The History of the Worthies of England

Mas-Tiffes.

Known to the Romans by the name of Molossi, from Molossia a County in Epirus, whence the fiercest in that kind were fetched at first, before better were brought out of Britain.

Gratius an Ancient Poet, Contemporary with Virgil, writing his Cynegeticon or Poem of Hunting, giveth great praise to our English Mastiffes, highly commending their Valour, only taxing them, that they are not handsomely made.

Which thing is nothing in my mind, seeing beauty is no whit material to a Soldier.

This County breedeth choice Mastiffes for the Bull and Bear, and the sport is much affected therein, especially about Stamford, whereof hereafter. What remaineth concerning Mastiffes is referred to the same Topic in Somerset-shire.

Thus the three kinds of ancient hunting, which distinctly require fleetnesse, scent, and strength, are completely performed in this County, by a Breed therein, which are answerably qualified. This I have inserted, because as to my Native Country in general, so to this here in particular, I would not willingly do less right, then what a Stranger hath done thereunto.

Before we come to Catalogue the Worthies of this County, it is observable, that as it equalled other Shires in all ages, so it went beyond itself in one generation, viz. in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, when it had Natives thereof.

• 1. Edward Clinton Lord Admiral.
• 2. William Cecil Lord Treasurer.
• 3 Sir Edmund Anderson Lord Chief Justice.
• 4. John Whitgift Arch-bishop of Canterbury.
• 5. Peregrine Bartu Lord General in France.
• 6. Tho. Wilson Dr. of Law, and Secretary of State.

All Countrymen and Contemporaries. Thus Sea and Land, Church and Camp, Sword and Mace, Gospel and Law, were stored with prime Officers out of this County. Nor must it be forgotten, though born in the same Shire, they were utterly unrelated in Kindred, and raised themselves independently (as to any mutual assistance) by God's Blessing, the Queens favor, and their own deserts.

The Buildings.

Here the complaint of the Prophet taketh no place, taxing men to live in Ceeled Palaces whilst the Temple of God lay wast, No County affording worse Houses, or better Churches. It addeth to the Wonder, that seeing in this soft County, a Diamond is as soon found as a Flint, their Churches are built of Pollished Stones, no Natives but Naturalized by importation from foreign parts.

I hope the Inhabitants of this Shire, will endeavor to disprove the old Proverb, [the nearer to the Church, the further from God. ] because they have substituted a better in the room thereof, viz. The further from stone, the better the Churches.

As for the Cathedral of Lincoln, whose Floor is higher then the Roof of many Churches, it is a magnificent Structure, proportionable to the Amplitude of the Diocese. This I dare boldly say, that no Diocese in Christendom, affordeth two such Rivers, viz. [Thames and Trent ] for the Southern and Northern Bounds, and two such Universities, Cambridge and Oxford, both in the Content thereof, before three smaller Bishoprics were carved out of it.

Amongst the Houses of the Nobility, I take signal notice of two. One I may call a Premeditate Building, viz. Tattershall (belonging to the Right Honorable the Earl of Lincoln ) advanced by degrees at several times, to the Modern Magnificence thereof. But Grimsthorp I may term an Ex tempore Structure, set up on a sudden by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, to entertain King Henry the Eighth, in his Progress into these parts. The Hall therein was fitted to a fair Suit of Hangings, which the Duke had by his Wife Mary the French Queen, and is now in the possession of the Right Honorable Montague Earl of Lindsey.

The Wonders.

At Fishtoft in this County, no Mice or Rats are found, insomuch, that Barns built party per pale, in this and the next Parish, on one side are annoyed, on the other side (being Fishtoft Moiety) are secured from this Vermin. Surely no Piper (what is notoriously known of Hamell in Westphalia ) did ever give them this Mice-Delivery by his Music.

It is easier to conjure up many, then allay one difficulty, other places in England affording the like. At one of the Rodings in Essex, no Hogs will root. In another Common no Mole will cast. In Linley in Leicestershire, no Snakes are found. I believe they overshoot the Mark, who make it a Miracle, they undershoot it who make it Magic, they come the nearest to Truth, who impute it to occult Qualities. If some men will swound at some meat, yea but smelling it unseen by their disaffection thereunto, why may not whole species and kinds of creatures have some antipathetical places, though the reason thereof cannot be rendered? Surely as Sampson at his Marriage propounded a Riddle to his Companions to try their Wits thereon, so God offereth such Aenigmaes in nature, partly that men may make use of their admiring as well as of their understanding, partly that Philosophers may be tanght their distance betwixt themselves, who are but the Lovers, and God, who is the Giver of Wisdom.

Let it also pass (for this once) for a wonder, that some seven score years since, nigh Harlaxton in this Shire, there was found (turned up by one ploughing the ground) a Golden Helmet of Antick fashion, I say Cassis non aurata sed aurea, a Helmet not guilt but of Massive Gold, studded with precious stones, probable of some Prime Roman Commander. Whence I observe; First, that though no Edge-Tool to offend may be made of Gold and Silver, Yet defensive Weapons may thereof be compounded. Secondly, that the Poetical Fiction of Glaucus his Golden Arms is founded on History. For (not to speak of Solomon his Golden Sheilds) Great Commanders made use of Arms of that Mettal, if not for strength, for state and Ornament. Lastly, it was presented to Queen Katharine, first Wife to King Henry the Eighth, who though not knowing to use it as a Helmet, knew how to employ it as made of Gold and Rich Jewels.

Proverbs.

I behold these as most ancient, because a very simple sort of Music, being little more then the Oaten Pipe improved with a Bag, wherein the imprisoned wind pleadeth melodiously for the Inlargement thereof. It is incredible with what agility it inspireth the heavy heels of the Country Clowns, overgrown with hair and rudeness, probably the ground-work of the poetical fiction of dancing Satyrs. This Bagpipe in the judgment of the Rural Midas's, carrieth away the credit from the Harp of Apollo himself, and most persons approve the Blunt Bagpipe above the Edge Tool Instruments of Drums and Trumpets in our Civil dissensions.

This Shire carries away the Bell for round-ringing, from all in England, though other places may surpass it for Changes, more pleasant for the Variety thereof; seeing it may be demonstrated that twelve Bells will afford more changes than there have been hours since the Creation. Tom of Lincoln, may be called the Stentor (fifty lesser-bells may be made out of him) of all in this County. Expect not of me to enter into the discourse of popish baptizing and naming of Bells, many charging it on them for a profane, and they confessing enough to make it a superstitious action.

Venice and Crowland, Sic Canibus Catulos, may count their Carts alike; that being sited in the Sea, this in a Morasse and Fenny ground, so that an horse can hardly come to it. But, whether this place since the draining of the Fenns, hath acquired more firmness than formerly, is to me unknown.

This Steeple seems crooked unto the beholders (and I believe will ever do so, until our age erect the like by it for height and workmanship) though some conceive the slenderness at such a distance is all the obliquity thereof. Eminency exposeth the uprightest persons to exception, and such who cannot find faults in them, will find faults at them, envying their advancement.

Take the Original hereof. William Earl Warren Lord of this Town in the time of King John, standing upon the Castle Walls of Stamford, saw two Bulls fighting for a Cow in the Meadow, till all the Butchers Dogs, great and small, pursued one of the Bulls (being madded with Noyse and Multitude) clean through the Town. This Sight so pleased the said Earl, that he gave all those Meadows (called the Castle Meadows ) where first the Bull Duel began, for a Common to the Butchers of the Town (after the first Grass was eaten) on condition that they find a Mad Bull, the day Six weeks before Christmas day, for the continuance of that sport every year. Some think that the Men must be mad as well as the Bull, who can take delight in so dangerous a WastTime; whereby that no more Mischeif is done, not man's care; but God's Providence is to be praised.

Lincoln Minster is one of the statelyest Structures in Christendom. The South-side of it meets the Travelers thereunto, twenty miles of, so that their Eyes are there many hours before their Feet.

The Devil is the Map of Malice, and his Envy (as God's mercy ) is over all his works. It grieves him what ever is given to God, crying out with that Flesh-Devil, Ut quid haec perditio? What needs this wast? On which account he is supposed to have overlook'd this Church, when first finished with a torve and tetrick countenance, as maligning men's costly devotion, and that they should be so expensive in God's service: But, it is suspicious, that some who account themselves Saints, behold such fabrics with little better looks.

This Village in this County by Orthography is Witham, near which a River of the same name doth rise. But such nominal Proverbs take the advantage of all manner of Spelling as due unto them. It is applied to such people as are not overstock'd with acuteness. The best is, all men are bound to be honest, but not to be witty.

Gruel (though homely) is wholesome Spoon-meat, Physic for the Sick, and food for persons in health, Water is the Matter, Grits the Form thereof, giving the being thereunto. Now Gruel thus imperfectly mixed, is Wash rather, which one will have little heart to eat, and get as little heart thereby. The Proverb is appliable to those who in their Speeches or Actions multiply what is superfluous, or (at best) less necessary, either wholly omitting or less regarding the Essentials thereof.

Some understand it Ironically, that is, they were divided with several Factions, which Proverb, Mutato Nomine, is used in other Counties. Yea long since Virgil said the same in effect of the Men of Mantua, when they lost their Lands to the Soldiers of Augustus.

Indeed when a Common Danger calls for a Union against a General Enemy, for any then to prosecute their Personal Quarrels, and Private Grudges, is a Folly always observed, often reproved, sometimes confessed, but seldom Reformed.

Others use this Proverb, only as an expression of ill Success, when men strive to no purpose, though Plotting and Practising together; to the utmost of their power, being finally foiled in their undertakings.

Princes.

HENRY eldest [surviving] Son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, was born at the Castle of Bullingbrook in this County, and bred (according to the Discipline of those days) in Camp and Court, in both which he proved a good proficient. By Nature, he was made more to command then obey, being ambitious, choleric, and withal courageous, cunning to catch, careful to keep, and industrious to improve all advantages.

Being nettled with some injuries received from King Richard the second he complotted with a good party of the Nobility to depose him. Miscarriages in his Government, (many by mi •… managing, more by the missucceeding of matters) exposed him to just Exception, besides his own Debauchery, and how easily is a dissolute Government dissolved.

Having by the Murder of King Richard atcheived the Government to himself, he reigned with much difficulty and opposition. Though his Father was a great Patron, He was a great Persecutor of the Wickliffites, though not so much out of hatred to them, as Love to himself, thereby to be ingratiated with the Clergy, then Potent in the Land.

When Duke, he wore on his Head, an Antick Hood, which he cast not off when King, so that his Picture is generally known by the Crown superadded thereon. Lying on his Death-bed, he was rather querulous then penitent, much complaining of his Sufferings in keeping, nothing bewailing his sin in getting the Crown. Fire and Faggot was first kindled in his Reign in England to burn (pardon the Prolepsis) poor Protestants, and happy had it been, had they been quenched at his Death, which happened Anno Dom. 1413.

This Henry was the only Prince born in this Connty since the Conquest, though a good Author by mistake, entituleth this County to another, an ancienter Henry: Yet so that he giveth him with one hand to it in his Book of Maps, and takes him away with the other in his Chronicle.

I believe Mr. Speed the Chronocler, before Mr. Speed the Chorographer, because therein concurring with other Authors. Besides, consult the Alphabetical Index of his Map, and there is no Selby in this Shire, we have therefore placed King Henry the First in York-shire, and thought fit to enter this observation not to reprove others, but least I be reproved myself.

Saints.

Here I make no mention of St. Botolph, because there is no Constat (though very much Probability ) of his English Nativity, who lived at, and gave the name to Botolphs Town (corruptly Boston ) in this County.

GILBERT DE SEMPRINGHAM, There born in this County, was of noble extraction, Joceline his Father being a Knight, to whom he was eldest Son, and Heir to a great Estate. In Body he was very deformed, but of subtle wit and great courage. Travelling over into France, there he got good Learning, and obtained leave from the Pope, to be Founder of those Epicoene, and Hermaphrodite Convents, wherein Monks and Nuns lived together, as under one Roof, but with partitions betwixt them.

Sure it was to him a comfort and credit, (which is confidently related by credible Authors) to see 13. Convents, 700. Monks, 1100. Nuns (Women out-superstition Men ) of his order, being aged, one hundred and six years. He appointed the fair Convent at Sempringham (his own rich Inheritance) to be mother, and prime residence of his new erected order. He died anno 1189.

HUGH was a Child, born and living in Lincoln, who by the impious Jews was stolen from his Parents, and in Derision of Christ and Christianity (to keep their cruel hands in ure) by them crucified, being about Nine years old. Thus he lost his Life, but got a Saintship thereby, and some afterwards persuaded themselves that they got their cures at his Shrine in Lincoln.

However this made up the measure of the Sins of the Jews in England, for which not long after they were ejected the land, or (which is the truer) unwillingly willing they departed themselves. And whilst they retain their old manners, may they never return, especially in this Giddy and unsettled age, for fear more Christians fall sick of Judaism, then Jews recover in Christianity. This Hugh was martyred Anno Dom. 1255. on the 27. of July.

Martyrs.

ANNE ASKEWE, Daughter of Sir William Askewe Knight, was born at Kelsey in this County, of her Piety and Patience, when first wracked in the Tower, then burnt in Smithfield, I have largely treated in my Church History. She went to Heaven in a Chariot of Fire. July 16. 1546.

Cardinals.

ROBERT SOMMERCOT. There are two Villages North and South Sommercot in this 〈◊〉 (and to my notice nowhere else in England ) fromone of which I presume he took his Nativity and Name: Yet because Bale affirmeth Lawrence Sommercot his Brother or Kinsman, born in the South of England, we have affixed our Note of Dubitation. But out of doubt it is, he was a right learned man, to whom Matthew Paris gives this short but thick commendation, viz. Vir fuit discretus, & circumspectus, omnibus amabilis merito & gratiosus. By Pope Gregory the Ninth, he was made Cardinal of St. Stephens, anno 1231.

He was a true Lover of his Countrymen, and could not abide to hear them abused, the cause that his choler was twice raised, when the Pope said in his Presence, that there was not a faithful man in England, though wisely he repressed his Passion.

After this Pope Gregory's death, he was the foremost of the 〈◊〉 Elects for the Papacy, and on fair play, the most probable person to carry the place, but he was double bar'd: First, because an honest man as any in that age. Secondly, because an English-man, the Italians desiring to Monopolize the choice to themselves. Hereupon in the Holy Conclave (the better place the better deed ) he was made away by poison; to make room for Celestine to succeed him, who sat that skittish place but a short time, dying 17. days after our Somercots death, which happened anno Dom. 1241.

Prelates.

WILLIAM of GANESBOROUGH, was born in that Fair Market Town, which performeth more to the Eye, then Fame hath reported to the Ear thereof. He was bred a Franciscan in Oxford, and became the Twenty fifth Lecturer of his Order. He was afterwards sent over by King Edward the first, with Hugh of Manchester, to Philip King of France, to demand reparation for some Dammages in Aquitaine.

He was a mighty Champion of the Popes Infallibility, avowing that what David indulged to his Son Adonijah, never saying unto him, why didst thou so? ought to be rendered by all to his Holynesse, being not to be called to an account, though causing the Damnation of thousands.

I remember when I was in Cambridge, some thirty years since, there was a Flying, though false report, that Pope Urban the Eight, was cooped up by his Cardinals, in the Castle of St. Angelo. Hereupon a waggish Scholar said, jam 〈◊〉 est, Papa non potest errare, it was then true (according to their received Intelligence) that the Pope could not straggle or wander.

But our Ganesborough stoutly defended it in the literal sense against all opposers, for which his good service, Pope Boniface the Eight preferred him Bishop of Worcester, where he sat 6. years, and died 1308.

WILLIAM AYRMIN, was descended of an ancient Family in this County, still extant in great Eminency of Estate at Osgodby therein. He was for some time, Keeper of the Seal, and Vice-Chancellor to King Edward the Second, at what time anno 1319. the following misfortune befell him, and take the Original thereof out of an Anonymal Croniclering Manuscript.

Afterwards recovering his Liberty he was made Chancellor of England, and bishop of Norwich, in the 18. year of King Edward the Second. He gave two hundred pounds to buy Land to maintain priests to say Mass for his Soul. He died anno Dom. 1337. at Charing Cross nigh London, when he had been eleven years bishop. I am credibly informed, that he bestowed the Manor of Silk Willoughby in this County, on his Family, which with other Fair Lands is possessed by them at this day.

WILLIAM WAYNFLET, was born at Waynflet in this County, whence he took his Denomination, according to the custom of Clergymen in that age: For otherwise he was eldest Son to Richard Pattin, an ancient Esquire in this County, and I understand, that at this day they remain at Barsloe in Darbyshire, descended from the said Knight. But of this worthy Prelate, Founder of Magdalene-college in Oxford, abundantly in my Church-History.

WILLIAM LYNWOOD, was born at Lynwood in this County, and proceeded Doctor of the Laws (probably rather by Incorporation then constant Education ) in Oxford, long living a Commoner in Gunvil Hall in Cambridge. He was Chancellor to the Arch •… bishop of Canterbury, Keeper of the Privy Seal to King Henry the Sixth, and was employed in several Embassies into Spain and Portugal. He wrote a learned Comment on the English provincial Constitutions, from Stephen Langhton to Archbishop Chichley, and his pains at last was rewarded with the Bishopric of St. David's, where he died 1446.

WILLIAM ASCOUGH, was descended of a worshipful and very ancient Family now living at Kelsey in this County, the variation of a Letter importing nothing to the contrary. I have seen at Sarisbury, his Arms, with allusion to the Arms of that House, and some Episcopal addition. Such likeness is with me a better Evidence then the sameness, knowing, that the Clergy in that age delighted to disguise their Coats from their Paternal bearing. He was bred Doctor of the Laws, a very able man in his profession, became Bishop of Sarum, confessor to King Henry the Sixth, and was the first (as T. Gascoigne relateth) of Bishops, who discharged that Office, as then conceived beneath the place. Some will say, if King Henry answered the character commonly received of his Sanctity, his Confessor had a very easy performance. Not so, for always the most conscientious are the most scrupulous in the confession of their sins, and the particular enumeration of the circumstances thereof.

It happened, that I. Cade with his cursed crew (many of them being the Tennants of this Bishop ) fell fowl on this Prelate, at Edington in this shire, Bishop Godwin saith, Illi quam ob causam infensi non hab •… o compertum. He could not tell why they should be so incensed against him. But I conceive, it was because he was learned, pious and rich, three capital crimes in a Clergyman. They plundered his Carriages, taking ten thousand marks (a Mine of Money in that age) from him, and then to secure their Riot and Felony, by murder and high treason, dragged him as he was Officiating from the High Altar. And although they regarded difference of place no more, then a Wolf is concerned whether he killeth a Lamb in the Fold or Field, yet they brought him out of the Church to a Hill hard by, and there barbarously murdered Him, and tore his bloody Shirt in pieces, and left his stripped body stark naked in the place.

This his Massacre happened June 29. 1450. when he had sat almost twelve years in the See of Sarisbury.

RICHARD FOX, was born at Grantham in this County, as the Fellows of his Foundation in Oxford have informed me. Such who make it their only argument to prove his Birth at Grantham, because he therein erected a fair Free School, may on the same Reason conclude him born at Tanton in Sommerset shire, where he also founded a goodly Grammar School. But what shall I say? Ubique nascitur qui Orbi nascitur, he may be said to be born everywhere, who with Fox was born for the public and general good.

He was very instrumental in bringing King Henry the Seventh to the Crown, who afterwards well rewarded him for the same. That politick Prince, (though he could go alone as well as any King in Europe, yet) for the more state, in matters of Moment he leaned principally on the Shoulders of two prime Prelates, having Archbishop Morton for his Right, and this Fox, for his left Supporter, whom at last he made Bishop of Winchester. He was bred first in Cambridge, where he was President of Pembrokehall (and gave Hangings thereunto with a Fox woven therein) and afterwards in Oxford, where he founded the fair College of Corpus Christi (allowing per annum to it, 401. l. 8. s. 11. d. ) which since hath been the Nursery of so many eminent Scholars. He expended much Money in Beautifying his Cathedral in Winchester, and methodically disposed the Bodies of the Saxon Kings and Bishops (dispersedly buried in this Church ) in decent Tombs erected by him on the Walls on each side the Choir, which some Soldiers (to show their Spleen at once against Crowns and Miters ) valiantly fighting against the Dust of the dead, have since barbarously demolished. Twenty seven years he sat Bishop of this See till he was stark blind with age. All thought him to die to soon, one only excepted, who conceived him to live too long, viz. Thomas Wolsey, who gaped for his Bishopric, and endeavored to render him to the Displeasure of K. Henry the Eigth, whose Malice this Bishop though blind discovered, and in some measure defeated. He died anno Domini 1528. and lies buried in his own Cathedral.

Statesmen.

EDWARD FINES Lord Clinton, Knight of the Garter, was Lord Admiral of England, for more then thirty years, a Wise, Valiant and Fortunate Gentleman. The Masterpeice of his service was in Mustleborough Field, in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth, and the Battail against the Scots. Some will wonder, what a Fish should do on dry Land, what use of an Admiral in a Land fight. But know, the English kept themselves close to the shore, under the shelter of their ships, and whilst their Arrows could do little, their spears less, their swords nothing, against the Scots (who appeared like a hedge of Steel, so well armed and closed together) the great Ordnance from their ships, at first did all, making such destruction in the Scottish army, that though some may call it a Land-fight, it was first a Victory from the sea, and then but an Execution on the Land.

By Queen Elizabeth (who honored her honors by bestowing them sparingly) he was created Earl of Lincoln May 4. 1574. and indeed he had breadth to his height, a proportionable estate, chiefly in this County, to support his Dignity, being one of those, who besides his paternal Inheritance, had much increased his estate. He died January the sixteenth, 1585. and lieth buried at Windsor, in a private chapel under a stately Monument, which Elizabeth his third Wife, Daughter to the Earl of Kildare, erected in his Remembrance.

THOMAS WILSON, Doctor of Laws, was born in this County, bred Fellow of Kings-College in Cambridge, and afterwards was Tutor in the same University, to Henry and Charles Brandons, successively Dukes of Suffolk. Hard shift he made to conceal himself in the Reign of Queen Mary. Under Queen Elizabeth he was made Master of the Hospital of St. Katharines, nigh the Tower of London, upon the same Token that he took down the Choir, which, my Author saith (allow him a little Hyperbole, was as great as the Choir at St. Paul's. I am loath to believe it done out of Covetousness, to gain by the materials thereof, but would rather conceive it so run to Ruin, that it was past repairing. He at last became Secretary of State to Q. Elizabeth for four years together. It argues his ability for the place, because he was put into it; Seeing in those active times, under so judicious a Queen, weakness might despair to be employed in such an office. He died anno dom. 15..

THOMAS Lord BURGE or BOROU •… H, Son to William Lord Burge, Grandson to Thomas Lord Burge, (created Baron by King Henry the Eight) was born in his Fathers Fair house at Gainsborough in this County.

His first public appearing was, when he was sent Embassador into Scotland, anno 1593. to excuse Bothwell his lurking in England, to advise the speedy suppressing of the Spanish Faction, and to advance an effectual association of the Protestants in that Kingdom for their Kings defense, which was done accordingly.

Now when Sir William Russel Lord Deputy of Ireland was recalled, this Lord Tho. Burgh, was substituted in his room, anno 1597. Mr. Camden doth thus character him.

But where there is the stock of Valour with an able brain, Experience will soon be graffed upon it. It was first thought fit, to make a Months Truce with Tyrone, which cessation like a Damm, made their mutual animosities for the present swell higher, and when removed for the future, run the fiercer. The Lord Deputy (the Truce expired) straitly besieged the Fort of Blackwater the only Receptacle of the Rebells in those parts (I mean besides their Woods and Bogs) & the Key of the County of Tyrone. This Fort he took by Force, and presently followed a bloody Battle, wherein the English paid dear for their Victory, loosing many worthy men, and amongst them two that were Foster brothers [Fratres Collactanei ] to the Earl of Kildare, who so laid this loss to his heart, (amongst the Irish, Foster brethren are loved above the Sons of their fathers ) that he died soon after. Tyrons credit now lay a bleeding, when to stanch it, he rebesieged Blackwater, and the Lord Deputy, whilst indevouring to relieve it was struck with untimely death, before he had continued a whole year in his place. All I will add is this, that it brake the heart of Valiant Sir John Norris (who had promised the Deputies place unto himself, as due to his deserts) when this Lord Burgh was superinduced into that Office. His Relict Lady (famous for her Charity, and skill in Chirurgery) lived long in Westminster, and died very aged some twenty years since.

WILLIAM CECIL. Know Reader, before I go farther, something must be premised concerning his position in this Topic. Virgil was profane in his flattery to Augustus Caesar, proffering him his free choice after his death, to be •… anked amongst what heathen God's he pleased, so that he might take his place either amongst those of the Land, which had the oversight of Men and Cities, or the Sea-God's, commanding in the Ocean; or the Skye-God's, and become a new Constellation therein. But without the least adulation, we are bound to profer this worthy Peer his own election; whether he will be pleased to repose himself under Benefactors to the Public, all England in that age being beholden to his bounty (as well as the poor in Standford, for whom he erected a fair Bead-house ) acknowledging under God and the Queen, their prosperity the fruit of his prudence. Or else he may rest himself under the title of Lawyers, being long bred in the Inns of Court, and more learned in our MunicipalLaw, then many who made it their sole profession. However, for the present, we lodge this English Nestor (for wisdom and vivacitie) under the notion of States-men, being Secretary and Lord-Treasurer for above thirty years together. Having formerly written his life at large, it will be enough here to observe, that he was born at Bourn in this County, being son to Richard Cecil Esq (of the Robes to King Henry the eighth, and a Legatee in his Will) and Jane his Wife, of whom hereafter. He was in his age Moderator Aulae, steering the Court at his pleasure, and whilst the Earl of Leichester would endure no equal, and Sussex no superior therein, he by siding with neither, served himself with both.

Incredible was the kindness which Queen Elizabeth had for him, or rather for herself in him, being sensible that he was so able a Minister of State. Coming once to visit him being sick of the Goute at Burley house in the Strand, and being much heightened with her Head Attire (then in fashion) the Lord's Servant who conducted her thorough the door, May your Highness (said he) be pleased to stoop, the Queen returned, For your Masters sake I will stoop, but not for the King of Spain's. This worthy Patriot departed this life in the seventy seventh year of his Age, August the 4 ^th . 1598.

Capitall Judges.

Sr. WILLIAM de SKIPWITH, was bred in the study of the Laws, profiting so well therein, that he was made, in Trinity Terme, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, in the thirty fifth, continuing therein until the fortieth, of the Reign of King Edward the third. I meet not with anything memorable of him in our English Histories; except this may pass for a thing remarkable, that, at the importunity of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, this Sr. William condemned William Wichkam, Bish. of Winchester, of Crimes rather powerfully objected then plainly proved against him; whereupon the Bishops Temporalls were taken from him, and he denied access within twenty miles of the Kings Court.

I confess there is a Village in the East riding of Yorkshire, called SKIPWITH, but I have no assurance of this Judge his Nativity therein: though ready to remove him thither, upon clearer information.

Sr. WILLIAM SKIPWITH Junior. He was inferior to the former in place (whom I behold as a Puisne Judge) but herein remarkable to all posterity; That he would not complie, neither for the importunity of King Richard the second, nor the example of his fellow Judges, in the 10 ^th . year of that Kings Reign) to allow, that the King by his own power might rescinde an Act of Parliament. Solus inter impios mansit integer Gulielmus Skipwith * Miles Clarus ideo apud Posteros. And * shined the brighter for living in the midst of a crooked Generation, bowed with fear and favor into Corruption.

I know well, that the Collar of S. S. S. (or Esses ) worn about the necks of Judges (and other persons of Honor) is wreathed into that form, whence it receiveth its name. Chiefly from Sanctus Simon Simplicius, an uncorrupted Judge in the Primitive Times. May I move that every fourth link thereof, when worn, may mind them of this SKIPWITH, so upright in his judgment in a matter of the highest importance.

Having no certainty of his Nativity, I place him in this County, where his name at Ormesby hath flourished ever since his time, in a very worshipful equipage.

Sr. WILLIAM HUSE •… Knight was born, as I have cause to believe, in this County, where his name and Family flourish in a right worshipful equipage. He was bred in the study of our Municipall Law, and attained to such eminency therein, that by King Edward the fourth, in the one and twentieth of his Reign, he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench.

King HENRY the seventh (who in point of policy was only directed by himself) in point of Law, was chiefly ruled by this Judge, especially in this question of importance. It happened that in his first Parliament, many Members thereof were returned, who (being formerly of this Kings party) were attainted, and thereby not legal to sit in Parliament, being disabled in the highest degree, it being incongruous that they should make Laws for others, who themselves were not Inlawed. The King not a little troubled therewith, remitted it as a case in Law to the Judges. The Judges assembled in the Exchequer Chamber, agreed all with Sr. William Husee, (their Speaker to the King ) upon this Grave and safe opinion, mixed with Law and convenience, that the Knights and Burgesses attainted by the course of Law, should forbear to come into the House, till a Law were passed for the reversall of their attainders, which was done accordingly. When at the same time it was incidently moved in their Consultation, what should be done for the King himself, who likewise was attainted? the rest unanimously agreed with Sr. William Husee, that the Crown takes away all defects, and stops in blood, and that by the Assumption thereof the fountain was cleared from all attainders and Corruptions. He died in Trinity Term, in the tenth year of King Henry the 7 ^th .

Sr. EDMUND ANDERSON Knight, was born a younger brother of a Gentile extract at Flixborough in this County and bred in the Inner Temple. I have been informed that his Father left him 1000 l. for his portion, which this our Sr. Edmund multiplied into many, by his great proficiency in the Common Law, being made in the twenty fourth of Queen Elizabeth Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.

When Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber for the business of the Queen of Scots, Judge Anderson said of him, that therein he had done * justum non juste, and so acquitting him of all malice, censured him, with the rest, for his indiscretion.

When H. •… uff was arraigned about the Rising of the Earl of Essex, and when Sr. Edward Coke the Queens Solicitor opposed him, and the other answered Syllogistically, our Anderson (sitting there as Judge of Law not Logic ) checked both Pleader and Prisoner ob stolidos Syllogismos for their foolish Syllogisms, appointing the former to press the Statute of King Edward the third. His stern countenance well became his place, being a great promoter of the established Church-discipline, and very severe against all Brownists when he met them in his Circuit. He died in the third of King James, leaving great Estates to several sons, of whom I behold Sr. Francis Anderson of Euworth in Bedfordshire the eldest, whose son Sr. John, by a second Wife Audrey Butler (Niece to the Duke of Buckingham ) and afterwards married to the Lord Dunsmore in Warwickshire ) was (according to some conditions in his Patent) to succeed his Father in Law in that honor, if surviving him. This I thought fit to insert, to vindicate his memory from obl •… vion, who being an hopeful Gentleman (my fellow Colleague in Sidney College) was taken away in the prime of his youth.

Soldiers.

Sr. FREDERICK TILNEY Knight had his chief Residence at Bostone in this County. He was a man of mighty stature and strength, above the Proportion of ordinary persons. He attended King Richard the first. Anno Dom. 1190. to the Seidge of Acon in the Holy Land, where his Atcheivements were such, that he struk terror into the Infidels. Returning home in safety he lived and died at Terington nigh Tilney in Norfolk, where the measure of his incredible stature was for many 〈◊〉 preserved. Sixteen Knights flourished from him successively in the Male line, till at last their Heir general being married to the Duke of Norfolk, put a period to the Luster of that ancient family.

PEREGRINE BERTY, Lord Willoughby, Son of Richard Berty, and Katharine Dutchess of Suffolk. Reader, I crave a dispensation, that I may with thy good leave, trespass on the Premised Laws of this Book, his name speaking his foreign Nativity, born nigh Hidleberg in the Palatinate. Indeed I am loath to omit so worthy a Person. Our Histories fully report his valiant Atcheivements in France and the Netherlands, and how at last he was made Governor of Berwick. He could not brook the Obsequiousness and Assiduity of the Court, and was wont to say that he was none of the Reptilia, which could creep on the ground, the Camp was his proper Element, being a great Soldier, and having a suitable magnanimity.

When one sent him an insulting Challenge, whilst he lay sick of the Gout, he returned this Answer, that, although he was lame of his hands and feet, yet he would m •… et him with a piece of a Rapier in his teeth.

Once he took a Gennet, managed for the War, which was intended for a present to the King of Spain, and was desired by a Trumpeter from the General to restore it, offering this Lord 1000 l. down for him, or 100 l. per annum during his life at his own choice. This Lord returned, that if it had been any COMMANDER, he FREELY would have sent him back, but being but an HORSE, he loved him as well as the King of Spain himself, and would keep him. Here I will insert a Letter of Queen Elizabeth, written to him with her own hand, and Reader deal in matters of this nature, as when Venison is set before thee, eat the one and read the other, never asking whence either came, though I profess, I came honestly by a Copy thereof, from the Original.

It appears by the Premises, that it was written to this Lord when he was at the Spaw in Lukeland, for the Recovery of his health, when a second English Invasion of the Spaniard was (I will not say feared, but) expected. Now though this Lord was born beyond the Seas accidentally (his Parents flying persecution in the Reign of Queen Mary ) yet must he justly be reputed this Country man, where his Ancestors had flourished so many years, and where he was Baron Willoughby in right of his Mother. He died Anno Dom. 1601. and lies buried under a stately Monument at Eresby in this County.

Sir EDWARE HARWOOD was born •… nigh Bourn in this County, a valiant Soldier and a gracious man. Such who object, that he was extremely wild in his youth, put me in mind of the return which one made to an ill natured man in a Company, who with much bitterness had aggravated the Debauched youth of an aged and right Godly Divine: You have proved (said he) with much pains what all knew before, that Paul was a great Persecutor before he was converted.

I have read of a bird, which hath a Face like, and yet will prey upon a man; who coming to the water to drink, and finding there by reflection, that he had killed one like himself, pineth away by degrees, and never afterwards enjoyeth itself. Such in some sort the condition of Sir Edward. This accident, that he had killed one in a private quarrel, put a period to his carnal mirth, and was a covering to his eyes all the days of his life. No possible provocations could afterwards tempt him to a Duel: and no wonder if one's conscience loathed that whereof he had surfeited. He refused all challenges with more honor than others accepted them; it being well known, that he would set his foot as far in the face of his Enemy, as any man alive. He was one of the four standing Colonels in the LowCountries, and was shot at the Seige of Mastricht, Anno Dom. 1632. Death was so civil to him as to allow him leave to rise up on his knees, & to cry Lord have mercy upon me. Thus a long death-prayer after short piety is not so good, as a short prayer after a long pious conversation.

Seamen.

JOB HARTOP was (as himself affirmeth) born at Bourn in this County, and went Anno 1568. (early days I assure you for the English in those parts) with Sir John Hawkins, his General, to make discoveries in New Spain. This Job was chief Gunner in her Majesty's Ship called the Jesus of Lübeck, being the Queens by no other title, but as hired for her money, who in the beginning of her Reign, before her Navy-Royal was erected, had her Ships from the Hans-Towns.

Long and dangerous was his journey, eight of his men at Cape-Verd being killed, and the General himself wounded with poison'd Arrows, but was cured by a Negro drawing out the poison with a Clove of Garlic, enough to make nice noses dispence with the valiant smell for the sanative virtue thereof.

He wrote a treatise of his Voyage, and is the first I met with, who mentioneth that strange tree, which may be termed The Tree of Food, affording a liquor which is both Meat and Drink; The Tree of Raiment, yielding Needles wherewith, and Threed whereof Mantles are made; The Tree of Harbor, Tiles to cover houses being made out of the solid parts thereof, so that it beareth a self sufficiency for man's maintenance.

Job was his name, and patience was with him, so that he may pass amongst the Confessors of this County. For, being with some other by this General, for want of provisions left on land, after many miseries they came to Mexico, and he continued a Prisoner twenty three years, viz: Two years in Mexico, one year in the Contractation-House in Civil, another in the Inquisition-House in Triana, twelve years in the Gallies, four years (with the Cross of St. Andrew on his back) in the Everlasting-Prison, and three years a drudge to Hernando de Soria, to so high a sum did the Inventorie of his sufferings amount.

So much of his patience, now see the end which the Lord made with him. Whilst enslaved to the aforesaid Hervando, he was sent to Sea in a Flemish, which was afterward taken by an English ship, called the Galeon-Dudley, and so was he safely landed at Portsmouth, Decemb. the second, 1590. And I believe lived not long after.

Sir WILLIAM MOUNSON Knight, was extracted of an Antient Family in this Shire, and was from his youth bred in Sea-Service, wherein he attained to Great Perfection. Queen Elizabeth having cleared Ireland of the Spanish Forces, and desiring carefully to prevent a Relapse, altered the Scaene of the War, from Ireland to Spain, from Defending to Invading.

Sir Richard Leveson was Admiral, our Sir William Vice-Admiral, Anno 1602.

These without drawing a Sword Killed Trading quite on the Coasts of Portugal, no Vessels daring to go in or out of their Harbours.

They had Intelligence of a Caract ready to land in Sisimbria, which was of 1600 Tun, richly laden out of the East-Indies, and resolved to assault it, though it seemed placed in an Invincible Posture. Of itself it was a Giant in Comparison to our Pigmy Ships, and had in her three hundred Spanish Gentlemen; the Marquess de Sancta Cruce lay hard by with thirteen Ships, and all were secured under the Command of a Strong and well fortified Castle. But nothing is Impossible to Mars valor and God's blessing thereon. After a •… air dispute (which lasted for some hours) with Sillogismes of fire and sword, the Caract was Conquered, the wealth taken therein amounting to the value of Ten Hundred Thousand Crowns of Portugal Account. But though the Goods gotten therein might be valued, the Good gained thereby was Inestimable, for henceforward they beheld the English with admiring eyes, and quitted their thoughts of Invasion. This worthy Knight died about the midst of the Reign of King James.

Writers.

This County hath afforded many, partly, because so large in itself, partly, because abounding with so many Monasteries (whereof two Mitred ones Crowland and Bardney ) the Seminaries of many Learned men. Not to speak of the Cathedral of Lincoln and Embryo University of Stamford, wherein many had their Education. Wherefore to pass by Felix Crowlandensis, Kimbertus Lindesius and others, all of them not affording so much true History, as will fill a hollow quill therewith, we take notice of some principal ones and begin with,

GILBERT of HOLLAND. He took his name, not as others from a single Town, but a great part of ground, the third part of this Tripartite County, which in my apprehension argues his Diligence in preaching thereabouts. But quitting his Native Land, he was invited by the famous St. Bernard to go to, and live with him at Clarvaulx in Burgundy, where he became his Scholar.

Some will prize a Crum of Forreign Praise, before a Loafe of English commendation, as subject to partiality to their own Countrymen. Let such hear how Abbot Trithemius the German commendeth our Gilbert, Vir erat in Scriptures Divinis Studiosus & egregie doctus, ingenio subtilis & clarus eloquio.

The Poets feig •… , that Hercules for a time supplied the place of wearied Atlas in supporting the Heavens; so our Gilbert was frequently substitute to St. Bernard, continuing his Sermons where the other brake •… ff, from those words in lectulo meo per noctes, &c. unto the end of the book, being forty six Sermons, in style scarce discernible from St. Bernard's. He flourished anno Dom. 1200. and was buried at Gistreaux in France.

ROGER of CROULAND, was bred a Benedictine Monk therein, and afterwards became Abbot of Friskney in this County. He was the seventh man in order, who wrote the Life of Thomas Becket. Some will say his six elder Brethren left his Pen but a pitiful portion, to whom it was impossible to present the Reader with any remarkable Novelty in so trite a subject. But know, that the pretended miracles of Becket daily multiplying, the last Writer, had the most matter in that kind. He divided his book into seven Volumes, and was full fifteen years in making of it, from the last of King Richard the first, to the fourteenth of King John. But whether this Elephantine Birth answered that proportion of time in the performance thereof, let others decide. He flourished anno Domini 1214.

ELIASDE TREKINGHAM, was born in this County, at a Village so called, as by the sequents will appear.

Ingulphus relateth, that in the year of our Lord 870. in the Month of September, Count Algar with others, bid battle to the Danes in Kesteven, a Third part of this County, and worsted them, killing three of their Kings, whom the Danes buried in a Village therein, formerly called Laundon, but after Trekingham. Nor do I know any place, to which the same name on the like accident can be applied, except it be Alcaser in Africa, where anno 1578. Sebastian the Portugal and two other Morish Kings were killed in one Battle.

I confess no such place as Trekingham appeareth at this day in any Catalogue of English Towns. Whence I conclude it either a Parish some years since depoulated, or never but a Churchlesse Village. This Elias was a Monk of Peterborough, Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, a Learned man and great Lover of History, writing himself a Chronicle from the year of our Lord 626, till 1270. at what time it is probable he deceased.

HUGO KIRKSTED, was born at that well known Town in this County, being bred a Benedictine-Cistercian-Bernardine. A Cistercian is a Reformed Benedictine, a Bernardine is a Reformed Cistercian, so that our Hugh may charitably be presumed Pure, as twice Refined. He consulted one Serlo an aged man, and one of his own Order, and they both clubbing their pains and brains together made a Chronicle of the Cistercians from their first coming into England, anno 1131. (when Walter de Espeke founded their first Abby at Rivaax in York-shire ) Our Hugh did write, Serlo did indict, being almost an hundred years old, so that his Memory was a perfect Chronicle of all remarkable Passages, from the Beginning of his Order. Our Hugo flourished anno Domini 1220.

WILLIAM LIDLINGTON was born, say some, at that Village in Cambridge-shire, at a Village so named in this County say others, with whom I concur, because he had his Education at Stamford. He was by profession a Carmelite, and became the Fifth Provincial of his Order in England. Monasteries being multiplied in that age, Gerardus a Frenchman, Master General of the Carmelites, in a Synod at Narbone, deputed two English Provincials of that Order, to the great grievance of our Lidlington, refusing to subscribe to the Decisions of that Synod. His stubborness cost him an Excommunication from Pope Clement the Fifth, and four years Penance of banishment from his Native Country. Mean time our Lidlington living at Paris acquired great credit unto himself by his Lectures and Disputations. At last he was preferred Provincial of the Carmelites in Palestine (whence from Mount Carmel he fetched their Original ) and he himself best knew whether the Depth of his profit answered the Heigth of his Honor therein, which I suspect, the rather, because returning into England he died and was buried at Stanford, anno Dom. 1309.

NICHOLAS STANFORD. He was born at that well-known Town (once offering to be an University) and bred a Bernardine therein. The Eulogy given him by Learned Leland ought not to be measured by the Yard but weighed in the balance. Admirabar hominem ejus aetatis tam argute, tam solido, tamque significanter potuisse scribere, I admired much that a man of his age, could write, so smartly, so solidly, so significantly: Understand him not, that one so infirm with age or decrepit in years, but that one living in so ignorant and superstitious a generation could write so tercely; flourishing (as may be collected) about the year of our Lord 1310.

JOHN BLOXHAM was born at that Town in this County, and bred a Carmelite in Chester. I confess it is a common expression of the Country folk in this County, when they intend to character a dull, heavy, blundering person, to say of him, he was born at Bloxham; but indeed our John (though there first incradled ) had acuteness enough, and some will say activity too much for a Friar. He advantageously fixed himself at Chester, a City in England, nere Ireland, and not far from Scotland, much conducing to his ease, who was supreme prefect of his Order, through those three Nations, for two years and a half. For afterwards he quitted that place, so great was his employment under King Edward the second and third, in several Embassies into Scotland and Ireland, flourishing anno 1334.

JOHN HORNBY was born in this County, bred a Carmelite D. D. in Cambridge. In his time happened a tough contest betwixt the Dominicans and Carmelites about Priority.

But our Hornby with his Carmelites clearly carried away the Conquest of precedency, and got it confirmed under the authentic seal of the University.

However, the Dominicans desisted not to justle with them for the upper hand until Henry the Eight made them friends by thrusting both out of the Land. Our Hornby flourished anno Domini 1374, and was buried at his Convent in Boston.

BOSTON of BURY, for so he is generally called. I shall endeavor to restore him first to his true name, then to his native country. Some presume Boston to be his Christian, of Bury, his Sirname. But seeing Boston is no Font-name, and Godfathers were conscientious in those days (I appeal to all English Antiquaries) in imposing if not Scripture or Saints names: yet such as were commonly known (the christianizing of Sirnames to baptized Infants being of more modern devise) we cannot concur with their judgment herein. And now thanks be to Doctor John Gaius, who in the Catalogue of his Authors cited in the Defense of the Antiquity of Cambridge, calleth him John Boston of Bury, being born at and taking his Sirname from Boston in this County (which was customary for the Clergymen in those days) though he lived a Monk in Bury. Thus in point of Nativities, Suffolk hath not lost, but Lincoln-shire hath recovered a Writer belonging unto it.

He Travelled all over England, and exactly perused the Library in all Monastaries, whereby he was enabled to write a Catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers, as well Foreign as English extant in his age. Such his acuratness, as not only to tell the Initiall words in Every of their Books, but also to point at the place in each Library, where they are to be had. John Leland oweth as much to this John Boston, as John Bale doth to him, and John Pits to them both. His Manuscript was never Printed, nor was it my happiness to see it, but I have often heard the late Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh rejoice in this, that he had, if not the first, the best Copy thereof in Europe. Learned Sir James WARE transcribed these Verses out of it, which because they conduce to the clearing of his Nativity, I have here Inserted, Requesting the Reader not to measure his Prose by his Poetry, though he dedicated it to no meaner then Henry the fourth, King of England.

Sure it is, that his Writings are Esteemed the Rarity of Rarities, by the lovers of Antiquitys, which I speak in Humble Advice to the Reader, if possessed thereof to keep, and value them, if not, not to despise his Books, if on any Reasonable price they may be procured. This John Boston flourished Anno Dom. 1410.

LAURENCE HOLEBECK, was born saith my Author Apud Girvios, that is amongst the Fenlanders. I confess, such people with their Stilts do stride over much ground, the parcels of several Shires, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Northampton, Lincolnshire, But I have fixed him right in this County, where Holebeck is not far from Crowland in Holland.

He was bred a Monk in the Abby of Ramsey, and was very well skilled in the Hebrew Tongue according to the rate of that Age. For the English-men were so great strangers in that Language, that even the Priests amongst them, in the Reign of King Henry the Eight, as Erasmus reporteth, Isti quicquid non intelligent, Haebraicum vocant, counted all things Hebrew, which they did not understand, and so they reputed a Tablet which he wrote up in Walsingham in great Roman Letters, out of the Rode of Common Cognizance. Holebeck made an Hebrew Dictionary, which was counted very exact according to those days. I. Pitz, doth heavyly complain of Robert Wakefeild, (the first Hebrew Professor in Cambridge ) that he purloined this Dictionary to his private use, whereon all I will observe is this.

It is resolved in the Law, that the taking of another man's Sheep is Felony, whilst the taking away of a Sheep-Pasture is but a Trespass, the party pretending a right thereunto. Thus I know many men, so Conscientious, that they will not take twenty lines together from any Author (without acknowledging it in the Margin) conceiving it to be the fault of a Plagearie. Yet the same Critics repute it no great guilt to seize a whole Manuscript, if they can conveniently make themselves the Masters, though not Owners thereof, in which Act none can excuse them, though we have had too many Precedents hereof. This Laurence died Anno Dom. 1410.

BERTRAM FITZALIN. Finding him charactered Illustri stemmate oriundus, I should have suspected him a Sussex man and Allied to the Earls of Arundell, had not another Author positively informed me he was patria Lincolniensis, bred B. D. in Oxford, and then lived a Carmelite in the City of Lincoln. Here he built a fair Library on his and his friends cost, and furnished it with books, some of his own making, but more purchased. He lived well beloved, and died much lamented the seventeenth of March, 1424.

Benefactors to the Public.

Having formerly presented the Reader with two Eminent ones, Bishop Wainfleit Founder of New College, and Bishop Fox, Founder of Corpus Christi in Oxford, He, (if but of an ordinary appetite) will be plentifully feasted therewith, so that we may proceed to those, who were,

Memorable Persons.

JAMES YORKE a Blacksmith of Lincoln, and an excellent Workman in his Profession. Insomuch that if Pegasus himself would wear shoes, this man alone is fit to make them, contriving them so thin and light, as that they would be no burden to him. But he is a Servant as well of Apollo as Vulcan, turning his Stiddy into a Study, having lately set forth a Book of Heraldry called the Union of Honor, containing the Arms of the English Nobility, and the Gentry of Lincoln-shire. And although there be some mistakes (no hand so steady as always to hit the Nail on the head ) yet is it of singular use and industriously performed: being set forth Anno 1640.