The History of the Worthies of England

Natural Commodities.

The Buildings.

This County afordeth no Cathedrals, and as for the Parish-Churches therein, they may take the Eye, not ravish the admiration of the beholder. Bottsford, is one of the primest, very fair and large, with a high Spire Steeple. At the Suppression of Abbeys, many ancient Monument, of the Albanies and Rosses, were removed hither out of the Priory of Beaver, by the command of Thomas Earl of Rutland, and pity it was, that his commendable care was not imitated in other places.

As for ci •… il Structures, there is a seeming parity betwixt many fair Houses in this Shire, only something Monarchical (above the ordinary Aristocracy of Fabrics ) apppears in the height, strength and workmanship of the Stone Tower, built by William Lord Hastings at Ashby de la-Zouch. Also the fair, large, and beautiful palace, built at Broadgate, by Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorset, challengeth the preeminence above the rest.

The Wonders.

There is a Village in this County named Charleton, surnamed Curley, and all that are born therein, have an harsh and wratling kind of Speech, uttering their words with much difficulty and wharling in the Throat, and cannot well pronounce the Letter R. Surely this proceedeth not from any natural imperfection in the Parents (whence probably the Tribual Lisping of the Ephraimites did arise) because their children born in other places, are not haunted with that Infirmity. Rather it is to be imputed to some occult quality in the Elements of that Place. Thus a learned Author informeth us, that some Families at Labloin in Guyen in France, do naturally stut and stammer, which he taketh to proceed from the nature of the Waters.

As for the inability distinctly to pronounce R. it is a catching disease in other Counties. I knew an Essex man, as great a Scholar as any in our age, who could not for his life utter, Carolus Rex Britanniae without stammering. The best was, the King had from him in his hearty prayers, what he wanted in his plain pronunciation.

My Father hath told me, that in his time, a Fellow of Trinity College, probably a Native of Charleton in this County, sensible of his own imperfection herein, made a Speech of competent length with select words both to his Mouth and for his Matter, without any R. therein, to show that Men may speak without being beholding to the Dogs Letter.

Proverbs.

So called from the great plenty of that grain growing therein. Yea, those in the neighbouring Counties, use to say merrily, Shake a Leicester-shire Yeoman by the Collar, and you shall hear the Beans rattle in his belly; But those Yeomen smile at what is said to rattle in their bellies, whilst they know good silver ringeth in their Pockets.

Indeed I read a Latin Proverb, A Fabis abstineto, Forbear beans; whereof some make a civil interpretation, meddle not with matters of State, because anciently men cast in a Bean, when they gave their Suffrages in public elections; others expound it physically, because Beans are windy and discompose the tranquility of men's minds, by their slatuous evaporation; the reason assigned for the general report that Pythagoras prohibited the eating of them to his Scholars. Yet an excellent Author informs me, that Pythagoras had his repast on Beans more than on any kind of pulse.

However nothing will put Leicester-shire men out of conceit of their beloved Beans, the rather because their plenty argueth the goodness of their ground. For, whereas lean land will serve for puling pease and faint fetches, it must be a strong and fruitful soil indeed, where the masculine Beans are produced.

That is, when the Clouds (as he expoundeth it) hang over the Towers of the Castle, it is a prognostic of much rain and moisture, to the much indamaging of that fruitful Vale, lying in the three Counties of Leicester, Lincoln, and Nottingham. But alas, though the cap may be there still, the head (or the crown thereof) I am sure is not there, [I mean Beaver Castle itself] being lately demolished in our Civil Wars, though I hear some part thereof is in rebuilding. I wish the Workmen good success, though I suspect the second Edition (to use a Scholars Metaphor ) of this Castle, will not be •… o full and fair as the former.

Princes.

IANE GREY, eldest Daughter of HENRY GREY, Duke of Suffolk, by Francis 〈◊〉 , Eldest Daughter to Mary, second Sister to King Henry the eighth, was born at Broadgates, near unto Leicester.

No Lady which led so many pious, lived so few pleasant Days, whose soul was never out of the Non-age of Afflictions, till Death made her of full years to inherit Happiness; so severe her Education.

Whilest a child, her Father 's, was to her an House of Correction, nor did she write Woman, sooner than she did subscribe Wife, and in Obedience to her Parents, was unfortunately matched to the L. Guilford Dudley; yet he was a goodly, and (for ought I •… ind to the contrary) a Godly Gentleman, whose worst fault was, that he was Son to an ambitious Father.

She was proclaimed but never crowned Queen, living in the Tower, which Place, though it hath a double capacity, of a Palace, and a Prison, yet appeared to her chiefly in the later Relation.

For She was longer a Captive than a Queen therein, taking no contentment all the time, save what she found in God, and a clear Conscience.

Her Family, by snatching at a Crown which was not, lost a Coronet, which was their own, much degraded in Degree, and more in Estate. I would give in an Inventory of the vast Wealth they then possessed, but am loath to grieve her surviving Relations with a List of the Lands lost by her Fathers attainture. She suffered on Tower-Hill, 〈◊〉 on the twelfth of February.

KATHARINE GREY was second Daughter to Henry Duke of Suffolk. It is pity to part the Sisters, that their Memories may mutually condole and comfort one another. She was born in the same place, and (when her Father was in height) married to Henry Lord Herbert, Son and Heir to the Earl of Pembroke; bu •… the politick old Earl, perceiving the case altered, and what was the high way to Honor, turned into the ready road to Ruin, got pardon from Queen Mary, and brake the marriage quite off.

This Heraclita, or Lady of Lamentation thus repudiated, was seldom seen with dry eyes for some years together, sighing out her sorrowful condition; so that though the Roses in her Cheeks looked very wan and pale, it was not for want of watering. Afterward Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford married her privately without the Queens Licence, and concealed till her pregnancy discovered it.

Indeed our English Proverb, It is good to be near a kin to Land, holdeth in private patrimonies, not Titles to Crowns, where such Aliances hath created to many much molestation. Queen Elizabeth beheld her with a jealous Eye, unwilling she should match either Forreign Prince or English Peer, but follow the pattern she set her of constant Virginity.

For their Presumption, this Earl was fined fifteen thousand pounds, imprisoned with his Lady in the Tower, and severely forbidden her company. But Love and Money will find or force a passage. By bribing the Keeper he bought (what was his own) his Wifes Embraces, and had by her a surviving Son Edward, Ancestor to the Right Honorable the Duke of Somerset, She died January 26. a Prisoner in the Tower 1567. after nine years durance therein.

MARY GREY the youngest Daughter, frighted with the Infelicity of her two Elder Sisters, Jane and this Katharine, forgot her Honor to remember her Safety, and married one whom she could love, and none need fear, Martin Kayes of Kent Esq. who was a Judge at Court (but only of Doubtful casts at Dice, being Se •… jeant-Porter ) and died without Issue, the 20. of April 1578.

Martyrs.

HUGH LATIMER was born at Thurcaston in this County, what his Father was, and how qualified for his State, take from his own mouth, in his first Sermon before King Edward, being confident the Reader will not repent his pains in perusing it.

He was bred in Christ 's College, in Cambridge, and converted under God by Mr. Bilney, from a Violent Papist to a Zealous Protestant. He was afterwards made Bishop of Worcester, and four Years after outed, for refusing to subscribe the six Articles: How he was martyred at Oxford 1555. is notoriously known.

Let me add this Appendix to his Memory, when the Contest was in the House of Lord's, in the Raign of K. Henry the Eighth, about the giving all Abby Lands to the King▪ There was a Division betwixt the Bishops of the Old and New Learning; for by those Names they were distinguished. Those of the Old Learning unwillingly willing▪ were contented, that the King should make a Resumption of all those Abbeys which his Ancestors had founded, leaving the rest to continue according to the Intention of their Founders. The Bishops of the new Learning were more pliable to the Kings Desires, Only Latimer was dissenting, earnestly urging, that two Abbeys at the least, in every Diocese of considerable Revenues, might be preserved for the Maintenance of Learned men therein. Thus swimming a good while against the stream, he was at last carried away with the Current.

Eminent Prelates before the Reformation.

GILBERT SEGRAVE Born at Segrave in this County, was bred in Oxford, where he attained to great Learning, as the Books written by him do declare. The first Preferment I find conferred on him was, The Provosts place of St. Sepulchers in York, and the occasion how he obtained it is remakable.

The Pope had formerly bestowed it on his near Kinsman, which argueth the good value thereof, seeing neither Eagles, nor Eagles Birds do feed on Flies. This Kinsman of the Popes lying on his death bed, was troubled in Conscience (which speak •… eth loudest when men begin to be speechless, and all Sores pain most when nere night ) that he had undertaken such a Cure of Souls upon him, who never was in England, nor understood English, and therefore requested the Pope his Kinsman, that after his Death the Place might be bestowed on some Learned English-man, that so his own absence and negligence might in some sort be repaired by the Residence and diligence of his Successor, And this Segrave to his great Credit, was found the fittest Person for that Performance. He was afterwards preferred Bishop of London sitting in that See not full four years, dying Anno Dom. 1317.

WALTER DE LANGTON was born at West-langton in this County. He was highly in favor with King Edward the first, under whom he was Bishop of Coventry and Liechfield, and Treasurer of England. He granted him also Liberty of free Warren in West and Thorpe Langton in this County the Patrimoniall inheritance of this Prelate. With his own innocence and friends assistance, at long sailing he weathered out the Tempest of the Popes displeasure.

Longer did he groan under the undeserved Anger of King Edward the second, chiefly, because this Bishop sharply reproved him when as yet but Prince for his Debauchery.

See here the great difference betwixt youth, some hopefully, some desperately riotous. Of the former was Henry the fifth, who when King, is said to have rewarded and advanced such, who had reproved and punished him when Prince. Of the latter was King Edward, not only wild but mad in his viciousness. But our Langton at length, was brought saith my Author in Regis Semigratiam into the Kings half favor, let me add & in populi sesquegratiam, and into the people's favor and half, who highly loved and honored him.

His tragicomical life, had a peaceable end in Plenty and Prosperity, He found his Cathedral of Li •… hfield mean, and left it magnificent, and it will appear by the instance of our Langton, Josseline of Wells and others, that Bishops continuing unremoved in their See, have atcheived greater matters then those who have been often translated, though to richer Bishoprics. Indeed prodigious was his bounty in building and endowing his Cathedral, wherein he continued almost 25. years, and dying 1321. was buried in the Chapel of St. Mary of his own erection.

ROGERDE MARTIVAL Son and Heir of Sir Aukitell de Martivall Kt. (who gave for his Arms Argent a Cinque foil Sable ) was born at Nowsley in this County. He was first Arch-Deacon of Leicester, then Dean of Lincoln, and at last consecrated Bishop of Salisbury, in the Reign of King Edward the Second 1315. Now seeing Bishop Godwin, hath nothing more of him save his Name and Date, it is charity further to inform Posterity that he was the last heir male of his house, and founded a College at Nowsley, temp. Edw. 1. for a Warden and certain Brethren, which in the 24. of Hen. 6. was valued to dispend yearly (besides all charges) 6. l. 13. 5. 4. d. His estate descended to Joyce de Martivall his Sister, married unto Sir Ralph Hastings lineal Ancestor to the now Earl of Huntingdon. As for the Manor of Nowsley as it came by the mother, so it went away with her Daughter, into the Family of the Herons; and by her Daughter into the Family of the Hazleriggs, who at this day are the Possessors thereof. This Bishop died in the midst of Lent, 1329.

ROBERT WIVIL was born of worthy and wealthy parentage at Stanton Wivil in this County, at the Instance of Philippa Queen to King Edward the Third, the Pope, Anno 1329. preferred him Bishop of Salisbury. It is hard to say whether he were more Dunce or Dwarfe, more unlearned or unhansome, insomuch that T. Walsingham tells us, that had the Pope ever seen him (as no doubt he felt him in his large Fees) he would never have conferred the Place upon him.

He sat Bishop more then 45. years, and impleaded William Montague Earl of Salisbury in a Writ of Right for the Castle of Salisbury. The Earl chose the Trial by Battle, which the Bishop accepted of, and both produced their Champions into the Place. The Combatant for the Bishop coming forth all clad in white, with the bishops own Arms ( viz. ) ( Gules Fretty Varee, * a Chief Or) empailed no doubt with them of his See on his Surcote.

Some highly commended the Zeal of the Bishop asserting the Rights of his Church, whilst others condemned this in him, as a unprelatical act, God allowing Duells no competent Deciders of such Differences. And moderate men to find out an expedient, said, he did this not as a Bishop but Baron; the best was, the matter was taken up by the Kings interposing, and the Bishop with 2500. Marks, bought of the Earl the quiet possession of the Castle, and died Anno D •… m. 1375. being buried under a Marble Stone about the middle of the Choir.

Statesmen.

GEORGE VILLIERS was born at Brooksby in this County, 〈◊〉 son to his father Sir George Villiers and second son to his Mother Mary Beaumont. Being debarred (by his late Nativity) from his fathers lands, he was happy in his Mothers love, maintaining him in France, till he returned one of the completest Courtiers in Christendom, his body and behavior mutually gracing one another.

Sir Tho. Lake may be said to have ushered him to the English Court, whilst the Lady Lucy Countess of Bedford led him by the one hand, and William Earl of Pembroke by the other, supplying him with a support far above his patrimonial income. The truth is, Sommersets growing daily more wearisome, made Villiers hourly more welcome to K. James.

Soon after he was knighted, created successively Baron Viscount Villiers, Earl, Marquess, Duke of Buckingham, and to bind all his honors the better together, the noble Garter was bestowed upon him. And now Offices at Court, (not being already void ) were voided for him. The Earl of Worcester was persuaded to part with his place of Master of the horse, as the Earl of Nottingham with his Office of Admiral, and both conferred on the Duke.

He had a numerous and beautiful female kindred, so that there was hardly a noble Stock in England into which one of these his Cients was not grafted. Most of his Neices were matched with little more portion then their Uncles smiles, the forerunner of some good Office or Honor to follow on their Husbands. Thus with the same act did he both gratify his kindred, and fortify himself with noble alliance.

It is seldom seen that two Kings, (father and Son) tread successively in the same Tract as to a Favorite; but here King Charles, had as high a kindness for the Duke as K. James. Thenceforward he became the Plenipotentiary in the English Court, some of the Scottish Nobility making room for him, by their seasonable departure out of this Life. The Earl of Bristol was justled out, the Bishop of Lincoln cast flat on the Floor, the Earls of Pembroke and Carlisle content to shine beneath him, Holland behind him, none even with, much less before him.

But it is generally given to him, who is the little God at the Court, to be the great Devil in the Country. The Commonalty hated him with a perfect hatred, and all miscarriages in Church and 〈◊〉 , at Home, Abroad, at Sea and Land were 〈◊〉 on his want of Wisdom, Valour or Loyalty.

John •… elton a melancholy malecontented Gentleman, and a sullen Soldier, apprehending himself injured, could find no other way to revenge his conceived wrongs, then by writing them with a point of a Knife in the heart of the Duke, whom he stabbed at Portsmouth. Anno Dom. 1620. It is hard to say how many of this Nation were guilty of this murder, either by public praising or private approving thereof.

His person from head to foot could not be charged with any blemish, save that some Hypercriticks conceived his Brows somewhat over pendulous, a cloud which in the judgment of others was by the beams of his Eyes sufficiently dispelled. The Reader is remitted for the rest of his Character, to the exquisite Epitaph on his magnificent Monument, in the Chapel of Henry the Seventh.

Capital Judges.

Sir ROBERT BELKNAP. Being bred in the Study of the Laws, he became Chief Justice of the Common Pleas October the 8. in the 48. of King Edward the third, and so continued till the general Rout of the Judges, in the wonder-working Parliament the eleventh of Richard the second, when he was displaced on this occasion.

The King had a mind to make away certain Lord's, viz. His Uncle the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, Darby, Nottingham, &c. Who in the former Parliament had been appointed Governors of the Kingdom. For this purpose he called all the Judges before him to Nottingham, where the Kings many Questions in fine were resolved into this, Whether he might by His Regal power revoke what was acted in Parliament. To this all the Judges, Sir William Skipwith alone excepted, answered affirmatively and subscribed it.

This Belknap underwrote unwillingly, as foreseeing the danger, and putting to his seal said these words,

Yet, it had been more for his credit and conscience, to have adventured a Martyrdom in the defense of the Laws, then to hazard the death of a Malefactour in the breach thereof. But Judges are but men, and most desire to decline that danger, which they apprehend nearest unto them.

In the next Parliament, all the Judges were arrested in Westminster-hall of high treason; when there was a Vacation in Term time, till their places were resupplied. Sir R. Tresilian, Cheif Justice of the Kings Bench, was executed. The rest thus named and reckoned up in the printed Statutes, Robert Belknap, John Holt, John Cray, William Burgh, Roger Fulthorp, all Judges and Knights, with J. Locktan Serjeant at Law, had their lands (save what were entailed) with their goods and chattels, forfeited to the King, their persons being banished, and they by the importunate intercession of the Queen, hardly escaping with their lives. Belknap is placed in this County, only because I find a worshipful family of his name fixed therein, whereof one was High Sheriff in the 17. of K. Henry the 7. Provided this be no prejudice to Sussex, the same Name being very ancient therein.

Sir ROBERT CATELIN, descended from the ancient Family of the Catelins of Raunds in Northampton shire, (as doth appear by the Heralds visitation ) was born at Biby in this County. He was bred in the Study of the Municipal Laws, profiting so well therein, that in the first of Q. Elizabeth, he was made Lord Cheif Justice of the Kings Bench. His Name hath some allusion to the Roman Senator, who was the Incendiary of that State, though in Nature far different, as who by his Wisdom and Gravity was a great support to his Nation.

One point of Law I have learned from him, at the Trial of Thomas Duke of Norfolk, who pleaded out of Bracton, that the Testimonies of Foreigners (the most pungent that were brought against him) were of no Validity. Here Sir Robert delivered it for Law, that in case of Treason they might be given in for evidence, and that it rested in the Brest of the Peers, whether or no to afford credit unto them.

He had one (as what man hath not many) Fancy, that he had a prejudice against all those, who write their Names with an alias, and took exceptions at one in this respect, saying, that no honest man had a double name, or came in with an alias. The party asked him what exceptions his Lordship could take, at Jesus Christ, alias Jesus of Nazareth.

He died in the Sixteenth year of Queen Elizabeth, and his Coat of Arms, viz. [Party per Cheveron Azure and Or, 3 Lions passant Guardant counterchanged; a Cheif Pearl ] is quartered by the Right Honorable the Lord Spencer, Earl of Sunderland, this Judges Daughter and Sole Heir being married to his Ancestor.

Some forty years since a Gentleman of his name and kindred, had a Cause in the Upper-Bench, to whom the Cheif Justice therein said, Your Kinsman was my Predecessour in the Court and a great Lawyer, My Lord (replied the Gentleman) he was a very honest man, for he left a small estate: But indeed, though his estate was not considerable, compared to his Successors then present, it was in itself of a good valuation.

Writers.

WILLIAM DE LEICESTER otherwise called William de Montibus (which I would willingly English William of the Woulds ) was born in Leicester in this County, bred in Oxford, where he was Doctor and Professor of Divinity, so eminent for his Learning that he was known to and much beloved by the Nobility of the land. He was also known by the name of Mr. William an evidence I assure you sufficient to avouch his Majesterialty in all Learning.

He was removed to Lincoln, and became first Canon, then Chancellor of the Church. Boston of Bury reckoneth up many and Learned Books of his making. He flourished under King John 1210. and lieth buried at Lincoln.

RICHARD BELGRAVE was born saith J. Pitz at Chichester in Sussex, but at Belgrave in Leicester-shire saith Mr. William Burton, whom I rather believe, because he wrote a particular Description of this County. Now surely the more is the exactness of the Author, the less the extent of his Subject, especially making it his Set-work (what was Pits his by-work ) to observe the Natives of this Shire: But both agree him to be a Carmelite, bred in Cambridge, an excellent Divine and good Schoolman, more Learned then eloquent. He wrote one Book of Theological Determinations, and another of Ordinary Questions, flourishing in the year 1220- under King Edward the Second.

ROBERT DE LEICESTER was born therein, but bred in Oxford a Franciscan Friar. He was one of those who brought preaching into Fashion in that age, and was much esteemed for his faculty therein, by most of the Nobility. But Robert Mascall Bishop of Hereford, (as pious and learned as any in that age) had an extraordinary affection for him. Our Leicestrian Robert appeareth also a good Chronologer, having written judiciously of the Hebrew and Roman Computation. In his reduced age, he retired to Leichfield, where he died and was buried in the Monastery of the Franciscans 1348.

THOMAS RATCLIF born at Ratcliffe in this County, was bred an Augustinian in Leicester, where he was Ordinis sui Episcopus, strain the Word no higher then to overseer of his order. He had Ingenium fecundum & amplum, and pity it was, that he had, Vitae institutum sterile & angustum. However to enlarge his Soul, he wrote divers Books and flourished anno 1360.

BARTHOLOMEW CULIE was born at Radoliffe-Culie in this County, as the exact Describer thereof avoucheth. And therefore Pitz committeth a double mistake about this One Writer, first calling him Conway, then making him a Welshman by his Nativity. How hard is it to commit one, and but one Error? This Bartholomew was an excellent Philosopher, and wrote a Book of Generation and Corruption, and although J. Pitz. confesseth himself ignorant of the time he lived in, my Author assureth me that he flourished under King Edward the third.

WILLIAM DE LUBBENHAM was born at Lubbenham in this County, brought up in Oxford, a good Philosopher and a Divine, was after a White Friar, or Carmelite in Coventry, and after became Provincial of the Order, which place he kept till he died. He wrote upon Aristotle's Posteriors, and one Book of ordinary Questions. He died in the White Friars in Coventry 1361. in the 36. year of K. Edward the Third.

JEFFERY DE HARBY was born at Harby in this County and bred in Oxford, where he became Provincial of the Augustine's, and Confessor to K. Edward the Third. Wonder not when meeting with so many Confessors to that King, presuming he had but one at one time, Conscience not standing on State and variety in that kind. For know King Edward reigned 50. years, and Confessors being aged, before admitted to their place, his Vivaciousnesse did wear out many of them. Besides, living much beyond the Seas, it is probable that he had his Foreign and his Home Confessors. Our Jeffery was also of his Privy Counsel, being as prudent to advise in matters politick, as pious in spiritual concernments. Such as admired he was not preferred to some wealthy Bishopric, must consider that he was ambitious and covetous to be poor, and wrote a violent Book in the praise and perfection thereof against Armachanus. Dying in London, he was buried in the Church of the Augustine's, about the Year 1361.

WILLIAM DE FOLVIL was born at Ashbye-Folvil in this County, and therefore when Bale calleth him Lincolniensem, understand him not by County, but by Diocese. He was bred a Franciscan in the University of Cambridge, and engaged himself a great Master of defense in that doughty quarrel pro pueris induendis, that children under the age of 18. might be admitted into Monastical orders. For whereas this was then complained of as a great and general grievance; that by such preproperous Couling of Boys, and vailing of Girls, Parents were cozened out of their children, and children cozened out of themselves, doing in their Minority they knew not what, and repenting in their maturity, not knowing what to do, our Folvil with more passion then reason, maintained the legality thereof. He died and was buried in Stamford, anno 1384.

HENRY DE KNIGHTON was born at Knighton in this County, sometime Abbot of Leicester, who wrote his History from William the Conqueror, to the time of King Richard the Second, in whose Reign he died.

It seemeth Lelandus non vidit omnia, nor his shadow Bale, nor his shadow Pits, all three confessing that the History of this Knighton never came to their hands. Whereas of late, it hath been fairly printed with other Historians, on the commendable cost of Cornelius Be. Thus it is some comfort and contentment to such, whom Nature hath denied to be Mothers, that they may be dry Nurses, and dandle Babes in their Laps, whom they cannot bear in their Wombs. And thus this Industrious Stationer (though no Father) hath been Foster Father to many worthy Books, to the great profit of posterity.

WILLIAM WOODFORD. I cannot fixe his Nativity with any certainty, because so many Woods and Fords, (and would the former did continue as well as the latter) and consequently so many Towns called Woodfords in England. He is placed here, because his Surname in this age., flourished in great Eminency in this County. He was bred a Franciscan, and though Bilious Bale giveth him the Character of Indocte Doctus, we learn from Leland, that he was one of profound Learning, and Thomas Waldensis owneth and calleth him Magistrum suum, His Master.

Indeed Woodford set him the first Copy of Railing against Wycliffe, being deputed by T. Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury to confute, publicly in Writing, his Opinions. He died and was buried at Colchester 1397.

THOMAS LANGTON was born at West-Langton in this County, bred a Carmelite in London, but first brought up in Oxford. He wrote a Book of their own ordinary Acts; another called The Trial of Henry Crump Doctor in Divinity; another Book against the Errors of the said Doctor Crump. Reader, We are beholden to my Author, for retriving this Writers memory, which otherwise appears not in Leland, Bale, or Pits. He flourished under K. Henry the fourth, anno Dom. 1400.

ROBERT DE HARBY was born at Harby in this County, bred a Carmelite in their Covent at Lincoln. He seems to be a Doctor in Divinity, and surely was a great Adorer of the Virgin Mary, writing many Sermons of her Festivities. He flourished 1450.

RICHARD TURPIN was born at Knaptoft in this County, very lately (if not still) in the possession of that ancient Family, and was one of the Gentlemen of the English Garrison of Calis in France, in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth. Such Soldiers generally in time of War had too much, in time of Peace to little work, to employ themselves therein. Commendable therefore the Industry of this Richard, who spent his spare hours in writing of a Chronicle of his time. He died Anno Domini 1541. in the 〈◊〉 fifth year of the aforesaid Kings reign. This I observe the rather, that the Reader may not run with me on the rock of the same mistake, who in my apprehension confounded him with Richard Turpin the Herald, first Blew-mantle, and then created Winsor in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth.

Beńefactors to the Public.

Sir JOHN POULTNEY Knight, was born in this County at Poultney, in the Parish of Misterton, bred in the City of London, and became four times Lord Mayor thereof. He built a College to the Honor of Jesus & Corpus Christi, for a Master and seven Chaplains in St. Laurence Church in Candleweek-Street in London, in the 20. of Edward the Third, which Church was after denominated of him St. Laurence Poultney. He built the Parish Church of Alhallows the less in Thames Street, and the Monastery of White Friars in Coventry, and a fair Chapel on the North Side of St. Paul's in London, where he lieth buried, who died 1349. the 24. year of Edward the third, he was a great Benefactour to the Hospital of St. Giles by Holborn, and gave many great Legacies to the relief of Prisoners and the Poor.

Memorable Persons.

Know Reader, that by an unavoidable mischance, the two first following persons, who should have been entered under the Topic of Soldiers are (with no disgrace I conceive) remembered in this place.

EDMOND APPLEBIE Knight, was son to John Applebie Esquire, and born at Great Applebie, whence their Family fetched their name, and where at this day (I hope) they have their habitation. He was a mighty man of Arms, who served at the Battle of Cressy, the 20. of K. Edward the Third, where he took Monsieur Robert d'n Mailarte a Nobleman of France Prisoner. Now know though the pens of our homebred Historians may be suspected of partiality, yet English atcheivements acknowledged by French Authors, such as Froizard is, who taketh signal notice thereof; commandeth belief. Afterwards in the Eight year of Richard the Second he went into France, with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, to treat of a peace betwixt both Kingdoms. Lastly in the Ninth of Richard the second, he accompanied the said Duke, and the Lady Constance his Wife, Daughter and Coheir of Peter King of Castile, in his Voyage into Castile, who then went over with a great power to invest himself in the said Kingdom, which by Descent belonged to his Wife, and was then usurped by Henry base Brother unto King Peter.

JOHN HERDWICKE Esq born at Lindley in this County, was a very Lowe Man (stature is no standard of stoutness) but of great Valour, Courage, and Strength, This is he, though the Tradition goeth by an unknown name, by whose good conduct, Henry Earl of Richmond, afterwards King Henry the seventh, in the Battle of Bosworth, got the advantage of Ground, Wind, and Sun, each singly considerable but little less then an Army in themselves, when all put together. Besides he assisted him with the service of many men and great horses. He died One Thousand Five Hundred and Eleven, leaving six Daughters and Coheirs, and was buried at Noneaton in Warwick-shire.

JOHN POULTNEY born in Little Shepey was herein remarkable, that in his sleep he did usually rise out of his bed, dress him, open the Dores, walk round about the Fields, and return to his Bed not wakened; sometimes he would rise in his sleep, take a •… taff, Fork, or any other kind of Weapon that was next his hand, and therewith lay about him, now striking, now defending himself, as if he were then encountered or charged with an adversary, not knowing (being awaked) what had passed. He afterwards went to Sea with that famous but unfortunate Sir Hugh Willoughby Knight, and was (together with all the Fleet) frozen to death in the North East passage, about NOVA ZEMBLA.

HENRY NOEL Esq I will incur the Readers deserved displeasure, if he appear not most memorable in his Generation. He was younger Son to Sir Andrew Noel of Dalby in this County, who for Person, Parentage, Grace, Gesture, Valour, and many other excellent parts, (amongst which, Skill in Music) was of the first rank in the Court. And though his Lands and Livclyhood were small, having nothing known certain, but his Annuity and Pension, as Gentleman to Queen Elizabeth, yet in state, pomp, magnificence and expenses, did ever equalize the Barons of great worth. If any demand whence this proceeded, the Spanish Proverb answers him,

Being challenged by an Italian Gentleman to play at Baloun, he so heat his blood, that falling into a Feaver he died thereof, and by Her Majesty's appointment, was buried in the Abbey of Westminster, and Chapel of St. Andrew, anno 1596.

The Farewell.

Being now to take my leave of this County, it is needless to wish it a Friday Market (the Leap-day therein, and it is strange there should be none in so spacious a Shire ) presuming that defect supplied in the Vicinage; Rather I wish that the Leprosy may never return into this County, but if it should return (we carry the seeds of all sins in our Souls, sicknesses in our Bodies) I desire that the Lands may also (without prejudice to any) return to the Hospital of Burton Lazars in this Shire, if not entire, yet in such a proportion as may comfortably maintain the Lepers therein.

Natural Commodities.