The History of the Worthies of England

Medicinal Waters.

One hath lately been discovered near Barnet in a Common, as generally sanative springs are found in such places, as if nature therein intimated her intention, designing them for public profit, not private employment; it is conceived to run thorough veins of Alome by the taste thereof. It coagulateth milk, and the curd thereof is an excellent plaster for any green wounds, besides several other operations.

But, as Alexander was wont to applaud Achilles, not as the most valiant but the most fortunate of men, having Homer to trumpet forth his actions: so are these waters much advantaged with the vicinitie of London, whose Citizens proclaim the praise thereof. And indeed London in this kind is stately attended, having three Medicinal Waters within one days Journy thereof. The Catalogue of the Cures done by this Spring, amounteth to a great number, in so much that there is hope, in process of time, the Water rising here will repair the blood shed hard by, and save as many lives as were lost in the fatal Battle at Barnet betwixt the two houses of York and Lancaster.

Hartford-shire Proverbs.

HARTFORD-SHIRE Clubs and clouted shoon. ]

Some will wonder how this Shire lying so near to London, the Staple of English Civility, should be guilty of so much Rusticalness. But the finest Cloth must have a List, and the pure Pesants are of as course a thread in this County, as in any other place. Yet though some may smile at their clownishness, let none laugh at their Industry, the rather because the high-shoon of the Tenant pays for the Spanish-Leather-Boots of the Landlord.

HARTFORD-SHIRE Hedge-Hogs. ]

Plenty of Hedge-Hogs are found in this High▪woodland-County, where too often they suck the Kine, though the Dayry-maid conne them small thanks for sparing their pains in milking them. A creature always in his posture of defense, carrying a Stand of Pikes on his back, so that if as well victualled as armed, he may hold out a seige against any equal opposition. If this Proverb containeth any further reflection on the People in this County, as therein taxed for covetousness, and their constant nudling on the Earth; I will not so understand it, as hoping and believing this to be a false Application.

WARE and WADES-Mill are worth all LONDON. ]

This I assure you is a Master-piece of the Vulgar wits in this County, wherewith they endeavor to amuse Travelers, as if WARE a thorough-fare-Market, and WADES-Mill (Part of a Village lying two miles North thereof,) were so prodigiously rich as to countervail the wealth of LONDON. The Fallacy lieth in the Homonymy of WARE, here not taken for that Town so named, but appellatively for all vendible Commodities. We will not discompose the wit of this Proverb, by cavilling that WEARE is the proper name of that Town, (so called anciently from the Stoppages, which there obstruct the River.) But leave it as we found it, and proceed.

HARTFORD-SHIRE Kindness. ]

This is generally taken in a good and grateful sense for the mutual return of favors received, It being [belike] observed that the people in this County at entertainments drink back to them who drank to them, parallel to the Latin Proverbs, Fricantem refrica; Manus manum lavat; par est de merente been, been mereri. However sometimes Hartford-shire kindness may prove Hartford-shire cruelty, and amount to no less then a Monopoly, when this reciprocation of Favors betwixt themselves is the exclusion of all others from partaking thereof.

Princes.

WILLIAM, second Son of King Edward the Third, and Philip his wife, took his Christian-name from his Grandfather, William Earl of Henault, and his Sirname of Hatfield from the place of his Nativity in this County, where he was born the ninth of his Fathers Reign, Anno Domini 1335. and expired within few days af •… er. So that what I find written on the late Monument of a Noble Infant, may also serve for his Epitaph.

It is uncertain where he was interred, but most believe him buried at Westminster.

EDMUND of LANGLEY, Fifth son to King Edward the Third, and Queen Philip, Was so surnamed from Kings-Langley in this County the place of his Nativity. He was created Earl of Cambridge, in the Thirty sixth year of the Reign of his Father, and Duke of York in the ninth year of his Nephew King Richard the Second. He married Isabel, daughter and Co-Heir of Peter King of Castile: and lie buried at Langley together. He had (besides other Children of both Sexes) to his eldest Son Richard Duke of York; and he died, Anno Dom. 1402.

EDMUND of HADDAM, Reader, I presume thee to be so much a Gentleman, as in courtesy to allow him a Prince, who was Son to Queen Katherine by Owen Theodor, her second husband, womb-brother to King Henry the Sixth, and Father to King Henry the Seventh. That he was born in this County one may well be confident, seeing there is no Haddam in any Shire of England save Hartford-shire alone. I confess therein three Villages of that name, but sure no less then Great Haddam was the place of so eminent a Native. He was solemnly created Earl of Richmond at Reading, in the 31. of King Henry the Sixth.

Many good works no doúbt he did, when living, whose corps when buried, saved from destruction the fair Cathedral of Saint David's. For his Monument in the midst of the Choir, saith my Author, (as the Prebendaries told him) spared their Church from defacing in the days of King Henry the Eighth. I could wish all King Henries nearest relations had after their decease been severally so disposed preservatives from ruin & rapine, as the corps of Q. Katherin Dowager did, as some say, save the Church of Peterburgh But this ill agreeth with that which Brookes reporteth, viz. That this Earl was buried in Carmarthen; and because Vincent his professed adversary (finding fault with him always when any, sometimes when no cause ) taketh no exception thereat; I the more rely on his Testimony. Only it is possible that this Earl first enterred in Carmarthen, might be afterwards for the more eminence of Sepulture removed to Saint David's. He died, Anno Domini, 1456.

Saints.

Saint ALBAN, though (as Saint Paul ) a Roman by privilege, but Briton, by Parentage, was born in this County (though many hundreds of years before Hartfordshire had its modern Name and Dimensions ) in the City of Verulam, and was martyred for Christianity under Dioclesian An. 303. The cause and manner whereof, (with the Martyrdom of Saint Amphibalus hard by Rudborn, ) I have so largely related in my Ecclesiastical History, that, as I will repeat nothing, I can add nothing of consequence thereto. Except any will conceive this to be remarkable, that good Liquoras groweth naturally out of the ruinous walls of Verulam, an old City, (the Mother of the New Town of Saint Albans ) as a skillful eye-witness Antiquary and zealous Protestant hath observed. Had some Papist taken first notice hereof, he might probably have made it a Miracle, and assign the sanctity of this place for the root of this Liquoras.

Martyrs.

It appeareth by the Maps, that Africa lieth partly in the Torrid, and partly in the Temperate Zone, Nor is the wonder any at all, considering the vastness thereof, extending itself through many Degrees. More strange it is that this small County should be partly in a Temperate, viz. the Western part thereof subjected to the Bishop of Lincoln, and partly in the Torrid Climate, namely the Eastern Moity belonging to the Dioces of London, which under Bonner was parched with persecution. Yet not to make this Monster worse then he was, though many in his Jurisdiction were much molested, and though Tradition points the very place in Bishops Stortford, where poor people were burnt at the stake, yet my Book of Martyrs, or Eyes, or both be defective, wherein I cannot recover the name of any particular person.

Pope.

NICHOLAS Son to Robert Break-spear (a Lay brother in the Abbey of St. Albans ) fetched his Name from Break-spear a place in Middlesex, but was born at Abbots-Langley a Town in this County. When a Youth, he was put to such servile work in St. Albans Abbey, that his ingenious Soul could not comport therewith. Suing to be admitted into that house, he received the repulse, which in fine proved no mis-hap, but a happy-miss, unto him; for, going over into France, he studied so hard and so happily at Paris, that for his worth he was preferred Abbot of St. Rufus near Valentia, and afterward by Pope Eugenius the Third, was made Bishop of Alba nigh Rome: Adnatalis soli memoriam, saith my Author, that he, who was refused to be Monachus Albanensis in England, should be Episcopus Albanensis in Italy. He was employed by the Pope for the conversion of the Norwegians, and though Bale saith (he were not Bale if he were not bitter) Anti-christiano charactere Norwegios signavit; yet his reducing them from Paganism to Christianity in the Fundamentals was a worthy work and deserves true commendation. He was afterwards chosen Pope of Rome, by the name of Adrian the fourth. There is a mystery more then I can fathom in the changing of his name: Seeing his own font-name was a Papal one; Yet he preferred rather to be Adrian the fourth, then Nicholas the third. He held his place four years, eight months, and eight and twenty days: and Anno 1158. as he was drinking, was choked with a Fly: Which in the large Territory of St. Peters patrimony had no place but his Throat to get into: But since a Flye stopped his Breath, fear shall stop my Mouth, not to make uncharitable Conclusions from such Casualties.

Cardinal.

BOSO (confessed by all an English-man) is not placed in this County out of any certainty, but of pure Charity, not knowing, where elsewhere with any Probability to dispose him. But seeing he was Nephew to the late named Nicholas, or Pope Adrian, we have some shadow and pretence to make him of the same County: This is sure, his Unckle made him Cardinal in the Moneth of December, 1155. and he was a great Change-Church in Rome, being successively,

• 1. Cardinal Deacon of Sts. Cosma & Damiam.
• 2. Cardinal Priest of St. Crosses of Jerusalem.
• 3. Cardin. Pr. of St. Prudentiana.
• 4. Cardin. Pr. of Pastor.

He was more than Instrumental in making Alexander the third Pope with the suffrages of 19. Cardinals, who at last clearly carried it against his Anti-Pope Victor the fourth. This Boso died, Anno Dom. 1180.

Prelates.

RICHARD de WARE for this is his true name, as appears in his Epitaph, though some (pretending his honor, but prejudicing the Truth thereby) surname him Warren. He was made Abbot of Westminster 1260, and twenty years after Treasurer of England, under King Edward the first. This Richard going to Rome, brought thence certain Work-men, and rich Purphury. And for the rest hear my Author.

See Readers, what an Enemy Ignorance is to Art. How often have I trampled on that Pavement, so far from admiring, as not observing it. And since, upon serious Survey, it will not, in my Eyes, answer this Character of Curiosity, However I will not add malice to my Ignorance (qualities which too often are Companions) to disparage what I do not understand, but I take it on the trust of others more skillful, for a Masterpeece of Art. This Richard died on the second of December, 1283, the 12. of King Edward the first, and lieth buried under the foresaid Pavement.

RALPH BALDOCK So called from the Place of his Nativity (A MoungrelMarket ) in this County, was bred in Merton College in Oxford. One not unlearned, and who wrote an History of England, which Leland at London did once behold. King Edward the first much prised and preferred him Bishop of London. He gave two hundred pounds whilst living, and left more when dead, to repair the East part of St. Paul's, on the same token, that upon occasion of clearing the Foundation, an incredible number of Heads of Oxen were found buried in the Ground, alleged as an argument by some to prove That anciently a Temple of Diana. Such who object that heads of Stagges, had been more proper for her, the Goddess of the Game, may first satisfy us, Whether any Creatures ferae Naturae (as which they could not certainly compass at all seasons) were usually offered for Sacrifices. This Ralph died July the 24. 1313. Being buried under a Marble Stone in St. Mary's Chapel in his Cathedral.

JOHN BARNET had his Name and Nativity from a Market-Town in this County, sufficiently known by the Road passing thorough it. He was first by the Pope preferred 1361. to be Bishop of Worcester, and afterwards was translated to Bath and Wells. Say not this was a Retrograde motion, and Barnet degraded in point of profit by such a Removal. For though Worcester is the better Bishopric in our age, in those days Bath and Wells▪ (before the Revenues thereof were reformed under King Edward the sixth ) was the richer preferment: Hence he was translated to Eli, and for 6. years was Lord Treasurer of England, He died at Bishops Hatfield, June 7. 1373. and was buried there on the South-fide of the high Altar, under a Monument, now miserably defaced by some Sacrilegious Executioner, who hath beheaded the Statue lying thereon.

THOMAS RUDBURNE, no doubt, according to the fashion of those days, took his Name from Rudburne a Village within four miles from St. Albans. He was bred in Oxford, and Proctor thereof Anno 1402. and Chancellor 1420. An excellent Scholar, and skillful Mathematician; of a meek and mild temper (though at one time a little tart against the Wic-livites ) which procured him much love with great persons. He was Warden of Merton College in Oxford, and built the Tower over the College Gate. He wrote a Chronicle of England, and was preferred Bishop of St. David's. He flourished Anno Domini, 1419. though the date of his Death be unknown.

Reader, I cannot satisfy myself, that any Bishop since the Reformation was a Native of this County, and therefore proceed to another Subject.

Statesmen.

Sir EDWARD WATERHOUSE Knight, was born at Helmsted-bury in this County, of an ancient and worshipful Family, deriving their descent lineally from Sir Gilbert Waterhouse of Kyrton in Low▪ Lindsey in the County of Lincoln, in the time of King Henry the third. As for our Sir Edward, his Parents were,

• John Waterhouse Esquire, a man of much fidelity and Sageness. Auditor many years to King Henry the Eighth, of whom he obtained (after a great entertainment for him in his house) the grant of a Weekly Market for the Town of Helmsted.
• Margaret Turner of the ancient house of Blunts-Hall in Suffolk, and Cannons in Hartfordshire.

The King at his Departure, honored the Children of the said John Waterhouse, being brought before him, with his praise and encouragement, gave a Benjamins portion of Dignation to this Edward, foretelling by his Royal Augury, That he would be the Crown of them all, and a man of great Honor and Wisdom, fit for the Service of Princes.

It pleased God afterwards to second the word of the King, so that the sprouts of his hopeful youth, only pointed at the growth and greatness of his honorable age. For, being but twelve years old, he went to Oxford, where for some years he glistered in the Oratorick and Poëtick Sphere, until he addicted himself to conversation, and observance of State affairs, wherein his great proficiency commended him to the favor of three principal patrons.

One was Walter Devereux Earl of Essex, who made him his bosom-friend, and the said Earl, lying on his death-bed, took his leave of him with many kisses, Oh my Ned (said he) farewell, thou art the faithfullest and friendliest Gentleman that ever I knew. In testimony of his true affection to the dead Father in his living Son, this Gentleman is thought to have penned that most judicious and elegant Epistle (recorded in Holinsheds History pag. 1266.) and presented it to the young Earl, conjuring him by the cogent arguments of example and rule, to patrizate.

His other Patron was Sir Henry Sidney (so often Lord Deputy of Ireland ) whereby he became incorporated into the familiarity of his Son Sir Philip Sidney, between whom, and Sir Edward, there was so great freindlinesse, that they were never better pleased then when in one another's Companies, or when they corresponded each with other.

And we find after the Death of that worthy Knight, that he was a close-concerned Mourner at his Obsequies, as appeareth at large in the printed Representation of his Funeral Solemnity.

His third Patron was Sir John Perot Deputy also of Ireland, who so valued his Counsel, that in state-affairs he would do nothing without him. So great his employment betwixt state and state, that he crossed the seas Thirty seven times, until deservedly at last he came into a Port of Honor, wherein •… he sundry years anchored, and found safe harbor. For he received the Honor of Knighthood, was sworn of her Majesty's Privy Council for Ireland, and Chancellor of the Exchequer therein.

Now his grateful soul coursing about how to answer the Queens Favor, laid itself wholly out in Her service, wherein two of his actions most remarkable. First he was highly instrumental in modelling the Kingdom of Ireland into shires as now they are; showing himself so great a Lover of the Politie, under which he was born, that he advanced the Compliance therewith (as commendable and necessary) in the Dominions annexed thereunto.

His second service was, when many in that Kingdom shrouded themselves from the Laws, under the Target of power, making force their Tutelary Saint, he set himself vigorously to suppress them. And when many of the Privy Council terrified with the greatness of the Earl of Desmond, durst not subscribe the Instrument, wherein he was proclaimed Traitor, Sir Edward among some others boldly signed the same (disav •… wing his, and all treasons against his Prince and Country) and the Council did the like, commanding the publication thereof.

As to his private sphere God blessed him, being but a third Brother, above his other Brethren. Now though he had three Wives, the first a Viliers, the second a Spilman, the third the Widow of Herlakenden of Wood-church in Kent Esquire, and though he had so strong a Brain and Body, yet he lived and died Childlesse, entercommoning therein with many Worthies, who are, according to Aelius Spartianus, either improlifick, or have Children in genitorum vituperium, & famarum laesuram. God thus denying him the pleasure of posterity, he craved leave of the Queen to retire himself, and fixed the Residue of his life at Wood-church in Kent, living there in great honor and repute, as one who had no design to be popular, and not prudent; rich, and not honest; great, and not good.

He died in the fifty sixth year of his age, the 13. of October 1591. and is buried at Wood church under a Table Marble-Monument, erected to his memory by his sorrowful Lady surviving him.

Reader, I doubt not but thou art sensible of the alteration and improvement of my Language in this Character, owing both my Intelligence and expressions unto Edward Waterhouse now of Zion College Esquire, who, to revive the memory of his Namesake and great Uncle, furnished me with these instructions.

HENRY CARY Viscount of Falkland in Scotland, and Son to Sir Edw. Cary, was born at Aldnam in this County. He was a most accomplished Gentleman, and complete Courtier. By King James he was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, and well discharged his Trust therein. But an unruly Colt will fume and chafe (though neither switcht nor spurred) merely because backed. The rebellious Irish will complain only because kept in Subjection, though with never so much lenity; the occasion why some hard Speeches were passed on his Government. Some beginning to counterfeit his hand, he used to incorporate the year of his Age, in a Knot flourished beneath his Name, concealing the Day of his Birth to himself. Thus by comparing the date of the Month, with his own Birth-day (unknown to such Forgers) he not only discovered many false Writings which were past, but also deterred dishonest Cheaters from attempting the like for the future. Being recalled into England, he lived honourably in this County, until he by a sad casualty brake his Leg on a Stand in Theobalds Park, and soon after died thereof. He married the sole Daughter and Heir of Sir Lawrence Tanfield, Cheif Baron of the Exchequer, by whom he had a fair estate in Oxfordshire. His Death happened Anno Dom. 1620. being Father to the most accomplished Statesman, Lucius; Grandfather to the present Henry Lord Falkland, whose pregnant parts (now clarified from Juvenile Extravagancies ) perform much, and promise more useful service to this Nation.

Soldiers.

Sir HENRY CARY Son to Sir William Cary, and Mary Bollen, his Wife, was (where ever born) made by Queen Elizabeth, Lord Chamberlain, Baron of Hunsdon in this County. A Valiant man, and Lover of Men of their hands, very choleric but not malicious. Once one Mr. Colt chanced to meet him coming from Hunsdon to London, in the Equipage of a Lord of those days. The Lord on some former grudge gave him a Box on the Ear; Colt presently returned the principle with Interest, and thereupon his Servants drawing their Swords swarmed about him. You Rogues (said the Lord) may not I and my Neighbor change a blow, but you must interpose? Thus the Quarrel was begun and ended in the same minute.

It was merrily said, that his Latin and his Dissimulation were both alike, and that his custom in swearing, and obscenity in speech, made him seem a worse Christian than he was, and a better Knight of the Carpet then he could be. He might have been with the Queen, whatsoever he would himself, but would be no more then what he was, preferring enough above a Feast in that nature.

He hung at Court on no man's Sleve, but stood on his own Botome till the time of his death, having a competent estate of his own given him by the Queen. Who bestowed on him, in the first of her Reign, Hunsdon house in this County, with four thousand pounds a year (according to the valuation in that age) in fair Demesnes, Parks, and Lands lying about it. Yet this was rather Restitution than Liberality in her Majesty: Seeing He had spent as great an estate, (left him by his father) in her Service or rather Releif during her persecution under Queen Mary. •…

This Lord suppressed the first Northern Commotion, (the sole reason why we have ranked him under the Title of Soldier ) for which, This Letter of Thanks was solemnly returned unto him.

Thus far was written by the Secretary of State, but the ensuing Postscript was all the Queens own hand; The Original being preserved by the Right Honorable Henry Earl of Monmouth (Grandchild to the Lord Hunsdon ) by whose noble favor I carefully copied it forth as followeth,

Three times was this Lord in Election to be Earl of Wiltshire, a Title which in some sort belonged unto him, in the right of Mary his Mother, but still some intervening Accident retarded it. When he lay on his Death bed, The Queen gave him a gracious visit, causing his Patent for the said Earldom to be drawn, his Robes to be made, and both to be laid down upon his bed, but this Lord (who could dissemble neither well nor sick) Madam (said he) Seeing you counted me not worthy of this honor whilst I was Living, I count myself unworthy of it now I am Dying. He departed this life Ann. Dom. 1596. and lieth buried in a most magnificent Monument in Westminster Abbey, being the direct Ancestor to the Earls of Dover and Monmouth.

Physicians.

JOHN GILES, or of St. Giles, was born at St. Albans, probably in the Parish of St. Giles, long since (as some more in that Town) demolished. He was bred beyond the Seas, where he became so great a Scholar, that he not only was Physician in ordinary to Philip King of France, but also Professor of that faculty in Paris and Montpelier. Then waving the care of Bodies, he took on him the cure of Souls, and was made Doctor of Divinity. He afterwards became a Dominican, and was the first Englishman that ever entered into that order. In his old age he was famous for his Divinity-Lectures read in Oxford.

But which most persuades me to a venerable reception of his memory, is what I read of him in Matth. Paris, how Robert Grosthead, the pious and learned Bishop of Lincoln being sick on his Death-bed, sent for this Mr. John Giles, learned in Physic and Divinity, that from him he might receive comfort both for body and soul. How long this Physician surviv'd his Patient (dying in Octob. 1253.) is to me unknown.

JOHN de GATESDEN was undoubtedly born in this County, wherein two Villages, the Greater and Less of that name; Such who except that they are written Gadesden, will soon be satisfied in their Sameness from those who know the Sympathy betwixt T. and D. He was bred in Merton College in Oxford, where he so profited in the Study of Physic. That a Forraigner compiling a Catalogue of men eminent in that faculty, acknowledgeth him a Writer of high esteem therein. By one who hath made a List of Learned men, he is styled Johannes Anglicus. I am informed that lately his Books have been printed in Italy in a Folio; No small Honor (I assure you) Seeing in Physic the Italians account all Tramountain Doctors but Apothecaries in comparison of themselves. The first Treatise in his Book is termed Rosa Anglica, The English Rose, and I doubt not, but as it is Sweet in the Title, so it is Sovereign in the matter therein contained. This John flourished in the year of our Lord 1320.

Writers.

ALEXANDER NEQUAM, or Bad in English, was born in St. Albans. Many conceived themselves wondrous Witty in making Jests (which indeed made themselves) on his Sirname. Whereof one eminent instance, Nequam had a mind to become a Monk in St. Albans, the Town of his Nativity, and thus Laconically wrote for leave to the Abbot thereof.

To whom the Abbot returned.

Whereupon Nequam (to discompose such conceits for the future) altered the Orthography of his Name into Neckam.

Another Pass of wit there was (saith my Author) betwixt him, and Philip Repington Bishop of Lincoln, the lat •… r sending the Challenge.

To whom Nequam rejoined.

But by the leave of my learned Author, this Nequam must be much younger than our Alexander, or that Philip much older than Bishop Repington, all agreeing that Alexander Nequam died 1227. under King Henry the third, whereas Philip Repington was made Bishop of Lincoln 1405. under King Henry the fourth.

But leaving Nequam his name, he is known to posterity by the Title of Ingenii miraculum, being an excellent Philosopher, Rhetorician and Poet, so true it is what Tully observeth, Omnes arts, quae ad humanitatem pertinent, habent quoddam commune vinculum, & quasi cognatione quadam inter se continentur: Besides he was a deep Divine, as his Books do evidence. He was Canon of Exeter, and (upon what occasion I know not) came to be buried at Worcester, with this Epitaph,

Others say he was buried at St. Albans, where he found repulse when living, but repose when dead.

WILLIAM of WARE born in that thorough fair Town twenty miles from London, was a Franciscan bred first in Oxford, then in Paris. Now because some may slight the praise of Bale or Pits (as testes domesticos, Englishmen commending Englishmen) know that John pious Mirandula, highly extolleth this de Ware, though miscalling him John, as ambitious to have him his Name-sake. He was Instructor to John Duns Scotus.

He flourished under King Henry the third, Anno 1270. and is supposed to be buried in Paris.

JOHN MANDEVILE Knight, born at St. Albans in this County, Heir to a fair estate, he applied himself first to the reading of the Scriptures, then to the study of Physic (wherein he attained to great perfection) afterwards to travel for thirty four years together, and at last like another Ulysses returning home, was quite grown out of Knowledge of all his friends. He wrote a Book of his own Itinerary thorough Africa, the East and North part of Asia, containing variety of Wonders. Now though far Travelers are suspected in their relations to wander from the Truth, yet all things improbable are not impossible, and the Readers ignorance is sometimes all the Writers falsehood. He used to complain of the Church corruptions in his Age, being wont to say, Virtus cessat, Ecclesia calcatur, Clerus errat, Daemon regnat, Simonia Dominatur.

He died Anno Dom. 1372. buried say some in the Convent of the Williamites, at Liege in Germany, which St. Albans will not allow, claiming his Burial, as well as his Birth, where a Ryming Epitaph is appendant on a Pillar near the supposed place of his Enterment.

NICHOLAS GORHAM a Dominican. We cannot blame the Frenchmen, if desirous to gain so great a Scholar to be their Countryman; nor must the French blame us, if loath to lose what is duly and truly our own.

Three things are pretended to countenance his French Nativity, 1. His Long living (and dying at last ) in that Land. 2. The preferment •… e got there, being Confessor to the King of France, which may seem a Place of too much Privacy to be conferred on a Forraigner. 3. The great credit and esteem which his Writings have gained in France, where his Manuscript-works, are extant in many Libraries.

These Pleas are over-balanced with a like Number to attest his English Extraction. Ham in Gorham, is notoriously known for no French, but a Saxon ordinary termination of a Town. 2. Gorham was a Village nigh St. Albans in this County; where Gorhamberry (the Manor-house thereof) is extant at this day. The Register of Merton College in Oxford mentioneth the admission of this Nicholas Gorham a student in their Foundation. Add to all these, that Learned Leland and other English Antiquaries have always challenged him for their Countryman.

Indeed He was an English-man Francised, who going over into France a young man, spent the rest of his life there. Many and Learned are his Books, having Commented almost on all the Scriptures; and give me leave to say, no Hands have fewer spots of pitch upon them who touched the superstition of that Age he lived in. He died, and was buried at Paris, about the year of our Lord 1400. I will only add that since we have had another Nicholas of Gorham (though not by his birth, by his habitation) as famous for a States-man as the former for a Divine. I mean Sir Nicholas Bacon, whose dwelling was at Gorham-berry aforesaid.

HUGH LEGAT born in this County, bred in Oxford, at last became a Benedictine in the Abbey of St. Albans. Being much delighted in Meditation, he wholly employed himself in commentary on,

• 1. John of Hanwell his Books of Lamentation.
• 2. Boetius of Consolation.

Thus his Soul may be presumed well poized betwixt plumbum & plumam, a Weight and a Wing to supresse and support it. He flourished Anno 1400.

JOHN WHETAMSTEAD was born at Wheatamstead in this County, not so famous for the production of the best Wheat, whence the place hath its Name, as for this John Whetamsted, who hath his Name from that place. He was bred at the Priory at Tinmouth in Northumberland (a long stride I assure you from the place of his Birth ) to which he bequeathed a Challice of Gold. He was afterwards Abbot of St. Albans, and the sixth of that Christian name.

Vast were his expenses in adorning of that Church, exceeding six thousand pounds.

* Two Criticismes in his Buildings I cannot omit, one, that on the North-side of his Church (which he enlightened with new Windowes ) he set up the statues of those Heathen Philosophers, which had testified of the Incarnation of Christ. 2. That in a little Chapel he set up the similitudes of all the Saints whose Christian names were John, with his own picture, and this Prayer in a Distich, that though unworthy he might have a place with his Namesakes in Heaven.

Besides he procured from Humfrey the good Duke of Gloucester, his great Mecenas who was buried at St. Albans, a suite of Vestments worth 3000. Marks and the Manor of Pembroke in South-wales. Many are the Books which he left to posterity, being counted no fewer then fourscore and odd several Treatises, and died about the year 1440.

JOHN BOURCHIER Baron Berners, was Son of John Bourchier Baron Berners in the Right of Margery his Wife Daughter of Sir Richard Berners of Westhorsley in Surrey. Yet had that Honourablo Family of the Berners, an ancient Habitation at Tharfield in this County, which with some probability insinuateth the Birth of this noble Gentleman therein.

He was a martial man well seen in all Military Discipline, and when Michael Joseph the Black-Smith lead the Cornish Rebells against King Henry the seventh, Anno 1496. no man did better service then this Lord in their suppression, for which he was made chief Governor of Calais.

Having there gotten a repose, who formerly had been a far Traveler, and great Linguist, He * translated many Books out of French, Spanish, and Italian, besides some of his own making. I behold his as the second (accounting the Lord Tiptoft the first ) noble hand which since the decay of Learning took a Pen therein, to be Author of a Book. He died on the 16. of March 1532. and is buried in the great church in Calais. And I have read that the estate of the Berners is by an Heir-general descended to the Knyvets of •… shwelthorp in Norfolk.

Benefactors to the Public.

NICHOLAS DIXON, Parson for thirty years together of Cheshunt in this County. He was also Clerk of the Pipe-Office belonging to the Exchequer. See we here why the Officers of that place (as also those of the Chancery ) were called Clerks, because Priests in Orders with Cure of Souls did formerly discharge those Offices. He was also Under-Treasurer, and at last Baron of the Chequer, when partly by his own bounty, and partly by Collection of others, He built the Parish Church of Cheshunt (and that I assure you is a very fair one) with a Chancel to the Virgin Mary. Now for an Affidavit for the proof hereof, The Reader is referred to this his Epitaph inscribed in Cheshunt Chancel, more to be respected for the truth, then wit thereof.

The word Rexerat doth intimate that Cheshunt was then a Rectorie or Parsonage, though since impropriated and made a Vicarage. What a deal of do does this pitiful Poet make with words at length, and Figures▪ and Latin, and Greek, to describe the date of his death? which (if I understand his signs aright) was October the thirtieth, one thousand four hundred forty eight.

Sir RALPH JOSCELINE, son to Jefferie Josceline was born at Sabridgworth in this County, bred a Draper in London, whereof he was twice Mayor. Once Anno 1464, and ere the end of that year, was made Knight of the Bath by King Edward the Fourth, in the Field saith my Author. But seeing there is more of the Carpet then of the Camp in that Order, it is more probable what another writes, that he was invested Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Elizabeth, Queen to the King aforesaid. He was Mayor again, Anno 1476. when he corrected the Bakers and Victuallers of the City, and by his diligence were the walls thereof repaired. Walls now a mere complement, serving more for the dividing then the defending of the City; 〈◊〉 that as some foreign Cities cannot be seen for the walls, here the walls cannot be seen for the City. Sad were the case of London, if not better secured with bones within, then stones about it. Th •… s Sir Ralph died October the 25. Anno 1478. and was buried in the Church of Sabridgeworth.

JOHN INCENT, son of Robert Incent, and Katharine his wife was born at Berkhamsted in this County. He was afterwards a Doctor of Law, and advanced Anno 1543. (when Richard Sampson was preferred Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield ) Dean of Saint Paul's. This John, probably invited by the example of another John (his mediate predecessor) Collet Dean of Paul's, Founded a fair Free-school in the Town of his Nativity, procuring it confirmed by act of Parliament, allowing the Master twenty, the Usher ten pounds Per annum. He died, as I collect, in the beginning of the Reign of King Edward the Sixth.

Sir THOMAS WHITE, son to Thomas White was born at Rixmansworth in this County, and afterwards bred a Merchant-Taylor in London, of which City he was Lord Mayor An. Dom. 1553. He first built Gloucester-Hal, and afterwards built and endowed St. Johns College in Oxford the Seminary of many flourishing wits. He bestowed also a va •… sum of money on several Corporations to be employed circularly for the benefit of the poor Freemen therein. Ionce intended to have presented the Reader with an exact particular of his Benefactions, till seasonably I reversed my Resolution on this consideration. Amongst the Jews it was an injury for one removed further off in blood to do the Office of a Kinsman to the childless Widow, until the next of Kin had first disclaimed his interest therein; as in the Case of Ruth most plainly appeared. A son, I am sure is nearer then a Nephew, therefore it is a more proper performance for one bred in Oxford, to Collect the particulars of his Bounty (who whither soever he went, left the Finger-marks of his Charity behind him;) Then for me distanced a degree farthrr off by my Education in another University.

Memorable Persons.

THOMAS WATERHOUSE Priest, was born at Helmsted in ths County. His Will acquainteth us with the wardrobe of men of his Order, towards the end of the reign of Q. Mary.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, Amen. I Thomas Waterhouse Priest of the Catholic Faith, whole of body, and of good and perfect remembrance, do make and ordain my last Will and Testament the 25. day of May, in the year of our Lord 1557. in manner and form following. First, I bequeath my Soul to God Almighty the Father of Heaven, my Creator, and unto Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, my Redeemer. And I will my body be buried in the Chancel within the Parish Church of Hemelhemsted, near to the place where my Mother lieth. I beque •… th to the Parish Church of Quainton, my vestment of crimson Satin. I bequeath to the Parish Church of great Barkemsted, my vestment of crimson Velvet. I bequeath to the Parish Church of great Hemelsted, my Stole and FANON set with Pearl. I bequeath to my cozen John Waterhouse, the Queens servant my standing cup of silver and gilt, with the cover. I bequeath to my servant Thomas Ashton, ten pound in money which I promised him. I bequeath to my PRIEST, Sr. Thomas Barker, my black Gown faced with Taffata, &c. And •… ordain and make my brother John Waterhouse, and my cozen Richard Comb Gentlemen, mine Executors, these being witnesses, &c.

Such as jeer him for his Gallantry, (as one of the Church Triumphant ) may remember that besides his worshipful extraction (which might the better countenance his Clothes) these were not garments for his Wearing, but Vestments for his officiating, and according to the opinion of that Age, nothing could be too costly in that kind.

HEREFORD-SHIRE hath Worcester-shire and Shrop-shire on the North, Gloucester shire on the East, Monmouth-shire on the South, Brecknock and Radnor-shires on the West. In form it is almost circular, being from North to South (measured to the best improvement) 35. miles, though from East to West not altogether so much.

There cannot be given a more effectual Evidence of the healthful air in this Shire, then the vigorous vivacity of the inhabitants therein; Many aged folk which in other countries are properties of the chimneyes, or confined to their beds, are here found in the field as able (if willing) to work. The ingenious Serjeant Hoskin gave an entertainment to King James and povided ten aged people to dance the Morish before him; all of them making up more then a thousand years, So that what was wanting in one was supplied in another. A nest of Nestors not to be found in another place.

This County doth share as deep as any in the Alphabet of our English Commodities though exceeding in W. for Wood, Wheat, Wooll, and Water. Besides this Shire, better answereth (as to the sound thereof) the name of Pomerania, then the Dukedom of Germany so called, being a continued Orchard of Apple trees, whereof much Sider is made of, the use whereof we have treated of before.

There is a Tract in this County called Gylden Vale, And if any demand how much gold is to be found therein know that even as much as in Chrusaroas or, Golden stream, the river of Damascus so called from the yellowness of their water as this veil is so named either because gilded with flowers in the spring, or because being the best of Molds as Gold is of Mettalls.

Here I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Master Camden his cautious commendation of this County.

Secunda 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inter Angliae Provincias acquiescere, haud facile est contenta.

It is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be accounted the Second shire for matter of fruitfulness

But the foresaid Author in his whole book never expresseth which is the first, too politick to adjudge so invidious a preeminence. And thus keeping the uppermost seat empty, such competitour Counties are allowed leave, to put in their several claims which pretend to the prime place of fertility.

Reader, I am sorry that having not hitherto seen the Cathedral of Hereford, I must be silent about the building in this County.