereupon coming to the King after Christmas, lying then in the New Temple, and acquainting him with their Demands; he gives them this fair Answer, that within a few days he would give them satisfaction; and causeth the Bishops of Canterbury and Eli, with William Marshall, Earl of Gloucester, to pass their words for him, that it should be performed. But the King meaning nothing less then to do as he said, falls presently a leavying of Soldiers; which the Lord's understanding, they also do the like; and going to the Bishop of Canterbury, deliver him a Copy of their Demands, and require the Kings Answer. But the Bishop showing it to the King, and humbly entreating him to give the Lord's a satisfactory Answer: he swore a great Oath, they might as well demand the Kingdom, and that he would die before he would yield to any such demands. Whereupon the Lord's (knowing now what they were to trust to) fall to besiege Northampton, and after that, Redford, which is yielded to them; and withal they are sent to by the Londoners, to signify their readiness to join with them. At this time the King was at Windsor providing an Army, but hearing the Londoners were joined with the Lord's, he thought it no good way to proceed by force, but rather by fraud; and thereupon sends to the Lord's, that if they would come to him to Windsor, he would grant their demands. The Lord's coming thither, but in a Military manner, (for they durst not trust his word) the King saluted them all kindly, and promised to give them satisfaction in all they demanded; and so in a Meadow between Windsor and Stanes, called Running-meade, he freely consented to confirm their former Liberties; and was content some grave Personages should be chosen to see it performed. But the next day, when it should be done, he gets him gone to South-hampton, and from thence to the I will of Wight ; where advising with his Council, what in this case was fittest to be done: It was concluded he should send to the Pope, to acquaint him with this mutiny of the Lord's, and to require his help: while the King in the mean time lived skulking up and down in corners, that no man might know where to find him; or which is worse (as some write) roving about and practicing Piracy. And now the Lord's begin to suspect fraud, when shortly after the Kings Messengers, who were Walter and John, Bishops of Worcester and Norwich, return with the Popes Decree; which was, that the Kings Grant to the Lord's should be void: with this Decree, the King after three months that he had stayed in the I will of Wight, coming back to Windsor, acquaints the Lord's; but they accusing the Messengers for false informing the Pope, and the Pope also for making a Decree without hearing both sides, betake them to Arms, and swear by the holy Altar to be revenged for this Iudification and injurious dealing. The King finding the Lord's nothing moved with the Popes Decree, sends again unto him, to acquaint him with it: who mightily incensed to have his Decree so slighted, adjudgeth them all to be held as enemies of Religion; and gives power to Peter Bishop of Winchester, and to the Abbot of Reading to Excommunicate them. In the mean time the King had sent the Bishop of Worcester, Chancellor of England, and others with his Seal, to hire Soldiers from the parts beyond the Seas; who returned shortly after, bringing along with him out of Poicto • and Glasconie, Savery de Malcon, Geoffrey and Oliver B • t • vile, brothers; & under their conduct so great a rabble, that with these Forces, within half a year the King had gotten all the Castles of the Barons, to the borders of Scotland. And now he divides his Army, committing part of it to his brother William, Earl of Salisbury, and others, to set upon London ; and with the other part he goes himself into Yorkshire, where most of the Lord's had Possessions, which in most cruel manner he destroyeth with fire and sword. The Lord's being thus on all sides distressed, resolve upon a course, neither honorable nor safe; yet such as necessity made seem both: they send to Philip King of France, requiring him to send over his son Lewis to their aide, and promising they would submit themselves to be governed by him, and take him for their Sovereign. To this motion of the Lord's, King Philip was as forward as themselves; which King John understanding, sends again to the Pope, requiring him to use his authority to stay the King of France from coming. But King Philip, though much regarding the request of the Pope, yet nothing so much as the acquest of England ; with all speed provides an Army, and with a fleet of six hundred sail • sends over his son Lewis ; who passing into England, landeth at Sandwich, whither many of the Lord's and others resort unto him; and giving Oaths of Allegeance, join themselves with him. King John at this time was at Dover, but not daring to stay there for fear of the enemy, he commits the Castle to Hubert Burgh ; and goeth himself to Canterbury, and from thence to Winchester in manner of a flight; which Prince Lewis understanding, goeth straight to London, and by a plausible Oration makes that City sure unto him: and thither come to him the King of Scots with an Army of choice Soldiers, as also the Earls, Warren, Arundel, Salisbury, with many others. And now Prince Lewis passeth all the Country over without resistance, but not without infinite outrages committed by his Soldiers, which it was not in him to hinder: and then coming to Norwich, he takes that City easily, but Dover cost him a longer siege, as being defended by the valiant and loyal Captain Hubert Burgh. In this mean while King John finding his enemies employed in these difficult sieges; sends about and gathers a rabble of all raskall people to him, and with them runneth over all the Country, spoiling and killing in most barbarous manner; and now was the kingdom made the Stage of all miseries of rapine and cruelty: two Armies in it on foot at once, each of them seeking to prey upon the other, and both of them upon the Country. But the King coming to Wallpoole in Norfolk, where the Washes were to be passed over, he sendeth one to search where the Foord was passable, and there himself with some few passed over, but the multitude, with all the carriages, passing without orde • , they cared not where, were all drowned; with which dysaster, the King through anguish of mind fell into a Feaver, whereof within a few days he died. And here was an end of all the troubles of this King: In whom it is observable, that loving his case • so well as he did, he should run voluntarily into such troubles, especially at home, upon so small occasions as he did; but it should seem there is no greater hindrance to men for accomplishing their will, then their own willfulness.

Of his Taxations.

TO speak of his Taxations, it may not improperly be said that it was but one continued Taxation all his Rain through; yet to divide it into parts: his first was the Taxation of three shillings upon every Plough-land through the kingdom • , to pay the thirty thousand Markes, for his Niece Blanches Portion; and to mend this Taxation, he seizeth upon all the Temporalties of his brother Geoffrey Arch-bishop of York, for opposing it; and for a continuation, he makes a progress shortly after into all the North parts, where he exacts great Fines of offenders in his Forests. Very shortly after solicited by the Popes Legate, he grants a Subsidy of the fortieth part of all his subjects Revenues for one year, to succor the Holy Land. Shortly after this, he chargeth his Earls and Barons with the losses he sustained in France ; & thereupon Fines them to pay the seventh part of all their goods: neither spared he the Church, or the Commons in this Imposition. Before this year is ended another Lea • y is made at a Parliament in Oxford, wherein is granted two Markes and a half of every knights Fee, for Military aide; neither are the Clergy exempted from paying their part: and before another year is out, another Imposition is laid of the thirteenth part of all movables and other goods, both of the Clergy and Laity. It may be reckoned amongst his Taxations, that when the Monks of Canterbury had displeased him about the election of their Arch-bishop, he seised upon all their goods, and converted them to his own use: and presently after this, upon the like displeasure, he deputes many Bishoprics, Abbeys, and Priories into the hands of Lay-men, and confiscates all their Revenues. To these may be added that he took eleven thousand Markes of Silver of the King of Scots for granting him Peace. Add to these also great sums of money exacted and gathered from the Jews, among whom there was one that would not be ransomed, till the King caused every day one of his great teeth to be pulled out by the space of seven days, and then he was content to give the King ten thousand Markes of Silver, that no more might be pulled out. Add to these, that at his return out of Ireland, he summoned all the Prelates of the kingdom to appear before him; of whom he extorted for their redemption, the sum of an hundred thousand pounds Sterling. Add lastly to these, that at his return out of Wales, he exacts of every knight that attended him not in that expedition, two Markes.

Of his Laws and Ordinances.

HE was the first that appointed the Forms of Civil Government in London and other Cities, endowing them also with their greatest Franchises. The first that caused Sterling money to be here Coyned; The first that ordained the Honorable Ceremonies in Creation of Earls; The first that settled the Rates and Measures for Wine, Bread, Cloath, and such other necessaries of Commerce • The first that planted English Laws and Officers in Ireland ; The first that enlarged the Royal style with Lord of Ireland, and both annexed that kingdom, and fastened Wales to the Crown of England.

Affaires of the Church in his time.

AFter the death of Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury, the Monks of th •• Covent secretly in the night Elected one Reginold their sub-prior to succeed him; and caused him to go to Rome for confirmation: but afterward doubting how the King would take it, being done without his knowledge, they crave leave of the King to choose a fit man, the King is content to allow them the Election, but requires himself to have the Nomination, and thereupon commends unto • hem John Grey Bishop of Norwich, whom he specially favored, and accordingly the Monks Elect him. But the matter being afterward referred to the Pope, which of these two Elections should stand good, after many Allegations of both sides, the Pope to show himself indifferent to both, disallowes them both, and nominates a third man, one Stephen Lancthon, Cardinal of Saint Chrysogone, an Englishman borne, and a man of great learning. The Monks admit him, but the King opposeth it: and now, as it were, a Prize began to be played between the two Swords, the Spiritual and the Temporal: but he that used the Spiritual Sword, proved so much the better Fencer, that he disarmed the other, and took away his temporal Sword from him. It is true, in the first Venue, the King gave the Pope as good as he brought; for as the Pope threatened the King to excommunicate him, and to interdict the kingdom; So the King threatened the Pope to nullify his Authority, and to banish Clergy men out of the Realm. In the second Venue, as the Pope acted as much as he had threatened; (for he interdicted the • ingdome) So the King performed as much as he had spoken; (for he drove the Monks ou • of their Cloister) yet at last when Pand • lphus the Popes Legat came into England, and made appear to the King in what great d • ngers he stood; First • of the King of France, by Invasion; and then of his own Subjects, by Rebellion; for both which, there was no other help but Reconcilement with the Pope; he so touched him to the quick, that he made him leave his great words, and fall to asking forgiveness. So as taking off the Crown from his head, he laid it down at Pand • lphus fe • te, to be disposed of, as the Pope should please. And Pandulphus stuck not to •• ke up his Crown, and to keep it three or four days in his hands before he restored it; and did not then neither, but upon condition that he • nd his Successors sho • ld hold the kingdom of the See of Rome, at the annual tribute of • thousand Markes. And all those three or four days, in which Pandulphus kept the Crown, it might be truly said, the kingdom was without a King. And upon this, no doubt it was that Peter an Her •• te in a Prophetical Rapture had given out some time before, that by Asc •• sion day, there should be no King of England. Which though in some sort it was true, yet in some sort it was not true, and it was in the Prerogative of the King to make his own interpretation: And so it cost the poor Hermit and his Son their lives, and they remain as a pillar of Salt, to make men take heed of Ludere cum Sanctis ; and of playing the Critics in matters of State.

But by this means the kingdom was released of the Interdiction, which had continued six years, three months, and fourteen days: During all which time, there was no public Exercise of Religion; no Churches open; no Ecclesiastical Sacraments administered • but only to them that were in danger of death, and baptism to children; all that died were buried like dogs, in ditches and corners, but only such as had purchased or procured license from the Pope.

In this Kings Rain, Saint Dominic continued his Preaching ten years together, against the Albigenses. Also in his time Saint Francis renounced the world; and when a Priest to whom he offered it, would not take his money, he cast it away • and entered into a Vow of perpetual Poverty. Also in this Kings time, was held the L • teran Council, under Pope Innocent the Third, in which was established the Popes power over Princes, and in matters of Faith, Auricular confession, and Transubstantiation.

Of his Irreligion.

I Need not relate a Speech of his, though very unchristian, that having been a little before reconciled to the Pope, and then taking an overthrow in France, in great anger he cried out, that nothing had prospered with him since the time he was reconciled to God and the Pope. Nor another speech of his, which though spoken merrily, was in good earnest very irreligious, that being on a time a hunting at the opening of a fat Buck, he said: See how this Deere hath prospered, and how fat he is, and yet I dare swear he never heard Mass. It is sufficient to relate one act of his, (if it be true which some write) that being in some distress, he • ent Thomas Hardington, and Ralph Fits Nichols, knights, in Embassage to Mir •• m • malim King of Afric and M • r • cco, with offer of his kingdom to him, upon condition he would come and aide him; and that if he prevailed, he would himself become a Mahometan • and renounce the Christian Faith. Though some there be that • ay, All the • e were but false Criminations charged upon him by Monks that did not love him. But though we believe not these things of him; yet to suffer his kingdom to stand Interdicted so many years together, upon so small occasion as he did, was certainly no good sign of Religion in him. Yet one Act he did, wherein he shown a respect to Religion, by the honor he did to a Religious man: For Hugh Bishop of Lincoln lying very sick, he not only went to visit him, but being dead, was one of the three Kings, (the other two were, William King of Scotland • and the King of Southwales ) that carried his Herse upon their shoulders, till they delivered it to the Peers, and the Peers afterward to the Arch-bishops and Bishops to carry it in • o the Choir.

Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time.

YEt did this King leave more Works of Piety behind him, then all his Subjects that were in his time. For he Founded the Abbey of Bowley in the New Forest in Hampshire : also an Abbey of black Monks in the City of Winchester, and the Monastery of Farend • n, and the Monastery of Hales Owen in Shropshire: he reedified • odsto • and Wr • xell, and enlarged the Chapel of Knarisborough. Now for his Subjects, only Richard Prior of Ber • mon • sey built an House against the wall of the said house of Ber • on • sey, called the Almary or Hospital of Converts and Children, in honor of Saint Thomas. In this Kings time Saint Mary Overeyes in Southw •• ke was begun to be built, and the Stone Bridge over the Thames, was by the Merchants of London finished. Also Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Founded a Monastery at West Derham in Norfolk, which upon the dissolution came to the family of the Derhams, who hold it to this day.

Of his Laws and Ordinances.

IN this Kings time, five and thirty of the most substantial Citizens of London, were chosen out, and called the Counsel of the City, and the King gave the City liberty to alter their Major and Sheriffs every year, which before continued during life. He caused the Laws of England to be executed in Ireland, and money to be Coyned there, according to the weight of English money.

Of his Wives and Children.

KING John lived to have three Wives: His first was Alice Daughter of Hubert Earl of Morton, who left him a Widower without issue. His second was Isabell Daughter and Heir of Robert Earl of Gl • c • ster, by whom no issue neither, divorced from her by reason of Consanguini • y in the third degree. His third Wife was Isabel Daughter and Heir of Aymer Earl of Angoules • e, Affianced before to Hugh le Brun, Earl of March: By this Wife he had two Sons, Henry and Richard, and three Daughters, Joan, Eleanor, and Isabell: Henry succeeded him in the kingdom; Richard was Earl of Cornwall, and Crowned King of the Romans, and had issue Henry and John, that died without issue: also Edward Earl of Cornwall, and others. Joan his eldest Daughter married to Alexander the second King of Scots, died without issue: Eleanor the second Daughter (married to Simon Earl of Leycester ) had issue Henry, Simon, Almaricke, Guy, Richard, and Eleanor. Henry slain without issue. Simon Earl of Bigorre, and ancestour to a Family of the Mountfords in France. Almaricke, first a Priest, after a knight. Guy Earl of Angleria in Italy, and Progenitour of the Mountfords in Thuscany, and of the Earls of the Campo Bacchi in the kingdom of Naples. Richard • remaining privily in England, and changing his name from Mountford to Wellesborne, was ancestour of the Wellesburnes in England. Eleanor borne in England, brought up in France, married into Wales, to Prince Lewin a • Griffith. Isabel his youngest Daughter, married to the Emperor Frederick the second, had issue, Henry appointed to be King of Sicily, and Margaret Wife of Albret Lantgrave of Thurine. She died in Childbed, after she had been Empresse six years. He had also two natural Sons, Geoffrey Fits Roy, and Richard, that married the Daughter and Heir of Fulbert de Dover, (who built Childham Castle) had issue by her, of whom some Families of good account are descended. Also one base Daughter named Joan, married to Lewin Prince of Wales.

Of his Personage and Conditions.

HE was of Stature indifferent tall, and something fat, of a sour and angry countenance, and concerning his conditions, it may be said, that his Nature and his Fortune did not well agree: For naturally h • loved his e • se, yet his Fortune was to be ever in Action. He won more of his Enemies by surprises then by Battels, which shows he had more of Lightning in him then of Thunder. He was never so true of his word as when he threatened, because he meant always as cruelly as he spake, not always as graciously; and he that would have known what it was he never meant to perform, must have looked upon his promises. He was neither fit for Prosperity nor Adversity: For Prosperity made him insolent, and Adversity dejected; a mean Fortune would have suited best with him. He was all that he was by Fits: Sometimes doing nothing without deliberation • and sometimes doing all upon a sudden; Sometimes very Religious, and sometimes scarce a Christian. His insatiablenesse of money was not so much as that no man knew what he did with it, gotten with much noise, but spent in silence. He was but intemperate in his best temper, but when distempered with sickness, most of all, as appeared at his last, when being in a Feaver he would needs be eating of raw Peaches, and drinking of sweet Ale. If we look upon his works we must needs think him a worthy Prince, but if upon his Actions, nothing less: For his Works of Piety were very many, as hath been shown before, but as for his Actions, he neither came to the Crown by Justice, nor held it with Honor, nor left it in Peace. Yet having had many good parts in him, and especially having his Royal posterity continued to this day, we can do no less then honor his memory.

Casualties that happened in his time.

ONe Casualty we might count dysastrous, if it had not had relation to ourselves: for Hugh de Bones coming to aide King John with threescore thousand out of Britany and Flanders, by misfortune at Sea were all Drowned, to whom the King had granted Norfolk and Suffolk for the people he brought with him to Inhabit. In this Kings time were great thunders and lightnings, and showers with hailstones as big as Goose-Egges. Fishes of strange shape were taken in England, armed with helmets and shields, and were like unto armed knights, saving that they were far greater in proportion. About Maidestone in Kent a certain Monster was found stricken with the Lightning, which Monster had a head like an Ass, a belly like a man, and all other parts far differing from any other Creature.

Of his death and burial.

WHen Prince Lewis of France was come into England, and was received by the Lord's and by the Londoners, King John with an Army went into the North parts, and coming to Wallpoole, where he was to pass over the Washes, he sent one to search where the water was passable, and there himself with some few passeth over, but the multitude with all his Carriages and Treasure passing without Order, they cared not where, were all Drowned. With the grief of which dysaster, and perhaps distempered in his body before, he fell into a Feaver and was let blood; but keeping an ill diet, (as indeed he never kept good) eating green Peaches, and drinking sweet Ale, he fell into a looseness, and grew presently so weak, that there was much ado to get him to Newark • where soon after he died. Though indeed it be diversely related; Caxton saith, he was poisoned at Swi •• sheads Abbey by a Monk of that Covent; the manner and cause this: The King being there, and hearing it spoken how cheap Corn was, should say, he would ere long make it dearer, and make a penny loa • e be sold for a shilling. At this speech the Monk took such indignation, that he went and put the poison of a Toade into a cup of Wine, and brought it to the King, telling him there was such a cup of Wine as he had never drunk in all his life, and therewithal took the assay of it himself, which made the King to drink the more boldly of it; but finding himself presently very ill upon it, he asked for the Monk, and when it was told him that he was fallen down dead; then (saith the King) God have mercy upon me, I doubted as much. Others say, the poison was given in a dish of Peares. But the Physician that dis-bowelled his body, found no sign of poison in it, and therefore not likely to be true; but howsoever the manner of his death be uncertain, yet this is certain, that at this time and place he died, on the 19. day of October, in the year 1216. when he had Raigned seventeen years and six months; Lived one and fifty: He was buried, his bowels at Croxton Abbey, his body at Worcester under the High Altar, wrapped in a Monks Cowle, which the superstition of that time accounted Sacred, and a defensative against all evil Spirits.

Of the prises of things in his time.

NEitheir is this unfit to be recorded in Chronicles, to the end comparison may be made between the time past and the present: as in the time of King Henry the second, a Quarter of Whea • e was sold for twelve pence; a Quarter of Beanes or Oats for a groat. Neitheir is the price of Silver it self much less altered, for an ounce of Silver was then valued but at twenty pence; which is now valued at least at five shillings. Whereof Philosophers must tell the reason, for seeing scarcity makes things dear, why should not plenty make them cheap?

Of Men of special Note in his time.

IN Military matters there were many famous men in his time, as Robert Fits-Roger, and Richard Mount-Fitchet, with many others; but chiefly two, whose Acts make them specially memorable: the one was Hubert Burgh, whom K. John had left Governor of Dover Castle, of whom it is related, that when Prince Lewis of France came to take the Town, and found it difficult to be taken by force; he sent to Hubert, whose brother Thomas he had taken prisoner a little before; that unless • he would surrender the Castle, he should presently see his brother Thomas be put to death with exquisite torments before his eyes: but this threatening moved not Hubert at all, who more regarded his own loyalty, then his brothers life: then Prince Lewis sent again, offering him a great sum of money; but neither did this move, but he kept his loyalty as inexpugnable as his Castle. The other was Robert Fits-Water, of whom it is related, that King John being with an Army in France, one of his knights in a great bravery would needs make a challenge to any of the French Campe, that durst encounter him in a Combat, when presently comes forth this Robert Fits-Water ; and in the encounter, threw horse and man down to the ground: whereof when King John heard, By God's tooth (saith he) he were a King indeed that had such a Champion; whereupon some that stood by, saying to him, He is Sir, a servant of your own, it is Robert Fits-Water, whom you have banished. Whereupon his sentence of banishment was presently reversed, and the King received him, as he well deserved, into special favor. In matter of Literature also there lived many famous men in the Kings Rain; as Geoffrey Vinesaufe, Simon Fraxinus, alias Ash, Adam Dorensis, John de Oxford, Colman surnamed The wise • Richard Canonicus, William Peregrine, Alane Tewksbery, Gervasius Dorobernensis, John Hanwill, Nigell Worker, Gilbert Holland, Benet de Peterborough • William Parvus a Monk of Newburgh, Roger Howden, Hubert Walter, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Alexander Theologus, Gervasius Tilberiensis, Gyraldus Cambrensis, Johannes Devonius, Walter Mapis, Radulphus de Diceto, Gilbert Legley, Mauricius Morganius, John de Fordeham, William Leycester, Ioceline Brakeland, Roger of Crowland, Hugh White, alias Candidus, who wrote an History entitled Historia Petroburgensis; John de Saint Omer, Adam Barking, John Gray an Historigrapher, and Bishop of Norwich; Walter of Coventry, Radulphus Niger, and lastly, Simon Thurvay, who for his pride in Learning, but more for his blasphemies against Moses and Christ, became at last so utterly ignorant, that hardly he could read a letter of the book.

Of his coming to the Crown, and of Acts done in his Minority.

K ING John being dead, his eldest soon Henry was next to succeed: who being but nine years old, though he were capable of having his Right, yet he was scarce c • pable of understanding his Right: especially there being another at that tim • , to whom a great part of the Kingdom had sworn Allegeance. But those Lord's who had been constant to the Father, notwithstanding his faults, were more tender of the son, who was altogether innocent, and whose gracious aspect gave no small hope of a better disposition. Amongst all which Lord's, there was none of eminent in worthiness, none so near him in Alliance, as William Marshall Earl of Pembroke, who had married his Aunt; and he drawing the rest of the Lord's together, with a solemn Oration in behalf of the young Prince, so confirmed them, and so ordered the matter, that on the twenty eight day of October, in the year 1216. he was Crowned at Gloucester, by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and Ioceline Bishop of Bathe, in the presence of Guallo the Popes Legat, and many Lord's and Bishops: and the said William Earl of Pembroke, by a general consent, assigned Protector of the Realm during the Kings Minority. In which place, the first thing he did, was to give notice of the new Kings Coronation to all the Countries round about; and proclaim pardon to all offenders, that within a time limited should come and submit themselves to him. In the mean time Prince Lewis of France, who at his first hearing of King John's death, thought himself then sure of enjoying the Kingdom quietly, and that he should need to fear no more opposition; now that he hears of the new Kings Crowning, and that so solemnly, and with so unanimous a consent, he begins to think himself in worse case then before; and to grow jealous of the English Lord's that had adhered to him, what they would do in this new world. And indeed a conflict was already grown in their minds, which of the two Obligations should be the greater; either that of their Oath to Prince Lewis, or that of their Allegeance to King Henry. They could not but think it extreme ungratfulnes to forsake Prince Lewis, whom they had themselves invited to come: and they could not but think it extreme undutifulness to stand out in opposition against K. Henry, their natural Sovereign: and that which added no small weight to this scale, was a discovery lately made by the Viscount Melun a French Lord at the time of his death, who confessed as a matter of conscience, that Prince Lewis had 〈◊〉 , if once he got th • kingdom, utterly to extirpate all the English Nobility and to admit 〈◊〉 but F •• nch to any place of dignity. But whether any of these reasons, or any other 〈◊〉 their motives; certain it is, that many of them, of who • were princip ••• , the Earls of Ar • nd • ll, Warren, Salisbury, and William, the eldest son of the Protectour, shrunk from Prince Lewis, and went to King Henry, as thinking no Obligation so great as Allegeance: and many again continued constant to Prince Lewis, as thinking no Obligation so great as an Oath. And now Prince Lewis • to cast the Dice of Fortune, before his enemies, though they had got • them a Head, should gather to a head, and draw more for •• s together; staying • imself • a Londo • , 〈…〉 his Lieu • enant • with an Army of twenty thousand, to take in as many Towns as they could; and many they took with small opposition: but coming to Lincoln, where though they had the Town it self, yet the Castle stood o ••• and • ad been defended by a Noble Lady a whole year before; they found such resistance, that their proceeding was there arrested; for thither came presently Wi •• ia • the Pro • ect • ur with h • s son • William, the Bishops of Winchester, • alis • ury, and •• ester ; t • e • arles of • alisbury, Ferrers and Albemarle, William de Albinet, William de Cantilupe, Falcasius, Thomas Basset, Robert Vipon • , Bren • de Lis • e, Ge •• frey Lacie, and many other Barons, with all the power of the young King: who with wonderful violence assault the City; at which time it was propounded by the French, to sally forth, and give them battle; but conceiving their Army to be greater then indeed it was (for the English had set double Ensigns to every Company, which made a show of twice as many as they were) they forbare that course, and kept them selves within the Town; by which means being cooped up and straitened i • place, so as they cou •• 〈◊〉 make use of their Forces as otherwise they might; the • were in conclusion 〈…〉 , and all the principal men of the English that had adhered to Prince 〈◊〉 • were taken prisoners: as namely, Sa •• Earl o • Winchester, Henry de • ohun 〈◊〉 of Hereford, Gilbert de Gant, lately made Earl of Lincoln by Prince Lewis; 〈◊〉 Fi ••• water, Richard Mount-fi •• het, William Mawbr • y, William Beauchamp, Willi •• Maude • , Oliver Harcourt, Roger de Cressy, William de Colvil • , William de Ro • , Robert de Rope ••• y, • alph Chendui • Barons; besides four hundred knights or men at Arms. Only the Earl of Perch their General, being compassed about, and willed to render himself, swore he would never become prisoner to any English: and thereupon was run thorough the sight of his Helmet into the brains, and instantly died. This was a main blow to Pr • nce L •• is, and th • last of his battles in England ; and because the City was very rich in Merchandise, the English in derision called it Lewis Faire. But Prince Lewis was not yet discouraged, for he had sent to King Philip his Father, to send him new supplies out of France ; and new supplies were indeed sent: but Hubert de Bu • gh, Governor of D • ver, being as vigilant as he was valiant, watched their coming, and in a Sea-fight defeated them all, of whom but few escaped: and now this blow at Sea was so much greater then that at Land; that where that made him only doubt, this made him despair, at leas • made him malleable, and fit to be wrought upon by composition; whereupon it was at last concluded, that Prince Lewis should have fifteen thousand Markes for the charges he had been at, and abjure his claim to any interest in the kingdom; and withal to work his Father for restitution of such Provinces in France as appertained to this Crown: and that when himself should be King, he should resign them in a peaceable manner. On the other part, King Henry takes his Oath; and for him the Legat Guallo and the Protectour, to restore unto the Barons of the Realm, and other his subjects, all their Rights and Privileges; for which the discord began between the late King and his people. After this Prince Lewis is honourably attended to Dover, and departs out of England about Michaelmas, above two years after his first arrival.

And now the kingdom is come to unity within it self, one King and one people; and for a year or two there was little to be done, only some few there were, whom the corruption of the times had engendered; and who being borne in a storm, could not live in a calm: of whom the principal were the Earl of Albemarle, Robert de Vipount, Foulke de Brent, Brian de Lisle • and Hugh de Bayli • l • ; who bustling about, got possession of some Castles: with what intention, all men knew; but with what hope of effecting their intention, no man could imagine: for being but a handful of men to the body of the Realm; they were easily suppressed; and either brought to acknowledge their faults, or else punished for not acknowledging them. It was now the fourth year of King Henries Rain, at which time William Earl of Pembroke, Protectour of the Realm, died, and was buried in the new Temple at London: in whose place came the Bishop of Winchester ; and now was the King the second time Crowned, and had granted him by Parliament • for E • c • age, two Markes of silver of every knights Fee, for the affairs of the kingdom, and recovery of his Transmarine Dominions, which is now designed: and Mall • on de Savery, the Poicto • in, with William Long-sword Earl of Salisbury, sent over to try the affections of that people; whom they find for the most part inclinable to the obedience of this Crown: but the King of France being required peaceably to deliver them; made answer, that having gotten them by the sword, by the sword he would hold them. But now the King being come to some years of understanding, was in a Parliament holden at London, put in mind by the Archbishop of Canterbury, of the Oath he had taken for confirmation of the Liberties of the kingdom, which though oppugned by some (and sp • cially by William Brewer, and Hubert de Burgh, whom the King had now made his chief Justiciar) as having been an Act of constraint: yet the King then again ratified, and twelve knights or other Legat men of every Shire, by Writs were charged to examine what the Laws and Liberties were which the kingdom enjoyed under his Grandfather; and that they should return them by a certain day: and here the King by Parliament resumeth into his hands such Alienations as had been made by his Ancestors of any Crown Land. The next year after, another Parliament is held at Westminster, wherein is required the fiftieth part of all the movables, both of the Clergy and Laity, for the recovery of those parts in France, withheld from the Crown by Lewis now King, contrary to his Oath and promise made here in England at his departure; which, though it concerned the Honor and Dignity of the kingdom, and the estates of most of the Nobility; yet would it not be yielded to, but upon confirmation of their Liberties, which in the end was obtained, in the same words and form as King John had granted them in the two Charters before: and twelve knights are chosen in every Shire, to dispart the old Forests from the new, and the new to be laid open and ploughed, and improved • to the great comfort and benfit of the subject; and two years they were accordingly enjoyed.

Of his Acts after he came to be of age.

IT was now the tenth year of King Henries Rain, and being about nineteen years of age, he claimed to take the government of the kingdom into his own hands, and no longer to be under a Protectour; and now will presently appear the difference between a Prince that is ruled by good Counsel, and a Prince that will do all of himself, and take no advise. For the ten years he was ruled by a Protectour, were all passed, as it were in a calm, without noise or clamour; but as soon as he took upon him the government himself, there grew presently storms and tumults; no quietness either to the subject or himself: nothing but grievances all the long time of his Rain. For at the Parliament now holden at Oxford, as soon as he was Crowned again, he presently cancels and annuls the Charter of the Forests, as granted in his Nonage; and therefore he not bound to observe it: and then not using any longer the Seal which the Protectour had used, he makes a new; and causeth a Proclamation to be made, that whosoever would enjoy any benefit of Grants under his Seal, should come and have them signed by his new Seal; by which course he drew much money from many: and this was the first grievance. Shortly after, he commits the keeping of Barkehamstead Castle to one Walleran a Du • chman, which Castle belonged to his Brother Richard Earl of Cornewall : but when Earl Richard required to have the possession • as o • right he ought, it was then plotted by Hube • t Burgh Chief Justice, and the Kings chief Counselor, to commit him to prison, which the Earl understanding, o • at least suspecting, flies pres • ntly to M • rleborough, where he finds William Earl Marshall his vowed friend, with whom he has • ens to Stamford, and there me • es with the Earls of Chester, Gloucester, Warren, Hereford, Ferrers, Warwick, and diver • other Barons; who all confederate together, and send to the King • hat unless he restore the Castle to his brother, and • o them the Liberties of Forests which he had lately cancelled at Oxford, they would seek to recover them by the sword. Here, upon King Henry to pacifi • his brother • not only renders the Castle to him • but gives him besides all that his Mother had in Dower and also great possessions which the Earl of Britain, and th • Earl of B • leigne lately deceased • had in England ; but to the Petition of the Lord's he makes a dilatory answer • and this was another grievance. Not long after King Henry is persuaded by Hugh • e Brun, Earl of March, who had married his Mother, to make a journey into France, for recovery of his right there • but the Earl persuaded it for ends of his own; which to have discovered, had been no way to come •••• e them • • e must therefore • ay some colors upon his work, and it was color enough • that the action would be of great benefit to the King, if it might succeed • and the likelihood of succeeding was most apparent, by reason of the great inclina • ion of the people to King Henry ; and their great averseness from King Lewis. Upon these colors, King Henry undertaking the action, raiseth great sums of money from the Clergy • and from the Londoners for redemption of their Liberties • and takes the • hird part of all the goods of the Jews • but when he returned home a year after, without having done anything but spent his treasure and his time • and that which was mo • e worth then both these, the lives of many Noble men and others: this was another grievance. And now King Henry bringing many P •• ct •• ins over with him, who had served him in his wars • he was to reward them • ere; which he could not do, but by displacing and spoil of his Officers. First therefore he calleth Ralph Bretton Treasurer of his Chamber to account, and grievously F • nes him for defrauding him in his Office: Then likewise is Hubert de Burgh Chief Justiciar, and his Chief Counselor called to account, for such Treasure as passed his Office, who being further charged with crimes of Treason, flies to the Church of Merton for sanctuary; from whence, when the King commanded him to be drawn out by violence, the Bishop of London hearing of it, commanded him to be returned back to sanctuary, upon pain of Excommunication: but the King commanding him to be kept from sustenance, hunger at last enforced him to render himself to the Kings mercy: all his goods, which were very great, confiscate. Also Walter Bishop of Carlisle is thrust out of his Office of Treasure, and William Rodon knight, from his place of Ma • shall of the Kings house, and all the chief Counselors, Bishops, Earls, and Barons of the kingdom are removed, as distrusted • and only strangers preferred to their rooms: of which course, Peter de Rupibus a Poictouin, Bishop of Winchester, and one Peter de Rivalis, the Kings special Favorite, were said to be the Authors: and this was another grievance. The King was now about eight or nine and twenty years old, and a Consultation was had for a fit wife for him. There was propounded a sister of Alexander King of Scots, but it was not thought fit the King should marry the younger sister, when Hubert de Burgh had married the elder: he therefore takes one of his own choosing, and marries Eleanor, daughter to Raymond Earl of Province ; by which match he neither had Portion by his Wife, nor strength of Alliance by friends; or if any were, it was all made vain by distance: only he had by her a number of poor kindred, who to his great cost, lay hanging upon him; yet was the marriage solemnised with as great charge as if he had been to have Mountains with her: and this was another grievance. And now is the score of these grievances called upon to be paid, for the Lord's could no longer endure so many indignities, to see themselves fleighted, and only strangers advanced; as Foulke de Brent • who held the Earledomes of Nottingham, Oxford, Bedford, and B • ckingham, and others the like: and to see their persons exposed to danger, and their estates to ruin; for which no remedy could be but only the Kings confirming their Charter of Liberties: wherein it is strange to observe upon what different grounds the King and the Lord's went: It seems the King thought, that to confirm that Charter, were to make himself to be less then a King; and the Lord's thought, that as long as it was denied, they were no better then slaves • and as the King could endure no diminution, so the Lord's could endure no slavery; but the King might keep his own with sitting still, the Lord's could not recover their own but by motion: and seeing their strength must be in their number, by commotion; hereupon they confederate together, and of this confedencie, Richard now Earl Marshall, upon the death of his brother William, is chief; who repair to the King, and boldly show him his error, and requires satisfaction. Hereupon the King sends presently over for whole Legions of Poict • uins, and withal summons a Parliament at Oxford, whither the Lord's refuse to come after this a Parliament is called at Westminster, whither likewise they refuse to come, unless the King would remove the Bishop of Winch • ster, and the Poictouins from the Court; and more then this, they send him word, that unless he did this; they would expel both himself and his evil Counselors out of the Land, & create a new King. Upon this threatening, Pledges are required of the Nobility for securing of their Allegeance, and Writs a re • ent out to all who hold by knights service, to repair to the King at Gloucester by a certain day; which the Earl Marshall and his associates refusing, the King without the • udgement of hi • Court and their P •• rs, causeth them to be Proclaimed Out-laws, seizeth upon all their Lands, which he gives to his Poictouins ; and directs out Writs to attach their bodies wheresoever in the kingdom. But now of these confederate Lord's, the Bishop of Winchester won the Earls of Chester and Lincoln with a thousand Markes; and the King had so pleased his brother the Earl of Cornwall, that he likewise left them: whereupon they withdrew them into Wales, and confederate with L •• ilin Prince of Wales • whither also came Hubert de Burgh, escaped out of prison, and joins with them; taking intermutuall Oaths, that no one without other should make their accord. Hereupon the King goeth himself in person into Wales, where not prevailing, he returns to Gloucester, employs new forces of strangers, but all without success. At last a Frier is employed to persuade the Earl Marshall to submit himself to the King, but all in vain; till at length a train is laid to draw him over into Ireland, to defend his state there, being seised upon by the King; where by treachery circumvented he lost his life. Yet the King disavowes the sending of any such Commission into Ireland, protesting he never knew thereof; and lays the fault upon his Officers: an easy way for Princes, never to be found in any fault.

After two years affliction, a Parliament is assembled at Westminster, wherein the Bishops admonish the King by his Fathers example, to be at unity with his people, and to remove from him strangers, and to govern the kingdom by Natives of the Realm; and by the Laws: otherwise they would proceed by Ecclesiastical censure, both against his Counselors and himself. The King seeing no way to subsist but by temporising, consents to call home those Lord's out of Wales ; restores them to their places and possessions; removes all strangers from about him, and calls his new officers to account. Hereupon the Bishop of Winchester, Peter de Rivalis, and Stephen Seagrave take sanctuary; but afterward by mediation they obtained with great Fines their Liberty, dearly paying for their two years greatness. After this a Parliament is again called, which the King would have to be kept in the Tower, whither the Lord's refusing to come, another place of more freedom is appointed; in which Parliament, order is taken for removing all Sheriffs from their places, upon complaint of corruption: and here the King displaceth his Steward, and offers to take from the Bishop of Chichester then Chancellor, the great Seal, which he refuseth to deliver, as having received it by the common council of the kingdom; and now Pe •• r de Rivali • , a • d St • phen Seagrave, are received again into grace: by which may appear the vici •• itude of fortune in Princes favors. After this, in the one and tw • ntieth year • of • is Rain, another Parliament is held at London ; where the King requires the thirteenth part of all the moveables as well of the Clergy as Laity; which being directly opposed, the King promiseth by oath, never more to injure the Nobility, so they would but relieve him at that present: After four days consultation, • he King p • omising to use only the counsel of his natural Subjects, and protesting against the Revocation lately propounded • and freely granting the inviolable obse • vation of their Liberties, under pain of Excommunication, a Subsidy is granted him; bu • so, that four knights be appointed in every Shi • e to receive and deliver the same, 〈◊〉 to some Abbey or Castle, where it may be saf • lie kep • , that if the King • aile in p • rformance of his Grants, it may be restored to the Coun • rey from whence it was collected: And now the King, to make a show of true reconciliation for his part, suddenly causeth the Earls, Warren and 〈◊〉 , with John Pits Geoffrey to be sw • rn his Counselors, yet was neither of the points either for removing of strangers, or for disposing the money observed afterward by the King • for the money he made bold to take at his pleasure; and for strangers, they were so far from removing, that they were drawn nearer to him: for now William Valentine ; Uncle to the Queen, is grown the most inward man with him, and nothing done but by his counsel; also the Earl of Province, the young Queens Father, a poor Prince, hath a good share of the money that was collected: and Simon de Montford, a French man borne, is entertained by the King, and preferred s • cretly in marriage to Eleanor the Kings sister, Widow of William Earl of Pembroke, the great Marshall, and is made Earl of Leycester, by right of his Mother Avice, daughter of Blanchman, Earl of Leycester: which courses so incense the Nobility, that it put them out into a new commotion; and Richard the Kings brother becomes one of the party whom the other Lord's make their spokesman to the King, to aggravate his breach of promise, and to acquaint him with all the disorders of the kingdom; with whose remonstrance the King is so moved, that after he had tried the Londoners, and found them also to partake with the Lord's, he calls a Parliament a • London, whither the Lord's come armed for their own safety: where after long debating, the King taking his Oath to refer the matter to certain grave men of the kingdom; Article • are drawn, sealed, and publicly set up to the view of all, with the seals of the Legat, and divers great men: but before it came to be effected, the Earl of Cornwall, by the working of Simon Montford, hath his edge rebated, and is brought to be unwilling to meddle in the matter anymore; which the other Lord's seeing, they also grow cold, and so for that time it rested, and no more was done in it.

And now is the Kings turn to play his part, in using his authority, which he fails not to do to the uttermost: for upon a small-occasion he causeth the gates of Gilbert now Earl of Pembroke (the third son of William the great Marshall) to be shut against him at Winchester, whereupon the Earl retires into the North. Also Simon Norman, Master of the Kings Seal, and his greatest Favorite, is thrown out with disgrace, and his brother Geoffrey a knight Templar, is put out of the Counsel; both of them for not yielding to pass a Grant from the King, made unto Thomas Earl of Flanders, the Queens Uncle, of four pence upon every sack of Wooll. And now that load enough is laid upon those of the Laity, comes a new load to be laid upon the Clergy; for the Pope nothing dainty to make use of the power he had in the King, sends over three hundred Romans, requi • ing to have the first Benefices that should be vacant, bestowed upon them: which seemed so unreasonable a request, and to the Clergy of England so dammageable, that it made Edmund Arch-bishop of Canterbury to give over all, and betake himself to a voluntary Exile in the Abbey of Pontiniac in France ; yet to show his respect to the Pope, gave him e • ght hundred Markes before his departure. And to lay more weight upon the Clergy, great sums are also required of them for maintenance of the Popes war against the Emperor: which though the Clergy opposed, and shown many good reasons of their opposition both to the King and the Legat, yet by promises or threatenings, they were won or forced to yield unto it. And now comes the Earl of March, and once again solicits the King to make another journey into France, which being yielded to by the King, and assented to in Parliament, an aide presently was demanded towards it: but this demand was not only opposed, but all the Kings Taxations and aides before granted, were now repeated; and thereupon an absolute denial to grant anymore. Upon this, the King comes to the Parliament himself in person; earnestly, and indeed, humbly craving their aide for this once: but all prevailed not, they had made a vow to the contrary: and the King is driven to get what he could of particular men, of whom partly by gift, and partly by • oane, he gets so much, that he carries over with him thirty Barrels of Sterling money. This expedition had no better success then the former, for after a whole years stay, the King was driven to make a dishonorable Truce with the King of France, and return home. At his return he puts the Jews to another redemption, and the Londoners to another exaction; and to help on his charge, his wives mother, the Countess of Provence comes now to visit him; who bringing her daughter Zanchia with her, a marriage is solemnised between her and Richard Earl of Cornwall, whose wife was lately dead, and he returned from the Holy wars. The old Countess at her return, is presented with many rich gifts, having besides received an Annual Pension of four thousand Markes out of England, for five years past; in consideration of a pact made, that King Henry after her decease should have the Earldom of Provence: but shortly after her return, she disappoints him of that, and bestows it upon her youngest daugh • er Beatrix, married to Charles the French Kings brother; who was after King of Naples and Sicily • so as this Countess lived to see all her four daughters Queens: Richard Earl of Cornwall coming after to be elected King of the Romans. Upon th • se profusions, a consultation is had for new supplies, and no way thought so fit as by Parliament; hereupon a Parliament is again assembled at Westminster, with • r the King comes again himself in person, urging his necessities, yet nothing wou • d be granted without the assurance of reformation and due execution of the Laws. And here they desire to have it ordained that four of the most grave and discreet Peers should be chosen as conservatours of the kingdom, and sworn of the Kings Council, both to see Justice administered, and the treasure issued; and these, or two of them at least, should ever attend about the King. Also that the Lord Chief Justiciar, and the Lord Chancellor, should be chosen by the general voices of the States assembled, or else be one of the number of those four. Besides they propound, that there might be two Justices of the Benches, two Barons of the Exchequer, and o • e Justice for the Jews, and those likewise to be chosen by Parliament. But while these things were in debating, comes one Martin, a new Legat from the Pope, with a larger Commission then ever any before, to exact upon the State; but at the same time, Letters coming from the Emperor Frederick, to entreat that the Pope might have no more supplies out of England ; the Popes Mandate is rejected, and his Agent Martin disgracefully sent home. This business took up so much time, that nothing else was done in this Parliament; but only an aide granted to the King for the marriage of his daughter to Alexander King of Scots, twenty shillings of every knights Fee; and that with much ado, and repetition of his former aides.

The Winter following he assembles another Parliament, wherein he moves for an aid upon a design he had upon Wales, and to pay his debts, which were urged to be so great that he could not app • are out of his Chamber for the infinite clamour of such, to whom he owed for his Wine, Wax, and other necessaries of house: but they all to his face, refused to grant him anything: whereupon other violent courses are taken, an ancient quarrel is found out against the City of London, for which they are commanded to pay fifteen thousand Markes, and Passeleve the Clerk is employed, with others, in a most peremptory commission, to inquire of all such Lands as had been inforested, and either to fine the occupyers thereof at their pleasure, or else to take it from them and sell the same to others; wherein such rigor was used, that multitudes of people were undone. But now to show the King the estate of his kingdom, and the oppressions of Popes, inquiry was made of the Revenues which the Romans and Italians had in England: which were found to be annually sixty thousand Markes; being more then the yearly Revenues of the Crown: which so moved the King that he caused the same to be notifyed, with all other Exactions, to the General Council now Assembled at Lions ; and this (with the ill usage of his Agent Martin ) so vexed the Pope, that he is said to have uttered these words: It is time to make an end with the Emperor, that we may crush these petty Kings, for the Dragon once appeased or destroyed, these lesser Snakes will soon be trodden down. But upon the Popes rejecting the consideration of these grievances of England, and despi • ing the Kings message (who he said, began to Frederize ) it was absolutely here ordained, under great penalty, that no contribution of money should be given to the Pope by any Subject of England : and the King for a time assents unto it, but being of an irresolute and wavering nature, and afraid of threats, he soon gave over what he undertook, so as the Pope continued his former rapine; and though he had promised never to send anymore Legates into England, ye • sent he other Ministers under the title of Clerks, that had as great power as Legates, and effected as much. And now, for the other part of the State, new occasions also of complaint were offered: Peter of Savoy Earl of Richmond, comes into England, bringing with him certain Maides to be married to young Noble men of this Country, the Kings Wards, of whom Edmund Earl of Lincoln hath one, and Richard de Burgh another, and the same year three of the Kings Brothers by the Mother, Guy de Lusignan, William de Valence, and Athelmar Clerke, are sent over to be provided of Estates in England: also Thomas of Savoy (sometimes Earl of Flanders by Right of his Wife) comes with his sister Beatrix, Countess of Provence the Queens Mother, who are again Feasted and Gifted; for which the King is taxed the next Parliament in Candlemas Terme, and besides sharply reprehended for his breach of Promise, having Vowed and Declared by his Charter never more to injure the State in that kind; also for his violent taking up of provision, of Wax, Silke, Roabes, and specially of Wine, contrary to the will of the sellers, and many other grievances they complain of; all which the King patiently hears, in hope to obtain his desire, but yet nothing is effected, and the Parliament being Prorogued till Midsummer following, and the King growing more obdurate then before, it afterward brake up in discontent. But the Parliament not supplying him, he is advised to furnish his wants with sale of his Plate, and Jewels of the Crown, being told, that though they were sold, yet they would revert again unto him; and having with great loss received money for them, he asks who had bought them: Answer is made, the City of London. That City (said he) is an inexhaustible Gulf: If Octavius Treasure were to be sold, they surely would buy it.

And now to vex them, he appoints a Faire to be kept at Westminster, forbidding under great penalty, all exercise of Merchandise within London, for fifteen days, and all other Fairs in England, and namely that of Eli: but this Novelty came to nothing; the Inconvenience of the place, as it was then, and the foulness of the weather, brought more affliction then benefit to the Traders. That Christmas also he requires Newyeares gifts of the Londoners, and shortly after writes unto them his Letters imperiously deprecatory to aid him with money, and thereby gets of them twenty thousand pounds, for which the next year after he craves pardon of them. And notwithstanding his continual taking up all Provisions for his House, yet he lessens his House-keeping in no honorable manner. And then seeing he could get nothing of the States together, he calls unto him, or writes to every Nobleman apart, declaring his poverty; and how he was bound by Charter in a debt of thirty thousand pound to those of Burdeaux and his Gascoynes, (who otherwise would not have suffered him to depart home) at his last being in France : but fa • ling herein of Temporal Lord's, he addresseth his Letters to the Prelates, of whom he finds as little relief; by much importunity and his own presence, he got of the Abbot of Ramsey a hundred pound, but the Abbot of Borough had the face to deny him, though the King told him, it was more Alms to give money to him, then to a Beggar that went from door to door. The Abbot of Saint Albons yet was more kind, and gave him threescore Markes. To such lowness did the necessity of this indigent King (through his profusion) bring him. The Jews ever exposed to his will, feel the weight of these his wants; One Abraham, found a Delinquent, redeems himself for seven hundred Markes, and Aaron another Jew protests, the King had since his last being in France taken from him at times thirty thousand Markes of Silver, besides 200. Markes of Gold given to the Queen.

But now the Lord's assemble again at London, and press him with his promise made unto them, that the Chief Justiciar, Chancellor and Treasurer, should be appointed by the General Council of the kingdom, but by the absence of Richard Earl of Cornwall, (which was thought to be done of purpose) they return frustrate of their desire. And now the Bishopric of Winchester falling void, the King sends presently to the Monks of the Cathedral Church; to Elect his Brother Athelmar ; and because he would not be denied, he goes thither himself in person, and there enters the Chapter house as a Bishop or Prior, gets up into the Presidents Chair, begins a Sermon, and takes his Text, Justice and Peace have kissed each other ; and thereupon useth these words: To me and other Kings who are to govern the people, belongs the rigor of Judgment and Justice; to you who are men of quiet and Religion, Peace and Tranquillity; and this day I hear you have (for your own good) been favorable to my request; with many such like words: whereby the Monks finding the earnestness of his desire, held it in vain to deny him, and Athelmar is Elected; but with this reservation, if the Pope allow it. Shortly after follows the memorable Case of Sir Henry de Bathe, a Justiciar of the kingdom, and a special Counselor to the King • who by corruption had attained to a mighty Estate, and is said, in one Circuit to have gotten two hundred pound land per annum ; He is accused by Sir Philip D • rcy of falsehood in the Kings Court; and the King is so incensed against him, that in the Parliament at this time holden in London, Proclamation is made, that whosoever had any Action or Complaint against Henry de Bathe should come and be heard. One of his fellow Justiciars accused him of acquitting a malefactor for a bribe. The King seeing Henry de Bathes friends to be many and strong • breaks out into rage, protesting, that whosoever would kill Henry de Bathe should be aquitted for the deed. But afterward by intercession of the Earl of Cornwall, and the Bishop of London; the King becomes pacifyed, and Sir Henry is released, paying two thousand Markes; and after is restored to his former place and favor. The King keeping his Christmas at York, the marriage is solemnized between Alexander King of Scots, and Margaret his Daughter: to the Feast of which solemnity it is said the Arch-bi • hop gave six hundred fat Oxen, which were all spent at one meal: and besides, the Feast cost him four thousand Markes.

About this time, the Pope solicits King Henry to undertake the Cross, and so doth Alphonsus King of Castile, offering to accompany him in person, to rescue the King of France, who was now held Prisoner by the Souldan. And because a ransom collected for him in France was by tempest cast away at Sea, the Captive King offers to restore Normandy to the King of England, so he would come to his rescue. Upon this solicitation of the Pope, and the grant of a tenth of the Clergy and Laity for three years to come; the King undertakes the Cross, rather, it seems, to get the money, then with any purpose to perform the Journey: which had it been collected (saith Paris ) would have amounted to six hundred thousand pounds, to the utter impoverishing of the kingdom. And now the King by Proclamation calls the Londoners to Westminster, and there causeth the Bishops of Worcester and Chichester to declare his Intentions, and to exhort the people to undertake the Cross and attend him: but few are moved by their persuasions, only three knights of small note, whom thereupon the King in open view, embraceth, kisseth, and calls his Brethren; checking the Londoners as ignoble Mercenaries: and there himself takes his Oath for performing it, and to set forth upon Midsummer day next. In taking his Oath, he lays his right hand on his Breast, according to the manner of a Priest; and after on the Book, and kist it as a Layman. About this Tenth (granted by the Pope, but not by the People) a Parliament is called at London, where the Bishops are first dealt withal, (as being a work of Piety) and they absolutely refuse it; then the Temporal Lord's are set upon, and they answer as the Bishops: which put the King into so great a rage, that he drove out all that were in his Chamber, as he had been mad. Then he • als to persuade them apart, sending first for the Bishop of Eli, and deals with him in all kind manner, recounting the many favors he had done him. The Bishop replies, Disswading him from the Journey by the Example of the King of France ; and to that purpose useth many good reasons; which the King hearing, in great passion commanded his servants to thrust him out of door, perceiving by this what was to be expected of the rest; and thereupon falls upon his former violent courses; and first the City of London is compelled to the Contribution of a thousand Markes: and the Gascoyners being upon revolt, unless speedy succor be sent them; general Musters are made, and commandment given, that whosoever could dispend thirteen pounds per annum, should furnish out a Horseman. This occasions another Parliament, wherein it seems, the State began wisely to consider that all their oppositions did no good, the Kings turn must be served one way or other; therefore they agreed to relieve him rather by the usual way, then force him to those extravagant courses which he took; but yet so, as the Reformation of the Government, and the ratification of their Laws and Liberties, might once again be solemnly confirmed. And after fifteen days consultation, to satisfy the Kings desire for his holy Expedition, a Tenth is granted by the Clergy, and Scutage, three Markes of every knights Fee by the Laity; and thereupon those often confirmed Charters are again ratified, and that in the most solemn and Ceremonial manner, that State and Religion could possibly devise. The King with all the Great Nobility of England, all the Bishops in their reverent Ornaments with burning Candles in their hands, assemble to hear the terrible sentence of Excommunication against the infringers of the same. And at the lighting of those Candles the King having received one in his hand, gives it to a Prelate that stood by, saying: It becomes not me, being no Priest, to hold this Candle, my heart shall be a greater Testimony; and withal laid his hand spread upon his Breast all the time the sentence was read; which was thus Pronounced, Authoritate Dei Omnipotentis, &c. Which done, he caused the Charter of King John his Father, granted by his free consent, to be openly read. In the end, having thrown away their Candles, which lay smoking on the ground, they cried out, So let them who incur this sentence be extinct, and have no better savor then these snuffes: and the King with a loud voice said, As God help me, I will, as I am a Man, a Christian, a Knight, a King Crowned and annointed, inviolably observe all these things: and therewithal the Bels rung out, and the people shouted for Joy.

Yet was not all so quieted by this Grant, but that there were grievances still, whereof the first falls upon his Brother Richard Earl of Cornwall : for the King having seven and twenty years before given him the Province of G • scogne, now that he had a Son of his own, he would take it from his Brother, and give it to his Son; and the Earl refusing to deliver his Charter, it is plotted to imprison him, but he escaping out of Burdeaux, comes over into England. The King to win the Nobility of Gascogne to turn to him, promiseth them thirty thousand Markes, which they accept, so as he bind himself • by his Oath and Charter to perform it. This strictness of theirs the King takes in ill part, and thereupon sends Sim •• Montford Earl of Leycester, a stern man, to be their Governor, who with his insolent Government, so discontents them, that after three years suffering, they send the Arch-bishop of Burdeaux, with other great men, to complain of his Insolencies; whereupon Montford is sent for, and because the Lord's took part with him, the King takes part with the Gascoyners ; which Montford took so ill, that he upbraides the King with breaking his Promise: to whom the King in great rage replied, that no promise was to be kept with an unworthy Traitor: at which word Montford riseth up, protesting that he lied; and were he not Protected by his Royal Dignity, he would make him repent those words. The King commands his Servants to lay hold on bim, but the Lord's would not permit it. Yet after this great affront to the King, is Montford sent over again into Gascogne, though with a more limited Authority, and shortly after the King with a Fleet of three hundred Ships goes thither himself, and soon composeth all differences in the Country.

But now the King of Spain pretends a title to Aquitaine, and to take him off, King Henry sends to treat of a marriage between Prince Edward and his Sister Eleanor,