The History of the Worthies of England

Here let me recommend some choice Charity to bountiful Hearts and plentiful Estates.

It were arrant presumption for any to imprison freedom itself, and confine another's Bounty by his own [pretended] Discretion. Let the charitably minded do what, when, where, how, to whom, and how much, God and their own goodness shall direct them. However it will not be amiss humbly to represent unto them the following considerations: The rather because many well affected to the public good, have lately been disheartened with the frustrations of former Charity.

First, for the time: it is best to do it whilst they are living, to prevent all suspicions that their intentions should be misemployed. Sem will not be angry with me for saying Cham was a Mocker of his Father. Peter will not be offended if I call Judas a betrayer of his Master: Honest Executors will take no exception if I justly bemoan that too many dishonest ones have a •… used the good intents of the Testators. How many Legacies sound and whole in themselves have proved before they were paid, as maimed as the Cripples in the Hospitals, to whom they were bequeathed? Yea as the blinded Syrians (desiring to go, and believing they went to Damascus ) were led to their Enemies, and into the midst of Samaria, so is it more then suspicious, that many blind and concealed Legacies, intended for the Temple of God, have been employed against the God of the Temple.

Next for the objects of well doing. Surely a vigilant Charity must take the Alarum from the Groans of the Prisoners.

The Schoolmen reduce all Corporal Charity to seven principal heads,

See here how these 7. kinds of good Works are placed like the Planets, whilst to Redeem Captives, stands like the Sun in the midst of all the rest.

Indeed it may be sadly presumed; that such Captives oft times want Visiting, Meat, Drink, Clothes, Dressing, and all things but burying (except any will say, that they are buried alive; Liberty being the Life of man's life) so that the Redeeming of Captives is eminently comprehensive of all these outward acts of Charity. Yea this Act may extend itself to a Spiritual Concernment; to save many Souls from Damnation; seeing it may be feared that many despairing of Ransom, may put their Souls in Thraldome to purchase the Liberty of their Bodies, and renounce their Religion.

could therefore wish, That there were in London, a Corporation of able and honest Merchants (whereof that City affordeth a plentiful choice) legally impowered to receive and employ the charity of well affected people for a General Goale Delivery, of all English Captives, in Tunis, Tripoli, Algier, Salli, &c. And our Countrymen first discharged, if there were any Surplusage running over, that it might be disposed for the ransoming of Christians of what Country soever. This were a Heroic Act indeed, whereby Christians endeavor to be like Christ himself, who was the Grand Redeemer.

Oh, that I might be but instrumental (in the least degree) to advance their Enlargement; I should behold it as an advancement to myself. Two Reasons make me the more importunate therein; One, because the Papists had a Company of Friars in England, of the Order of the Holy Trinity, De Redimendis Captivis, which being now extinct, I humbly conceive that we are bound in Conscience, as to quench the Superstition, so to continue the Charity of so good a design. Secondly, because whilst other Beggars can tell their own Tale, we must plead for them who cannot plead for themselves; There being so great a Gulf of distance betwixt us and them; And God grant, That we may never pass over to theirs, but they return to our Condition.

Objection, 1. It maketh Mariners Cowards, who presuming on good men's charity, that they shall be ransomed, do not fight it out valiantly against the Turks, as they ought and might, but surrender themselves on such expectations.

Answer. I see not but the same Objection lies with equal force against the Redeeming of Soldiers taken in land Fights, by what Foe soever, by exchange, or otherwise. Secondly, accidental and sinister miscarriages, ought not to discourage any sincere intention. Lastly, let those, who have given the best testimonies of their Valour, be first redeemed, and let them lie longer, to suffer bad usage, till the feeling thereof, shall convert them into more valor, if (after their Liberty procured) engaging again on the same occasion.

Objection, 2. The late Long Parliament made an Act, since (after some intermission) renewed, charging a Tax on Merchants Goods (known by the name of Algier Duty ) for the Redemption of Captives in Turkey.

Answer. The blessing of God light on the hearts of those (if living) who first moved, and since revived it, as I doubt not but those departed this life, have found their Reward. I could heartily wish, that yearly a Catalogue were printed of the names of such prisoners thereby redeemed, not knowing whether it would be more honorable for, or Satisfactory to this Nation. But seeing such provisions fall short of doing the Work, and cannot strike home to break off the Fetters of all Prisoners, It will not be amiss to implore the auxiliary Charity of others.

Next I desire them to reflect upon aged sequestered Ministers; whom with their charge, the (generally ill paid) fifth part will not maintain, say not it will be interpreted an affront to the State to Releive them, which it hath adjudged Offenders. If the best of beings should observe this Rule, all the World would be starved. Secondly, some of them, abateing only that their Conscience inclined them to the Royal Cause, were otherwise unblameable both in Life and Doctrine. Thirdly, the better Divines they were, the worse they are able to shift for themselves, having formerly no excursion into secular affairs, so that applying themselves only to, and now debarred the exercise of the Ministry, they are left in a sad condition. Lastly, allow them faulty, yet quid teneri infantes? &c. It is pity their Wives and Children should be ruined for their offense, but enough hereof, seeing in motions of this Nature, a word is enough to the wise, and half a word too much for others.

Lastly, I recommend unto their Charity, such Servants who have nothing save what they have gained by their industry, and have lived seven years and upwards, with the same Master, I mean not Apprentices, but such Covenant Servants, which are bound to their Masters (their year being ended) with no other Indentures then their own discretion, and are sensible that they must run a hazard, and may loose with their alteration. Especially such Females, who prefer a good Master in certain, before a good Husband in hopes, and had rather serve in plenty, then wed and adventure Poverty.

I confess such is the cruelty of some Masters, no Servant can, and such the fickleness of others, no Servant may stay long with them. Such a Master was he, who being Suitor to a Gentlewoman, came every time he visited her, waited on by a new man (though keeping but one at once) such was his inconstancy and delight in Change. Whereupon when taking leave of his Mistress, he proffered to salute her spare your Complements (said she unto him) for probably I shall shortly see you again, but let me, I pray you, salute your Servant, whom I shall never behold anymore.

However though sometimes the •… ault may be in the Masters, or Mistresses, yet generally Servants are to be blamed in our Age, shifting their places so often without cause. The truth is, the Age that makes good Soldiers, mars good Servants, cancelling their obedience, and allowing them too much Liberty. What Nabal applied falsely and spitfully to David (There be many Servants now a days which break away every man from his Master ) was never more true then now. Yea, what Tully said of the Roman Consul (chose in the morning and put out before night) some Servants have been so vigilant, they never slept in their Masters houses, so short their stay, so soon their Departure.

The Ficklenesse and Fugitivenesse of such Servants, justly addeth a valuation to their Constancy, who are Standards in a Family, and know when they have met with a good Master, as it appears, their Masters know when they have met with a good Servant. It is pity but such Properties of a Household should be encouraged, and Bounty bestowed upon them, may be an occasion to fixe other Servants to stay the longer in their places, to the general good of our Nation.

I desire these my Suggestions should be as inoffensively taken, as they are innocently tendered. 〈◊〉 I know there was in the water of Bethesda after the Angel had troubled it, a medicinal power. I know also that such impotent folk as lay in the five porches, were the proper Subjects to be cured: But alas! they wanted one at the critical instant, to bring their wounds and the Cure together, and to put them seasonably into the water. I am as confident that there be hundreds in England, really willing and able to Releive, as that there are Thousands that do desire, and in some sort deserve their charity. But there wanteth one in the pr •… per juncture of time, to present such poor objects, to their liberality, and if these my weak endeavors may be in any degree instrumental to promote the same, it will be a great comfort unto me.

I will conclude this Subject with a motive to Charity, out of the Road of, besides, if not against the ordinary Logic of Men.

To Seven and to Eight, that is, extend thy Bounty to as high a Proportion of deserving persons, as can consist with thy Estate, for thou knowest not what evil will be upon the Earth, Matters are mutable, and thou mayest need the relief of others.

Ergo, saith the Miser, part with nothing, but keep all against a Wet day, not so, Solomon, advising to secure somewhat in a safe bank, the backs and bowels of the Poor. Never Evil more likely to, never People less knowing of the same then ourselves. And therefore the Counsel never out of, is now most in season.

Why Benefactors Since, are distinguished from them, Before the Reformation.

I conceive it not fit to mingle both together, for these two Reasons▪ First, because of the difference of their Charity Since the Reformation, as not parched up by the Fear of the Fire of Purgatory, but kindly ripened by the Sun, viz. A Clear Apprehension by the Light of the Scripture, that they were bound to do good Works.

Secondly, because a Romish Goliath hath defied our English Israel, taxing our Church Since the Reformation, as able to show few considerable pieces of Charity, in comparison of those beyond the Seas, who may hence be easily confuted.

Indeed when I read the emulations between Peninna and Hanna, it mindeth me of the contests betwixt the Church of Rome and us, such the conformity between them.

Her Adversary provoked Hanna sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord hath shut up her Womb.

But how did Hanna rejoice afterwards? The Barren hath born seven, and she that hath many Children, is waxed feeble.

It is confessed immediately after the Reformation, Protestant Religion stood for a while in amaze (scarcely recovered from the Marian Persecutitn ) and was but barren in good works. But since her beginning to bear fruit, she hath overtaken her Roman Corrival, and left her fairly behind.

Let the extent of time, and content of ground be proportionably stated, and England cannot be matched for Deeds of Charity in any part of Spain, France, and Italy, as by the ensuing Catalogue of Benefactors to the Public will appear.

Objection. You had better omitted them, leaving them modestly to multiply and increase in their own silence and secrecy. You know how dear David paid for numbering the people.

Answer. David did not offend in mere numbering the people, but in not paying the Poll-money, appointed by God in such cases (purposely to decline the Plague) which omission argued his Pride of heart. It is lawful for Protestants, without any just suspicion of Vain▪ glory and Ostentation, to make a list, and take the number of Benefactors in this kind, provided the Quit-rent of praise, be principally paid to the Lord of Heaven. Besides we are not Challengers, but Defenders of ourselves herein, against the challenge of another, desiring to do it in all humility, in confidence of our good cause.

And here I can hold no longer, but must break forth into a deserved commendation of good works. Glorious things in Scripture are spoken of you, yea fruits of the spirit. By them the Gospel is graced, wicked men amazed, some of them converted, the rest of them confounded, weak Christians confirmed, poor Christians relieved, our faith justified, our reward in Heaven by God's free grace amplified; Angels rejoice for them, Devils repine at them, God himself is glorified in them. Oh therefore! That it were in my power, to exhort my Countrymen, to pursue good works with all earnestness, which will add so much to their account.

Some will say, if the English be so forward in deeds of Charity, as appeareth by what you said before, any exhortation thereunto is altogether supers •… uous.

I answer, the best disposed to Bounty may need a Remembrancer; and I am sure that Nightingale, which would wake, will not be angry with the Thorn which pricketh her Breast when she noddeth. Besides, it is a Truth what the Poet saith,

Thus the exhortations of the Apostles at Jerusalem, were commendations of St. Paul, Only they would that we should remember the poor, the same which I also was forward to do.

Lastly, though many of our Nation be free in this kind, there want not those, who instead of being Zealous are Jealous of good works, being so far from shining themselves, that they enviously endeavor to extinguish the light of others; whose Judgments I have labored to rectify herein.

The Stating of the Word REFORMATION, with the Extensiveness thereof.

No word occurs oftener in this our Book then REFORMATION: It is as it were the Equator, or that remarkable Line, dividing betwixt Eminent Prelates, Leaed Writers, and Benefactors to the Public, who lived Before or After It.

Know then that this Word in Relation to the Church of England, is of above twenty years extent. For the Reformation was not advanced here, as in some Foreign FreeStates, suddenly not to say ( rapidly ) with popular Violence, but Leisurely and treatably as became a matter of so great importance, besides the meeting with much opposition, retarded the proceedings of the Reformers.

We may observe that the Jews returned from the Captivity of Babylon at three distinct times, under the Conduct of several persons.

• 1. When the main Body of the Captives was brought home by Zerubbabel, by whom the second Temple was built.
• 2. When a considerable Company returned with Ezra, by whom the Church part (as I may term it) was settled in that Nation.
• 3. When Nehemiah (no doubt with suitable attendance ) came home and ordered the State moiety repairing the Walls of Jerusalem.

In like manner we may take notice of three distinct Dates and different degrees of our English Reformation, though in relation to the Jewish, I confess the method was altogether inverted. For,

• 1. The Civil part thereof, when the Popes Supremacy was banished in the Reign of King Henry the Eight.
• 2. When the Church Service was reformed, as far as that Age would admit, in the first year of King Edward the Sixth.
• 3. When the same (after the Marian interruption ) was resumed and more refined in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.

The first of these I may call the morning Star. The second the dawning of the day. The third the Rising of the Sun; and I deny not but that since that time his light and heat hath been increased.

But now the Question will be, what is to be thought of those Prelates, Writers, and Benefactors, which lived in the aforesaid Interval betwixt the Beginning and Perfecting of this Reformation. For these appear unto us like unto the Batable ground lying betwixt England and Scotland (whilst as yet two distinct Kingdoms ) in so dubious a posture it is hard to say to which side they do belong.

It is Answered the only way to decide this difference is to observe the Inclinations of the said persons so far forth as they are discovered in their Writings and actions: such as appear in some good degree favorers of the Gospel are reputed to be since whilst those who are otherwise, are adjudged to be Before the Reformation.

CHAP. XII. Of Memorable Persons.

THe former Heads were like private Houses, in which persons accordingly Qualified, have their several habitations. But this last Topic is like a public Inn, admitting all Comers and Goers, having any extraordinary (not vicious) Remark upon them, and which are not clearly reducible to any of the former Titles. Such therefore, who are over, under, or beside the Standard of Common persons; for strength, stature, fruitfulness, Vivacity, or any other observable eminence, are lodged here under the Notion of Memorable Persons, presuming the pains will not be to Me so much in marking, as the pleasure to the Reader in knowing them.

Under this Title we also repose all such Mechanics, who in any Manual Trade have reached a clear Note above others in their Vocation.

Objection. It is Deforme Spectaculum an uncouth Sight, to behold such handy-craftsmen blended with Eminencies in ingenious professions; such a mottley color is no good wearing. How would William Cecil, Lord Treasurer of England, and Baron of Burghleigh be offended, to behold James York the Blacksmith, set with him at the same Table amongst the Natives of Lincoln-shire?

Answer. I am confident on the contrary, that he would be highly pleased, being so great a Statesman, that he would countenance and encourage his Industrious Country man, accounting nothing little, without the help whereof, greater matters can either not be attained or not long subsist. Yea, we see what signal notice the Spirit of God takes of the three Sons of Lamech, the first Founders of Tent-making, Organs, and Ironworks; and it is observable, that whereas all their names are forgotten, which built the Tower of Babel (though done on design to get them a name) these three Mechanics, viz. Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal Cain, are nominatim recorded to all posterity. Thus is it better to bottom the perpetuity of ones memory, on honest Industry and ingenuous diligence, then on Stately Structures and expensive magnificence.

I confess it is easier to add to any art than first to invent it, yet because there is a perfection of degrees, as well as Kinds, Eminent Improvers of an art may be allowed for the Co-inventers thereof, being Founders of that accession, which they add thereunto, for which they deserve to be both regarded and rewarded.

I could name a worshipful Family in the South of England, which for 16. several descents, and some hundreds of years, have continued in the same stay of Estate, not acquiring one foot of Land, either by match, purchase, gift, or otherwise, to their ancient Patrimony. The same may be said of some handycrafts, wherein men move in the same compass, but make no further progress to perfection, or any considerable improvement, and this I impute generally to their want of competent encouragement.

CHAP. XIII. Of Lord Mayors of LONDON.

I Have concluded this Work with these Chief Officers in that great City. A place of so great Honor and Trust, that it hath commonly been said, that on the death of an English King, The Lord Major is the Subject of the greatest Authority in England, Many other Offices determining with the Kings Life (till such time as their Charters be renewed by his Successor) whereas the Lord Mayors Trust continueth for a whole year, without any renewing after the Inter-Regnum.

Objection. Such persons had better been omitted, whereof many were little better then 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Though by good fortune they have loaded themselves with Thick clay, and will be but a burden in your Book to the Readers thereof.

Answer. All Wise men will behold them under a better Notion, as the Pregnant proofs of the truth of 2. Proverbs, not contradictory, but confirmatory one to another.

The one as the principal, the other as the Instrumental cause, and both meeting in the persons aforesaid.

For though some of them were the Younger Sons of Worshipful and Wealthy Parents, and so had good Sums of Money left them; Yet being generally of mean extraction, They raised themselves by God's Providence, and their own Painfulness. The City in this Respect, being observed like unto a Court, where Elder Brothers commonly spend, and the younger gain an Estate.

But such Lord Mayors are here inserted, to quicken the Industry of Youth, whose Parents are only able to send them up to (not to set them up in) London. For wha •… a comfort is it, to a poor Apprentice of that City, to see the Prime Magistrate thereof, Riding in his Majoralibus with such Pomp and Attendance, which another day may be his hap and happiness.

Objection. It cometh not to the share of one in twenty thousand, to attain to that Honor; and it is as impossible for every poor Apprentice in process of time to prove Lord Major, as that a Minum with long living mould become a Whale.

Answer. Not so, the later is an utter Impossibility as debarred by nature, being Fishes of several kinds. Whereas there is a Capacity in the other, to arrive at it, which puts hopes (the only Tie which keeps the heart from breaking) into the hearts of all of the attainablenesse of such preferment to themselves.

Doctor Hutton Arch-bishop of York, when he came into any Great Grammar School (which he did constantly visit in his visitations) was wont to say to the young Scholars, Ply your Books Boys, ply your Books, for Bishops are old men, and surely the possibility of such dignity is a great Encouragement to the Endevours of Students.

Lord Mayors being generally aged, and always but Annual, soon make Room for Succession, whereby the Indevours of all Freemen in Companies are encouraged. But if they should chance to fall short, as unable to reach the Home of Honor (I mean the Majoralty itself, yet if they take up their Lodgings at Sheriff, Alderman, and Common-Counselor with a good Estàte, they will have no cause to complain.

I confess some Counties in our ensuing Discourse, will appear Lord-Major-less, as Cumberland, Dorset-shire, Hant-Shire, &c. However though, hitherto, they have not had, hereafter they may have Natives advanced to that Honor, and it may put a lawful Ambition into them, to contend who shall be their Leader, and who should first of those Shires attain to that Dignity. As lately Sir Richard Cheverton Skinner descended (I assure you) of a right ancient and worshipful Family, was the first in Cornwall, who opened the Dore for others (no doubt) to follow after him.

Nor must it be forgotten that many have been Lord-Mayors Mates, though never remembered in their Catalogues, viz. Such, who by Fine declined that Dignity, and as I am glad that some will Fine, that so the Stock of the Chamber of London may be increased, so am I glad that some will not fine, that so the State of the City of London may be maintained.

I begin the observing of their Nativities, from Sir William Sevenoke, Grocer, Lord Major 1418. For though there were Lord Mayors 200. years before, yet their Birthplaces generally are unknown. It was, I confess, well for me in this particular, that Mr. Stow was born before me, being herein the Heir of Endevours, without any pain of my own. For knowing that Cuilibet Artifici in sua Art est credendum, I have followed him and who him continued, till the year 1633. at what time their Labors do determine. Since which Term, to the present year, I have made the Catalogue out by my own Inquiry, and friends Intelligence. To speak truth to their due praise, one may be generally directed to their Cradles, though by no other Candle, then the Light of their good works, and Benefactions to such places.

CHAP. XIV. A Catalogue of all the Gentry in ENGLAND, made in the Reign of King HENRY the Sixth, why inserted in our Book.

AFter we have finished the Catalogue of the worthy Natives of every Shire, We present the Reader with a List of the Gentry of the Land, sollemnly returned by select Commissioners into the Chancery, thence into the Records in the Tower on this occasion.

The Commons in Parliament complained, that the Land then swarmed with Pilours, •… obbers, Oppressers of the People, Man-stealers, Fellons, Outlaws, Ravishers of Women, Unlawful Haunters of Forrests and Parks, &c. Whereupon it was ordered, for the suppressing of present and preventing of future mischiefs, that certain Commissioners should be impowered in every County, to summon all persons of Quality before them, and tender them an Oath, for the better keeping of the Peace, and observing the Kings Laws both in themselves and Retainers.

Excuse me, Reader, if I be bold to in •… pose my own Conjecture, who conceive, what ever was intended to palliate the Business, The Principal Intent was, to detect and suppress such who favored the Title of York; which then began to be set on foot, and afterwards openly claimed, and at last obtained the Crown. 2. Even-done,

CHAP. XV. Of SHIRE-REEVES or SHIRIFFES.

REEVE (which hath much Affinity with the Dutch Grave ) signifieth an Officer to oversee and order, being chief in the Shire. In Latin Vice-comes, or Vicecount. And, seeing shadows in effect are as ancient as the bodies, they may be believed as old as Counts, and Counts as Counties, and Counties as King Alfred, who first divided England into Shires about the year of our Lord 888.

The late fashion was, that the Clerk of the Peace for each County, in MichaelmasTerm, presented to the Lord Cheif Justice of the Kings Bench, six or more names of able persons for that Office. The Lord Chief Justice calling the other Judges into the Exchequer Chamber (where the Attorney General, and the Sollicitour attends) presented three out of that number unto the King, out of which the King pricks one, who stands Sheriff of the County.

His Power is sufficiently known, to suppress Riots, secure Prisoners, distrain for Debts, execute Writs, return the choice of Knights and Burgesses for Parliament, empannel Juries, attend the Jud •… 〈◊〉 the Execution of Malefactors, &c.

Several Statutes have provided, that no man should be Sheriff in any County, except he hath land sufficient in the same County, to answer the King and his people. And it is remarkable, that since the beginning of that Office, it appeareth not upon any Record, that ever any Sheriff pro tempore failed in his Estate, but was responsible in his place. Whereas it is too plain by sad Precedents, that some Receivers (being men of meaner estates) have.

Sheriffs are bound to abide in their proper persons, within the County, that they may the more effectually attend their Office. And in our Remembrance, some great persons, whose Activity in Parliament was suspected, have been made Sheriffs to keep them out of harms way, and confine them at home. But later years have dispensed with such critical Niceties, (unreasonable that the Sheriff himself should be a Prisoner in his own County) allowing him more liberty on the providing of an able Deputy in his absence.

Though I will not avouch it true, there may be somewhat of truth in their spiteful observation, who maintain, that the Shrevalty in ancient times was Honos sine Onere, in the middle times Honos cum onere, and in our days, little better than Onus sine honor, though •… trust the Office will now be restored to its former honor.

Honos sine onere, An honor without a burden. As when Prince Edward the first, was for many years together High-Sheriff of Bedford and Buckingham-shire; and many prime Peers of the Land, were Honorary Sheriffs, gracing the place with accepting it; living where they pleased themselves, and appointing their Substitutes to transact the business of the County.

Honos cum onere, An Honor with a burden, From King Edward the Third, till within our Remembrance. For the principal Gentry in every shire, of most ancient extractions and best Estates, were deputed for that place, keeping great Attendance and Hospitality: So that as some transcripts hath for the fairness of their Character not only evened, but exceeded the Original, the Vice-comes have pro tempore equalled the Count himself and greatest Lord's in the Land for their Magnificence.

Onus sine honor, A Burden without Honor, when it was obtruded on many as a punishment for the trouble and charge thereof, and laid as a burden, not on the back of that horse which was best able to carry it, but who was least able to cast it off, great persons by friends and favor easily escaping it, whilst it was charged on those of meaner estates: Though I do believe it found all them Esquires, and did not make any so, as some will suggest.

Hence was it, that many Sheriffs were forced to consult principles of Thrift, not being bound so to serve their Country, as to disserve themselves and ruin their estates; and instead of keeping open houses (as formerly) at the Assizes, began to latch (though not lock ) their doors, providently reducing it to an ORDINARY expense, and no wise man will conclude them to be the less loyal Subjects, for being the more Provident Fathers.

At the end of every Shire, after the forenamed Catalogue of the Gentry, in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, I have set down a List of the Sheriffs from the Beginning of King Henry the Second, until the end of King Charles, carefully collected out of the Records. For I hope that by the former, which I call my Broad (representing the Gentry of one Generation all over England ) and this which I term my Long Catalogue, extending itself successively through many Ages, I hope, I say, both being put together, may square out the most eminent of the Antient Gentry, in some tolerable proportion. Most eminent, seeing I confess, neither can reach all the Gentry of the land.

For as in the Catalogue of King Henry the Sixth, many ancient Gentlemen were omitted, who were Minors in age, and so uncapable of taking an Oath, so doth not the List of Sheriffs comprehend all the Gentry in the Shire, finding three sorts of people excluded out of the same.

Above. Such were all of the Peerage in the Land, which since the Reign of King Edward the third were excused I am sure de facto, not employed in that place, as Inconsistent with their Attendance in Parliament.

Secondly, Such who were Besides the Place, privileged by their profession from that Office, which may be subdivided into,

• 1. Swordmen, Imployed in Wars beyond the Seas, thus Sir Oliver Ingham, and Sir John Fastoffe both great men, and richly landed in Norfolk, were never Sheriffs thereof, because employed in the French Wars, the one under King Edward the Third, the other under King Henry the Fifth.
• 2. Gownmen, as Judges, Sergeants at Law, Barristers, Auditors, and other Officers in the Exchequer, &c.
• 3. Cloakmen. Such Courtiers as were the Kings Servants and in ordinary attendance about his Person.

Lastly, Such as were Beneath the Place, as men of too narrow Estates to discharge that Office, especially as it was formerly in the magnificent expensivenesse thereof, though such persons might be Esquires of right ancient Extraction.

And here under favor I conceive, that if a strict Enquiry should be made after the Ancient Gentry of England, most of them would be found amongst such middlesized Persons as are above two hundred, and beneath a Thousand pounds of Annual Revenue. It was the Motto of wise Sir Nicholas Bacon, Mediocria firma, Moderate things are most lasting. Men of great Estates in National Broiles have smarted deeply for their Visible Engagements, to the Ruin of their Families, whereof we have had too many sad Experiments, whilst such persons who are moderately mounted above the level of Common people into a Competency, above want and beneath Envy, have by God's blessing on their frugality, continued longest in their Conditions, entertaining all alterations in the State, with the less destructive change unto themselves.

Let me add, that I conceive it impossible for any man, and difficult for a Corporation of men, to make a true Catalogue of the English Gentry. Because, what Mathematicians say of a Line, that it is Divisibilis in semper divisibilia, is true hereof, if the Latin were, (which for ought I know, if as usual is) as Elegant, Addibilis in semper addibilia. Not only because New Gentry will every day be added (and that as I conceive justly too, for why should the Fountain of Honor be stopped, if the Channel of desert be running?) but because ancient Gentry will daily be newly discovered, though some of them perchance for the present, but in a poor and mean condition, as may appear by this particular.

It happened in the Reign of King James, when Henry Earl of Huntingdon, was Lieutenant of Leicester-shire, that a Laborers son in that County, was pressed into the Wars, as I take it to go over with Count Mansfield. The Old man at Leicester, requested his Son might be discharged, as being the only Staff of his Age, who by his Industry maintained him and his Mother. The Earl demanded his name, which the man for a long time was loath to tell (as suspecting it a fault for so poor a man to confess a Truth ) at last he told his name was Hastings. Cosen Hastings said the Earl, we cannot all be Top Branches of the Tree, though we all spring from the same Root, Your Son my Kinsman shall not be pressed. So good was the meeting of Modesty in a poor, with Courtesie in an Honorable Person, and Gentry I believe in Both. And I have reason to believe, that some who justly own the Sirnames and blood of Bohuns, Mortimers, and Plantagenets (though ignorant of their own extractions) are hid in the heap of Commonpeople, where they find that under a Thatched Cottage, which some of their Ancestors could not enjoy in a Leaded Castle, contentment with quiet and security.

To return to our Catalogue of Sheriffs. I have been bold to make some brief historical Observations upon them, which I hope will not be unpleasing to the Reader, whom I request first to peruse our Notes on Bark-shire, because of their public Influence on the rest, facilitating some Difficulties which return in the Sheriffs of other Counties.

After we have presented the Sheriffs names, we have annexed their addition, either of estate, as Esquire, or degree, as Knight, Baronet, &c. and this we have done always after, sometimes before K. Henry the Sixth. For, although the Statute of Additions, was made in the first of King Henry the fifth, to Individuifie (as I may say) and separate persons from those of the same name: And although it took present effect in such Suits and Actions, where process of Utlary lieth, yet was it not universally practiced in other Writings, till the End of the Reign of King Henry the Sixth.

After their additions, we have in a distinct Columel, assigned the places of their Habitation, where we could proceed with any certainty, leaving some blanks to employ the Industry of others. We have endeavored (as near as we could) to observe proportion of time, in denoting their places, left otherwise our There be confuted by our Then, the date of the Kings Reign which is prefixed. If sometimes we have made a Prolepsis, with Virgil his Lavinia Litora, I mean if we have placed some Sheriffs too early in their possessions, a little before their Families were fixed there, I hope the candid Reader will either wink or smile at the mistake.

It often cometh to pass, that the same Sheriff in the same Shire, hath two or more fair Seats. This should raise their Gratitude to God, whose own Son was not so well provided, not having where to lay his hand. In this Variety, our Catalogue presenteth but one, sometime the oldest, sometimes the fairest, and sometimes freely to confess) what comes first to my memory. The best is, truth doth not abate thereby, knowing so much Law; that where a man hath an household in two places, he shall be said to dwell in both of them; so that this addition in one of them, doth suffice.

Next to the place of Sheriffs, we set down their Arms, whereof largely in the next Chapter. We conclude the Catalogue of Sheriffs with a Comment upon them presenting their most remarkable Actions. Our Husbandmen in Middlesex, make a distinction between Dodding and Threshing of Wheat, the former being only the beating out of the fullest and fairest Grain, leaving what is Lean and Lank to be Threshed out afterwards. Our Comment may be said to have Dodded the Sheriffs of several Counties, insisting only on their most memorable actions, which are extant in our Printed Histories, otherwise my Eyes could not look into locked Chests (I mean) pierce into the private Records of Families, carefully concealed and kept in their choicest Cabinet. Besides, such unprinted Records are infinite (understand it in the same sense in which the strength of Tire is called * Infinite ) too many for one Author to manage, and therefore are left to such as undertake the Description of several Counties.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Coats of ARMS, affixed to such, who have been Sheriffs of Counties.

SOmething must be premised of Arms in general. They may seem in some sort to be Jure Divino to the Jews, having a Precept for the practice thereof. Every man of the Children of Israel shall pitch by his own Standard, with the Ensign of their Fathers house.

The use thereof is great both in War and Peace. I begin with War, because Arms had their first rise from Arms, and had a military Origination. Without these an Army cannot be methodized, and is but an heap of men. Like an Army (saith the Scripture) terrible with banners. Without which an Army is not terrible, but ridiculous, routing itself with its own confusion. Now, as no Army without banners; so no banner without Arms therein. If the Trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle. Now, as the Trumpet tells the time, so the banner proclaims the place of meeting, and if it have not distinguishable Emblems therein, who shall know whither to repair to his Captain or Company?

Arms are also useful in peace, to distinguish one man from another. They be termed Nomina visibilia, visible names. For, as a name notifieth a man to the Ear, so his Arms do signify him to the Eye, though dead many years since; so signal the service of Arms on Tombs, to preserve the memory of the deceased.

Arms anciently were either assumed or assigned. For at first men took what Arms they pleased, directed by their own fancy. A Custom still continuing in the LowCountryes, where the Burgers choose their own Arms with as great confidence as Tradesmen make their mark, or Innkeepers set up their Signs in England. Assigned Arms were such as Princes, or their Officers under them appointed to particular persons, in reward of their Service. And, whereas Assumed Arms were but personal, these generally were Hereditary and descended to their Families.

It is the rule general in Arms, that the plainer the ancienter, and so consequently more honorable. Arma primo nuda sine ornatu. And when a memorable Gentleman (understand me such an one, the beginning of whose Gentry might easily be remembered) was mocking at the plain Coat of an ancient Esquire, the Esquire returned, I must be fain to wear the Coat, which my great-great-grana-father left me, but had I had the happiness to have bought one, as you did, it should have been guarded after the newest fashion. Two colors are necessary and most highly honorable; though both may be Blazoned with One Word [as VARREY] (formerly born by the Beauchamps of Hatch in Wilt-shire, and still quartered by the Duke of Somerset) three are very honorable; four commendable; five excusable; more, disgraceful. Yet have I seen a Coat of Arms (I mean within the Escocheon) so piebald, that if both the Metalls, and all the Colours ( seven in all) were lost elsewhere, they might have been found therein.

Such Coats were frequently given by the Heralds (not out of want of wit, but will to bestow better) to the new Gentry in the End of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth. One said of a Coat that it was so well victualled, that it might endure a Siege, such the plenty and variety of Fowl, Flesh and Fish therein; though some done so small, one needed a magnifying glass to discover them; but such surfeited Coats have since met with a good Physician, who hath cured many of them.

I cannot but smile at his fancy, who (counting himself, no doubt, wonderfully witty) would be a reformer of our Heraldry, and thought it fine, if it were thus ordered, that all,

Indeed, as these Metals and Colours are reckoned up in order, so are they reputed in honor, save that the contest betwixt Azure and Gules is not so clearly decided.

Or and Azure in composition are conceived the richest; Argent and Sable the fairest coat, because setting off each other discernible at the greatest distance. The Lion and Eagle are reputed the most honorable, the Cross the most religious bearing; A Bend is esteemed the best Ordinary, being a Belt born in its true posture athwart, as a Fess is the same worn about the middle. Things natural in the charge presented in their proper color are best; and herbs Vert far better than Or, as flourishing better than fadeing; even stained are no stained colors when natural. But seeing the whole mistery of Heraldry, dwells more in the region of fancy, than judgment, few rules of assurance can be laid down therein.

We meet with some few coats which have reasons rendered of their bearing. Thus, whereas the Earls of Oxford anciently gave their Coat plain, quarterly Gules and Or, they took afterward in the first a Mullet or Star Argent, because the chief of the house had a Falling-star (as my Author saith) alighting on his shield, as he was fighting in the Holy-land. But it were a labor in vain for one to offer at an account, for all things borne in Armorie.

This mindeth me of a passage in the North, where the ancient and worthy Family of the Gascoignes gave for their Arms the Head of a Lucie or Pike, cooped in Pale; Whereon one merrily,

A Question which on the like occasion may be extended to Beasts and Fowl, whose single heads are so generally born in several Coats.

After the names and places of Sheriffs exemplifyed in their respective Counties, we have added their Arms ever since the first of King Richard the second. And, though some may think we begin too late (the fixing of Hereditary Arms in England, being an Hundred years ancienter) we find it sometimes too soon to attain at any certainty therein.

In peruseing these Arms, the Reader will meet with much observable variety, viz. 1. That the same Family sometimes gives two paternal Coats, as,

Sometimes two distinct Families and Names, give the self same Coat, as in Barkshire,

The same name; but being distinct Families in several Counties, give different Arms.

Grey.
• In Leicester-shire, Barry of 6. Argent and Azure, in Chief 3. Torteauxes.
• In Northumberland, Gules a Lyon Rampant with a Border engrailed Argent.

The same Name in the same Shire, being distinct Families, gives different Coats, as in Northampton shire.

Green.
• Of Greens-Norton, Azure three Bucks trippant Or.
• Of Drayton, Argent a Cross engrailed Gules.

The same name and Family in the same Shire, gives the same Coat for Essentials, but disguised in Colours as in Northampton-shire.

Tresham.
• Of Lifden.
• Of Newton.

The same Family giveth a Coat this day, bearing some general allusion to, but much altered and bettered from what they gave some sixty years since, and forbearing to give an instance hereof, for some reason, I refer it to the Readers Discovery.

Contented with the Coat itself, I have not inserted the differences of younger Houses, Crescents, Mullets, Martlets, &c. Chiefly because they are generally complained of, and confessed as defective, subject to coincidence, and not adequate to the effectual distinguishing of the branches from the same root.

As the affixing of Differences if done, were imperfect, so the doing thereof, is not only Difficult, but also Dangerous. Dangerous, for it would bring many Old houses (and new ones too) on his Head, who undertakes it, so undistinguishable are the Seniorities of some Families, parted so long since, that now it is hard to decide, which the Root, and which the Branch. I remember a Contest in the Court of Honor, betwixt the two Houses of Constable, the one of Flamborongh head, the other of Constable-Burton, both in York-shire, which should be the Eldest. The Decision was, it was never decided, both sides producing such ancient Evidences, that in mounting up in antiquity like Hawks, they did not only Lessen but fly out of Sight, even beyond the Kenn and Cognizance of any Record. The Case I conceive occurs often betwixt many Families in England.

Some names we have left without Arms. Physicians prescribe it as a Rule of health, to rise with an appetite; and I am loath the Reader should fill himself with all which he might desire. But (not to dissemble) I could not with all mine own, and friends skill and industry, attain their Coats, as of Families either extinct in those Counties before the first, or only extant therein since the last Visitation of Heralds. Yet let not my ignorance be any man's injury, who humbly desireth, that such Vacuities may hereafter be filled up by the particular Chorographers of those respective Counties.

This I am sure, A needle may be sooner found in a Bottle of Hay, (a task though difficult, yet possible to be done) than the Arms of some Sheriffs of Counties be found in the Heralds Visitations of the said Counties. For many were no Natives of that Shire, but came in thither occasionally from far distant places. Thus the Arms of Sir Jervis Clifton (thrice High-Sheriff of Kent in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth) are invisible in any Kentish Heralds Office, as not landed therein himself though living at Braburn, on the Jointure of Isabel his Wife, the Widow of William Scot Esq and I doubt not but instances of the same Nature frequently are found in other Counties.

We will conclude this Discourse of Arms with this memorable Record, being as ancient as the Reign of King Henry the Fift.

I could wish a reviving of this Instrument in our Age, many Up-starts in our late Civil wars, having injuriously invaded the Arms of ancient Families.

CHAP. XVII. Of the often Altering of Sirnames, and the Various Writing thereof.

HAving dealt so largely in Sirnames, it is necessary to observe, that Sirnames of Families have been frequently altered, some Families deposing their Old, and assuming new names on several occasions: But chiefly for,

1. Concealment in time of Civil Wars. A Name is a kind of Face, whereby one is known; Wherefore taking a false name is a Vizard whereby men disguise themselves, and that lawfully enough, when not fradulently done to deceive others, but discreetly in danger, to secure themselves: Thus during the Contest 'twixt York and Lancaster, Carington in Warwick-shire took the name of Smith. La Blunt the Name of Croke in Buckingham-shire, with many others.

2. For Advancement when adopted into an estate, as Newport the Name of Hatton, in Northampton-shire; Throckmorton the Name of Carew at Beddington in Surrey, as long before Westcoat the Name of Littleton in Stafford-shire.

Besides the same Sirname continued, hath been variously altered in Writing. First, because Time teacheth New Orthography, altering, spelling, as well as speaking. Secondly the best Gentlemen anciently were not the best Scholars, and (minding matters of more moment) were some what too incurious in their Names. Besides, Writers ingrossing Deeds, were not over critical in spelling of Names, knowing well where the person appeared the same, the Simplicity of that age, would not fall out about Misnomer.

Lastly, Ancient Families have been often removed into several Counties, where several Writings follow the several pronunciations. What Scholar knoweth not, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 their Greek Name for Jupiter, is by their seven Dialects, written ten several ways and (though not so many Dialects in England ) there is a real difference betwixt our Southern, Western, and Northern Pronunciations.

Hence it is that the same Name hath been so often disguised unto the Staggering of many, who have mistook them for different.

Thus I am informed, that the Honorable Name of Villiers is written fourteen several ways, in their own Evidences, and the like (though not so many) Variations, may be observed in others.

And the Name of Roper in Darby-shire, changed from Musard to Rubra-Spatha, Rospear, Rouspee, Rooper, Roper. I insist the longer on this point, because in our Catalogue of Sheriffs, the same Sirname is variously written, which some (without cause) may impute to my carelessness, being the effect of my care, conforming the Orthography exactly to the Original, where such variation doth plainly appear, and however such Diversity appeareth in the Eye of others, I dare profess that I am delighted with the Prospect thereof.

CHAP. XVIII. Of Modern Battels.

IMmediately before our Farewell to the Respective Counties, we have inserted a Breviate of Modern Battels since our Civil Distempers. I need here premise nothing of the difference betwixt a Skirmish (being only the Ingagement of Parties) and a Battle being an encounter betwixt Generals with their Armies. Nor yet of the difference betwixt Praelium a Fight or Battle, and Bellum a War, the former being a Fight in Field, the later the continuance of Hostility (which may be for many years) whilst the difference dependeth undecided. Peracto Pr •… lio manet Bellum. And though a Truce may give a Comma or Colon to the War, nothing under a Peace can put a perfect Period thereunto.

In describing these Battels, I am for distinction sake necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the Abusive acception thereof for these latter years. Let us think and judge with the Wise, but if we do not speak with the Vulgar, we shall be Dumb to the Vulgar. Otherwise I know a Parliament properly, is a complete Syllogism, the Lord's and Commons being the two Propositions, the King the Conclusion thereof, and our English Tongue wanteth one word to express the dissenting part of a Parliament, and I trust in God, as our Language doth not afford the Name, so our Land shall not hereafter behold the Nature thereof.

These Battels are here inserted, not with any intent (God knows my heart) to perpetuate the odious Remembrance of our mutual Animosities; that Heart burnings may remain, when House burnings are removed; but chiefly to raise our Gratitude to God, that so many Battels should be fought in the bosom of so little a Land, and so few Scars and Signs thereof extant in their visible Impressions. Such, who consider how many men we have lost, would wonder we have any left, and such, who see how many we have left, that we had any lost. In a word, as it is said of the best Oil, that it hath no Taste, that is, no Tang, but the pure Natural Gust of Oil therein, so I have endeavored to present these Battels according to plain Historical truth, without any partial Reflections.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Number of Modern Shires or Counties in England; And why the WORTHIES in this Work are digested County-ways.

I Say Modern, not meaning to meddle with those antiquated ones, which long since have lost their Names and bounds, as Winchelcomb-shire united to Gloucester-shire, Howdon-Shire annexed to York-shire, and Hexham-Shire to Northumberland. As little do we intend to touch on those small Tracts of Ground, the County of Poole and the like, being but the extended Limits and Liberties of some Incorporations.

We add Shires or Counties, using the words promiscuously as the same in sense. I confess, I have heard some Critics making this distinction betwixt them, that such are Shires which take their Denomination from some principal Town, as Cambridgeshire, Oxford-shire, &c. Whilest the rest not wearing the Name of any Town, are to be reputed Counties, as Norfolk, Suffolk, &c. But we need not go into Wales to confute their Curiosity (where we meet Merioneth-shire, and Glamorgan-shire, but no Towns so termed) seeing Devon-shire doth discompose this their English Conceit; I say, English Shires and Counties, being both Comitatus in Latin.

Of these there be nine and thirty at this day, which by the thirteen in Wales, are made up fifty two, England (largely taken) having one for every Week in the year.

Here let me tender this for a real Truth, which may seem a Paradox, that there is a County in England, which from the Conquest, till the year 1607 (when Mr. Camdens last Latin Britannia was set forth) never had Count or Earl thereof, as hereby may appear,

Now this may seem the more strange, because Comes and Comitatus are relative. But, under favor I humbly conceive, that though Bark shire never had any Titular, Honourary or Hereditary Earl, till the year 1620. (when Francis Lord Norris was created first Earl thereof) yet had it in the Saxons time (when it was first modelled into a Shire ) an Officiary Count, whose Deputy was termed Vice-comes as unto this day.

CHAP. XX. That Clergy-men formerly carried the Register of their Birthplace in their Sirnames, and why; As also that (Since the Reformation) the Sons of the married Clergy have been as successful as others.

IT was fashionable for the Clergy (especially if Regulars, Monks, and Friers) to have their Surnames (for Syr-names they were not) or upper-names, because superadded to those given at the Font, from the places of their Nativity, and therefore they are as good evidence to prove where they were born, as if we had the deposition of the Midwife, and all the Gossips present at their Mothers labors. Hence it is that in such cases we seldom charge our Margin with other Authors, their Sirname being Author enough, to avow their births therein.

Some impute this custom to the pride of the Clergy, whose extraction generally was so obscure, that they did 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , were ashamed of their Parentage. An uncharitable opinion, to fixe so foul a fault on so holy a function; and most false, many in Orders appearing of most honorable Descent. Yet Richard Bishop of London, quitted Angervill, though his Father Sir Richard Angervil, was a Knight of worth and worship, to be called of Bury; where he was born, and William Bishop of Winchester waved Pattin to wear Waynfleet, though he was eldest Son to Richard Pattin an Esquire of great ancientry.

Others say, that the Clergy herein affected to be Levi-like, who said to his Father and to his Mother I have not seen him, practicing to be Mimicks of Melchizedek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , without Father, without Mother, without Descent, so to render themselves independent in the World, without any coherence to carnal relations. Surely some were well minded herein, that as they might have no children, they would have no Fathers, beholding the place of their Birth, as co-heir at least to their estates, to which many did 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , plenti •… ully pay for their nursing therein.

Question. But oftentimes it comes to pass, That there be many Towns in England, the same to a Title both in spelling and calling. So that on such uncertain Evidence, no true Verdict can be found for their Nativity. One instance of many, William of Wickham was the famous Founder of New College in Oxford. But how can his Cradle be certainly fixed in any place, when it is equally Rockt betwixt twenty Villages of the same Denomination.

See here a Lottery, and who dare assure himself of the prize, having Nineteen Blanks against him. Indeed if Election should be made by the Eminency of the place, High Wickham in Buckingham-shire would clearly carry it, as an ancient Borough Town, sending Burgesses to Parliament. But all these being Wickhams alike, bring in their Claims to the aforesaid William, and how shall the right be decided? The same Question may be demanded of several other persons on the same occasion.

Answer. I confess the case often occurs, though seldom so many places be Competitors; wherefore herein we have our Recourse to the Circumstances in the History of such a controverted Person, and Consult the most important of them with our greatest Diligence and Discretion.

Such Circumstances may be called the Associats of a man's Life, as where they most conversed, had their Kindred; got their Preferment, &c. And these though not severally, jointly se •… ve as so many Lights to expound the place of his Birth, and clearing the Homonymi •… of many places, state that Town justly wherein he was born.

Thus are we not only in Bivio or Trivio, but as I may say in Vigentivio being to find Wickhams Birth amongst twenty of his Namesake Villages. But discovering John Perrot his father, richly landed about Winchester, and the principal Actions of his Life presented thereabouts, with some other Remarks, all meeting on the same Scene, one may safely conclude, that Wickham in Hamp-shire, the Eight in the aforesaid Catalogue) is that individual Wi •… kham wherein this Prelate took his first degree, I mean proceeded into the Light of this World. The like Evidence (though not always so clear) hath upon diligent search directed us in Differences of the same Nature.

CHAP. XXI. General Rules for the AUTHOR and READERS. Ease.

I Have ranked all persons under their respective Titles, according to their Seniorities, of the ages they lived in. Good the method of the Sons of Jacob, sitting down at the Table of their [unknown] brother Joseph, the first according to his Birthright, and the Youngest according to his Youth. If therefore, on this account, a mean man take place of a mighty Lord, the later (as being dead) I am sure will not, and the Living Reader should not be offended thereat.

CHAP. XXII. An Accommodation to prevent Exceptions about the Precedency of several Professions.

IAm sadly sensible, that being to treat of the Worthies in several professions; I shall incur many men's displeasure, in not ranking th •… m according to their own desires; the rather because there always hath been a Battle Royal about Precedency, betwixt,

• 1. Swordmen and Gow •… men.
• 2. Swordmen and Swordmen.
• 3. Gownmen and Gownmen.

Concerning the first couple, The Question▪ An doctor praecedat militem? hangeth as yet on the File, and I believe ever will, as which is often determined affirmatively in time of peace, but always Negatively in time of War.

Nor less is the contest betwixt Swordmen and Swordmen (I mean of the same side and Interest) about Priority, whether Land or Sea Captains should take place. The former they plead, that they fight on a fixed Element (not so subject as the Sea to casual advantages) which being a settled Theatre of Valour, men may indifferently try their courage upon it. The Sea Captain alledgeth, that the greater danger the greater dignity, and precedency therefore due to their Profession, who encounter the Winds and the Water, besides the Fierceness and the Fury of their Enemies. Besides, it is very difficult if possible for a ship engaged in Fight, to escape by Flight, whereby many in Land battles easily preserve themselves.

I confess that Custom (the best Herald in controversies of this kind) hath adjudged the Precedency to Land Captains, but not without the great grudge and regret of 〈◊〉 therein. We may observe in Nature, that though the water and earth make one Globe, and though Providence preserveth the Earth from being overflown by the Water, yet the Water as the lighter Element, challengeth the highest place to its self, and watcheth all opportunities, (especially when great Rain meet with low banks) to regain its superiority by Inundations. Sea Captains in like manner, though depressed by practice and custom to give place to Land Captains, do it with that distaste and dislike, that thereby (though they cannot recover their right) they continue their claim to precedency, watching their opportunity, and now (in our so many Naval expeditions ) not altogether out of hope to regain it.

Nor less the difference betwixt Gownmen and Gownmen, who should take the upper hand▪ witness the Contest betwixt Doctors of Phyfick, and of Canon Law, on that Account, the former pleading the following Instrument in their behalf.

Memorandum quod anno Domini 1384, in Vigilia Purificationis Beatae Mariae Virginis, in plena Convocatione Regentium & non Regentium, per fidem Convocatorum declaratum est, quod Doctor in Medicina dextram partem Cancellarii in Congregationibus & Convocationibus retineret & non Sinistram, Doctor vero in jure civili partem Sinistram & non dextram. Facta est haec Declaratio ex praecepto Regis Richardi Secundi post conquestum, anno Regni sui Octavo, Add to this what a great Professor of Philosophy, living in Padua anno 1482, concludeth after a long debating of the Question. Dicamus ergo cum SANCTA ROMANA Ecclesia, quod Medicina est Nobilior jure civili, quodque Medicinae Professores Domini mereantur Dici; Juristae vero Praecones.

But for all this, the Doctors of the Canon (since in England united with the Civil) Law, will not yield unto them, pleading for themselves; First, That Professions are to take place according to the Dignity of the Subject they are employed about. Secondly, That the Soul is more worth than the body, which is the Sphere of the Physician. Thirdly, That Canonists meddle with many cases of Soul concernment, and therefore ought to have the Precedency.

Wherefore, to prevent all exceptions about Priority, may the Reader acquaint himself with this our method therein.

• 1. We place Princes; And both Loyalty and Civility will justify us therein.
• 2. Saints; As our Savior said My Kingdom is not; so their Dignity is not of this World, and therefore none I hope will repine thereat.
• 3. 4. Martyrs and Confessors. If any grudge them this their high place, let them but give the same price they paid for it, and they shall have the same Superiority.
• 5. Eminent Prelates; A distance which they might justly claim in those days above others, as generally the Lord Chancellors and Treasurers of the Land.
• 6. Statesmen; Whose eminent Offices do warrant and avouch this their station against all opposition.
• 7. Capital Judges; To whom this place doth of right belong.

These premised, in the next four we have observed an order without order. Some will maintain that sometimes a Ryot is as good as a Dyet: When at a Feast all meats cast together, help one to digest another. Qui vivit medice, vivit misere, sure I am, Scribit misere, qui scribit methodice, I mean, when tied up to such strict terms of method, in such cases that every misplacing is subject to exception.

I commend the no less politick then peaceable custom of the Skinners and Merchant Tailors of London, who after many long and costly suits betwixt their Companies for Precedency, to prevent future quarrels agreed with themselves at last, to go first by turns or alternatly. The same method I embrace in ranking Soldiers, Seamen, Civilians, Physicians, sometimes one first, sometimes another, ringing no artificial but a merely casual Change in the ordering their Professions. These thus ranked next follow,

12. Learned Writers. Though many of these since the Reformation, being Doctors of Divinity, may challenge Precedency of some named before, yet they will not be discontented to come last, having learned the Apostles rule, In honor preferring one another, and God make us as humble as we are humbled.

13. Benefactors to the Public. It is good to conclude and go out with a good savor, on which account these worthy persons are placed last, to leave the grateful perfume of their memory behind them.

As for Memorable persons, they are last, last placed, because (as that Title 〈◊〉 taken by us) they are cast in, as Superpondium, or Overweight, our work being ended before.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the AUTHORS from whom our Intelligence in the Following WORK hath been Derived.

THe plain English saying hath very much of downright Truth therein; I tell you my Tale and my Tale-master, which is essential to the begetting of credit to any Relation. Indeed when one writeth with St. John (waving his Infallible Inspiration) that which we have heard, which we have seen with our Eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, such clogging a Book with Authors were superfluous, which now is necessary in him that writeth what was done at distance, far from, in time long before him.

First, to assert and vindicate the Writer. When Adam complained that he was naked, God demanded of him, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Intimating thus much, that if he could not produce the person who first so informed him, he might justly be suspected (as indeed he was) the Author as well as Utterer of that sad Truth. Our Savior said to Pilate, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell thee? and all things reported are reducible to this Dichotomie, 1. The Fountain of Invention. 2. The Chanell of Relation. If one ignorantly buyeth stolen Cattle, and hath them fairly vouched unto him, and publicly in an open Fair payeth Tole for them, he cannot be damnified thereby: The case I conceive of him who writeth a falsehood, and chargeth his Margin with the Author thereof.

Secondly, To edify and inform the Reader; Frustra creditor quod sine agnitione Originis creditor. It is vainly believed, which is believed without the knowledge of the Original thereof. Yea, properly it is no Rational b •… leif, but an easy, lazy, supine Credulity.

Such as designingly conceal their Authors, do it either out of Guiltinesse or Envy. Guiltinesse, when conscious to themselves, that if Inspection be made of such Quotations, they will be found defectively, redundantly, or Injuriously cited, distorted from their genuine Intention.

Or else they do it out of Envy. Tyrants commonly cut off the stairs by which they climb up unto their Thrones (witness King Richard the third, beheading the Duke of Buckingham ) for fear, that if still they be left standing, others will get up the same way. Such the jealousy of some Writers, that their Readers would be as (if not more) knowing than themselves, might they be but directed to the Original, which they purposely intercept.

Some to avoid this Rock of Envy, run on as bad of Ostentation, and in the end of their Books, muster up an Army of Authors, (though perchance they themselves have not seriously perused one Regiment thereof) so that the Goodness of their Library, not Greatness of their Learning may thence be concluded, that they have (if with the Prophets Axe some were not borrowed ) for I will not say have read, many books in their possession.

I have endeavored to steer my course betwixt both these Rocks, and come now to give in the particulars, whence I have derived my Information, knowing full well quantus Author, tanta Fides. These may be referred to 3. heads; First, Printed Books; Secondly, Records in Public Offices; Thirdly, Manuscripts in the Possession of private Gentlemen. To which we may add a fourth, viz. Instructions received from the nearest Relations, to those Persons, whose Lives we have presented.

We pass by Printed books, (cited in the Margin) and obvious to all who are pleased to consult them, and first pitch on the Records of the Tower. Master William Riley was then Master of those jewels, for so they deserve to be accounted, seeing a Scholar would prefer that place before the keeping of all the Prisoners in the Tower. I know not whether more to commend his care in securing, dexterity in finding, diligence in perusing them, or courtesy in communicating such Copies of them, as my occasions required, thanks being all the fees expected from me.

I place next the Records in the Exchequer, for although I had a Catalogue of the Sheriffs of England lent me by Master High-more of the Pipe-office, which I compared with another, of that learned Knight Sir Winkefield Bodenham, yet bei •… g frequently at aloss, I was forced to repair to the Originals in the Exchequer. Here le •… not my gratitude be buried in the graves of Master John Witt, and Master Francis Boyton, both since deceased, but whilst living advantageous to my Studies.

To these Authentic Records let me add, the Church Registers in several Parishes, denied indeed by our Commons Lawyers, but stickled for by some Canonists to be Records-fellows at least, and having though not the formality in Law, the force thereof in History, very useful to help us in many Nativities.

And here I cannot but bemoan the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that great G •… lph, or broad blank left in our Registers, during our Civil Wars, after the laying aside of Bishops, & before the Restitution of his most Sacred Majesty. Yea, hereafter this sad Vacuum is like to prove so thick, (like the Egyptian Darkness) that it will be sensible in our English Histories.

I dare maintain that the Wars betwixt York and Lancaster, (lasting by intermission some sixty years) were not so distructive to Church-records, as our Modern Wars in six years. For during the former, their differences agreed in the same Religion, impressing them with reverence of all Sacred Muniments, whilst our Civil Wars founded in Faction, and variety of pretended Religions, exposed all naked Church Records, a prey to their Armed violence.

Let me add, that it conduced much to the exactness of Jewish Genealogies, that their children were solemnly Circumcised and Named on the Eight-day. On the contrary, the omitting the baptizing of Infants, till they be adult, (which causeth, that though the weekly birth exceed the burials, the burials exceed the christenings in London, ) will perplex those who in the next age shall write the nativities of such persons. Say not it matters not though their nativities be utterly forgotten. For though their fathers were factious Fanatics, the sons (by God's grace) may prove sober Christians and eminent in their generations.

The last Port to which I traffiqued for intelligence, towards our ensuing Work, was by making my addresses by letters and otherwise, to the nearest Relations of those whose Lifes I have written. Such applications, have sometimes proved chargable; but if my weak pains shall find preferment, (that is acceptance ) from the judicious Reader, my care and cost is forgotten, and shall never come under computation.

Here I cannot but condemn the carelessness, not to say ingratitude of those (I am safe whilst containing myself in general terms) who can give no better account of the Place, where their fathers or grand-fathers were born, then the child unborn, so that sometimes we have been more beholden to strangers for our instructions herein, then to their nearest Kindred. And although some will say Sons are more comfortably concerned to know the time of their Fathers death, then place of their birth, yet I could almost wish, that a moderate fine were imposed on such heirs, whose Fathers were born before them, and yet they know not where they were born. However, this I must gratefully confess, I have met with many who could not, never with any who would not furnish me with information herein.

It is observable, that men born an hundred years since and upwards, have their nativities fixed with more assurance, then those born some eighty years since. Men's eyes see worst in the Twilight, in that intervale after the Sun is set, and natural light ended, and before candles are set up, and artificial light begun. In such a crepusculum oftime those Writers lived, who fall short of the history of Bale and Leland, yet go before the memory of any alive, which unhappy insterstice hath often perplexed us, and may easier be complained of, then amended.

To conclude, should I present all with Books, who courteously have conduced to my instruction, the whole Impression would not suffice. But I remember the no less civil then politick invitation of Judah to the Tribe of Simeon, Come up with me into my Lot, [to Conquer the Canaanites] and I likewise will go with thee into thy Lot, if such who have lent me theirs, shall have occasion to borrow mine assistance, my Pains, Brains and Books, are no more mine, then theirs to command, which (besides my prayers for them, and thanks to them,) is all my ability in requital can perform.

CHAP. XXIII. A double Division of the English Gentry, 1. According to the Nation whence they were extracted, 2. According to the Profession whereby they were advanced.

THis discourse I tender the Reader, as a preparative to dispose him for the better observing and distinguishing of our English Gentry, in our ensuing Lives and Catalogue of Sheriffs.

We begin with the Britain's the Aborigines, or Native Inhabitants of the South of this Island, but long since expelled by the Saxons into the West thereof; None then remaining in, some since returning into our Land, of whom hereafter.

We confess the Romans Conquered our Country, planted Colonies, and kept Garrisons therein, but their descendants are not by any character discernible from the British. Indeed, if any be found able to speak Latin naturally, without learning it, we may safely conclude him of Roman Extraction. Mean time, it is rather a pretty conceit, then a solid notion of that great Antiquary, who from the allusion of the name collecteth the noble family of the Cecils (more truly Sytsilts ) descended from the Cecilii a Senatorian Family in Rome.

The Saxons succeed, whose Of-spring at this day are the main bulk and body of the English (though not Gentry) Nation, I may call them the whole clothe thereof, though it be guarded here and there, with some great ones, of foreign Extraction. These Saxons though pitifully depressed by the Conqueror, by God's goodness, King Henry the first favor, their own patience and diligence, put together the plankes of their Shiprack'd Estates, and aferwards recovered a competent condition.

The Danes never acquired in this Land a long and peaceable possession thereof, living here rather as Inroders then Inhabitants, the cause that so few families (distinguishable by their Surnames) are descended from them, extant in our age. Amongst which few, the respected Stock of the Denizes, (often Sheriffs in Devon and Gloustershire ) appear the principal. As for Fitz-Hardinge, the younger son of the King of Denmark, and direct ancestour of the Truly Honorable George Lord Berkeley, he came in long since when he accompanied the Conqueror

I must confess, that at this day, there passeth a Tradition among some of the Common People, that such names which Terminate in Son, as Johnson, Tomson, Nicolson, Davison, Saunderson, are of Danish Origination. But this fond opinion, is long since con •… uted by Vestegan, that ingenious and industrious Antiquary. Yea, he urgeth this as an argument (which much prevaileth with me) why those Surnames were not derived from the Danes, because they had no such name in use amongst them, as John, Thomas, Nicholas, David, Alexander, from whence they should be deduced.

Yea, he further addeth, that it is more probable, that they made the Childs name, by adjecting the syllable Son to the Appellation of the Father; (a custom which is usual, even at this time amongst the Vulgar sort of the Dutch. ) Yet is there not remaining any sign thereof amongst the names of our Age, which probably might have been, Canutson, Ericson, Gormoson, Heraldson, Rofolson, &c.

The Normans or French, under the Conqueror swarmed in England, so that then they became the only visible Gentry in this Nation, and still continue more then a Moity thereof; several Catalogues of their Names I have so largely exemplifyed in my Church-history, that some have taxed me for tediousness therein, and I will not add an new obstinacy to my old error.

But besides these, we have some Surnames of good Families in England, now extant, which though French, are not by any diligence to be recovered in the lists of such as came over with the Conqueror, and therefore we suppose them to have remained of those Gentlemen and others, which from Henault attended Queen Isabel, wife unto King Edward the second. Of this sort was Deureux, Mollineux, Darcy, Coniers, Longchamp, Henage, Savage, Danvers, with many more.

Of the British or Welsh, (after their expulsion hence by the Saxons ) some signal persons have returned again, and by the Kings Grant, Matches, Purchases, &c. have fixed themselves in fair possessions in England, especially since the beginning of the reign of their Country-man, King Henry the seventh, rewarding the valor of many, contributing to his Victory in the battle of Bosworth. Of the Welsh, now re-estated in England, and often Sheriffs therein, some retain their old Surnames, as the Griffins in Northamptonshire, the Griffiths and Vaughans in Yorkshire; some have assumed New ones, as the Caradocks, now known by the new Name of the Newtons in Somersetshire.

Many Scotch (long before the Union of the two Kingdoms under King James ) seated themselves in this Land, flying hither for succor from their Civil Wars, and surely it was against their mind, if they all went back again: Distress at Sea hath driven others in, as the Stewards High-sheriffs in Cambridgeshire. As other accidents have occasioned the coming in of the Scrimpshires an hundred years since High sheriffs in Staffordshire, more lately the Nappers in Bedfordshire, and before both, the Scots of Scots-hall in Kent.

I much admire that never an eminent Irish native grew in England to any greatness, so many English having prospered in that Country. But it seems, we love to live there, where we may Command, and they care not to come where they must Obey.

Our great distance from Italy, always in Position, and since the Reformation in Religion, hath caused that few or none of that Nation, have so incorporated with the English, as to have found Families therein. Yet have we a sprinkling of Italian Protestants, Castilian a valiant Gentleman, of Berkshire. The Bassanoes excellent Painters and Musicians, in Essex, which came over into England under King Henry the eight, and since in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Sir Horatio Palavicine, (Receiver of the Popes Revenues) landed in Cambridgeshire, and the Caesar's (aliàs Dalmarii) still flourishing in Hartfordshire, in Worshipful Estates, though I never find any of these performing the office of Sheriff.

The High-Dutch of the Hans Towns, anciently much conversed in our Land, (known by the name of Easterlings ) invited hither by the large privileges our Kings conferred upon them, so that the Steel-yard proved the Gold-yard unto them. But these Merchants moved round in their own Sphere, matching amongst themselves, without mingling with our Nation. Only we may presume, that the Easterlings, (corruptly called Stradlings ) formerly Sheriffs in Wiltshire, and still famous in Glamorganshire, with the Westphalings, lately Sheriffs of Oxfordshire, were originally of German Extraction.

The Low Country-men frighted by Duke D'Alvas Tyranny, flocked hither under King Edward the sixth, fixing themselves in London, Norwich, Canterbury, and Sandwich. But these confined themselves to their own Church discipline, and for ought I can find, advanced not forward by eminent Matches into our Nation. Yet I behold the worthy Family of De la Fountain in Lecestershire, as of Belgian Original, and have read how the ancestors of Sir Simon D'us in Suffolk, came hither under King Henry the eight, from the Dunasti or D'us in Gelderland.

As for the Spaniards, though their King Philip matched with our Queen Mary, but few of any eminence now extant (if I well remember) derive their Pedigrees from them. This I impute to the shortness of their Reign, and the ensuing change of Religions. Probable it is, we might have had more Natives of that Kingdom to have settled and flourished in our Nation, had he obtained a marriage with Queen Elizabeth, (of Blessed Memory) which some relate he much endeavored.

As for Portugal few of that Nation have as yet fixed their habitations, and advanced Families to any visible height in our Land. But it may please God, hereafter we may have a happy occasion, to invite some of that Nation to reside, and raise Families in England. Mean time the May 's (who have been Sheriffs in Sussex ) are all whom I can call to mind of the Portugal Race, and they not without a Mixture of Jewish Extraction.

Come we now to the second Division of our Gentry, according to the Professions whereby they have been advanced. And here to prevent