Abridgment of the Book of Acts and Monuments by Timothy Bright

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, both of his coronation, and recovering again his title in election of the Pope, and other Bishops. Wherevnto the Pope assented and agreed to all: so the Emperor being crowned of Paschalis, returned again to Rome.

But so soon as the Emperor was returned into Germany, y ^e Pope forthwith calling a synod, revoked all that he had granted to before, & excomunicated Henricus the Emperor: whereof he hearing, being in France, and there having married Mathild, daughter to K. Henry, returned with a power, and putteth the pope to flight, and placeth another in his steed. In the which time, the States of Germany rebelled, in so much that it grew to a foughten field, ann. 1115. [ 1115] Wherefore, the Emp. seeing no end of troubles, was fain in the end to give over all his right in Churchmatters.

In the time of this Paschalis, lived Bernardus, called Abbas Clarauallensis, ann. 1118. [ 1118] of whom sprang the Bernardine monks.

After the death of Paschalis, succeeded Gelasius, chosen by the Cardinal? without the consent of the Emperor: whereupon grew great great variance in Rome: and at length another pope was set up by the Emperor, called Gregory the 8: and Gelasius driven away into France, and there died. After whom came Calixtus the 2, chosen by a few Cardinals, without the consent of the Emperor: who coming up to Rome to enjoy his seat, first did excommunicate the Emperor: He then having diverse conflicts with his fellow, pope Gregorius, at length drave him out of Rome. At which time, by this occasion, great controversy was betwixt the emperors, & the popes court, for the preeminence: but in conclusion, the Emp. was fain to condescend to the unreasonable conditions of the pope: first to ratify his election, notwithstanding the other pope was alive, whom the Emperor set up: and that in matters of the popes election, and inuesture of the Bishops, he should resign his right. Which being granted, the Pope maketh out after his fellow pope, and taketh him at Sutrium, and set him upon a Camel, his face towards the Camels tail, and the tail held in his hand in steed of a bridle, and so brought him to Rome thorough the streets, and afterward having shorn him, thrust him into a monastery.

This Pope did first establish the papal decrees against the Emperor: he brought in the four quarter fasts, calcalled Imber days, and brought in the order of monks, called Premonstratensis, & also was hot against priests wives.

After the death of Anselm, who deceased An. 1109. [ 1109] After he had been in the sea. 16. years; the church of Canterbury stood void 5. years: and the goods of the church was spent to the kings use, the king pretending to take deliberation to choose one answerable to those that went before.

The same year, after his death, the king converted the abbey of Eli, to a bishopric, which was before under the bishopric of Lincoln: placing there, Henry, B. of Bangor, the first Bishop of that sea.

Ann. 1115. [ 1115] Rodolphus, B. of Rochester, an English mā, was promoted to be Archb. of Canterbury, and Thurstinus the kings Chaplain, was elected Archb. of York: who, because he refused to profess obedience to the same Sea, was deprived by the king: and thereupon went to complain to Pope Paschalis, who wrote, that he would have the order of Gregory stand therein. But Thurstine stood stiffly in the matter, & renounced his Archbishopric, promising he would never, either make claim to it, or molest those that should enjoy it. Now afterward, when Calixtus had called a Council at Rheims, in France, Thurstine wrought so, that he was in that Council consecrated, and had his pal, notwithstanding the Pope had promised the king faithfully to the contrary. For which deed, the K. was sore discontented w ^t Thurstine, and warned him the entry of his land. In the Council of Rheims, were gathered 434. Prelates, The pointes there concluded, were, for establishing their own authority, in dispensing of Ecclesiastical Offices, & in prohibiting Priests marriages, and sequestering thē from their wives. Which articles were sent to y ^e Emperor, to try his mind before the Council should break up: who was contented with all, saving that he could not away to have the investing of ecclesiastical function taken from him: whereupon the pope proceedeth against him to excommunication.

It was not long after, but the Pope came to Gisortium, where Henry king of England resorted to him, desiring that he would send no more Legates into the land, except he himself desired, because they spoiled the realm of great treasures: and also that he would grant him to use all the customs used before of his ancestors in England, and in Normandy. To these petitions the Pope granted, and required again of the king, that he would license Thurstin the Archbishop above mentioned, to return with favor into the land: but the king utterly denied that, except he would submit to Canterbury.

Anno 1120 [ 1120] the year following, Pope Calixtus directeth his letters to the king for Thurstinus, and to Rodulph Archbishop of Canterbury, in which he doth interdict the Churches of Canterbury, and York, and threateneth the King with excommunication, except within a month after the the same Thurstine were received into the Sea of York. Wherevppon Thurstine (for fear) was immediately sent for, and received: and was placed in the Sea.

Anno 1122. [ 1122] Within two years after, Rodolfe Archbishop of Canterbury died, whom Gulielmus de Turbin succeeded.

About which time, in the xxvij. yere of the kings reign, the Gray friers, by procurement of the king, came first into England: and had their house first at Canterbury. Anno 1125. the king called a Council at London, where the spiritualty of England (not knowing whereabout it was required) granted the king to have the punishment of married Priests. Whereupon the Priests (paying to the K. a certain sum) were suffered to retain their wives still, to the great gain of the king.

This king Henry builded the Abbey of Reading, for joy of Saint James hand, which his daughter Mawde (who had married with the Emperor Henry the fifth) brought unto him after the decease of her husband. She was after married to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Earl of Aniou: of whom came Henry the second.

About this time was founded the Priorie of Norton, in the Province of Chester, by one William, the son of Nichelle. This K. an. 1131. [ 1131] released unto the land the Danegelt, which his father and brother renewed. He erected also a new Bishopric at Carlill.

After Calixtus succeeded Honorius 2. Notwithstanding that the Cardinals had elected another, yet he (by y ^t means of certain Citizens) obtained it. An. 1125. [ 1125] Unto this time lived Henricus v. after that he had reigned xx years, & died out issue.

Next after Henricus, the Empire fell to Lotharius, D of Saxon, an. 1127. [ 1127] In the time of P. Honorius 2. there was one Arnulphus (some say) Archbishop of Lugdune. ( Trithemi{us} saith, he was a Priest) that for sharp rebuking of the Clergy of Rome, was laid wait for, and privily drowned. He preached very boldly against their abuses. Sabellicus, and Platina say, they hanged him. About the time of this Arnulphus (if it were not his own work) there was written a book, called Opus tripartitum, that cōplayneth of many abuses and enormities of the Church: as first, of y ^e number of holy days: also, of curious singing in the Church: of the multitude of begging Friers, and professed womē: with diverse other points of abuse.

About the yere of our Lord 1128. [ 1128] the order of Knights of the Rhodes (called Ioannites) and the order of Templars, rose up.

After Honorius succeeded Innocentius the second, [ 1130] in the yere of our Lord, one thousand, one hundred, and thirty. but after he was chosen, the Romans elected Anacletus, Betwixt which Popes great strife and contention rose, till Lotharius the Emperor began to assist, and take part with Innocentius.

This P. decreed, that whosoever did strike a Priest shaven, should be excommunicate, and not be absolved, but only of the pope himself.

An. 1135. [ 1135] King H. dieth in Normandy, after that he had reigned in England, thirty five years and odd months, leaving for his heirs, Matilde the Empresse, his daughter, with her young son Henry, to succeed. But the Prelates and Nobility (contrary to their oath) made Stephen, Earl of Boloign, king: sisters son to Henry. He entered his reign, an, 1136. [ 1136]

But the empresse, about the 6. yere of his reign, came into England, and took him, & sent him to Bristow to be kept prisoner. Whēce he escaped out, and pursued the empresse, & her parte, and caused her to fly the Realm, the sixth yere of his reign. But after that, Henry, Duke of Normandy, invaded in the quarrel of his Mother: and so prevailed, that Steeuen was contented to hold the kingdom but for his life time, and that Henry in the mean time, should be proclaimed Heir apparent. The same yere, about October, Steeuen ended his life, after he had reigned xix. years, periuredly.

As Theobald succeeded after William, Archb. of Cant. so in York; after Thurstane, followed William, who was called S. William of York. He was poisoned in his chalis, by his Chaplains.

In the xvi. yere of the reign of this king, Theobaldus Archbishop of Canterbury, and Legate to the Pope, held a Council at London, wherein was concluded appellations from Councils to the Pope, found out by Henry, Bishop of Winchester.

In the time of King Steeuen, died Gracianus, a Monk of Bononia, who compiled the book called, The Popes decrees, also his brother Petrus Lombardus Bishop of Paris, Master of Sentences, wrote his four books of Sentences. These two were the greatest doers, in finding out that the similitude only of bread and wine remained in the sacraments. Some write that Petrus Comestor the writer of the Scholastical history, was the third brother. In this time also lived Hildegard the Nun and prophetisse in Almaigne.

By this K. was built the abbey of Feuersham, where his son and he were buried. He built the monastery of Finerneys and of Fomitance.

Much about the same time, came up the order of the Gilbertines, by one Gilbert, son to Iacoline, a knight of Lincolnshire.

Theobald, y ^e Archb. of Canterb. among other matters decreed, y ^t priests should not be rulers of worldly matters: and that they should teach the Lord's prayer, & Creed, in english. Mattheus Parisiensis, writeth, how Stephen K. of England, reserved to himself, the bestowing of spiritual livings, and investing of prelates, ann. 1133. [ 1133] At which time also Lotharius the Emperor began to do the like, had not Bernardus given him contrary council.

Then came into y ^e Church, the manner of cursing with book, bell, and candle, devised in the Council at London, holden by William, B. of Winchester, under P. Celestinus, who succeeded after Innocentius, an. 1142. [ 1142] Also, Lotharius who succeeded after Innocentius, an. 1142. Also, Lotharius succeeded in the Empire, Conradus, the nenew of Henricus 5. an. 1138. Who only (among the Emperors) is found not to have received the Crown at the popes hand.

In the days of this Emperor, who reigned fifteen years, were diverse Popes: as, Celestinus, 2. Lucius, 2. Eugenius, 3.

Betwixt P. Lucius and the Romans was great strife: for, the Romans would have recovered their ancient liberty in choosing their consuls: and Pope Lucius in the fight was well beaten, and lived not long after.

Pope Eugenius after, him followed the same course, An. 1145. [ 1145] and compelled them to abolish their consuls, and to take such Senators as he should assign. Then followed Anastasius the 4. And after him Adrianus the 4. an Englishman, by his name called Break spear, belonging once to S. Albons. He likewise kept great stir, & prevailed against the Romans for the former causes, and thundered against Fredericus the Emperor.

Hildegardis a Nun, and as many judged (even the papists themselves) a Prophetisse, lived, anno 1146. [ 1146] and prophesied against the whole rowte of Romish prelates, and of the fall of that Church, especially against y ^e senior Friers, and such other bellies of the same. In a certain place she hath these words: And now is the law neglected among the spiritual people, which neglect to teach, and to do good things. The master likewise, and the Prelates do sleep, despising justice, and laying it aside, &c. And in another place: Then shall the crown of Apostolical honor be divided, because there shall be no religion among the Apostolical order: and for that cause shall they despise the dignity of that name: & shall set over them other men, and other Archbishops. In so much, that the Apostolic sea of that time, by the diminution of his honor, shall have scarce Rome, and a few other Countries thereabout, under his dominion. And these things shall come to pass, partly by incursiō of wars, and partly by a common Council, and consent of the Spiritual and Secular persons. Then shall Justice flourish: so that in those days, men shall honestly apply themselves to the ancient customs, and discipline of ancient men, and shall observe them as men in times past have done, &c.

She prophesied also of the Friers. In those days shall rise a senseless people, proud; greedy; without faith; and subtle: which shall eat the sins of y ^e people, holding a certain order of foolish devotion, under the feigned cloke of beggary, &c. But this order shall be accursed of all wise men and faithful Christians: they shall cease from all labor and give themselves over to idleness, choosing rather to live by flattery and begging, having familiarity with women, teaching them how to deceive their husbands, by their flattery and deceitful words, and to rob for them: for they will take all these stolen evil gotten goods, and say, give it unto us, & we will pray for you: so that they being curious to hide other men's faults, do utterly forget their own. And alas they will receive all things of rouers, pickers, spoilers, thieves, sacrilegious persons, userers, adulterers, heretics, schismatics, apostataes, whores, and bauds, of noblemen periurers, merchants, false judges, soldiers, tyrants, princes, of such as live contrary to the law, and of many perverse and wicked men, following the persuasion of the Devil, the sweetness of sin, a delicate and transitory life, and fullness, even unto eternal damnation, &c.

Henry the 2. son of Jeffrey Plantagenet, and of Mawd the Empresse, and daughter of king Henry the first, reigned after Stephen, and continued 35. years.

Within a year or twain after the entry of his reign, he made Thomas Becket Lord Chancellor of England.

About the year of our Lord, 1158. [ 1158] Gerhardus, and Dulcinus Nauarrensis, did earnestly preach against the Church of Rome; maintaining, that prayer is not more holy in one place then in another: that the Pope is Antichrist: that the Clergy, and Prelates of Rome were reject, and the very whore of Babylon prefigured in the Apocalypse, &c. These two Anno one thousand, one hundred, and fifty eight, brought with them thirty into England; who by the king and prelates were burned in the forehead, and so sent out of the realm. And after, as Illyricus writeth, were put to death by the Pope.

The Emperor Fredericus successor to Conradus, marched up to Italy, to subdue there certain rebels. The Pope hearing thereof, came to meet him with his Cardinals, at Sutrium: the Emperor seeing the Bishop, alighted of his horse to receive him, holding the stirrup on the left side: whereat the Pope shown himself somewhat aggrieved, but the next day with holding the right stirrup he made him amends: and when they were come together, Hadrian would not crown him (for the Popes at that time had brought the Emperors to that pass) except he would of his own charges, help to the recovery of Apulia, out of the hands of the Duke William: whereto the Emperor agreed, and so the next day was crowned.

In the mean time the Pope excommunicateth the Duke, and incenseth Immanuell the Emperor of Constantinople against him: but the Duke putteth Immanuell to flight, and placed his siege against Bonaventure (where the Pope with his Cardinals were looking for victory) and forced the Pope to entreat for peace: which he granted on condition, that he should make him King of both Sycils. The Pope returning to Rome, and there finding that he could not prevail against the consuls of Rome, removed to Arciminum.

In this mean time, the Emperor requireth homage of the Bishops of Germany, forbidding the Popes Legates to be received in Germany, except he sent for them. Besides he prefixed his own name in his letters before the Popes name, whereupon passed letters of displeasure betwixt them: and Hadrianus not content with the Emperors answer, directeth a bull of excommunication, and stirreth up William duke of Apulia, and the clergy against him. The Emperor purgeth himself, by letters sent thorough his Empire, very pithy, and sharp. The Pope on the other side accuseth the Emperor to the bishops of Germany, and incenseth them against him: but they would not so far yield unto the Pope, but excused the Emperor.

This Pope, only continued four years, and odd months: and walking with his Cardinals to a place called Anagnuia, or Arignam, [ 1159] he was choked with a fly that got into his throat.

About this time, rose up the order of the Hermits by one William, once Duke of Aquitania, and afterward a Frier.

After Hadrian, succeeded Alexander 3: and at the same time the emperor, with 9. Cardinals, set up Victor 4. so that there fell much debate about the matter, til at the last, Alexander, by the help of Philip the French king, obtained y ^e sea, against whom, the Emperor made his power: and coming to Rome, forced the Pope to sails to Venice: whither he sent Otho his son after. Who attempting rashly against his fathers commandment, was overcome, and taken. Whervpon the Emperor (to redeem his son) was fain to seek peace: and coming to Venice at S. Markes Church, where he should take his absolution, he was bid to kneel at y ^e popes feet: and the pope setting his feet upon the Emperors neck, pronounced the verse of the Psalm: Thou shalt walk upon the Adder and the Basilisk: and shalt tread down the Lion, and the Dragon. To whom the Emperor answered: not to thee, but to Peter. The pope again both to me, & to Peter. In fine, the Emperor was absolved, on condition, he would receive Alexander for true Pope: and restore again to the Church all that he had taken away.

This Pope (who reigned 27. years) kept sundry councils, both at Turo, and at Lateran: wherein he concluded against marriage of priests

At this time, lived Thomas Becket: whose first preferment was to the Church of Branfield, which he had by the gift of Saint Albons. After that he entered into the service of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and was put of Theobald the Archbishop to king Henry, to bridle the young king, that he should not be too fierce against the Clergy: of whom he was made Lord Chancellor, and afterward in the 44. year of his age, was made priest, and the next day made bishop: afterward there fell great variance betwixt the king and him for ouerlightly punishing the Clerks that offended his laws: and standing with the king therein. Besides, he resisted diverse ancient laws of the land, and would not submit himself or his Clergy thereunto: moreover, there were other laws also made at Claredoune, in Normandy, whereto Becket would give no allowance: as if any person should be found to bring from the Pope, or from the Archb. of Canterbury, any writing, containing a curse or indict of the land, he should be executed for a traitor, &c. That Peterpence should no more be paid. yet at the length he answered, he would agree to the Kings ordinances saluo ordine suo. Which clause, the king greatly misliked: but notwithstanding great entreat by the Bishoppe of Norwich, and Salisbury, and the tears of two of the chief of the Templars, called Richard de Hast, and Constance de Henerio, he would not relent, til the king signified by express message, that he should look what to trust to, if he yielded not at his request: so at length he relented. And the king called a Council of States, where he requiring the Archb. to set to his seal to instruments drawn, concerning the matter, but he refused so to do, til farther deliberation, which also the king was contented with: & yet after Thomas repented him of that he had done, by the motion of his crossebearer, who put him in mind how preiudicial it was to the Church, that he had yielded unto. Wherevpon he required absolution of the Pope for his fact, who granted the same, and gave him courage to be constant in his quarrel begun, and thereupon he waxed stout, and would have departed the lande, to flee to the sea of Rome: but he was stayed. The quarrel ceased not, for Becket being Legatus a latere, greatly stayed the kings purposes. Wherevpon the king sent to the Pope, requiring that the same authority might be bestowed upon some other after his appointment: which was the Archb. of York, but the P. would not: notwithstanding, at the request of the Kings Clergy, he was content y ^t the K. should be Legate himself: whereat he took great indignation: which moved the Pope (at the length) to yield to the request of the bestowing of the Legacy upon the Archbishop of York: yet so, that he would Thomas should take no harm thereby. The king having this, straight began with the Inferiors of the Church, that had broken his laws: as Felons; Robbers; Quarrellers; Breakers of the peace; and Murderers: whereof, more then an hundred, were proved at that time upon the Clergy.

This, Thomas could not abide, as derogating from the liberty of holy Church. The king on the contrary part, was greatly incensed, and caused him to be cited to appear on a certain day, at the Town of Northhampton: where Tho- appeared not, but sent another. This the king took in great displeasure, and laid diverse actions against him, of reconings, &c.

The other Bishops endeavored to persuade Thomas, to consider what he did, and not to stand so stiflie against the king: others encouraged him: and at last they agreed with common consent, to cite him up to Rome upon perjury, and appointed him his day of appearance. Which when the Archbishop heard, he also sent to Rome: to whom the Pope directeth again his letters of comfort, that made Becket still to hold himself stout against the King, who was so incensed against him, that if he had not fled the Court, he had been laid in prison, for not answering to certain accounts the king had to charge him withal. But he sped him away, changing his name, and calling himself Derman: and taking ship at Sandwich, fled into Flanders, & from thence to Ludouicus the French king: who (notwithstanding Letters, and request to the contrary) gave him entertainment, and wrote to the Pope in his behalf: and (although the K. had sent unto him Ambassadors, Robert, Archbishop of York, with other Bishops, and Nobles, requiring him to deal otherwise,) thorough the French Kings letters, did wholly incline to Becket. But, forasmuch as he could not be placed as yet in England, the Pope sendeth him in a monks habit to the Abbey of Pontiniake, in France: where he remained two years. And from thence he removed to Senon, where he abode five years. So his exile continued in all, seven years.

Now the king understanding of the Popes favor toward Becket, sailing out of England into Normandy, directeth over certain Injunctions against the Pope, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Besides, an. 1166. [ 1166] it was set forth by the kings Proclamation, that all manner of persons, both men & women of Beckets kindred, should be banished: without carrying away any penyworth of their goods. He sent also to Guarrin, the Abbot of Pontiniakes, threatening him, that if he would not put away Tho. he would drive out of his Realm, all the Monks of his order. Whereupon, Becket was fain to depart to Louis the French king, who placed him at Senon, and there found him the space of five years.

In which time of his absence, he wrought all he might against the king, and those that he knew did not favor him: & diverse letters passed to, and from Becket, to the Pope, & the king: very seditious, & rebellious. Frō which dealing, a very pithy letter, written by the Suffragans of y ^e Church of Canterbury, could nothing persuade him, but provoked him, very sharply to reply against them. He rejected also, the letters of the Empresse, that endeavored to persuade him.

After these letters sent to and fro, anno 1169. [ 1169] the King fearing least the Archbishop should proceed against his own person by excommunication) made his appeal to the Pope: whereupon, he sent two Cardinals, Guilielmus, and Otho, o take up the matter, at Grisorsium in France: but it came to no conclusion. Where, William requiring Becket (for the peace of the Church which he pretended) to resign his Bishoprike, so that the King would give over his customs: answered that the proportion was not like, saying: that he (saving the honor of his Church and person could not so do) but the king, it stood on his souls health to renounce those ordinances and customs, because the Pope had condemned them.

After the Cardinals were returned, the French king also thought to have prevailed with Thomas, and labored to persuade him, but could not. Thomas always adding his obedience, Saluo honor Dei, very captiously, that he might thereby make escape if need were, wherewith the King was greatly displeased.

After this there fell other displeasure betwixt them. Anno 1170. [ 1170] And the sixteenth yere of the Kings reign, at which time he kept his Parlement at Westminster, he caused his son Henry to be crowned King, with consent of Lord's Spiritual and Temporal: which Coronation was done by the hands of Robert Archbishop of York, with assistance of other Bishopses: whereat Becket took great displeasure, because he was not called for, and complained thereof to the Pope: at whose instance the Pope sent down sentence of excommunication against the Archbishop, and London, Salisbury, Duresme, and Rochester, that were doers with him in the Coronation: and sendeth also two Legates, the Archb. of Rhothomage, and the Archb. of Nauerne with full commission, either to drive the King to reconciliation, or to interdict him, by the Popes censure out of the Church: whereupon the king at last (through the mediation of the French king, and diverse prelates, & great Princes) was content to yield to reconciliation, but would not grant him his possessions, and lands of his church, before he repaired into England, and should show how peaceably he would agree with the kings subjects.

This peace being thus concluded. Thomas after 6. years of his banishment returned, and was commanded of the young king to keep his house. The Bishops before excommunicated, required absolution of him, but he would not grant thereunto simply without cauteles: so they complained to the king, who took it heavenly, & lamented oft & sundry times, that none would revenge him of his enemy: which certain to y ^e number of 4. hearing, prepared themselves, & came into England out of Normandy, about Christmas time, & repaired to Thomas, & commanded him in the kings name to come to the young K. & to do his duty to him, & to restore the bishops whom he had excommunicated, for y ^e kings coronatiō: which Thomas would not grant unto, touching y ^e absolutiō, referring it to the pope who had excommunicated thē. In the end so disorderly Thomas behaved himself, that they said he had spoken against his own head, and rushed out of the doors, commanding the monks to keep him forth coming. What quoth Thomas, think you I will fly away? nay neither for the K. nor for any man, will I stir one foot frō you: and so cried after them, here, here shall you find me, laying his hand upon his crown. The 4. whose names were Reynold Bereson, Hugh Morteuill, Will. Thracy, & Richard Brito, went to harness themselves, & returned the same day, & slue Becket, meeting him about evensong time with his cross in his hand, everyone striking him with his sword into the head: they after fled into the North, & at length with much adoo, having obtained their pardon of the pope, went to Jerusalem in linen clothes, barefoot, fasting, and praying, whereof in few years after, they died. Anno 1220. [ 1220] There was a question as saith Cesarius the monk, at Paris, whether Becket were saved or damned. Roger a Normand holding against him: and Peter Cantor a Parisian, for him, grounding himself upon miracles, which he was reported to have done after his death, and his quarrel for the Churches sake: his miracles are reported to have been 270. Of this Thomas the papists sing this blasphemous Anthem, or Collect in English thus: For the blood of Thomas, which he for thee did spend, Grant us Christ to climb where Thomas did ascend.

But as it appeareth by the testimony of Robert Crickladensis, the Peers and nobles of this land, near about the king, gave out in straight charge, upon pain of death, & confiscation of all their goods, that no man should be so hardy, as to name Thomas a martir, or to preach of his miracles The king for this fact, was upon his oath enjoined this penance: First, that he should send so much to the holy land, as should find 200. knights, for the defense of the land: also, that from Christmas day next following, he should in his own person fight for the holy land (except he were otherwise dispensed with) 3. years. Also, that he should fight against the Saracens in Spain. Item, that he should not hinder any appellations made to the Pope of Rome. Also, that neither he nor his son, should ever depart from the pope & his successors. Itē, y ^t the possessions of the church of Canterbury, should be fully restored, & that the outlawes for Beckets cause, should be restored, Also, that his decrees stablished against y ^e church, should be void: besides other fastings and alms, &c. It is mentioned also in stories of the said king, that returning out of Normandy into England, he came first to Canterbury, and so soon as he had seen Beckets Church, lighting of his horse, & putting off his shoes, he went barefoot to his tomb: whose steps were found bloody through the roughness of the stones: and not only that, but also received farther penance of every monk in the cloister, certain discipline of a rod, Ann. 1174. [ 1174] In which yere, the minster of Canterbury was clean burnt, and almost all the city.

The year 1175 [ 1175] was in the Conuocation at Westminster the contention renewed about the obedience of York to Cant. Also about Lincoln, Chichester, Worcester, & Hereford, whether those churches were under the sea of York, or not. About those matters grew such contention betwixt the seas. that appeal was made to the sea of Rome, on the one party, and a Cardinal was sent down to make peace betwixt them for 5. years, til they should have full determination of their cause: and that the Archb. should abstain from the claim to the church of S. Oswald at Gloucester, and molest the sea of York no more therein.

In the year 1176. [ 1176] Richard, Archb. of Canterbury, made 3. archdeacons in his diocese, where there was wont to be but one. About which time also, it was granted by the king to the popes legate, that a Clearke should not be called before a temporal judge, except for offense in the forest, or for his lay fee which he holdeth. Item, that no Archb. or Bishopric should remain in the kings hands, above one year, without great cause.

The same year, there was one at Canterbury, to be elect abbot in the house of S. Agustine, named Albert: who required the Archbishop to consecrate him in his own Church: which the Archb. refused, requiring him to come to him rather. The matter grew hot betwixt thē, so that appellation was made to Alexander the pope, who through pence took the Abbots part, and enjoined the Archb. to satisfy Alberts request: who picked out a time, when the Abbot was about his household affairs, absent from home, & not finding him, departed, pretending the fault of y ^e abbot, in great disdain. So the abbot disappointed, filled his purse, and went to Rome, and had his consecration of the Pope himself. This year began again the contention betwixt the Archbishops, for superiority, at a council at Westminster, where York took the right hand of the Cardinal, the popes legate: where about grew such a contention, that words begat blows, and the Archb. of Canterburies part pulled York from his seat to the ground: and all to tear his casule, chimer, and Rochet from his back; and put the legate in such fear, that he ran away. The next day after, York appealeth to Rome.

This king, though his dominions were greater then ever before him, yet never put task on his subjects, nor upon the spiritualty any first fruits, or appropriations of benefices, & yet his treasure after his death amounted to 900000. pounds, besides Jewels and furniture.

Anno 1181. [ 1181] The archbishop died, and his goods came to the king, which extended to 11000. pounds, beside plate.

This king died, after he had lived with estimatiō of great valure and wisdom in the government 35. years.

Pope Alexander sat 21. years, or as Grisburgensis writeth 23. years, This pope among many other his acts, had certain Councils, some in France, and some at Rome in Lateran: by whom it was decreed that no Archb. should receive his pall, except he should first swear.

The form of the words whereby the pope is wont to give his pal, are these: To the honor of almighty God, & of blessed Mary the virgin, and of blessed S. Peter and Paul, and of our Lord, pope N. and of the holy church of Rome, and also of the Church of N. committed to our charge, we give to you y ^e pall taken from from the body of S. Peter, as a fullness of the office pontificiall, which you may wear within your own church upon certain days, that be expressed in y ^e privileges of the same church granted by the sea Apostolic.

The pope might wear the pall at all times, and in all places at his pleasure. It must be asked within 3. months: without the which, any might be displaced. Also, it must be buried with him to whom it belonged.

The bishops make this oath to the Pope. I M, B. of N. from this hour henceforth, will be faithful, and obedient to blessed S. Peter, & to the holy apostolic church of Rome: and to my Lord N. the Pope. I shall be in no Council, nor help, either with any consent, or deed, where by either of them, or any of them, may be impaired: or whereby they may be taken with any evil taking. The Council which they shall commit to me, either by themselves, messengers, or by letters, wittingly, or willingly, I shall utter to none: to their hindrance, and damage. To the maintaining of the papacy of Rome, and the regalities of S. Peter, I shall be an ayder (so mine order be saved) against all persons. The Legate of the apostolic sea, both in going, and coming, I shall honorably entreat, and help him in all necessities. Being called to a Synod, I shall be ready to come: unless I be let by some Canonical empeachment. The palace of the Apostles every third year I shall visit: either by myself, or by my messenger: except otherwise I be licensed by the sea apostolic. All such possessions as belong to the Dioces of my Bishoprike, I shall neither sell, nor give, nor lay to mortgage, or lease out, or remove away, by any manner of means (without the consent and knowledge of the Bishoppe of Rome) so God help me, and the holy Gospel of God.

Also among other decrees, in a Council at Rome of 300. Bishops, Chastity was obtruded upon Priests, and Thomas Beckette: and Bernard were canonized for Saints.

Anno 1184. [ 1184] The French king came on Pilgrimage to Becket, the K. of England meeting him by the way.

After the death of Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury, who followed after Becket, succeeded Baldwinus, a Cistercian Monk.

Anno 1178. [ 1178] In the City of Toulouse, was a great multitude of men, and women, whom the Popes Commissioners did condemn for heretics: of whom, some were scourged naked, some chased away, and other some compelled to abjure. They held against the real presence.

In the time of this Alexander the Pope, sproong up the doctrine, and name of them, which were called then, Pauperes de Lugduno, which of one Waldus, a chief Senator in Lions, were named Waldenses. They were also called Leonisti, & Insabbattati About the yere 1119. or, according to Laziardus, 1170. [ 1170] About this time, or not long before, rose up Franciscus, and Dominicus, mainteners of blind hypocrisy.

The original of Waldenses came upon this occasion: [ 1130] about the yere 1160. it fell out as the chief heads of the city of Lions were walking, and talking according to their manner, of diverse affairs, one among them fell down dead: whereat Waldus being present was so terrified, that he was stricken with repentance, and endeavor to refourme his life: insomuch that, first he began to minister large alms of his goods to such as needed.

Secondly, to instruct himself, and his family, with the true knowledge of God's word.

Thirdly, to admonish all them, which resorted unto him upon any occasion, to repentance, and virtuous amendment of life: whereby he drew much people unto him: to whom he gave certain rudiments, translated out of the scripture, into the French tongue. The Prelates threatened him with excommunication, whereat he was nothing abashed; but persisted constant, until with sword, imprisonment, and banishment, they drave Waldus, with all his favorers, out of the City: who therefore, were called Pauperes de Lugduno, because they were driven from their Country, and dispossessed of their goods. Their articles were these.

1 Only the Scriptures are to be believed in matters concerning faith.

2 All things necessary to salvation, to be contained in the Scriptures.

3 That there is one only Mediator, and no Saints, to be invocated.

4 No Purgatory.

5 Masses to be wicked.

6 Men's traditions to be rejected in matters of salvation: against holy days, superfluous chaunting, fixed fasts, the degrees, and orders of Priests, Nuns, &c. Against vows, and peregrinations.

7 Against the supremacy of the Pope.

8 Against receiving in one kind.

9 The Pope is Antichrist, and Rome Babylon.

10 Against indulgences, and pardons.

11 Against vows of chastity.

12 That such as hear the word, and have a right faith, are the Church of Christ: and the keys to be the preaching of the word, and ministering the Sacraments.

These Waldenses, at length exiled, were dispersed into sundry, and diverse places: of whom many remained long time in Bohemia, who writing to their king Vladislaus, to purge themselves of the slanderous accusations of one D. Augustine, gave up their confession, with an Apology, which was no other doctrine than that which is taught at this day: as appeareth by the report of Aeneas Siluius. They were devout in prayer, and diligent in reading the Scriptures. In so much, that Reinerius, a diligent Inquisitor against them, reporteth, that he did hear, and see, a man of the Country, unlettered, which could rehearse the whole book of Job, word for word without the book: and diverse other which had the New Testament by heart: and they were so painful to instruct others, that he saith, he did hear (of one that knew the parties) that one of them did swim over the river Ibis, to convert one from the Romish religion, and to give him instructions.

In the reign of this K. Henry, was gathered thorough England and France, ii. d. of every pound, for the succor of the East Christians against the Turks: for such was the affliction, that Pope Urban 3. died for sorrow, & Gregory 8. the next Pope after him, lived not two months.

Then in the days of P. Clement 3: king Henry of England, and Philip the French king, the Duke of Burgundy, the Earl of Flaunders, the Earl of Cāpania, with diverse other christiā princes, w ^t a general consent, vpō S. Georges day, took the mark of the cross upon thē: promising together to take their voyage to the holy land: at which time the king of England received first the Red cross, the French king the White cross, the Earl of Flanders the Green cross, and so other Princes other colors. But king Henry after the three years were expired, in which he promised to perform his voyage, sent to y ^e pope for farther delay of his promise, offering for the same to erect 3. monasteries: which he thus performed. In the Church of Waltham he thrust out the secular priests, & placed monks in their room, and repaired again, & brought in the nunnes of Amesbury, that were before excluded for their incontinent life. An. 1173.

About the five and twentieth year of the reign of this king Ludouicus the French king, by the vision of Thomas Beckets appearing to him in his dream, and promising him the recovery of his son, if he would resort to him to Canterbury, made his journey into England, to visit S. Thomas at Canterbury, with Philip, Earl of Flanders: where he offered a rich cup of gold, with other precious jewels, & 100. vessels of wine yearly, to the convent of the Church of Canterbury.

Anno 1178. [ 1178] Albigenses about Toulouse denied the real presence, and denied also matrimony to be a sacrament.

The monks of the Charterhouse, first entered into this Realm, an. 1180. [ 1180]

Anno 1187. [ 1187] Baldwinus, Archbishop of Canterbury, began to build his new house, and church at Lambeth, but by letters of Pope Clement the third, he was forbidden to proceed any further.

It is written also, that Henry 2. gave to the Church of Rome, for the death of Becket, 40000. marks of silver, and 5000. marks of gold, an. 1187.

In the five and thirty year of his reign, the king died at the Castle of Whiuen, in Normandy: at whose death, they that were present, were so greedy of the spoil, that they left the body of the king naked, and not so much could be found as a cloth to cover it: till a Page coming in, and seeing the king lie so ignominiously, threw his cloke upon his neither partes.

Anno 1189. [ 1189] Richard the eldest son of Henry the 2. succeeded his Father: at which time Pope Clement sat at Rome, succeeding Gregory, that died a little before for sorrow.

In the time of the Coronation of the king, the Jews were destroyed, almost all the land over.

The king in part of satisfaction for his trespass against his father, agreed with Phillip the French king, to take vpō them the recovery of the holy lande: and for the same, sold and let out much, and gathered diverse ways, great treasures for the journey. Besides, by the commandment of Pope Clement the third, a tenth was exacted of the whole Realm: in such sort, as the Christians should make to the King 70000. pound, and the Jews six thousand. For the government of his Realm in his absence, the King set over principal in his absence, the Bishop of Eli his Chancellor, and the the Bishop of Durham: whom he ordained to be chief Justice of England, the one to have the custody of the Tower, with the oversight of all other partes of the land on this side of Humber. The other, which was the bishop of Durham, to have charge over all other his dominions beyond Humber: sending moreover to Pope Clement, in the behalf of William, Bishoppe of Eli, to be made the Popes Legate through all England, and Scotland: which also was obtained. These things thus ordered, the K. about the time of Easter, sailed into France, & there deferred their journey til after Midsommer.

[ 1190] They confirmed their agreement of the enterprise by oath, the form of which oath was this. That either of thē should maintain the honor of the other, and bear true fidelity of life, members, and worldly honor: and that neither of them should fail one the other in their affairs, &c. But these covenants were not performed on the French kings part: for at Messana, he suffered the kings part to be abused, by the inhabitants of the city, and picked quarrels against the Englishmen, and wrought treason against the king, by sending letters to the king of Cicill Tancredus, by the duke of Burgundy: the contents whereof were, that the king of England was a false traitor, and would never keep the peace that was betwixt them: and if the said Tancredus would war against him, or secreetly by night would invade him, he with all his power would assist him, and join with him to the destruction of him, and all his army: which letters Tancredus shown unto king Richard at Cathmensium a city, where the king found Tancredus: who gave him very good entertainment three days & three nights: and at his departing gave him four great ships, and 15. gallies, and furthermore he himself would needs accompany him the space of two days journey, to a place called Tauernium.

After the king of England had understood so much by Tancredus, and had also received of him the very letters, he would show the French king from thenceforth no loving countenance as before. King Richard having won Cipres, departed with the French king toward the siege of Achon, & the 6. of June crossing the seas, he met with a great bark fraught with men of war being Saracens, and furnished with wild fire and unknown serpents, to the defense of Achon, whom he vanquished, and the 7. of June came to Achon: which in short space after was rendered unto the Christians, the 12. of July, and the captains of the Pagans upon agreement, resorted unto the tents of the Templars to common with the king, touching peace, & giving up of their city The sum of which peace was this, that y ^e kings should have the city of Achon, freely & fully delivered unto them, with all that was therein, and 500. Captains of the Christians should be restored, which were in Achon: also the holy cross should be rendered unto thē, & 1000. Christian captains, with 200. horsemen, whom soever they thenselves would choose out of all them that were in the power of Saladine. Moreover they should give to the kings 200000. bysants, so that they themselves would remain as pledges in the K. hands for performance hereof: that if within 40. days these couenaunts were not accomplished, they would abide the kings mercy touching life and limbs. These couenaunts being agreed upon, the kings sent their soldiers and servants to the city, to take an 100. of the richest and best in the city, to close them up in towers under strong keeping.

The 13. day the two kings divided the spoil of the city betwixt them: whereat the soldiers grudged, and with somewhat adoo were appeased.

The 20. of July K. Richard desired the French king, that they with their armies would bind themselves by oth, to remain there still in the land of Ierusalē 3. years, for the recovering of those countries: but he would swear (he said) no such oth, & about the beginning of August the French K. departed from Achon to Tirus, leaving his half part of y ^e city of Achon to Cōradus the Marques. After whose departure, the Pagans refused to keep their covenants made, and neither would restore the holy cross, nor the monie, nor the captives: sending word that if king Richard did behead the pledges left with him at Achon, they would chop of the heads of such Christian captives as they had in their hands. Shortly after this the Saladine sending great gifts to king Richard, requested the time limited for the beheading of the captives to be proroged, but the King refused to take his gifts, or to grant his request. Wherevpon the Saladine caused all the Christian captives within his possession forthwith to be beheaded: which was the 18. of August. And albeit the king understood it, yet he would not prevent the time limited for the execution of his prysoners, being the twentieth day of August: upon which day he caused them openly; in the sight of the Saladines army to be beheaded, to the number of 2500. saving he reserved certain of the principal for purposes, especially to make exchange for the holy cross, and certain other of the Christian captives.

After this, King Richard purposed to besiege the City of Ioppe, where, by the way between Ioppe, and Achon, near to a town called Ashur, Saladin encountering the king was put to flight, and the chase followed three miles by the Christians: so that he had not such a loss in 40. years before: and but one Christian captain, called James Auernus in that conflict was overthrown. From thence king Richard went to Ioppe, & then to Askelon, where he found Ioppe forsaken, & Askelon thrown to the ground, and the whole land of Syria forsaken: throughout all which country, the king had free passage without resistance.

In the mean space of the kings absence, William, the B. of Eli ruffled, and began to suspend the Canons, Clearks, & vicars of the church, as of S. Peter in York, because they received him not with procession. Under which interdiction, he held them, til they were fain at last to to fall down at his feet, causing all their bells to be let down out of y ^e steeple. He commonly never rode under 1500. horses, of chaplens, priests, & other serving men waiting upon him. He was covetous, given to wantonness, and intolerable pride: and so long as it lasted, held all under him; but it lasted not long.

King Richard, at his setting out toward Jerusalem, left order that Earl John, and Gefferey his brethren, should not enter into England, the space of 3. years, but John was released afterward of that bond. Also the K. being at Messana in Sicily, sent his mother Alinor to y ^e Pope for his brother Geffery, elected before to the sea of York, to be consecrated Archb. but as she was traveling to Rome, pope Clement died the 6. day of April: in whose room succeeded Celestinus the third, who the next day after his consecration came from Lateran to S. Peters Church. Where standing upon the stairs before the churchdoore of S. Peter, he received an oath of Henricus king of the Almanes, that he should defend the Church of God, and all the liberties thereof, & maintain justice: also to restore again the patrimony of S. Peter, full and whole. And finally, surrender again to the Church of Rome, the city of Tusculanum, &c.

Upon this grant, the pope took him to the Church, and anointed him for Emperor, and his wife for Empresse: who there sitting in his chair pontificiall held the crown of gold between his feet: & so the Emperor bowing down his head to the popes feet, received the Crown: and the Empresse likewise. The crown being thus set upon his head, the Pope eftsoons with his foot stroke it off again, declaring thereby, that he had power to depose him, (if he deserved it.) Then the Cardinals taking up the crown set it on his head again.

Now Geffery being consecrated, through license of the pope Celestine, by the Archb. of Turon, came into England. After his consecration, the Bishoppe of Eli hearing thereof, charged him not to enter,, and to remember his oath made to the king, at his setting forward toward Jerusalem: moreover, he threatened to apprehend him. The Archbishop notwithstanding, arrived at Dover in the month of September: where the Chauncellors men stood ready to apprehend him, from whom he escaped, and came to the monks house of Dover. Which house, the Chancellors men beset, so that he could not escape: and on a day when he had said mass, as he was standing at the Altar with his garments yet about him, they rushed in, and laid hands upon him, bound him, and drew him through the dyrt, and so committed him to Matthew Clarke their Constable to be kept. These things being brought to his Brothers ear, the Earl John, he the twelfth of October, and the Archbishop of Roan, with all the Bishops, Earls, and Barons, and Citizens of London, assembled together in Paul's-church: where, for his great enormities, they agreed to depose William, the ruffeling Chancellor, and to place in his room the Archbishop of Roan.

The third day after this, the Chancellor came to Dover, where he remained a few days, and (contrary to his promise) purposed to take shipping, to pass over the Seas: and disguised himself in the apparel of a woman, having in his hand a meat-wand, and on his arm a piece of linen cloth. And thus, as he was sitting upon a rock, waiting for his ship, a certain Fisherman espying him, and supposing him to be an harlot, came to him, and so with striving with him found him to be a man, whereat he wondered, and began to make an outcry against him. Whereupon, came great multitudes, wondering at him, haling, and drawing him by the collar, and sleeves, through stones, and rocks: and at length laid him in a dark cellar, in stead of a prison. Now, Earl John hearing of this, within viii. days after, sent word that they should deliver him, and let him go. So he went over Sea, and directed letters to the Pope of the injuries done unto him, and also into Siria, unto king Richard. Vpō which complaint, Pope Celestine wrote a thundering letter unto the prelates of England, that they should with book, bell, and candle proceed against earle John, and other his adherents, with no less severity, then if the injuries had been done unto his own person, &c. But none could be got to execute the commandment of the Pope: And the other part wrote likewise to king Richard, complaing of the abuses of the Chancellor.

This Bishop of Eli wrote unto him, that the French king set up John, his brother, to possess his kingdom, being counseled thereunto by the Templars. Whereupon, the K. seeing the Duke of Burgundy, & the Frenchmen shrink from him, toke truce, offered by the Saracens, upon the condition, that if the king would restore unto him again Silauonia, in as good state, as it was when he took it, he would grant to him, and to all Christians in the lande of Jerusalem, truce for three years.

Not long after, an. 1193. [ 1193] the next Spring, he returned: and in his journey (by the tempests of weather) about the partes of Histria, in a Town called Sinaca, was there taken by Lympold, Duke of the same Country, and so sold to the Emperor for 60000. marks: and was kept by him in custody, a yere and three months: and at length released for 14000. Poundes: which Sum of money was here gathered and made in England, of Chalices, Crosses, Shrines and other Church plate: and this was about the 5. yere of his reign, and then it was obtained of the P. that Priests might celebrate with Chalices of latin, [ 1195] and tin: which continued long after.

In the time of the kings captivity, Philip the French K. incensed John, the brother of king Richard, to take on him the kingdom of his brother. For which fact, John. at his brothers return, submitted himself unto him, and craved pardon: which the king granted.

[ 1197] About this time, there was one Fulco (some say he was Archb. of Roan called Gwalther ) who came unto the king, and told him, he had three daughters to bestow, willing him to bestow them in time: that is, pride, covetousness, and luxuriousnes. Which words the king took in good part, & calling his Lord's, declared unto them what Fulco had counseled him: and said, I give my daughter swelling pride to be wife to the proud Templars: My greedy daughter avarice to the covetous order of y ^e Cistercian monks: And last of all my filthy daughter Lururie to the riotous prelates of the Church.

The king laying siege to a castle called Galuz, belonging to the Lord Bemonice in little Britain, thinking there to have obtained great substance of treasure, was shot into the arm by a soldier named Beytādus Cordomi: whereupon the iron remaining and festering in the wound, the king within nine days after died, having first forgiven the soldier before his death.

After the death of king Richard, reigned his brother John Earl of Morton.

An. 1200. [ 1200] Diuorce was made betwixt king John and his wife, because they were in the 3. degree of kindred.

An. 1205. [ 1205] Hubert archb. of Canterbury deceased Before his body was yet committed to the earth, the yoonger sort of the monks elected Reignold their superior: and placed him in the Metropolitan sea without the Kings license and knowledge. Who being sent unto by the elder sort of monks, requiring his gracious license to choose their Archb. consented thereunto: requiring them also instantly at his request they would show favor to John Gray bishop of Norwich, which they also did, electing him into that sea. And for the full establishing, the king sent of his own charges, to have the matter ratified by the Pope.

The two Suffragans of Canterbury not being made acquainted with the matter, sent speedily to Rome, [ 1206] to have both the elections stopped, whereupon grew great tumult: for the Pope condemning both their elections, created Stephen Langton with his own hand, in the high Church of Viterby: upon which occasion the king conceived an exceeding displeasure against the Clergy, and Monks of Canterbury, and banished 64. of them out of the land: and doth also sharply expostulate by letters with the Pope, for that he had chosen Stephen Langton, a man brought up amongst his enemies a long time, in the kingdom of France: besides the derogation to the liberties of his crown threatening except he would favor the kings liking of the B. of Norwich, he would cut of the trade to Rome, and the profits that came thither from the land.

The Pope writeth in the behalf of R. Langton a froward and arrogant letter, and not long after sendeth a commandment and charge into England to certain bishops, that if the king would not yield, they should interdict him through his realm. For the executiō whereof four bishops were appointed: William B. of London, Eustace bishop of Eli, Walter bishop of Winchester, and Giles bishop of Hereford. Which four bishops went to him, showing their commission, & willing him to consent: which the king refusing, they went and pronounced the general interdiction through out the realm, and so the Church doors were shut up, with keys, walls, and other fastnings, &c. Which with other demeanour so incensed the king, that he took all the possessions of the four Bishops into his hands, appointing certain men to keep the living of the Clergy throughout the realm, and that they should enjoy no part thereof: he also proclaimed, that all those that had Church living, and went over the sea, should return at a certain day, or else lose their livings forever: and charged all Sheriffs to inquire if any churchman received any commandment that came from the Pope, and that they should take their bodies and bring them before him, and also that they should take into their hands for the kings use, all the church lands that were given to any man by the Archbishop Stephen, or by the priors of Canterbury, from the time of the election of the Archbishop: and further charged, that all the woods that were the Archbishops, should be cut down, and sold.

Which things the pope hearing of, sendeth two Legates Pandulph and Durance, to charge the king to make restitution, and cease from those wrongs done to the church: which when he refused to do, he proceeded to excommunicate him, & to assoil all his subjects from their oth of obedience, assoiling also all those of their sins, that would rise against the K. And a while after upon the Legates return the Pope summoned all bishops, abbots, & clerks to repair to Rome, to consult what was to be done therein, where he accursed the K. and sent unto the French king upon remissiō of all his sins, and of all that went with him, that he should take with him all the power that he might, and so invade the Realm of England, to destroy king John. Moreover, he gave sentence, that the K. should be deposed, & another put in his place: appointing the deposing to y ^e french K Philip: promising to give him remission of all his sins, and the clear possession of all the Realm of England, to him, & his heirs, if he did either kill him, or expel him. Whervpō, the next yere 1212. [ 1212] the French K. begā to invade: but the Englishmen took 300. of his ships, well ladē with all provision, & burnt another hundred within the haven: and took the spoil: yet the K. considering the conspiracies of the pope, and the sharp invasion of y ^e French K. with the treasons at home, by reason of the popes dispensation with the oath of obedience, in the 13. year of his reign sent Ambassadors to the pope, requiring peace: promising to satisfy him in all things with due satisfaction: whereupon the pope sent Pandulph again into England, with other Ambassadors. To whō, in the behalf of y ^e court of Rome, the K. submitted himself, & resigning, gave up his dominions of England, & Ireland frō him & his heirs, that should come of him for evermore: with this condition, that he should take these 2. dominions of the pope again to farm, paying yearly therefore to the court of Rome, 1000. marks of silver. Thē took the K. the crown from his head, kneeling upon his knees, in y ^e presence of all his lords, & Barons, & gave it to Pandulph, the legate, saying on this wise: Here I resign up the crown of the Realm of England into the popes hands, Inocent the 3: & put me wholly in his mercy, & ordinance. Then took Pādulph the crown of K. John, and kept it 5. days, as a possession, & seisin taking of the 2. Realms England, and Ireland: which also the king confirmed by a chart obligatory. Whervpon, he was the 2. of July, discharged from the interdiction. wherein he had continued 6. years & 3. months. Moreover, those that did stick to the K, of the meaner sort, they wer also fain to resort to the legate for absolutiō: the other being fain to seek to the pope. Now notwithstanding this submission of the K yet did the Clergy pretend farther against him, and incensed his Barons: insomuch that diverse of them desired of Philip, the French king, that he would give them Lodouike, his eldest son whom they would make their K. so that the king was fain to use the popes aide, against diverse conspiracies, and attempts against him: till at the last, the Barons understanding by the vicount of Milan, who lay on his death bed at London, how Lodouike had sworn, most cruelly to use the English nation if he prevailed: they sought for y ^e kings favor, & reconciliation: which they obtained.

Ann. 1215. [ 1215] Innocent 3. held a synod at Rome, called the council of Lateran, wherein he established by public decree y ^t the pope should have frō thenceforth the correction of all Christian princes, & that no emperor should be admitted except he were sworn before, & also crowned of him: he ordained moreuer, that whosoever he were, that spake evil of the pope, he should be punished in hell with eternal damnation.

He then ordained a pyx for to cover the host, and a Bell when he goeth abroad, and made the mass equal with Christ's Gospel. In this council was also brought in transubstantiation: he continued also the act of abjuring the wives of priests.

Anno 1216. [ 1216] died Pope Innocent 3. the 17 day of July, and was buried at Perusium in Italy.

After, him succeeded one Cintucus, otherwise called Honorius 3. a man of very great age: yet lived he ten years, and a half in the papacy, and more.

The same year also, king John was poisoned (as most writers testify) at Swinsted abbey, by a monk of that abbey, of the order of the Cistercians, or S Bernard's brethrē, called Simon of Swinsted. The monk did first consult with his abbot, & shown him what he minded to do, alleging for himself, the porphecy of Caiaphas, 11. of John, saying: It is better that one man should die, then the whole people perish.

I am well contented (saith he) to loose my life, & so become a martyr, that I may utterly destroy this tyrant: with that y ^e Abbot did weep for gladness, & much commended his fervent zeal. The Monk then being absolved of his Abbot for doing this fact, went secretly into the garden on the backside, & finding there a most venomous toad, did so prick him, and press him with his pēknife, that he made him vomit all the poison y ^t was within him: this done he conveyed it into a cup of wine, & with a flattering & smiling countenance, he said to the K. If it shall please your princely majesty, here is such a cup of wine, as you never drank better in your life time: I trust this wassall shall make all England glad, & with that he drank a great draught thereof: the King pledged him. The monk anon went to the privy, and there died: (his guts gushing out of his belly) and had continually from thenceforth 3 monks to sing mass for him, confirmed by their general chapter. The K. within a short space after, feeling great grief in his body, asked for Simon the monk: answer was made, he was dead: thē God have mercy on me said y ^e K. so went he to Newark vpō Trent, & there died: & was buried in y ^e cathedral church at Worcester, betwixt S. Oswald & S. Wolstane, an. 1216. the 19. of October, after that he had been much vexed with the clergy 18. years, six months, and odd days.

In the reign of this king, the Citizens of London first obtained of the K. to choose yearly a Mayor.

Next unto King John, succeeded his son. Hen. 3. being ix. years of age, and was crowned, an. 1216. at Gloucester, (which was thē counted the safest place in the land) by Swallow the Popes Legate. Yet notwithstanding, Louis the French kings son, greatly molested him, [ 1119] with certain Lord's and B. who hated his father K. John. til 1219 Louis lost y ^e field, & was driven to seek peace. & so receued, and absolved by the Cardinal, who before had cursed him, and all that took part w ^t him: and had given him 1000. l. in silver for his charges, & so departed. After the departure of Louis, Swal the Legate looketh to his harvest: and maketh inquisition for all those Bishops that had taken against Henry the third, and held with Louis, and caused them to fine for their fault and recovery of their seats: Hugo of Lincoln 1000. marks, and an 100. to Swalo the Legate.

Pope Innocent the third, condemned Americus a learned bishop, for an heretic, for teaching against Images. Also he brought into the Church the paying of private tithes, and receiving once a year at Easter: he ordained the reservation of the Sacrament, and the going with the bell and light before the Sacrament: he ordained also in the Council of Lateran, that the Canon of the Mass should be received with equal authority, as if it proceeded from the Apostles themselves: he brought in transubstantiation. Also he ordained that none should marry within the third degree.

He stirred up Otho against the Emp. Philip, because Philip was made Emperor against his will: and afterward against the said Otho, (whom he made Emperor) he raised up Frederick king of Cecil, and deposed Otho, because he said, he held certain cities belonging unto him.

He ordained also, if any prince offended one another, the correction should appertain unto the Pope.

In the history of Hermannus Mutius, it is recorded, that an. 1212. [ 1212] in this Popes time, diverse noble men, and other in the Country of Alsatia, did hold that every day was free for eating of flesh, so it be done soberly. Also, that they did wickedly, which restrained Ministers from their lawful wives: For which cause, this Pope and his Bishops, caused an hundred of them to be burned in one day. Nauclerus reporteth, that at the same time, many were in the City of Milan, of the said doctrine, which used to send Collects unto the foresaid Saints of Alsatia.

The Rablement of Religious Orders in the Popish Church.
• AVstinians.
• Ambrosians. two sortes, 490
• Antonians heremites, 324
• Augustine's heremites, 498
• Augustine's obseruants, 490
• Armenians sect.
• Ammonites, and Moabites.
• Basilius order, 384
• Benets order, 324
• Bernardes order, 1120
• Barefooted friers, 1222
• Brigets order, 1370
• Beghart, or white Spirites, 1399
• Brethren of Jerusalem, 1103
• Brethren of S. John, de ciuitate, black friers, 1220
• Brethren of willful poverty,
• Cluniacensis order, 913
• Canons of S. Augustine, 7080
• Charterhouse order, 1086
• Cistercian order, 1098
• Crossebearers, or Crossed friers, 1216
• Carmelites, or white friers, 1212
• Clares order, 1225
• Celestines order, 1297
• Camaldulensis order, 950
• Crostarred brethren,
• Constantino politanish order
• Cross-bearers,
• Chapter monks.
• Duch order, 1216
• Dominick black friers, 1220
• Franciscans, 1224
• Grandmontensis order, 1076
• Gregorian order, 594
• Georges order 1407
• Guilhelmites, 1246
• Gerundinesis order.
• Galileans,
• Heremites.
• Helenes brethren,
• Humiliati, 1166
• Hospital brethren.
• Holy Ghost order.
• Jerome's order, two sorts. 1412
• John's heremites.
• Iustines order, 1432
• Iohannites, or knights of the Rhodes, 380
• Iniesuati, 1308
• Jerome's heremites, 1365
• Joseph's order, 490
• Jacobites sect.
• James brethren's order.
• James brethren with the sword.
• Indians order.
• Katherin of Senes order, 1455
• Keyed monks, K. of the Rhodes.
• Lazarites, or Marimagdalins, or our Ladies brethren. 1034
• Lord's of Vngarie.
• Minorires, which be divided into
  • Conuentuales.
  • Obseruants.
  • Reformate.
  • Collectane.
  • De Capucio.
  • De Euangelio.
  • Amedes.
  • Clarini, &c.
• Minorites 1224
• Mary's servants, 1304
• Monks of mount Olivet, 1046
• Marouinies sect
• Monorites sect.
• Monache, & Monachi.
• Morbonei, & Merestei.
• Menalaish, & Iasonish sect.
• New chanons of S. Austin, 1430
• Nestorini.
• Nalhart brethren.
• New order of our Lady.
• Nazarei.
• Paul's heremites. 345
• Premonstratensis order, 1119
• Preachers order, or black friers,
• Peter the Apostles order, 1009
• Purgatory brethren
• Rechabites.
• Sarrabites.
• Sambanites, 1199
• Scourgers, the first sect, 1266
• Soldiers of Jesus Christ, 1323
• Scopenites, or saint Saluators order, 1367
• Specularii, or Glass order.
• Sepulchers order.
• Shere order.
• Swerds order.
• Starrid monks.
• Starrid friers.
• Sclauonie order.
• Scourgers, the second sect, called Ninevites.
• Stoole brethren.
• Scotland brethren order.
• Sicarii.
• S. Sophis order.
• Templars order, 1110
• Templar knights 1120
• The vale of Iosaphats order
• Vallis Vmbrosae, 1400
• Waldensis sect.
• Wentzelaus order.
• Wilhelmes order.
• White monks of mount Olivet. 1406
• Zealots order.

IN the days of pope Innocent the 3. began the two sects of Friers, one called the Preachers order, or black friers of S. Dominicks, the other called the Minorits of S. Francis. The Preachers order began of one Dominic a Spaniard, about the partes of Toulouse, who after he had labored 10. years, in preaching against the Albigenses, afterward coming up to the Council with Fulco B. of Toulouse, desired the pope to have his order of preaching confirmed: which the pope a great while refused, till at length thorough a dream he dreamed, he persuadeth the Pope. His dream was, that Lateran Church was ready to fall, & he with his shoulders was fain to hold it: whereupon Dominick had his petitition granted. The rule which they follow, seemeth to be taken out of S. August. Their profession standeth vpō 3. special point. 1. Having charity. 2 Holding humility. 3. Possessing willful poverty: their habit, & clothing is black.

The minorities descend from one Francis, an Italian, of the city of Assissium, who hearing that Christ sent forth his disciples to preach, thought to imitate the same in himself, & his disciples: and so left of shoes, had but one coat, and that of a coorse cloth, in steed of a latchet to his shoe, and a girdle, took a Hempen cord, and apparrelled his disciples, teaching them (as he said) the perfection of the Gospel, to apprehend poverty, and to walk in the way of holy simplicity. He left in writing to his Disciples, and followers, his rule, which he called the Rule of the Gospel. He was very severe in outward chastising of him self, so that in Winter, he covered his body with ise, and snow. He called poverty, his Lady. He kept nothing over night. So desirous he was of martyrdom, that he went into Siria, to the Souldan, who received him honorablie: for he told him not the truth, as John the Baptist did to Herod. The Franciscans be divided into many Sectes: some go in treene shoes, or pattins, some barefooted, some regular Frāciscās, or obseruāts, some minors, some minimi, other of y ^e gospel, other de caputio.

About the same time sprang up the Crooched friers, taking their original of Innocent the 3. who raised up an army signed with the cross on their breast, to fight against the Albigenses, whom the Pope and his sect accounted for heretics, about the part of Toulouse. The Albigenses denied the Popes authority and his traditions: they were against Images, pardons, purgatory: and chiefly they were abhorred of the Pope, because they set up a contrary pope against him in the coasts of Burgarorum. Of these Albigenses were slain at times, and burned a great multitude, by the means of the Pope and Simon de monte forti, with other more.

About this season, or not not much before, died Pope Innocent the third, in the 19. year of his Popedom: to whose custody, Fredericus the nephew of Frederick Barbarossa, being young, was committed by the empresse his mother. After this Innocent, succeeded Honorius 3. and after Honorius, when he had governed ten years, followed Gregorius 9. which popes were in the reign of Henry 3.

About the year 1218. [ 1218] Becket 50. years after his death, was taken up, and shrined for a new Saint, made of an old rebel: to whose shrining came such resort of people of England and France, that the country of Kent was not sufficient to sustain them.

About the year 1220. [ 1220] the young king was the seconde time crowned again at Westminster. About which time, was begun the new building of our Lady Church at Westminster.

By reason the Realm (through king John ) was made tributary to the Pope, the exactions upon all estates, from the Sea of Rome (especially upon beneficed men, and such as held anything of the church) were incredible: so that certain of the Nobles assented with the king, to make a restraint of such rents, and exactions.

The Pope required by Cardinal Otho, of all y ^e churches, two prebends, one for the bishops part, one for the chapter: & also of the monasteries, where be diverse portions, one for y ^e Abbot, another for the convent: of y ^e couēt so much as appertaineth to one monk, y ^e portion of the goods being portionably divided: of the Abbot likewise as much. This request was denied, so that not long after the said Otho came again, Cum autentico plenariae potestatis and assembled a Council again at London, for the former purpose: so that diverse for fear, & many to obtain further dignities, bestowed diverse precious rewards on him, in palfreis, in rich plate, and jewels, in costly and sumptuous garments, richly furred, in come, in vittels, &c. In so much that only the B. of Winchester hearing that he would winter at London, sent him fifty fat oxen, and a 100. coome of pure wheat, and eight tunnes of chosen wine towards his house keeping: and other likewise according to their ability. Now the time of the Council drawing near, and the Bishops assembled, there fell great variance and discord betwixt the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, for sitting at the right hand, and the left hand of the cardinal. The Cardinal to pacify thē, brought forth a certain Bull of the Pope, in the midst whereof was pictured the figure of the Cross, with the Image of Paul on the right side, and Peter on the left, and upon that shown no derogation to arise for the place or seats. Whervpon from that time forth Canterbury enjoyed the right hand, and York the left. This strife thus ended, the Cardinal preacheth unto them, and maketh such unreasonable demands, for the filling of his bags, that the king dreading the displeasure of his commons, for the doings of the Legate, willed him to repair home again to Rome: yet could he not be so rid of him, but that he gleaned four marks of every procuration, besides, the rabble of Friers sturred men to go to war against the Turks, whom when they had once bound with a vow, and signed them with the Cross, then send they Bulls to release them for money. Besides the Pope shamed not to ask the fifth part of every ecclesiastical man's living, and also pope Gregory agreed with the citizens of Rome, that if they would join with him in vāquishing Frederick the Emperor: he would grant unto them, that all the benefices of England that were and should be vacant, namely pertaining to religious houses, should be bestowed at their own will & commandment, to their children, & kinsfolk: whereupon within a few days after, the pope sendeth commandment to the archb. of Canterbury, and four other bishops, that provision should be made for 300. Romans, in the chiefest, and best benefices in all England at the next voidance, so that the archb. and those bishops should be suspēded from all gifts of benefices, until the 300. were provided for. Wherevpon the archb. seeing the unreasonable oppression of the land, went into France and left the realm, and the rest of the Prelates coming themselves to the king, desired a council, & that talk might be had in the matter: which being granted, they made certain exceptions to the Popes request, not daring directly to deny the contribution. Now the occasion both of this collection of the money, and this favor of the Romans, was to the end the Pope might be sufficiently strong to suppress the Emperor Frederick.

Not long after this, followed at Lions a general Council, called by Innocent the 4. In which Council the English nation did exhibit certain Articles of their griefs, touching the Popes great exactions, and placing Italians in their benefices: but their suite prevailed not, for the Pope not long after that, sent for new exactions to be gathered: which when the King heard of, he commanded the Bishops not to yield to any such matter, till the return of his Ambassadors, which he sent to the Pope touching that matter. About the latter end of December, the Ambassadors return, and signify the Popes high displeasure against the King: whereat he being greatly moved, caused to be proclaimed through all his realm, that none hereafter should consent to any tax of money, frō the court of Rome: which coming to the popes ear, he directeth his letters to y ^e prelates of England, upon pain of his curse & suspense, that they should make collection of the sum of money, against the feast of the assumptiō: the charge of the curse being committed to y ^e B. of Worcester to execute. This so terrified the king, that, what with the persuasion of the bishops, & other prelates, he relented: which made the Pope at length (so past shame) that he he demanded upon the censure of his curse, the third part of the churchgoods, and the yearly fruits of all vacant benefices. So that such hath been the insatiable desire of the Romanists, that in the days of Sudburie, Archbishop of Canterbury, Anno 1360. the pope by his proctors gate from the Clergy, in less then one year, more thē 60000. Florins of mere contributions, besides his other avails, and common revenues, out of benefices, prebendaries, first fruits, tributes, peterpence, collations, reservations, relaxations, and such merchandise.

About this time, ann. 1220. the pope stirred up Lodouike the young French king, through the instance of Philip his father, to lay siege against the Albigenses, of the city of Toulouse, & utterly to extinguish them: but God preserved thē, and cast such a pestilence among the Frenchmen, beside famine & want, that they were constrained to depart: & Simon de monte forti general of the army, to whom the land of the Earl of Toulouse was given by the pope, was slain with a stone before the gate of the city.

Ann. 1221. [ 1221] first entered y ^e Frier minorites, or gray Friers into the land, and had their first house at Canterbury, & had their first patron, Franciscus, which died ann. 1227. [ 1227] and his order was confirmed by P. Honorius 3. an. 1224. About their coming in, many english men came into their order: among whō, was Johan. de sācto Egidio, a famous phisitiō, & astronomer, & Alexander de Hales. Not long after by Williā de longa Spata, which was the bastard son of king Henry 2. and Earl of Salisbury, the house of Carthusian monks, was first founded at Heitrop, anno 1222. whose wife Ela, after his death founded the house of Nuns at Lacocks, & there continued her self Abbess of the place.

Not long after, began the new building of the minster of Salisbury, whereat Pandulphus the Popes legate, laid the 5. first stones: one for the pope, the 2. for the young K. Henry, the 3. for the good Earl of Salisbury, she 4 for y ^e Countess, the fifth for the B. of Salisbury. About the year 1221. fell a contention betwixt Eustace B. of London, and the chapter of Paul's on y ^e one side, & the abbot of Westminster with his convent on the other side, about spiritual iurisdictiō, & subjection: whether y ^e monastery of Westminster were exēpted frō the subiectiō & jurisdiction of the B. of London, or not: which controversy at last, coming to compromise, was committed to y ^e arbitrimēt of Stephē, Archb. of Cant. Philip, B of Winchester. Thomas of Merton, & Richard, prior of Dunstable: & at length it was agreed, that the monastery of Westminster should be utterly exempted from the jurisdiction of the B. of london: & that Stanes with the appurtenāces thereunto belonging, should appertain to the monast of Westminster. Also y ^e the manor of Sunnebury, should be due & proper to y ^e church of S. Paul, & also the church of S. Margaret: with all the land belonging to the same, to be exempted frō all other jurisdiction, but only y ^e B. of Rome, & so was this matter ended, an. 1222. [ 1222]

Anno 1224. [ 1224] the Lord's and Barons of the land, granted to the king, the wardship and marriage of their heirs: which was then called, Initium malorum.

An. 1226 [ 1226] died pope Honorius, a great adversary to Frederik the Emp. after whō succeeded Gregory 9. more grievous then his predecessor. In the which yere also died Lodouike y ^e perjured french K. at the siege of Avigno, whom the pope now the second, or third time, had set up to fight against Raimund, the good Earl of Toulouse, and the Albigenses of that Country, at which time also, he sent his Legate, M. Roman{us}, into France, to require of every Cathedral church two Prebendships: one for the Bishop, another for the chapter. And in Monasteries also, where the Abbot and Convent had diverse portions, to require two Churches: one for the Abbot, the other for the Convent, keeping this proportion: that how much should suffice for the living of one Monk, so much the whole Convent should find for their part, and as much the Abbot for his. Which request of the Legate was denied: with further discourse, that if such exactions were not restrained, it were to be doubted, least an universal departing might follow from the church of Rome. Which words so moved the Legate, that he gave the matter over.

Now while the Legate was in hand for the popes purse, certain preaching friers were directed by the Legate Romanus, into all France, to stir up the Frenchmen, to take the cross upon them, and to war against the Earl of Tolouse, and the people thereof, whom they accounted heretics: which many did gladly yield unto, rather for fear of the Frenchking, then for the Legates motion.

Against the Ascension day then next following, they prepared themselves, with horse, and harness, to set upon the Tholousians, with strength of 50000. men, besides vitlers, and wagoners. The Legate (by the way) did openly excommunicate the Earl of Tolouse, and all that took his part, and interdicted his land. The first City of the Tholousians, was Avigno: at the siege whereof, the king sustained great loss, both through the valor of the Citizens, and also by the hand of God, with pestilence and famine: so that the king (to avoid the infection) went into an Abbey, not far of, and shortly after died. Whose death the Popes Legate caused to be concealed, and endeavored by policy, and treachery, to get the City. For, when he saw that no other means would prevail, he requested, and friendly desired them, that he, and his Prelates that were about him, might come into their City, to examine what faith they were of, and that he neither sought, nor meant any other thing thereby, but their own safeties, as well of body, as of soul: (which he faithfully sware unto them) that he might return true certificate thereof. Which being granted, and the Inhabitants nothing mistrusting, the Soldiers of that Campe that were there agreed before, made them ready, and rushed in at the entrance of the Prelates, and slue the Porter, & warders, and at length wan the City, and destroyed the same. There be accounted more than two and twenty thousand French Soldiers, that perished one way or other, at the siege.

Anno 1228. [ 1228] About this time, Pope Gregory the ninth, who succeeded Honorius, fell at variance with the people of Rome, in so much, that about y ^e feast of Easter, they thrust the Pope out of the City, pursuing him unto his Castle of Viterbium: where also they invaded him so valeantly, that they chased him to Perusium. Ex Matth. Parisiensi, Pag. 69.

In this year also rose a controversy betwixt the King, and the Prior and Convent of Durham, for choosing of their Bishop: the King taking part with Lucas, a Chaplen of his, whom he offered to their election: the Monks preferring a Clarke of theirs, called William, Archdeacon of Worcester: whom also they presented to the King; but he had no liking unto him. Whereupon, both the parties sent up to Rome: where the matter being traversed with great altercation on both sides, it was at length concluded between them both, that neither M. William, nor yet Lucas, should be taken, but that Richard, B. of Sarum, should be translated to Durham, and be Bishop there.

The like stir happened also, both the same yere, and about the same matter, between the Monks of Coventry, and the Canons of Lichfield, for choosing of their B. which of them should have the superior voice in the electiō of their Prelate: and that matter being had up to Rome, it was concluded that the Monks of Coventry, and the Church of Lichfield should choose their Bishop by course, each part keeping turn the one after the other. Provided, notwithstanding, that the Prior of Coventry, should always have the first voice in every election, whereas the old custom was, that the Convent with the Prior of Coventry was wont to have the whole election of the bishop, without the Canons. ex Math. Paris. pag. 68.

In this year 1228. [ 1228] died Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canterbury, by whom (as N. Triuet recordeth) the chapters of the Bible, in that order & number as we now use thē were first distinct. The said Langton also made Postils vpō the whole Bible: moreover he built the New hall in the palace of Canterbury.

After the death of Langton, fell strife betwixt the King, and the Monks of Canterbury, for the election of their Archbishop: the Monks choose one of their own society named Walter Heuesham: the King preferred Richard Chancellor of Lincoln, and articulated against the other, that he was the son of a Felon, convicted, and hanged: also that he had lain with a Nun, and had children by her, &c. The matter being presented before the Pope, and like to go hard on the Kings part, the Kings proctors promised and granted in his name, to be given to the Pope the tenth part of all the goods of the Realm of England, and Scotland movable, to sustain his wars against the Emperor, so that he would incline favorably to the Kings suit, whereat the Pope boiling (as saith Parisiensis ) with immeasurable desire of subduing his enemy the Emperor, and cherished with so great promises, granted unto them. This was done, An. 1229. [ 1229]

These things thus finished at Rome, the Pope sendeth his own chaplain Stephen, legate into England, to require the tithes of all movable goods of England, Ireland, and Wales, which were promised unto him. Wherevpon the king called a Council at Westminster to common of the matter, where in fine, notwithstanding the dislike of the most part, yet for fear of curse and of interdiction the sum was gathered: so that the Prelates having no other remedy, were driven to sell their chalices, cruets, copes, jewels, and other Church plate, and some to lay to mortgage such things as they had, some also to borrow upon usury, to make the money which was required. Moreover the said Stephen (as saith Parisiensis ) brought with him into England for the same purpose, bankers and userers, who lending out their monie upon great interest, did unreasonably pinch the English people: which Merchant userers were then called Caursini, and such exactions were then upon the poor Englishmen, that not only their present goods were valued, and taxed, but also the corn yet growing against the next harvest, was tithed, &c. Only the Earl of Chester named Radulphus, stood stoutly against the pope, suffering none within his dominion, either lay men, or clarks, to yield any tēths to the Popes proctors. Parisiensis, pag. 74.

This year 1229. was finished the New church of Coventry by Alexander bishop of the same city, and partly by the help of the king: which Church Richard his predecessor bishop of Coventry had begun.

The French men again about this time assailed Raymundus Earl of Toulouse, but prevailed not, the Earl having in the conflict taken 500. and many slain of their seruitours: to the number of two thousand, were taken with their armor. Yet thrice the same Summer did they assault the godly Earl, and were put to flight and discomfited. Parisiensis, pag. 96.

Richard Archb. of Canterbury being now confirmed in his seat, came to the king complaining of Hubert lord chief Justice, for withholding the Castle and town of Tumbridge from him, with the appertenance thereto belonging, & other lands of y ^e Earl of Clare, lately deceassed: which lands pertained to the right of that sea, and to the Church of Canterbury: for the which the said Earl & his ancestors, were bound to do homage to him and his predecessors: and therefore required the keeping of the foresaid castle, with the demeanes to be restored unto him. The king misliking the demand, answered not to the appetite of the Archb. whereby he was so moved, that he brast forth into excommunication of all such as held those possessions, or took their part, the K. only excepted: which done, he prosecuteth his matter before the Pope. The K. hearing thereof, sendeth up M. Roger Contelu, with certain other against y ^e Archb. The Archb. among other the articles, complaineth to the Pope, of certain Bishops his suffragans: who, neglecting their pastoral functiō, did sit on checker matters, belonging to the king, and exercised sessions and judgments of blood: he complained also of beneficed parsons, and Clearks, within orders: for having many benefices joined with the cure of souls, and that they also taking example of Bishops, did intermeddle in secular matters, and in judgments of Lay men. The Pope neglecteth the kings allegations, & favoreth altogether the Archbishop, and sent him away satisfied in his requests, who in his returning homward, within 3. days of his setting forth, died, in the house of the gray Friers at Saint Gemmes. Parisiensis.

After the death of Richard, the monks did choose Randulph Neuell, Bishop of Chester, and the Kings Chancellor, a man faithful, upright, and constant. The King approved of the election, and only the Popes confirmation was wanting. Wherevpon, the monks addressed thē to Rome, to have the popes liking: and first requiring help for the expenses of the journey of the new Archbish, he denied the same, he should seem in any sort, ambitiously to seek after it, and holding up his hands to heaven, thus prayed: O Lord God, if I shall be thought worthy to be called (although indeed unworthy) to the seat, and office of this Church: so be it as thou hast disposed. But if otherwise in this troublesome office of Chauncery, and this my inferior ministry, whereunto I have been assigned, I shall seem more necessary for this thy kingdom & people, I refuse not my labor, thy will be done. The monks notwithstanding, proceeded on their journey, & shown the matter to the pope: the popes holiness inquired of the qualities of the man, of Simon Langthon, brother of Stephen Langthon Archbish. before mentioned: who did so deprave Radulph Neuell to the Pope, that he charged the monks to proceed to a new election: who agreed upon John their prior to be Metropolitan: but he (no other fault being found, notwithstanding he had been examined in 3. days together of the Cardinals) was repulsed for that he was too aged: though he were able to take a journey to Rome and home again.

Anno 1231. [ 1231] the exactions of the pope were so grievous in the land, that it was devised of some of the nobles, that certain letters under the pretensed color of the kings authority, should be sent abroad, commanding that such corn and grain, & other revenues as were taken up for the Pope, should be stayed, & forth coming by a certain day in y ^e said letters appointed. These letters wer thought to proceed chiefly from Hubert, L. chief justice of England: who then next under the K, ruled y ^e most affairs of y ^e realm. This done, they sent these letters by certain soldiers thereto appointed: who did execute y ^e contents accordingly: so that the Italians throughout the land, were spoiled, & their corn & fruits bestowed on y ^e poor commons of the land. This coming to the knowledge of Roger, B. of London: he with the assistance of other bishops, proceedeth to excommunication against them, and such as had forged the kings letters. Yet for all that, the same year, about Easter next following, all the Barns in England, that were in the hands of any Roman, or Italian, were likewise wasted: who for fear were fain to hide themselves in monasteries and celles. The Authors and workers of this feat were four score armed soldiers, of whom the principal Captain was one naming himself William Withers surnamed Twynge.

The Pope hearing of this, sendeth his letters to the king upon the same, threatening him with excommunication, to search out the doers of the fact, & to punish them accordingly: likewise he sent the same charge to Peter bishop of Winchester, and to the Abbot of Saint Edmunds, to inquire in the South partes: to the bishop of Durham, and the Archb. of York, and to Master John Chanon of York a Roman, to inquire in the North partes for the said malefactors. So that earnest inquisition, being made, diverse were found favorers, and diverse even of y ^e clergy: but the chief author was supposed to be Hugo de Burge, L. chief justice, who both with the kings letters, & his own, fortified y ^e doers thereof, that no man durst interrupt them. Moreover, in the same society, was R. Twinge, who of his own voluntary accord came to the king, and protested himself to be the Author of the fact, because that by the sentence of the B. of Rome, and fraudulent circumvention of the Italians, he was bereaved of the patronage of his benefices, having no more to give but that one. Then the king, and other executors of the Popes commandment, counseled him to offer himself to the pope to be absolved, and there to make declaration of his cause. The king also wrote letters in the behalf of his Soldiers, requiring favorable audience. At the request whereof, P. Gregory, both released him of the sentence, and restored him to his Patronage. But the grudge against Hubert did not so ende, for the Bishops conspired against him: and first cometh Peter, B. of Winchester, to the K. with grievous complaints: and so prevailed with him, that he caused the Lord Hubert to be put from his office, and procured Steeuen Segraue to be placed in his room. And afterward, the K. was more & more kindled against him, and called him to account for old matters whereof he had the hand of the king to show for his discharge, which notwithstanding was not accepted: the bishop of Winchester replying, that the charter of king John had no force after his death, but that ye may now (said he (be called to reckoning of this king for the same.

The injuries also, & damages wrought against the clarks of Rome, and the Italians, and the Popes Legates, were objected against him, with diverse other crimes concerning the estate &c. Wherevnto he was required to answer by order of law. Hubert then seeing himself in such a straight, refused to answer presently, but required respite, because the matters were weighty which the king objected unto him: which was granted til the 14. day of September: but in the mean time, fearing the king, he fled from London to the priory of Merton, and was destitute on every side: saving only that Lucas Archb. of Dublin, with instant prayers, & tears, labored to the king for him. When the day was come, that Hubert must appear, keeping amongst the monks of Merton, he durst not show himself: whereat the King being offended, directed his letters in all hast to the mayor of London: commanding him to muster, and take up all that could bear harness in London, and by force of arms, to bring him Hubert either quick, or dead, out of Merton: which was accomplished. And on the next morrow, the Londoners (who hated Hubert ) issued out with twenty thousand men, and set forward toward the Abbey of Merton, where Hubert was prostrate before the Altar, commending himself to God.

In the mean season, while the Citizens were on their iournie, it was suggested to the king by Radolph, Bishop of Chichester, and Lord Chancellor, that it was dangerous to raise up the rude multitude for fear of sedition. Moreover, what shall be said (quoth he) among the Frenchmen, & other Nations, but thus (iestingly, and in mockery) see what a kind birde is this young king of England, that seeketh to devour his old Nurse, under whose wings he hath been brought up in his youth? With which words the king being moved, sent in all hast after the army, willing them to retire. One of the Messengers (for he sent two) made great speed, and shown the kings pleasure in good time: the other (desiring the destruction of Hubert ) lingered in his way, and notwithstanding he rode but a soft pace, fell of his horse, that by chance stumbled, and brake his neck.

After this, the Archb. of Dublin, with great suite entreated, and obtained of the K. to grant Hubert respite till the xii. of January, to provide him of his answer. Whereupon, Hubert taking some confidence, and (as it were) coming to himself) took his journey to S. Edmondsburie, where his wife was: and passing through Essex, inned at a certain Town, belonging to the B. of Norwich. Whereof, when the king was certified, (fearing least he should make some commotion in the Realm) sendeth in hasty anger after him, Sir Godfrey Crancombe, knight with 300. men, commanding them under pain of hanging, that they should bring him to the Tower of London. Which commandment was accomplished in hast. Hubert having intelligence of their coming, (rose out of his bed, naked as he was) & ran to the Chapel near to the Inn where he was, and there with one hand holdeth the cross, and with the other the sacrament of the Lord's body. Godfrey entering the Chapel with his armed Soldiers, and taking the Cross and Sacrament out of his hands, bound him fast with Fetters and Giues, under the horse belly, and brought him to the Tower. Whereat the king (having tarried up, watching for him) greatly rejoiced, and went merrilye to his bed.

The next morrow following, Roger, Bishoppe of London, had knowledge after what sort he was taken out of the Chapel. He cometh to the King, blaming him boldly for violating the peace of holy Church: and protested, that unless the party were loosed again, and sent to the Chapel, from whence he was taken, he would enter into sentence of Excommunication against the deed doers. Whereupon, the king sendeth him back again to the Chapel, by y ^e same Soldiers that brought him out before: and giveth charge under pain of hanging, to the Sheriffs of Hartford, and Essex, that in their own persons, with the strength of both Shires, they should watch, and compass about the Chapel, and see that Hubert in no wise should escape. In the mean time, he continued in prayer, night, and day: and Lucas Archb. of Dublin, his true, and almost only friend, ceased not to pray, and weep to the King for him, desiring him at the least to participate unto him, what he purposed to do with Hubert Whereupon, the King answering, said, of three things he should choose whether he would. First, either to forswear the Realm of England forever: or to be condemned to perpetual imprisonment: or else to confess him self openly to be a traitor. But hereunto Hubert made answer, that he would choose none of these, as, who was neither guilty, nor worthy of any such confusion. But to satisfy somewhat the mind of the King, he would be content to depart the Realm for a season: but to abjure the realm, he would not so do.

In this mean time, Radulphus, Earl of Chester, and Lincoln, which was one of the greatest enemies he had, died. Hubert yet continued enclosed in the Chapel, until his two servants (which ministered unto him) were taken from him by the kings commandment.

Then Hubert (seeing no other remedy, but there to be starved with hunger) offered him self of his own accord unto the Sheriffs: who by the K. commandment, brought him again to the Tower.

Not long after the K. hearing that Hubert had committed his treasure to y ^e Templars in London, sent to thē to deliver it into his hands who refusing so to do, the king commanded Hubert to cause the treasure to be delivered: which he did most willingly, and yielded both himself, his treasures, & all that ever he had unto the kings will, and pleasure. The enemies of Hubert hereupon cried out against him, saying: that he was a thief, & had stolen the treasure from the king, had deserved to be hanged: and thus cried the accusers daily in the kings ears: but the king now somewhat appeased & satisfied, answered that there was no need so straitly to deal with him, who frō the time of his youth first served his uncle K. Richard, then his father K. John: in whose service (as he heard say) he was driven to eat his horse, &c. and that he had rather be counted a king, foolish & simple, then to he judged a tyrant toward such as have served him, and his ancestors in so many dangers, faithfully waying more the few evils (which yet be not proved) then so many good deserts of his evident, and manifest service, done both to him, and the whole realm. And thus the king somewhat relented to poor Hubert his old servant, and granted to him such lands as he had given by king John his father: and whatsoever he had else by his own purchase.

Thus Hubert had some cheering, and with the favor of the king, the nobles began to be satisfied: and four Earls, namely, Richard the kings brother, William, Earl of Warren, Richard, Earl Marshall, and William, Earl of Ferries, became Sureties for him unto the King. Upon which Sureties, he was translated to the Castle of Diuisis.

Whereupon, the Bishoppe of Winchester cometh craftily to the King, and desireth the custody of that Castle, making no mention of Hubert, to the intent, that by the keeping thereof, he might the sooner dispatch him. Hubert hearing thereof, openeth the matter unto two of his servants, who conveyed him by night upon their backs (fettered as he was, his keepers being a sleep) into y ^e parish church of y ^e town, & there remained w ^t him. The keepers (after search) found him in the Church, and with violence drew him into the castle again, whereof the Bishop of Sarum understanding, came to the castle where Hubert was, and requireth that he might be brought to the church again, from whence he was taken: which when the keepers denied to do, the bishop gave sentence of excommunication against them: and that done, with the bishop of London, and other bishops, goeth and complaineth to the king of the injury done to Hubert, and contumely against the church: neither would they leave the king, before they had obtained that he should be brought again into the Church, and so he was: but not long after the king commanded to keep him with watch, till either he came forth, or perished by famine.

In the mean season, great dissention arose between the King, and his Nobles: by means whereof, Hubert was taken by Richard, Earl marshall into Wales, and there remained til the King at length was reconciled with his nobles, and so received with the rest Hubert again into his favor.

As Hubert was vexed for emptying the Popes barns, so likewise Roger, Bishop of London, being suspected for the same, was enforced to travel to Rome, there to purge himself before the Pope.

This Roger, after his return from Rome, labored to expel out of his Dioces, the Italian Usurers, called Caursini and (they withstanding him) proceedeth to the sentence of excommunication against them. But they so wrought with the Pope, that they caused the Bishoppe of London (being both aged, and sicklie) to be cited beyond the Seas, there to make answer unto such objections as were inferred against him. And so the bishop was compelled to let the cause fall.

The same yere, the Pope (to recover his losses) proclaimed a general visitation thorough all religious houses, exempt, and not exempt, universally pertaining to his jurisdiction, where, by the cruel dealing of the visitors, many were compelled to travel, & appeal to Rome, to the great expenses of their money, and filling of the popes coffers. And (as Parisiensis saith) the visitatiō tended not to any reformation, so much as to the deformation of the universal order: while all they which before through all parts of the world followed only the rule of Benedict, now through new devised constitutions, are found so divided, & diverse, that of all the monasteries, and other churches of religion, scarce may two be found, which do agree in one rule, and institution of life.

In the time that Hubert was secluded frō the king. [ 1233] none bare sway under him but Peter B. of Winchester: by whose counsel the natural seruitours of the king were removed, and strangers placed in greatest offices. To him were joined Peter de Riuallis his coosin, who had committed to him all the great holds & munitions of the realm. Stephen Segraue who succeeded Hubert, & Robert Passelew, who had the keeping of the treasure under Peter Rival: so that by these, all the affairs of the realm were ordered: & whereof the nobles complaining, through the bishops means could have no audience. So that they sent word to the K. that unless he would without all delay seclude from him Peter B of Winchester, and other Alians of Pictauia, they would with the common consent of the realm, displace him of his kingdom. At which message the king was much perplexed: but Winchester wrought so with him, that the king warred upon the Marshall, with other of the Nobles near two years.

The same year the king built a monastery of cōuerts at London, for the redemption of his soul, and the soul of king John his father, and the souls of all his ancestors, &c. Ex Math. Paris. pag. 86. After the election of John Prior of Canterbury was disanulled, one John Blund was elected: who traveling up to Rome, An 1233. [ 1233] to be confirmed of the pope, was vnchosen again, for that he had received of Peter B. of Winchester 1000. marks, and had another 1000. promised him of the said Winchester: thinking by his money to make him of his side, & also wrote to the Emperor to help forward his promotion in the court of Rome: but all was in vain. After whom by the commandment of the Pope, one Edmund, Chanon of Salisbury, was ordained Archb. and had his pal sent him from the pope: which Edmund, after, for his virtues was canonized for a Saint: about which time also Robert Grosted was made bishop of Lincoln.

This Edmund with other bishops, An. 1234. [ 1234] declared boldly in the name of the Lord's (the king being in counsel at Westminster) that the counsel which then he followed was dangerous, both to him and the realm. Adding moreover except he would in short time reform himself, they would proceed by censure of the Church against him: these words of the Bishops being spoken, the king required a little time of respite to advise him, saying: that he could not of a sudden remove his council from him, before he had entered his accompt with them of his treasures committed unto them, and so the assembly brake up.

Not long after this Edmund the archb. was invested in y ^e church of Canterbury: who shortly after his consecration, about the month of April coming with his Suffragans to the place of counsel, where the King with his Barons and Earls was assembled, put him in mind of his promise, touching the reforming of matters: denouncing, that except he would speedily so do, they would proceed to the sentence of excommunication against him, & those that should show themselves enemies: whereupon the king within few days after commanded Winchester to leave the court, and to go to his Bishopric: moreover he commanded Rival the Bishops coosin (some stories say his son) to render unto him his castels, and to give accompt of all his treasures, and so to void the realm: swearing moreover unto him, that if he were not beneficed, and within orders of the Church, he would have caused both his eyes to be pulled out of his head. He expelled also the Pictauians, & sent Edmund, the Archbishop, with Chester, and Rochester, to entreat of peace with Leolin and Richard, Earl marshall and others. But in the mean time, while these things were doing in England, Richard, Earl marshal, by the falsehood of the Bish. of Winchester, and Peter Rival, forging the kings letters to the Irishmen against him: and partly by the conspiracy of Gilbert de Morisco, was circumvented by the Irishmen in war: and there taken, and wounded, and by them (through the means of his Surgeon) slain.

About this time great slaughter was of thē which are called Catini, about the parts of Almaine: they were esteemed of pope Gregory, and the papists, for heretics: but what their opinions were, it is not certain. Parisi.

In like sort, the Albigenses in great number were slain by pope Gregory in a certain plain in Spain. Paris. fo. 87

The king hearing of the death of the Earl marshal, made great lamentation for him.

At Gloucester, the Archb. with the bishops, declared to the K, the conditions of peace: & desired y ^t he would be reconciled to the Nobles, & those he had banished the Realm. Whervpon, the King directed his letters, and gave safeconduct to all the exiles, that they should repair to him about the beginning of June at Gloucester. Wherevppon first cometh to the King, Hubert, offering himself to the kings goodwill, and favor: whom the king with cheerful countenance, embraced: restoring unto him, all that he had taken from him, of living, and possessions: and after him, came others that were embraced of the king, and received into favor again, and those that were before high in the Kings favor, reproved and rejected, and among other matters, for the death of the Earl marshal.

The same year the peace grew in England, dissentiō fell at Rome, betwixt the Pope and the Romans: for that the Citizens claimed by old custom, that it was not lawful for the pope to excommunicate any citizen, nor suspend the city with any interdiction for any manner excess. The Pope answered, that he is less thā God, but greater than any mā, therefore greater then any Citizen: yea greater then King or Emperor: and forsomuch as he is their spiritual father, he ought, and lawfully may chastise his children. For this, and other controversies, such dissention arose, that the pope with his cardinals, removed to Perusium: but the Romans overthrew diverse of his houses in the city. Wherefore he did excommunicate them. The Romans then flying to the Emperor, desired his aide: but he gathered an army, and to pleasure the Pope, went against them, and joined with the Popes army: whose Captains were, the Earl of Toulouse (to purchase the popes favor) and Peter the foresaid B. of Winchest, who joining together with the emperor, vexed the citizens greatly, who with the mumber of a hundred thousand without order, issuing out with purpose to destroy Viterbium the popes cities, were destroyed thenselves (in great number) of their enemies. On both partes were slain 30. thousand But the most part were of the Citizens. This dissention continued long after.

In the time of this Gregory 9. ann. 1230. [ 1230] the schism of the Church brake out into a plain division, utterly disseuering the East Church from the West, upon this occasion.

There was a certain Archbishop, elected to a Bishopric among the Grecians: who coming to Rome to be confirmed, could not be admitted without a great sum of money: which when he refused to pay, and detested the execrable simony of the Court of Rome, he made his repair home again to his country, vnconfirmed: declaring to the whole nobility of that land, how the case stood. Wherevpon all the Church of the Grecians hearing this, at the same time departed utterly from the Church of Rome. Insomuch that the Archbish. of Constantinople coming afterward to the Council of Lions, declared there openly, that, whereas he had before time above thirty Bishoprics, and Suffragans, now he had not three. Adding moreover, that all the Grecians, and certain other, with Antioch, & the whole Empire of Romania, even to the gates (almost) of Constantinople, were gone from the obedience of the church of Rome. Paris. f. 112. & f. 186.

By occasion of which separation, in the yere 1237. Germanus. Archb. and Patriarke of Constantinople, wrote unto Gregory the ninth, desiring him to study, & seek means of unity, and that he would not refuse to meet him in the midwaye, to debate of the matter, that unity might be recovered. But the Pope refused, and shortly after, sent forth his preaching Friers, to move all Christians to take the sign of the Cross, and to fight against the Grecians, even as it were against the Turks, and Saracens. In so much, that in the I will of Ciprus, many good men, and martyrs, were slain for the same, as by letters of the said Germanus doeth appear: who wrote to the Pope, and Cardinals, to reform themselves: which was so taken of the Pope, that shortly after he prepared to send men of war, signed with the cross, to fight against the Grecians. Whereupon, the Archb. of Antioch, with the foresaid Germanus, solemnlie excommunicated the Pope.

The exactions of the Pope were so intolerable in the land, that king Henry the third wrote to Pope Innocent the fourth, for releasement, in most humble, and gentle manner, anno 1244. [ 1244] the 28. yere of the kings reign: Yet it booted not, for the Pope was not ashamed to take of David, Prince of North-wales, five hundred marks a year, to set him against the King of England, and exempted him from all his fealty, and obedience, which he had sworn.

In the year one thousand, two hundred forty five, the whole Nobility of the Realm, by general consent, with the kings knowledge, caused all partes of the Sea side to be laid, that no Messenger with the Popes letters, & Bulls from Rome, should be permitted to enter the realm. Wherupon, some were taken at Dover, & there stayed. Notwithstanding, when complaint thereof was brought to the king, by Martinus the Popes Legate, there was no remedy, but the K. must needs cause the letters to be restored again, and executed to the full effect. Then the king (upon advise) caused a view to be taken through every Shire in England, to what sum the whole revenues of the Romans, and Italians, amounted to, which by the popes authority went went out of England. The whole sum whereof, was found yearly to be 60000. marks. To which sum, the whole revenues of the crown did not amount.

The Nobles then understanding the miserable oppression of the Realm, being assembled together at Dunstable for certain causes, sent one Fulco, in the name of the whole Nobility, unto Martinus, that he should with speed depart the land, except he would be cut all to peers. Which message the Legat shown to the king, and demanded if his consent were thereto: and finding small comfort, took his leave, and departed, an. 1245. [ 1245]

After this, followed immediately a general Council at Lions: to the which, the estate, and Lord's of the Realm, with consent of the Communaltie, sent two bills: the one containing a general Supplication to the Pope and Council: the other, with the articles of such greeuances as they desired to have redressed. The Supplication was sent by Sir Roger Bigotte, knight, and William de Powick, Esquire, and Henry de la Mare, with other knights, and Gentlemen. After y ^t it was there opened, & read, P. Innocent first keeping silence, deferred to answer thereto, making hast to proceed to his detestable sentence of excommunicatiō & curse, against the good Emperor Fred. Which curse being done, the Pope told them flatly, they should not have their requests fulfilled: and incontinent during y ^e same council, he caused every B. of England to put to his hand and seal, to the obligation made by the king John for the Popes tribute: threatening moreover, that if he had once brought down the Emperor Frederick, he would bridle the insolent pride of England well enough.

In the beginning of the next year following, An. 1246. [ 1246] Pope Innocent came to Cluniake: where he persuaded the French king Louis, to make war against the king of England: whereto the French king would not agree: but shortly after concluded with him longer truce.

Ouer and beside all other exactions, the Pope sending down his letters from the sea Apostolic, charged the prelates to find him some ten, some five, some fifteen able men, well furnished with horse and harneis, for one whole year to fight in the Popes wars: and least the king should have knowledge hereof, it was enjoined them under pain of excommunication, that they should reveal it to none, but to keep it secrete only to themselves.

Pope Innocent now intending to subdue the Greek church, sent the provincial of the Grayfriers, with other associates of the same order into England, with his precepts authentical, that all goods gotten by usury, should be attached for his war against the Greeks: and that all those should be absolved from all their sins, that would take on them the cross to fight against the Grecians, &c. with other articles tending to the Popes profit.

The same year 1246. [ 1246] The Pope commanded the Prelates of England, that all beneficed men in the realm of England, which were resident vpō their benefices should yield the third part of their goods: and they which were not resident should give the one half of their goods, for the space of three years together: which sum being esteemed together, was found to amount to 60000. l. The executiō of this commission, was committed to the B. of London: but as consultation was had about the matter at Paul's, the King sendeth straight charge, that they should not consent thereto. Parisiensis, fol. 207.

And afterward, An. 1247. [ 1247] about February, the king called a parlement, and directeth Ambassadors with letters, and also to make manifest the grievances of the land unto the court of Rome: whereto the Pope maketh a slender, and an impertinent answer.

In the year 1244. [ 1244] Jews the French king, son to queen Blāch fell very sick, lying in a swound or trance, for certain days, that some said, he was dead: his mother, amongst the company superstitiously given, went & brought a piece of the holy cross, with the crown, and spear: which piece of the holy cross, Baldwinus Emp. of Constantinople (whom the Grecians had deposed a little before, for holding with the B. of Rome) had sold to the French king, for a great sum of money, and blessed him with the same: also laid the crown and spear to his body: making a vow withal, in the person of her son: that if the Lord would visit him with health, and release him of that infirmity, he should be marked with the cross to visit his sepulcher. Thus as she with the Bishop of Paris, and other, was praying: the King with a sigh began to pluck to his arms, and legs: and so stretching himself, began to speak, giving thanks to God that had delivered him from death. And assone as he was well recovered, received the sign of the cross, vowing for a freewill sacrifice, that he would in his own person visit the holy land.

After that, great preparation was made thorough out France, for the journey. The most part of the Nobles crossing themselves, after the example of the king. The Frenchmens example, moved William longa Spata, with the Bishop of Worcester, and certain Gentlemen to the same journey.

Anno 1248. [ 1248] the feast of John the Baptist drew nigh, which was the time appointed for the setting forth, and nothing wanted thereto, saving the variance betwixt Frederike the Emperor, and the Pope: which he thought good to seek to appease, that he might have both safer passage through the Emperors country, and less jeopardy might be at home. But the Pope would not in any sort come to agreement, although the Emperor offered him whatsoever amends he would require: and if the Pope could not abide his tarrying in his own dominions and empire: he said he would go fight against the Saracens, and Turks, never to return into Europe again, there to recover lands and kingdoms, whatsoever did at any time belong unto Christendom, so that the Pope would be only contented, that Henry his son should be Emperor after him. Neither could this be admitted. Then he offered for truth of his promise, to put in the French king, and the king of England for his sureties, or else for trial of his cause, to stand to their arbitrement. Neither would that be granted. At last, he desired that he might come himself, and answer before the Council: which the Pope also refused, Paris. fol. 187. Anno 1225. [ 1245]

The French king finding no favor at the Popes hand, for the Emperor, taketh his leave of him at Lions, with heaviness, and proceeded in his journey: and having now taken Damiata, the Soldan sent unto the king, by certain that were about him: offering to the Christians, the quiet, and full possession of the holy land, and all the kingdom of Jerusalem: and besides, other infinite treasure of gold and silver: or what else soever might pleasure them. Only upon condition, that they would restore again Damiata, with the captives there: and so would join together in mutual peace, and amity, &c. It was also firmly spoken, that the Soldan, with most of his nobles, were intended to leave the law of Mahomet, and embrace the faith of Christ: so that they might quietly enjoy their lands, and possessions. But they had commandment from the Pope by his legate, that if any such offers should be made, they should not in any case accept of them. Paris. fol. 233.

But afterward the Soldan growing to be more confident, refused that which before he had offered: and in conclusion, the army of the Christians, was wholly destroyed by the Saracens: and the French king with his two brethren taken prisoners: the King was raunsomed at sixty thousand marks, and Damiata delivered again, upon condition that the Soldan should see him safely conducted to Achon. The number of Christians that perished in that journey, were 80000. persons. Paris. fol. 237, 238.

After this overthrow of the French king, and his army, the Christians of Antioch, and of other Christian regions, gave over their holds, and cities.

In the reign of Henry the third, was the good Emperor Federike the second vexed of the Popes: first, of Innocentius the third: to whom, with his dominions, he was in his minority committed by his mothers testament, thinking thereby to have safely provided for him. But this Pope, so soon as he had protection of the young Emperor and his seigniories, became a false Traytour against him: and stirred up Sibill, the late wife of Tancredus, whom Henry put from the kingdom of Sicily, to recover the same again, & procured the aid of the French K. thereunto. At which time, the worthy protector Innocent 3. sent his legats with letters of excommunication against such, that would not admit one Walterus, (who had married with the eldest daughter of Tancredus ) for their king: and also absolved the Princes electors, and other Nobles, from their oath which they had made to Henricus, touching the establishing of his son in the empire: and wrote his Epistle to the Duke Barthold of Zaringia, to be Emperor: which he refusing, he went about to procure, that Otho the son of Henry Leo should be made Emperor. But Frederick now growing to man's estate, gathered his pour and pursued Otho: who anon after died, and so he was crowned Emperor of Honorius the Pope, that succeeded Innocentius, and was of him consecrated, and called Augustus.

After his consecration, he gave many great gifts, & assured by his charter, to the church of Rome, the dukedome of Fundanum: he gave moreover, and remitted what constitutions the Pope would desire: whereby whatsoever he were, which for the diminution of the liberties of the church were excommunicated, and so continued a years space, that then he should be within danger of proscription, and not be released without satisfactiō made, and that he were admitted by the Pope to the Church again.

A while after Frederike departing from Rome, certain conspirators, both bishops, & others, against the emperor, fled to Honorius for succor. Which when Frederik understood, he began to expostulate with the B. considering the vnseemlinesse of that his fact: the pope on the other side, thundered out his curses, and excommunications against him.

Nicholaus Cisnerus affirmeth, that whilst Frederike the Emperor was in Sicilia, his wife Constantia died at Catrana, or Catana. In the mean time, the Christians with a great many, sailed into Egypt, & took the City Heliopolis, commonly called Damatia, & long ago named Pelusinū: being in good hope to have drivē Sultanus y ^e Soldan, out of Egypt,) had a great, and marueylous overthrow, by the conveying of the water of Nylus (which then overflowed) into their Campe, and were fain to accord an unprofitable truce with the Soldan, for certain years, and to deliver the City again. Whereupon, king John, surnamed Brennius King of Jerusalem, arrived in Italy, and desired help of Emperor against his enemies.

And from thence he went to Rome, to the Pope, declaring unto him their calamity, and present peril, desiring aid therein. By whose means, the Emperor (as saith Cisnerus ) was reconciled with the Pope and made friends. To whom also king John gave Ioell his daughter in marriage, which came of the daughter of Conradus king of Jerusalem, as right heir thereunto by her mother: by whom also he obtained the kingdoms of Naples, and Sicill, and promised he would in his own person with all speed, assay to recover the kingdom of Jerusalem. Honorius that lately was reconciled unto him, purposed to have made against him some great and secret attempt: but was by death prevented. After whom succeeded Gregory the 9. as great an enemy to Frederick as Honorius: which Gregory came of the race of him whom the Emperor had condemned of treason, wrought against himself. This Gregory was scarcely settled in his papacy, when that he threatened him with excommunication, unless he would prepare himself into Asia (according to his promise) unto king John: which was only (the Emperor being absent) that he might bring some purposes against him to pass. Fazellus a Sicilian writer, saith: that the chiefest cause of the Emperors stay, was for the oath of truce and peace, during certain years: which was made betwixt the Saracens, & Christians, that yet was not expired

When K. John's daughter of Jerusalem, was brought to Rome, and the Emperor and the Pope reconciled together, to celebrate the marriage: Gregory (as the manner was) offered his right foot to the Emperor to kiss, who stouped not so low, but scarce kissed the upper part of his knee, and would not kiss his foot: whereat the Pope was greatly offended, and purposed to revenge it, as occasion should serve.

Afterwarde, the Emperor prepared himself to the journey against the Saracens, and recovery of Jerusalem, but was stayed by sickness, all other things being in a readiness. Who, after he had recovered himself, proceeded in his journey: and when he came to the straights of Peloponesus, and Creta. His disease grew upon him again, and sodainlie he fell sick: whereof the Pope hearing, thundered against him excommunications, and curses, laying most foul, & false crimes to his charge. In so much, that the Emperor was fain to purge himself by his letters, unto the Christian Princes: especially, of Germany, and the Nobles of y ^e Empire, his Ambassadors not being suffered to approach the P. presence.

But now, being recovered of his sickness, he provided all things necessary for the war: and came to Joppa, and so used the matter, that the Saracens granted his demands right profitable for the Christian Common-wealth, and a peace was concluded for ten years, and confirmed by solemn oath on both sides: the form and condition of which peace, was thus. First, that Frederick should be crowned K. of Jerusalem Secondly, that all the lands and possessions which were situate betwixt Jerusalem, and Ptolemaida, and the greatest part of Palestine, the Cities of Tirus and Sidon, which were in Siria, and all other territories, which Baldwinus the fourth at any time had, and occupied there, should be delivered unto him: only, certain Castles reserved. Thirdly, that he might fortify, and build, what Fortresses, and Castles he thought good, Cities and towns in all Siria, and Palestine. Fourthly, that all Prisoners in Saracens hands, should be freely set at liberty: and again, that the Saracens might have leave (without armor) to come into the Temple, where the Sepulcher of the Lord is, to pray, and that they should keep still Cratum, and the kings mount.

These things obtained, Frederick desireth the Pope, that for as much as he had now accomplished his promise, neither was there any cause, why he should now be offended with him, that he might be reconciled, and obtain his favor. In the mean season, the Emperor, with all his army, marcheth to Jerusalem: where, upon Easter day, anno 1259. [ 1259] he was crowned king. Only, the Patriarch of Cypres, and Olive, the Master, or Captain of the temple, repining thereat. In the time of the Emperors being in Asia, the Pope practiseth against him at home. And first, caused the Soldiers which the Emperor sent for out of Germany, to the maintaining of the holy wars, to be stayed, passing through Italy, and caused them to be spoiled of all such provision as they had: and sent letters into Asia, to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Soldiers, that kept the Temple, and Hospital, inciting them to rebel against the Emperor. And furthermore, dissuaded the Princes of the Saracens, that they should make no league with Frederike, neither deliver up unto him the Crown, and Kingdom of Jerusalem: Which letters fell into the hands of the Emperor.

Besides these practices, he also excited his father in law, John Brennius; and the French king, to invade his Dominions: which jointly they did.

Thus, while the Pope practiced in the dominions of Frederike, he received the letters of his good success in Asia: which greatly vexed his holiness, so far of was he from rejoicing thereat. Whereby it may appear, that his desire was, to have the Emperor take that dangerous journey, there to miscarry, and perish. But the Pope (that he might have some pretence) blamed the Emperor, for that he had suffered the Saracens (although without armor and weapon) to enter unto the Sepulcher of Christ, and had left for them a lodging, near unto the place.

The Pope also caused a rumor to be spread, of the death of the Emperor, to the end he might allure unto him, the fidelity of those cities in the kingdom of Naples (which yet kept their alleagance unto Frederike ) of whom they should now hope for no longer refuge.

The Emperor now understanding what stir the P. kept in his Dominions, returned w ^t such power, & success, that he winneth in Italy as many towns, as the Pope had, even almost to Rome, and after that Vmbria and Picena: yet for Christian and public tranquility sake, he sendeth unto him his Legates to entreat a peace, declaring that he would (if no other conceived grudge were then pretended) make to him an accompt voluntarily of all things that he had done in his life: and that he would and was contented to submit himself unto the Church: and that for this cause he willingly offered unto him both duty and obseruancie, and sent him Princes and Dukes of the Empire to entreat for this peace: yet was the popes insolency such, that he would not that year be brought to any agreement, but the next year after with much ado, a peace was made and concluded betwixt them by the help and industry of Leopaldus of Austria, and Hermannus Captain of the Duitch soldiers, and the President of Messana. The Pope then absolving the Emperor of his excommunication, took therefore of him an hundred and twenty thousand ounces of gold, and promised him the titles both of the empire, and also of his kingdoms: yet kept he not promise with him, for besides other breaches, he neither restored the customs in the land of Sicil, neither yet the city Castellana. Yet notwithstanding, Frederike for peace sake, bare the injury, and studied by liberal gifts to make the Pope his trusty friend. But no means would serve: so that he moved Henry, the Emperors son in his absence, to rebel against his father: besides other conspiracies procured against the Emperor: who returning into Italy, to punish those that had rebelled with his son. The P. admonished those that were faulty, to join themselves together, and to furnish their Towns, and Cities, with garrisons, & to send for aid to their friends, and to provide weapons meet for war. And furthermore, sendeth his Ambassador to y ^e Emp. to whō (under pretence of peace) he sendeth out commandment, to interdict him and his land, so soon as he came within the borders of Italy, yet the Emperor marcheth forth into Italy, notwithstanding the Popes forbidding, and brought under the cities that rebelled, as Mantua, Verona, Ternisium, Patauium, and others, & overthrew the Popes confederates, whereat the pope being somewhat dismayed, began to fear the Emperor, and now goeth about to deprive him: which he understanding, sendeth four Legates unto him, that might answer, and refute the crimes laid against him. With which Ambassadors the Pope refuseth to speak, and at a day appointed pronounceth the sentence of proscription against the Emperor: depriving him of all his dignities, honors, titles, perogatives, kingdoms, and the whole empire, and and solicited against him Tewepolus the Venetian, who yet stood fast and faithful to the Emperor. Yet certain princes of Germany, by the Popes means, revolted from the Emperor, as Otho the Governor of Reims, and Duke Boiora, who also caused three other Princes and Dukes, to revolt from the Emperor to the Pope: as Vuenceslaus, and Belus, Princes of che Hungarians, and Henry, Duke of Polonia: to whom also came Fredericus Austriacus his son. These gathering a Council, (when they had thought to have translated the empire unto the kings son of Denmark) desired to have the Popes Legates to be sent from him to the effect of that election.

These news being brought to the Emperor, at Patauium: he purgeth himself of the crimes, to the Christian Princes, and denounceth a solemn Council of all y ^e princes, and other Nobility of the Empire, at Aegera: to whom resorted diverse States, and Nobles. The pope, on the other side, soliciting against the Emperor all that he might: so that some had tithes given them to fight against the Emperor: other, Glebe-lands, and benefices: other, the spoil of such Colleges, and Monasteries, as took not part with the Pope: And to some other were given Colleges, and Monasteries themselves: yea there were certain of the popes own birds that had their ecclesiastical tithes taken from them, and other some had the rentes and revenues of their Colleges plucked away by force, to the maintenance of the popes quarrel against the Emperor. But the Emperor prevailed and came to Viterbium, which drave the Pope into a fear, least he would also come to Rome: wherefore he caused a supplicatiō to be drawn, pourtraying about the same the heads of Peter and Paul, and with a sharp and cōtumelious Oration, he much defaced the Emperor, promising them everlasting life, and giving the badge of the cross to as many as would arm themselves and fight against the Emperor, as against the most wicked enemy of God and his church, yet the Emperor by God's blessing prevailed and subdued the popes confederates.

Now while this stir was betwixt the Emperor and the pope, Ochodarius the Emperor of the Tartarians son, with a great power invaded y ^e borders next adjoining unto him, & there wan Ropolanum, Rodolium, Mūdanum, with diverse other cities & towns, killing man, woman, & child, and destroyed all Hungary, & made great spoil in both the Pannonias, Mesiarum, Bulgaria, & Seruia. When Belus the king of Hungary had gotten to Pola, a city of Histria: unto Otho duke of Dalmatia, he sent his Legates to Frederick the Emperor, promising, if that he would send him aid to expel the Tartars, Hungary should ever after be under the jurisdiction of the Empire. The Emperor was in respect of the common cause of Christians, very willing to satisfy his request, but the pope with his confederates hindered the same, as he signified to the king of Hungary by his letters. Notwithstanding he sent Conradus Caesar king of Bohemia, and other Princes more of Germany, to withstand the enemy, as much as lay in them to do. But y ^e great army and number of soldiers that ware the cross, by the Popes assignment, differed their journey against the Tartarians, and had commandment given them by Albertus the Popes procurator, to abide at home, till they should be called for in battle to fight against the Emperor: and notwithstanding this spoil and havoc of Polonia, Bohemia, and Hungaria, by the Tartarians, it was determined that at Libussa the Princes confederate should be assembled, about the deposing of the Emperor, and creating another: & the league with him and the French king by the popes means, either was utterly infringed or else in variable suspense. Wherefore Frederick now seeing no other remedy, prosecuteth his war to the uttermost, and wasteth all the country about Rome, wherewith the Pope was so dismayed, that being in despair to obtain his purpose, he died for very anger and thought.

This Gregory brought into the Church much horrible impiety, blasphemy, & wickedness, & among others brought in that most detestable Canticle, Salue Regina: in which he attributeth the honor and worship only due to Jesus Christ, unto the virgin his mother. This is he, in whose name the book of the Decretals was set out, a sink of folly and impiety.

After this Gregory was placed Celestine, borne in Mediolanum, among the Castellians: who (as Blondus declared) by feigned promises, offered a league with Frederick, and the 18. day after he was created, he died.

Now Frederick thinking himself void of fear, lenieth an army against the Tartarians, for the relief of the Christians, who hearing of the coming of the Emperor, returned another way, by the river Danubius to Tanricia, and so through the fennes of Meotida, and by the river Tanaum into Sarmatia Asiatica.

After Celestine, the cardinals made choice of Simbaldus a Genouais for pope, whom they called Innocentius the 4. which election Frederick was well pleased with: as he signified by letters and Legates gratulatorie to the pope.

The legats of Frederick, with the furtherance of Baldronius Emperor of Constantinople, labored very diligently for conclusion of promised peace: but all in vain, for while the Emperors legats attended for answer of peace, Ramerus the Cardinal went secretly and took Viterbium which was on the Emperors part. The Emperor (notwithstanding there seemed no hope of peace) doubted not but if he might himself speak with the Pope, he upon reasonable conditions should well enough accord with him: wherefore he desired him by his legats to appoint a place where the Emperor might speak with him. The Pope seemed to be content therewith, but on a sudden went to Lions, and called a council, and with a loud voice sommoneth Frederick, and appointing him a day commanded him there personally to appear to plead his cause. The Emperor agreed, but required convenient time to travail thither. The pope would not so much as grant 3. days, but being both judge and accuser, condemneth him before he could come thither without proof of any crime, or his cause suffered to be pleaded. But God's judgment failed him not: for the writers of the annals accord, that when Frederick the Emperor, and Conradus his son were dead and the pope gaping for the inheritance of Naples and Sicil, and thinking by force to subdue the same, coming to Naples w ^t a great army of men, there was heard manifestly in the Popes court a voice, pronouncing these words. Thou wretch, come to receive thy judgment. And the next day the pope was found dead all black and blew, as though he had been beaten with bats.

When the Emperor had understanding of this cruel sentence, he signified the injury to all Christian Princes by his letters, and provided every way to withstand the P. and his confederates: and after diverse aduenturs & variableness of things, he came into a certain castle of his in Apulia, called Florentinum, where he fell sick of an ague, and died. Having had purpose, as Pandolphus Colonuthius writeth, of some marvelous exploit, & great attempt. Frederike died willingly, and gladly, in the year 1240. [ 1240] the 13. day of December, the 57. year of his age, and 37. of his reign, and was buried at Panorium. The pope counted him an enemy of the Church: and so both Innocentius the fourth pronounced him, and the same sentence have other Popes registered in their 6. Book of decretals, and established the same for a law, that he ought to be taken for no less.

In the Country of Sueuia, about the time of Frederike the second, anno 1240. [ 1240] or near about the same, were many preachers, which preached freely against the Pope, & preached that he was an heretic, and that his bishops & Prelates were Simoniakes, and heretics, and that the inferior priests had no authority to bind and loose, but were seducers: and that such cities and countries as were then under the popes curse, might notwithstanding lawfully resort to the receiving of the sacrament, as well as before. Item, that Friers, Dominick & Franciscan did subvert the church with their preaching, &c. And not long after these, rose up Arnoldus de noua villa, a Spaniard, a man famously learned, & a great writer, ann. 1250. [ 1250] whom y ^e pope condemned among heretics, for holding, and writing against the corrupt errors of the popish church. His teaching was, that christiā people are led by the pope into hell. Item, that cloisterers are void of charity, and denied that masses are not to be celebrated, & that they ought not to do sacrifice for the dead, &c. And as this Arnoldus was condemned, so likewise the same time, Johannes Seneca, the glosewriter of the popes decrees, and prouost of Halberster, was excommunicated, and deprived of of his prouostship, for resisting Pope Clement the fourth, gathering certain exactions in Germany, and therefore he appealed from the Pope to a general Council; and had many great favorers on his side: till at last, both the Pope and he died.

After this, followed Guilielmus de sancto amore, a Master of Paris, and a chief Ruler then of that University. Al testimonies of Scripture, that make against Antichrist, he applieth them against the clergy of Prelates, and against the popes spiritualty.

The same Guilielmus is thought to be the author of the Book which is attributed to the School of Paris, and entitled, De periculis ecclesiae, where he proveth by thirty and nine arguments, that friers be false Apostles. He was by Antichrist, and his rablement, condemned for an heretic, exiled, and his books burned.

In the days of this Guilielmus, there was a most detestable, and blasphemous book, set forth by the Friers, mentioned also in Matthias Parisiensis, which they called Euangelium aeternum Spiritus sancti, the everlasting Gospel, or the Gospel of the holy Ghost. In which book, many abhominable errors of the Papists were contained, so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was utterly defaced. Which said book, was not to be compared to this everlasting Gospel, no more then the shell was to be compared to the kernel, or the darkness to light, &c.

Moreover, that the Gospel of Christ should be preached no more but fifty years, and then this everlasting Gospel should rule the Church, &c.

Item, that whatsoever was in the whole Bible, was in the same Gospel contained. At the length, this Friers gospel was accused to the Pope: and so six persons chosen of the whole University, to peruse, and judge of this book: as, Christianus, Canonicus, Beluacensis, Ododoaco, Nicholaus de Baro, Johannes de sicca vella, Anglus, Johannes Belim, Gallus. Among whom, this Guilielmus also was one, who mightily impugned this pestiferous, & devilish book. These six (after the perusing of this book) were sent to Rome. The friers also sent their messengers withal: where they were refuted, and the errors of the book condemned: but so, that the pope, with the Cardinals commanded y ^e said book to be abolished, and condemned, not publicly (tendering the estimatiō of the religious orders) but y ^e they should be burned secretly, and the books of the foresaid Guilielm{us} to be burned withal. Among other besides of y ^e age-which withstood the B. of Rome, and his antichristian errors, was one Laurence, an Englishman, and master of Paris: another was Petrus Johannes, a Minorite. Laurence was about the yere 1290. [ 1290] who proved the Pope to be Antichrist, & the Synagogue of Rome great Babylon. The Pope, after his death caused his bones to be taken up, and burned. To these is to be added, Robertus Gallus, an. 1290. who being born of right noble Parentage, for devotion sake, was made a dominike Frier. He had diverse visions against the Pope, and Sea of Rome. He called the Pope an Idol. He forewarned (as is in a certain Chronicle declared) how God would punish the simony, and avarice of the Clergy, with such a plague, that rivers should run with blood. It is said, there is remaining a great volume of his visions.

To these fathers is to be joined Rob. Grosted, B. of Lincoln, a man famouslie learned in the iii. tongues, & in philosophy. He wrote diverse books, and one special Sermon, he exhibited in four sundry scrowles to the Pope, and other four Cardinals: beginning, Dominus noster Jesus Christ{us}, &c. He wrote diverse Inuectiues against the Pope.

The Pope (amongst his other intolerable exactions) had a certain neuew (so the popes are wont to cal their sons) named Frederike, being yet under age, whom Innocent would needs prefer to be a Chanon, or Prebende, in the Church of Lincoln: and directed down his letters, to certain his factors here in England, for execution of the same. Wherewith Grosted was greatly offended, and maketh a quick, and sharp answer to the Pope: whereat he fretting and fuming, answered with a proud look, and fierce mind, what old doting frantic wretch is this, so boldly and rashly to judge of my doings? By sweet S. Peter and S. Paul, were it not but upon our own clemency and good nature we are constrained, we would hurl him down to such confusion, that we would make him a fable, a gasing stock, an example and wonderment to all the world: for is not the king of England our vassal, and to say more, our manciple and page, which may at our pleasure and beck imprison him, and put him to utter shame.

This when the Pope had in rage uttered, scarce were his Cardinals able to appease him with gentle and mild words, declaring unto him the inconvenience, if he should so proceed, besides giving great commondation of Grosteds learning and godliness. These words spake Lord Giles a Spanish Cardinal to the pope, and this Council gave the rest unto him, that he should wink at these things, least some tumult might arise thereof, especially seeing this is manifest and known to all men, that once must come a defection and parting from the church of Rome.

Not long after, this Robert Grosted died at Budgen. In time of his sickness, he called unto him a Preaching frier, one John Giles, and did greatly complain of the disorders of the Friers, and of the Roman clergy, proving the Pope to be an Heretic: declaring and reproving manifold abuses of the church of Rome, and said that this old verse may truly be verified upon it.

that is: The whole world doth scarce satisfy his covetousness, neither doth one harlot suffice for his leacherie: and in the end prophesied: Neither (saith he) shall the Church be delivered from the servitude of Egypt, but by violence and force, and by the blouddy sword. So scarce able to utter his words, with sighing, sobbing, & weeping, his tongue & breath failed, and so finished his days. He departed, An. 1253. [ 1253] Of his decease: thus writeth Math. Paris. pag. 278. Out of the prison and banishment of this world which he never loved, was taken the holy bishop of Lincoln, Robert, at his Manor of Buckdune on the eeuen of S. Dionise: who was an open reproouer of the pope, and of the king: a rebuker, of the Prelates: instructer of the clarks: favorer of scholars: preacher to the people: persecutor to the incontinent: a diligent searcher of the Scriptures: a maule to the Romans, and a contemner to their doings, &c.

This Robert Grosted caused to be viewed, and considered diligently of his clerks, what the reuenew of forrenners and strangers set in by the pope came to by the year, and it was found, and evidently tried, that pope Innocent the fourth, did impoverish the universal Church of Christendom, more then all his predecessors from the time the pope first began: so that the revenues of forreners & clerks placed by him here in England, mounted to the sum of 70. thousand marks and above: whereas the mere revenues of the crown came not to 30. thousand.

Mathias Parisiensis reporteth, that pope Innocentius, an. 1254. being marvelous angry with Grosted, contrary to the mind of his Cardinals, would have his bones to be cast out of the church: and purposed to bring him into such spite, that he should be counted an Ethnic, a rebel, & disobedient person throughout the world: and thereupon caused his letters to be sent to the king of England, knowing that the king would gladly serve his turn therein, to have the spoil of the bishop and his Church. But the night following Grosted appeared unto him coming in his Pontificalibus, and with a severe countenance, and terrible voice speaketh unto him being in his rest, and smiteth him on the side vehemently with his crossestaffe, saying: O thou scurffie lazy, old, bald, lowsie, wretched, doting Pope, hast thou purposed to cast my bones out of the Church, to the slander and shame of me, how came this rash willfulness into thy head? it were more meet for thee to make much of the zealous servants of God, although departed: with other words of reproof, and so departed from him, leaving him stricken, and half dead: so that he never enjoyed any prosperous day, or could have any quiet night til the morning, unto his death: which happened shortly after, he being at Naples, ann. 1255. [ 1255] or as N. Treuet recordeth, 1254.

After Innocent the 4. succeeded in the Popedom, Alexander the 3.

After this, about the year 1260. [ 1260] fell debate betwixt the King and his Nobles: but so was it compounded, that the King and the Lord's did swear at Oxford, that what laws and decrees in the same assembly, should be provided to the profit of the King and the Realm, the same universally should be kept and observed, to the honor of God, and peace of the Realm Besides the king and the Lord's, there were also 9. Bishops, which swearing to the same end, excommunicated all such as should gainstand the said provisions there made. Wherevppon, diverse wholesome laws were enacted, which misliked the King, in such sort, that he required of the Pope for himself, and his son Edward, to be dispensed with of their oaths, Anno 1261. [ 1261] Which being easily obtained, the king steps back from all that was before concluded.

The same year died pope Alexander: after whom succeeded Urban the 4. who also revived and renewed the releasement of the kings oath aforesaid: whereupon grew war betwixt the king and the Barons.

Anno 1264. [ 1264] died Pope Urban, and after him succeeded Clement 4. who, (as Nicholas Riuet affirmeth) was first a married man, & had wife and children, and was the sollicitor and Counselor to the French K. then after the death of his wife, was Bishop, entitled: Padiensis. after that, Archb. of Narbourn, and at last, made Cardinal: who being sent of Pope Urban in legacy for reformation of peace, in his absence, was elected Pope by the Cardinals.

About this time flourished Thomas of Aquine Reader at Paris among the Dominick Friars: and Bonaventure among the Franciscan Friers, ex Nichol. Riuet.

Anno 1265 [ 1265] the pope granted that the Church of England should pay tenths of all revenues, as well temporal as spiritual, to the King, to continue three years space: & the year after, the popes Legate, Octobonus, caused to be proclaimed a new grant of pope Clement to the King and Queen of all the tenths for 7 years to come.

Anno 1267 [ 1267] peace was concluded between the King & the Barons, and Octobonus departed the land. This Octobonus enrolled to perpetual memory, the valuation of all the Churches in the realm of England, so narrowly as by any means he might inquire the certainty thereof.

The same was he that made all the Cathedral & conuentuall churches to pay pensions: so that those churches that gave not the vacancy of their benefices to their Clerks and strangers, should pay unto them a certain yearly pension during the vacancy of the benefices they should have.

The same year died pope Clement the 4. after whose death the church of Rome was vacant 2. years: and then was chosen an Archdeacon Pope, whose name was Theardus, as he was taking his journey into the holy land, and called him Gregory the tenth.

During the reign of King Henry the 3. Edward the Kings son was one that made a general expedition against the Saracens to Jerusalem, and in the year 1270, in the month of May he set forward in his journey. [ 2270]

About the time when Prince Edward was preparing his journey towards Asia, Boniface the Archb of Canterbury ended his life in the country of Sebaudia, going belike to Rome, or coming thence. In whose stead Gregory the tenth placed Robert Kilwardly, neither according to the mind of the Monks, who agreed upon the Prior of their house named Adam Chelendine, nor of the king, who spake in the behalf of Robert Burnell there Chancellor.

About this time came out the great Concordances, by an English frier, called Derminghton. Ex Eulogio.

Anno 1273. [ 1273] Pope Gregory the tenth called a general Council at Lions, about the controversy betwixt the Greek Church and the Latin, and for the vacancy of the sea apostolical.

This year in the month of April, Richard King of Almaigne, died at the Castle of Barthamsteed, and was buried at the Abbey of Hailes, which he builded from the ground.

This year 1273. died King Henry, the 16. day before the calendes of December, in the 56. year of his reign, & was buried at Westminster. The steeple and church whereof in his life time he began to build, but did not fully finish the same before his death.

After Henry the 3. succeeded his son Edward, and was crowned anno 1274. [ 1274]

Anno. 1276. [ 1276] began the foundation of the Black fryers by Ludgate. And in the year 1285. the new work of y ^e church of Westminster that began in the 3. year of Henry the third was finished: which was 66 years in edifying.

An. 1291. [ 1291] The Jews were utterly banished the realm: for which, the Commons gave to the K. a Fifteene.

King Edward had sharp war with the Scots, and subdued them three times: who seeing they could not make their party good against the King, sent privily to P. Boniface for his aid, and council: who immediately sendeth down his precept to the king, that he should hereafter cease to molest the Scots, for that they were a people exempt, and properly pertaining unto his Chapel: and therefore it could not otherwise be, but that the City of Jerusalem must needs defend her own Citizens: and as the mount Zion maintain such as trust in the Lord. Wherevnto the king made answer with an oth, that he would maintain that which was his right evidently known to all the world.

The next year after, which was the 29. of the kings reign, the Pope directeth his letters to the king again, wherein he challengeth the kingdom of Scotland, to be proper to the Church of Rome, and not subject to the king of England, and therefore it was against God, &c. for him to hold any dominion over the same: Among other reasons, one was because the kingdom of Scotland was converted by the relics of S. Peter to the faith of Christ, and therefore if he would claim any right to the same Church, or any part thereof, he should send up his procurators, specially to the same appointed, with all that he could for himself allege unto the sea apostolic, there to receive, what reason and right would require.

The king calling a parlement Ann. 1301. [ 1301] answereth the popes letters, and so did the Lord's temporal, and the whole Baronry of England.

The year 1303. [ 1303] Pope Boniface the 8. stirred up Edward, king of England, to fight against the French king Philip, with whom the Pope had taken displeasure.

After the bishopric of Rome had been long void, thorough the dissention of the cardinals, for the space of two years, and three months. At the length Celestinus was chosen Successor to Pope Nicholas the fourth. Which Celestinus, in his first Consitory, began to reform the clergy of Rome, thinking to make the same an example to all other Churches. Whereby, he procured to himself such hatred of the Clergy-men, that this Boniface being called Benedictus, speaking through a Reede, by his chamber wall in the night season, admonished him (as it had been a voice from heaven) that he should give over his Papacie, as a burden greater then he could bear. Ex Mass.

Which in deed after six months he did (partly for the voice spoken before, and partly for fear) being told of certain, which were craftily suborned in his chamber, that if he did not resign, he should lose his life. And, when he had resigned, Boniface thrust him into perpetual prison, and so he died. Wherefore, this Boniface was worthily called the viii. Nero: of whom it was rightly said, he came in like a Fox; reigned like a Lion; and died like a dog.

This Boniface, invading after Celestinus, behaved himself so imperiously, that he put down Princes, excommunicated Kings, such as did not take their confirmation at his hands. Divers of his Cardinals he drave away for fear: some of them (as Schismatiks) he deposed, and spoiled them of all their substance. Philip the French king he excommunicated, for not suffering his money to go out of his realm, and therefore cursed him and his to the fourth generation.

Albertus the Emperor, not once, or twice, but thrice sought at his hands to be confirmed, and yet was rejected: neither could obtain, except he would promise to drive the French king out of his Realm.

The factious discord in Italy, betwixt the Gulephs, and the Gibellines, he greatly set on fire: in so much, that upon Ashwednesday, when Porchetus, an Archbishop, came, and kneeled down before him, to receive ashes, the Pope (looking upon him, and perceiving that he was one of the Gibellines part) cast a handful of ashes in his eyes: saying, Memento homo, quod Gibellinus es, &c. Remember man, that a Gibellin thou art, and to ashes thou shalt go.

This P. (moreover) ordained first the Iubilie in Rome: in the solemnizing whereof, the first day he shown himself in his Pontificalibus, and gave free remission of sins, to as many as came to Rome, out of all partes in the world. The second day, being waited on with Emperial ensigns, he caused a naked sword to be carried before him, & said with a loud voice, Ecce potestatem vtriusque gladij. Lo here the power, and authority of both swords, &c.

By this P. diverse constitutions, extrauagantes of his predecessors, were collected together: with many of his own lewdly added thereto, and so made the book, called Sextus Decretals: by whom also sprang up first, pardons, and indulgences from Rome.

Now, the cause of quarrel betwixt the Pope, and the French king, (according to N. Riuet, ) was this. Anno 1301 [ 1301] the Bishop of Oppanuham (being accused for a conspiracy against the French king) was brought up to his Court, and so committed to prison. The Pope hearing of this, sendeth word to the King by his Legat, to set him at liberty: which the king did, and withal, discharged both him, and the Legat, commanding them to avoid his Realm.

Whereupon, Boniface revoked all the privileges granted by him or his predecessors before to the kingdom of France, and not long after thundered out the sentence of his curse against him: citeth all the Prelates, all Deans and Lawiers, both Civil and Canon to appear personally before him at Rome, and at a certain day, which was the first of November.

Against this citation the king again provideth by straight proclamation, that no manner of person should export out of the Realm of France, either gold, silver, or any other manner of ware or merchandize, providing withal the ways and passages diligently to be kept, that none might pass vnsearched: also, he defeated the Pope of giving Benefices, Prebendaries, and other Ecclesiastical livings: for which cause, most sharp letters passed betwixt them. Boniface beginning thus: Boniface the servant of God's servants, &c. Fear God, and observe his commandments: we will thee to understand, that thou art subject unto us, both in spiritual things, and in temporal. The king answereth, w ^t this salutation: To Boniface, bearing himself for chief B. little health, or none at all. Let thy foolishness know, that, &c.

In the year 1303. [ 1303] Master William Nagareta made declaration against the Pope, with appellation made at Paris, afore the King and his Council in the Church at Paris. This William Nagareta propounded four Articles against the Pope, that he was an usurper, an Heretic, an horrible symoniacall, and a blasphemer of the way of truth, and required of the king and prelates to call a council, that provision might be made for the bettering of the estate of the church: and afterward laid out in 28. articles more at large the villainies of this Boniface, as that he believed not the immortality of the soul: that he should say, whoredom is no sin: that he caused his images to be made of silver and to be set up in churches. That he had a private devil. That he was a witch. That he was a Sodomite, a murderer, &c. Which things the King understanding, with the Archbishops and Bishops made appellation to a council for the matters. Thenames of the prelates were these: the archbishops of Nicosien, Remen, Senoren, Narbonen, Turonen: the Bishops of Landuiren, Belnacen, Catolacen, Antisiodoren, Meldimen, Nurmen, Carnoten, Aurelianen, Ambiauen, Mornen, Silanen, Andeganen, Abricen, Constant, Ebroicen, Lexonicon, Sagien, Caloromont, Lemonicen, Auicen, Mascicoren &c. With Abbots, &c. This appeal was made the 9. year of Bonifaces popedom at Lupara in Paris.

After these things thus in the Parlement agreed, the Prelates of the Clergy, consulting among themselves what was best to be done in so doubtful a matter, and dreading the Popes displeasure for that which was done already, to clear themseues in the matter, they contrived a letter to the Pope, partly, to certify him what there was done, and partly to admonish him what he should do.

These things thus done, anno 1304. [ 1304] about the nativity of the Virgin Marie, came a garrison of harnessed Soldiers well appointed, sent partly by the French king, partly by the Cardinals, Columpna whom the Pope before had deposed unto the gates of Auragum, where the Pope did hide himself, because he was borne in the town, the captains of which army was one Schaira brother to the foresaid cardinals, and another William de Longareto, high steward to the French king, who invading the Popes town, and finding the gates open, gave assault to the Popes Frontier, where he with his Nephew or Marques, and four other Cardinals were immured. The townesmen seeing all their strength to be bent against the pope, caused the common bell to be rong, and so assembling themselves in a common counsel, ordained Adulphus one of the chiefest rulers of the town for their Captain, who (unknown to them) was a great adversary to the Pope. This Adulphus bringing with him Reginaldus de Supina, a great Lord in Campania, and the two sons of John Chitan, a noble man, whose Father the Pope had then in prison: at length joined him with the French company against the Pope, and so beset his palace on every side: and first setting upon the palaces of the three Cardinals, which were then chief about the Pope, rifeled, and spoiled all their goods: the Cardinals by a back door, hardly escaped their hands. But the popes palace, through munition and strength of the Marques, was something better defended. At length, the Pope perceiving himself not able to make his party good, desired truce with Schaira and his company, which was granted him from one of the clock till nine.

During which time of truce, the Pope sendeth privily to the Townsmen of Aruagum, desiring them to save his life: which if they would do, he promised to enrich them, that they should all have cause never to forget, or to repent the benefit bestowed. To this they made answer again (excusing themselves) that it lay not in their power to do him any good, for that the whole power of the Town lay with the Captain.

Then the pope all destitute & desolate sendeth to Schaira, beseeching him to draw out in Articles wherein he had offended him, and he would make him amends to the uttermost. Schaira maketh answer again, that he should not escape with life but upon three conditions.

First, to restore again the two Cardinals of Columpna his brethren, whom he had before deprived, with all other of their stock, and kindred.

Secondly, that after their restitution he should renounce his papacy.

Thirdly, his body to remain in his power and custody.

These conditions the pope would none of: so that the time of truce expired, the captains and soldiers first fired the gates of the palace, whereby the army having a full entrance, fell to rifle, and spoil the house: at length they burst in to the pope, whom they put to choice, either presently to leave his life, or to forgo the popedom. But that he denied stiffly to do, rather choosing to die for it, saying: Lo here my neck, lo here my head, protesting that he would never while he lived renounce his papacy. Then Schaira went about, and was ready to slay him, but by certain that were about him he was stayed: the Soldiers in the mean time did lade themselves with gold and treasure, that as Robert Auesb. reporteth, all the Kings of the earth together were not able to disburse so much out of their treasury in a whole year, as then was taken and carried out of the Popes palace, and of the palaces of the three Cardinals, and Marques.

Thus Boniface bereaved of all his goods, remained in their hands three days: during the which space, they had set him on a wild and unbroken colt, his face turned to the horse tail, causing the horse to run and course, while the Pope almost was breathless: moreover they kept him so without meat, that he was thereby almost famished to death. After the three days the Aruagians with 10000. soldiers slue the keeper, & burst into prison, and delivered Boniface almost famished, whom the people refreshed with vittaile, and received his blessing. From thence he took his journey to Rome, being accompanied with a great number of harnessed soldiers: where shortly after, partly for fear which he was in, partly for famine, & partly for sorrow of his inestimable treasure lost; he died. After whom succeeded Benedict the 9. of whom these verses are written.

Boniface afore mentioned was the Author of the Decretals. About this time in the days of king Edward, Boniface directed a Bull to John Peckham archbishop of Canterbury (whom he had placed against the mind of the king and Church of Canterbury) as also unto all other quarters of the Church universal: in which was decreed that no Church, nor Ecclesiastical person, should henceforth yield to his king or temporal magistrate, either any giving, or lending, or promising of tribute, subsidies, or portion, whatsoever of the goods and possessions unto him belonging, but should be clearly exempted and discharged of such subjection or tallage, to be exacted of thē in the behoove of the prince, and his affairs.

Not long after, the King held his Parlement at Saint Edmunsburie, where was granted unto him of all Cities and Boroughs, an eight, and of the commons a twelfth of their goods: only the clergy by reason of the bull stood stout, whereupon the king likewise secludeth them from under his protection, and sauegard of his laws: and because the Archbishop was more stout, and an inciter of the rest, he seised upon his goods, and caused an Inventory of the same to be enrolled in the excheker.

After the death of John Peckham, succeeded Robert Winchelsy, with whom the king had like variance, as with the other Peckham: and accused him to the Pope for breaking of peace, and taking part with them that rebelled against the king about usages and liberties of the realm: wherefore the king being cited up to the court of Rome, was there suspended, till he had purchased his absolution again. And as this King was troubled with Archbishops: so from Hildebrand, and the time of Lanfrancus, every King in his time had somewhat to do with that sea.

By Peckham before mentioned, it was ordained that no spiritual minister should have more benefices then one: which also was decreed by the constitutions of Octo and Octobonus, the Popes Legate the same time in England.

The Kings mother was a professed Nun in Amesburie. In the later year of this kings reign, Cassianus K. of the Tartarians (of whom come these which now are Turks, fighting against the Souldan, king of the Saracens in the plain of Damascus slue a 100000 of Saracens: and again at Babylon fighting with the said souldan, flue him in the field, & 200000. of his Saracens, & calling upon the help of Christ, and thereupon became Christian. The same Cassianus his brother also afterward was christened him self and all his house.

In the reign of this King, Walter Merto Bishop of Rochester built Merton College in Oxford: in whose reign also lived Henricus de Gandano, Arnoldus de villa noua. Dantes Scotus called Duns, and other mo.

After pope Benedict succeeded Clement the 5. who translated the Popes court to Avigno in France.

By this Clement it was ordained, that the Emperor, although he might be called K. of the Romaines before, yet he might not enjoy the title of Emperor before he was by him confirmed: and that the Emperors seat being vacant, y ^e P. might reign as Emperor until anew were created. By him the orders of the templars which (at that time were too abhominable) were put down at the council of Vienna: He also ordained, and confirmed the feast of Corpus Christi, assigning indulgences to such as heard the service thereof: and also compiled the 7. book of the decretals, called of his name the Clementines.

In the time of this Pope, Henricus the sixth of that name, Emperor, was poisoned, receiving the Sacrament, by a false dissembling monk, called Bernard, which was thought not to be done, without the consent of the Popes Legate. For the which fact, although he escaped, yet diverse of his order after that, with fire, and sword, were slain.

This Pope excommunicated Andronicus Paleologus, Emperor of Constantinople, anno 1327. [ 1327] declaring him to be a schismatic, and heretic, because he would not suffer the Grecians to make their appeal from the Greek church to the Pope, neither would acknowledge him to be his superior, &c: from which, the Greek church was exempted, saving the space of 58. years, during the time of the French Emperors, all which time the French Emperors, with the Greek Church, were subject to the church of Rome: but afterward, such was their hate against the Romans, that because Michael Paleologus, and the Grecians, being called up by Gregory the tenth, to a Council at Lions, about the controversy of proceeding of the holy Ghost, &c. did submit themselves to the Church of Rome: the Greek monks and Priests denied him the due honor, and place of burial.

After Clement the 5. succeeded pope John the 22. with whom Lodouike the Emperor had much trouble: after whō, succeeded Benedict the 12.

This Benedict, on a certain time being desired to make certain new Cardinals, answereth again, that he gladly would so do, if he also could make a new world. For this world (said he) is for these Cardinals, that be made already. Ex scripto Engethusensis.

An. 1307. The xxxiiij. year of the reign of the king, in the beginning of Hillarie Tearme, the King kept a Parlement at Carlil,