The History of the Worthies of England

Martyrs.

WILLIAM WHITE was born in this County, and entering into Orders, became a great maintainer of the Opinions of Wycliffe. He was the first married Priest in England, since the Popes solemn prohibition thereof. I find Johan his wife, commended for her modesty and patience, and that she was conjux talidigna marito. Indeed she shared very deep in her husbands sufferings, hardly coming off with her life at the last. For he, though leaving his living (as unsafe to hold) still kept his calling, and preached about all the Eastern parts of the Land. The same mouth which commanded the Disciples in time of Peace, Go not from house to house, so to avoid the censure of Levity, advised them also, when ye are persecuted in one City fly to another, so to provide for their own security. Such the constant practice of this W. White, who was as a Partridge daily on the wing, removing from place to place. At last he was seised on at Norwich, by William Alnwick the cruel Bishop thereof, and charged with 30 Articles, for which he was condemned and burnt at Norwich in September 1428. He was the Protomartyr of all born in this County, and had not five before him in all England, who suffered merely for Religion, without any mixture of matter of State charged upon them.

As for MARIAN Martyrs, we meet with many in this County though not to be charged on Cardinal Pool Arch-bishop of Canterbury further then his bare permission thereof.

It is observed of Bears, that they love to kill their own Prey, and (except forced by Famine) will not feed on what was dead before. Such a Bear was bloody Bonner, who was all for the quick and not for the dead, whilst clean contrary Cardinal Pool let the living alone, and vented his spleen only on the dead (whom he could wrong, but not hurt) burning the bones of Martin Bucer and Paulus Phagius at Cambridge. Such Martyrs therefore, as suffered in this Shire, were either by the cruelty of Griffin Bishop of Rochester, or of Thornton Suffragan of Dover.

Confessors.

SIMON FISH Esquire, was born in this County, bred a Lawyer in Graies-Inn London. Here he acted that part in a Tragedy, wherein the pride of Cardinal Wolsey was personated, and wherewith that Prelate was so offended, that Fish was fain to fly, and live two years beyond the Seas. There he made, and thence sent over into England, a small but sharp Treatise, called The Supplication of Beggars, termed by Master Fox a Libel, understand him a little Book; Otherwise prizing and praising it for a Master-piece of Wit-learning and Religion, discovering the Superstition of that age. This by Queen Anna Bollen was presented to King Henry the Eighth, who therewith was so highly affected, that he sent for the Author home, and favored him in great proportion.

However, many nets were laid by the Popish party against him, especially by Sir Thomas More his implacable Enemy, yet Fish had the happiness to escape the hands of Men, and to fall into the hand of God more immediately, Dying of the Plague, 1531. and lieth buried at St. Dunstan in London.

Sir JAM. HALES was born, did live & was richly landed in this county, one of the Justices of the Common-Pleas, a man of most signal Integrity. When the rest of the Judges (frighted at the frowns of the Duke of Northumberland ) subscribed the disinheriting of the Lady Mary, and Lady Elizabeth, he only refused, as against both Law and Conscience.

Yet afterwards in the first of Queen Mary he fell into the displeasure of Bishop Gardener, (which like Juniper coals once kindled hardly quenched) for urging the observation of some Laws of King Edward the Sixth. For this he was imprisoned, hardly used, and so threatened by his Keeper, that he endeavored to have killed himself, which being after let at liberty he afterwards effected, drowning himself in a small water near his house, fear and melancholy so much prevailing upon him; Mr. Fox concludeth the sad Poem of his final estate with this Distich.

We must look on his foul Deed with anger, and yet with pity on the doer thereof, Frown on the one, and weep for the other. For seeing he had led a right godly life, and had suffered so much on the account of his Conscience, I hope that his station in this place, will not be cavilled at by any charitable persons. He died Anno Dom. 1555.

Cardinals.

JOHN KEMP son to Thomas, Grand-child to Sir John Kemp Nephew to Sir Roger Kemp both Knights, was born at Wie in this County, (where he built a fair College for Seculars) bred also in Merton College in Oxford, successively Bishop of Rochester, Chichester and London; afterwards Arch-Bishop of York and Canterbury, Cardinal first by the Title of Saint Balbine, then of Saint Rufine in Rome; all his preferments are comprehended in the old following verse.

He had another honor to make up the Distich, being twice Lord Chancellor of England, so that I may add;

Such are mistaken, who report him the first raiser of his Family to a Knightly degree, which he found in that Equipage, as is aforesaid, though he left it much improved in Estate by his bounty, and some of his name and blood flourish in Kent at this day. He died a very old man, March the 22. Anno 1453.

RICHARD CLIFFORD. His Nativity may bear some debate Herefordshire pretending unto him. But because Robert Clifford was his brother (in the first of King Henry the Fourth High Sheriff of this County, and richly landed therein) I adjudge him a Cantian and assign Bobbing as the most probable place of his birth. His worth preferred him Bishop of London 1407. and he was sent by King Henry the Fourth as his Ambassador to the Council of Constance. I could hold my hand from ranking him under the Topic of Cardinals, confident that no ingenious person would take exception thereat. For first he was one in Merit and Desert. Secondly, in general Desire and Designation. Thirdly, (though no actual Cardinal ) he acted as a Cardinal when joined to their Conclave to see fair play amongst them at the choosing of a new Pope. Yea some mentioned him for the place, who (counting it more credit to make, than be a Pope) first nominated Cardinal Columna, and he clearly carried it by the name of Martin. During his abode at Constance he preached a Latin Sermon before the Emperor and Pope. He answered his name de clivo forti, or of the strong Rock indeed, viz. David's; being a most pious person, returning home he lived in good esteem, with Prince and People, until his death, which happened 1421. being buried nigh the present Monument of Sr. Christopher Hatton.

Prelates.

RALPH of MAYDENSTAN. I presume this the ancient Orthography of Maydston (a noted Town in this County) the rather, because I met with no other place in England, offering in sound or syllables thereunto. An Author giveth him this short but thick commendation;

Insomuch that in the Reign of King Henry the Third 1234. He was preferred Bishop of Hereford.

This Prelate bought of one Mount-halt a Noble-man, a fair house in, and the Patronage of St. Mary Mount-halt (commonly, but corruptly called Mount-haw ) in London, leaving both to his successors in the See of Hereford. Know Reader, that all English Bishops in that age had Palaces in London for their conveniency, wherein they resided and kept great Hospitality during their attendance in Parliament.

Now, although the School-men generally hold, that Episcopacy is Apex consummatae Religions, then which Nihil amplius, Nothing higher or holier in this life; and though many Friers have been preferred Bishops as a progressive motion both in Dignity and Sanctity: Yet our Ralph was of a different judgment herein. This made him in the year 1239. turn his Miter into a Coule, and become a Franciscan, first at Oxford, then at Gloucester, where he died about the year 1244.

HENRY de WINGHAM (a well known Town in this County) was by K. Henry the Third, preferred Chancellor both of England and Gascony, Dean both of Totten-Hall (quaere where this place is) and Saint Martins, and twice Ambassador into France.

It happened that one Ethelmar, wom-brother to King Henry the Third was then Bishop of Winchester. A person who properly comes not under my pen; First, for his Foreign nativity. Secondly, (so much as he was English ) he was an UNWORTHY, wanting Age, Ability, and Orders to qualify him in that place.

Hereupon the Monks of Winchester endeavoring to eject him chose Wingham a man of Merit (and Might in the Court) to be their Bishop, which honor he wisely refused, fearing to incur the Kings displeasure. It was not long before his Modesty and Discretion were rewarded with a peaceable (in stead of that litigious ) Bishopric, when chosen to London 1259. But he enjoyed his See not full two years dying July 13. 1261. And was buried in his own Cathedral.

HENRY of SANDWICH, Archdeacon of Oxford, was consecrated Bishop of London 1263. He took part with the seditious Barons against King Henry the Third, for which he was deservedly excommunicated by Othobon the Popes Legate. Going to Rome it cost him well nigh an Apprenticeship of Patience, dancing attendance almost seven years before he could gain his Absolution. Which obtained, he returned home, and dying September 16. 1273. was buried in his own Church of St. Paul's.

RICHARD of GRAVES-END Arch Deacon of Northampton was (after Fulk Lovel had freely refused it) Consecrated [at Coventry ] Bishop of London, Anno 1282. He was the first Founder of a Covent of Carmelites at Maldon in Essex, and dying at Fulham 1303. was buried in his own Cathedral.

SIMON MEPHAM was born at Mepham in this County. He was bred in Merton-Golledge in Oxford; he was a good Scholar, as those days went, chosen by the Monk of Cant. approved by King Edward the Third, and consecrated by the command of the Pope, Archbishop of Cant. He is only Famous for two things, his expensive suit with the Moncks of Canterbury, wherein at last he got the better, though it cost seven hundred pounds in the Court of Rome. Secondly, his magnificent Visitation in person of the Dioceses South of Thames, till he was resisted by Grandison Bishop of Exeter. This aff •… ont did half break Mephams heart; and the Pope siding with the Bishop against him, brake the other half thereof, hastening his death, which happened Anno Dommini, 1333.

HAYMO of HITHE was born therein, a small Town on the Sea-side, Hithe in old English signifying a Landing place, as Queen-Hithe, Garlic-Hithe, &c. in London. He was made Bishop of Rochester in the Twelfth of King Edward the Secondto whom he was Confessor. I believe him Owner of good temporal means; First, because he made so much building on a mean Bishopric, erecting the great Hall and fair Frontispiece at his Palace in Halling, and repairing all the rooms thereof, not forgeting the Town of his Nativity, where he erected and endowed the Hospital of Saint Bartholomew for ten poor people. Secondly, because in his old age he lived on his own Estate, resigning his Bishopric, which the charitable conceive done not out of Discontent but Defire of retirement to compose himself the better for his Dissolution, which happened about the year 1355.

JOHN of SHEPEY, Prior of Rochester, succeeded Haymo aforesaid in the same See, and for some time was Treasurer of England. His death happened Anno Domini 1360.

WILLIAM READ. I place him in this County with confidence, having clearly conquered all suspicions to the contrary: First, because of his Name then flourishing at Read in Marden in this County: Secondly, because the Provost-place of WinghamColledge therein was his first public preferment. To which I may add that he was bred Fellow of Merton-College (abounding with Cantians, since a Bishop in Kent, was Founder thereof) and he merited much of that Foundation, not only building a fair Library therein, but furnishing it with books, and Astronomical Tables of his own making, which (they say) are still to be seen therein with his lively picture inserted.

In his reduced age he applied himself to Divinity, and by King Edward the Third was preferred Bishop of Chichester. Retaining his Mathematical Impressions he commendably expressed them in Architecture, erecting a Castle Egregii operis, saith my Author, at Amberley in Sussex. His death happened, Anno Dom. 1385.

THOMAS KEMP, brothers son to John Kemp Archbishop of Canterbury, was born of a Knightly Family in this County, bred in Oxford, whereof he became Proctor Anno 1437. By Papal provision he was made Bishop of London, Consecrated by his Uncle at York-House (now White-Hall) and sat in his See forty years from the Twenty eighth of Henry the Sixth, till the Fifth of Henry the Seventh, so that he saw the wars between Lancaster and York begun, continued, concluded; and the two Roses tied together in one Roy •… l Posy. I know not whether his benefactions were adequate to his long possessing of so wealthy a place, finding him to have curiously arched and leaded the Divinity Schools in Oxford, and built the Cross nigh the Church of St. Paul's as it stood in our memories, but lately demolished, though guilty of no other Superstition, save accommodating the Preacher and some about him with convenient places. Me thinks, though Idle Crosses standing only for show were published for offenders, this useful one, which did such service, might have been spared: but all is Fish, which comes to the Net of Sacrilege. This Bishop died, Anno Dom. 1489.

JAMES GOLDWELL was born at Great Chart in this County, bred in AllSouls-College in Oxford, promoted first to be Dean of Salisbury and Secretary to King Edward the Fourth, and at last made Bishop of Norwich. He not only repaired the Church at Great Chart where he was born, but also founded a Chapel on the Southside thereof, where his picture is in the East-window, with his Rebus, [viz. a GoldenWell ] in every Quarry of the same. He died, Anno Dom. 1498.

THOMAS GOLDWELL was born at Goldwell in the Parish of Great Chart in this County, where his Family had long flourished, till lately alienated. He was by Queen Mary preferred Bishop of Saint David's, and as a Volunteer quitted the Land in the First of Queen Elizabeth. Going to Rome he made a deal of do to do just nothing; prevailing by much importunity with the Pope to procure large Indulgencies for such who superstitiously were in Pilgrimage to, and offered at the Well of Saint Winifrid in his Diocese. The obscurity of his death denieth us the exact date thereof.

Reader, I am sensible how imperfect my list is of the Bishops in this County: The rather because I have heard from my worthy friend and excellent Historian Mr. Fisher, Fellow of Merton-Col. that this his native shire of Kent had twelve Bishops at one time, whilst I can hardly make up twelve Bishops at all times before the Reformation. But my defects will be perfectly supplied by such who shall Topographically treat of this subject in relation to this County alone.

States-Men.

Sir EDWARD POYNINGS, Knight, was in martial performances inferior to none of his age, and a Native of this County, as from the Catalogue of the Sheriffs therein may be collected. We will insist only on his Irish Action, being employed by King▪ Henry the seventh to conjure down the last walking Spirit of the House of York, which haunted that King, I mean Perkin Warbeck.

Having ferreted him out of Ireland, he seriously set himself to reclaim that barbarous Nation to civility, and in order thereunto passed an Act in Parliament, whereby all the Statutes made in England b •… fore that time, were enacted, established, and made of force in Ireland. He caused also another Law to be made, that no Act should be propounded in any Parliament in Ireland, till first it had been transmitted into England, approved there by the King, and returned thence under his broad Seal.

Now though this Act seemeth prima facie, prejudicial to the liberty of the Irish Subjects, yet was it made at the request of the Commons upon just & important cause, being so sensible of the oppression, and Laws imposed by private Lord's, for their particular ends, that they rather referred themselves to the Kings Justice, than to the merciless mercy of so many Masters.

Also to conform Ireland to England, he procured the passing of an Act; that the Irish Barons should appear in Parliament in their Robes, which put a face of Grandeur and State on their Convention. And indeed formalities are more than Formalities in matters of this nature, essential to beget a veneration in barbarous people, who carry much of their Brain in their Eyes.

He thriftily improved the Kings Revenues, and obtained a Subsidy of twenty six shillings eight pence, payable yearly for five years, out of every six score Acres manured. The worst was, the burden fell on their backs, whose Islands were most industrious, whereby the Sovereign became not more wealthy, but the Subjects more lazy, the mischief being as apparent as the remedy impossible. Many more large Laws of his making found but narrow performance, viz. only within the Pale. Nor was Henry the seventh (though in title ) in tr •… th Lord of all Ireland, but by the favor of a Figure, and large Synechdeche, of a part for the whole. These things thus ordered, Sir Edward was recalled in to England, created a Baron, and dying in the beginning of King Henry the eight, left a numerous natural, but no legitimate issue.

Sir ANTHONY St. LEGER, is rationally reputed a Kentish man (though he had also a Devonshire Relation ) as will appear to such who peruse the Sheriffs of this County. He was properly the first Vice-Roy of Ireland, seeing shadows cannot be before their substance, and in his Deputy-ship Henry the eight (in the 33. year of his reign) assumed the Title of King and Supreme Head of the Church of Ireland.

To him all the Irish Nobility made their solemn submission, falling down at his feet upon their knees, laying aside their Girdles, Skeines and Caps. This was the fourth solemn submission of the Irish to the Kings of England, and most true it is, such seeming submissions have been the bane of their serious subjection. For out of the Pale our Kings had not power either to Punish or Protect, where those Irish Lord's (notwithstanding their Complemental Loyalty ) made their list the law to such whom they could overpower. He caused also certain Ordinances of State to be made, not altogether agreeable with the Rules of the Law of England, a satisfactory reason hereof, being given in the Preamble to them.

Thus the greatest Statesmen must sometimes say, by your leave to such as are under them, not acting always according to their own ability, but others capacity.

He seized all the Abby Lands in Ireland for the Kings use, a flower of the Crown which alone had made a Posey, if continued thereunto. But alas the Revenues of Abby Lands are as 〈◊〉 as their buildings, nothing more than the rubbish thereof remaining in the Kings Exchequer. He made a Law, that no Children should be admitted to Church livings, which importeth the frequency of that abuse in former times. He persuaded O Neile, O Brian, &c. to go over into England to surrender their lands into the Kings hands, promising they should receive them again from him by Letters Patents, with the Addition of Earls, which was done accordingly. At his desire the King conferred on them Houses nigh Dublin, that residing there, they might suck in Civility with the Court air. These things thus settled he returned into England, and died (as I take it) in the reign of King Edward the sixth.

Sir HENRY SIDNRY, was son to Sir William Sidney of Pensherst in this County, who by his own worth, was advanced into the favor of Queen Elizabeth (never a whit the less for marrying Mary Dudley, sister to Robert Earl of Leicester; ) he was by her made Knight of the Garter, Lord President of Wales, and for eleven years ( off and on ) Deputy of Ireland.

Now, though generally the Irish are querelous of their Deputies (what Patient for the present will praise his Surgeon, who soundly searcheth his sore?) yet Sir Henry left a good memory, and the monuments of a good Governor behind him.

• 1. He made Annaly a Territory in Loynsteresse by the Sept of Offerralles, one entire Shire by itself, called the County of Longford; he likewise divided the Province of •… onaght into six Counties.
• 2. In a Parliament held the eleventh of Elizabeth, he abolished the pretended and usurped Captain-ships, and all extortions incident thereunto.
• 3. He caused an Act to pass, whereby the Lord Deputy was authorized to accept the surrenders of the Irish Se •… gniories, and to re-grant estates unto them, to hold of the Crown by English Tenures and Services.
• 4. Because the inferior sort of the Irish were poor, and not Ames •… able by Law, he provided, that five of the best persons of every Sept, should bring in all the persons of their surname, to be justified by the Law.
• 5. A Law was made, that for the civil education of the youth, there should be one Free School at least, in every Diocese.
• 6. To acquaint the people of Mounster and Conaght with the English Government again (disused amongst them for two hundred years ) he instituted two Presidency Courts in those two Provinces.
• 7. To augment the Revenues of the Crown, he resumed and vested therein (by the power of the same Parliament) more than half the Province of Ulster, upon the attainder of Shane O Neal.
• 8. He raised Customs upon the principal Commodities of the Kingdom, and reformed the abuses of the Exchequer by many good instructions from England.
• 9. He established the Composition of the Pale, in lieu of Purveyance and Sesse of Soldiers.

It must not be forgotten, that he caused the Statutes of Ireland unto his own time, to be printed, and so (saith my Author) ex umbra in solemn eduxit, he brought them out of the shadow into the sun-shine. Whereas formerly they were only in Manuscript; a sad case, that men should be obliged to the observation of those Laws, scarce ever seen by one in an hundred subjected thereunto.

Being to leave Ireland, Anno 1578. and now ready to go up into his Ship, he took his leave thereof with the words of the Psalmist, When Israel came out of Egypt, and Jacob from a strange people; rejoicing in heart, that, he came with a clear conscience from that dangerous employment. He died at Worcester, May the fifth, 1586. and his Corps being brought to Pensherst, were there solemnly interred amongst his Ancestors. I will close his Life with this Encomium which I find in a Worthy Author: His disposition was rather to seek after the Antiquities, and the Weal-Public of those Countries which he governed, than to obtain lands and revenues within the same; for I know not one foot of Land that he had, either in Wales or Ireland.

Sir PHILIP SIDNEY. Reader, I am resolved not to part him from his Father, such the Sympathy betwixt them, living and dying both within the compass of the same year. Otherwise, this Knight in relation to my Book, may be termed an Ubiquitary, and appear amongst Statesmen, Soldiers, Lawyers, Writers, yea Princes themselves, being (though not elected) in election to be King of Poland, which place he declined, preferring rather to be a Subject to Queen Elizabeth, than a Sovereign beyond the Seas.

He was born at Pensherst in this County, son to Sir Henry Sidney (of whom before) and Sisters Son to Robert Earl of Leicester, bred in Christ's Church in Oxford. Such his appetite to Learning, that he could never be fed fast enough therewith; and so quick and strong his digestion, that he soon turned it into wholesome nourishment, and thrived healthfully thereon.

His homebred abilities travel perfected with foreign accomplishments, and a sweet Nature set a gloss upon both. He was so essential to the English Court, that it seemed maimed without his company, being a complete Master of Matter and Language, as his Arcadia doth evidence.

I confess I have heard some of modern pretended Wits cavil thereat, merely because they made it not themselves: such who say, that his Book, is the occasion that many precious hours are otherwise spent no better, must acknowledge it also the cause, that many idle hours are otherwise spent no worse, than in reading thereof.

At last, leaving the Court, he followed the Camp, being made Governor of Flushing, under his Uncle Earl of Leicester. But the Walls of that City (though high and strong) could not confine the activity of his mind, which must into the Field, and before Zutphen was unfortunately slain with a shot, in a small skirmish, which we may sadly term a great battle, considering our heavy loss therein. His Corps being brought over into England, was buried in the Choir of St. Paul's with general lamentation.

Sir FRANCIS WALSINGHAM, Knight, was born in this County, wherein his Family long flourished at Chiselhurst, though I read, that originally they fetch their name from Walsingham in Norfolk. He was bred in Kings College in Cambridge, and gave the King of •… pain his Bible to the Library thereof. As a traveler many years beyond the 〈◊〉 he learnt experience, as an Agent he practiced it there, and after his return, a Secretary of State: he taught it to many Emisaries employed under him.

None alive did better ken the Secretary Craft, to get Counsels out of others, and keep them in himself. M •… rvellous his •… agacity in examining suspected persons, either to make them confess the truth, or confound themselves by denying it to their detection. Cunning his hands, who could unpick the Cabinets in the Popes Conclave; quick his ears, who could hear at London, what was whispered at Rome; And numerous the spies and eyes of this Argus dispersed in all places.

The Jesuits being out-shot in their own Bow, complained, that he out-equivocated their equivocation, having a mental reservation deeper and farther than theirs. They tax him for making Heaven •… ow too much to Earth, ofttimes borrowing a point of conscience, with full intent never to pay it again, whom others excused by Reasons of State, and dangers of the times. Indeed his Simulation (which all allow lawful) was as like to Dissimulation (condemned by all good men) as two things could be, which were not the same.

He thought that Gold might, but Intelligence could not be bought too dear; The cause that so great a States man left so small an estate, and so public a person was so privately buried in Saint Paul's, Anno Dom. 1590. His only Daughter Frances was successively matched to three matchless men, Sir Phili Sidney, Robert Earl of Essex, and Richard Earl of Clanricard.

Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.

Sir JOHN FINEUX, was by all probability born at Swinkfield in this County (as I am informed from my good friend Mr. Thomas Fineux, a descendant from him) a place ( saith Mr. Cambden, ) bestowed on his Ancestor by T. Criol, a great Lord in Kent, about the reign of King Edward the second. I learned from the same Gentleman, that he was eight and twenty years of age, before he betook him to the study of the Law, that he followed that profession twenty eight years before he was made a Judge, and that he continued a Judge for twenty eight years, whereby it appears, that he lived fourscore and four years. This last exactly agrees with Sir Henry Spelman, making him continue Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, from the eleventh of King Henry the seventh, until the seventeenth of King Henry the eight.

He was a great Benefactor unto Saint Augustine's in Canterbury, whose Prior William Mallaham thus highly commendeth him in a Manuscript Instrument,

Now though some will say, his Convent may well afford him good words, who gave them good deeds; yet I believe this Character of him, can in no part be disproved. He died about the year 1526. and lies buried in Christ Church in Canterbury; who had a fair habitation in this City, and another in Herne in this County, where his Motto still remains in each window, Misericordias Domini cantabo in Aeternum.

Sir ROGER MANWOOD, born at Sandwich in this County, applied himself from his youth, to the study of the Common Law; wherein he attained to such eminency, that by Queen Elizabeth he was preferred second Justice of the Common Pleas, in which place he gave such proof of his ability and integrity, that not long after in Hillary Term, in the 21. of Queen Elizabeth, he was made chief Baron of the Exchequer, discharging that office to his 〈◊〉 Commendation, full fourteen years, till the day of his death. He was much employed in matters of State, and was one of the Commissioners who sat on the Trial of the Queen of Scots. His Book on the Forest Laws is a piece highly prized by men of his Profession. In Vacation time his most constant habitation was at Saint Stephens in Canterbury, where, saith my Author, the poor inhabitants were much beholding to his bounteous liberality. He erected and endowed a fair Free School at Sandwich, the place of his Nativity, and died in the 35. of Queen Elizabeth, Anno Dom. 1593.

Sir HENRY FINCH, Knight, was born in this County of Right Worshipful Extraction, (their ancient surname being Herbert ) a Family which had and hath an hereditary happiness of Eminency in the study of the Laws. He was Sergeant at Law to King James, and wrote a Book of the Law, in great esteem with men of his own profession▪ yet were not his studies confined thereunto, witness his Book of The calling of the Jews; and all ingenious persons which dissent from his judgment will allow him learnedly to have maintained an error, though he was brought into some trouble by King James, conceiving that on his principles he advanced and extended the Jewish Commonwealth, to the depressing and contracting of Christian Princes free Monarchies. He was father unto Sir John Finch, Lord Chief Justice, and for a time Lord Keeper, and Baron of Foreditch, who is still alive.

Soldiers.

Kent hath so carried away the credit, in all ages, for Man-hood, that the leading of the Front, or Van-guard (so called from Avant-guard, or Go on guard, because first in marching) in former times hath simply and absolutely belonged unto them; I say absolutely, for I find two other Shires contending for that place. The best is, it is but a Book-Combat, betwixt learned Writers, otherwise if real, such a division were enough to rout an Army, without other Enemy. But let us see how all may be peaceably composed.

It is probable, that the Cornish-men led the Van in the days of King Arthur, who being a Native of Cornwall, had most cause to trust his own Country-men. But I behold this as a temporary honor, which outlasted not his life who bestowed it.

The men of Archenfeld in Hereford-shire, claimed by custom to lead the Van-guard, but surely this privilege was Topical, and confined to the Welsh Wars, with which the aforesaid men, as Borderers were best acquainted.

As for Kent, Cantia nostra primae cohortis honorem, & primos congressus hostium usque in Hodiernum diem in omnibus praeliis obtinet, saith my Author.

Reader, It may rationally be concluded that the ensuing Topic had been as large in this as in any County in England, seeing it is bounded by the Sea on the East and South sides thereof, had not the Author departed this life before the finishing of the same.

Seamen.

WILLIAM ADAMS, was (as his own Pen reporteth) born at Gillingham in this County, and take the brief account of his Life, being the first Englishman, who effectully discovered Japan.

• Twelve years he lived at home with his Parents.
• Twelve years he was Apprentice and Servant to Nich. Diggins, a brave Seaman, for some time he was Master of one of the Queens Ships.
• Ten years he served the English Company of Barbary Merchants.
• Fourteen years (as I collect it) he was employed by the Dutch in India.

For he began his Voyage 1598. Pilot to their Fleet of five Sail, to conduct them to Japan; and in order to the settlement of Trade endured many miseries. He who reads them will concur with Cato, and repent that ever he went thither by Sea, whither one might go by Land. But Japan being an Island, and unaccessible, save by Sea, our Adams his discretion was not to be blamed, but industry to be commended in his adventures. He died at Firando in Japan about 1612.

Civilians.

NICHOLAS WOTTON, Son to Sir Robert, was born at Bockton-Malherb in this County, a place so named (as it seems) from some noxious and malignant herbs, growing therein. What the natural plants there may be, I know not, sure the moral ones, are excellent, which hath produced so many of the Honorable Family of the Wotton's; Of whom this Nicholas, Doctor of Civil Laws bred in Oxford, may be termed a Center of Remarkables, so many met in his person.

• 1. He was Dean of the two Metropolitan Churches of Canterbury and York.
• 2. He was the first Dean of those Cathedrals.
• 3. He was Privy Counselor to four successive Sovereigns, King Henry the eight, King Edward the sixth, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth.
• 4. He was employed, Thirteen several times in Embassies to foreign Princes.

Now because there are some of so diffident Natures, that they will believe no total sum, except they peruse the particulars, let them satisfy themselves with what followeth.

• Five times to Charles the fifth Emperor.
• Once to Philip his Son, King of Spain.
• Once to Francis the first, King of France.
• Once to Mary Queen of Hungary, Governess of the Netherlands.
• Twice to William Duke of Clive.
• Once to renew the peace between England, France, and Scotland, Anno Dom. 1540.
• Again to the same purpose at Cambra, 1549.
• Once sent Commissioner with others to Edinbourgh in Scotland, 1560.

We must not forget how in the first of Queen Elizabeth, the Archbishopric of Canterbury was proffered unto, and refused by him. He died January the twenty sixth, Anno Dom. 1566. being about seventy years of age, and was buried in Canterbury.

GILES FLETCHER, (brother of Richard Fletcher, Bishop of London ) was born in this County, as I am credibly informed. He was bred first in Eaton, then in Kings College in Cambridge; where he became Doctor of Law. A most excellent Poet, (a quality hereditary to his two Sons, Giles and Phineas ) Commissioner into Scotland, Germany, and the Low-Countries for Queen Elizabeth, and her Embassador into Russia, Secretary to the City of London, and Master of the Court of Requests.

His Russian Embassy to settle the English Merchandise was his master-piece, to Theodor Juanowich Duke of Muscovia. He came thither in a dangerous juncture of time, viz. in the end of the year 1588. First, some foreigners (I will not say they were the Hollanders ) envying th •… free Trade of the English, had done them bad offices. Secondly, a false report was generally believed that the Spanish Armado had worsted the English Fleet; and the Duke of Muscovy (who measured his favor to the English, by the possibility he apprehended of their returning it) grew very sparing of his smiles, not to say free of his frowns on our Merchants residing there.

However our Doctor demeaned himself in his Embassy with such cautiousness, that he not only escaped the Dukes fury, but also procured many privileges for our English Merchants, exemplified in Mr. Hackluit. Returning home, and being safely arrived at London, he sent for his intimate friend Mr. Wayland, Prebendary of S. Paul's, and Senior Fellow of Trinity College in Cambridge (Tutor to my Father, from whose mouth I received this report) with whom he heartily expressed his thankfulness to God for his safe return from so-great a danger; for the Poets cannot fancy Ulrsses more glad to be come out of the Den of Polyphemus, than he was to be rid out of the power of such a barbarous Prince, who counting himself by a proud and voluntary mistake, Emperor of all Nations, cared not for the Law of all Nations; and who was so habited in blood, that had he cut off this Ambassadors head, he and his friends might have sought their own amends; but the question is, where he would have found it?

He afterwards set forth a Book, called, The Russian Commonwealth, expressing the Government or Tyranny rather thereof; wherein, saith my Author, are many things most observable. But Queen Elizabeth indulging the reputation of the Duke of Muscovy as a confederate Prince, permitted not the public printing of that, which such who have private Copies, know to set the valuation thereon. I cannot attain the certain date of his death.

Physicians.

ROBERT FLOID, who by himself is latined Robertus de Fluctibus, was born in this County, and that of a Knightly Family, as I am informed, bred (as I take it) in Oxford, and beyond the Seas. A deep Philosopher, and great Physician, who at last fixed his habitation in Fan-Church-Street, London. He was of the Order of the Rosa-Crucians, and I must confess myself ignorant of the first Founder and Sanctions thereof, perchance none know it, but those that are of it. Sure I am, that a Rose is the sweetest of Flowers, and a Cross accounted the sacredest of forms or figures, so that much of eminency must be imported in their composition.

His Books written in Latin are great, many and mystical. The last some impute to his Charity, clouding his high matter with dark language, left otherwise the luster thereof should dazzle the understanding of the Reader. The same phrases he used to his Patients, and seeing conceit is very contributive to the well working of Physic, their fancy or faith-natural was much advanced by his elevated expressions.

His works are for the English to sleight or admire, for French and Foreigners to understand and use: not that I account them more judicious than our own Countrymen, but more inquiring into such difficulties. The truth is, here at home his Books are beheld not so good as Crystal, which (some say) are prized as precious pearls beyond the Seas. But I conclude all with the Character, which my worthy (though concealed) Friend thus wrote upon him. Lucubrationibus quas solebat edere profusissimas semper visus est plus sumere laboris, quam Populares nostri volebant fructum, quia hunc fere negligebant, prae tedio legendi, & prejudicio quodam oleam perdendi operamque, ob CABALAM, quam scripta ejus dicebantur olere magis quam PERIPATUM, & ob ferventius hominis ingenium, in quo plerique requirebant Judicium. He died on the eighth of September, Anno Dom. 1637.

WILLIAM HARVEY, Son of Thomas Harvey, was born at Folkston in this County. His Father had a Week of Sons; whereof this William bred to learning, was the eldest; his other brethren being bound Apprentices in London, and all at last ended in effect in Merchants. They got great Estates, and made their Father the Treasurer thereof, who being as skillful to purchase Land, as they to gain Money▪ kept, employed, and improved their gainings to their great advantage; so that he survived to see the meanest of them, of far greater estate than himself.

Our William was bred in Gaius College in Cambridge, where he proceeded Doctor of Physic. Five years also he studied at Padua, making a good Composition of Foreign and Domestic learning: So that afterwards he was (for many years) Physician to King Charles the First. And not only Doctor Medecinae, but Doctor Medicorum.

For this was he that first found out the Circulation of the Blood; an opinion which entered into the World with great disadvantages. For first, none will be acquainted with strangers at the first sight, as persons generally suspected; as if to be unknown, were part of being guilty. Secondly, the Grandees of this Profession were of the opposite judgment, heavy enough without any Argument to overlay (and so to stifle ) any Infant opinion by their Authority.

But, Truth, though it may be questioned for a Vagrant, carrieth a Passport along with it for its own vindication. Such have since shaken friendly hands with Doctor Harvey, which at first tilted Pens against him. And amongst the rest Riolanus that learned Physician, if not Ambabus ulnis, with one Arm at the least doth embrace his opinion, and partly consent thereunto.

This Doctor, though living a Bachelor, may be said to have left three hopeful Sons to posterity; his Books,

• 1. De circulatione sanguinis, which I may call his Son and Heir; the Doctor living to see it at full age, and generally received.
• 2. De generatione, as yet in its minority; but, I assure you growing up apace into public credit.
• 3. De Ovo, as yet in the nonage thereof, but infants may be men in due time.

It must not be forgotten, that this Doctor had made a good progress, to lay down a Practice of Physic, conformable to his Thesis, of the Circulation of Blood; but was plundered of his Papers in our Civil War: Unhappy dissensions, which not only murdered many then alive; but may be said by this, (call it mischief or mischante ) to have destroyed more not yet born, whose Diseases might have been either prevented or removed, if his worthy pains had come forth into the Public: And I charitably presume, that grateful posterity will acknowledge the improvements of this opinion, as Superstructures on his Foundation; and thankfully pay the fruit to his memory, who watered, planted, (not to say made ) the root of this discovery.

He hath since been a second Linaore and great Benefactor to the College of Physicians in London, where his Statue stands with this Inscription.

He died in the eightieth year of his Age, June 3. Anno Dom. 1657.

Writers.

JOHN of KENT, so called, because born in this County; after he had studied at home with good proficiency, went over into France, where he became Canon in the Church of Saint Mary's in Angiers. But afterwards being weary of worldly wealth, he quitted that place, and turned a Franciscan Friar, and by Pope Innocent the fourth, he was sent a joint▪ Legate into England. He flourished in the year of our Lord, 1248.

HAIMO of FEVERSHAM, both had his first breath at, and fetched his name from Feversham in this County. When a man, he left the land, and repairing to Paris, applied his studies so effectually, that Leland saith he was inter Aristotelicos, Aristotelissimus.

He became a Franciscan in the Church of Saint Dennis it▪ self, and returning into England, was elected Provincial of his Order. Afterwards he was called to reside in Rome for his advice, where quitting his Provincialship to his Successor, he was chosen General of the Franciscans. Surely he had much real, or reputed merit, being so highly prized by the Italians, who generally do as much undervalue us English, as they overadmire themselves. Speculum honestatis, the Glass of honesty, •… aith one, was the title given unto him, though dark and false this Glass, if Bale may be believed, who taxeth him for being an Inquisitor after, and Persecutor of good people, especially when employed by the Pope into Grecia. Lying on his Death-bed, at Anagnia in Italy, the Pope in person came to visit him, which was no small honor unto him, but all would not prolong his life, which he ended Anno 1260. Having first, at the command of Pope Alexander the fourth, corrected and amended the Roman Breviary.

SIMON STOCK was born in this County, and when but twelve years of Age, went into the Woods (whereof this Shire then afforded plenty) and became a Hermit. This Christian Diogenes had for his Tub, the Stock of a hollow Tree, whence he fetched his name, and (abating his Sex) was like the Nymphs called Hama-druides, which were the properties of Oak Trees. Here he had (saith Leland) Water for his Nectar, and wild Fruits for his Ambrosia. One may admire how this man here met with Learning, except by Inspiration, and except Books (as at the Original) were written on Barks of Trees, where with he conversed: yet the University of Oxford would force a Bachelor of Divinity-ship upon him: and many are the superstitious writings he left to posterity.

Reader, behold here how the Roaring Lyon hath translated himself into a Mimical Ape, endeavoring a mock Parallel betwixt this Simon and Simeon in the Gospel.

At their arrival in England, our Simon quitted his Oak, and advanced forward to meet them, as of whom, though he had no sight, he had a vision before, which is probably as true, as that he was fed seven years with Manna in Mount Carmel. He was chosen the General Governor of their Order all over Europe: and died in the hundred year of his age, Anno Dom. 1265. and was buried at Burdeaux in France.

THOMAS HASHLWOOD. I find the name very ancient in a worshipful Family in Northampton-shire, and profess not only my inclination but propensity, to gain him for the credit of my Native Country. But that needs not to be (and I ought not to make it ) rich with the wrong of others. Indeed I find a Haselwood (Transposition makes no Mutation ) in Suffolk, and another in Northumberland: but their vast distance from the Monastery of Leeds in this County, wherein our Haselwood was bred an Augustinian Friar, (with some other insinuations, too long to report) prevail with me to fix him in this place. He was an excellent Scholar himself, and a fortunate School-master to teach others, and became a faithful and painful Historian. Bale (out of William Botiner, an industrious Collector of Antiquities ) assigneth him to flourish under King Edward the second, 1321. but Mr. Weaver light on a Manuscript of his making in Sir Robert Cottons Library, wherein he particularly speaks of the Atchievements of Edward the black Prince, which I here thought fit to exemplify.

Thus have I (not killed two Birds with one bolt, but) revived two men's memories with one Record, presenting the Reader (according to my promise ) with the Character of this Prin •… , and Style of this Writer, speaking him (in my conjecture) to have lived about the reign of King Richard the second.

Benefactors to the Public.

Sir JOHN PHILPOT was born in this County, where his Family hath long resided at Upton-Court, in the Parish of Sibbertswood. He was bred a Citizen and Grocer in London, whereof he became Mayor, 1378.

In the second of King Richard the second our English Seas wanted scouring, overrun with the rust of Piracies, but chiefly with a Canker fretting into them, one John Mercer a Scot, with his fifteen Spanish Ships. To repress whose insolence, our Philpot on his own cost set forth a Fleet, a project more proportionable to the Treasury of a Prince, than the purse of a private subject. His success was as happy as his undertaking honorable, and Mercer brought his Wares to a bad Market, being taken with all his Ships and rich plunder therein.

Two years after he conveyed an English Army into Britain, in ships of his own hiring, and with his own money released more than 1000. Arms there, which the Soldiers formerly engaged for their victuals. But this industry of Philpot interpretatively taxed the laziness of others, the Nobility accusing him ( Drones account all Bees pragmatical) to the King, for acting without a Commission. Yea, in that ungrateful age, under a Child-King, Pro tantorum sumptuum praemio, veniam vix obtinuit. However, he, who whilst living, was the scourge of the Scots, the fright of the French, the delight of the Commons, the darling of the Merchants, and the hatred of some envious Lord's, was at his death lamented, and afterwards beloved of all, when his memory was restored to its due esteem.

WILLIAM SEVENOCK was born at Sevenock in this County. In allusion whereunto he gave Seven Acorns for his Arms, which if they grow as fast in the field of Heraldry, as in the Common field, may be presumed to be Oaks at this day. For it is more than 200. years since this William (bred a Grocer at London ) became Anno 1419. Lord Mayor thereof. He founded at Sevenock a fair Free School for poor people's Children, and an Alms House for twenty men and women, which at this day is well maintained.

Memorable Persons.

SIMON, Son of William Lynch, Gent. was born at Groves in the Parish of Staple in this County, Decemb. 9. 1562. But see more of his Character under this Title in Essex, where his Life and death were better known.

MARY WATERS was born at Lenham in this County, and how abundantly entitled to Memorability, the ensuing Epitaph in Markeshall Church in Essex will sufficiently discover.

Thus she had a Child for every day in the (though Leap) year, and one over. Here we may observe, that (generally) the highest in Honor, do not spread the broadest in posterity. For time was, when all the Earls in England (and those then seventeen in number) had not, put together, so many Sons and Daughters, as one of them had, viz. Edward Somerset, Earl of Worcester. And yet of both Sexes he never had but * thirteen. But to return to Mistress Waters, she since hath been much out-stripped in point of fruitfulness, by one still surviving; and therefore this worthy Matrone (in my mind) is more memorable on another account, viz. for patient weathering out the tempest of a troubled conscience, whereon a remarkable story dependeth: Being much afflicted in mind, many Ministers repaired to her, and amongst the rest, Reverend Mr. John Fox, than whom no more happy an instrument to set the joints of a broken spirit. All his counsels proved ineffectual, insomuch that in the agony of her soul, having a Venice-glass in her hand, she brake forth into this expression, I am as surely damned as this glass is broken, which she immediately threw with violence to the ground.

Here happened a wonder, the glass rebounded again, and was taken up whole and entire. I confess it is possible (though difficult) so casually to throw as brittle a substance, that lighting on the edges it may be preserved; but happening. immediately in that juncture of time, it seemed little less than miraculous.

However the Gentlewoman took no comfort thereat (as some have reported, and more have believed) but continued a great time after (short is long to people in pain) in her former disconsolate condition without any amendment. Until at last, God, the great Clock-keeper of Time, who findeth out the fittest minutes for his own mercies, suddenly shot comfort like lightning into her soul; which once entered, ever remained therein; (God doth no palliate cures, what he heals it holds) so that she led the remainder of her life in spiritual gladness. This she herself told to the Reverend father Thomas Morton Bishop of Duresme, from whose mouth I have received this relation.

In the days of Queen Mary she used to visit the Prisons, and to comfort and relieve the Confessors therein. She was present at the burning of Mr. Bradford in Smithfield, and resolved to see the end of his suffering, though so great the press of people, that her shoes were trodden off, and she forced thereby to go barefoot from Smithfield to Saint Martins, before she could furnish herself with a new pair for her money. Her dissolution happened as is aforesaid, Anno 1620.

NICHOLAS WOOD was born at Halingborne in this County, being a Landed man, and a true Labourer. He was afflicted with a Disease called Boulimia, or Caninus Apetitus; insomuch that he would devour at one meal, what was provided for twenty men, eat a whole Hog at a sitting, and at another time thirty dozen of Pigeons; whilst others make mirth at his malady. Let us raise our gratitude to the goodness of God, especially when he giveth us appetite enough for our meat, and yet meat too much for our appetite; whereas this painful man spent all his estate to provide Provant for his belly, and died very poor about the year 1630.

We will conclude this Topic of Memorable Persons with a blank mention of him, whose name hitherto I cannot exactly attain, being an Ingenuous Yeoman in this County, who hath two Ploughs fastened together so finely, that he plougheth two furrows at once, one under another, and so stirreth up the Land twelve or fourteen Inches deep, which in so deep ground is very good. Scholars know that Hen-dia-duo is a very thrifty Figure in Rhetoric, and how advantageous the improvement of this device of a Twinne-Plough may be to posterity, I leave to the skillful in Husbandry to consider.