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

Of Men of note in his time.

IN this Kings time, of Martial men were many, whose Acts have been spoken of in the late Kings life. Of Learned men, also many, as John Duns the great Logician, called Doctor Subtilis, borne in Northumberland, at Emildune a Village three miles distant from Al • wi • ke ; though both the Scots and the Irish challenge him for thei • s. Robert Walsingham a Carmelite Friar, who wrote divers Treatises. Robert Baston borne in Nottingham-shire, a Carmelite Friar of Scarborough, whom King Edward took with him into Scotland, to write some Remembrances of his victories; but being taken by the Scots was constrained by Robert Bruce to write Remembrances of his overthrows. William Rishanger, a Monk of Saint Albans, an Historiographer; Ralph Baldocke Bishop of London, who wrote a History entitled Historia Anglica; John Walsingham, a Carmelite Friar, who wrote divers Treatises; Nicholas de Lyra a Jew by birth, who wrote many excellent Treatises in Divinity; William Ockam a Friar Minor, who wrote divers Treatises, and namely against John Duns, and also against Pope John the 23. in favor of the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria; Thomas Haselwood, a Canon of Leedes in Kent, who wrote a Chronicle, called Chronicon compendiarium; Robert Perscrutator, borne in Yorkshire, a black Friar and a Philosopher, or rather a Magician; and lastly, though not least worthy to be remembered, John Mandevile, the great Traveler, a Doctor of Physic, and a Knight.

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

E Dward of Windsor, eldest son of King Edward the second, by Order of Parliament, upon his Fathers Resignation, was proclaimed King of England, on the five and twentieth day of January, in the year 1327. and because he had not yet received the Order of knighthood, he was by Henry Earl of Lancaster gi • t solemnly with the Sword; and on the first day of February following, was Crowned at Westminster by Walter Reginolds Archbishop of Canterbury: and thereupon a general Pardon is Proclaimed, which hath since been used as a Custom with all the succeeding Kings: that at their first coming to the Crown, a General Pardon is always granted. And because the King was under age, scarce fifteen years old (though Froyssard saith he was then Eighteene) there were twelve appointed Governors of him and the kingdom • namely the Arch-bishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishops of Winchester, Hereford, and Worcester; Thomas of Brotherton, Earl Marshall, Edmund Earl of Kent, the Kings Unkles; John Earl Warren, Thomas Lord Wake, Henry Lord Percie, Oliver Lord Ingham, and John Lord Ross: but though these were appointed and bore the name, yet the Queen and Roger Mortimer took all the authority to themselves. The first action that was undertaken, was an expedition against the Scots ; for Robert Bruce, though now old and sickly, and (as was said) Leprous: yet considering the youth of the new King, and the distractions of the kingdom, thought it now a • it time to do some good upon England: and entering the English borders with an Army, sent defiance to King Edward: whereupon an Army is raised, and the Heyna • lders (whom the Queen had brought over) are joined with the English ; but a variance falling out between the two Nations, made the action not successful. For the Kings Army encountering the Scots at Stanhope Park in Weridall in the Bishopric of Durham, though three times as many as the Scots, as being thirty thousand; yet through this variance, but more through treason of some great men, suffered them all to escape their hands, and the Scots returned home in safety, the English with dishonor: and after this, the English seeing the Heynaulders could do them no good, sent them away to their own Country. In King Edwards second year, his marriage with Philippa of Heynault is solemnised, (a dispensation being first gotten, because of their nearness in blood) and a Parliament is holden at Northampton, where the King made three Earls: John of Eltham his brother, Earl of Cornwall; Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, and James Butler of Ireland, Earl of Ormond: and in this Parliament a dishonorable peace is concluded with the Scots, and confirmed by a match between David Bruce Prince of Scotland, being but seven years old, and Joan sister to King Edward, not so old; at which time, by the secret working of Queen Isabell, Roger Mortimer and Sir James Dowglasse ; the King surrenders by his Charter, all his title of Sovereignty to the Kingdom of Scotland, restores divers Deeds and Instruments of their former Homages and Fealties, with the famous Evidence called Ragmans Roll, and many ancient Jewels and Monuments, amongst which was the black Cross of Scotland ; and besides, any English man is prohibited to hold lands in Scotland, unless he were a dweller there. In consideration whereof King Bruce was to pay thirty thousand Markes, and to renounce his claim to the Counties of Cumberland and Northumberland, and any other place possessed by him in England. This was no good beginning, and yet worse followed after. For another Parliament being holden at Winchester, Edmund Earl of Kent, the Kings Uncle, is there accused, and condemned upon his confession, for intending to restore his brother, the late King Edward ; an intention only without any fact; yet condemned he was, and brought to the Scaffold, but generally, so beloved of the people, that he stood on the Scaffold from one a clock till five, before any executioner could be found that would do the office, till at last a silly wretch of the Marshalsey was gotten to cut off his head. But the Authors of his death escaped not long themselves, for in the third year of the Kings Rain, another Parliament is holden at Nottingham, wherein the Queen hath all her great Jointure taken from her, and is put to her Pension of a thousand pounds a year, and her self confined to a Castle, where she remained the rest of her days, no fewer then thirty years, a time long enough to find that her being the daughter of a King, the sister of a King, the wife of a King, and the mother of a King, were glorious titles, but all not worth the liberty of a mean estate; and as for Mortimer, (lying then in the Castle of Nottingham ) and lately created Earl of the Marches of Wales ) he was seised on in this manner; the King taking with him William Montacute, Robert Holland, and others, go secretly one night by Torchlight, through a privy way under ground, till they came to the Queens Chamber, where leaving the King without, they entered, and found the Queen with Mortimer, ready to go to bed: then laying hands on him, they led him forth, after whom the Queen followed, crying, Bel fits, • el fits, ayes pity du gentil Mortimer ; good son good son, take pity upon the gentle Mortimer, suspecting that her son had been amongst them: this course was taken to apprehend him for avoiding of tumult, he having no fewer then ninescore knights and Gentlemen, besides other meaner servants continually about him. But thus seised on, he is committed presently to the Tower, accused of divers great crimes, whereof these were chief; that he had procured the late Kings death; that he had been the author of the Scots safe escaping at Stanhope Park, corrupted with the gift of thirty thousand pounds; that he had procured the late marriage and Peace with Scotland, so dishonorable to the King and kingdom; that he had been too familiar with the Queen, as by whom she was thought to be with child: of which Articles he is found guilty, and condemned; and thereupon is drawn and hanged on the common Gallows at the Elmes, now called Tiburne, where his body remained two days as an opprobrious spectacle for all beholders.

After these businesses in England, there comes a new business upon him from the King in France: for about this time Philippe le Bel, King of France, the Queens brother dying without issue, the right of succession to the Crown is devolved upon the Heir to Charles a former King, wherein are competitours Philip Duke de Valois, and Edward King of England; Edward is the nearer in blood, bu • draws his Pedegree by a Female: Philippe, the further off, but descending by all Males; and because the Law Salique excluding Females, was conceived as well to exclude all descendants by Females, therefore is Philip's title preferred before King Edwards, and Philip is received and crowned King of France: to which preferment of his, Robert d' Arthois a Peer of great power, gave no small furtherance. And now as soon as Philip was Invested in the Crown, he summons King Edward to come and do his Homage for the Duchy of Guyenne, and his other lands in France, held of that Crown, according to the custom; which though it were some prejudice to King Edwards claim afterward, yet in regard his kingdom of England was scarce well settled, and himself but young, he was contented to do; and thereupon the sixth of June, in the year 1329. King Edward in a Crimson Velvet gown embroidered with Leopards, with his Crown on his head, his Sword by his side, and golden Spurres on his heels; presents himself in the body of the Cathedral Church of Amyens before King Philip, sitting in his Chair of Estate, in a Velve • Gowne of a Violet color imbroydered with Flowers de lys of Gold, his Crown on his head, and his Scepter in his hand, with all his Princes and Peers about him. The Viscount Melun Chamberlain of France, first commands King Edward to pu • off his Crown, his Sword, and his Spurres, and to kneel down, which he did, on a Crimson Velvet Cushion before King Philip ; and then the Viscount putting both his hands together between the hands of the King of France, pronounced the words of the Homage, which were these: You become Liegeman to my Master here present, as Duke of Aquitaine and Peer of France, and you promise to bear faith and loyalty unto him; Say yea: and King Edward said yea, and kissed the King of France in the mouth, as Lord of the Fee. The like Homage also he did for the Earldom of Ponthieu. But this act of submission left a rancor in King Edwards heart, which afterwards brake so out, that it had been good for France 〈◊〉 had never been exacted.

This done, King Edward returns home, and there finds a new business with Scotland, upon this occasion. Edward Baylioll, son to John Baylioll (sometimes King of Scotland ) two and thirty years after his fathers deposition, began now to show himself, attempting the recovery of that Crown; and coming out of Fra • ce, where he had all that while remained; and getting aide under-hand in Engla • d, with them he suddenly assailes those who had the government of Scotland, during the Nonage of the young King David, (being at that time with the King of Fra • ce ) and in a battle overcame them, with the slaugher of many Noble men, and thousands of the common people; and thereupon was immediately Crowned King of Scotland at Scone. But notwithstanding this great defeat, King Baylioll was forced to retire him into England to get more aide of King Edward: who now shows himself in the action, joins with Baylioll against his brother in Law, King David ; goes in person with a strong Army to recover Berwicke, which after three months siege, being valiantly defended by the Lord Seton, was taken in; and the Army of the Scots which came to the rescue thereof, at Hallidowne-hill, utterly defeated: where were slain seven Earls, ninety knights and Bannerets, four hundred Esquires, and about two and thirty thousand common Soldiers, as our Writers report; as theirs, but fourteen thousand: and with this effusion of blood is Baylioll returned to his miserable kingdom, and to hold good correspondence with the King of England hereafter, doth him Homage for his Realm of Scotland, and the Islands adjacent. But though he had a kingdom, yet he had not quietness, for many of the Scots aided by the French, made war upon him divers years after; during all which time, King David with his wife remained in France. If any man marvel why King Edward would aide Bailioll against King David, who had married his sister; he may consider that Alliances, how near soever, weigh but light in the Scales of State.

About this time the I will of Man is conquered by William Montacute, Earl of S • lisbury ; for which service King Edward gave him the Title of King of Man.

Of his Acts after he came of age.

ANd now Robert of Arthois banished out of France, comes into England, whom King Edward makes Earl of Richmond, and of his Counsel. This Robert persuades King Edward to make war upon France, to which Crown (he said) he had more right then he that held it; with whose persuasions, King Edward is at last resolved to undertake the enterprise: and to furnish himself of Noble Chiefetaines, he at one time in a Parliament at Westminster, the eighth year of his Raign, creates six Earls, Henry of Lancaster he made Earl D • rby, William Montacute he made Earl of Salisbury, Hugh Audeley Earl of Gloucester, William Clinton Earl of Huntingdon, and Robert Clifford or Ufford Earl of Suffolk ; also twenty knights, of whom Thomas de la Moore, who writ the life of the Kings Father, was one: withal he enters League of amity with many Princes abroad, with the Dukes and E • rles of Gelders, Iulyers, Cleves, Heynault, and Brabant, and with the Arch-bishop of Colen, and Valeran his brother: as on the other side, the King of France got to take his part the Bishop of Liege, John King of Bohemia, Earl of Luxemburg, Henry Count Palatine, Aubert Bishop of Mets, Otho Duke of Austria, Ame Earl of Geneva, with many other Princes and Captains out of Germany, Spain, and other Countries. King Edward thus resolved in himself, and furnished with friends abroad, goes over into Flanders with his Queen and children, makes his residence at Antwerp, where by persuasion of the Flemings he takes upon him the Style, Title, and Arms of the King of France ; for by this they accounted themselves disobliged of the Bond of twenty hundred thousand crowns, which they had entered into, never to bear Arms against the King of France ; and hereupon the League was established between them and King Edward. And now King Edward for a beginning to put his claim in execution, sets upon Cambray, and enters France by the way of Vermandois and Thierach ; on the other side King Philip seizeth on the Duchy of Guienne, and sends thither the Conte d' Eu, Constable of France, with the Earls of Foix and Armigniack. At last both Armies came so near together, that a fight was appointed the Friday after; but upon better consideration, the English thought it no discretion to give battle to an Army so much greater then their own, if they could avoid it; and the French thought it as little discretion for them to hazard the person of their Prince within his own kingdom; and perhaps were not a little moved with the warning given them by Robert King of Sicily, a great Astronomer, that he fore-saw by the Stars, some great misfortune to threaten the French, if they should that day fight with the Engli • h, King Edward being present: and thus both Armies having their several reasons to decline the battle, they parted without doing anything; only an accident happened scarce worth remembering, yet must be remembered. A Hare starting out before the head of the French Army, caused a great shout to be made; whereupon, they who saw not the Hare, but only heard the shout, supposing it to be the onset to the battle, disposed themselves to fight, and fourteen Gentlemen for encouragements sake, as the custom is, were knighted; called afterward in merriment, knights of the Hare.

But now King Edward must a little look home, and therefore leaving the Queen in Brabant, he passeth himself into England about Candlemas, having been in Brabant about a year; and landing at the Tower about midnight, and finding • t unguarded, was so much displeased, that he presently sends for the Major of • ondon, commanding him to bring before him the Chancellor and Treasurer, with Sir John Saint Paul, Michael Watch, Philp Thorpe, Henry Stratford, Clergy men, (who it seems were Officers for his Receipts) and John Sconer Justice of the Bench; all which, except the Chancellor, were apprehended and committed to prison; as were afterward in like manner divers Officers of Justice, and Accountants, upon inquiry made of their unjust proceeding. During the Kings abode in England, William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and Robert Ufford Earl of Suffolk, le • t in Flanders to oppose the French, having performed divers great e • ploits, were a • last in an encounter about Lis • e, so overlaid by multitude, as they were both taken, and sent prisoners to Paris. Besides, about this time two accidents happened that were thought would be great rubs in King Edwards proceeding; one, that his Wives Father, William Earl of Hayn • ult, dying, and leaving his son to succeed, this son left his brother King Edward, and fell to take part with the King of France: the other, that the Duke of Normandy, thinking himself as strong as ever William Du •• of Normandy was that conquered England, he saw no reason but he might conquer it as well as that William ; and thereupon makes preparation by Sea and Land to attempt the enterprise: but these were but vapors that never came to be winds, at least brought no storms: for John Earl of Haynault had quickly enough of the King of France, and was soon after reconciled to his brother King Edward ; and the Duke of Normandy went no further then preparations: for indeed King Edw •• d prosecuted his courses against France with such heat, that all the neighbouring Princes seeing a fire kindled so near their own borders, were glad to look • o themselves at home. But now to impeach the King of England's return into Fra • ce • King Philip had provided a mighty Navy in the Haven of Sluce, consisting of tw • hundred sails of Ships (besides many Gallies) and two thousand armed men in th • Port ready to encounter him upon his landing: whereof King Edward being adve • tised, prepares the like number of Ships, and sets out to Sea upon Midsommer Eve; is m • the morrow after with a Navy likewise from the North parts, conducted by Sir •• bert Morley ; and encounters his enemy who lay to intercept him with such force and courage, and such advantage of Wind and Sun, that he utterly defeated their whole Navy, took and sunk all their Ships, slew thirty thousand men, and landed with as great glory, as such a victory (the greatest that ever before was gotten by the E • glish at Sea) could yield, though King Edward himself was there wounded with an Arrow in the thigh. Most of the French, rather then to endure the Arrows of the English, or be taken, desperately leapt into the Sea; whereupon the French Kings Jester, set on to give him notice of this overthrow, (which being so ill news, no •• else would willingly impart unto him) said, and oftentimes repeated it in the Kings hearing; Cowardly English men, Dastardly English men, faint-hearted Englis • men • the King at length asked him why • for that (said he) they durst not leap out of their Ships into the Sea, as our brave French men did. By which speech the King apprehend a notion of this overthrow: which the French attribute to Nichol •• •• chet, one of their chief Commanders, who had armed his Ships with men of base condition (content with small pay) and refused Gentlemen and sufficient Soldiers, in regard they required greater wages: And indeed it often happens that the avarice of Commanders is the occasion of great defeats.

By this victory King Edward gained a free entrance into Flanders, and presently went and besieged Tournay with an Army of five and fifty thousand, but was so valiantly encountered by the Duke of Burgundy and the Earl of Armigniack, that they routed his Army, and slew four thousand upon the place; which so enraged King Edward, that two days after he sent a Challenge to King Philip to meet him in • single combat, or with an hundred against as many, before the walls of Tourn •• . King Philip answers, that his Challenge being made to Philip de Valois, withou • mention of King, he took it not to be to him, who was truly King of France • but he wished him to remember the Homage he had done him at Amiens, and the wrong he did to the Christian world • by his troublesome courses to hinder him from his voyage intended to the Holy Land. Besides this answer in writing he sends to him by word of mouth; that by his Challenge he hazarded nothing of his own, but exposed only the Dominion of another, which was against all reason: but if he would set his kingdom of England, though much meaner, agai ••• his of France, he would then accept the Challenge, and meet him in the field 〈◊〉 single combat. But this King Edward would not hearken to for as he was valiant to make the Challenge, so he was circumspect to look to the conditions. But here upon he continues his siege of T •• rnay ; to the relief whereof King Philip sends all the forces he could possibly make by himself o • his friends; and after the siege had continued three months, partly by mediation of Robert King of Sicily, but chiefly by the Lady Jane of Valois, sister to King Philip, and mother of King Edwards wife (who had vowed her self a Nun; but to do this good office, travelled from one to another) a Truce was concluded for a year, and both their Armies are dissolved.

After this, K. Edward returning into England, was advertised how the Scots after many other places gained, had besieged the Castle of Striveling ; for relief whereof, the King makes all the haste he can; and yet before he could come, it was by force of battery, compelled to render it self upon conditions. Then King Edward being at Berwicke, passeth to New-Castle upon Tyne, where he stays a month waiting for his provision that was to come by Sea; but that being driven into other parts by tempest, he makes a Truce with the Scots for three or four months, and then returns home. In the time of this Truce; the Scots send to King David, to come and govern the kingdom in his own person; who thereupon taking his leave of the King of France, with whom he had remained seven years, he with his wife Joan, King Edwards sister, returns into Scotland ; where after he had been most honourably received by the Prince of Or • nay, and the other Lord's and Barons of the Kingdom, as soon as the Truce was ended, with a strong Army enters Northumberland, passing on to New-Castle upon Tyne, where he plants his Campe. Of this Castle, John Nevile was left governor by King Edward, who sending out certain companies, took the Earl Murray prisoner, and with the slaughter of divers of his men, and rich booties, returned back to his Castle; which so incensed King David, that he assaulted the Castle as a man enraged, but finding it too strong for his taking, he then passed into the Province of Durham, where he used all kinds of cruelty, first upon the Country, and then upon the City, killing men, women and children, Clergy, and others; burning and destroying houses and Churches, and utterly defacing it. From thence he passeth on to the Castle of Salisbury, which Castle belonged to William Mountacute Earl of Salisbury in right of his wife; but himself being then prisoner in France, only his Countess, and one William Mountacute a Cousin of his, was in the Castle. This William perceiving the Scottish horse to be so over-charged with pillage, that they were scarce able to go; issues out of the Castle with forty horse, sets upon them, kills two hundred, and takes six score, whom he brings with their rich pillage, into the Castle. King David soon after with his whole Army arrived, but hearing of King Edwards coming (who certified of these things, made all the haste he could) he retires himself from thence; and King Edward finding him gone before he came, yet would needs go in and visit the Countess: of whom, as soon as he saw her, he was so enamored, that he laid more battery to her chastity, then King David had done to her Castle; but finding it inexpugnable, after a day and a night he left it, and followed after the Scots, with whom for three days together he had many skirmishes, till at last a Truce was concluded for two years; and amongst other conditions, William Earl of Salisbury, prisoner with the King of France, was set at liberty in exchange for the Earl Murray, prisoner with the King of England.

About this time another difference fell out between the Kings of France and England. John Earl of Montford laid claim to the Duchy of Britain, but in the quarrel was taken prisoner by the King of France: his Lady sends to King Edward for succor; which King Edward grants upon condition that a marriage be made between his daughter Mary and the Earl of Montfords son; which being agreed on, he sends over to her aide, first, Walter de Manny a valiant knight, and afterward Robert d' Arthois: but whilst his Army was preparing, King Edward was informed by Edward Baylioll, the pretended King of Scotland, and Governor of Berwicke, that the Scots had not kept the conditions of the Truce; whereupon King Edward draws a great Army to Berwicke, with a purpose to do great matters, but nothing was done, for a new Truce was again concluded for two years. By this time Robert d' Arthois had made ready his Army, and taking with him the Countess of Montford, the Earls of Pembroke, Salisbury, and Suffolk, and many other Barons; after great tempests and encounters at Sea lands safely at last near to Vannes, which was held by the French, and laying •• ege to the City, with the assistance of Walter de Manny, who came unto him, after many assaults, at last he took it, to the great joy of the Countess of Montford, though she held it not long; for certain resolute French knights assaulted it soon after, and recovered it from the English. In which action many Lord's were slain or wounded, and particularly Robert de Ar • hois himself; who passing over into England, for the better curing of his wounds, soon after died, and was buried in Paul's Church in L • ndon. And now King Edward himself with a strong Army passeth over into Britain, and plants his Campe before the City of Vannes, where was like to have been a cruel battle; but in the instant, there came from Pope Cl • meant the sixth, two Cardinals, the Bishops of Preneste and Thusculum ; who upon certain conditions concluded a Peace; amongst other conditions, this was one; that the City of Vannes should be delivered to • ing Philip, and thereupon John Earl of Montford should be set at liberty, but yet with this charge, not to go into Britain: which promise notwithstanding, he kept not, but went presently and besieged a Tow • e in Britain, though he were forced to retire, and died shortly after. But the Truce cracked • hus, as it were, by Montford, was afterward absolutely broken by King Edward though he charged the breach of it upon K. Philip, and King Philip upon him. But howsoever broken it was; and Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby, with divers other Earls and Barons, is sent into France, who won many Towns in Gascoyne • and in the Counties of Perigort and Tholo • se, and then went to winter at Burdeaux. And afterward, in May following, pursuing his victories, he won many mor • Towns; and amongst others, the great Town of Reoll. After this again, he took Montpesat, Maurore, Villefranche, and many other Towns; and at last the great City of Ango • lesme, and then came to winter again at Burdeaux.

Of his Acts together with the Prince.

KING Philip informed of so many great losses, assembles a mighty Army, no less then a hundred thousand men, with which he recovers Miremont, and Villefranche, and then proceeded to besiege Angoulesme, whom the Earl of Derby having not forces sufficient to encounter, King Edward (leaving for Wardens of England in his absence, the Lord's Percie and Nevill ) goeth himself in person with an Army (as Froyssard saith) of fourscore thousand men at Arms, and ten thousand Archers, besides those out of Wales and Ireland ; taking with him his son, the Prince of Wales, and Duke of Guyenne, being then but of the age of fifteen years. It may be thought preposterous in King Edward, to put his son to be a Soldier before he was come to be a man; but it seems he had a longing to try his sons valor in the bud, and perhaps was loath to omit anything that might give any countenance to this battle, in which the two kingdoms were laid as it were at stake; but howsoever, taking him along with him, and almost all the Lord's of his kingdom, he takes Shipping, and lands at Normandy, where at the first setting his foot on ground, he took such a fall, that the blood gushed out at his nose; which the Barons took for an ill sign, but the King took it for a good: saying, it was a sign that the Land desired to have him: and in deed he presently took the Towns of Harsteur, Moulbourg, Carenton, and Saint Lo, and afterward the City of Ca • n it self; and from thence passed to the County of Eureux, saccaged and pillaged it, as also the City of Gisors, Vernon, Meulan, and Boulebourse to the City of Poyssy. King Philip all this while stayed about Paris, as looking for King Edward to give him battle there; and for that purpose had planted his Campe near to Saint Germans ; but King Edward deceived him: for going from Poyssy, he passed into Picardie and Ponthie • , where he took and burned many Towns and Castles: and then passed the River of 〈◊〉 , though not without danger: for King Philip had sent thither Gundemar de Fay with a thousand horse, and six thousand foot, to stop his passage: King Edward notwithstanding resolves to pass, or perish, and plungeth forem ••• into the River; crying out, They who love me, will follow me at which voice, 〈◊〉 man strove who should be foremost, and so the shore was presently gained by the English. Gun • emar astonished with this bold adventure, astonisheth his peo ••• with his fearful countenance: so that the English encountering the French all in 〈◊〉 , put them to flight. King Philip enraged with this dishonor, resolves to 〈◊〉 it; and presently provokes King Edward to a battle. King Edward had 〈◊〉 •• camped in a Village called Cressy, his Army consisted of thirty thousand 〈◊〉 • hich he divided into three battalions: the first was led by the young Prince 〈…〉 , with whom were joined the Earl of Warwick, Geoffrey of Harecourt, 〈◊〉 Holla • d, Ric • ard Stafford, John Chandoes, Robert Nevile, and many other 〈◊〉 and Gentlemen, to the number of eight hundred men at Arms, two thou 〈…〉 , and a thousand Welsh. In the second were the Earls of Northam •••• • nd of 〈◊〉 , the Lord's Ross, Basset, and others, to the number of eight hun 〈…〉 Arms, and twelve hundred Archers. In the third the King was him ••••• h • ving about him seven hundred men at Arms, and three thousand Archers. 〈◊〉 battles thus ordered, mounted on a white Hobby, he rode from rank to rank 〈◊〉 •• em; encouraging every man that day to have regard to his right and ho 〈…〉 The French Kings Army was far greater, consisting of above sixty thou 〈…〉 well armed; whereof the chief were Charles Duke of Alanson 〈…〉 John of Luxembourg King of Bohemia, Charles de Blois the Kings 〈…〉 Duke of Lorraine, the Earls of Flanders, Nevers, Sancerre ; of Ba 〈…〉 and Gentlemen, about three thousand. The Vauntguard he commits to his • rother the Count de Alanson, the Reere to the Earl of Savoy, the main battle • e lead • himself; his heat out of confidence of victory was so great, that 〈…〉 permitted time for a little counsel what was fit to be done. The old King 〈…〉 advised that the Army should take some repast, and that the Infantry c ••• isting of Ge • oueses (which were above fifteen thousand Crossebowes, and 〈◊〉 men • should make the first Front, and the Cavallery to follow; which was agreed on. But the Count of Alanson, contrary to this order, took it ill that the 〈◊〉 were in the first rank, and in fury caused them to change place; which 〈…〉 discontentment, that it irritated them more against the Leader, then the 〈◊〉 ; besides there fell at the instant, such a shower of rain, as dissolved their 〈◊〉 , and made their Bows of little use; and at the breaking up of the shower, the 〈…〉 full in the face of the French (dazzling their sight) and on the back of the 〈◊〉 , as if all made for them. K. Edward who had gotten to a Windmill, beholding 〈◊〉 a Sentinel, the countenance of the Enemy, and discovering the disturbance 〈◊〉 by the change of place; instantly sends to charge that part, without giving 〈…〉 to re-accommodate themselves; whereupon the discontented Gen •• ese 〈◊〉 which the Co • nt de Alanson perceiving, he comes on with the horse, and 〈…〉 • age cries out, On, on, Let us make way upon the bellies of these Genoueses, 〈…〉 but hinder us: and instantly pricks on with a full careere through the midst 〈…〉 , followed by the Earls of Lorraine and Savoy, and never stays till he came 〈◊〉 the English battle, where the Prince was; the fight grew hot and doubtful, 〈…〉 as the Commanders about the Prince send to King Edward to come up with his power to aide him. The King asks the messengers whether his son were 〈…〉 hurt: who answering, no; but that he was like to be over-laid: Well then ( 〈◊〉 • he King) return, and tell them who sent you, that so long as my son is a 〈…〉 they send no more to me what ever happen; for I will that the honor of this 〈…〉 his. And so being left to try for themselves, they wrought it out with the 〈◊〉 • the rather by reason the French King having his horse slain under him, and 〈◊〉 danger to be trodden to death, had he not been recovered by the Lord Beau 〈…〉 • •• s to the great discouragement of his people, withdrawn out of the field: 〈◊〉 no •• ce being once taken by the English, the day was soon after theirs, and 〈…〉 victory they ever had yet against the French, and so bloody, as there is 〈…〉 made of any one prisoner taken in the battle, but all • lain out-right; • nely • ome few troops that held together, saved themselves by retiring to places near adjoining. The French King himself with • small company, got to Bray in the night, and approaching the walls, and the Gu • rd asking him who goes there? he answered, the Fortune of Fr •• c • . By • i • voice • e was known, and thereupon received into the Town, with the tears and lamenta • ions of his people. The number of the slain are certified to be thirty thousand: the chief whereof, were Charles de Al • ns • n, John Duke of 〈◊〉 , • alph Earl of Lorraine, L • wis Earl of Fl ••• ers, I • ques Da • lphin de 〈◊〉 , So •• e to I • b • rt, (who after gave Daulphin to the Crown of France ) the Earl •• of S •• c • rre, H • r • court, and many other Earls, Barons, and Gentlemen, to the number of fiftee •• hundred. This memorable Victory happened upon the S • turday after Bart •• l •••• day, in the year 1346. The next day, early in the morning, being Sunday, he s • n • out 300. Lances, and 2000. Archers • to discover what was become • of t •• 〈◊〉 who found great Troopes coming from Abbe •• l • , Saint 〈…〉 , a • d B •• uvoyes, (ignorant of what had happened 〈◊〉 by the Arch-Bishop of R ••• , and the Prior of France: whom they likewise defeated, and slew s • ven thousand.

But this was not all th • Victories that fell to King Edward that year, there was another of no less importance gotten in Engl •• d, by the Queen and hi • people • at home against the Scots ; who being set on by the French, to divert the wa ••• there • entered upon this kingdom wit • • hreesco • e thousand men, (as our Writers report) assuring himself of success, in regard (as he supposed) • the ma •• e stre • gth thereof was now gone into France ; but • e found it otherwise • For the Lord's of the North, as Gylbert de Umfrevile, the Earl • of Ang ••• , Henry Perc • , Ralph Nevile, William D • y • co •• t, with the Arch-bishop of York, the Bishop of Dur • am, and others of the Clergy, gathered so great Forces, and so well ordered them, by the animation of the Queen, (who was there in person) as fighting a great Battle at Nevils Cross in the Bishopric of Durha • , they utterly defea • ed this great Army, took David their King Prisoner, with the Earls of Fif • , Menteth, Murry, Sutherland, the Lord Dowglas, the Arch-bishop of Saint Andrew's, and others; and put to the sword fifteen thousand Sc • ts. This Victory also fell upon a Saturday, six weeks after that of Cressy. He that took King David Prisoner, wa • one John C • pl • nd, an Esquire of Northumberland, whom King Edward rewarded with five hundred pounds land a year, and made him a Banner • t. And as if all concurred to make this year Triumphant, the Aides sent to the Countess of Montford in Britain, led by Thomas Dagworth a Valiant knight, overthrew and took Prisoner, Charles de Blois, Pretender to that Duchy, and with him Mounsi • ur la Vall, the Lord's Rochford, Bea •• anoyre, Loi • c • ue ; with many other Barons, Knights, and Esquires: Where were slain the Lord De la Vall, Father to him that was taken, Viscount Rohan, Monsieur de Chastea • Bryan, de • alestroit, de Quintin, de Dyrev • ll, besides many other knights and Esquires, to the number of seven hundred. And now King Edward without meddling with the great Cities of Amiens and Abbevile, marcheth on directly, and sits down before Calais, a Town of more importance for England, and the Gate to all the rest: Wherein John d • Vienne Marshall of France, and the Lord de Andregh • n, (a great man in his time) commanded.

All that Winter King Edward lay without any molestation by the French King, who was busied at home in his own State about raising of money; wherewith supplied at last, he raiseth an Army and approacheth Calais, but finds no way open to come to relieve it. The King of England was both Master of the Haven, and possessed all other ways that were passable; and the Flemings his friends had besieged Air ; to oppose whom, John Duke of Normandy is sent for out of Guyenne : who departing leaves Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby, Master of the Field, and • e having an Army consisting of twelve hundred men at Arms, two thousand Archers, and three thousand other Foot, takes in most of the Towns of Xaintoigne, and Poict •• , and in the end besieged and sacked P • ityer • , and then returns to B • rdea • x, with more • illage then his people could well bear: Thus the 〈◊〉 prosper every •• here, and the French suffer. During this siege of Calli • e, ( • n 〈◊〉 some t • in •• King Edw ••• first used Gunnes) the Fleming • send to King 〈◊〉 to make a marriage between his Daughter Isabell and their Lord the 〈…〉 ; to which the King consented, but the Duke of Br ••• nt gets 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 , • o make the match for a Daughter of his • The Flemings press 〈◊〉 Lord with t • e match of England ; but he absolutely refuse • h it, saying • h • 〈◊〉 never marry a Daughter of him, that had killed his Father, though he would 〈…〉 •• lf • his kingdom. This answer so incensed the Flemi • gs, that they 〈…〉 Lord in Prison, till with long durance he at last consented; and there 〈…〉 E • ward and his Queen, with their Daughter Is ••• ll, come over to 〈…〉 there the young Earl is aff • an • ed to her; but returning after •• rds 〈…〉 as • e found opportunity, he went to King Philip, and • eft 〈…〉 ; and married afterwards a Daughter of the 〈…〉 this whi •• • he siege of Calais was continued; and King Philip 〈…〉 come to relieve it; sollicits King Edward to appoint some • place 〈…〉 would me • e him. But King Edward returns answer, that if he 〈…〉 own way to come thither to him, there he should find him, but 〈…〉 be would not pa ••• having lain there so long to his great l •• our and 〈…〉 b • ing now so near the point of gaining the place • Two • • a ••• nals 〈…〉 the Pope, to mediate a Peace, but could effect nothing, so as the 〈…〉 w • s forced to break up his Army and retire to Paris, leaving C • llice 〈…〉 the Besieger: which when the Town understood, they sent to de 〈…〉 granted, and therein received this final answer, that • ixe of the chief Burgesses should be sent to the King, bare-headed, bare-footed, in their shirts, 〈…〉 their necks • the keys of the Town and Castle in their hands, 〈…〉 th ••• elves to the Kings will; the rest he was content to take to mercy. 〈…〉 condition, and much difficulty who should be those six: but 〈◊〉 up, and out of love to his Country offering himself to be one, the six 〈…〉 made • p; for now by his example everyone strove to be of the 〈◊〉 who presenting themselves before the King, he commanded them instantly 〈…〉 to death. Great supplication was made by his Lord's for their lives, but 〈…〉 would not be drawn to alter his sentence, till the Queen, great with 〈…〉 on her knees, and with tears obtained pardon for them; which done, 〈…〉 them to be clothed, and besides a good repast, gives to everyone of them 〈◊〉 Nobles a p • ece. But though the King in this sentence shown severity, 〈…〉 Act before he had shown mercy; For when Victuals began to fail in 〈…〉 , and all unuseful persons, as old men, women, and children, were put 〈…〉 Gates; he forced them not back again as he might have done, there •• 〈◊〉 sooner to consume their store; but suffered them to pass through his Ar • y • 〈◊〉 them to eat, and two pence a piece to all of them. And thus was that strong 〈◊〉 of Calais gotten, the third day of August, in the year 1347. after eleven 〈…〉 siege, and continued afterward in possession of the English two hundred 〈…〉 . All the Inhabitants are turned out, but only one Priest, and two 〈…〉 to inform of the Orders of the Town: and a Colony of English, amo • gst which seven and thirty good Families out of London is sent to inhabit it • 〈…〉 and Queen enter the Town triumphantly, and make their abode there, 〈◊〉 Queen was brought a bed of her Daughter Margaret. The King made 〈◊〉 of the Town Ayme • y of Pavia a Lombard, whom he had brought up from 〈…〉 , and then with his Queen returns into England ; at which time the 〈◊〉 Electors send to signify • that they had chosen him King of the Romans, but 〈…〉 refuseth to accept it, as being an honor out of his way, and scarce come 〈…〉 his State at home.

• fter this Tr ••• s were made by mediation, from one time to another, for the 〈…〉 • woe years, in which time, Geoffrey de Charmy Captain of Saint Omer, 〈…〉 Aymery of P • via, whom King Edward had left Governor of Calais, to 〈…〉 for twenty thousand Crowns: which King Edward hearing of, sent to A • merry, and charged him with this perfidiousness; whe ••• pon Ay ••• y comes to the King, and humbly desiring pardon, promiseth to h • ndl • the 〈◊〉 so as shall be • o the Kings advantage, and thereupon i • sen • back to Calais. The King, the • ight before the time of agreement • arrives with three • und • ed men at 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 hundred Archers: 〈◊〉 de Charmy 〈…〉 likewise the 〈◊〉 •• ght from Saint Omers with his Forces, and sent a hundred m • n before with the Crowns to 〈◊〉 : the men are let in at a Posterne Gate • the crowns received, • nd assured to be all weight: which done, the Gates of the Town are opened, and out marches the King before day, to encounter 〈◊〉 de Charmy ; who perceiving himself betrayed, defended • imselfe • the best he could, and put King Edward to a hard bickering, who for that • e would not b • 〈…〉 person, put hi • self • and the Prince under the Colours of the Lord 〈…〉 bea • en •• wne on • is knees by 〈…〉 • hom he fought hand to hand) and ye • recove •• d, and 〈…〉 prisoner. Charmy was likewise taken, and all his Fo •••• defeated. Ki • g • dward the night after (which was the first of the New-year) feasted with the Prisoners, and gave • ibo ••• nt in honor of his valou • , 〈…〉 Chaplet of Pearl, which himself wore on his head, (for a New-years gift) forgave him his ransom, and set him at liberty. But the English not long after, in the like practice, had better success, and got the Castle of Guysnes, (a piece of great importance ne • r • Calais, ) for a sum of money, given to one Beaconr • y a French •• n. Of which C • s • le, when the French King demanded restitution in regard of the Truc • , King Edwar • returns answer, that for things bought and sold between their people, there was no exception, and so held it.

About this time Philip King of France died, leaving his Son John to succeed him; in the beginning of whose Rain, Humber • P • ince of D •• lphin, dying without issue, made him his Heir, and there • upon Charles King John •• Son, was created the first Daulphin of France: from whence it grew to be a Custom, that the King of France his Heir should always be called Daulphin of France. About this time also the Duke of Lancaster was to perfo • me a combat, upon a challenge, with a Prince of B • h • mia, but when they were entered the Lists, and had taken their Oaths, King John interposed, and made them Friends. And now when after many means of mediation, no Peace could be concluded between the two Kings; the Prince of Wales being now grown a man, is appointed by Parliament, to go into Gascoyne with a thousand men at Arms, two thousand Archers, and a great number of Welshmen ; and in June following he sets forth with three hundred Saile, attended with the Earls of Warwick • , Suffolk, Salisbury, and Oxford, the Lord Chand • s, the Lord James A • deley, Sir • obert Knolles, Sir Francis Hall, with many others. About Michaelma • following • the King himself passeth over to Calais, with another Army, taking with him two of his Sons, Li • n • ll of Antwerpe, now Earl of Ulster i • Right of his Wife, and John of Gant, Earl of Richmond. There met him at Calais of mercenaries out of Germany, Flanders and Brabant, a thousand men at Arms, so that his Army consisted of three thousand men at Arms, and two thousand Archers on horse-back, besides Archers on foot. The City of London sent three hundred men at Arms, and five hundred Archers, all in one livery, at their own charge; but all this great Army effected nothing at that time, by reason the King of France would not be drawn to any Encounter, and had so disfurnished the Country of all provisions, that the King of England was forced to return. King Edward solicited by the King of Navarre to aide him against the King of France, sends over the Du • e of Lancaster with four thousand men at Arms, who wins many Towns • and the Prince enters G • yenne, passeth over Langn • d • c to Toulouse, Narbonne, Burgess, without any Encounter, sacks, spoils and destroys where he goes, and loaden with booties returns to Burdeaux. The French King thus assaulted on all • ides, gathers all the power he possibly could, and first makes against his E • emies in N ••••• dy, recovers many of his lost Towns, and was likely to have there prevail • , but that he was drawn of force to oppose 〈◊〉 fresh Invader, the Prince of Wales, who was come up into Tourayne, against 〈◊〉 he brings his whole Army, consisting of above threescore thousand: where •••• the Prince, whose Forces were not likely to be able to encounter him (being 〈◊〉 for one) was advised to retire again to Burdeaux. But the French King, to preve •• this course, follows; and within two leagues of Poyctiers, hath him at a 〈◊〉 advantage: at which instant, two Cardinals came from the Pope to mediate • Pe • ce. But the French King supposing he had his enemy now in his mercy, would accept of no other conditions, but that the Prince should deliver him four Hostage • , • nd • s vanquished, render himself and his Army to his discretion. The Prince wa • content to restore unto him what he had gained upon him, but without pr • ju •••• of his honor, wherein he said he stood accountable to his Father, and to his C • u • tr • y. But the French King would abate nothing of his demands, as making hims • lf • sure of victory; and thereupon was instantly ready to set upon the Princ • : 〈◊〉 seeing himself reduced to this straight, takes what advantage he could of th • 〈◊〉 , and providently got the benefit of Vines, Shrubs, and Bushes, on that part 〈…〉 like to be assailed, to impester and entangle the French horse, which he saw 〈◊〉 • ome furiously upon him. The success answered his expectation, for the 〈◊〉 of his enemies upon their first assault were so wrapped and encumbered 〈◊〉 • he Vines, that his Archers galled and annoyed them at their pleasure. For 〈◊〉 Fre •• h King, to give the honor of the day to his Cavallery, employed them only without his Infantery; so as they being disordered and put to rout, his whole • Army came utterly to be defeated. In this battle were taken prisoners, King John himself, with his yo • ngest son Philip, by Dennis de Morbecque a knight of Ar • h • is; Iaques de Bourbon, Conte de Ponthieu ; the Arch-bishop of Sens; John de Arth • is; Conte de En; Charles de Arthois ; his brother Count de Longueville; John de 〈◊〉 , Count de Tankarvile ; the Counts of Vendosme, Va • demont, Estampes, Salbourg, 〈◊〉 and La Roche ; also John de Ceintre, accounted (as Froissard saith) the 〈◊〉 • night of France, with many other Lord's, besides two thousand Knights and Gen • lemen; in so much, as the Conquerors holding it not safe to retain so many, le • •• ny of them go. The French, who can give best account of their own losses, •• por • there died in the battle, a thousand seven hundred Gentlemen, amongst which were fifty two Bannerets: the most eminent, Peter de Bourbon, the Duke of Ath •• s Constable of France, Iehan de Clermont Marshall; Geoffrey de Charmy, High Chamberlain • ; the Bishop of Chalons, the Lord's of Landas, of Pons, and of Cham •• y. There escaped from this battle, three of the French Kings sons, (for he brought them all thither) Charles Prince Daulphin; Louys after Duke of Anjou ; and John Duke of B •• ry • all great actours in the time following. The special great men of the English i • th •• fight, were the Earls of Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, Oxford, Stafford ; the Lord •• Cobham, Spenser, Barkeley, Basset: of Gascoynes, Le Capital de Beuff ; the Lord's, Pumyer, Chaumont, and others. The Lord James Andeley won honor both by his valor, and his bounty; for having vowed to be foremost in this fight, he pe • formed his word, and sealed it with many wounds: for which the Prince having rewarded him with the gift of five hundred Markes Fee-simple in England, he p • esently gave it to four of his Esquires; whereupon the Prince demanding whether he accepted not his gift? he answered, that these men had deserved the same as well • s himself, and had more need of it; with which reply the Prince was so well pleased, that he gave him five hundred Markes more in the same kind. A rare example, where desert in the Subject, and reward in the Prince, strive which should be the greater.

And now, though King John had the misfortune to fall into the hands of his enemy, yet he had the happiness to fall into the hands of a Noble enemy; for Prince Edw. used him with such respect and observance, that he could not find much d •• ference between his captivity and liberty. After the battle, which was fought the • in ••• enth day of September, in the year 1357. Prince Edward leads King John and the captive Lord's to Burde • ux, where he retains them till the spring following; but 〈◊〉 present news of his victory to his Father: who thereupon causeth a general Thanksgiving all England over eight days together: and in May following; King John rather coming over with the Prince, then brought over by him, is lodged at the Savo • ; a Palace belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster, and the fairest at that time about London. And King Edward, as though he thought it honor enough to have one King his prisoner at once, at the suite of his sister Queen I • ane, he sets her Husband David King of Scots at liberty, after he had been prisoner in England eleven years, but not without paying a Ransom, which was a hun-thousand Markes, to be paid in ten years.

After this, by mediation of Cardinals sent by the Pope, a Truce for two years is concluded between the two kingdoms of France and England, and in the time of this Truce, Articles of Peace between the two Kings are propounded • King Edward requires the Dutchies of Norm •••• and G • yenn • , the Counties of Poicto • , T • uraine, Mayne, and Anjo • • with all their • ppur • e • ances as large as King Richard the first held them, and many other Provinces besides, and to hold them all without Homage or any other service; to which Articles, King John (weary of imprisonment) assents and seals, but the 〈◊〉 • nd Council of France utterly reject it: whereupon King Edward in great disple • sure resolves to make an end of this work with the sword, and to take possession of the kingdom of France ; and leaving his younger son Thomas Gove •• our of his kingdom at home, with a Fleet of • leaven hundred sails, and taking all the great Lord's of the Realm with him, he passeth over to Calais, dividing his Army into three battles, whereof one he commits to the Prince of Wales, another to the Duke of Lancaster, and the • hird he leads himself • and first marching through 〈◊〉 where he takes in many Towns, he plants his si • ge afterward before 〈◊〉 ; but having spent there six or seven weeks without effecting anything, he • asseth thence, and takes in the Cities of Sens & Nevers ; the Duchy of, B • rgoyne redeems itself from spoil with paying two hundred thousand Flo • ens of gold: then he marcheth up to • aris, and plants his Camp within two small Leagues of the Tow •• , where • e honored 400. Esquires and Gentlemen with the Order of knighthood: but when Sir Walter de Manny had made a Bravado before the Gates of the City, and the King saw that the Daulphin would by no provocations be drawn out to battle; he raiseth his siege, and returns into Bri • aine to refresh his Army; from thence he marcheth towards Char • res with a purpose to besiege that City, and though great offers were made him by the French, and Commissioners from the Pope solicited him with all earnestness to accept them, yet neither they, nor the Duke of Lancasters persuasions could prevail with him, till a terrible • torme of hail with thunder and lightning fell upon his Army, which so terrified him, being a warning as it were from Heaven, that he presently vowed to make Peace with the French King upon any reasonable conditions, as shortly after he did at a Treaty of Britigny near to Chartres, upon these Articles: that the Fiefs of Thouars and Belleville, the Duchy of Guyenne, comprising Gascoyne, Poitou, San • ogne, Limo • sin, Perigort, Quercie, Rhodes, Angoulesme, and Rochell, together with the Counties of Guysnes and Calais, and some other places, with the Homages of the Lord's within those Territories should be to the King of England, who besides was to have three Millions of crowns of gold • whereof six hundred thousand in hand, four hundred thousand the yea • e following, and the rest in two years after: and for this the King of England, and his son the Prince of Wales, for them and their successors forever, should renounce all their right pretended to the C • own of France ; the Duchy of Normandy, the Countries of Touraine, Anjou, Mayne, the Homage and Sovereignty of Britain, and the Earldom of Flanders ; and within three weeks King John to be rendered at Calais at the charge of the King of England, except the expenses of his house. For assurance of which accord, should be given into his hand five and twenty of the greatest Dukes and Lord's of France for Hostages. The Scots not to be aided by the French King, nor the Flemmings by the English. This accord and final Peace signed by both Kings, was ratified by their two eldest sons, Edward and Charles, and sworn unto by the Nobility of both kingdoms. The Hostages are delivered to King Edward, who brought them into England ; and thereupon King John is honourably conducted to Calais, after he had remained prisoner in England near about five years: but being come to Calais, he was detained there above three months, till the money which he was to pay in hand, could be provided; and for providing the rest he was put to hard shifts; being fain to give the Jews leave to dwell in France for twenty years, paying twelve Florins a man at the entry, and six every year after. At this time the Prince by dispensation marries the Countess of Kent, daughter to Edmund, brother to Edward the second, and his Father investing him with the Duchy of Aquitaine, he was now Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester and Kent: and not long after, with the Princesse his wife, he passeth over into France, and keeps his Court at Burdeaux.

This was now the year 1362. and the fiftieth year of King Edwards age, wherein for a Jubiliee, he shows himself extraordinarily gracious to his people • , freely pardoning many offenses, relesing prisoners, revoking exiles; with many other expressions of his love and bounty. The year following was famous for three Kings coming into England: John King of France, Peter King of Cyprus, and D • vid King of Scots. The King of Cyprus came to solicit King Edward to join with other Princes in the Holy War, but receives only royal entertainment and excuses. The King of Scots came for business and visitation, but why the King of France came, is not so certain, whether it were about taking order for his Hostages, or to satisfy King Edward for breach of some Articles, or else for love to the Countess of Salisbury ; or perhaps out of a desire to let England see his Majesty, being at liberty, which had been darkened before by the cloud of captivity; but whatsoever the cause of his coming was, the cause of his staying (at least, of longer staying then he meant) was a mortal sickness, whereof (having lien all the Winter at the Savoy ) in March or April following, he died; and his body convaied over into France, was buried at Saint Donis with his Ancestors. The Prince of Wales was now grown famous all the Christian world over, and the man to whom all wronged Princes seemed to appeal, and to fly for succor: for which end there came at this time to his Court, James King of Majorque, and happened to come at a time when the Princesse lay in; and thereupon he and Richard King of Navarre were taken to be Godfathers to his son Richard. For the like assistance also, there came at the same time to him, Peter King of Castile, driven out of his kingdom by the French, in favor to Peter King of Aragon: and Prince Edward, partly out of charity, to succor a distressed Prince, and partly out of policy, to keep his Soldiers in exercise; undertakes the enterprise, and was so prosperous in it, that with one battle, (having but thirty thousand against a hundred thousand) he put King Peter in possession of his kingdom, though he was ill rewarded for his labor: for the ungrateful King would not so much as pay his Soldiers. An unfortunate journey for the Prince, for though he came back with victory, yet he brought back with him such an indisposition of body, that he was never thoroughly well after: not perhaps by poison, nor given him by his brother the Duke of Lancaster, though both were suspected; but there were causes of distempering him enough besides, the Country, the season, the action it self; and it may be more marvelled that his Soldiers came home so well, then that he came so ill; but howsoever, being now returned, there was presently to his indisposition of body, added discontentment of mind: for not having means to pay his Soldiers, which forced him to wink at that which he could not choose but see, and seeing, grieve at, how they preyed upon the Country, and thereupon how the Country murmured against him: and now to stop this murmuring, his Chancellor, the Bishop of Rhodes, devised a new Imposition, of leavying a Frank for every Chimney, and this to continue for five years, to pay the Princes debts: but this Imposition made the murmuring the more; for though some part of his Dominions, as the Poict •• ins, Xaingtonois, and Lymo • sins in a sort consented to it, yet the Count of Armigni • ck, the Count of Comminges, the Viscount of Carmayn, and many others so much distasted it, that they complained thereof to the King of France, as to their Supreme Lord; who upon examination finding their complaint to be just, he thereupon, by advise of his Council, Summons Prince Edward to appear in person, to answer the complaint: whereunto Prince Edw. made answer, that if he must needs appear, he would bring threescore thousand men in Arms to appear with him; and had certainly brought his Army that Summer against Paris, if he had not fallen into Symptoms of a Dropsy, which ( Walsingham saith) was wrought by Enchantments. But upon this answer of the Prince, King Charles sends defiance to King Edward ; who thereupon prepares Arms both by Sea and Land to oppose him. The French enter upon the Territori • s of the Prince, and defeat divers of his Troopes; in revenge whereof, John Chandos the Princes Lieutenant, assaults Terrieres in the Province of Toulouse, and takes it. The Count of Perigourd a • saults Royanville, in Quer • y, and puts all the English to the sword; in revenge whereof, James Audeley Sene • chall of Poicton, assaults the City of Brosse, and takes it. In the mean time Robert Knols, by some called Robin, and by others, Arnould, or Reynold Knoll, had drawn Perducas de Albert to the party of the English ; and thereupon wen • and encamped before the Fort of Darc • ell in Quercy, which John Chandos understanding, went also and joined with him in the Siege; but finding they could do no good there, they removed, and Besieged the City of Damme : and when they could do no good there neither, they marched forward, took the Fort of Froyus, Rochevaudour, and Villefranche ; and that done, returned to the Prince at Angoulesme. At the same time, the Earls of Cambridge, and Pembroke, having spent nine weeks at the Siege of Bordeille, at last took it; but other Captains of the English did yet more, for they scaled Belleperche in the Province of Bourbon, where the Mother of the Duke of Bourbon, and of the Queen of France was, and take her prisoner.

About this time, Philippa Queen of England, King Edwards Wife died, and was buried at Westminster ; but this hindered not the proceeding of the English in France ; the Earl of Pembroke enters Anjou, where he takes many Towns: the Duke of Lancaster doth the like about Calais, and marching forward, plants his Campe before Harfleur, with a purpose to burn the King of France his Navy, but being watched by the Count Saint Poll, was forced to forbear that design; and so passing other ways, and spoiling all the places where he passed, he returned to Calais. Winter now was drawing on, and John Chandos, desiring to recover the Abby of Saint Silvin in Poitou, which not long before had been betrayed to the French ; was in the enterprise discovered, and being assaulted by greater forces, was slain in the place, to the great grief of the Prince of Wales, and of the English Lord's: but dying without issue, his estate, which amounted to four hundred thousand Franks, came to the Prince. At this time, the Dukes of Anjou and Berry, with two great Armies enter upon the Territories of the Prince of Wales ; whereof the Prince advertised, assembles Forces to oppose them: but when the news was brought him of the taking of Limouges, he was so much troubled at it, by reason of the Bishop of that place was his Gossip, and one in whom he specially had affiance; that he resolved to recover it at any price, and not to spare a man that had any hand in the rendering it up: and thereupon taking it by force, he commanded to sack and pillage it, and would not be stayed by the cries of the people, casting themselves down at his feet; till passing through the Town, he perceived three French Captains, who themselves alone had withstood the assault of his victorious Army, and moved with the consideration of their valor, he then abated his anger; and for their sakes, granted mercy to all the Inhabitants. So much is virtue even in an enemy, respected by generous minds. In the mean time, David King of Scots died without issue; and Robert Stuart his Nephew succeeded him in the kingdom, and was Crowned at Scone. At this time Robert Knolls with a great Army is sent into France, where making many attempts, with valor enough, but with little success; he was coming home, though with no gain, yet with no loss: till Bertrand de Gueschlyn assaulting him, slew the most part of his men; and so this great Army on a sudden came to nothing. It seems Knolls his action was the less successfully, by reason some young Lord's that wen • with him, sco • ning to • e 〈◊〉 his command, as being but a new man, and risen fro • a low estate; were refractory to hi • directions: And indeed what can a General do, if he have not as well reputation of person, as of place?

And now the Prince of Wales, his eldest son Edward dying 〈◊〉 Bu • de ••• , the 〈◊〉 with his wife, and his other son Richard, come over into England, at whi •• time the vallant knight Walter de M •• ny died at Lond • n, and was buried in the Monastery of the Chartreux which he had built; leaving one only daughter; married to John Earl of Pembroke. This Earl of Pembroke was soon after sent Go • ernour into Aquita • ne, but set upon by the way by Spaniards in favor of the Fr •• ch ; was by them taken prisoner, and carried with other into Spain • • who being chained together, as the manner is; one Evans a Welsh Fugitive • who gave ••• self out for the right Heir of Wales ; cam • unto him foolishly playing upon him with scornful language, as though to insult over another man's misery, could s •• le for a co • dial to mitigate his own. And now upon the taking of this Earl, the Princes Dominions in France are either taken away, or • all away faster then they • ere gotten; Gueschly • enters Poitou, and takes Montm • rillon, Chauvigny, Luss •• , and Mo • t • onti • r: straight after follows the Country of Aulnys, of Xaintoigne, and the rest of Poic • ou ; then Saint Maxen • , Neele, Auln • y ; then Benaon, Marant, Surg • rs, 〈◊〉 ; and at last they came to Thouars, where the most part of the Lord's of Poic • o • , that held with the Prince, were assembled; at which time King Edward with the Pr •• ce, the Duke of Lancaster, and all the great Lord's of England, set forward to their succor, but being driven back • by tempest, never came to give them assistance, so as Thouars yielded upon composition. Yet did this preparation of the King stand him in nine thousand Markes; that it may be truly said, it cost him more now to lose Towns, then it had cost him before to win them so great odds there is between the Spring and Fall of Fortune. After this, the Duke of Lancaster is sent over with another great Army, who passed up into many parts of the Country, but King Charles resolved to hazard no battle; saying, They were but clouds, and would soon pass away; yet so watched him, that what with light skirmishes, and what with skarcity of victuals, his forces were so diminished, that of thirty thousand which went out of Calais, there scarce retunred six thousand home: which made King Edward say of this King Charles, that he did him more mischief sitting still, then his Predecessors had done with all their stirring. And now by this time all Poitou is lost, and all Aquitaine also, but only Burdeaux and Bayon: when the Arch-bishop of Roan and others, are sent from Pope Gregory the eleventh, to mediate a Peace between the two Kings; but each of them standing upon high terms of conditions, nothing could be effected but Truce upon Truce, for two or three years together. In which time Edward Prince of Wales died, and with him we may say, the Fortune of England ; being a Prince so full of virtues, that he left no place for any vice; and if he had lived in the Heroicke times, might well have been numb • ed amongst the nine Worthies. His body was buried at Canterbury, where his Monument standeth. King Edward in his seven and fortieth year calleth a Parliament at W • stminster, which lasted but eight days; and to which were Summoned by Writ, of Clergy men only four Bishops, and five Abbots.

Of King Edwards Acts after the death of the Prince.

IN the time of the Princes sickness, King Edw • rd calls a Parliament at Westminster ; in which, when demands were made for supply of the King, demands were presently made for redress of grievances for the subjects. It was required that the Duke of Lancaster, the Lord Latimer then Lord Chamberlain, Dame Alice Pierce the Kings Concubine, and one Sir Richard Sturry might be removed from Court. And this was so vehemently urged by their Speaker, Sir Peter la Moore, that the King, rather then not to be supplied, gave way unto it; and thereupon all these persons are presently put from Court: but the Prince soon after dying, they are all recalled to Court again, and restored to their former places.

About this time ex • mplary justice was done upon Sir John Minsterworth knight, who was drawn, hanged, and quartered at Tiburne, for Treason, by him committed, in defrauding Soldiers of their wages.

Thi • was now the f • ftieth year of King Edw •• ds Rain, and he for another Jubiliee, gra •• s another general pardon to his subjects • only William Wic • ham Bishop of Winchester is excepted, being lately, by procurement of the Duke of Lancaster, fallen into the Kings displeasure • and forbid •• to come to the Parliament. This Parliament was called the good Parliament • •• ough it wrought ill effects; for Sir. Peter de la Mare, at the suite of Alice Pierce, is committed to perpetual imprisonment at Not • ingham, though within two years after, by importunate suite of friends; he regained his liberty. This Alice Pierce presuming upon the Kings favor, grew so insolent, that she entermedled with Courts of Justice, and other Offices, where • he herself would fit, to countenance her Causes. And now the Duke of Lancast •• is come to have the Regencie, and to manage all the affairs of the kingdom; but King Edward to prevent the mischiefs, when by disordering the succession might grow in the kingdom, providently settled the same in Parliament upon Richard of Burdeaux ; • reating him first Earl of Chester and Cornwall, and then Prince of Wales, and caused all the Lord's of the Realm to tal • e an Oath, to accept him for their King, as his lawful Heir, when himself should be dead. In this mean time a Treaty was had about a marriage between this Prince Richard, and M • ry a daughter of Charles King of France: and an offer was made to King Edward, to leave him fourteen hundred Towns, and three thousand fortresses in Aq • itaine, upon condition he would render Calais and all that he held in Picardy ; but before anything could be concluded, King Edward died.

Of his Taxations.

IN the eighth year of his Rain, in a Parliament holden at London, there was granted him a fifteenth of the Temporalty, a twentieth of the Cities and Boroughs, and a tenth of the Clergy. In his tenth year, in a Parliament at Northampton, is granted a tenth penny of Cities and Boroughs, a fifteenth of others, and a tenth of the Clergy. Also all such treasure as was committed to Churches through England for the Holy War, is taken out for the Kings use, towards his wars with France. The next year after, all the goods of three orders of Monks, Lom • ards, Cluniakes, and Cistercians ; are likewise seised into the Kings hands: and the like Subsidy as before granted at Nottingham. In his twelfth year (and as some write, in absence of the King) in a Parliament at Northampton, is granted by the Laity, one half of their Wooll, but of the Clergy the whole. The next year after a fifteenth was likewise paid in Wooll by the Commonalty. In his fourteenth year, in a Parliament at London, is granted him for Custom • of every sack of Wooll forty shillings, for every three hundred Wooll Fells forty shil • for every Last of Leather forty shillings; and of other Merchandises according to the rate: the same to endure from that Easter to the Whitsuntide twelve month after. Besides, there was granted of Citizens and Burgesses, a ninth part of goods; of foreign Merchants and others, a fifteenth; of Husbandmen, the ninth Sheafe, the ninth Fleece, the ninth Lamb for two years; also another tenth of the Clergy: and for his present supply, he had Loanes of divers persons; and the City of London lent tw • nty thousand Markes. For the grant of which mighty Subsidy, the King (besides his Pardon to divers kinds of offenders) remits all Amerciaments for transgressions in his Forests, Reliefs and Scurage, to the first time of his going into Flanders, besides all aides for the marriage of his sons and daughters during his Rain; pardoning and remitting all ancient debts and • rr • rages, both of his Fermors and others, till the tenth year of his Rain; and likewise confirms the great Charter of Magna Chartae: In his eighteenth year, in a Parliament at London, a tenth was granted by the Clergy, and a fifteenth by the Laity • Besides a Commission is sent into every Shire to inquire of men's abilities, and all of five pounds to ten of Lay Fee, were appointed to find an Archer on horseback; of twenty five, a Demilaunce; and so ratably above. There had formerly been made a certain coin of Gold called the Floren, of base alloy, for the Kings benefit, towards his wars in France, but this was now called in • and Nobles of finer metal coined, to the great contentment of the people. In his nine and twentieth year, he hath by Parliament granted unto him fifty shillings upon every sack of Wooll, for six years next ensuing; by which Imposition, it was thought, the King might dispend a thous •• d Markes Sterling a day, the vent of Wooll was so great in that time. But that which exceeded all his Taxations, was the Ransom he had in his four and thirtieth year, of the King of France, three millions of crowns of Gold. In his twelveth year, he had taken from the Priors Aliens, their houses, lands, and tenements, for the maintenance of his French wars, which he kept twenty years in his 〈◊〉 and then restored them again. In his six and thirtieth year was greater twenty six shillings eight pence, for transportation of every sack of Wooll for three year • . In the five and fortieth year of his Rain, in a Parliament at Westminster, the • lergy granted him fifty thousand pounds to be paid the same year, and the Lai • y as much; which was lev • ed by setting a certain rate of five pounds fifteen shillings upon every Parish, which were found in the 37 • Shires to be eight thousand and six hundred; and so came in the whole to fifty thousand one hundred eighty one pounds and eight pence: but the 181. li. was abated to the Shires of Suffolk • and Devonshire, in regard of their poverty. In his eight and fortieth year, in a Parliament, is granted him a tenth of the Clergy, & a fifteenth of the Laity. In his fifti • h year, a Subsidy of a new nature was demanded by the young Prince Richard, whom (being bu • eleven years of age) the Duke of Lancaster had brought into the Parliament of purpose to make the demand; to have two tenths to be paid in one year, or twelve pence in the pound of all Merchandises sold, for one year; and one pound of silver for every knights Fee, and of every Fire-house, one penny: but instead of this Subsidy, after much altercation, there was granted another of as new a nature as this; that every person, man and woman, within the kingdom, above the age of fourteen years, should pay four pence, (those who lived of Alms only excepted) the Clergy to pay twelve pence of every Parson Beneficed, and of all other religious persons four pence; a mighty aide, and such as was never granted to any King of England before.

Of his Laws and Ordinances.

HE instituted the Order of the Garter, upon what cause is not certain; the common opinion is, that a Garter of his own queen, or (as some say) of the Lady Joan Countess of Salisbury, slipping off in a Dance, King Edward stooped and took it up; whereat some of his Lord's that were present, smiling, as at an amorous action; he seriously said, it should not be long ere Sovereign honor should be done to that Garter; whereupon he afterward added the French Morto, Honi soit qui maly pense ; therein checking his Lord's sinister suspicion. Some conjecture that he instituted the Order of the Garter, for that in a battle wherein he was victorious, he had given the word Garter, for the word or sign: and some again are of opinion, that the institution of this Order is more ancient, and begun by King Richard the first, but that this King Edward adorned it, and brought it into splendor. The number of the knights of this Order is twenty six, whereof the King himself is always one, and president; and their Feast yearly celebrated at Windsor on Saint Georges day, the Tutelar Saint of that Order. The laws of the Order are many, whereof there is a book of purpose. In the five and thirtieth year of his Rain, he was earnestly Petitioned by a Parliament then holen, that the great Charter of Liberties, and the Charter of Forests might be duly observed; and that the great Officers of the kingdom should (as in former times) be elected by Parliament: to which Petition, though the King at first stood stiff upon his own Election and Prerogative; yet at last (in regard to have his present turn served, (as himself after confessed) he yielded, that such Officers should receive an Oath in Parliament, to do justice to all men in their Offices: and thereupon a Statute was made and confirmed with the Kings Seal, both for that and many other Grants of his to his Subjects • which notwithstanding were for the most part shortly after revoked.

This King also causeth all Pleas, 〈◊〉 were before in Fren • h, to be made in English, that the Subject might understand the course of the Law. Also in his time an Act was passed for Purveyours, that nothing should be taken up but for ready money, upon strict punishment. In the next Parli • meant holden the seven and thirtieth year of his Rain, certain S • mp • uary Laws were ordained, both for apparel and diet; appointing every degree of men, the stuff and habits they should wear, prohibiting the wea • ing of gold and silver, silks and rich furs to all, bu • eminent persons. The lab •• rer and husbandman 〈◊〉 • ppointed but one 〈◊〉 day • and what meats he should 〈◊〉 . Also in his time, at the instance of the Lo •• oners • an Act was made that no common Whore should wea • e any Hood, except striped with divers colors; nor Furres, but Garments reversed the wrong side outward. This King also was the first that created Dukes • of whom Henry of B • llingbr • oke, 〈◊〉 of Lancaster, created Duke of Lancaster, in the seven and twentieth year of his Rain • was the first. But afterward he erected Cornwall also into a Duchy, and conferred it upon the Prince: after which time, the Kings eldest son used always to be Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester. This King altered monies, and abated them in weight, & yet made them to pass according to the former value. Before his time, there were no other pieces but Nobles and half Nobles, with the small pieces of Silver, called Sterlings; but •• w Groats of four pence, and half Groats of two pence, equivalent to the Sterling money, are coined; which inhaunsed the prises of things, that rise or f • ll, according to the plenty or scarcity of coin; which made Servants and Laborers to r • ise their wages accordingly. Whereupon a Statute was made in the Parliament now held at Westminster, to reduce the same to the former rate. Also an Act was made in this Kings time, that all Weares, Mils, and other stoppages of Rivers, hindering the passage of Boats, Lighters, and other Vessels, should be removed; which though it were most commodious to the kingdom, yet it took little effect, by reason of bribing and corrupting Lord's and great men, who regarded more their own private, then the public benefit. In a Parliament holden the tenth year of his Rain, it was enacted that no Wooll growing within the Realm should be transported, but that it should be made in Cloath in England. Peter -pence are forbidden by the King, to be paid anymore to Rome. The c • stome of washing poor men's feet on Maundy-Thursday, thought to have been first brought in by this King.

Affaires of the Church in his time.

KING Edward upon some displeasure had imprisoned divers Clergy men; whereupon John Stratford Arch-bishop of Canterbury writes him a Letter, charging him with violation of the Rights of the Church, and with the breach of Magna Charta ; and after much good counsel given him, threatens, that if he amend not these disorders, he must and will exercise his Ecclesiastical authority, and proceed to Excommunication of his Officers, though not of himself, Queen, or children. The King answers, and sends his Letter to the Bishop of London ; charging the Arch-bishop to be the c •• se of all this disturbance, having been the man that first set him upon the war with France ; assuring him he should want no money, and now had been the hindrance, that monies given him by Parliament, were not duly levied: and after many remonstrances to such purpose, concludes, that if he desisted not from his re •• llions obstinacy, he would use his Temporal authority, and prooceed 〈…〉 as against a Rebell. But this difference between them was not long after, upon the Arch-bishops submission, reconciled. And indeed the great account which this King made of Clergy men, may appear by his employing almost none but Clergy men in all his Offices of account • Simon ••• gham Arch-bishop of Canterbury, was Chancellor of England; William Wickam Arch-deacon of Lincoln, keeper of the Privy Seal; David Willer Parson of Somer •••• , Master of the Rolls; ten Beneficed Priests, Civilians, Masters of the Chancery; William Mulse Dean of Saint Martins le Grand, chief Chamberlain of the 〈◊〉 , Receiver and keeper of the Kings Treasure and Jewels • Will • am A ••• y Arch-deacon of Northampton, Chancellor of the Exchequer • William Di • ht •• 〈◊〉 of Saint Mar • ins, Clerke of the Privy Seal • Richard Chesterfield P • ebb • nd 〈…〉 Stephens • Treasurer of the Kings house; Henry Snatc • Parson of 〈…〉 of the Kings Wardrobe; John N • w • ham Parson of Fen • y-sta •• on, one of the 〈◊〉 of the Exch • quer; John • ouseby Parson of 〈◊〉 , Surveyor and 〈◊〉 of the Kings works; Thomas Brittingham Parson of Asby, Treasurer 〈…〉 King, for the parts of Guisnes, and the Marches of Calais, John Troys a Priest, 〈◊〉 of Ireland.

〈◊〉 the seventeenth year of his Rain, in a Parliament holden at West • inster, 〈◊〉 is made of the great inconvenience that came by the Popes Collation of Benefices in England, conferring them upon Strangers who understood not the 〈◊〉 ; and therefore not fit to be Pastors over a Flock they could not feed: and hereupon Sir John Shordich is sent to Pope Clement the sixth, to require him to fo •• ear such Collations, and to signify his consent therein: but this Message was 〈…〉 welcome to the Pope, that the Messenger came back, unheard, at least unanswered • and the King taking his silence for consent • or perhaps not much caring whether he consented or no; proceeded to a Prohibition of all such Collations within his Realm, on pain of Imprisonment, or death, to whomsoever should in time to come, present or admit any such person, who by the Pope were so preferred to the prejudice of the Kings Prerogative. These were disturbances in matter of Discipline; but towards the end of his Rain, there fell a disturbance in matter of Doctrine, for a certain Divine, named John Wycliffe, inveighed in his 〈◊〉 and other Acts in the Schools, against the abuses of Churchmen, Monks, and other religious Orders; and had by his Doctrine won many Disciples unto him, (who after were called Lollards) professing poverty, going bare-foot, and poorly clad in Ru •• et; amongst other his Doctrines, he taught that neither King •• r other secular Lord, could give anything • n perpetuity unto Church-men; and th •• Temporal Lord's, if they needed, might lawfully take the Goods of Religious Persons to relieve them in their necessities, by the example of William Rufus, and others. This man, the Duke of Lancaster, and Sir Henry Percy Marshall, much favor and cherish, extolling him for his learning and integrity of life; which made him so far to presume, that daily in one Church or other, he published his Opinions; whereupon at length he is cited to answer before the Arch-bishop, the Bishop of London and others in • auls. At the day appointed, the Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Marshall go to conduct him; when they were come to our Ladies Chapel, the Duke and Barons with the Bishops sitting down, John Wycliffe was by the Lord Marshall willed to sit down, in regard (he said) the man had much to answer, and needed a convenient seat. The Bishop of London told him; It was against all Law and Reason, that he who was there • ited before his 〈◊〉 should sit. Hereupon contumelious words arose between the Lord M ••• hall and the Bi •• op; the Duke takes the Marshals part, and sharply reprehended the Bishop; the Bishop returns the like to the Duke; who in a gre •• rage 〈◊〉 he would pull down the pride of him, and of all the Bishops of E • gland • and whispering in his ear, told him he had rather pull him out of the Church by 〈…〉 of the head, then to suffer such indignities; which words, the Londo • ers over-hearing, swore with a loud voice, they would rather lose their lives the •• suffer •• eir Bishop to be thus injuriously used. Their fu • y was the more against the Duke, for that the day before in the Parliament (whereof he was President) it was 〈◊〉 in the Kings name, that from thenceforth • h • re should be no more a Major of London, but a Captain appointed for the Government of the City, and that the Lord Marshall of England should arrest Offenders within the Liberties, as in other places. The morrow after the Citizens assembling to consult of this business, it happened the Lord Fits-water, and Guid • Bryan, came into the City; which the People seeing, furiously ran upon them, and were like to beat them down for coming at that time. The Lord Fits-water protested, he came to no other end, but to offer his service to the City, being by inheritance their Standard bearer, and was to take injuries offered to them, as to himself; and therefore willed them to look to their defense. Whereupon they pres • ntly take Arms, assail the Marshals Inn, bre • ke open the Ga • es, brought fo • th a Prisoner in his Gives, and set him at liberty, but found 〈◊〉 the Lord 〈…〉 with th • Duke, was that day to dine with one John de 〈◊〉 . T •• n this furious multitude ran to assail the Sav • y ; which a knight of the Duk •• ••• ing, ha • tes to the plac • where his Lord dined, and acquain •• him with this 〈◊〉 in the C •• y. The Duke upon hearing it, leaps from the Table so hastily, that he hurt bot • his shinnes on the fowrme; and with Sir Henry • ercy alone takes boat, and goes to, Kennington near Lamb • h, where the Princesse with the young Prince lay: to whom he complains of this Riot, and the violence offered him. In the me • ne time the multitude coming to the Savoy, a Priest inquisitive to know the business, was answered, they went to take the Duke, and the Lord Marshall, and compel them to deliver Sir Peter de la Mar • , unjustly kept in Prison. The Priest replied, th • t Sir Peter was a Traitor to the King, and worthy to be h • nged. At which words they all cried out, This is Percy, This is the Traitor of England, his speech bewrays him, though his App • rell be disguised, and presently they r • n upon him, and wounded him to death. The Bishop of London hearing of this outrage, leaves his dinner, hastes to the Sav • y, admonisheth them of the holy time being Lent; assuring them all should be fairly ended for the good of the City with whose persuasions they were somewhat pacified; but yet they took the Dukes Arms, and hung • hem up reversed, in sign of Treason, in all the principal stree • s of the City. Upo • the Princesses advice, the chief Citizens send to the sick • King, to excuse this tumult; saying, it was not in their power to suppress it, the Commonalty being in commotion, upon an information that their Liberties should be taken from them by Parliament. The King told them, it never was in his thought to infringe their liberties, but he rather desired to enlarge them. But this affr • nt of the Citizens would not down with the Duke, till he had pulled down some • of the Principal of them; for he caused the Major and Aldermen to • e displaced, and other put in their rooms: a revenge he had better been without, for he never had the love of the City after: and to want their love is a kind of banishment. Wycliffe himself, censured by the Bishops to abjure his Opinions, chose rather to leave his Country then his Doctrine, and going over into Bohemia, was there much honored while he lived, and hath been more since he died; at least, a great part of his Doctrine continues in veneration amongst that people to this day.

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

HIs works of Piety were great and many, as the Founding of East Minster, an Abbey (of the Cistea •• Order) near the Tower. An Abbey for Nuns at D • rtford in Kent. The Kings Hall in Cambridge for poor Scholars. An Hospital for the poor at Calais. He conferred upon the University of Oxford, where he had himself been trained up, under the learned Walter Burley, the chief rule of the City, subordinating the Major and Citizens to the Chancellor of the University. He Built Saint Stephens Chapel at Westminster, with the endowment of 300. pound per annum. He augmented the Chapel at Windsore, and made provisions there for Church-men, and four and twenty poor knights. These were his public works; But besides these, his private Buildings were, the Castle of Windsore, which he re-edified and enlarged, the Castle at Quinborough, Fortifications at 〈◊〉 and other places. His Queen Philippa founded Queens College in Oxford: 〈…〉 Countess of Pembroke, the College called Pembroke Hall in Cambridge. In this Kings t • me Sir John Poultney Major of London, built the College in London cal •• d 〈◊〉 L • wrence Poult •• y, and little Alhollo • es, a Parish Church in Thames street, •• d also the Carmelite Friers Church in C • ventry. Henry Earl of Lancaster and 〈◊〉 , • ounded the new Hospital by the Castle of Leycester, wherein a hundred 〈◊〉 impotent people were provided for with all things necessary. William Elsing Merc •• of London, made a new Hospital of an old house of Nuns by Crippleg ••• , and placing Canons Regular there, he became the first Prior thereof. Walter 〈◊〉 Bishop of Exeter, Founded Exeter College, and Hart Hall in Oxford. William B •• eman Bishop of Norwich, built Trinity Hall in Cambridge. Simon 〈◊〉 Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Founded Canterbury College in Oxford. William 〈◊〉 Treasurer of England, Founded the Monastery of Edendon ; the religious brethren whereof were called B • nhommes. Sir Walter de Manny, borne in Cambray, purchased a piece of ground called Spittle Croft, containing thir • eene Acres, withou • the bars of West Smithfield, and caused the same to be enclosed, where he built a Chapel, and after Founded the same to be a house of Charter-house Monks. Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, re-edified the Augustine Friers Church in London, and was buried in the Choir there • In the two and thirtieth year of this Kings Rain, John Stody Major of London, gave unto the Vintners of London all the Quadrant where the Vintners Hall now standeth, with the Tenements round abou • , from the lane to this day called Studis lane • where are Founded thir • eene houses for thirteen poor people, which are there kept of charity. Also in this Kings time Sir John Cobham Founded the College of Cobham in Kent. I • hn L • vekin four times Major of London, built at Kingston upon Thames, where he was borne, a Chapel called Magdalens, to the which he joined an Hospital, wherein was a Master, two Priests, and certain poor men: and for that the Parish Church of Saint Michael by Crooked-lane, where he dwelled, was a very homely thing, and the ground thereabout a filthy plot, by reason of the Burchers in Eastcheape, who made the same their lay-stall; he on the same ground built the fair new Parish Church of Saint Michael now standing, and was buried there in the middle of the Choir, under a fair Tomb of stone. He also Founded a College to the same Church, near thereunto adjoining. John Barns Major of London, gave a Chest with three locks, and a thousand Markes to be lent to young men, upon sec • rity, so that it passed not one hundred Markes; and for the occupying thereof, if he were learned, to say at his pleasure, De Profundis, for the soul of John Barns ; if he were not learned, to say Pater Noster: but howsoever the money is lent, the Chest at this day standeth in the Chamber of London, without money or p •• dges. Thomas of Woodstock, the youngest son of King Edward, Founded a College at Playsi • in Essex, where in his life he had provid • d a sumptuous Tomb, where he was first laid, but translated afterward to Westminster.

Casualties happening in his time.

IN the the two and twentieth year of his Rain, a contagious Pestilence arose in the East and South parts of the world, and spread it self over all Christendom; and coming at last into England, it so wasted the people, that scarce the tenth person of all sorts was left alive. There died in London (some say in N • rwich ) between the first of January, and the first of July, 57374. persons. In Yarmouth, in o • e year, 7052. men and women: before which time, the Parsonage there was worth 700. Markes a year, and afterwards was • carce worth forty pounds a year. This Plague began in London about Alhollan • ide, in the year 1348. and continued till the year 1357. • here it was observed, that those who were borne after the beginning of this mortality, had but twenty eight teeth, where before • hey had two and thirty. In the twelveth year of his Rain, a sudden •• undation of water, at New-castle upon Tyne, bare down a pi • ce of the Town w • ll, and six pearches in length, near to a place called Walkenew ; where a hundred and twenty men and women were drowned. In the five and thi •• ieth year of his Rain, another Pestilence h • pp • ned in England, which was called the second Pestilence, in which died Henry Duke of La • caster, also Regin • ld Lord C •• ha •• , and Walter Fits-warren, two famous men; and five Bishops, of W • rcester, of London, of Eli, of Lincoln, and of Chich • ster. In this Kings time, a Frost lasted from the midst of September, to the month of April. In the fourth year of his Rain, a solemn Justing or Turnament was holden at London in Ch •• pside, be • wixt the great Cross and the great Conduit, 〈◊〉 S • per-la •• • which lasted three days; where the Queen Philippa, with many Ladies, fell from a Stage, set up for them to behold the Justing; and though they were not hurt at all, yet the King threa •• ed to p • nish the Carpenters for their negligence, till the Que • ne in ••• ated pardon for them upon her knees: as indeed she was always ready to do all good offices of mercy to all people. In the eleventh year of his Rain was so great plenty, that a quarter of Wheat was sold at London for two shillings, a fat Ox for a Noble, a fat Sheep for six pence, and six Pigeons for a penny, a fa • Goose for two pence, and a Pigge for a penny, and other things after that rate.

Of his Wife and Children.

HE married Philippa, the daughter of William Earl of Haynault at York ; a match made up in haste by Queen Isabell his mother, for her own ends, although a better could never have been made upon deliberation for King Edwards ends: for though her Parentage were not great, and her portion less • ; yet she made amends for both, in virtue; for never King had a better Wife. By her King Edward had seven sons and five daughters: his eldest son Edward Prince of Wales, and commonly called the Black Prince, (but why so called uncertain for to say, of his dreadful acts, as Spe • de saith, hath little probability) was borne at Woodstock, in the third year of his Fathers Rain; he married Joan, the daughter of Edmund Earl of Kent, brother by the Fathers side to King Edward the second. She had been twice married before; first to the valiant Earl of Salisbury, from whom she was divorced: next to the Lord Thomas Holland ; after whose decease, this Prince passionatly loving her, married her: by her he had issue two sons, Edward the eldest, borne at Angoulesme, who died at seven yea • es of age; and Richard borne at Burdeaux, who after his Father, was Prince of Wales, and after his Grandfather King of England. This Prince had also natural issue, Sir John Sounder, and Roger Clarendon Knights; the latter being attainted in the Raign • of King Henry the fourth, is thought to have • eene Ancestour to the house of Smiths in Essex. He died at Canterbury, in the six and fortieth year of his age; and of his Fathe •• Rain, the nine and fortieth, and was buried at Christ's Church there. His second son William was borne at Hatfield, in Hertfordshire, who deceased in his childhood, and was buried at York. His third son Lyonell was borne at Antwerpe, in the twelveth year of his Fathers Rain; he married first Elizabeth, the daughter and Heir of William Burgh, Earl of Ulster in Ireland ; in who • e Right he was first created Earl of Ulster: and because he had with her the honor of Clare, in the County of To • mond ; he was in a Parliament, created Duke of Clarence, as it were of the Country about the Town and Honor of Clare ; from which Duchy, the name of Clarentieux (being the title of the King of Arms, for the South parts of England ) is derived. This Duke had issue by her one only daughter, named Philippa afterward wife of Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March ; mother of Earl Roger, Father of Anne Countess of Cambridge, the mother of Richard Duke of York, Father of King Edward the fourth. The second marriage of this Duke was at Millaine in Lombardy, with the Lady Vi • lanta, daughter of G • leac •• the second Duke thereof; but through intemperance he lived not long • fter. King Edwards fourth son named John, was borne at Ga •• t, in the fourteenth year of his Fathers Rain; he had three wives, the first was • l • nch, daughter and Coheire, and in the end the sole Heir of Henry Duke of Lancaster, son of Edmund, surnamed Crouch back; by whom he had issue, Henry of Bullingbrooke Earl of Derby, after Duke of Hereford, and lastly King of England, named Henry the fourth, who first placed the Crown in the house of Lancaster. By her also John of Gaunt had two daughters, Philip wife of John the first, King of Portugal ; and Elizabeth married first to John Holland, Earl of Huntingdon, and after him, to Sir John Cornwall, Baron of Fanhope. John of Gaunts second wife was Constance, the eldest daughter of Peter King of Castile and Leon, in whose Right, for the time he intitled himself King of both those Realms: by her he had issue one only daughter named Katherine, married to Henry the third, son of King John, in possession before, and in her Right after King of both the said Realms. John of Gaunts third wife was Katherine, the Widow of Sir Hugh Swinford, a knight of Lincolnshire, eldest daughter and Coheire of Payn Roet, a Gascoyne, called G •• en King of Arms for that Country; his younger daughter being married to Sir Geoffrey Chawcer, our Laureat Poet. By her he had issue born before matrimony, and made legitimate afterward by Parliament, in the twentieth year of King Richard the second; John Earl of Somerset, Thomas Duke of Exeter, Henry Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinal, and Joan (who was first married to Robert Ferrers Baron of Wemme, and Ou • sley, in the Counties of Salop and Warwick ) and secondly, to Ralph Nevill, the first Earl of Westmorland. She and all her brethren were surnamed Beaufort, of a Castle which the Duke had in France, where they were all borne; and in regard thereof, bare the Portcullis of a Castle for the Cognisance of their Family. This Duke in the thirteenth year of his Nephew King Richard was created Duke of Aquitaine, but in his sixteenth year he was called home, and this title re-called; and the third year after, in the sixtieth of his age, he died at Eli house in Holbourne, and lieth honourably Entombed in the Choir of Saint Paul. King Edwards fifth son Edmund, surnamed of Langley, was first in the year 1362. created Earl of Cambridge, and afterward in the year 1386. made Duke of York ; he married Isabell, daughter and Coheire to Peter, King of Castile and Leon: his son Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, took to wife Anne Mortimer, Heir of the foresaid Lyonell, elder brother to Edmund of Langley. King Edwards sixth son William, surnamed of Windsor, where he was borne, died young, and is buried at Westminster. King Edwards youngest son Thomas, surnamed of Woodstock, where he was borne, was first Earl of Buckingham, and after made Duke of Gloucester by his Nephew King Richard the second. He was a man of valor and wisdom, but the King surmizing him to be a too severe observer of his doings; consulted with Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, how to make him away: whom Mowbray unawares surprising, convaied secretly to Calais, where he was strangled the twentieth year of King Richards Rain. He had issue one son, Humphrey Earl of Buckingham, who died at Chester of the Pestilence, in the year 1400. and two daughters, Anne married first to Edmund Earl of Stafford, by whom she had Humphrey Duke of Buckingham ; secondly to William Bourchier Earl of Ewe, by whom she had Henry Earl of Essex, and Joan married to Gylbert Lord Talbot, and h • d issue by him a daughter, who died young. Of King Edwards daughters, the eldest named Isabell, was married at Windsor to Ingelram of Guysnes, Lord of Co • cy, Earl of Soysons, and after Arch-duke of Austria ; created also by King Edward, Earl of Bedford: by whom she was mother of two daughters; Mary married to Henry Duke of Barre, and Philip married to Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford, Duke of Ireland, and Marquess of Dublyn. This Robert in the height of his fortunes forsook his Lady Philip, and married one Lancerona a Joyners da • ghter (as was said) which came with King Richard the seconds wife ou • of Bohemia ; and being for abusing the Kings ear, driven out of the Land by the Lord's, he died at London in extreme poverty in the year 1392. Isabell his wives mother, was buried in the Church of Friers Minorites near Aldgate in London. King Edwards second daughter Joan was married by Proxy to Alphonsus, King of Castile and Leon • but passing into Spain, died by the way; and King Alphonsus met her, instead of consummating his Espousall, to solemnise her Funeral. His third daughter Blanch died young. His fourth named Mary, was married to John Montford Duke of Britain. His youngest named Margaret, borne in Calais, was the first wife of John de Hastings, Earl of Pembroke, but died without issue.

Of his Personage and Conditions.

HE was of stature indifferent tall, of sparkling eyes, of a comely and manly countenance, in his later time something bald; and concerning his conditions, no man was more gentle, where there was submission; where opposition, no man more stern. He was a Prince no less of his passions, then of his people; for he was never so loving, as to be fond; nor ever so angry, as to be inexorable: but this must be understood of the time while he was a man, for in his old age, when he came to be a child again, he was Prince of neither. He was no less fortunate then valiant; and his fortunatenes was the greater by a kind of Antiperistatis, as coming between two unfortunate Princes; Successor to one, and Predecessour to another. He was of so warlike a disposition, that his very sports were warlike; for no delights were so frequent with him as Justs and Tournaments. To show his devotion, one example may be sufficient, for when neither Cardinals nor Counselors could move him to make peace with France, a tempest from Heaven did it; to which may be added, that he never wan great battle, of which he wan many, but he presently gave the glory of it to God by public Thanksgiving. He out-lived the best wife, and the best son that ever King had; and to say the truth, he out-lived the best of himself, for his later years were not answerable to his former.

Of his Death and Burial.

KING Edward besides his being old, and worn with the labors of war, had other causes that hastened his end: his grief for the loss of so worthy a son, dead but ten months before; his grief for the loss of all benefit of his conquests in France, of all which he had little now left, but only Calais: and oppressed thus in body and mind, he was drawing his last breath, when his Concubine Alice Pierce packing away what she could catch, even to the Rings of his fingers, left him; and by her example, other of his attendants, sea • sing on what they could come by, shift away; and all his Counselors and others forsook him, when he most needed them, leaving his Chamber quite empty; which a poor Priest in the house seeing, he approaches to the Kings Bed-side, and finding him yet breathing, calls upon him to remember his Savior, and to ask mercy for his offenses, which none about him before would do: but now moved by the voice of this Priest, he shows all signs of contrition, and at his last breath expresses the name of Jesus. Thus died this victorious King at his Manor at Sheene, (now Richmond ) the one and twentieth day of June, in the year 1377. in the sixty fourth year of his age, having Raigned fifty years, four months, and odd days. His body was conveyed from Sheene by his four sons and other Lord's, and solemnly interred within Westminster Church, where he hath his Monument, and whereit is said, the sword he used in battle, is yet to be seen, being eight pound in weight, and seven foot in length.

Of Men of Note in his time.

MArtiall men were never more plentiful then in this Kings Rain: whet •• r it were that the Stars have an influence to produce such men at one time more then another: or whether it were that Regis ad exempl •• , the Kings example made his subjects like himself: or lastly, that his continual exercise of Arms put them as it were into a mould of fortitude. The first of this kind, is worthily Edward the Black Prince, and so worthily the first, that Longe erit • primo quisque secundus erit. Next him is Henry Earl of Lancaster, the Princes right hand, in all his great at ••• evements: then William the valiant Earl of Salisbury, then John Eure, Ancestor to 〈◊〉 Lord Eures that now liveth; then follow the Lord John Chandos, Sir James Aude •• , Sir Walter de Manny, Sir Robert Knolls, then Sir John Hawkewood born in Essex ; who •• ough not much honored at home, having been a Taylor, yet in foreign parts, and •• ecially in Italy so famous, that his Statue was erected in public, for a Monument 〈◊〉 testify his valor to posterity. And here must not be forgotten, Robert Venile • night, a Norfolk man; who when the Scots and English were ready to give battle, • certain stout Champion of great stature, commonly called Tournboll, coming 〈◊〉 of the Scots Army, and challenging any English man to meet him in a single combat; this Robert Venile accepteth the challenge, and marching towards the Champion, and meeting by the way a certain black Mastiffe Dog which wai • ed on the Champion, he suddenly with his sword cut him off at the loins, and afterwards did more to the Champion himself, cutting his head from off his shoulders. And as there was this great plenty of Martial men, so there was no less plenty of learned men; John Baconthorpe borne in Norfolk, a Carmelite Frier, who wrote divers excellent Treatises in Divinity; Nicholas Trivet born also in Norfolk: a black Frier, who wrote two Histories, and a book of Annals: Richard Stradley, born in the Marches of Wales, a Monk and a Divine, who wrote divers excellent Treatises of the Scriptures: William Herbert a Welshman, and a Frier Minor, who wrote many good Treatises in Divinity: Tho. Walleis a Dominican Frier, and a writer of many excellent books: John Eversden a Monk of Bury in Suffolk, an Historiographer: Walter Burley a Doctor of Divinity, brought up in Martin College in Oxford, who wrote divers excellent Treatises in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which remain in estimation to this day; and who for the great fame of his learning, had the honor to be one of the Instructours of Edward the black Prince: Roger of Chester, a Monk of that City, and an Historiographer: John Burgh a Monk, who wrote a History, and also divers Homilies: Richard Aungervill Bishop of Durham, and Lord Chancellor of England, borne in Suffolk: Walter Heminford, an Historiographer: Richard Chichester a Monk of Westminster, who wrote an excellent Chronicle from the year 449. to the year 1348. Richard Rolle, alias Hampole, who writ many excellent Treatises in Divinity: Robert Holcot a black Frier, borne in Northampton, a learned Schoolman, and wrote many books in Arguments of Divinity: Thomas Bradwardine, borne near Chichester in Sussex, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and who wrote against the Pelagians, and for his depth of learning, had the Title of Doctor Profundu • : Richard Fits Ralph, Arch-bishop of Armagh in Ireland, a learned writer: William Grysant, named Anglicus, a notable Physician, whose son came to be Pope, and was called Urbane the fifth: John Killingworth an excellent Philosopher, Astronomer, and Physician: Ranulph Higden a Monk of Chester, an Historiographer: Bartholomew Glanvile, descended of those Glanviles that were sometimes Earls of Suffolk: Simon Islip Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and Founder of Canterbury College in Oxford, who wrote many Treatises: Matthew Westmonasteriensis, who wrote the book called Flores Historiarum: William Fleet an Hermit, who wrote sundry Treatises, exhorting England to repentance: Henry Knighton, who wrote a History Intituled De gestis Anglorum: and lastly two other, worthy perhaps to have been placed first; John Mandevill the great Traveler, a Doctor of Physic, and a knight, who died at Liege, in the year 1372. and Sir Geoffrey Chawcer, the Homer of our Nation; and who found as sweet a Muse in the Groves of Woodstock, as the Ancients did upon the banks of Helicon.