Abridgment of the Book of Acts and Monuments by Timothy Bright

About the beginning of Egberts reign, was Cutbert, Archb. of Canterbury, who convented a great Synod of Bishops and Prelates, in the yere of our Lord 747. in the month of September near to the place called Clonesho: in the which Synod assembled, these articles were enacted.

First, that Bishops should be more diligent in looking to their office, & admonishing the people of their faults. 2. That they should live in a peaceable mind one w ^t another. 3. That every Bishop once in a yere, should go about all the Parishes of his Dioces. 4. That the Bishops should admonish their Abbots and Monks, to live regularly: and that Prelates should not oppress their inferiors, but love them. 5. That they should teach the Monasteries which the Secular men had invaded, and could not be taken from them, to live regularlie. 6. That none should be admitted to orders, before his life were examined. 7. That in Monasteries, the reading of holy Scriptures should be more frequented. 8. That Priests should be no disposers of secular business. 9. That they should take no money for baptizing of infants 10. That they should both learn, & teach, the Lord's prayer, and the Creed, in the English tongue. 11. That all should join together after one uniform order, in their Ministry. 12. That with a modest voice, they should sing in the Church. 13. That all Holidayes should be celebrated at one time. 14. That the Sabbath day be reverently observed. 15. That the seven hours Canonical, be every day observed. 16. That the Rogation days, both greater and lesser, should not be omitted. 17. That the feast of Saint Gregory, and Saint Augustine our Patron, should be observed. 18. That the Feast of the four times should be kept. 19. That Monks and Nuns, should go regularlie apparrelled. 20. That Bishops should see these Decrees not to be neglected. 21. That the Churchmen should not give themselves to drunkenness. 22. That the communion should not be neglected of the Churchmen. 23. That the same also should be observed of the Lay men, as time required. 24. That Lay men should first be well tried, before they enter into Monkerie. 25. That alms be not neglected. 26 That Bishops should see these decrees notified to the people. 27 They disputed also of the profit of almesse. 28 Of the profit of singing Psalms. 29 That the congregation should be constitute after the ability of their goods. 30 That Monks should not dwell among lay men. 31 That the public prayer should be made for Kings and Princes. These decrees among them concluded, Cutbert the Archbishop sendeth the copy thereof to Boniface, otherwise called Winfride an English man, that was then Archbishop of Mainz.

This Boniface wrote a letter to Ethelbald, who was present at y ^e former Synod, admonishing him of his vicious life, & of his Nobles wantonness even with the Nuns, of which order this Boniface was a great setter up & maintainer afterward. This Ethelbald, after the departing of K. Celulph to his monkery, spoiled the country of Northumberland, and exercised mortal war a great while against Cudred of some called Cutbert K. of West-saxons, who encountering with Ethelbald that had the greater power, by means of a certain warrior, a Consul called Edellim overthrew him. Notwithstanding the next year he renewed battle, & was slain of one Beornered after he had reigned 41. years in Mercia, where Beornered reigned after in that dition but a small time. For Offa nephew to the said Ethelbald expulsed Beornered, and succeeded king in that province of Mercia, after he had reigned 39. years.

Boniface before mentioned, permitted religious fathers to carry about nunnes with them a preaching, & founded many monasteries, & canonized many Saints. Among other he founded the great monastery of Fulde in Germany of English monks, into the which no women might enter, but Libda & Tecla two English nunnes. He deposed Childericus king of France by authority from Pope Zechariah, and Pipinus the betrayer of his Master was confirmed. From this Boniface proceeded that detestable doctrine that although the Pope led with him innumerable souls into Hell, yet ought no man to rebuke him.

In the time of this Archbishop, Pope Gregory the second, also Gregory the third, and pope Zechariah: and before these, Pope Constantine the first, wrought great maisteries against the Greek Emperors, Philippicus, and Leo, and others, for the maintaining of Images to be set up in the Churches, of whom Philippicus lost both his eyes and his Empire. Leo for the same cause was excommunicated of Gregory the third. This Gregory the third, is like to be he which wrote the 4. books of Dialogs in Greek, falsely bearing the name of Gregory the first: which books afterward Zechariah his successor translated into Latin. Also this Gregory the third brought into the Mass Canon, the clause for Relics, beginning Quorum solemnitates hodie in conspectu &c. Item he brought into the same the memorial, the offering and sacrifice for the dead: Like as Zechariah brought in the Priests vesture and ornaments. And Constantine the first, was he that gave his feet to be kissed of the Emperor.

In the time of Egbert king of Northumberland, Sigibert or Sigbert, reigned in the West Saxony, and was for his cruelty deposed, and wandering in a wood alone without comfort, was slain by the Swineherd of the earle Combranus; whom he before had slain, for giving him counsel to govern his people, and himself after a better sort.

This Sigebert being slain, in his place succeeded Kenulphus Anno 748. [ 748] who with the agreement of the West-saxons, was one of the chief doers against Sigebert his master. Kenulphus reigned 31. years, till he resorted to a paramour of his, whō he kept at Merton, where he was beset, and slain by a kinsman of Sigebert, named Clito or Cliton. Moreover in the reign of the foresaid Egbert king of Northumberland, and the eight year of Kenulphus king of West Saxons, Offa, after he had slain the tyrant Beornredus. (who before had slain Ethelwald king of Mercia, & uncle to this foresaid Offa ) reigned king of that province.

Offa had such displeasure against the citizens of Canterbury, that he removed the Arthbishops sea, and the lands of Lambrith Archbish. of Canterbury (by the agreement of Pope Adrian ) unto Lichfield.

About the later time of the reign of Offa king of Mercia, Ethelbert king of Eastangels, came to sue to marry with Offas daughter, but the Queen suspecting worse matter (without cause) caused him to be beheaded, having trained him into a convenient place, by one Gnimbertus, the year 793. but the Queen lived not three months after: and at her death, was so tormented, that she bit, and rent her tongue asunder, with her teeth. And Offa understanding of the innocence of this king, gave the tenth part of his own good to holy Church, and to the Church of Hereford (in remembrance of this Ethelbert ) he bestowed great lands. Moreover, he built the abbey of Saint Albones, &c: and went after to Rome to do penance, where he gave to the Church of Saint Peter, a penny through every house in his dominion, which was commonly called Romescot or Peter -pence, and there at length was transformed from a King to a Monk, Anno 794. [ 794] with Kenredus king of Northumberland, although some deny that he was a Monk.

After Offa, when he had reigned 39. years, succeeded Egfretus his son, who reigned but four months: next Egfret, succeeded Kenulphus in the kingdom of Mercia, who made war against the Cantuarites, and took Egbert their king called Wren: whom he bound, and led prisoner to Mercia: but upon the dedication of a Church, which he built, he released him out of prison.

Next to Pope Zechariah, followed Pope Stephen the second: to whom Pipinus the French king, to gratify the Pope gave to the sea of Rome, the princedome of Rauenna, the kingdom of the Lombards, and many other great possessions of Italy, with all the cities thereto, adjoining unto the borders of Venice: and this is like to the donation which (they say) was given of Constantine.

To this Pipinus, was sent into France the invention of Organs out of Greece, by Costantine Emperor of Constantinople. Anno 757. [ 757]

Next to Stephen the second, succeeded Paul the first, in the Papacie, who thundered against Constantine the emperor of Constantinople, for abrogating of images, but he continued constant in his purpose, notwithstanding, to the end of his life.

These came to be Popes, Constantine the seconde, a Laie man, and brother to Desiderius the king of Lombardie, for the which cause, he was shortly deposed and thrust into a Monastery, having his eyes put out. In whose stead, succeeded Stephen the third, who condemned the seventh Council of Constantinople for heretical, because in that Council, the worshipping of Images was condemned, and contrarily caused them to be worshipped and incensed.

At this time, Charles the great began to reign, by whom the Pope caused Desiderius, the Lombard king, to be deprived. Next unto Stephen succeeded Hadrianus the first, who gave more veneration to images, then any before him writing a book in commendation, and utility of their adoration, commanding them to be taken for lay men's kalenders, holding a synod at Rome against Felix, and all other that spake against images: and as Paul the first before him, had made much of the body of Petronella, S. Peters daughter. So this Hadrian, clothed the body of S. Peter all in silver, and covered the altar of S. Paul with a pall of gold.

This Hadrian did confirm the order of Saint Gregory's Mass, before the order of S. Ambrose: for unto the time 800. the Liturge of S. Ambrose was more used in the Italian Churches, but this Bishop burnt the books of Ambrose service into ashes, and threw into prison many priests that would not consent unto him. Now Eugenius coming 3. days after the council ended, persuaded the pope to call the council again, & agreed that both the books of Gregory and Ambrose should be laid upon the altar of Peter and Paul, and the Church doors shut and sealed, they should all the night give themselves to prayer, that God might give a token whether were more to be allowed. Now, on the morning, they found Gregory's mass book plucked one piece from another, and scattered over all the Church, and only Ambroses book open upon the altar, where they had laid it. This miracle, Pope Adrian did interpret on his own side side, that as the leaves were scattered over the Church, so should Gregory's book be used through the world, and Ambrose his book should only be kept at his own Church, at Mediolanum, where he sometime was Bishop.

Carolus magnus did confirm his fathers gift and devotion to the Pope, adding moreover, thereunto the City and dominion of Venice, Histria, the Dukedom of Foroiuliense, the Dukedom Spoletanū, and Beneuentanum, and other possessions mo, to the patrimony of saint Peter: and the Pope, to requite him, made him Patricium Romanum, and ordained him only to be taken for Emperor of Rome.

Carolus being proclaimed Emperor, the Empire was translated from the Grecians to the Frenchmen, an. 801. and continued so 102. years, or thereabout, till the coming of Conradus, and his Neuew Otho, which were Germās.

This Charles built so many Monasteries as there be letters in the A.B.C. He held a Council at Franckforde, wherein was condemned, the Council of Nice, and Irene, for setting up, and worshipping of Images.

Anno 784. [ 784] Irene Empresse of the Greeks, through the means of Pope Hadrian, took up the body of Constantine Emperor of Constantinople, her own husbands father, and when she had burned the same, she caused the ashes to be cast into the Sea, because he disanulled Images. Afterward she reigned with her son Constantine the sixth, son to Leo the fourth: who was also excommunicated for taking away Images, and being at dissention with him, she caused him to be taken, and laid in prison: and afterward (through power of freends being restored) was at the last again cast into prison, and had his eyes pulled out so cruelly, that within short space he died. After this, the Empresse by the counsel of Therasius, Bishop of Constantinople, held a Counsel at Nicaea, wherein it was decreed, that Images again should be restored to the Church: which Charles afterward repealed at Frankford. At length she was deposed by Nicephorus, who succeeded her, and ended her life in much penury.

In the space of 200, years, these monasteries following, began to be founded in the land.

Paul's Church at London was founded by Ethelbert King of Kent, and Sigebert king of Essex, about the year 604. [ 604]

The first Cross, & Altar, was set up in the North parts, in Heuenfield, upon occasion of Oswalde, King of Northūberlandes fighting against Cadwall: where he in the same place set up the sign of the Cross, kneeling & praying there for victory, an. 635.

The Church of Winchester was first begun, and founded by Kinigilsus, king of Mercia, having nine miles about it. And afterward finished by his Son Kewalcus, where Owen, of Englishmen, was the first Bishop. Anno 636.

The Church of Lincoln, was first founded by Paulinus Bishop, an. 629.

The Church of Westminster began first by a certain citizen of London, through the instigation of Ethelbert, king of Kent, which before was an I will full of Thorns, anno 614.

The common Schools were first erected at Cambridge, by Sigebert, king of East-angles, an. 636.

The Abbey of Knonisburie builded by Furceus the Eremite, an. 637

The Monastery of Malmsburie, by one Meldulsus, a Scot, an. 640. And after enlarged by Agilbert, Bishop of Winchester.

The Abbey of Gloucester first builded by Offricus, king of Mercia, as Cestrensis saith. But as William Malmsburie writeth, by Vlferus, and Etheldred, brethren to Kineburga, Abbess of the same house, in the yere of our Lord 679

The Monastery of Maylerose, by the river of Twide, by Aydanus, a Scottish Bishop.

The Nunnerie of Theorduton, by Heuy, who was y ^e first Nun in Northumberland.

The Monastery of Hetesey, by Oswy king of Northumberland, who also, with his daughter Elfred, gave possessions for xii. Monasteries, from the partes of Northumberlande, anno 650

The Monastery of Saint Martin in Dover, by Whitered, king of Kent

The Abbey of Lestingeye, by Ceadda, whom they call Saint Cedde, through the grant of Oswald, son to saint Oswald, king of Northumberland, an. 651

The Monastery of Whitbie, otherwise called Strenhalt, by Hilda, daughter to the Nephue of Edwin, king of Northumberland, an. 657. Also, another Monastery called Hacanus, not far from the same place, built by the same Hilda, the same yere.

The Abbey of Abingtō builded by Cissa, king of Southsex, an. 666

Also, an Abbey in the East side of Lincoln, called Ioanno, by S. Botolph, an. 654

The Monastery of Eli, builded by Etheldred, or Edeldrida, daughter of Anna, king of East-angles, and the wife of Elfride, king of Northumberland, in the yere six hundred seventy four.

The Monastery of Chertsey, in Southerie, by Erkēwald B. of London, an. 674. thrown down by the Danes, & reedified by king Edgar.

The Nunnerie of Barking, edified by the same Erkenwaldus, B. of London, about the same time.

The Abbey of Peterborough, otherwise called Madehamsted, founded by king Ethelwald, king of Mercia, anno 675

Badney Abbey, by Etheldredus, king of Mercia, an. 700 Glastenburie, by Iua, K. of the West-saxons, and after repaired, and enriched by king Edgar, an. 701

Ramsey, in the time of king Edgar, by one Alwinus, a noble man, an. 673

K. Edgar builded in his time xl. Monasteries. He reigned an. 601

The Nunnerie of Winburne, by Cuthburga, sister to Insus, K. Iuaes brother, an. 717

The Monastery of Sealesey, near to the I will of Wight, by Wilfridus, B. of York, an. 678

The Monastery of Wincombe, by Kenulphus, king of Mercia, an. 737

S. Albons, builded by Offa, K. of Mercia, an. 755

The Abbey of Euesam, by Egwinus, an. 691

Ripon in the North, by Wilfridus, B. an. 709

The Abbey of Echelinghey, by K. Aluredus, an. 691

The Nunnerie of Shaftesburie, by the same Aluredus, the same yere.

King Ethelbald freed the churches monasteries, &c. from all manner tributes, and granted them great liberties. Diuerse of the Saxon kings became monks: as Knigilsus king of West-saxons: Iue king of West-sex. Celulfus king of Northumberland, Eadbertus king of Northumb. Ethelredus of Mercia, Kemedus of Mercia, Offa of East-saxons, Selly of East-saxons, Sigebertus king of East-angles.

There became also Queens & kings daughters, with other noble women Nuns: as Hilda daughter to the nephew of Edwin king of Northumberland, Abbess of the house of Eli. Erchengoda with her sister Ermenilda, daughter of Erkembertus K. of Kent, which Erchengoda was professed in Brigets order in France. Also Edelberga, wife and Queen to king Edwin of Northumberland, and daughter of king Anna, who was also in the same house made a Nun. Etheldreda, whom they term Saint Eldred, wife to king Egfred of Northumberland, was professed Nun at Helinges, Werburga, daughter of Vlferus, king of Mercians, was made Nun at Eli, Kinreda, Sister of king Vlferus, and Kinswida her sister, were both professed Nuns. Sexburga daughter of king Anna King of Mercia, and wife of Ercombert, king of Kent, was Abbess at Eli,, Elfrida daughter of Oswe, King of Northumberlande, was Abbess at Whitney. Mildreda, Wilburga, and Milginda, all three daughters of Merwaldus, K. of West-mercians, became Nuns: Bridburga, the wife of of Alfride, K. of Northumberland, and sister to Ofricus, K. of Mercia, and daughter of king Penda, was professed Abbess in the Monastery of Gloucester: Elfleda, daughter of K. Oswy, & wife of king Penda his son, became also a Nun: Likewise Alfritha, wife to king Edgar, and Editha, daughter to the same king Edgar, with Wolfrith her mother, and so forth.

As in the Britons time, the Metropolitan Sea was at London, so in the time of the Saxons, after the coming of Austin, it was removed to Canterbury: y ^e names & years of which Metropolitans till Egbert from Austin are these: Augustinus 16. Laurentius 5. Mellitus 5. Iustus 3. Honorius 25. Deus dedit 10. Theodorus 22. all these were Italians. Bertnaldus English 37. in whose time the monastery of S. Martin was built in Doroberne by Witredus and his brother kings of Kent. Tacunius 3. Nothelinus 5. Cuthbertus 17. He after his death forbad all funerals, exequies, or funeral lamentations to be made. Lambrithus or Lambertus 27. In whose time king Offa translated the Metropolitan sea from Canterbury to Lichfield, by the grant of Pope Adrian, being overcome with apostolical arguments, as saith Flores historiarum, that is, with money. Ethelardus 13. who by his Epistles to Pope Leo, obtained the Metrapolitan sea again to Canterbury. Vlfredus 28, Fegeldus 3, Celnocus 41. During the time of these seventeen Archbishops, there were 34. Popes of Rome.

Anno 826. [ 826] Egbert, notwithstanding he had six, or eight against one of his men, overthrew Bernulphus K. of Mercia, with other kings, & subdued the rest of the land into one monarchy, and having called a counsel of his Lord's at Winchester, was by their aduises crowned king over all the land, and caused the inhabitants to be called Angles, and the Land Anglia.

This king (when he had ruled the West-saxons, and over the more part of England, xxxvij. years) died, and was buried at Winchester: leaving his kingdom to Ethelwolfe, which first was Bishop of Winchester, [ 874] and after, upon necessity, made king, through the dispensation of Gregory the fourth.

He gave to the Church, and Religious orders, the tithes of all his goods and lands in West-saxons, with liberty, and freedom from all seruage, [ 844] and civil charges. Much like the donation of Ethelbaldus, king of Mercia. The ground of all their good works and donations was remission of sins, which they thought thereby to procure) This done, taking his journey to Rome with Alfred his yoongest son, committed him to the bringing up of pope Leo y ^e fourth. Where he also reedified the English school at Rome: which being founded by king Offa or rather Iue King of Mercia, was in the time of King Egbert his Father consumed with fire.

Besides, he granted to Rome of every fire house a penny to be paid throughout the land, as king Iue in his dominion had done before. Also he gave and granted to be paid to Rome yearly three hundred marks: that is, to the maintaining of the light of Saint Peter one hundredth marks: to the light of Saint Paul another hundredth; to the use of the Pope another hundredth. This done he returned by France into England, and married with the daughter of Carolus Caluus, whose name was Judith. He had to his chief councellors two Bishops, Adelstanus B. of Schireborne, more skillful in civil matters then in divinity: and the other Swithinus bishop of Winchester, being of a contrary disposition.

Gregory the fourth above mentioned, was the third Pope that succeeded after Pope Paschalis the first: being but four years betwixt them: who succeeded after Stephen the fourth which followed Leo the third, next Pope unto Hadrian, in the time of Charles the great. From the time of that Hadrian the first, unto Pope Hadrian the third, the Emperors had some stroke in the election (at least in the confirmation of the Roman Pope) notwithstanding there were diverse practices to the contrary. Wherefore by the commandment of Ludouicus the Emperor in the time of Gregory the fourth, a general Synod was comenced at Aquisgraue, where it was decreed by Gregory and his assistants, that every Church should have sufficient of his proper lands and revenues to find the Priests thereof. That none of the Clergy, of what degree soever he were, should use any vesture or any precious, or any Scarlet color, neither should wear ringes on their fingers, except it be when Prelates be at Mass, or give their consecrations.

Item, that prelates should not keep too great ports or families, nor keep great horses, use dice, or keep harlots: and the Monks should not exceed measure in gluttony or riot. Item, that none of the Clergy being either annointed or shaven, should use either gold or silver, either in their shoes, slippers, or girdles, like to Heliogabalus. Moreover, by him (at the commandment of Ludouicus the Emperor) the feast of Alsaints was first brought into the Church.

After this pope came Sergius the second, who first brought in the altering of the Popes names, because he was named before Os porci, that is, Swines snout: which also ordained the Agnus thrice to be song at the Mass, and the host to be divided into three partes. After him was Pope Leo the fourth: to whom this king Ethelwolfus did commit the tuition of his son Alfred.

By this Pope Leo, it was first enacted by a Council of his, that no Bishop should be condemned, under three score and twelve witnesses, also (contrary to the law of Gregory the fourth his predecessor) he commanded and ordained the cross, all to beset with gold and precious stones, and to be carried before him.

After this Leo succeeded a woman Pope, named Gilberta, and was called John the eight. She was a dutchwoman of Magunce, who went with an English monk out of the Abbey of Fulda to Athens, in man's apparel: where she proved excellently learned: and obtained the Popedom, and sat two years and six months: and at last openly in the face of a general procession, fell in labor and travel of child, and so died. By reason whereof the Cardinals at this day do avoid to come near that street where that shame was taken.

By Benedictus the 3. that succeeded next in the whorish sea, was first enacted (as most writers record) the Dirge to be said for the dead: albeit Gregory the third, had done in that matter worthily for his part already.

After him sat Pope Nicholas the first, who enlarged the Popes decrees with many constitutions, equalling the authority of them with the writings of the Apostles. He ordained that no secular Prince, nor the Emperor himself, should be present at their Councils, unless in matters concerning the faith. Also that no Lay man should sit in Judgment upon the Clergy men, or reason upon the Popes power.

Item, that no Christian magistrate should have any power over any prelate: alleging that a prelate is called God. Also that all Church service should be in Latin, except the Polonians and Sclauonians; to whom he permitted the use of their own tongue.

Sequences in the Mass, were by him first allowed. By this Pope priests began first to be debarred marriage: whereof Huldrich Bishop of Auspourgh sendeth a letter to the Pope, reclaiming and confuting his proceedings in the matter, gravely and learnedly: showing the decree to be an impious tyranny, contrary to the laws of God, and Nature. The epistle seemeth rather to belong to the time of Nicholas the second, or third.

After this pope Nicholas, succeeded Hadrianus the second, Johannes 9. Martinus 2. After these came Hadrian the third, and Stephen the fifth: By this Hadrian it was decreed, that no Emperor after that time should intermeddle in the election of the Pope: and thus began the Emperor first to decay, and the Pope to swell.

Ethelwolfe after he had done valiantly against the Danes (that greatly invaded and molested the land) died, and left behind him four sons, which reigned everyone in his order (after the decease of their father:) whose names were, Ethelbaldus, Ethelbrightus, Ethelredus, and Aluredus.

About the latter time of the reign of Æthelred, Anno 870. [ 870] the Danes having to their Captains Inguar & Hubbar, landed in Norfolk, and forced Edm. the under king of that Province, to flee to Franingham castle, and commanded him to submit himself unto them, and to reign under Inguar, Prince of the Danes. Whervpon, by persuasion of one of his Bishops, being his secretary, he paused; and made answer, that Edmund, a Christian king, for love of temporal life, will not submit himself to a Pagan Duke, unless he would before be a Christian. Wherefore, having apprehended him at S. Edmondesbury, he bound him unto a tree, and caused him to be shot to death, for that he would not deny Christ, and his laws. Lastly, they caused his head to be smitten off, and cast it into the thick bushes, which was by his friends at the same time taken up, and solemnly buried at S. Edmondesbury: whose brother named Edwoldus, (notwithstanding of right the kingdom fell to him) setting apart the world, became an Hermit, at the abbey of Cerum, in the county of Dorset.

King Ethebald having had great conflicts with y ^e Danes, and perplexed with the miserable state of his country, after he had reigned five or eight years, deceassed. During which time, of his reign (notwithstanding many troubles) he built the college of Canons at Exeter, and was buried at the Abbey of Winburne, or Woburne. After whose decease, for lack of issue, the land fell to his brother Alfred or Alfred, ann. 872. who first of the English kings, took his, crown, and unction of Pope Leo at Rome. He after great alteration, and diverse troubles forced the Danes to seek for peace: which was concluded upon certain covenants: whereof one, and the principal was that Gutrum their K. should be christened. The other, that such as would not be christened, should depart the Realm. Upon these covenants, Gutrum coming to Winchester, was there christened, with xx. of his great Nobles. To the which Gutrū K. Alfred being his Godfather at the baptism, named him Athelstane, and gave him diverse Countries: as, of East-anglia: containing Norfolk and Suffolk, and part of Cambridgeshire: and granted to the Danes that were christened, the Country of Northumberland: the rest voiding the land. Athelstane reigned xi. or xii. years.

Alfred builded diverse houses of Religion: as, the house of Nuns at Shaftesburie, and the religious houses at Etheling. Also, another at Winchester, named the new Monastery, and endued richly the Church of Saint Cutbert, at Durham. He sent also into India, to pay, and perform his vows to saint Thomas of India, which he promised in the time of his distress, against the Danes. After he had reigned nine and twenty years, and six months: he changed this mortal life, and divided his goods into two equal partes, the one to uses secular, the other to uses Ecclesiastical: Of the which, the first he divided into three portions: the first, for behoove of his family: the second, upon his buildings: the third upon strangers. The other second into four partes: the one to the relief of the poor, another to monasteries, the third to the Schools of Oxford, for the maintening of good letters, the fourth he sent to foreign Churches without the Realm.

He divided the day and the night into three partes. Eight hours (if he were not let by wars, and other affairs) he spent in study and learning. Other eight in prayer & alms deeds. And the other eight in natural rest, sustenance of his body, and needs of the Realm.

He especially provided against robbing, and thieves, by severe execution. In such sort, that he caused to be set up through his Dominion, gilded brooches, and none so hardie, neither by day nor night, to take them down. His virtues were many: he was learned; wise; religious; and valeaunt: especially about the West part of the land he erected Schools, and maintained Students, although among the Britain's, in the town of Chester, in Southwales, long before that, in the time of King Arthure, as Galfridus writeth) both Grāmer, and Philosophy, with the tongues, were taught.

In the time of Egbert, king of Kent, some writers affirm, y ^t this land began to flourish with Philosophy. About which time, also, some think that the Vniuersity of Grantchester, near to that which is now called Cambridge, began to be founded by Beda, following this conjecture therein, for that Alcuinus, who went to Rome, and from thence into France, in the time of Charles the great (where he first began the University of Paris) was first traded up in y ^e same School of Grantchester.

Bed. lib. 3. cap. 18. writing also of Sigebert, king of the East-angles, declared how Sigebert returning out of France into England, (according to the examples which he did there see) ordered, and disposed Schools of learning, through the means of Felix, then Bishoppe: and placed in them Teachers, after the manner of the Cantuarites. And yet before these times, it is thought there were two Schools, or Universities within the Realm: the one for Greek, at the town of Greglade, which was after called Kirklade: the other for Latin, which was then called Latinlade, afterward Lethelade, near to Oxford.

This King Alfred was eleven years of age before he began to learn Letters, having to his Master Pleimundus, (afterward made Bishoppe of Canterbury,) and grew so in knowledge, that he translated diverse latin works: as, Orosius, Pastorale Gregorij, the histories of Bede, Boetius de Consolat. philosophiae: also, an Enchiridion of his own making.

He compiled also an History in the Saxon tongue called the history of Alfred. He suffered no man to aspire to any dignity in his Court, except he were learned, and caused all his Nobles to set their children to learning: if they had no sons, then their servants. He began also to translate the Psalter into English, and had almost finished the same, had not death prevented him. These endeavours he took in hand, that the English nation might be furnished with knowledge, which was decayed before, by the innumerable volumes burned by the Danes. He used chiefly the wise counsel of Neotus, who was counted then an holy man, and was Abbot of a certain monastery of Cornewall: by whose advise he sent for Grimbaldus a learned monk out of France, and for Asserion another learned man out of Wales, whom he made Bishop of Schireborne: also out of Mercia he sent for Werefrithus Bishop of Worcester, to whom he put the Dialogues of Gregory to be translated. By the advisement of Neotus he ordained certain schools of diverse arts, first at Oxford: and fraunchised the same with many great Libraries.

Moreover, besides other learned men which were about Alfred, histories make mention of Johannes Scotus, a godly divine, and a learned Philosopher, but not that Scotus whō we call Duns, (who came after this many years.) This Johannes Scotus at the request of Carolus Caluus, the French king, translated the book of Dyonisius, entitled De Hierarchia, out of Greek into Latin, word by word. He wrote also a book, De corpore & sanguine Domni: which was after condemned by the Pope, In concilio Vercellensi.

He wrote also a book De naturae diuisione, wherein he accorded not with the Romish religion: whereupon the Pope writing to Charles of this Scotus, complained of him: so he was constrained to remove out of France, and came into Engl. to Alfred (as some say) by y ^e letters of Alfred, of whō he had great entertainment till he went to Malmesburie, where he was slain of his own scholars (whō he taught) with their penkniues.

King Alfred had by his wife two sons, Edward, and Ethelward, and three daughters Elflena, Ethelgora, & Ethelginda, which all he caused to be instructed in learning. Edward succeeded in the kingdom; Ethelward died before his father; Ethelgora was made a Nun; the other two were married the one in Merceland, the other to y ^e Earl of Flaunders. He reigned 29. years, & six months: he departed this life, v. Kal. Nouemb. & lieth buried at Winchester, an. 901. [ 901] Wheresoever he was, or whether soever he went, he bare in his bosom or pocket a little book, containing the Psalms of David, and certain other prayers of his own collecting, whereupon he was continually either reading, or praying, whensoever he had leisure thereunto.

Pleymundus schoolemaister to Alfred, succeeded Etheredus in the Bishopric of Canterbury, and governed that sea 34. years. After him succeeded Athelmus and sat 12. years: after him came Vlfelmus, and sat 13. years: him followed Odo a Dane borne, and governed 20. years.

After the death of Pope Stephen the fifth, was much broyle in the election of the Bishops of Rome, one contending against another: in so much that in the space of nine years, there were nine Popes: of the which, first was Formosus, who succeeded Stephen, being made pope against the mind of certain in Rome, that would rather Sergius, then Deacon of the Church of Rome, should be Pope: not withstanding Mars and money prevailed on Formosus part, by the aid of king Arnulphus, who came to Rome and beheaded Formosus adversaries, whom the Pope in recompense blessed & crowned Emp. This Formosus had once sworn never to reiterate or take to him again ecclesiastical order, but was absolved again of Pope Martin, who sat four or five years: after whom in 9. years, there were nine Popes. After him succeeded Boniface the 6, who continued 25. days, then came Stephen the 6. who abrogated all the decrees of Formosus. and taking up his body after it was buried, cut two fingers of his right hand, and commanded them to be cast into Tiber, and then buried the body in a Laye man's sepulcher. He reigned one year, and him succeeded Rhemanus, & sat 3. months, repealing the decrees of his predecessor against Formosus, next whom came Theodorus the 2. who like wise taking part with Formosus, reigned but 20. days, then sat Pope John, who fought against y ^e Romans, and (to confirm the cause of Formosus more surely) did hold a synod at Rauenna of 72. Bishops, with the French king Endo, and his Archbishops, present at the same: where all the decrees of Formosus, were confirmed, and those of Stephen the 6. burned.

This Pope lived not Pope full two years: after whom succeeded Benedictus the fourth, who kept the chair three years: after whom Leo the fifth was Pope, who within 40. days of his papacy, was with strong hand taken and cast in prison by one Christopher, his own household Chaplain, whom he had long time nourished in his house: which Christopher, being Pope about the space of seven months, was also horsed from his seat by Sergius, as he had done to the other before, who after he had thrown down Christopher, shore him monk into a monastery, and occupied the sea seven years. This Sergius, a rude man, and unlearned, very proud and cruel, had before time been put back from the Popedom by Formosus above mentioned: by reason whereof to revenge himself of Formosus again, (being now in his papacy) caused his body to be taken up, and afterward setting it in the Papal sea (as in his Pontificalibus ) first disgraded him, then commanded his head to be smitten off, with the other three fingers which were left: which done he caused his body to be thrown into Tiber, deposing also all such as had been invested by Formosus.

By this Pope Sergius, first came up the bearing of candles on Candlemas day, for the purifying of the blessed virgin.

After Sergius entered Pope Anastasius: who after he had sat 2. years, followed pope Lando, the father (as some think) of pope John: which John is said to have been Paramour of Theodora, a famous harlot of Rome, & set up by the same harlot, either against Lando, or after Lando his father, to succeed in his room.

There is a story writer called Liuthprandus, who writing de imperatoribus, lib. 2. cap. 13. maketh mention of this Theodora, and John the eleventh: and saith, that this Theodora had a daughter named Marozia, which had by Pope Sergius above mentioned, a son who afterward was pope John the 12. The same Marozia, afterward married with the marques Guido of Tuscia, through whose means and his friends at Rome, she brought to pass that this pope John the eleventh was smothered with a pillow laid to his mouth, after he had reigned 13. years, and so John the 12. her son reigned in his steed: but because the clergy, and people of Rome did not agree to the election, therefore was Pope Leo the 6. set up in his room.

Thus pope John the son of Sergius, and Marozia, being rejected, reigned pope Leo, 7. months: after him pope Stephen 2. years: who being poisoned, then was pope John the 12. above rehearsed, set up again, where he reigned near the space of 5. years.

After John the twelfth, followed pope Stephen, three years. Leo three years and four months: Stephen the eight, three years, four months: Martin 3. years, 6. months: After him, Agapetus, eight years and six months: about whose time, or a little before, began the order of monks called, Ordo Cluniacensis.

It may appear, in those times, that the authority of bestowing bishoprikes in England, and also in prescribing laws to Churchmen was in the hands of the kings of the land, and not only in the hands of the Pope: as it is manifest by King Alfredus laws: If any one lie with another man's wife, &c. If any that hath taken orders, steal, &c.

After Alfred succeeded his son Edward called the elder, giving also testimony of the same. Who with Pleymundus archbishop of Canterbury, and with other Bishops in a Synod assembled, elected seven Bishops, in seven Metropolitan churches, whose names were 1. Freidstane, 2. Adelstane, 3. Werstane, 4. Addlelin, 5. Edulphus, 6. Dernegus, 7. Kenulphus. In which election, the kings authority alone seemed then sufficient.

This Edward reigned 24. years: [ 925] his daughters he set to spinning, and to the needle: his sons he set to the study of learning: to the end that they being Philosophers first, might be made more expert to govern the common wealth.

Ethelstane succeeded his father in the kingdom, and being base born of Egwin, before the king was married to her, and fearing his next brother Edwin, being rightly borne, caused him to be put in an old rotten boat in the broad sea, only with one Esquire with him: who being perplexed with the rage of the Sea, and weary of his life, threw him self into the Sea. This act Ethelstane lamented vii. years, and builded the two Monasteries, of Middleton, and of Michelendes, for his brothers sake, or (as the Stories say) for his soul.

About this time, the Empire began to be translated from France (where it had continued about an hundred years,) into Germany, where it hath ever since remained.

This king gave his third Sister to Henricus Duke of main, for his son Otho, the first Emperor of the Ger-Almanes.

This king set forth diverse laws for the government of the clergy: he prescribed also constitutions touching tithes giving. And among his laws, to the number of 35. diverse things are comprehended, pertaining as well to the spiritualty, as to the temporality. Out of the laws of this king first sprong up y ^e attachment of thieves, y ^t such as stole above 12. d. and were above twelve years old, should not be spared. He reigned about the space of 16. years, and died without issue. Anno 940. [ 940]

After him succeeded his brother Edmund son of Edward the elder, by his third wife, being of the age of twenty years. About this time Mōkery came into England. There was at that time, and before a monastery in France, called Floriake, after the order of Benedict: from the which monastery did spring the greatest part of our English monks, who being there professed, and after returning into England, did gather men daily to their profession: & so at length grew in favor with kings and princes, who founded them houses, maintained their rules, and enlarged them with possessions. Among the Monks that came from Floriake, especially was one Oswaldus, first a monk of Floriake, then Bishop of Worcester, and York: a great patron, and setter up of monkery.

This king built and furnished the abbey of Glastenburie, and made Dunstan abbot thereof.

He was slain of a felon with a knife. He ordained laws also for the Spiritualtie, touching tithes, against deflowering of Nuns, touching reparation of Churches, &c. In the time of this Edmund, was Odo, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was the first from the coming of the Saxons, till this time, that was Archb. being no Monk, for all before him were Monks: of whom, a great part had been Italians, unto Berctualdus. Notw ^t standing, after he sailed into France, and received that order at Flo-riake. Vlstan bishop of York, at the same time is noted to differ in habit from other Bishops.

Odo continued Bishop the space of twenty years: after whom, Elsinus was elected, and ordained by the king, to succeed through favor and money: but going to Rome for the Popes pall, in his journey through the Alps, he died for cold: after whom succeeded Dunstan.

This Edmund gave to saint Edmund the Martyr, above mentioned, the town of Bredrichcepworth, now called S. Edmondsburie, with great revenues, and lands belonging to the same. He was buried at Glassenburie by Dunstane. He left two sons behind him; Edwin, and Edgar, by his wife Elgina: But the children being under age, Edred brother to the king, was made Protector in the mean time, who faithfully behaved him self towards the young children.

In his time Dunstane was promoted by the means of Odo, from Abbot of Glassenbure, to be Bishop of Worcester, and after of London. By this Dunstan, Edred was much ruled. So that he is reported in stories, too much to submit himself to fond penance laid upon him by Dunstane.

After his Uncle Edred, Edwin the eldest son of King Edmund began his reign, anno 955. [ 955] being crowned at Kingston by Odo, Archbishop of Canterbury. He is reported the first day of his Coronation, to have departed from y ^e company of his Lord's, into a secret chamber, to the disorderly company of a woman, whose husband he had slain. Now, Dunstan (being yet but Abbot of Glassenburie) followed the king into the chamber, and brought him out by the hand, and accused him to Odo the Archb. and caused him to be separated from the said woman, and to be suspēded out of y ^e church by the same Odo. Whereupon, the king being offended w ^t Dunstane, banished him, and forced him for a season to fly into Flaunders, where he was in the Monastery of Saint Amandus.

About the same season, the Monastical order of S. Benedict, or (as they call them) black monks, began to increase in England: in so much, that other Priests & Canons were displaced, and they set in their rooms. But king Edwin (for displeasure he bare to Dunstan ) did vex all that order of Monks, so that in Malmsburie, Glassenburie, & other places, he thrust out the Monks, & set Secular priests in their rooms.

In the end, being hated for his evil demeanor, he was deposed from the Crown, and his brother Edgar received in his room, so that the river of Thames divided both their kingdoms. Edwin (when he had reigned four years) departed, leaving no issue of his body. Wherefore; the rule of the land fell unto Edgar his younger brother, in the yere of the Lord, nine hundred fifty and nine; [ 959] he (being about the age of sixteen years, but he was not crowned till fourteen years after.

In the beginning of his reign he called home Dunstane whom Edwin before had exiled. Then was Dunstane, (before Abbot of Glassenbury) made B. of Worcester, and after of London.

Not long after this, Odo, the Archbishop of Canterbury deceased, after he had governed the Church xxxiiij. years. After whom, Brithelinus Bishoppe of Winchester, was first elected: but because he was thought insufficient, Dunstan was chosen, and the other sent home again to his own Church. So Dunstan being made Archbishop by the K. went to Rome for his Pall, to Pope John the thirteenth: which was about the beginning of the Kings reign. Dūstan having obtained his Pall, returned and obtained of the king, that Oswaldus, who was made a Monk at Floriake, was created B. of Worcester: and not long after, through the means of Dunstan Ethelwoldus, first Monk of Glassenburie, then Abbot of Abbindon, was made Bishoppe of Winchester.

These three bishops were great upholders of Monks: by whose council king Edgar is recorded in histories to have built either new out of the ground, or caused to be reedified monasteries decayed by the Danes, more then forty. Moreover thorough the instigation of them, the king in diverse Cathedral Churches, where Prebendaries and Priests were before, displaced them, and set in Monks and Nuns.

After that the kings mind was thus persuaded to advance Monkery, Oswaldus bishop of Worcester, also made Archbishop of York, after the death of Oskitellus, having his sea in the Cathedral Church there of S. Peter; after he had first assayed the Canons and priests by fair means to become monks, and not prevailing, near to the same Church of S. Peter in the Churchyard, he built another Church of our Lady, which when he had replenished with monks, there he continually frequented: and so the people left the other Church naked. Wherevpon the priests did either become monks, or depart from the place. So did Aethelwold drive out the Canons and priests from the new monastery in Winchester, afterward called Hida, and placed his monks. The cause was pretended for that they were thought slack, and negligent in their Church service, and set in Vicars in their steed. Then the K. gave to the same Vicars, the land which belonged before to the Prebendaries: who also, not long after shown them selves as negligent as the other. Wherefore, king Edgar (by the consent of Pope John ) voided cleerelie the Priests: and ordained there Monks. Which Monks, did greatly differ, and do at this day disagree with the ancient Monks of old time, that were Lay men only, and were forbidden by the Council of Chalcedon, in any sort to deal with matters of the Church: and were such, as by the Tyranny of Persecution, were either constrained to hide themselves in solitary places, or else of their own voluntary devotion, withdrew themselves from company, having nothing proper of their own, or all things common with other.

Afterward Boniface the fourth made a decree, Anno 606. [ 606] that Monks might use the office of preaching, of baptizing, and hearing confession, and assoiling them of their sins: and in process of time they so incroched upon the office of ministers, that at length priests were discharged out of their cathedral Churches, and Monks placed in their rooms.

King Edgar was a great mainteiner of religion, and learning. To avoid excessive drinking by the example, of the Danes, which dwelt in diverse places of the realm, he ordained certain cups with pins or nails, set in them, adding thereto a law, y ^t what person did drink past that mark, at one draught, should forfeite a certain penny: the half part whereof should fall to the accuser, the other to the ruler of the town, where the offense was done. He was a noble Prince, wise, and victorious, but favored the monkish superstition overmuch, and is reported by some to have built so many monasteries for them, as there are Sundays in the year, or as Edmer reporteth 48. Notwithstanding he was much given to adultery, and fornication, and used among others, Egelfleda or Elfleda, called the white daughter of Duke Odorere: of whom he begat Edward in bastardy: for the which he was enjoined by Dunstan, seven years penance, and kept back from his Coronation so long, till the one and thirty yere of his age, anno 974 although he began his Rain at sixteen.

His penance appointed by Dunstane, was, that he should wear on his head no crown, [ 874] for the space of seven years: that he should fast twice in the week; that he should distribute the tribute left him by his ancesters, liberally unto the poor; that he should build a Monastery of Nuns at Shaftsburie: Moreover, he should expel Clerks of evil life (meaning such Priests as had wives and children) out of Churches and places, couents of Monks, &c. He reigned sixteen years, & was crowned only three years. He adopted to succeed him, Edward that was borne of the harlot.

Among other laws of this king, he ordained that the Sunday should be solemnized from Saturday at nine of the clock, till Monday morning.

By reason of the displacing of the Priests before, there arose a great contention after Edgars death, one part standing with them, so that they called also the crown in question: another part favoring Edward, the other Egfride the lawful son: in which stir Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury, and Oswald of York, with diverse other Bishops, Dukes, and Lord's assembled a Council: where Dunstan coming with his cross in his hand, and bringing Edward with him, so persuaded the Lord's, that Edward was received king, whom Dunstan hoped would become a patron of Monkery, and advance that estate; but it fell out contrary to his expectation. For shortly after the coronation, Duke Alferus of Mercia drove out the Monks from the Cathedral Churches, and restored the Priests with their wives. In the end, upon this controversy was holden a Council of Bishops, and other of the Clergy: first at Winchester, where the greater part of nobles & commons judged the Priests to have great wrong, and sought by all means to redress it, anno 977. [ 977] Yet notwithstanding the strife ceased not: in so much that a new assembly of clergy men, & other was appointed afterward, in a place called the street of Calue, where the Council was kept on an upper loft, where diverse complaints were made against Dunstan; but he prevailed notwithstanding.

Not long after, about the fourth year he was slain with a dagger, drinking on horseback, by the procurement of the mother of Egelred, (whom he came to visit,) & his brother her son Egelred. He was buried not being known who he was, at the town of Warham: & three years after was taken up by Duke Alfere, and with honor was removed to the Minster of Shaftsbury, & there bestowed in the place called Edwardstow. This Edward they hold for a martyr, and say that the Queen in repentance of her fact built after two nunneries, one at Amesbury by Salisbury: the other at Werewell, where she kept her self in continual repentance, all the days of her life.

Him succeeded Egelredus his brother.

Pope John the thirtinth (of whom Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury received his pall) is noted to be monstrously vicious: he was an whoremaster, adulterous, incestuous, libidinous: a gamester, an extorcioner, perjured, a fighter, a murderer, cruel, and tyrannous: of his Cardinals some he put out their eyes, from some he cut out their tongues, some their fingers, some their noses, &c. In a general council before Otho the first Emperor of the Germans, these objections were articulate against him: first, that he never said his service: that in saying his Mass he did not communicate: that he ordained Deacons in a stable: that he committed incest with two of his sisters: that playing at dice, he called for the Devil to help: that for money he made boies bishops: that he deflowered virgins and strangers: that of the palace of Lateran he made a stews: & that he lay with Stephana his fathers concubine: likewise with Ramera, and with Anna, and her niece: that he put out the eyes of bishop Benedict: that he caused houses to be set on fire: that he broke open houses: that he drank to the Devil: that he never crossed himself, &c. For the which causes he was deposed by the consent of the Emperor, and the Prelates: and Pope Leo placed in his room. But after, thorough the harlots of Rome, and their great promises, he was restored again, and Leo put out. At length, about the tenth year of this Pope, he being found without the city with another man's wife, was so wounded of her husband, that within eight days after he died.

After him, the Romans elected Pope Benedictus the fifth, without the consent of the emperor: whervppon Otho besieged Rome, and set up Pope Leo again, the eight of that name. Which Leo, to gratify him again, crowned Otho for Emperor, and entitled him Augustus: also the power which Carolus magnus gave to the Clergy and people of Rome touching the election of the B. of Rome, this Leo by a synodall decree gave to the Emperor and his successors. The Emperor again restored to the Sea of Rome all such possessions, which Carolus magnus took from the Lombards, and gave to them.

After Pope Leo had reigned a year, and three months, succeeded Pope John the 14. Against whom, for holding with the Emperor, Petrus the head captain of the city, with two Consuls, and twelve Aldermen, & diverse other nobles, gathering their power together, laid hands upon him in the Church of Lateran, and clapt the pope in prison eleven months. Whereof the Emperor hearing, sped him to Rome, and did execution upon the offenders, and committed Petrus to the Popes arbitrement: whom he caused first to be stripped naked, then his beard being shaven, to be hanged by the hair a whole day together, after that, to be set upon an Ass, his face turned backward, and his hands bound under the Asses tail, to be led through the City: that done, to be scourged with rods, and so banished the city. And thus the holy father loved his enemy according to the rule of the Gospel.

From this Pope, proceeded first the christening of bells, 971. [ 971] After him, followed Pope Benedictus the 6, who was in like manner apprehended by Cinthius, a captain of Rome, and cast in prison, where he was strangled, or as some say, famished for lack of meat. Then came Pope Donus the 2, after whom, Boniface the 7. was pope, who was constrained to hide himself, for fear of the Citizens conspiracy, & seeing no place for his safety, took the treasure of Saint Peters Church, & so privily stole to Constantinople: in whose steed the people set up Pope John the fifteenth. Not long after, Boniface returning again from Constantinople, by his money procured a garrison to take his part, by whose means Pope John was taken, his eyes put out, and so thrown in prison, where he was as (some say) famished, some say he was slain by Feruchus. Neither did Boniface live many days after, but suddenly died: whose carkas after his death, was drawn by the feet through the streets of Rome, the people shriking, and exclaiming against him, An. 276. Next Pope after him was Benedictus the seventh, by the consent of the Emperor Otho the second: and reigned 19. [ 676] years.

In the time of this Pope, Hugh Cappet, the French king took Charles the right heir to the crown, by treason of the Bishop of Laon, and when he had imprisoned him, he also imprisoned Arnoldus, Archbishop of Rames, and placed in his room Gilbertus, a Necromancer, who was Schoolmaster to D. Robert the kings son; but Pope Benedictus calling a council at Reims, restored Arnoldus again, and displaced Gilbertus,

After Benedictus, succeeded in y ^e sea of Rome, Pope John the 16. and died the 8. month of his papacy, next to whom came John the seventeenth, and after him Gregory the fifth, ann, 995. [ 995] This Gregory called before Bruno, was a German borne, and therefore more maliced the Clergy, and people of Rome. Whervpon, Crescentius with the people and clergy, agreeing against the same Gregory, set up pope John the 18. whereupon Gregory went to Otho the third, who upon his complaint, came to Rome, & took in the city of Rome both Crescentius the consul, & John the pope. Which John having his eyes put out, was after deprived of his life. Crescentius the Consul was set upon a wild horse, having his nose and ears cut of, and so was led through the City, his face turned to the horse tail: and after having his Members cut off, was hanged upon a Gibbet.

Pope Gregory being thus restored to his former state, reigned four years in his Papacie, although some say, but two years. During which time, he assembled a Council at Rome, wherein (to establish the Empire in his own country, by the consent, and council of Otho, ) he ordained seven Princes of Germany, to be Electors of the Emperor: three Bishops, and three Princes: the Palatine; the Duke of Saxony; and the Marques Brandenbourge: unto whom was added the king of Boheme, to give a casting voice, if need so required. The Bishops were, of Magunce; of Treuers; and of Colone. This constitution being first begun in the yere of our Lord, nine hundred ninety seven, [ 997] was afterward established in Germany, by Otho the Emperor, an. 1002. [ 1002]

Now, concerning king Egelred, or Elred, the son of Alfrith. He reigned 38. years. Our English Cronicles report his reign to be ungracious in the beginning; wretched in the middle; and hateful in the end.

There fell a variance betwixt this king, and the Bishop of Rochester, so that he made war against him, & besieged the City till the Bishop offered him an C.l. of gold, which he received, and so departed.

The Danes, in the time of this king, did much molest the Lande: in so much, that the King was glad to grant unto them great sums of money, for peace.

For the assurance of which peace, Analeffe, the Captain of the Danes, became a Christian, and so departed the Country.

About the xi. or as some say, the ix. yere of this kings reign, died Dunstan: after whom succeeded Ethelgarus, or, as Iornalensis saith, Stilgarus. After him Elfricus, as saith Guilielmus, lib. 1. de Pontif. But as Polidorus saith, Sirifius. After him, Elfricus came, but after the mind of Williā, lib. 1. Siricius. But Polidorus saith, Aluritius, then Elphegus, &c.

About the same time, Anno 995. [ 995] Aldwinus, Bishoppe, translated the body of Saint Cutbert from Chester (which first was in a Northern Island, then at Rochester,) to Durelind, or Durelin, whereupon the Bishops Sea of Duresine first began.

This king was greatly vexed with the Danes, and was fain to redeem peace with great sums of money, yerelie, which was called Dane-gelt, from x. thousand, to xl. thousand a yere. An. 1000. In the xxi. of his reign, he married with Emma, [ 874] daughter to Richard D. of Normandy, which caused the king to have great confidence in himself: and by presumption thereof, sent secrete, and straight Commissions, to the Rulers of every town in the lande, that upon Saint Brices day, at a certain hour appointed, the Danes should be suddenly slain, which was in like manner performed. But the Danes, and their king, hearing thereof, entered again, and made great waste. In so much, that the king was fain to take peace with them: and gave to King Swanus, thirty thousand pounds: whereupon he returned. But the peace lasted not long, for the next year, one named Turkillus, a Prince of the Danes, invaded again, and was fain to be pleased with gifts. So the invasion of the Danes, and the molesting of Englishmen by them, never ceased: wherewith the Country was brought to great misery.

After this, Swanus, the king of Danes, who had made a covenant of peace before with the K. brake it: and hearing of the increase of his people in the land, came, and landed in Northumberlande, and there proclaimed himself king of the Land.

After much destruction in other places, at length he came to Canterbury, which he besieged, and was resisted twenty days: but at last, by treason of a Deacon, called Almaricus, (whom the Bishop had preserved from death before) wan it, and took the goods of the people, and set the town on fire: and tithed the Monks of Saint Augustine's abbey: killing nine by cruel torment, and keeping the tenth alive, for slaves. So they slue there of religious men, to the number of nine hundred: of other men, women, and children, they slue above eight thousand. And finally, when they had kept the Bishop Elphegus in straight prison, the space of eight months: (because he would not agree to give them three thousand pounds) after many villainies done unto him, at Greenewich they stoned him to death.

The K. Egelred in the mean time fearing the end of this persecution, sent his wife Emma, with his two sons Alphred, and Edward, to the Duke of Normandy, with whom also he sent the bishop of London, whether also himself went: after he had spent a great parte of the Winter in the I will of Wight, whether he was chased of the Danes. Whereof Swanus hearing, and inflamed with pride, reared great exactions upon the people: and among other, he required a great sum of monie of Saint Edmunds lands: which the people there claiming to be free from kings tributes, denied to pay.

For this, Swanus entered the territory of S. Edmund, & wasted the country, and despised the holy martyr: menacing also the place of his sepulcher: wherefore the men of y ^e country, fell to fasting & prayer. Shortly after, Swanus died suddenly, crying, and yelling, among his knights. In fear whereof Canutus his son, that ruled after him, granted them the freedom of all their liberty: and moreover, ditched their land with a deep ditch, and granted to the inhabitants thereof great freedom; quitting them from all tributes; and after built a Church over the place of his Sepulture: ordained there an house of monks: and endued them with rich possessions. And after that time, it was used, that kings of England when they were crowned, sent their crowns for an offering to S. Edmunds shrine, and redeemed the same afterward with a condign price.

King Egelred hearing of the death of Swanus, made provision, and returned into England: for whose sudden coming Canutus being unprovided, fled to Sandwich, and there cutting of the noses, and the hands of the pledges which his father left with him, sailed into Denmark: and the next year returned again with a great nauie: and landed in the South country, and entered the country of West-saxon, forcing the people to be sworn to him, and to give pledges. In this season king Egelred being at London, was taken with sickness, and there died: and was buried in the Northside of Paul's Church behind the quire, after that he had reigned vnprosperously six & thirty years, leaving behind him his eldest son Edmund Ironside, and Alphred and Edward, which were in Normandy. This king with his council gave forth wholesome laws and precepts for judges: and it is recorded, that he deposed or deprived from all possessions, a certain judge or justice named Walgeatus, the son of one Leonet, for false judgment, and other proud doings: whom notwithstanding he loved above all other.

After the death of Egelred, variance fell betwixt the Englishmen for the election of the king: the one part standing for Edwin the eldest son of Egelred; the other for Canutus, the son of Swanus the Dane. By means whereof there were diverse battles fought between them, and in the end the Princes thenselves tried the matter hand to hand: and when they had assayed each other a while; by the motion of Canutus, hastily, they were agreed, and kissed each other to the comfort of both hosts: and shortly after agreed upon partition of the land, and loved as brethren.

Soone after, a son of wicked Edericus, by the means of his father, espying Edmund at the draught, thrust him into the fundament with a spear and slue him, after that he had reigned two years. He left behind him two sons, Edmund, and Edward: whom Edrick the wicked Duke, after y ^e death of their father, took from their mother, not knowing yet of the death of her husband, and presented them to King Canutus, and saluted him, hail king alone. Canutus being King alone, sent the sons of Edmund to his brother Swanus, king of Sweueland, to be slain: who abhorring that deed, sent them to Solomon, king of Hungary, where Edmund being married to the K. daughter, died. Edward was married to Agatha, daughter of his brother Henry the 4. Emperor. Canutus being established King, & having promised the false Duke to make him higher then all the Lord's of the land, caused his head to be stricken of: and to be set upon London bridge, and his body to be cast into the town ditch: other say, he caused him to be bound, and thrown into the Thames. Likewise Canutus did disdain all those whom he knew to have dealt falsely against Edmund, and his heirs.

In the mean time Swanus king of Denmark, brother to Canutus died, wherefore that land fell to Canutus; who anon after sailed thither, and took the possession, and returned into England, & married Emma, late wife of Egelred, and by her had a son called Herdeknight, or Hardiknoutus: He assembled a parlement at Oxford, wherein was agreed that English men, and Danes, should hold the laws made by king Edgar, as most good, & reasonable. Thus, the Danes being in England, began by little and little to be christened, and Canutus went to Rome, and so returning again to England, governed the land 20. years, leaving behind him two sons, Harold, & Hardiknoutus, which Hardiknoutus was made K of Denmark in his fathers time: Harold for his swiftness, called Harefoot, (son to Canutus by Eligna his first wife) began his reign over England, an. 1039 [ 1039] He banished his stepmother Emma, & took her goods, & jewels from her. He reigned but 4. years, & the kingdom fell to Hardeknoutus king of Denmark his brother: who when he had reigned 2. years, being merry at Lambith, suddenly was stricken dumb, and fell down to the ground, and within 8. days after died without issue of his body, and was the last that reigned of the blood of the Danes. For the Earls and Barons agreed, that none of that blood should after be king, for the despite and hurt the Danes had done to y ^e English nation, and sent into Normandy for the 2. brethren, Alfred & Edward, sons of king Egelred, intending to make Alfred king of England: but Earl Godwin a Westsaxon, who had married the daughter of Hardeknoutus, thought to slay the two brethren coming into England, & to make Harold his son king: which son, he had by the daughter of Hardeknoutus, y ^e Dane King. The messengers that went for the brethren, found but Alfred the elder: for Edward the younger was gone into Hungary, to speak with his cousin the outlaw, which was Edward Ironsides son. So the traitor Godwin met with Alfride, & the Normans attending upon him, and when they came to Guilde down, he commanded his men to slay all that were of Alfrides company, and after that, to take Alfred, and to lead him to the yle of Eli, where they should put out both his eyes: which they did, & that done, they opened his body, and took out his bowels, set a stake into the ground, and fastened an end of his bowels thereto, and with needles of iron they pricked his tender body, thereby causing him to go about the stake till all his bowels were drawn out. After this treason the wicbed Duke fled into Denmark, and lost all his lands in England, and kept him there 4. years, and more.

The stories record, that this Canutus following much the superstition of Achelnotus, Archb. of Canterbury, went on Pilgrimage to Rome, and there founded an Hospital for English Pilgrims: he gave the Pope precious gifts, and burdened the land with a yearly tribute, called Romeshotte. He shrined the body of Bernius, and gave great lands to the Cathedral Church of Winchester: he built Saints Benets in Norfolk, which was before an heremitage. Also S. Edmundsburie, which king Ethelstane ordained before for a college of priests, he turned to an abbey of Monks of S. Benets order.

This king Canutus being provoked to go to Winchester by Egelnothus Archbishop of Canterbury, resigned his regal crown to the rood, and made the rood king over the land.

He ordained laws of his own, touching matters ecclesiastical (although at the beginning he used Edgars laws) as touching paying for opening the earth at funerals: he forbad also all fairs and markets upon Sundays: and all secular actions, but upon urgent necessity. He ordained to receive the communion thrice a year. That married woman that had committed adultery, should have her ears and nose cut off. Also that no widow should marry within xii. months after the death of her husband, else to lose her jointure, &c.

Thus ended the Danish kings: which Danes had vexed and wasted the land, the time of 255. years.

Next unto Canutus the second, or Hardiknoute, succeeded Edward, the younger son of Egelred, and Emma, who was long banished in Normandy. He came over with a few Normans, and was crowned at Winchester, anno 943. by Edesius, thē Archbishop of Canterbury: and not long after, he married Goditha, or Editha, daughter of Earl Godwin: with whom he neither dealt fleshly, nor yet put her from his bed. He governed the land with great wisdom & peace xxiiij years.

In the time of this K. came William, Duke of Normandy, with a goodly company, to see K. Edward: to whom (it is said) Edw. promised (if he died without issue) to leave the Crown. In this K. reign lived Marianus Scotus, the story writer.

About the 13. year of this kings reign, he sent Aldred bishop of Worcester, to the Emperor Henricus the fourth, praying him that he would send to the king of Hungary, that his coosin Edward, son of Edmund Ironside, might come into England, for so much as he intended to make him king after him (who was called Edward outlaw). This was fulfilled, and he came into England with his wife Agatha, and with his children Edgar Adeling, Margaret, and Christina: but the year after his return he died at London, & was buried at Westminster, or as Iornalensis saith, at Paul's church in London. After whose decease the king received Edgar Adeling his son as his own child, thinking to make him his heir; but fearing the mutability of the Englishmen, and the pride, and malice of Harold the son of Godwin, directed Ambassadors to William, Duke of Normandy, his kinseman, assigning him to be lawful heir after him. After the death of Godwin, his son Harold grew in great favor with the king. He sailed into Flaunders, and in the course of his sailing, he was driven by force of weather into the province of Pomilitie, where he was taken prisoner, and sent to William, Duke of Normandy: to whom he was made to swear, that he in time following, should marry his daughter, and that after the death of King Edward, he should keep the land of England to his behoove, according to the mind and will of Edward: (after some Writers) and so to live in honor next to him, in the Realm. Thus he returned home, and shown to the king what he had done. Wherewith he was very well contented.

Leofricuss Earl of Chester, and of Mercia, who was also very faithful to king Edward, with his wife Godina, built the Abbey of Couentree, and endued the same with great lands and riches.

King Edward (after he had reigned three and twenty years, and seven months) died; and was buried in the Monastery of Westminster, which he had greatly augmented, and repaired.

Divers laws were before in diverse Countries of this land used: as, the Law first of Danwallo, Molunicius, with the laws of Mercia, called Mercinelega, then the laws of West-saxon kings: as, of Iue, Offa, Alfred, &c. which was called Westsaxonilega. The third were the laws of Canutus, and of Danes, called Danelega. Of all these laws, K. Edward compiled one universal, and common law, for all y ^e people through his land, which were called King Edwards Laws, so just, and serving the public weal of all Estates, that the people did long after rebel against their heads, to have the same laws again, being takē frō them, but could not obtain them. For though Duke William did swear to the maintenance of them, yet he forswear himself: and abrogating them, brought in much worse, & more obscure: yet was he compelled (through the clamor of the people) to take some of Edwards Laws, but omitted y ^e most part, contrary to his oath at his coronation, placing y ^e most of his own laws, in his own Language, to serve his purpose: and so they remain to this day.

Harold, the second son of Earl Godwin, took on him (through force and might) to succeed Edward: notwithstanding his oath to Duke William of Normandy, an. 1066. [ 1066] whereof he hearing, sent Ambassadors, admonishing him of covenants, which Harold refused to perform. Whereupō, D. William prepared to invade: and sent to Rome, to Pope Alexander, touching his title, and voyage into England. The Pope confirmeth the same: and sent unto him a Banner; willing him to bear it in the ship, wherein he him self should sail. So he took shipping at the haven of saint Valeria, and landed at Hastings in Sussex. From whence he sent a monk to Harold, and offered him three conditions. 1 Either to render unto him possession of the land, and so to take it again of him under tribute, reigning under him.

2 Or else to stand to the Popes arbitrement between them.

3 Or else to defend his quarrel in his own person, against the Duke, without any further bloodshed.

All which conditions he refused, and joining battayll w ^t the Normans, was shot into the left eye with an arrow, and died, after he had reigned ix. months: and so was he the last that reigned of the Saxons. Which (reckoning from Hengistus first reign in Kent) was the space of 591. years. And if it be reckoned from the years of the West-saxons, then it endured the space of 565. years.

Now, after Elfegus, whom the Danes stoned at Greenwich, Liningus succeeded in the Sea of Canterbury: and after him Egelnothus: then Robertus, a Norman: after whō, Stigandus (as they say) invaded the Sea by Simony, being both Archbishop of Canterbury, bishop of Winchester, and Abbotte of another place. Where he continued a long space, till Duke William cast him into prison, & there kept him, placing in his room Lanfrancus, a Lombard borne.

[ 1000] About the yere of our Lord one thousand, lacking one or two, Sylvester the second succeeded after Gregory the fifth, in the Sea of Rome. This Sylvester was a Sorcerer, and compacted with the devil to be made Pope. He sat four years, one month, and eight days.

He upon a certain time demanded of the devil an answer, how long he should enjoy the Popedom: to whō he answered again: until thou say mass at Jerusalem, thou shalt live. At length, the fourth yere of his Popedom, saying Mass in the Lent time, at the temple of the holy cross, being then called Jerusalem, there he knew the time was come that he must die: whereupon (being stricken with repentance) he confessed his fault before the people: desiring them to cut his body in pieces (which he before had vowed to the devil: ) and so being hewē in pieces, they would lay it on a cart, and bury it there, where the horses would stay of their own accord. So the horses stayed at the church of Lateran, & there he was buried, whereas commonly by the rattling of his bones within the tomb, is portended the death of Popes, as the common report goeth. Johannes Stellas.

After Sylvester succeeded Johannes 19. by whom was brought in the feast of Alsoules, as Volaterane saith, Anno 1004. [ 1004] Through the means of one Odilo abbot of Cluniake, to be celebrated next to the feast of Alsaints.

Not long after came Johannes 20. and Sergius the 4. after whom succeeded Benedictus the eight, then John 21. who (being promoted by art Magicke, through Theophilact his Nephew, Gratianus, Brazutus, and other sorcerors) brought in first the fast of the eeuen of S. John the Baptist, and and S. Laurence: after him Benedictus the 9. by magic also, who resisting the Emperor, Henricus the 3. son to Conradus, and placing in his room Petrus the king of Hungary, with this verse: Petra dedit Romam. Petro tibi Papa coronam, after for fear of Henricus, prevailing in battle, he was fain to sel his seat to his successor Gratianus, called Gregorius 6. for 1500. pounds. At which time, were three Popes together in Rome, one raging against another. Benedictus 9. Sylvester 3. Gregorius 6. For the which cause Henricus, surnamed Niger the Emperor, coming to Rome, displaced these 3. monsters at one time, placing for them Clemens the 2. and thereupon enacted, that no Pope thencefoorth, should be chosen without confirmation of the Emperor. The Romans also made an oath to the Emperor, that they would not intermeddle in the election of the Bishops, further then the Emperors assent should agree withal. But within ix. months after, they forgot their oth, and poisoned the B. Which fact some impute to Stephen his successor, called Damasus the second: some to Brazutus, who (as histories record) w ^t in xiii. years, poisoned 6. popes: Clemēs y ^e second; Damasus 2; Leo 9; Victor 2; Steph. 9; Nicola{us} 2.

Damasus entered, neither by consent of the people, nor election of the Emperor, but by plain inuasiō: and w ^t in 23. days being poisoned An. 1049. [ 1049] much contention was at Rome about the papal sea: so that the Romans by consent of the Cardinals, desired the Emperor to give them a Bishop: which he did, one named Bruno an Almaigne, and Bishop of Collen, afterward named Leo the ninth, who coming from the Emperor to Rome in his Pontificalibus, was met of the Abbot of Cluniake, and Hildebrand a monk, that all to rated him, because he would take his authority of the Emperor rather then of the Clergy; and counseled him to lay down that apparel, and to enter in with his own habit, till he had his election by them: which he did, confessing his fault, and was called Leo the ninth. By him Hildebrand was made a Cardinal, and put in great authority.

Under this Pope, were two councils, one kept at Vercellis, where the doctrine of Berengarius, touching the real presence, was first condemned, although Berengarius as yet recanted not; but afterward, in y ^e council of Lateran, under Nicholas 2. Anno 1060. [ 1060] The other was kept at Maguntia, where was enacted, that Priests should be excluded utterly from marriage: and that no lay man should give benefice or any spiritual promotion.

This Leo being at Wormes with the Emperor on Christmas day, did excommunicate the subdeacon, because in reading the Epistle he did it not in the Roman tune, he being there present. The Archbishop moved therewith, departed from the Altar (being at mass) saying, he would not proceed in his service, unless his Subdeacon were restored. Whereupon, the Pope commanded him to be released, and so they went forward in their service.

After the death of Leo (whom Brazutus poisoned the first yere of his Popedom) Theophilactus did strive to be pope, But Hildebrand (to defeat him) went to the Emperor, that assigned another, a German, Victor 2. Who having a Council at Florence, deprived many bishops for Simony, and fornication: that is for being married. In the second year of his popedom, he was also poisoned by Brazutus, thorough the procurement of Hildebrand and his Master.

After him succeeded Stephen the 9. by the election of the Clergy of Rome, contrary to their oath made to the Emperor. By this Stephen the Church of Milan was first brought under the subjection of the Romish Church: and shamed not to accuse the Emperor of heresy, for minishing the authority of the Roman sea: and at that time it was counted simony, to enjoy any spiritual living at a temporal man's hand. Which Stephen hearing to reign in diverse churches, especially of Burgundy and Italy, sent forth the Cardinal Hildebrand to reform the matter, he himself also earnest therein. In the mean while Stephanus tasting of Brazutus cup, fell sick: whereof Hildebrand hearing, hasted to Rome, & assembling the orders of the Clergy together, made them swear, that they should admit none bishop, but such as should be by the consent of all. This done, Hildebrand taketh his journey to Florence, belike to fetch the B. of Florence to enstall him: the clergy having sworn unto him, that none should be chosen B. before his return: but the people in his absence, elected one of their own city called Benedictus the 10. Whereof Hildebrand hearing, was greatly offended, & returning without Gerardus B. of Florence, caused the clergy to proceed to a new election: whereupon (they being afraid to do it at Rome) went to Sene, and there elected Gerardus bishop of Florence, named Nicolaus 2. who holding a council at Sutriū, through the help of duke Godfride and Gilbert, and other bishops in Italy, deposed the other Pope. Benedictus understanding himself to be set against by Hildebrand, vnpoped himself, and went and dwelt at Velitras.

Nicholas being thus set up against the mind of the Emperor, or consent of the people of Rome, after his fellow Pope was driven away, brake up the Synod of Sutrium, and came to Rome, where he assembled another Council called Lateranum: in which first was set forth the terrible sentence of Excommunication, mentioned in the decrees, and beginning In nomine Domini nostri, &c. The effect of the Council was, that a few Cardinals, and certain Catholic persons might choose the Pope without the Emperor. Secondly, against these that creep into the seat of Peter by simony, without consent of the Cardinals. In the same Council also Berengarius Andeuangensis, an Archdeacon, was driven to recant his doctrine against the real presence. In the same Council was also hatched the new found term of transubstantiation.

This Pope made Robert Guichard (displacing the right heir) Duke of Apulia, Calabria, Sycilia, and Captain general of Saint Peters lands: that through his force he might subdue those that rebelled against him. At length he met with Brazutus cup, after he had set three years and an half, Anno 1062. [ 1062]

At the beginning of this Nicholas, or somewhat before, An. 1057. was Henricus 4. made Emperor, after Henricus the third, and reigned fifty years.

In the reign of this Nicholas, An. 1060. [ 1060] Alredus bishop of Worcester, after the decease of Knisius his predecessor should be made archbishop of York: who coming to Rome with Toctius Earl of Northumberland, for his pall, was deprived: till the Pope being threatened by Toctius with the loss of S. Peters tribute, was content to send home Aldredus with his pall.

After the death of Nicholas, the Lombards being oppressed before of him, desired to have a Bishop of their company, and so elected the bishop Parmen called Cadolus, to be Pope with the Emp. license, to whom they sent concerning the same. Hildebrādus hearing this setteth up another, Anselmus, afterward called Alexander the 2. so that the two popes met, & fought together, Alexander getting the upper hand. The Emp. hearing of this, sent his Embassador, Otho Archb. of Collen to Rome: who did chide the pope, for taking so upon him without the emperors leave. Against whō, Hilbrand on the other side, very stoutly behaved himself in the maintenance of the clergy: so that Otho was content to be persuaded: only requiring in the Emperors name, a counsel to be had to decide the matter, whereat the Emperor should be present himself, and so he was. In which Council, kept at Mantua, Alexander was declared Pope, and the other had his pardon granted him. In this Council, it was concluded, that priests should have no wives, & such as had Concubines, to say no mass: priests children not to be secluded from holy orders: no benefices to be sold for money; Alleluia to be suspended out of the Church in time of Lent, &c. It was also decreed, that no spiritual man should enter into any Church by a secular man, and that the pope should be elected only by the Cardinals. Benno Cardinalis writeth, that Alexander being at mass, (having perceived the frauds of Hildebrand as he was preaching) told him he would not sit in that seat without the license of the Emperor. Wherevpon after mass, Hildebrand by force had him into a chamber, and pummelled the pope with his fistes: rating him, for that he would seek favor of the Emperor. Thus he was kept in custody, and stinted at xx. d. a day: Hildebrand in the mean time encroching to himself the treasure of the Church.

The Printer to the Reader.

NOte gentle Read, that whereas (by means our written copy had not observed the same) we unawares have omitted certain distinctions, that we purposed to have made between each of the 3. parts, or books of this former volume abridged, according as in the first volume of acts & monuments, at large is distinguished: thou shalt understand, that the first of those former books containeth the 300. years next after Christ, until Lucius his days. The 2. book beginneth pag. 68. and containeth the next 300. years; viz. from Lucius to king Egbert. The 3. must be reckoned from pag. 85. containing the next 300. years, viz. to the time of William the Conqueror: which here followeth.

The fourth book.

ANno 1067. [ 1067] William Conqueror was crowned king, by the hands of Aldredus, Bishop of York, for so much as Stigandus, Archbishop of Canterbury was thē absent) on Christmas day.

William exercised great cruelty upon the English Nation, and abrogated Edwards laws, and established his own, for his profit. He placed his people in all offices, Spiritual and Tēporall. And such was the reproach of English men, that it was a name of shame. And thus now the fifth time, the land was by diverse Nations afflicted. First, by the Romans, in y ^e time of Julius Caesar. Then, by Scots, and Pictes. After, by Saxons, and then by Danes, which continued from y ^e reign of Ethelwolfe, 230. years, till K. Edward. And fifthly, by the Normans.

In the fourth yere of K. William, between Easter and Whitsuntide, was held a Council at Winchester, of the Clergy of England: In which were present, two Cardinals, sent from pope Alexander the second, Peter and John. In that Council, (the king being present) were deposed many Prelates of the English Nation, without any evident cause, that the kings Normans might be placed. Among whom, Stigandus the Archbishop was put down for three causes. The first. for that he had wrongfully holden the bishopric, while Robert the Archbishop was living. The second, for that he received the Pall of Benedict, who was deposed. The third, for that he occupied the Pall without lawful authority of the Court of Rome.

So Stigandus was deposed, and kept in Winchester, as a prisoner during his life.

At the same time was preferred to the Archbishopric of York, Thomas, a Norman, and Chanon of Bayon: at which time also, Lanfrancus Abbot of Cadomonencie, a Lombard, and Italian borne, was sent for, and made Archbishop of Canterbury. Betwixt him and the Archb. of York there grew great contention for the oath of obedience. But in the end, through the king, Thomas was contented to subscribe obedience to the other. After, the Archb. went to Rome for their Palles, with Remigius B. of Dorcester: w ^t out which no Archb. nor B. could be confirmed. And to Lanf. Alexander (for y ^e estimatiō of his learning) gave ii. palles: one of honor, the other of love, he obtained also for the other ii. their confirmation. Now again began the controversy of Primacie to be renewed before the P. who sent thē home to end y ^e matter, & to have it determined. So returned they to England an. 1070 [ 1070] and y ^e 6. yere of this W. the matter was brought before the K. & clergy at Windsor: where (after much debating on both sides) Th. gave over: condiscending, that the first of his province should begin at Humber. Whereupon it was decreed, that York for that time should be subject to Cant. in matters appertaining to the Church. So that wheresoever within England, Canterbury would hold his Council, the Bishops of York should resort thither, with their bishops, and be obedient to his decrees Canonical. Provided moreover, y ^t when the Archb. of Canterbury should decease, York should depart to Dover, there to consecrate (with other) the B. that should be elect: and if York should decease, his successor should resort to Canterbury, or else where the Bishop of Cant. should appoint, there to receive his cōsecratiō, making his profession there, w ^t an oath of canonical obedience.

In the days of this Lanfrancus, Archb. of Canterbury, anno 1076. [ 1076] diverse bishops seats were altered from townships, to great cities: as, of Sealesey, to Chichester: out of Cornwall, to Exceter: from Welles, to Bath: from Shireburne to Salisbury, from Dorcester to Lincoln, frō Lichfield to Chester. Which bishopric of Chester, Robert then B. reduced from Chester to Coventry. Likely it is also, that the sea of the archbishop was translated from Dover to Canterbury, or that Canterbury in old time had the name of Dorobernia: as doth by diverse testimonies appear.

In the 9. year of this kings reign, by y ^e procurement of Lanfrancus, was a council holden at London: where among other things it was first enacted, y ^t the Archb. of York should sit on the right hand, & the B. of London on the left, or in y ^e absence of York, London on the right hand, & Winchester on the left hand of the archbishop in council. 2. That bishops should translate their seas from villages to cities. 3. That monks should have nothing in proper, and if they had died vncōfessed, they should not be buried in churchyard. 4. That no Clarke or Monk of another Dioces should be admitted to orders, or retained without letters cōmendatorie. 5. That none should speak in the Council except Bishops, & Abbots, without the leave of the Archmetropolitane. 6. That none should marie within y ^e seventh degree with any of his own kindred, or of his wives departed. 8. That no sorcery should be used in the Church. 9. That none of y ^e clergy should be present at the judgment of any man's death, or dismembering: neither should be any fautor of the said iudicants.

In the days of this Lanfrancus, Waltelmus B. of Wintō, had placed about forty Canons in stead of Monks, so that the part of Priests was taken again against Monks. But it held not: Lanfrancus opposing himself against the same. He wrote a book against Berengarius called Opus scintillarū. His own church of Canterbury he pulled down, & built a new. He sat nineteen years, and being not so favored of William Rufus, he died for sorrow.

After Pope Alexander followed Pope Hildebrand, surnamed Gregory the 7. an. 1074. [ 1074] He was a sorcerer, & first began to spurn against the Emperors, who before time confirmed the Popes and called Councils: but this Pope trusting upon the Normans, that then ruffled in Apulia, Calabria, and Campania, trusting also upon the power of Machtilda a stout woman there about Rome, and partly bearing himself bold for the discord that then was among the Germans: first contemned the authority of the Emp. & vanted he had both swords committed unto him of Christ. Wherevpon he challenged the dominion both of the East & West churches, & boasted he could not err: and that he had received of Christ & Peter, power to bind & loose: he decreed against married priests, whose wives in these days were called Presbiteresse: forbidding men to salute them, to talk with them, or to keep company with them: and to this end among others he wrote letters to Otho B. of Constance concerning this matter, who resisted y ^e pope herein. The council of Hildebrand against married priests was hold̄ at Rome. The clergy of France also withstood it, alleging that decree to be against God's laws, and the law of nature.

The Germain ministers did also mightily withstand the same, so y ^t the archb. of Mainz in a council urging y ^e matter with the popes legate called Curiensis, hardly escaped with their lives, & so the council brake up. By this schism, it followed y ^t the churches after y ^t , in choosing their priests, would not send them to the bishops to be confirmed; but did elect thē within themselves, & so put them in their office without all knowledge of y ^e bishops: who were determined to admit no priests, but such as were to take an oth of perpetual singleness, and so first came up the profession of single priesthood.

This Hildebrand was a most wicked, & reprobate monster; a sorcerer, a necromancer, an old companion of Sylvester, Theophilactus, & Laurentius conjurers, Benno cardinal of Rome setteth out many of his villanous acts. As soon as pope Alexander was dead, who died somewhat before night, the same day (contrary to the canons) he was chosen pope of the Laymen; but the Cardinals subscribed not to his electiō. For by the Canons, under pain of cursing, none should be chosen under 3. days after y ^e burial of his predecess. He also put the Cardinals from his council, and society; so that none could bear witness of his life, faith, and doctrine: whereas the Canons command, that in every place where the Pope is, should be with him 3. Cardinals, being priests, and 2. deacons, because of his ecclesiastical testimony. He excommunicated the Emperor, being in no synod solemnly accused before: whereto none of the cardinals would subscribe. As soon as he had rose out of his papal seat, to excommunicate the Emperor, it (being made a little before with big timber) suddenly rent and shiuered in pieces. He appointed one to lay great stones over the Church roof of S. Mary's in y ^e mount Auentine, whether the Emperor was wont to go to prayer: to the end, by throwing thē down the vault, he might slay y ^e Emperor at his prayers. Which while the hireling was doing, by removing a stone, it broke the plank whereon it lay, and the hireling standing thereon, both fell down together: and so he was with the same stone dashed in pieces. Also enquiring of the Sacrament of the altar an answer, (as an oracle against y ^e Emperor:) because it would give no answer, he threw it into the fire, and burned it, contrary to the persuasion of the Cardinals. His villainies were infinite: in so much that diverse of the colleges of the Church of Rome refused to communicate with him. He persuaded the Emperor to depose those Bishops that came in by Simony: which he did without delay, & after Hildebrand restored the same again, to procure their friendships unto himself, and to make the Emperor odious unto them: and after much vexing of him, caused him by force and violence to accuse himself at Canusium, in his presence, who had excommunicated him. The Emperor coming on his bare feet, clothed in thin garments in the sharp Winter, was there three days made a spectacle to the world, and a jest to Hildebrand. Too long it were to declare all the detestable acts of this Hildebrand.

About what time Hildebrand was made Pope, Henricus 4. the Emperor, was encumbered with wars in Germany, by Otho duke of Saxons. Now upon y ^e point hereof, Hildebr. cursed all those, that being lay mē, gave any spiritual promotions, or received any at their hands: her by thinking to wring all authority frō temporal men, and to take it to the spiritualty: and sent for the Emperor, now busy in wars to appear at the Council of Lateran in Rome. Where the emperor could not (being busy in his wars) appear. The Pope threateneth he would excommunicate him, & except he would abjure simony, as they called it, & do penance, (he called simony, giving & taking spiritual livings at lay men's hands) he would also depose him from his regal dignity. The Emp. being moved with the arrogancy of the Pope, called a council at Wormes, in which all the Bish. of the whole empire of Germany concluded upon the deposing of Hildebrand: and sent Roulandus, a priest of Parmen with the sentence, who there denounced the same. Hildebrand tickled with the sentence, first condemneth it in his Council of Lateran, with excommunication. Secondly, depriveth Sigfridus archbishop of Mainz, of all his dignities: with all the prelates & priests, that took the Emperors part. Thirdly, he accuseth Henricus the Emperor himself, depriving him of his kingdom, and regal possession, and releaseth his subjects of their oath made unto him. The Princes of Germany took this occasion to rebel again, and concluded to elect another Emperor, and to fall from Henry, unless the Pope would come into Germany, & he there content to submit himself, & so obtain his pardon. Wherto the Emp. seeing no other way, with an oath agreed: whereupon, the Bishop of Triers was sent Ambassador to entreat the Pope to come into Germany, whereto he yielded: and in his way when he came to Vercellos, the bishop of that city, bearing a grudge to the Emperor, persuaded the pope, that he was coming against him with a mighty power: willing him to provide for himself, whereupon the pope being afraid returned to Canusium or Canusus, a city subject to Matilda a Countess in Italy. Whereof the Emperor understanding, incontinent coming out of Spires with his wife & his young son, in the deep and sharp winter, resorted to Canusus without any company, for they were all afraid of the popes curse: and laying apart his regal ornaments, came barefooted, with his wife and child to the gate of Canusus: where he from morning to night all the day fasting, most humbly desired absolution, craving to be let in to the speech of the Pope: which could not be granted of three days. At last it was answered, that the Pope had no leisure to speak with him: yet notwithstanding, through his importunate suit, and entreaty of Matilda, the Popes paramour, and of Aleranus Earl of Sebaudia, and the Abbot of Cluniacke: it was granted, that he should be admitted to the Popes speech. On the fourth day, being let in, for token of true repentance, he yielded to the Popes hands, his crown, and all his imperial ornaments, and confessed himself unworthy of the empire, if ever he do so again against the Pope: and humbly required absolution. The pope answered, he would not release him, but upon conditions: First, that he shall be content to stand to his arbitremēt in the Couecel, & to take such penance as he should appoint him: & that he should be ready to appear in such place, and time, as the P. should appoint him.

Moreover, being content to take the P. as Judge, should answer in the said Council, to all accusations laid against him: & that he should never seek any revenge hereafter. Also, though he were quit, & cleared therein, should stand to the P. mind, whether to have his kingdom restored, or to lose it. Finally, that before the trial of his cause, he should use no ornaments of his crown or empire: nor to govern, or exact any oath of his subjects. These things being promised of the Emperor by oth. He only released him of excommunication, & afterward, fearing least the Emperor should hereafter, when he had obtained peace among his people make revenge, they concluded to derive the Empire to Rodolphus a great state of Germany: and sent into France to declare the Emperor to be rightly excommunicated, and to require the consents of the French men, to elect Rodolphus: to whom the pope sent a crown with this sentence, The Rock gave this crown to Peter, & Peter giveth it to Rodolph: and gave in commandment to the archbishop of Mainz, and Collen, to elect this Rodolphus for Emperor. Which news being brought to Henricus the Emperor, he mustereth his men to defend his right: and trusting vpō the league between him and the Pope, sendeth to Rome, requiring him to proceed with his sentence against Rodolphus, for the rebellious invasion of his empire. The pope refused to denounce Rodolphus: and after they had tried twice with the sword, & much bloodshed, he sendeth down a commission by Otho Archbishop of Treuers, Bernardus deacon, and Bernardus Abbot of Massilia, to whom he gave charge to call a Council in Germany, and there to define whether should be Emperor, promising that he would ratify him whom they should choose: but the Emperor would not permit the Legates to hold any council in Germany, except they would first deprive Rodolphus of his kingdom. Whereupon, the Legates returned again without their purpose: which moved the Pope once again to thunder out his excommunication against him: thinking thereby, to further Rodolphus.

Also, he enditeth, and deposeth Gimbertus, Archb. of Rauenna, for taking the Emp. part: and sendeth to Rauenna another Archb. with full authority. Upon this, they fought again: where Rodolphus, (having his deaths wound,) was carried to Hyperbolis, where he commanded the Bishops and chief doers of his conspiracy to be brought unto him: who (when they came) he lifted up his right hand, in which he had taken his deadly wound, and said: this is the hand that gave the oath, and Sacrament to Henricus my Prince, and which (through your instigation) hath so oft fought against him in vain. Now go, and perform your first oath to your K. for I must go to my fathers: and so died.

After this, the Emperor having subdued his enemy, called a Council of diverse Bishops: of Italy, Lombardie, and Germany, at Bryxia, an. 1083. [ 1066] Where he purged himself, and accused the Pope of diverse crimes: as, to be an usurper; perjured; a Negromancer; a sorcerer; and sower of discord; &c. When, notwithstanding he swore with others, in the the time of his father, Henricus the third, that during his time, and his sons, they would suffer none to aspire, (nor they themselves) to the seat of Papacie, without the consent of the Emperors. Wherefore, that Council condemned this Gregory, to be deposed: and sent the tenor to Rome, and elected Gimbertus, Archbishop of Rauenna, named Clemens the third, whom the Emperor by force of arms placed in that Sea. Not long after this, Hildebrand died in exile, and as Antoninus writeth, lying on his death bed, he bewailed his faults, and sent a Cardinal to y ^e Emp. desiring forgiveness, absolving also him & his part-takers, quick, & dead, from the sentence of excommunication.

About the death of Pope Hildebrand, or not long after, followed the death of K. William Conqueror, anno 1090. [ 1090] after that he had reigned xxvij. years & x. months, who setting on fire the City of Meaux in France, and being busy thereabout, over heat himself, fell sick, and died. He was so hard to Englishmen, that, as there was no English Bishop remaining, but only Wolstane of Worcester, who being commanded of the K. and Lanfrank, to resign up his staff, partly for inhabilitie, partly for lack of the French tongue: refused otherwise to resign it, but only to him that gave it: and so went to the tomb of K. Edw. where he thought to resign it, but was permitted to enjoy it still: so likewise, there was almost no Englishmā, that bare office of honor or rule. In so much, that it was half a shame at that time, to be called an Englishman. Yet was he somewhat favorable to the City of London, and granted them the first charter that ever they had, written in the Saxon tongue, and sealed with green wax. He was much given to maintain peace in his land: so that a maiden loded with gold, might have traueled safely through the same. He built two monasteries, one, at Batel in Sussex, where he wan the field against Harold: and another at Barmonseie, in the Country of Normandy. There were slain on y ^e side of Harold, 66634. Englishmē. Of the cōquerors side, 6013. in the battle fought betwixt thē.

The first B. of Salisbury was Hermann{us}, a Normand, who first began the new church, & minster there. After whō succeeded Osmund{us}, who finished the work, and replenished the house with great living, & much good singing. This Osmundus began the ordinary first, which was called secundū vsum Sarū, an. 1076. [ 1076] The occasion whereof, was a great contention y ^e chanced at Glassenbury, between Thurstanus the Abbot, & his Convent, in the days of W. Conqueror, whō he had brought with him out of Normandy, from the Abbey of Cadonius & placed him Abbot of Glass̄b. The cause of this contention was, for y ^e Thurst. the abbot, & his convent, contēning their quire service, then called the use of S. Gregory, compelled his monks to the use of one W. a monk of Fiscā, in Normādy: so it grew from word to blows & from blows to armor: so y ^t the abbot slew ii. monks at the steppes of the altar, &c. This matter being brought before the K. the Abbot was sent again to Cadonius, & the monks by commandment of the K. scattered in far countries. Thus by occasion hereof, Osmund. B. of Salis. devised y ^e ordinary, that was called the use of Sarū, and afterward was received in a manner, throughout England, Ireland, and Wales.

W. left after his death by his wife Mawd, 3. sons, Robert Courtesey, to whom he gave the duchie of Normandy, William Rufus his 2. son, to whom he gave y ^e kingdom of England, & Henry the 3. son, to whom he gave his treasure.

About this time there was a certain B. dwelling betwixt Collen & Mētz, who having store in time of famine, & would not relieve the poor, was eat̄ with mise, though he built in y ^e mids of Rhine a tower to keep himself in against thē, It is called at this day of the duchmen Rats tower.

An. 1088. [ 1088] W. Rufus the second son began his reign, & reigned 13. years, being crowned at Westm. by Lanfrācus.

Robert Courtsey hearing how Rufus had taken upon him the kingdom, made preparation of war against his brother, but was by him appeased without fight. This variance betwixt the two brethren, caused dissention among the Normā B. & Lord's, both in England & Normandy, so that almost all y ^e Normā B. rebelled against their K. except Lanfrancus and Wolstan B. of Worcester an English man.

In the 3. yere of Rufus, died Lancfrancus, the Archb. after whose decease, the Sea stood empty 4. years.

Remigius bishop of Dorceter, removed his sea from thence to Lincoln, and built the minster there. By him also was founded the monastery of Staue.

Herbert Losinga, at this time removing his sea from Thetford to Norwich, there erected y ^e cathedral church, with the Cloister: where he furnished the Monks with sufficient rents, and livings of his own charge besides his Bishops lands. He bought his bishopric of y ^e K. for monie (as nothing came from him but for money,) whereupon, repenting him of simony, he went to Rome, and resigned it to the Popes hands, of whom he received it presently again. This Herbert was the son of an Abbot, called Robert.

After Pope Hildebrand succeeded Victor 3. set up by Matilda, and the Duke of Normandy. With the faction of Hild. This Victor also shown himself stout against the emperor: and so all his Successors, according to the example of Hildebrand: he sat but one year and an half; as they say, being poisoned in his chalice. In the time of Victor began the order of the Monks of the Charterhouse, by means of one Hugo B. of Grationople, and of Bruno bishop of Collen

Next to Victor sat Urbanus 2. by whom the acts of Hildebrand were confirmed, and new decrees enacted against

In Henricus the Emperor.

this time were two Popes at Rome: Urbanus, and Clemens the third, whom the Emperor set up.

Under Pope Urbane, came in the white monks of Cistercian order, by one Stephen Harding a monk of Schirborne an Englishman: by whom this order had beginning in the wilderness of Cistery, within the Province of Burgonie, ann. 1098. [ 1098] It was brought into England, by one called Especke, that built an Abbey of the same order, cal- Merinale. In this order, the Monks did live by the labor of their hands: they paid no tithes, nor offerings: they ware no furr, nor living: they ware red shoes, their cowles white, and coat black: all shorn save a little circle: they eat no flesh, but only in their journey.

This Urbanus had diverse councils: one at Rome, where he excommunicated all such lay persons as gave inuesture of any ecclesiastical benefice: & all such of the clergy, as abiected themselves to be underlings, to Lay persons for benefices.

Another Council he held at Claremount in France: In which, was agreed the voyage against the Saracens, for recovery of the holy Lande: where thirty thousand men being persuaded by the Popes Oration, and taking upon them the sign of the Cross for their cognizance, made preparation for the voyage: whose Captains were, Godwine Duke of Lorraine, with his two Brethren, Eustace, and Baldwine, the Bishop of Padue, Bohemund, the D. of Puell: and his neuew Tancredus, Raymund Earl of Saint Egidius, Robert Earl of Flaunders, and Hugh Le grand brother to Philip the French king. To whom also was joined Robert Corthoise duke of Normandy, and diverse mo, with one Peter an Heremite, who complaining of the misery that the Christians sustained there, was the chief cause of that voyage, an. 1096. [ 1096] Which company was trapped, and slain in great number among the Bulgars, near to the town called Ciuitus: the rest passed on, and besieged Jerusalem, and wan it of the Infidels in the 39. day of the siege: and Godfry captain of the Christian army, was proclaimed first king of Jerusalem.

About this time the K. of England favored not much the church of Rome, [ 1098] because of their insatiable & impudent exactions: nether would he suffer any of his subjects to go to Rome.

By this Urbanus, the 7. Canonical hours were first instituted in the church. Item, that no B. should be made but under the title of some special place. Item, that Mattins and hours of the day, should every day be said: also every Saturday to be said the Mass of our Lady: & all the Jews sabbath to be turned into the service of our Lady. Item, all such of y ^e clergy as had wives, should be deprived of orders. Item, that it might be lawful for all subjects to break their oth of allegiance with such, as y ^e pope had excommunicated, &c.

The K. after he had detained the archbishoprike of Canterbury in his own hands three years, gave it to Anselmus abbot of Beck in Normandy: which he was so unwilling to take, that the King had much adoo to thrust it upon him, and was so desirous he should have it that he gave unto him wholly the city of Canterbury, about the year 1093. [ 1093] But afterward there fell such dissention betwixt them, that the king sought all means to put him out again: for that he required of Anselmus in gentle manner, that such lands of the Church of Canterbury, as the king had given to his friends, since the death of Lanfranke might so remain: & whereto Anselm refusing to agree, moved the King with displeasure against him: and thereupon he did a great while stop his consecration.

By reason of the contention at Rome betwixt the two Popes, Urbanus, and Clemens 3. there grew division: some holding with one, & some with the other. England took part with Clemens 3. but Anselm against the K. & the rest stuck to Urbanus, and required of the king leave to fetch his pall of Urbanus: which when he could not at the first obtain, he appealeth to the pope; contrary (as the K. said) to his fealty. Betwixt thē there was much reasoning, & debate about the matter: but in conclusion none of his fellow Bishops durst take his part, but were all against him: especially William B. of Duresme. In the mean season the king had sent two messengers to Urbane for y ^e pall, to bestow where he would: who returned and brought with them Gualtar B. of Albane the Popes Legate, with the pall to be given to Anselm. Which Legate so persuaded the king, that Urbane was received Pope through the whole land: and after the king had received the pall, there went unto Anselm certain, declaring the pains and charges the king was at, in procuring the pall, & willed him somewhat to relent unto him; which he notwithstanding in no case would yield unto: so the king was compelled to yield unto him the full right of the sea. But afterward grew great displeasure betwixt them, so so that Anselm went to appeal to Rome, where he remained in exile, notwithstanding Urbane wrote in his behalf to the King, that set light by the Popes letters and suite therein. Wherevpon the pope promised at the next Council at Baron to take order for the matter, where Anselm being present was called for: and first sitting in an vtterside of the Bishops, afterward was placed at the right foot of the Pope, with these words: Includamus hunc in orbe nostro, tanquam alterius orbis Papam. Whervpon that same seat was appointed afterward to the sea of Canterbury in every general Council.

In this Council great stir was against the Grecians, about the proceeding of the holy ghost. Which Greek church differed from the Latin in 20. or 29. articles. First, that they are not under the sea of Rome. 2. That the sea of Rome hath not greater power, then the 4. patriarchs, and whatsoever the pope doth beside their knowledge, or without their approbation, is of no value. 3. That whatsoever hath been concluded since in the second general council is of no authority sufficient: because from that time, they recount the Latins to be excluded out of the Church. 4. They deny y ^e real presence, & consecrate in leuened bread. 5. Also at the words of baptism, they say: Let this creature be baptized, in y ^e name of the father, son, & holy Ghost, &c. 6. They deny purgatory, & account the suffrages of the dead of no value. 7 That the souls after death, have neither their perfect pain, nor glory, but are reserved in a certain place, till the day of judgment. 8. They condemn the Church of Rome, for mixing cold water in their Sacrifice. 9. They condemn the Church of Rome, saying: they admit as well women, as men in baptism to anoint children, on both shoulders. 10. Also they call our bread, Panagia. 11. They blame the Romish church, for celebrating mass on any other days save sundaies, and certain other feast days. 12. The Greek hath neither cream, nor oil, nor sacrament of confirmation. 13. Neither do they use extreme unction: expounding y ^e place of S. James, of spiritual infirmity. 14. They enjoin no satisfaction for penance. 15. They consecrate for the sick only, on maundy Thurseday, keeping it for the whole year after: neither do they fast any Saturday through the year, but only on Easter even. 16. They give only but five orders: as Clerks, Subdeacons, Deacons, Priests, and Bishops: the Romans giving nine. 17. They make no vow of chastity. 18. Every year the Grecians use upon certain days, to excommunicate the Church of Rome, and all Latins, as heretics. 19 They excommunicate him, that striketh a Priest: neither do they live unmarried. 20. Their Emperor disposeth of ecclesiastical matters of government according to his own pleasure. 21. They eat flesh, eggs & cheese on Friday 22. They hold against the Latins, for celebrating without the consecrated church: for fasting on the Sabbath day: for permitting menstruous women to enter into the church, before their purifying: for suffering dogs and other beasts to enter into the church. 23. The Grecians use not to kneel in all their devotions, not to the Eucharist, saving one day in the year. 24. They permit not the Latins to celebrate upon their altars: which if they do, they by and by wash the altar: and when they celebrate, they say but one Liturgy, or mass upon one altar that day. 25. They dissent in the manner of the proceeding of the holy Ghost, &c.

Now in the counsel aforesaid, among other pointes, y ^e proceeding of the holy ghost, & celebrating with leavened bread, was debated: concerning the which, Anselm did behave himself greatly to the mind of y ^e pope: & after long reasoning of matters betwixt the churches, the pope thundereth out excommunication against the Greeks, and their adherents: & was ready also to proceed to the sentence of excommunication against the king of England for Anselmus sake, had not Anselm himself kneeling down, obtained for him longer time of further trial. Whervpon the counsel brake up, & the Pope directeth his letters to the K. of England, and commādeath him to reuest Anselm: which the K. would not obey, but sent message and letters contrary, to the great discontentment of the pope, threatening him again with excommunication: but the messenger so handled the matter, that whē the council came, which was then hold̄ at S. Peters church in Rome, the K. took no harm; only the sentence of excommunication was pronounced against Lay persons that gave inuesture of Churches, and them that were so invested: and against such as give themselves in subjection to Lay men for Ecclesiastical things. The Counsel being finished, Anselm went to Lions, and stayed there till the death, both of Pope Urban, and also of the king: who in hunting (by chance) was wounded to death by an arrow, shot of a knight named Walter Tyrrell, and was buried at Westminster.

Urbanus ruled the Church of Rome xii. years, & excommunicated the Emperor Henricus, who had been also before excommunicate by Hild. & Victor, and after by Paschalis.

After the time of this K. William, the name of kings ceased in the Country of Wales, among the Britain's, since King Rice, who in the reign of this K. an. 1093. [ 1093] was slain in Wales.

Anno 1100. Henry the first succeeded Rufus, for want of issue, who was the 3. son of the Conqueror. He for his knowledge in liberal arts, was called Beauclarke. [ 1100] He reformed the state of the Clergy, & released the grievous payments: and reduced again K. Edwards laws, with correction thereof. He reformed Country measures, and made a measure after the length of his own arm, &c,

Soone after he was K. he married Mawde, daughter of Malcolin king of Scots, and of Margaret his wife, daughter of Edward the Outlaw, being a professed Nun in Winchester. Whom, notwithstanding, without dispensation of the Pope, he married, by the consent of Anselm. By which Mawd he had two sons, William, and Richard: and two daughters, Mawd, and Marie. About the third year of this kings reign, the hospital of S. Bartholomew by Smithfield was founded, by means of a Minstrel belonging to the K. named Raier, and was after finished by Richard Whittington, Alderman, and Mayor of London.

In his time, by means of Anselmus, Priests were first in England sequestered from their wives. Also it was decreed, that Monks, and Priests, should bear no rule over lay persons, &c.

This king called home again Anselm, that was at the Council of the king at Westminster, where the K. in the presence of the Lord's, as well temporal, as spiritual, invested ii. bishops, Roger B. of Salisbury, and Roger B. of Herford. During which Council, Anselmus in his Conuocation, deposed diverse Abbots, and other Prelates.

At this Council, and the other before set forth by Anselmus, Herbert, B. of Norwich had much trouble with the Priests of his Dioces: for they would neither forsake their wives, nor leave their Benefices. And requiring Anselmus council therein, was willed by him to account them as rebels, and to persuade the people to drive them forth of their Country, and to place monks in their rooms. Like business also had Gerard, Archb. of York: which (notwithstanding his excommunications) he could hardly bring to pass.

Anno 1103. [ 1103] about the end of the iii. yere of the K. reign, a debate fell between Anselm and the K. for those Bishops whom the K. had consecrated: whom Anselmus disdained, and otherwise behaved himself very insolently against the king. And Messengers being sent to Paschalis the pope, for allowance of the kings investing, he would in no case yield to the same, but held himself fast in the steppes of Urbane: in so much, that the Ambassadors of the King, having said, that he would not lose the authority of investing Prelates, for the crown of his Realm: the P. answered, before God (with an oath) nor I, for the price of his head, will lose the giving of spiritual promotions in England.

Yet at that same time it was brought to pass, that certain customs in such matters were released unto the king: and that the K. only, who had invested them, being excepted, they that were invested, should be excommunicated: the absolution, and satisfaction of whom should be left to Anselm.

Thus Anselm was dismissed (whether he went to complain) from Rome: and in his return, was charged by the Ambassador of the K. either to consent unto him, or else to beware how he presumed to enter into the land again.

Wherevpon he remained at Lions a year and a half, writing diverse letters unto the king: and seeing no way to prevail with him, he went about to revenge himself by excommunication: whereof the king hearing, desired Anselmus to come unto him into Normandy, where reconcilement was made, & Anselmus restored again, yet deferred he his coming into England, because he would not communicate with those whom the king had invested: and made his abode at the abbey of Beck. The king yet sent again Ambassadors to Rome: where it was agreed, that he should take homage of the Bishops elect, but should not deal with investing them by staff, and ring, &c. Now in the absence of Anselm, Priests, and Canons took them to their wives again, paying a certain money to the king for the same: whereat Anselmus being very angry, writeth to the king and rebuketh him for the same, and afterward meeting with him at the abbey of Becke, agreed unto him in all pointes he desired. First, that all Churches which were made tributary to the king before, should be made free.

Item, that he should require nothing of the said Churches, the seats being vacant.

Item, that those married Priests that had given money to the king, should surcease from ecclesiastical function three years: and that the king should take no more after that manner: and that all the goods that had been taken away from the Archbishoprike should be restored at his return into England.

Anno 1106. [ 1106] The sixth year of the Kings reign, Anselm by the permission of the King, assembled a great council at Westminster, of the prelates and Clergy: where (by the Popes authority) he so wrought with the king, that it was enacted, y ^t no temporal man after that day, should make inuesture with cross, or with ring, or with pastoral hook: besides many other decrees against priests marriages, & sodomitry. But the decree & curse against that was called back again by the suite of certain, who persuaded Anselmus that the opening of that vice did give more occasion of committing the same, and so it was taken away: but the decree against marriage remained still.

Pope Paschalis entered his papacy the same year that king Henry began his reign, an. 1100. [ 1100] and being brought into Lateran upon a white palfray, a scepter was brought him, and a girdle put about him, having seven keys, with seven seals hanging thereupon, in token of his sevenfold power, according to the sevenfold grace of the holy Ghost, of binding, loosing, shutting, opening, sealing, resigning, and judging, &c. This Pope did depose all those Prelates that the Emperor set up: also banished Albertus, Theodoricus, & Maginulphus (they strived the same time for the papacy) and made an army against Guybert whom the Emperor had made Pope: who being put to flight not long after died.

About the same time Anno 1101. [ 1101] the Bishop of Florence began to preach & to teach, Antichrist then to be borne and to be manifest, as Sabellicus testifieth: whereupon Paschalis assembling a council, put to silence the said bishop, and condemned his books. In this Council at Trecas, married priests were condemned for Nicolaitans.

This Paschalis renewed the excommunication of Hildebrand against the Emperor; and set up his son, Emperor against him, & caused the archbishop of Mainz, of Collen, and of Wormes, at Hilgeshen, to deprive the Emperor: and to take from him all the ornaments of his Empire, whereupon the Emperor being left desolate, he pronounced, Let God see and judge. Thus they left him, and went, and confirmed his son, and caused him to drive out his Father, who then being chased of his own son (having but nine persons about him) did fly by the Dukedom of Lymbrough.

Where the Duke being then a hunting, and hearing of him, followed after him. The Emperor looking for nothing but present death, (for he had displaced the same Duke before out of his dukedome) submitted himself, and craved pardon: the Duke pitying his case, received him to favor, and into his castle. And gathering together his men of war, brought him to Collen, where he was well received. His son hearing of this, besieged the city, but the father by night escaping fled to Leodium where he assembled a power, and pitched a field: desiring his friends, that if he got the victory, they would spare his son. In fine, the Father had the victory, and the son was put to flight: but shortly after, they renewed battle again, and the son got the field, and the father taken: who being utterly dispossessed of his kingdom, was brought to that state, that coming to Spire, he was fain to crave of the Bishop there (to whom he had done much good before) to have a prebend in the Church: and for that he had some skil of his book, he desired to serve in our Ladies quire, yet he could not obtain so much at his hands: who sware by our lady, he should have none there. Thus he came to Leodiū, & there for sorrow died, after y ^t he had reigned 50. years: whose body Paschalis after his funeral, [ 1106] caused to be taken up again, and to be brought to Shires, where it remained five years, unburied.

After the decease of Henricus the 4, [ 1107] his son Henricus the 5. reigned 20. years, who coming to Rome to be crowned of the Pope, could not obtain it, before it were by him fully ratified, that no Emperor should have anything to do with the election of y ^e B of Rome, or with other bishopricks: and such a stir there was at Rome, that the Emperor, if he had not defended himself with his own hands, he had been slain: yet got he the victory, and took the Pope, and leadeth him out of the City: where he indenteth with him upon diverse conditions,