The History of the Worthies of England
The Study of the Common-law, hath advanced most ancient extant Families in our Land. It seems they purchased good Titles, made sure Setlements, and entailed Thrift with their Lands, on their posterity. A prime person of that profession hath prevented my pains, and given in a List of such principal Families, I say principal, many being omitted by him in so Copious a subject. Miraculous the mortality in Egypt, where there was not a House wherein there was not one dead. But I hope, it will be allowed Marvelous, that there is not a generous and numerous House in England, wherein there is not one, (though generally no first Born but a Younger Brother, ) anciently or at this day Living, Thriving, and Flourishing, by the Study of the Law. Especially if to them ( what in Justice ought) be added those who have raised themselves in Courts relating to the Law.
The City hath produced more then the Law in number, and some as broad in Wealth, but not so high in Honor, nor long lasting in time, who like Land-floods, soon come, and soon gone, have been dried up before the third Generation.
Yet many of these have continued in a certain channel, and carried a Constant stream, as will plainly appear in the sequel of our Worthies.
The Church before the Reformation, advanced many Families. For though Bishops might not marry, they preferred their Brothers Sons to great Estates. As the Kemps in Kent, Peckhams in Sussex, Wickham in Hampshire, Meltons in Yorkshire.
Since the Reformation, some have raised Families to a Knightly and Worshipful Estate, Hutton, Bilson, Dove, Neil, &c. But for Sheriffs, I take notice of Sandys in Worcester and Cambridgeshire, Westphaling in Herefordshire, Elmar in Suffolk, Rud in Carmarthenshire, &c.
Sure I am, there was a generation of People of the last Age, which thought they would level all Clergy-men, or any descendants from them, with the ground. Yea, had not God's arm been stretched out in their preservation, they had become a prey to their enemies violence, and what they had designed to themselves (and in some manner effected) had ere this been time perfectly completed.
As for the inferior Clergy, it is well if their narrow maintenance will enable them to leave a livelihood to their little ones. I find but one ( Robert Johnson by name) attaining such an estate, that his Grand-son was pricked Sheriff of a County, but declined the place, by pleading himself a Deacon, and by the favor of Arch-bishop Laud.
The Study of the Civil-Law, hath prefer'd but few. The most eminent in that faculty, before the Reformation being persons in Orders, prohibited marriage. However since the Reformation there are some Worshipful Families which have been raised by the Study in this Faculty.
Yet have our wars (which perhaps might have been advocated for in Turks and Pagans, who bid defiance to all humanity, but utterly mis-beseeming Christians) been a main cause of the moulting of many Eminent and Worthy persons of this Profession. Nor could it be expected that the Professors of human laws should have been allowed favor, during our unnatural Dissensions, (the promoters thereof having a constant pique at whatever bore but the resemblance of Order and Civility) when the true dispensers of God's Laws, yea the Law of God, yea God himself, was vilified and contemned.
The best is, that as Divine Providence hath in his mercy been pleased to restore our Sovereign, so with him we have received both our ancient Laws and Liberties. And now it begins to be •… fair weather again, as with this so with all other necessary and useful Vocations, which in due time may repair their decayed fortunes.
Physic hath promoted many more, and that since the reign of King Henry the eighth. Indeed before his time, I find a Doctor of Physic, Father to Reginald, first and last Lord Bray. But this Faculty hath flourished much the three last fifty years, it being true of Physic, what is said of Sylla, suos divitiis explevit. Sir William Butts Physician to King Henry the eight, Doctor Thomas Wendy and Doctor Hatcher to Queen Elizaheth, raised worshipful and wealthy Families in Norfolk, Cambridge, and Lincolnshire, having born the office of Sheriff in their respective Counties.
Some have raised themselves by Sea service, and Letters of Mart, especially in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when we had war with the Spaniard. But such Estates, as flowing so have ebb'd, with the tide, seldom of long continuance. Such Prises have been observed best to prosper, whose Takers had least of private revenge, and most of public service therein. Amongst these, most remarkable the Baronets Family of Drakes in Devonshire, sometimes Sheriffs of that County.
Some have raised themselves by their attendance at Court, rewarded by the Kings Favor. Court, where many have carried away more, for bringing the less to it. Here some Younger Brothers have found their lost Birth-right, mending their pace to Wealth, though they started late by their Nativity. But I only generally point at, without touching them, that I may not fore-stall the Reader, whose pains may be pleasant unto him, in his own discovery thereof.
Many have advanced themselves by their Valour in foreign Wars, especially in France, as the Knolls, a noble Family, and the •… aveleys, often Sheriffs in Cheshire, so that Mars in this sense, may be said to be the father of Plutus, his Steel weapons procuring to his followers the more acceptable metals of Gold and Silver. But the worst is, where foreign Wars have raised one, our late Civil ones, have ruined ten Families.
Some may object, that as they have destroyed, so they have raised many Families (which before in themselves were mean and contemptible) to high Titles, and large Possessions. All I shall return in answer thereunto, is that as most alive saw them rise (per saltum) by unwarrantable means to such a pitch of preferment, so there is but few alive, but may (if not willingly and willfully blind) see them deservedly thrown down with disgrace and contempt, to their former mean and despicable condition.
Clothing as it hath given garments to Millions of people, hath conferred Coats of Arms (and Gentility therewith) on many Families in this Land. As on the Springs High-sheriffs of Suffolk.
The Country with her two full breasts, Grasing and Tillage, hath raised many Families * Josephus rendereth a reason, as weak in itself, as wide from the truth, why Abells Sacrifice was preferred before Cain's, viz. Because Abel fairly took, what nature freely tendered in the increase of his Cattle, whilst Cain violently wounded the Earth with his ploughing. But Saint Paul teacheth use better Doctrine, that faith caused the reception of the one, and unbelief the rejection of the other. Surely, both Callings are equally acceptable to God, who hath so blessed their endeavors, that thereby many have gained estates, enabling them to serve Sheriffs of their County. But I forbear to instance them, least what was the honor of their Ancestors to raise such Families, be counted in this Captious Age to be a dishonor to their Posterity, to be raised by so plain (though honest and necessary ) an employment.
Some (the surer to hit the mark of Wealth) have had two strings to their Bow, a complication of prefessions, concurring to their advancement. Thus the Chichlies in Cambridgeshire, are descendants from a Lord Mayor; allied also Collaterally to an Archbishop of Canterbury.
On the main, we may observe, how happy a liberal (at least lawful) Vocation, hath proved to Younger Brethren, whereby Ephraim hath out-grown Manasseh, the Younger out-stripped the Heir of the Family. I knew a School-Boy, not above twelve years old, and utterly ignorant in all Logical terms, who was commanded to English the following Distich,
Only they favored the Boy so far, to inform him, that Galenus did signify the Profession of Physic, Justinianus of Law, on which ground he thus proceeded,
To prevent such foot-travailing, it is good to be mounted on a gainful Vocation, to carry one out of the mire, on all occasions.
CHAP. XXIV. Some General Exceptions against the Style and Matter of the AUTHOR prevented.
Exception. 1. You usurp the Style of Princes, speaking often in the plural; come we now, pass we now, proceed we now, &c. Which is false Grammar, from a Single, ill Ethics from a private person.
Answer▪ First, I appeal to any exercised in reading of Books, whether the same be not used in other Authors.
Secondly, We, in such cases includeth the Writer and Reader, it being presumed that the Eye of the one goeth along with the pen of the other.
Thirdly, It also compriseth all other Writers, out of whom anything is transcribed, and their Names quoted in the Margin.
Let me add to God's Glory, my Friends credit, and my own comfort, that our We, is comprehensive of all my worthy Friends, who by their pains or purses, have been contributive to my weak Endevours.
Exception 2. The Worthies of England being your Subject, you have mingled many Unworthies among them, rather Notorious then Notable, except in the same sense wherein Barabbas is termed Notable in the Gospel.
Answer. Such persons are so few, their Number is not considerable; Secondly, they are so Eminent in their Generations, that their Omission would make a maim in History; Thirdly, how bad soever their Morals, their Naturals and Artificials were transcendent, and the Oracle like Wisdom of wicked Achitophel, found praise from the Pen of the Holy Spirit; Lastly, the worst of such men have a black line (serving pro Nigro carbone ) prefixed to their Name for distinction sake.
Exception 3. You might better have omitted the mention of some Modern persons, reputed Malignants by the present power, and blasted by these times in their estates.
Answer. All Persons unhappy, must not presently be accounted unworthy, especially in distracted Times. Have you not heard of that humerous Waterman on the Thames, who would carry none in his Boat, save such who would go along with the Tide, till by feeding his humor he had almost starved himself, for want of Employment? I should be as peevish as partial, should I admit those only into my Catalogue of Worthies, who of late years did swim in plenty, seeing many have been great Sufferers, deservedly commendable by the testimony of their Adversaries.
Exception 4. You only report the Virtues, but conceal the Faults of many persons within our own memories.
Answer. I conceive myself bound so to do, by the Rules of Charity. When an Orator was to praise a person deceased, generally and justly hated for his Viciousnesse, it was suspected that he would for his Fee, force his Conscience by flattery to commend him, whose expectations he thus defeated, This dead person (saith he) must in one respect be spoken well of by all, because God made him; and in another respect, should not be spoken ill of by any because he is dead; & de mortuis nil nisi bonum. How much more, when men have many good Virtues, with some Faults, ought the later to be buried in their Graves with forgetfulness.
Exception 5. You make many uncivil and unsatisfactory References of your Reader, to those Books which you have formerly printed, remiting them to be there further Informed, as if when you had invited Guests, you consigned them over (coming to dine with you) to fetch a Dinner at an house they do not know; It being probable that many may read this your Book, who never had your former Works.
Answer. Such Refferences are very sparing, only to avoid Repetition in those Lifes, which I have formerly written at large, as, St. Dunstans, Cardinal Woolsey, Thomas Lord Cromwell, Sir John Cheek, Arch-bishop Whitgift, Mr. Perkins, &c. And I appeal to all Writers of many Books (of which fault I myself am guilty) whether such Refferences be not usual in the like Cases. I will not add that I have passed my promise (and that is an honest man's bond ) to my former Stationer, that I will write nothing for the future, which was in my former Books, so considerable, as may make them Inter-fere one with another to his Prejudice.
Exception 7. You often apply the Word create to men, as to create a Cardinal, an Earl, &c. Whereas conscientious people, allow that word appropriable to God alone, as importing the making of something out of Nothing.
Answer. I hope our Common Lawyers will plead for me in this Case, having the phrase so frequent in their Mouths, to create right, to create a Title. Besides, I observe, that such who scruple the using the Simple Verb, boggle no whit at the compound to recreate and Recreations. Now seeing to Recreate is to Create twice, I understand not how the using this word once should be a Sin, whilst it is no Sin in the Repetition or Reaction thereof. In a word, in words of this Nature, I conceive one may conform himself to the Custom of Common Language.
Exception 8. You out of Flattery, conceal the mean Extraction of many (especially Modern) men, who have attained to great preferment, pointing at the place of their Birth, but suppressing their Parentage.
Answer. I conceive myself to have done well in so doing. If enquiry be made into all men's descents, it would be found true what the Poet doth observe.
Besides, it plainly proveth the Properness of their parts, and Tallnesse of their Industry, who thereby, and by God's blessing thereon, reached so high preferment, though disadvantaged by standing on so low ground of their extraction.
Exception 9. Hast makes Wast, you have huddled your Book too soon to the Press, for a Subject of such a Nature. You should have sent to the Gentry of several Counties, to have furnished you with Memorables out of their own Pedegrees, and should have taken a longer time to compose them.
Answer. That Ninth year might happen Eight years after my Death, being sensible of the Impression of Age upon me, and a Stranger to my method, would hardly rally my scattered and posthumed Notes. By the difficulty to get some few, I conclude the impossibility to procure all the observeables out of Gentlemens Records, and therefore leave the Task to the Industry of others in their Respective Counties.
Exception. 10. Some Instructions have lately been sent you, concerning some persons which appear not in this your Work.
Answer. Lately indeed, though neither many nor considerable, since such Shires were put under the Press. In Holland, Wagons go to, and return from their Stages at set hours, though carrying but one Passenger, and sometimes altogether empty. Such the Condition of the Press it stays for no man, nor will attend the Leisure (not to say Lagging) of any, but proceedeth on with what it hath in present, be it never so little.
Exception 11. In your, Protestant Writers, you promiscuously mingle some very zealous for Episcopacy, others as active for Presbytery, these ought to have been sorted severally by themselves, seeing the great distance of Judgment betwixt them.
Answer. I hope such conjoining of them, may happily presage a comfortable Expedient betwixt them, who differ not in Fundamentals of Religion. 2. I had rather privately bemoan, then publicly proclaim, the difference betwixt them when alive, charitably believing that being dead;
However it is not without Precedents in the best Authors, to conjoine those in History, who dissent in opinion; Witness Thuanus when concluding every year, with the Funerals of eminent persons, though fervent in opposite persuasions.
Exception 12. There is great disproportion, betwixt your Catalogue of Statesmen, beginning the Lord Treasurers, under King Henry the Seventh; the Lord Chancelours, under King Henry the Eighth; other Statesmen at other Epoches: whereas had you observed the same Aera in all of them, it had added much to the Uniformity of your Work; And as all start not from the same place, they run not to the same mark, some being continued to this day, some concluded seven years since, such imparity making the List seem lame, like the Legs of a Badger.
Answer. I hope, that a more charitable fancy, with as good a judgment, will compare it to the Pipes of an Organ; which though of an uneven length, contribute to the better melody. A reason is rendered, in the respective places, where these general Topics are premised, why such several Catalogues begin and end at such times. And I do believe, that they will prove Satisfactory to such ingenuous Readers, that come with no cavilling premeditation.
Exception 13. In your Catalogue of Learned Writers, you have omitted many, as may appear by Pitseus his Appendix Illustrium Angliae Scriptorum. For, of the four hundred by him mentioned, not fifty appear in your List of them.
Answer. Pitseus himself shall plead for me, who, in his Preface to his Appendix, ingenuously confesseth, Eos adhuc efficere non valeo dignos, qui inter illustres Scriptores locum obtineant. So that one may call them Obscuros illustres, little being known of the books which they wrote, less of the times when they lived, nothing of the places where they were born. However, seeing some persons of eminence have stragled amongst them, I have selected such with my best care, and presented them in my Catalogue.
Exception 14 Of some men you have little save their Name, Life, and Death, and yet you term such eminent persons.
Answer. Surely they were so in themselves, and deserve more should be then is left written of them, through the injury of time. All that I will plead in my own Defense is this; There is an Officer in the Exchequer, called Clericus nihilorum, or the Clerk of the Nichils, who maketh a Roll of all such sums as are nichill'd by the Sheriff upon their Estreats of the Green wax, when such sums are set on persons, either not found, or not found solvible. This Roll, he delivereth into the Treasurers Remembrancers office, to have execution done upon it for the King; and thus the Clerk hath done his duty, leaving it to them to see, if they can make anything of his Return.
I conceive in like manner I have performed my utmost, in that I return such persons to have nothing more to be said of them, findable by all my endeavors. However I consign them over to more able Historians, whose pains I will neither prejudice nor discourage; but if they be pleased to begin where I ended, I wish them more happy success in their discoveries.
Exception 15. Your Book is surcharged with Scripture observations, and reflections in Divinity, even when no necessity leadeth you thereunto.
Answer. The Reader hath Con •… itentem, but I will never acknowledge Reum, pleading Custom and Conscience in my just excuse. Custom being habited by my profession therein. The Learned observe of St. Luke, that being a Physician by his function, and describing the great difference between Paul and Barnabas, he made use of an expression in his own faculty, and there was betwixt them a Dissention [in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ] that is, the height and heat of a burning Feaver. So that the Spirit of God guiding his Pen, permitted him to make use of the Language proper to his Vocation. And I presume the same favor will be indulged to me by all ingenuous persons, to have (I will not say a partiality ) but an affection to the expressions of, and excursions into my own Calling. Secondly, I plead Conscience, that, seeing some may Cavil this Work to be a Deviation from my function (and I myself perchance sensible of some truth therein) I will watch and catch all opportunity to make a fair Regresse to my profession.
Exception 15. You lay down certain Rules for the better regulating your work, and directing the Reader, promising to confine yourself to the observation thereof, and break them often yourself. For instance, you restrain the Topic of Lawyers to Capital Judges and Writers of the Law, yet under that head insert Judge Paston, and others, who were only puny Judges in their respective Courts; You limit Statesmen to Lord Chancelours, Treasurers, English Secretaries of State, &c. and put in Sir Edward Waterhouse▪ who was Secretary but in Ireland. In a word, few heads are preserved pure according to their constitution, without the mixture of improper persons amongst them. Why did you break such Rules, when knowing you made them? why did you make such Rules, when minding to break them? And this is an Exception of Exceptions against you.
Answer. I never intended to tie myself up so close, without reserving lawful Liberty to myself upon just occasion. Indeed we read of St. Egwin the third, Bishop of Worcester, that he made for himself a pair of Iron Shakels, and locking them close unto his Leggs, cast the Key thereof into the Severn, desiring never to be loosed till he had made satisfaction for his Sins; Returning from Rome, a Fish leaped into the Ship, in whose Belly was found the Key, and so Egwin was miraculously restored to his Liberty.
Had I in like manner fettered myself to the Topics propounded, on presumption of so strange a release, none would have pitied my restraint, willfully contracted on myself. But the best is, I resolved to keep the Key in my own hands, to enlarge myself when I apprehended a just cause thereof. However I have not made use of this Key, to recede from my first Limitations, save where I crave leave of, and render a reason to the Reader; such anomalous persons being men of high merit, under those heads where they are inserted.
Exception 16. You have omitted many Memorable persons still surviving, as meriting as any you have inserted.
Answer. The return of Martial in a case not much unlike, may much befriend me herein,
All men being like-minded with Martial herein, none surviving will distaste their omission in a work, for reasons afore-alleged (save in some cases) confined to the memories of the departed.
Exception 17. Speaking of the Commodities of several Counties, you say the Wool of Hereford shire is best, and yet Gloucester-Shire is best, the Wheat of Hereford-shire is best, and yet Middlesex best, the Lead of Darby-shire best, and yet Somerset-shire best, the Iron of Sussex best, and Stafford-shire best. The same may be observed in your praising of persons, making several men at the same time the best Poets, Divines, Schoolmen, &c. and this must be both falsehood and flattery together.
Answer. Impute it (I pray) to my peaceable disposition, unwilling to occasion discord betwixt Eminencies, the rather because things of the same kind may severally be the best in sundry Qualities. Some Wool best for Cloath, other for Hats, some Wheat best for yielding of most, other finest flower, some Lead best for Bullets, other for Sheeting Houses, some Iron best for Ordnance, other for Nails, Keys, and smaler U •… ensils.
Neither is it without precedent in Scripture to Character several men best in the same Profession, both 〈◊〉 and Josiah being commended to have had none like unto them neither before nor after them.
Exception 18. During the later years of King Charles of blessed Memory, you have for the most part omitted the Sheriffs in your Catalogue.
Answer. There was then, (as I may say) a Schism in that Office, betwixt the Sheriffs and Anti Sheriffs. As for the former, made by the Kings Designation, and beheld as the only Legal Ones, I durst not Name them, as the times then stood, when I collected that Catalogue, for fear lest thereby I might betray some of them (till that time concealed) to a Sequestration. I therefore preferred to leave a void space in my List, and wish it were the worst Breach or Desolation made by our late Civil Wars.
Exception 19. But since the happy turn of the times, you might have inserted them, not only without any Danger, but with great Honor unto them.
Answer. When the Danger was removed, the Difficulty did deter me. For in those Tumultuary times; the Royal Sheriffs did not Regularly, (according to ancient Custom) pass their Accounts in the Exchequer at London, so that I was at a loss to recover Certainty herein. Wherefore according to my General Motto, [a Blank is better then a Blot ] I left a Vacuity for them. For which Bald Place, the Reader (if so pleased) may provide a Perewake, and with his pen insert such Sheriffs as come to his Cognizance.
Exception 20. It was expected, that you should have presented the Maps of all Shires, which would have added much Light and Luster to your Work, (which now is as an House without Windows, very Dark and uncomfortable ) as also that you should have Cut the Arms of all Gentlemen, in Copper (at the least in Wood ) which would have been more satisfactory to them, and Ornamental to your Book.
Answer. 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 , as I have found by dear Experience▪ Besides, when they are done, they are not done, the working them off at the Rowling Press being as expensive as the Graving them; both which will mount our Book to an unreasonable price; Secondly, it would be disgraceful to Cut those Maps worse, and difficult (if not impossible) to do them better then they are done already. Thirdly, such Gentlemen (not formerly furnished therewith) may procure them at a cheaper rate then I could afford them. Lastly, such new Re-Graving them would be injurious to the Owners of the Old Maps, and I will not bottom my Profit on another man's prejudice.
Exception 21. You betray unworthy partiality in omitting and inserting of Persons. For John of Gaunt, though son to a King, and worthy Warrior, can get no room in your Book, whilst Simon de Gaunt a Bishop of Salisbury (both of them by their Sirnames equally appearing Foreigners) hath a place found for him therein. It seems a Prelate finds more favor from you then a Prince.
Answer. Is there not a cause, and that a Satisfactory one? I prefer not a Prelate before a Prince, but Truth before both, and the methodical regulation of my book, according to the rules premised, without which all will fall to confusion. It is as notoriously known, that John of Gaunt was born at Gaunt in Flanders (and so an Alien from our Subject) as plainly it appeareth, that Simon de Gaunt (though his Father was a Fleming ) was born in London, Magister Simon de Gaunt (saith Matt •… ew of Westminster) Editus Londini, vir in art Theology peritus.
Exception 22. You discover much negligence in dateing of particular persons, instancing the time only when they flourished, without observing when they were born or die •… ; and this mindeth me of a passage in Tully, charging Verres the Deputy of Sicily with notorious Lazinesse, quod nunquam solemn nec orientem, nec occidentem viderat, that he never saw the sun rising, being in bed after, nor setting being in bed before it: Thus your Pen is altogether a Sluggard, only taking notice of them when shining in the Vertical Height, without either beholding them Rising out of their Cradle, or setting in their Coffin.
Answer. Let Tully tell out his Story, and it will befriend and furnish me with a just defense. Sicily (saith he) enjoyeth so clear a Sky, that the Sun is seen there every day in the year rising or setting. Intolerable therefore the Sloth of Verres (noble at nothing but oppression) that he never saw the Sun either to rise or set, as Roosted after or before; Were it so that either the rising or setting of eminent persons (their Birth and Death ) were (with the Sicilian Sun) ever visible, as always recorded by Authors, I would confess myself justly taxed with inexcusable Lazinesse: But seeing sometimes a Pannick silence herein, not meeting either with the Midwife, or Sexton, who delivered or buried such people, we conceive ourselves have satisfied, if instanceing only the time wherein such persons flourished.
Exception 23. It had been more proper and more Satisfactory for you to have placed your Exceptions and Answers, rather at the end then beginning of your Book, when the Reader had wholly perused it, only Premising you will be responsible to such Objections as would be made against your Endevours herein.
Answer. I am of his opinion, who said, Premising, is better then Promising. Sure it is a safer way to prevent a disease then to remove it. Besides I hope, that, clearing these obstructions in the Front of my Book, I shall smooth the Readers way, and invite him the rather to peruse it. However these Answers (where ever placed) are placed aright, if meeting (which I desire) a Candid acceptance thereof.
Exception 24. It is easy for one to cast down a Pillar of his own erection, but let another set it up, and then let him try his Strength thereat. None will pinch themselves so as to fetch blood, though others may do it. Your Exceptions are all of your own making to your own advantage.
Answer. I have endeavored to propound them without any Partiality. However if my labors meet with greater and more exception from others against them, I hope they shall also meet with the general Courtesie and Candor of Course, which Custom hath in some sort made due to Authors, to forgive their smaller faults, on which comfortable confidence I proceed.
CHAP. XXV. An Apology for the unvoluntary Omissions in this BOOK.
WHen I first communicated my design herein to a person of Honor, he offered this grand Objection against it, That no Industry could be so circumspect, or Intelligence so comprehensive, but that many Memorable persons would escape his Observation, and then Exception will be taken at such Omissions. This Objection many since have renewed and enforced, alleging that the Omitting of One shall get me more Anger then the inserting of many, gain me good will.
To this I Answer first in general. It is the privilege of Divine Writ alone, to be so perfect that nothing may be taken thence, or added thereunto; The best human Authors have had their failings in their best performances, far be it from me to pretend my dim Eyes more quick-sighted then St. Bernard's, who notwithstanding non vidit omnia; I trust therefore, that favor will be indulged to my Endevours, for my many Infirmities.
To Come to particulars, some seeming Omissions will appear to be none, on better Enquiry, being only the leaving of many persons (which belong not to our land) to their Foreign Nativities. If any ask, why have you not written of John a Gaunt? I answer, because he was John of Gaunt, born in that City in Flanders. Thus whilst our Kings possessed large Dominions in France (from King William the Conqueror, to King Henry the Sixth ) many eminent English men had their birth beyond the Seas, without the bounds of our Subject.
Secondly, I hope real Omissions will neither be found many nor material; I hope I shall not appear like unto him, who undertaking to make a Description of the Planets, quite forgot to make mention of the Sun, I believe most of those who have escaped our Pen, will be found Stars of the Lesser Magnitude.
Thirdly, I protest in the presence of God, I have not wittingly, willingly or willfully shut the Dore against any worthy person which offered to enter into my knowledge, nor was my prejudice the Porter in this kind, to exclude any (of what persuasion soever out of my Book) who brought merit for their Admission, Besides, I have gone, and rid, and wrote, and sought and searched with my own and friends Eyes, to make what Discoveries I could therein.
Lastly, I stand ready with a pencel in one hand, and a Spunge in the other, to add, alter, insert, expunge, enlarge, and delete, according to better information. And if these my pains shall be found worthy to pass a second Impression, my faults I will confess with shame, and amend with thankfulness to such as will contribute clearer Intelligence unto me.
These things premised, I do desire in my omissions the pardon especially of two sorts, concerned in my History; first Writers since the Reformation, (having those before it completely delivered unto us) who cannot be exactly listed.
First, for their Numerousnesse, and therefore I may make use of the Latin Distich, wherewith John Pitseus closeth his Book of English Writers.
Secondly, for the scarcenesse of some Books, which I may term Publici-privati juris, because though publicly printed, their Copies were few, as intended only for friends, though it doth not follow that the Writers thereof had the less Merit, because the more Modesty.
I crave pardon in the second place for my Omissions, in the List of Benefactors to the Public, for, if I would, I could not complete that Catalogue, because no man can make a fit garment for a growing Child, and their Number is daily increasing.
Besides if I could, I would not. For I will never drain (in Print) the spring so low, but to leave a Reserve; and some whom I may call Breeders for posterity, who shall pass un-named, in which Respect, I conceive such Benefactors most perfectly reckoned up, when they are Imperfectly reckoned up.
All I will add is this, when St. Paul writing to the Philippians had saluted three, by name, viz. Euodias, Syntyche, and Clement, he passeth the rest over with a Salutation General, whose Names are in the Book of Life. Thus I have endeavored to give you the most exact Catalogue of Benefactors; but this I am sure, what is lost on Earth by my want of Industry, Instruction, &c. Will be found in Heaven, and their names are there recorded, in that Register which will last to all Eternity.
As for my omitting many Rarities and Memorables, in the respective Counties, I plead for myself, that mine being a general Description, it is not to be expected that I should descend to such particularities, which properly belong to those who write the Topography of one County alone. He shown as little Ingenuity as Ingeniousnesse, who Cavilled at the Map of Grecia for imperfect, because his Fathers house in Athens was not represented therein. And their expectation in effect is as unreasonable, who look for every small observable in a General work. Know also, that a mean person, may be more knowing within the Limits of his private Lands, then any Antiquary whatsoever. I remember a merry challenge at Court, which passed betwixt the Kings Porter, and the Queens Dwarfe, the latter provoking him to fight with him, on condition that he might but choose his own place, and be allowed to come thither first, assigning the great Oven in Hampton Court for that purpose. Thus easily may the lowest domineer over the highest skill, if having the advantage of the ground within his own private concernments. Give me leave to fill up the remaining Vacuity, with,
A Corrollary about the Reciprocation of Alumnus.
The word Alumnus is effectually directive of us (as much as any) to the Nativities of Eminent persons. However we may observe both a Passive and Active interpretation thereof. I put Passive first, because one must be bred before he can breed; and Alumnus signifieth both the Nursed child and the Nurse, both him that was educated, and the Person or Place which gave him his Education. Wherefore Laurentius Valla (though an excellent Grammarian) is much deceived, when not admitting the double sense thereof, as by the ensuing instances will appear.
| Passive Pro Educato. | Active Pro Educatore. |
| Cicero Dolabellae. Mihi vero gloriosum, te juvenem Consulem florere laudibus, quasi Alumnum Disciplinae meae. | Pliny lib. 3. de Italia. Terra omnium terrarum Alumna, eadem & parens numine Deum electa. |
| De finibus 122. b. Aristoteles, caeteri{que} Platonis Alumni. | Augustinus lib. 70. Civit. Jovem Alumnum cognominaverunt, quod omnia aleret. |
The Design which we drive on in this observation, and the use which we desire should be made thereof is this, viz. That such who are born in a Place, may be sensible of their Engagement thereunto; That if God give them ability and opportunity, they may express their Thankfulness to the same.
And the Truth hereof is eminently conspicuous in many Persons, but especially in great Prelates before, and rich Citizens since the Reformation.
BARK-SHIRE hath Wilt-shire on the West, Hamp-shire on the South, Surry on the East, Oxford and Buckingham-sh •… re (parted first with the Isis, then with the flexuous River of Thames ) on the North thereof. It may be fancied in a form like a Lute lying along, whose belly is towards the West, whilst the narrow neck or long handle is extended toward the East. From Coleshull to Windsor, it may be allowed in length forty miles. But it amounteth to little more then half so much in the broadest part thereof▪ It partaketh as Plentifull as any County in England of the Common Commodities, Grass, Grain, Fish, Foul, Wooll, and Wood, &c. and we will particularly instance on one or two of them.
Natural Commodities.
Oaks.
It was given in instruction to the Spies sent to search the Land of Canaan, that amongst other enquiries, they should take particular notice, Whether there be Wood therein or not? An important question, the rather because at that time the Israelites were in Arabia the Desert, where they saw not a tree in many months travail (in so much that it is Recorded for a wonder, that in Elim were seventy Palm trees ) and now knew the worth of wood by wanting it.
But Bark-shire affordeth abundance of trees of all kinds, though her Oaks in Windsor-Forest for the present come only under our commendation. First for their firmness, whereof our Ships are made. The Oak in other Kingdoms may be called cowardly, as riving and splitting round about the passage of the bullet, fearing as it were the force thereof; whilst our English, as heart of Oak indeed, though entered with bullet, remaineth firm round about it.
Secondly, for the conveniency of Portage. The wealth of a covetous man (wanting an heart to make use thereof) may not unfitly be compared to the Oaks and Firretrees, (good and plentiful indeed) in the High-lands in Scotland, but growing on such unaccessible mountains, no Strength or Art can render them useful, nature in this kind having given them full coffers, but no key to unlock them.
Whereas so indulgent is Divine Providence to England, that our four principal Forests lie either on the Sea, or Navigable Rivers; viz. New-Forest on the Sea, Shirewood on the Trent, Dean on the Severne, and this Windsor-Forest on the Thames, and I could wish more care were taken for preserving the Timber therein.
Bark
The very name of this Shire justly entitles us here to handle this Commodity, (though common to other Counties,) because Bark-shire (as some will have it) was so called from a stripped or Bark-bared-Oak, to which signal place the people repaired in time of trouble to make their general defense. It is essential for making good Leather, though lately one hath propounded a way to tanne it solid and saleable without the help thereof, on condition (and good reason too) he may be allowed reasonable profit for so rare an invention. But many think, that he that waits for dead men's shoes, and he that stays for Leather-shoes made without bark, may both of them go a long time bare-foot.
Trouts.
This is a pleasant and wholesome Fish, as whose feeding is pure and cleanly, in the swiftest streams, and on the hardest gravel. Good and great of this kind are found in the River of Kennet nigh Hungerford, though not so big as that which Gesner affirms taken in the Leman-lake, being three cubits in length. They are in their perfection in the month of May, and yearly decline with the Buck. Being come to his full growth, he decays in goodness, not greatness, and thrives in his head till his death. Note by the way, that an hog-back and little head, is a sign that any fish is in season. Other commodities of This, return in other Counties, where they may be mentioned with more conveniency.
The Manufactures.
Clothing.
It is plied therein, and because we meet with the best of our Manufactures in the first of our Shires, a word of the Antiquity thereof.
1. Cloth sure is of the same date with Civility in this Land. Indeed the ancient Britons are reported to go naked, clothed only with colors painted, custom making them insensible of cold, with the beggar, who being demanded how he could go naked, returned, all my body is face. But no sooner had the Romans reduced this Island, but cloth though course, such as would hide and heat, was here generally made and used.
2. Fine Cloth (though narrow ) for persons of worth at home to wear, and for foreign Exportation began in England about the beginning of the Reign of King Edward the Third. Before which time our Statutes take no Cognizance of Clothing as inconsiderable, (Wooll being transported in specie) and needing no Rules to regulate it, save what prudence dictated to private Husbands with their own families.
3. Broad Cloth (wherein the wealth of our Nation is folded up) made with broad loomes, two men attending each of them, began here in the Reign of King Henry the eighth. And I have been informed that Jack of Newberry was the first that introduced it into this County. Well may the Poets feign Minerva the Goddess of Wit, and the Foundress of Weaving, so great is the ingenuity thereof.
The Buildings.
Windsor Castle was a Royal seat ever since the Conquest, but brought to the modern Beauty, chiefly at the cost of King Edward the Third. It is a Castle for Strength, a Palace for State, and hath in it a College for Learning, a Chapel for Devotion, and an Alms-house (of decayed Gentlemen) for Charity. In this Palace most remarkable, the Hall for greatness, Winchester-Tower for height, and the Terrace on the North-side for pleasure, where a dull eye may travail twenty miles in a moment. Nor boasteth so much, that it consisteth of two great Courts; as that it contained two Great Kings [ John of France, and David of Scotland, ] Prisoners therein together, as also that it was the seat of the Honorable Order of the Garter.
Many neat Houses and pleasant seats there be in this County, both on the Kennet and Thames, which seem dutifully to attend at distance on Windsor Castle, as Aldermaston, Inglefield, &c. most sweet in their situations.
Proverbs.
I meet with [but one] in this County, but either so narrow that they stretch not beyond the bounds thereof, or else so broad, that all other Counties equally share in the cause and usage of them. Wherefore seeing this is the first English Shire in the Alphabetical Order, to avoid a Vacuity, we will here insert such Proverbs, wherein England or English-men are by express mention concerned. But first we will dispatch that sole Proverb of this County, viz.
Bray, a Village well known in this County, so called from the BIBROCES a kind of ancient Britons Inhabiting thereabouts. The Vivacious Vicar hereof living under King Henry the 8. King Edward the 6. Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, was first a Papist, then a Protestant, then a Papist, then a Protestant again. He had seen some Martyrs burnt (two miles off) at Windsor, and found this fire too hot for his tender temper. This Vicar being taxed by one for being a Turn-coat, and an inconstant Changeling, Not so, said he, for I always kept my Principle, which is this, to live and die the Vicar of Bray. Such many nowadays, who though they cannot turn the wind, will turn their Mils, and set them so, that wheresoever it bloweth, their Grist shall certainly be grinded. Proceed we now to the Proverbs General of England:
aliàs,
I behold this proverbial prophecy, or this prophetical menace, to be not above six score years old, and of Popish extraction since the Reformation. It whispereth more then it dare speak out, and points at more then it dares whisper; and fain would intimate to credulous persons, as if the blessed Virgin offended with the English for abolishing her Adoration watcheth an opportunity of Revenge on this Nation. And when her day (being the five and twentieth of March, and first of the Gregorian year) chanceth to fall on the day of Christ's Resurrection, then (being as it were fortified by her Sons assistance) some signal judgment is intended to our State, and Church-men especially. Such Coincidence hath hap'ned just fifteen times since the Conquest, as Elias Ashmole Esquire, my worthy friend, and Learned Mathematician, hath exactly computed it; and we will examine by our Chronicles, whether on such years any signal fatalities befell England.
| A. D. | Anno Reg. | D. L. | G. N. | Signal Disasters. |
| 1095 | W. Rufus 8. | G | 13 | K. Rufus made a fruitless invasion of Wales. |
| 1106 | H. first 6. | G | 5 | K. Hen. subdueth Normandy, and D. Robert his Brother. |
| 1117 | H. first 17. | G | 16 | He forbiddeth the Popes Legate to enter England. |
| 1190 | R. first 2. | G | 13 | K. Richard conquereth Cyprus in his way to Palestine. |
| 1201 | K. John 2. | G | 5 | The French invade Normandy. |
| 1212 | K. John 13. | G | 16 | K. John resigneth his Kingdom to the Pope. |
| 1285 | Ed. first 13. | G | 13 | Nothing remarkable but Peace and Plenty. |
| 1296 | Ed. first 24. | AG | 5 | War begun with Scotland, which ended in Victory. |
| 1380 | R. second 4. | AG | 13 | The Scots do much harm to us at Peryth Fair. |
| 1459 | H. sixth 38. | G | 16 | Lancastrians worsted by the Yorkists in fight. |
| 1543 | H. eighth 34. | G | 5 | K. Henry entered Scotland, and burnt Edinburgh. |
Hitherto this Proverb hath had but intermitting truth at the most, seeing no constancy in sad casualties. But the sting (will some say) is in the tail thereof, and I behold this Proverb born in this following year.
| 1554 | Q. Mary 2. | G | 16 | Q. Mary setteth up Popery and Martyreth Protestants. |
| 1627 | Charles 3. | G | 13 | The unprosperous Voyage to the Isle of Rees. |
| 1638 | Charles 14. | G | 5 | The first cloud of trouble in Scotland. |
| 1649 | G | 16 | The first complete year of the English Common-wealth (or Tyranny rather) which since, blessed be God, is returned to a Monarchy. |
The concurrence of these two days doth not return till the year 1722. and let the next generation look to the effects thereof. I have done my part in showing, remitting to the Reader the censuring of these occurrences. Sure I am so sinful a Nation deserves that every year should be fatal unto it. But it matters not, though our Lady falls in our Lord's lap, whilst our Lord sits at his Fathers right hand, if to him we make our addresses by serious repentance.
Though this Proverb hath a different Stamp, yet I look on it as Coined by the same Mint- Master with the former, and even of the same Age. It is faced with a Literal, but would be Lined with a Mystical sense. When Hemp is Spun, that is, when all that necessary Commodity is employed, that there is no more left for Sails and Cordage, England (whose strength consists in Shipping) would be reduced to a Doleful Condition. But know under HEMPE are Couched the Initial Letters of Henry the 8. Edward the 6. Mary, Philip and Elizabeth, as if with the Life of the last, the Happiness of England should expire, which time hath confuted. Yet to keep this Proverb in Countenance, it may pretend to some Truth, because then England with the Addition of Scotland lost its name in Great Britain by Royal Proclamation.
There is a Larger Edition hereof, though this be large enough for us, and more then we can well understand. Some make it fulfilled in the eighty eight, when the SpanishFleet was beaten, the Sur-name of whose King, as a Learned Author doth observe, was NORWAY▪ Others conceive it called the Black Fleet of Norway, because it was never black (not dismal to others, but woeful to its own Apprehension,) till beaten by the English, and forced into those Coasts according to the English Historian.
I observe this the rather, because I believe Mr. Speed in this his Writing, was so far from having a Reflexion on, that I Question, whether ever I had heard of this Prophecy.
It is true that afterwards England built houses of Lime and Stone, and our most handsome and Artificial Buildings, (though formerly far greater and stronger,) bear their date from the defeating of the Spanish Fleet. As for the Remainder, After Wars you shall have none; We find it false, as to our Civil Wars by our woeful Experience.
And whether it be true or false, as to Forreign Invasions hereafter, we care not at all, as beholding this prediction either made by the wild fancy of one foolish man; and then, why should this many wise men attend thereunto? or else by him, who always either speaks what is false, or what is true with an intent to deceive; So that we will not be ellated with good, or dejected with bad success of his fore-telling.
Thus it is commonly called by Foreigners, as having greater, moe, and more tuneable Bells than any one County in Christendom, Italy itself not excepted, though Nola be there, and Bells so called thence, because first founded therein. Yea, it seems, our Land is much affected with the love of them, and loath to have them carried hence into foreign parts, whereof take this eminent instance. When Arthur Bulkley the covetous Bishop of Bangor, in the Reign of King Henry the eighth, had sacrilegiously sold the five fair Bels of his Cathedral, to be transported beyond the Seas, and went down himself to see them shipp'd, they suddenly sunk down with the Vessel in the Haven, and the Bishop fell instantly blind, and so continued to the day of his death. Nought else have I to observe of our English Bells, save that in the memory of man, they were never known so long free from the sad sound of Funerals of general infection, God make us sensible of, and thankful for the same.
As Nottingham-shire is divided into two parts, the sand and the clay, all England falls under the same Dicotomie, yet so as the sand hardly amounteth to the Fifth part thereof. Now a wet year, which drowneth and chilleth the clay, makes the sandy ground most fruitful with corn, and the general Granarie of the Land, which then is dearer in other Counties; and it is harder for one to feed four, than four to feed one. It is furthermore observed, that a drought never causeth a dearth in England, because (though parching up the sandy ground) the clay, being the far greatest moiety of the Land, having more natural moisture therein, affordeth a competent increase.
But a fling That is, a slight, light thing, not to be valued, but rather to be cast away, as being but half an Island. It is of no great extent. Philip the Second, King of Spain, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth called our English Ambassadors unto him, (whilst as yet there was Peace betwixt the two Crowns ) and taking a small Map of the World, laid his little finger upon England, (wonder not if he desired to finger so good a Country,) and then demanded of our English Ambassador, where England was? Indeed it is in greatness inconsiderable to the Spanish dominions.
But for the crooked stick, &c. ] That is, use of Archery. Never were the Arrows of the Parthians more formidable to the Romans, then ours to the French horsemen: Yea remarkable his Divine Providence to England, that since Arrows are grown out of use, though the weapons of war be altered, the English man's hand is still in Ure as much as ever before, for no Country affords better materials of Iron, Saltpeter and Lead; or better work-men to make them into Guns, Powder, and Bullets; or better marks-men to make use of them being so made: So that England is now as good with a straight Iron, as ever it was with a crooked stick.
For the first, Billa vera Women, whether Maids, Wives, or Widows, finding here the fairest respect, and kindest usage. Our Common-Law is a more courteous carver for them, than the Civil-Law beyond the seas, allowing Widows the thirds of their Husbands Estates with other Privileges. The 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , or highest seats are granted them at all Feasts, and the wall (in crowding, most danger to the weakest, in walking most dignity to the worthiest ) resigned unto them. The Indentures of maid-servants are cancelled by their Marriage, though the term be not expired; which to youngmen in the same condition is denied. In a word, betwixt Law and (Laws-Corrival) Custom, they freely enjoy many favors, and we men, so far from envying them, wish them all happiness therewith.
For the next, •… England's being an Hell for Horses] Ignoramus, as not sufficiently satisfied in the evidence alleged. Indeed the Spaniard, who keeps his Gennets rather for show than use; makes wantons of them. However, if England be faulty herein in their over-violent Riding, Racing, Hunting; it is high time the fault were amended, the rather because, The good man regardeth the life of his beast.
For the last, •… Pugatory for servants ] we are so far from finding the Bill, we cast it forth as full of falsehood. We have but two sorts, Apprentices, and Covenant-servants. The Parents of the former give large sums of money to have their Children bound for seven years, to learn some Art or Mystery; which argueth their good usage, as to the generality in our Nation. Otherwise it were madness for men to give so much money to buy their Children's misery. As for our Covenant-servants, they make their own Covenants, and if they be bad, they may thank themselves. Sure I am, their Masters if breaking them and abusing their servants with too little meat or sleep, too much work or correction, (which is true also of Apprentices ) are liable by Law to make them reparation.
Indeed, I have heard how in the Age of our Fathers, servants were in far greater subjection than nowadays, especially since our Civil Wars hath lately dislocated all relations; so that now servants will do whatsoever their Masters enjoin them; so be it, they think fitting themselves. For my own part, I am neither for the Tyranny of the one, nor Rebellion of the other, but the mutual duty of both.
As for Vernae, Slaves or Vassals, so frequent in Spain and foreign parts, our Land and Laws (whatever former Tenures have been,) acknowledge not any for the present. To conclude, as Purgatory is a thing feigned in itself; so in this particular it is false in application to England.
Indeed it seldom begins at the horse-rack; for, though hay may be excessive dear caused by a dry summer, yet winter-grain (never impaired with a drought) is then to be had at reasonable rates. Whereas, if Pease or Oats, our horse-grain, (and the latter man's-grain also generally in the North for poor people) be scarce, it will not be long ere Wheat, Rie, &c. mount in our Markets. Indeed, if any grain be very dear, no grain will be very cheap soon after.
The King of England is the King of Devils. ] The German Emperor is termed the King of Kings, having so many free Princes under Him: The King of Spain, King of men, because they willingly yield their Sovereign rational obedience: The King of France, King of Asses, patiently bearing unconscionable burdens: But why the King of England King of Devils? I either cannot, or do not, or will not understand. Sure I am, S. Gregory gave us better language when he said, Angli velut Angeli, for our fair complexions; and it is sad we should be Devils by our black conditions.
This anciently hath been, and still is charged on the English, and that with too much truth, for ought I can find to the contrary.
We ape the French chiefly in two particulars. First in their language, ( which if Jack could speak, he would be a Gentleman ) which some get by travel, others gain at home with Dame Eglentine in Chaucer,
Secondly in their Habits, accounting all our fineness in conformity to the Frenchfashion, though following it at greater distance than the field-pease in the Country the rath ripe pease in the garden. Disgracefull in my opinion, that seeing the English victorious Arms had twice charged through the bowels of France, we should learn our fashions from them to whom we taught Obedience.
Gluttony is a sin anciently charged on this Nation, which we are more willing to excuse than confess, more willing to confess than amend. Some pretend the coldness of Climate in excuse of our sharp Appetites; and plead the Plenty of the Land ( England being in effect all a great Cooks-shop, and no reason any should starve therein,) for our prodigious Feasts. They allege also that foreigners (even the Spaniards themselves) coming over hither, acquit themselves as good Trencher-men as any; so that it seems want, not temperance makes them so abstemious at home.
All amounts not to any just defense, excess being an ill expression of our thankfulness to God for his goodness. Nor need we with the Egyptians to serve up at the last course a dead man's head, to mind us of our mortality, seeing a Feast well considered is but a Charnel house of foul, Fish and Flesh; and those few shell-fish that are not killed to our hands are killed by our teeth. It is vain therefore to expect that dead food should always preserve life in the feeders thereupon.
Though this hath more of Libell than Proverb therein, and is stark false in itself, yet it will truly acquaint us with the habits of the English in that Age.
Long-beards heartless. ] Our English did use nutrire comam, both on their Head and beards, concieving it made them more amiable to their friends, and terrible to their foes.
Painted-hoods witless. ] Their hoods were stained with a kind of color, in a middle way betwixt dying and painting, (whence Painters-stainers have their name) a Mystery vehemently suspected to be lost in our Age. Hoods served that Age for Caps.
Gay-coats graceless. ] Gallantry began then to be fashionable in England, and perchance those who here taxed them therewith would have been as gay themselves, had their Land been as rich and able to maintain them.
This sing-song was made on the English by the Scots, after they were flush'd with Victory over us in the Reign of King Edward the Second. Never was the Battle at Cannae so fatal to the Romans, as that at Sterling to the Nobility of England; and the Scots puffed up with their Victory, fixed those opprobrious Epithets of heartless, witless, graceless upon us. For the first, we appeal to themselves, whether Englishmen have not good hearts, and with their long beards, long swords. For the second we appeal to the World, whether the wit of our Nation hath not appeared as considerable as theirs in their Writings and Doings. For the third we appeal to God, the only Searcher of hearts, and trier of true grace. As for the fourth thriftless, I omit it, because it sinks of itself as a superstructure on a foundered and sailing foundation.
All that I will add is this, that the grave, sage and reduced Scottish-men in this Age, are not bound to take notice of such expressions made by their Ancestors; seeing when Nations are at hostile defiance, they will mutually endeavor each others disgrace.
This Proverb importeth that great designs must be managed gradatim, not only by degrees, but due method; England, it seems, is too great a morsel for a foreign foe to be chopped up at once, and therefore it must orderly be attempted, and Ireland be first assaulted. Some have conceived, but it is but a conceit (all things being in the bosom of Divine Providence,) that, had the Spanish Armado in eighty eight fallen upon Ireland, (when the well affected therein were few and ill provided, ) they would have given a better account of their service to him, who sent them. To rectify which error, the King of Spain sent afterward John de Aquila into Ireland, but with what success is sufficiently known. And if any foreign Enemy hath a desire to try the truth of this Proverb at his own peril, both England and Ireland lie for Climate in the same posture they were before.
Not so in Southern sandy Counties, where a dry March is as destructive, as here it is beneficial. How much a Kings randsom amounteth unto, England knows by dear experience, when paying one hundred thousand pounds to redeem Richard the first, which was shared between the German Emperor and Leopoldus Duke of Austria. Indeed a general good redounds to our Land by a dry March, for if our clay-grounds be over-drowned in that month, they recover not their distemper that year.
However, this Proverb presumeth seasonable showers in April following, or otherwise March dust will be turned into May-ashes, to the burning up of grass and grain; so easily can God blast the most probable fruitfulness.
This is a French Proverb, and we are glad, that they being so much Admirers and Magnifiers of their own, will allow any goodness to another Country.
This maketh the wonder the less, that they have so much endeavored to get a share in this good Country, by their former frequent invasions thereof; though they could never since the Conquest, peaceably posse •… s a hundred yards thereof for twenty hours, whilst we for a long time have enjoyed large Territories in France.
But this Proverb hath a design to raise up the Land to throw down the People, graceing it to disgrace them. We English-men are, or-should be ready humbly to confess our faults before God, and no less truly, then sadly to say of ourselves; Ah sinful Nation! However before men we will not acknowledge a visible badness above other Nations: And the plain truth is, both France and England have need to mend, seeing God hath formerly justly made them by sharp Wars alternately to whip one another.
This is a Spanish Proverb, and I suspect too much truth is suggested therein, the rather because the Spaniards therein spare not themselves, but impartially report their own black Character. If any ask why the Italians are not here mentioned, seeing surely their Pilgrims have also their peculiar humors; know, that Rome and Loretta the staples of Pilgrimages, being both in Italy, the Italians very seldom (being frugal in their Superstition.) go out of their own Country.
Whereas stealing is charged on our English, it is confessed, that our poor people are observed light-fingered, and therefore our Laws are so heavy, making low Felony highly Penal, to restrain that Vice most, to which our Pezantry is most addicted.
I wish my Country more true Piety, then to take such tedious and useless journeys; but if they will go, I wish them more honesty, then to steal; and the people, by whom they pass, more Charity, than to tempt them to stealth, by denying them necessaries in their journey.
Princes.
JOHN, Eldest Son of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor before his Fathers voyage into Syria. His short life will not bear a long Character, dying in his infancy 1273. (the last year of the Reign of King Henry the 3d.) and was buried August the 8. in Westminster, under a Marble Tomb, in-laid with his Picture in an Arch over it.
ELEANOR Eldest Daughter to King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor Anno Dom. 1266. She was afterwards married by a Proxy, (a naked sword being in bed interposed betwixt him and her body,) to Alphons King of Aragon with all Ceremonies of State. And indeed they proved but Ceremonies, the substance soon 〈◊〉 , the said King Alphons dying Anno Dom. 1292. before the Consummation of the M •… rriage. But soon after this Lady found that a Living Earl was better then a Dead King. when Marryed to Henry the 3d. Earl of Berry in France, from whom the Dukes of 〈◊〉 and Kings of Sicil are descended. This Lady deceased in the seven and twentieth of her Fathers Reign, Anno Dom. 1298.
MARGARET, third Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor in the 3d. year of her Fathers Reign, 1275. When fifteen year old she was Marryed at Westminster, July 9th. 1290. to John the second Duke of Brabant, by whom she had Issue, John the third Duke of Brabant, from whom the Dukes of Burgundy are descended.
MARY, sixth Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor April the 12. 1279. being but ten years of Age, she was made a Nun at Amesbury in Wilt-shire without her own, and (at the first) against her Parents consent, merely to gratify Queen Eleanor her Grand-mother. Let us pity her, who probably did not pity herself, as not knowing a veil from a kerchief, not understanding the requisites to, nor her own fitness for that profession, having afterwards time too much to bemoan, but none to amend her condition.
As for the other Children of this King, which he had by Eleanor his Queen, probably born in this Castle, viz.
- HENRY.
- ALPHONSE.
- BLANCHE.
Dying in their infancy immediately after their Baptism, it is enough to name them, and to bestow this joint Epitapb upon them.
The two former were buried with their Brother John, (of whom before) at Westminster in the same Tomb, but where Blanche was interred is altogether unknown.
Edward the Third Son to Edward the Second and Queen Isabel, was born at Windsor October 13. 1312. (and proved afterwards a pious and fortunate Prince.) I behold him as merely passive in the deposing of his Father, practiced on in his Minority by his Mother and Mortimer. His French Victories speak both of his Wisdom and Valour; and though the Conquests by King Henry the fifth were thicker, (achieved in a shorter time) His were broader, (in France and Scotland by Sea and Land,) though both of length alike, as lost by their immediate Successors.
He was the first English King which Coined* Gold, which with me amounts to a wonder, that before his time all yellow payments in the Land should be made in foreign Coin. He first stamped the Rose-Nobles, having on the one side,
And on the reverse, his own image with sword and shield, sitting in a ship waving on the Sea. Hereupon an English Rhymer, in the Reign of King Henry the sixth,
He had a numerous and happy issue by Philippa his Queen, after whose death, being almost seventy years old, he cast his affection on Alice Pie •… ce his Paramour, much to his disgrace; it being true what Epictetus returned to Adrian the Emperor, asking of him what Love was, In puero, pudor; in virgins, rubor; in soemina, furor; in juvene, ardor; in seen, risus. In a boy, bashfulness; in a maid, blushing; in a woman, fury; in a young man, fire; in an old man, folly. However, take this King altogether at home, abroad, at Church, in State, and he had few equals, none superiors. He died Anno Dom. 1378.
WILLIAM, sixth Son of King Edward the third and Queen Philippa, was born at Windsor. Indeed his second Son born at Hatfield was of the same name, who died in his infancy, and his Mother had a fond affection for another William, because her Fathers, Brothers, and a Conquering Name, till his short Life also, dying in his cradle, weaned her from renewing her desire. As for King Edwards female Children, Isabel, Joan, Blanch, Mary and Margaret, there is much probability of their French, and no assurance of their English Nativity.
HENRY the sixth, Son to Henry the fifth, was born in Windsor-Castle, against the will of his Father, by the willfulness of his Mother. He was fitter for a Coul then a Crown; of so easy a nature, that he might well have exchanged a pound of Patience for an ounce of Valour: Being so innocent to others, that he was hurtful to himself. He was both over-subjected and over-wived; having married Margaret the Daughter of Reinier King of Jerusalem, Sicily and Aragon, a Prince only Puissant in Titles, otherwise little able to assist his Son in Law. Through home-bred Dissensions he not only lost the foreign acquisitions of his Father in France, but also his own inheritance in England to the House of York. His Death, or Murder rather, happened 1471.
This Henry was twice Crowned, twice Deposed, and twice Buryed, (first at Chertsy, then at Windsor, ) and once half Sainted. Our Henry the seventh cheapned the price of his Canonization, (one may see for his love, and buy for his money in the Court of Rome ) but would not come up to the sum demanded. However this Henry was a Saint (though not with the Pope ) with the People, repairing to this Monument from the farthest part of the Land, and fancying that they received much benefit thereby. He was the last Prince whom I find expressly born at Windsor. It seems that afterwards our English Queens grew out of conceit with that place, as unfortunate for Royal Nativities.
Saints.
- MARGARET
- ALICE
RICH were born at Abbington in this County, and were successively Prioresses of Catesby in Northampton-shire. They were Sisters to St. Edmund, whose life ensueth, and are placed before him by the Courtesie of England, which alloweth the weaker Sex the upper hand. So great the Reputation of their Holiness, that
| The former | Dying Anno | 1257. |
| The latter | 1270. |
Both were honored for Saints, and many Miracles reported by crafty, were believed by Credulous people, done at their shrine by their Relics.
St. EDMUND Son to Edward Rich and Mabel his Wife, was born at Abbington in Bark-shire, and bred in Oxford. Some will have Edmunds-Hall in that University built by his means, but others (more probably) named in his Memory. He became Canon of Salisbury, and from thence, by the joint-consent of Pope, King and Monks, (three cords seldom twisted in the sa ne Cable ) advanced Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, where he sat almost ten years till he willingly deserted it; partly, because offended at the power of the Popes Legate, making him no more then a mere Cypher, signifying only in conjunction (when concurring with his pleasure;) partly, because vexed at his polling and peeling of the English people, so grievous, he could not endure, so general, he could not avoid to behold it. For these reasons he left the Land, went (or, shall I say, fled?) into France, where he sighed out the remainder of his Life, most at Pontiniack, but some at Soyssons where he died Anno 1240.
Pope Innocent the fourth Canonized him six years after his death, whereat many much wondered, that he should so much honor one, a professed foe to Papal Extortions. Some conceived he did it se defendendo, and for a ne noceat, that he might not be tormented with his Ghost. But what hurt were it, if all the Enemies of his Holiness were Sainted, on condition they took death in their way thereunto? Sure it is that Lewis King of France, a year after translated his Corps, and, three years after that, bestowed a most sumptuous Shrine of Gold, Silver, and Crystal upon it; and the 16. of November is the Festival appointed for his Memorial.
Martyrs.
It appeareth by the confession of Thomas Man (Martyred in the beginning of King Henry the eighth) that there was at Newberry in this County a glorious and sweet Society of faithful Favourers, who had continued the space of fifteen years together, till at last by a certain lewd person, whom they trusted and made of their Council, they were betrayed, and then many of them to the number of six or seven score were abjured, and three or four of them burnt. Now although we knew not how to call these Martyrs who so suffered, their Names no doubt are written in the Book of Life.
We see how the day of the Gospel dawned as soon in this County, as in any place in England, surely Seniority in this kind ought to be respected, which made Paul a pusney in piety to Andronicus and Iunia his kinsmen, to enter this caveat for their Spiritual precedency who were in Christ before me. ] On which account, let other places give the honor to the Town of Newberry, because it started the first (and I hope not tire for the earliness thereof) in the race of the Reformed Religion. Yea Doctor William Twis, the painful Preacher in that Parish, was wont to use this as a motive to his flock, to quicken their pace, and strengthen their perseverance in piety, because that Town appears the first fruits of the Gospel in England. And Windsor the next in the same County had the honor of Martyrs ashes therein, as by the ensuing list will appear.
There was in Windsor a company of right godly persons, who comfortably enjoyed themselves, until their enemies designed their extirpation, though it cost them much to accomplish it, one of them confessing that for his share he expended an hundred marks, besides the killing of three Geldings. These suspecting that the Judges Itinerant in their circuit would be too favorable unto them, procured a special Session, got four arraigned and condemned by the Commissioners, whereof the three following were put to death, on the Statute of the six Articles.
1. Anthony Persons, a Priest and profitable Preacher, so that the great Clerks of Windsor thought their idleness upbraided by his industry. Being fastened to the stake he laid a good deal of straw on the top of his head, saying, this is God's hat, I am now armed like a soldier of Christ.
2. Robert Testwood, a singing-man in the Choir of Windsor. There happened a contest betwixt him and another of that Society, singing an Anthem together to the Virgin Mary.
| Robert Philip's on the one side of the Choir. | Robert Testwood on the other side of the Choir. |
| Oh Redemtrix & Salvatrix! | Non Redemtrix, nec Salvatrix. |
I know not which sung the deepest Base, or got the better for the present. Sure I am, that since by God's goodness the Nons have drowned the Ohs in England. Testwood was also accused for dissuading people from Pilgrimages, and for striking off the nose of the image of our Lady.
3. Henry Fillmer Church-Warden of Windsor, who had Articled against their superstitious Vicar for heretical Doctrine.
These three were burnt together at Windsor, Anno 1544. and when account was given to their patient death to King Henry the eighth sitting on horse-back, the King turning his horses head said, Alas poor innocents! A better speech from a private person then a Prince, bound by his place not only to pity, but protect oppressed innocence. However by this occasion other persecuted people were pardoned and preserved, of whom hereafter.
This storm of persecution thus happily blown over, Bark-shire enjoyed peace and tranquility for full twelve years together, viz. from the year of our Lord 1544. till 1556. When Dr. Jeffrey the cruel Chancellor of Sarisbury, renewed the troubles at Newberry and caused the death of
- JULINS PALMER. See his Character (being born in Coventry ) in Warwickshire.
- JOHN GWIN.
- THOMAS ASKINE.
These three July 16. 1556. were burnt in a place nigh Newberry called the Sandpits, enduring the pain of the fire with such incredible constancy, that it confounded their fo •… s, and confirmed their friends in the Truth.
Confessors.
JOHN MARBECK was an Organist in the Choir of Windsor and very skillful therein, a man of Admirable Industry and Ingenuity, who, not perfectly understanding the Latin Tongue, did out of the Latin with the help of the English Bible make an English Concordance, which Bishop Gardener himself could not but commend as a piece of singular Industry, Professing that there were no fewer then twelve Learned men to make the first Latin Concordance; And King Henry the eighth hearing thereof, said that he was better employed, then those Priests which accused him. Let therefore our Modern Concordances of Cotton, Newman, Bernard, &c. as Children and Grand-Children do their duty to Marbecks Concordance, as their Parent at first endeavor'd in our Language.
This Marbeck was a very zealous Protestant, and of so sweet and amiable Nature, that all good men did love, and few bad men did hate him. Yet was he condemned Anno 1544. on the Statute of the 6. Articles to be burnt at Windsor, had not his pardon been procured, divers assigning divers causes thereof;
- 1. That Bishop Gardener bare him a special affection for his skill in the Mystery of Music.
- 2. That such who condemned him, procured his pardon out of Remorse of Conscience, because so slender the evidence against him, it being questionable whether his Concordance was made after the Statute of the 6. Articles or before it, and, if before, he was freed by the Kings General pardon.
- 3. That it was done out of design to reserve him for a discovery of the rest of his party; if so, their plot failed them. For being as true as Steel, (whereof his fetters were made, which he ware in Prison for a good time) he could not be frighted or flattered to make any detection.
Here a mistake was committed by Mr. Fox in his first Edition, whereon the Papis •… s much insult, making this Marbeck burnt at Windsor for his Religion, with Anthony Persons, Robert Testwood, and Henry Fillmer. No doubt Mr. Fox rejoiced at his own mistake, thus far forth; both for Marbecks sake who escaped with his Life, and his Enemies who thereby drew the less guilt of blood on their own Consciences. But hear what he pleads for his mistake.
- 1. Marbeck was dead in Law, as condemned whereon his error was probably grounded.
- 2. He confessing that one of the four condemned was pardoned his Life, misnaming him 〈◊〉 instead of Marbeck.
- 3. Let Papists first purge their Lying Legend from manifest and Intentionall untruths, before they censure others for casual slips and un-meant Mistakes.
- 4. Recognizing his Book in the next Edition, he with blushing amended his error. And is not this Penance enough according to the principals of his accusers Confession, Contrition, and Satisfaction?
All this will not content some morose Cavillers whom I have heard jeeringly say, that many who were burnt in Fox in the Reign of Queen Mary, drank Sack in the days of Queen Elizabeth. But enough is said to any ingenious person; And it is impossible for any Author of a Voluminous Book consisting of several persons and circumstances (Reader in pleading for Master Fox, I plead for myself ) to have such Ubiquitary intelligence, as to apply the same infallibly to every particular. When this Marbeck died is to me unknown, he was alive at the second English Edition of the Book of Martyrs 1583. thirty and nine years after the time of his Condemnation.
ROBERT BENET was a Lawyer living in Windsor, and a zealous Professor of the true Religion. He drank as deep as any of the Cup of Affliction, and no doubt had been condemned with Testwood, Persons, and the rest; Had he not at the same time been sick of the plague-sore in the Prison of the Bishop of London, which proved the means of his preservation; Thus it is better to fall into the hands of God, than into the hands of men. And thus as out of the devourer came food, out of the Destroyer came life, yea the Plague-sore proved a Cordial unto him. For by the time that he was recovered thereof, a Pardon was freely granted to him; as also to Sir Thomas Cardine, Sir Philip Hobby, (both of the Kings Privy-chamber ) with their Ladies and many more designed to death by crafty Bishop Gardner, had not His Majesty's mercy thus miraculously interposed.
Cardinals.
I have read of many, who would have been Cardinals, but might not. This County afforded one, who might have been one, but would not, viz. WILLIAM LAUD, the place being no less freely proffered to, then disdainfully refused by, him with words to this effect: That the Church of Rome must be much mended, before he would accept any such Dignity. An expression which in my mind amounted to the Emphaticall Periphrasis of NEVER. But we shall meet with him hereafter under a more proper Topic.
Prelates.
WILLIAM of READING a Learned Benedictine, employed by King H. the Second in many Embassies, and by him preferred Arch-Bishop of Bourdeaux, where he died in the Reign of King Richard the first.
JOHN DE BRADFIELD, sive de lato Campo. Finding fifteen Villages of the Name, I fixed his Nativity at Bradfield in Berks, as (in my measuring) the nearest to Rochester, where he was Chanter and Bishop 1274. If mistaken, the matter is not much seeing his Sir-name is controverted and otherwise written, John de HOE. However being Charractred, Vir conversationis honestae, decenter literatus & in omnibus morigeratus. I was desirous to crowd him into our Book where I might with most probability.
RICHARD BEAUCHAMP was Brother saith Bishop Godwin to Walter Beauchamp (mistaken for William, as may appear by Mr. Camden ) Baron of St. Amand, whose chief habitation was at Wydehay in this County, he was bred Doctor in the Laws, and became Bishop first of Hereford, then of Salisbury. He was Chancellor of the Garter, which Office descended to his Successors, Windsor-Castle the seat of that Order being in the Dioces of Salisbury. He built a most beautiful Chapel (on the South-side of St. Mary's Chapel) in his own Cathedral, wherein he lieth buried. His death happened Anno Dom. 1482.
Since the Reformation.
THOMAS GODWIN was born at Oakingham in this County, and first bred in the Free School therein. Hence was he sent to Magdalene College in Oxford, maintained there for a time by the bounty of Doctor Layton Dean of York, till at last he was chosen Fellow of the College. This he exchanged on some terms for the School-Masters place of Barkley in Gloucester-shire, where he also Studied Physic, which afterwards proved beneficial unto him; when forbidden to teach School in the Reign of Queen Mary. Yea Bonner threatened him with fire and faggot, which caused him often to Obscure himself and Remove his Habitation. He was an Eloquent Preacher, Tall and Comely in Person; qualities which much Indeared him to Q. Elizabeth, who loved good parts well, but better, when in a goodly Person. For 18. years together he never failed to be one of the Select Chaplains, which Preached in the Lent before her Majesty. He was first Dean of Christ-church in Oxford, then Dean of Canterbury, and at last Bishop of Bath and Wells.
Being infirm with Age, and deseased with the Gout, he was necessitated for a Nurse to marry a second wife, a Matron of years proportionable to himself. But this was by his Court-Enemies (which no Bishop wanted in that Age) represented to the Queen to his great Disgrace. Yea they traduced him to have married a Girl of twenty years of age, until the good Earl of Bedford casually present at such discourse; Madam, (said he to her Majesty) I know not how much the Woman is above twenty, but I know a Son of hers is but little under forty.
Being afflicted with a Quartern fever, he was advised by his Physicians to retire into this County, to Oakingham the place of his Birth, seeing in such Cases Native Air may prove Cordial to Patients, as Mothers milk to (and old men are twice) children. Here he died (breathing his first and last in the same Place,) November the 19. 1590. And lieth buried under a Monument in the South-side of the Chancel.
THOMAS RAMME was born at Windsor in this County, and admitted in Kings College in Cambridge Anno Dom. 1588. whence he was made Chaplain first to Robert Earl of Essex, then to Charles Lord Mountjoy, both Lord Lieutenants in Ireland, After many mediate Preferments, he was made Bishop of Fernos and Laghlin in that Kingdom, both which he Peaceably enjoyed, Anno 1628.
WILLIAM LAWD was born at Reading in this County, of honest Parentage, bred in Saint Johns College in Oxford, whereof he became P •… esident; Successively Bishop of Saint David's, Bath and Wells, London, and at last Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. One of low Stature, but high Parts; Piercing eyes, Chearfull countenance, wherein Gravity and Pleasantness, were well compounded: Admirable in his Naturalls, Unblameable in his Morals, being very strict in his Conversation. Of him I have written in my Ecclesiastical History, though I confess it was somewhat too soon for one with safety and truth, to treat of such a Subject. Indeed I could instance in some kind of course Venison, not fit for food when first killed, and therefore cunning Cooks bury it for some hours in the Earth, till the rankness thereof being mortified thereby, it makes most palatable meat. So the memory of some Persons newly deceased are neither fit for a Writers or Readers repast, until some competent time after their Interment. However I am Confident that unpartial Posterity, on a serious review of all Passages, will allow his Name to be reposed amongst the HEROES of our Nation, seeing such as behold his expense on St. Paul's as but a Cypher, will assign his other Benefactions a very valuable Signification, viz. his erecting and endowing an Alms-house in Reading, his increasing of Oxford Library with Books, and St. Johns College with beautiful buildings. He was beheaded Jan. 10. 1644.
States-men.
Sir JOHN MASON Knight was born at Abbington (where he is remembered among the Benefactors to the beautiful Alms-house therein,) bred in All souls in Oxford. King Henry the eighth coming thither was so highly pleased with an oration Mr. Mason made unto Him, that he instantly gave order for his education beyond the seas, as confident he would prove an able Minister of State. This was the politick discipline of those days to select the pregnancies of either Universities, and breed them in foreign parts for public employments. He was Privy-Counselor to King Henry the eighth, and K. Edward the sixth. One maketh him His Secretary of State, which some suspect too high; another, but Master of the Requests, which I believe as much beneath him. He continued Counselor to Q. Mary, and Q. Elizabeth, to whom he was Treasurer of the Household, and Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
Mr. Camden gives him this true character, Vir fuit gravis, atque eruditus: which I like much better then that which followeth, so far as I can understand it,
Surely he could be no Canonical Incumbent in any Benefice, not being in Orders, which leaveth him under the suspicion, of being a great ingrosser of long leases in Church-livings, which then used to be let for many years, a pityful pension being reserved for the poor Curate. Thought possibly in his younger time, he might have Tonsuram primam, or be a Deacon, (which improved by his great power) might qualify at least countenance him for the holding of his spiritual promotions. He died 1566. and lieth buried in the Choir of St. Paul's (over against William Herbert first Earl of Pembroke, ) and I remember this Distich of his Long Epitaph:
It appears by His Epitaph, that he left no Child of his own Body, but adopted his Nephew to be his Son an Heir.
Sir THOMAS SMITH Knight was born at Abbington, bred in the University of Oxford, God and himself raised him to the eminency he attained unto, unbefriended with any extraction. He may seem to have had an ingenuous emulation of Sir Tho. Smith senior, Secretary of State, whom he imitated in many good qualities, and had no doubt equalled him in preferment, if not prevented by death. He attained only to be Master of the Requests, and Secretary to K. James, for His Latin Letters, higher places expecting him, when a period was put to his life Novemb. 28. 1609. He lieth buried in the Church of Fullkam in Middlesex, under a monument erected by his Lady, Frances daughter to William Lord Chandos, and since Countess of Exeter.
Soldiers.
HENRY UMPTON Knight, was born (as by all Indications in the Heralds Office doth appear) at Wadley in this County. He was Son to Sir Edward Umpton, by Anne (the Relick of John Dudley Earl of Warwick, and) the Eldest Daughter of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset. He was employed by Queen Elizabeth Ambassador into France, where he so behaved himself right stoutly in her behalf, as may appear by this particular.
In the Moneth of March Anno 1592. being sensible of some injury offered by the Duke of Gwise to the honor of the Queen of England, he sent him this ensuing challenge.
For as much as lately in the Lodging of my Lord Du Mayne and in public elsewhere, Impudently, Indiscreetly, and over boldly you spoke badly of my Sovereign, whose sacred Person, here in this County I represent. To maintain both by word and weapon her honor, (which never was called in question among people of Honesty and Virtue) I say you have wickedly lied in speaking so basely of my Sovereign, and you shall do nothing else but lie, whensoever you shall dare to tax her honor. Moreover that her sacred Person (being one of the most complete and Virtuous Princess that lives in this world) ought not to be evil spoken of by the Tongue of such a perfidious Traitor to her Law and Country, as you are. And hereupon I do defy you, and challenge your Person to mine with such manner of Arms as you shall like or choose, be it either on horse back or on foot. Nor would I have you to think any inequality of Person between us, I being issued of as great a Race and Noble house (every way) as yourself. So assigning me an indifferent place, I will there maintain my words, and the Lie which I gave you, and which you should not endure if you have any Courage at all in you. If you consent not, meet me hereupon, I will hold you, and cause you to be generally held for the arrantest coward, and most slanderous slave that lives in all France. I expect your Answer.
I find not what answer was returned. This Sir Henry dying in the French Kings Camp before Lofear had his Corps brought over to London, and carried in a Coach to Wadley, thence to Farington, where he was buried in the Church on Tuesday the 8. of July 1596. He had allowed him a Barons Hearse, because dying Ambassador Leigier.
Writers.
HUGH of READING quitted his expectances of a fair Estate, and sequestering himself from worldly delights, embraced a Monastical life, till at last he became Abbot of Reading. Such, who suspect his sufficiency, will soon be satisfied when they read the high Commendation which Petrus Bloesensis Arch Deacon of Bath, (one of the greatest Scholars of that Age) bestoweth upon him. He wrote a Book (of no Trival Questions) fetched out of the Scripture itself, the reason why I. Bale (generally a back-friend to Monks ) hath so good a Character for him, who flourished Anno Dom. 1180.
ROGER of WINDSOR was undoubtedly born in this Town, otherwise he would have been called Roger of St. Albans, being Chanter in that Convent. Now in that Age Monks were reputed men of best Learning and most leisure. The cause why our English Kings always choose one of their order (who passed by the name of Historicus Regius, the Kings Historian) to write the remarkable passages of his time. Our Roger was by King Henry the third selected for that service, and performed it to •… is own great credit and the contentment of others. He flourished in the year of our Lord 1235.
ROBERT RICH Son to Edward and Mabell his Wife, Brother of St. Edmund Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, was born at Abbington in this County; he followed his Brother at very great distance both in Parts and Learning, (though accompanying him in his Travells beyond the Seas) and wrote a Book of the Life, Death and Miracles of his Brother, being much to blame, if he did not do all right to so near a Relation. He died about the year of our Lord 1250.
RICHARD of WALLINGFORD was born in that Market Town, pleasantly seated on the River Thames, wherein his Father was a Black-Smith. He went afterwards to Oxford, and was bred in Merton Coll▪ then a Monk, and at last Abbot of St. Albans, where he became a most expert Mathematician, especially for the Mechanical part thereof, and (retaining somewhat of his Fathers Trade) was Dexterous at making pritty engines, and Instruments.
His Master-piece was a most Artificial Clock, made (saith my Author) Magno labor, majore sumptu, Art vero maxima, with much Pain, more Cost, and most Art. It remained in that Monastry in the time of John Bale (whom by his words I collect an Eye-witness thereof) affirming that Europe had not the Like; So that it seemed as good as the famous Clock at Strasburg in Germany, and in this Respect better, because ancienter; It was a Calendar as well as a Clock, Showing the fixed Stars and Planets, The Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea, Minutes of the Hours, and what not?
I have heard that when Monopolies began to grow Common in the Court of France, the Kings Jester moved to have this Monopoly for himself, viz. a Cardescue of everyone who carried a Watch about him, and cared not how he employed his Time. Surely the Monks of Saint Albans were Concerned to be careful how they spent their hours, seeing no Convent in England had the like Curiosity; This their Clock gathering up the least Crum of Time, presenting the Minutary fractions thereof; On which account, I conceive Richard the maker thereof, well prepared for the time of his dissolution, when he died of the Leprosy, Anno Dom. 1326.
Since the Reformation.
HENRY BULLOCK was most prob •… bly born in this County, where his ancient name appears in a worshipful estate. He was bred Fellow and Doctor of Divinity in Queens College in Cambridge. A good Linguist, and general Scholar, familiar with Erasmus, (an Evidence of his Learning, it being as hard to halt before acriple, as to deceive his Judgment,) calling him Bovillum in his Epistles unto him.
By the way our English Writers, when rendering a Sirname in Latin which hath an Appellative signification, content them to retain the Body of the Name, and only disguise the termination, as Cross, Peacok, Crossus, Peacocus, &c. But the Germans in such a Case do use to mould the meaning of the name, either into Latin, as I. Fierce they translate I. Ferus, Bullock, Bovillus, or into Greek, as Swarts they render Melanthon, Reeck-lin Capnio.
It is confessed our Bullock compelled by Cardinal Wolsy wrote against Luther, but otherwise his affections were biased to the Protestant Party. The Date of his death is unknown.
WILLIAM TWIS was born at Spene in this County, which was an ancient Roman City mentioned by Antonine in his Itinerary by the name of Spinae. This mindeth me of a passage in Clemens Alexandrinus, speaking of sanctified afflictions, Nos quidem e Spinis uvas colligimus; and here in another sense God's Church gathered grapes, this Good man, out of this thorny place. Hence he was sent by Winchester-School to New-College in Oxford, and there became a general Scholar. His plain preaching was good, solid disputing better, pious living best of all. He afterwards became Preacher in the place of his nativity ( Spinham lands is part of Newberry, ) and though generally our Savior's observation is verified, A prophet is not without honor save in his own country, (chiefly because Minutiae omnes pueritiae ejus ibi sunt cognitae ) yet here he met with deserved respect. Here he laid a good foundation, and the more the pity, if since some of his fancifull auditors have built hay and stubble thereupon. And no wonder if this good Doctor toward his death was slighted by Sectaries, it being usual for New-lights to neglect those who have born the heat of the day. His Latin Works give great evidence of his abilities in controversial matters. He was chosen Prolocutor in the late Assembly of Divines, wherein his moderation was very much commended, and dying in Holborn he was buried at Westminster, Anno Dom. 164.
WILLIAM LYFORD was born at Peysmer in this County, and bred in Magdalene College in Oxford, where he proceeded Bachelor of Divinity 1631. He was also Fellow of that foundation, on the same token that his Conscience Post factum was much troubled, about his resigning his place for money to his Successor, but (as his friends have informed me) he before his death took order for the restitution thereof.
The modesty of his mind was legible in the comeliness of his countenance, and the meekness of his Spirit visible in his courteous Carriage: He was afterwards fixed at 〈◊〉 in Dorset-shire, where his large Vineyard required such an able and painful Vine-dresser; Here he laid a good foundation (before the beginning of our Civil Wars) with his learned Preaching and Catechising; and indeed, though Sermons give most Sail to men's souls, Catechising layeth the best Ballast in them, keeping them steady from being carri •… d away with every wind of Doctrine. Yet he drank a deep Draught of the bitter Cup, with the rest of his brethren, and had his share of Obloquie from such factious Persons as could not abide the wholesome words of sound Doctrine. But their Candle (without their Repentance) shall be put out in darkness, whilst his memory shall shine in his Learned works he hath left behind him. He died about the year of our Lord, 1652.
Romish Exile W •… iters.
THOMAS HYDE was born at Newberry in this County, and bred a Master of Art in New College in Oxford; he was afterwards Canon of Winchester, and chief Master of the school therein: He, with •… ohn marti •… l the second Master, about the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, left both their School and their Land, living long beyond the Seas; This Hyde is charactred by one of his own persuasion, To be a man of upright life, of great gravity and severity: He wrote a book of Consolation to his fellowexile. And died Anno Dom. 1597.
B •… nefactors to th •… Public.
ALFREDE the fourth Son to K. Athelwolph was born at Wantage a market-town in this County. An excellent scholar, though he was past twelve years of age before he knew one letter in the Book; and did not he run fast who starting so late came soon to the mark? He was a Curious Poet, excellent Musician, a valiant and successful Soldier, who fought seven Battles against the Danes in one year, and at last made them his Subjects by Conquest, and God's servants by Christianity. He gave the first Institution, or (as others will have it) the best 〈◊〉 to the University of Oxford. A Prince who cannot be painted to the Life without his loss, no words reaching his worth.
-
He Divided
- 1. Every natural day (as to himself) into three parts, eight hours for his devotion, eight hours for his employment, eight hours for his sleep and refection.
- 2. His Revenues into three parts, one for his expenses in War, a second for the maintenance of his Court, and a third to be spended on Pious uses.
- 3. His Land into Thirty two shires, which number since is altered and increased.
- 4. His Subjects into Hundreds, and Tythings, consisting of Ten persons, mutually Pledges for their Good behavior; such being accounted suspicious for their Life and Loyalty that could not give such Security.
He left Learning, where he found Ignorance; Justice, where he found Oppression; Peace, where he found Distraction. And having Reigned about Four and thirty years, He died and was buried at Winchester, Anno 901. He loved Religion more then Superstition, favored Learned men more then Lasie Monks, which [perchance] was the cause that his memory is not loaden with Miracles, and He not solemnly Sainted with other Saxon Kings who far less deserved it.
Since the Reformation.
PETER CHAPMAN was born at Cokeham in this County, bred an Iron-monger in London, and at his death bequeathed five pounds a year to two Scholars in Oxford, as much to two in Cambridge; and five Pounds a year to the Poor in the town of his Nativity, besides threescore pounds to the Prisons in London, and other Benefactions. The certain date of his death is to me unknown.
JOHN KENDRICK was born at Reading in this County, and bred a Draper in the City of London. His State may be compared to the Mustard-seed, very little at the beginning, but growing so great, that the birds made nests therein, or rather he therein made ne •… ts for many birds; which otherwise being either infledged or maimed, must have been exposed to wind and weather.
The Worthiest of David's WORTHIES were digested into Ternions, and they again subdivided into two Ranks. If this double Dichotomie were used to methodize our Protestant Benefactors since the Reformation, sure I am that Mr. Kendrick will be (if not the last of the first, ) the first of the second Three. His Charity began at his Kindred, proceeded to his Friends and Servants, (to whom he left large Legacies,) concluded with the Poor, on whom he bestowed above twenty thousand pounds, Reading and Newbury sharing the deepest therein. And if any envious and distrustful Miser (measuring other men's hearts by the narrowness of his own) suspecteth the truth hereof, and if he dare hazard the smarting of his bleered eyes to behold so bright a Sun of Bounty, let him consult his Will publicly in Print. He departed this life on the 30. day of September, 1624. and lies buried in St. Christophers London. To the Curate of which Parish he gave twenty pounds per annum forever.
RICHARD WIGHTWICK, Bachelor of Divinity, was Rector of East Isley in this County: What the yearly value of his living was I know not, and have cause to believe it not very great; however one would conjecture his Benefice a Bishopric by his bounty to Pembroke College in Oxford, to which he gave one hundred pounds per annum, to the maintenance of three Fellows and four Scholars. When he departed this life is to me unknown.
Memorable Persons.
THOMAS COLE commonly called the rich clothier of Reading. Tradition and an authorless pamphlet make him a man of vast wealth, maintaining an hundred and forty meniall servants in his house, besides three hundred poor people whom he set on work; insomuch that his Wains with cloth filled the high-way betwixt Reading and London, to the stopping of King Henry the first in his Progress; Who, notwithstanding (for the encouraging of his Subjects industry) gratified the said Cole, and all of his profession, with the set measure of a Yard, the said King making his own Arm the standard thereof, whereby Drapery was reduced in the meting thereof to a greater certainty.
The truth is this, Monks began to Lard the lives of their Saints with lies, whence they proceeded in like manner to flourish out the facts of Famous Knights, ( King Arthur, Guy of Warwick, &c.) in imitation whereof some meaner wits in the same sort made description of Mechanics, powdering their lives with improbable passages, to the great prejudice of truth: Seeing the making of Broad-clothe in England could not be so ancient, and it was the arm (not of King Henry ) but King Edward the first, which is notoriously known to have been the adequation of a yard.
However, because omnis fabula fundatur in Historia, let this Cole be accounted eminent in this kind, though I vehemently suspect very little of truth would remain in the midst of this story, if the gross falsehoods were pared from both sides thereof.
JOHN WINSCOMBE, called commonly Jack of Newberry, was the most considerable clothier (without fancy and fiction) England ever beheld. His Looms were his lands, whereof he kept one hundred in his House, each managed by a Man and a Boy. In the expedition to Flodden-field against James King of Scotland he marched with an hundred of his own men, (as well armed, and better clothed then any) to show that the painful to use their hands in peace could be valiant, and employ their Arms in War. He feasted King Henry the eighth and his first Queen Katharine at his own house, extant at Newberry at this day, but divided into many Tenements. Well may his house now make sixteen Clothiers houses, whose wealth would amount to six hundred of their estates. He built the Church of Newberry from the Pulpit westward to the Tower inclusively, and died about the year 1520. some of his name and kindred of great wealth still remaining in this County.
Lord Mayors.
| Name | Father | Place | Company | Time |
| 1 John Parveis | John Parveis | Erlgeston | Fishmonger | 1432 |
| 2 Nicholas Wyfold | Thomas Wyfold | Hertley | Grocer | 1450 |
| 3 William Webbe | John Webbe | Reading | Salter | 1591 |
| 4 Thomas Bennet | Thomas Bennet | Wallingford | Mercer | 1603 |
The Names of the Gentry of this County, returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the Sixth, 1433.
| Robert Bishop of Sarum. | Commissioners to take the Oaths. |
| William Lovel Chivaler | |
| Robert Shotsbroke, | Knights for the Shires. |
| William Fyndern. |
- Johan. Prendegest. Praeceptor
- Hospitalis St. Johan. Jerus. in
- Anglia de Grenham
- Johannes Golefre Armigeri
- Willielmi Warbelton Ar.
- Willielmi Danvers Ar.
- Johannes Shotesbrooke Ar.
- Thomae Foxle Ar.
- Phi. Inglefeld Ar.
- Thomae Rothewell Ar.
- Willielmi Perkyns Ar.
- Thomae Drewe Ar.
- Richardi Ristwold Ar.
- Richardi Makeney Ar.
- Johannes Rogers Ar.
- Willielmi Stanerton Ar.
- Willielmi Floyer Ar.
- Thomae Bullok Ar.
- Richardi Bullok Ar.
- Johannes Estbury Ar.
- Johannes Kentwode Ar.
- Richardi Hulcote Ar.
- Johannes Gargrave Ar.
- Johannes Chaumpe Ar.
- Willielmi Baron Ar.
- Willielmi Fitzwaryn Ar.
- Johannes Stowe.
- Willielmi Hales
- Johannes Hyde
- Johan. Stokys de Brympton
- Willielmi Fachell
- Roberti Vobe
- Thomae Pynchepole
- Johannes York
- Johannes Ildesle
- Thomae Ildesle
- Johannes Colle
- Richardi Wydeford
- Richardi Abberbury
- Thomae Lanyngton
- Thomae Denton
- Nicholai Whaddon
- Petri Delamare
- Johannes Martyn
- Thomae Frankeleyn
- Willielmi Felyce
- Richardi Hamwell
- Roberti Wodecok
- Johannes Warvyle
- Johannes Rokys
- Johannes Seward
- Willielmi Walrond
- Johannes Medeford
- Rogeri Merlawe
- Willieimi Latton
- Richardi Shayle
- Thomae Coterell
- Johannes George
- Johannes Sewalle
- Johannes Sturmy
- Thomae Hammes
- Johannes Wering
- Roberti Beche
- Johannes Coventre
- Johannes Lokwode
- Johannes Fitzwarwin
- Henrici Samon
- Thomae Plesance
- Edwardi Gybbes
- Will Coke de Kingeston Lyle
- Johannes Firry
- Nicholai Hunt
- Hugonis Mayne
- Willielmi Newman senioris
- Davidis Gower
- Johannes Dienys
- Richardi Dancastre
- Willielmi Drew de Hungford
- Johannes Parker de Doington
- Willielmi Standard
- Richardi Collis
- Nicholai Long
- Roberti Chevayn
- Richardi Walker
- Walteri Canonn. de Crokeham. Parker
- Roberti Rove de Abendon
- Johannes Richby de Reding
- Johannes Stokes de Abendon
- Johannes Whitwey
- Willielmi Umfray
- Simonis Kent
- Johannes Hatter
- Willielmi Brusele
- Richardi Irmonger
- Richardi Vayre
- Gilberti Holeway
- Johannes London
- Willielmi Pleystow
- Johannes Bancbury
- Thomae Liford
- Henrici Ildesle
- Johannes Chebeyn
- Johannes Mortymer
- Johannes Spynache
- Johannes Moyn de Faryndon
- Johannes Eli
- Johannes Goddard
- Willielmi Ditton
- Walteri Suttou
- Nicholai Barbour
- Willielmi Jacob
- Johannes Benet de Newberry
- Johannes Magot
- Willielmi Croke de Newberry
- Willielmi Clement
- Johannes Moyn de Moryton
- Roberti Freman
- Johannes Louis
- Thomae Steward
- Willielmi Sydmanton
- Richardi Waltham
- Johannes Babeham
- Johannes Clere
- Johannes Botele de Newberry
- Richardi Meryvale
- Willielmi Waleys
- Johannes Beneton
- Willielmi Croke de Welford
- Willielmi Charectour
- Willielmi Hertrugge
- Johannes Kybe
- Willielmi Wylton
- Richardi Coterell
- Laurentii Alisandre
- Thomae Bevar
- Vincentii Bertilmewe
- Johannes Pynkeney
- Thomae Attevyne
- Johannes Crouchfeld
- Johannes Smewyn
- Johannes Sifrewast
- Johannes Batell
- Johannes Bythewode
- Thomae Bowell
- Thomae Honey
- Walteri Waryn
- Johannes Yernemouth
- Henrici Russel •…
- Roberti Ivenden
- Henrici Berkesdale
- Johannes Absalom
- Johannes Berkesdale
- Johannes Clerk de Inkpenny
- Richardi Bertlot
- Gilberti Cohenhull
- Gilberti Vyell
- Gilberti Attewyke
- Richardi Attepitte
- Thomae Padbury
- Hugonis Rose
- Johannes Woderove
- Thomae Pert
- Johannes Merston
- Richardi Grove
- Rogeri Burymill
- Thomae Grece
- Richardi Pekke
- Richardi Mullyng
- Johan. Parker de Wokingham
- Johannes Whitede
- Johan. Sherman de Wyndesor
- Willielmi Wodyngton
- Rogeri Felter
- Willielmi Felde
- Johannes Billesby
- Johannes Gunter
- Johannes Glover
- Richardi Atteforde
- Johannes Stacy
- Johannes Baron de Wytenham
- Johannes Horwode
- Willielmi More
- Willielmi At-mille
- Henrici de la River
- Johannes Poting
- Henrici Brown
- Johannes Brown
- Richardi Rissul
- Johannes Yatynden
- Johannes Kete
- Johannes Pernecote
- Rogeri Gunter
- Thomae Swyer
- Richardi Bocher de Thacham
- Johannes Elys de Thacham
- Thomae Mery
- Richardi Phelipp
- Johannes Thoursey &
- Johannes Bassemore.
Gardiners complain that some kind of Flowers and Fruits will not grow prosperously and thrive kindly in the Suburbs of London; This they impute to the smoke of the City offensive thereunto. Sure I am that ancient Gentry in this County sown thick in former, come up thin in our Age.
I behold the vicinity of London as the cause thereof, for though Barkshire be conveniently distanced thence, (the nearest place sixteen, the farthest sixty miles from the same) yet the goodness of the ways thither, and sweetness of the seats there, (not to speak of the River Thames, which uniteth both in commerce,) setteth Barkshire really nearer then it is locally to London: The cause, I believe, that so few families remain of the forenamed Catalogue.
The paucity of them maketh such as are extant the more remarkable, amongst whom William Fachel or Vachel (the 29 nth . in number) was right ancient, having an estate in and about Reading, as by the ensuing Deed will appear:
Sciant presents & futuri, quod ego Joannes Vachel dedi, concessi, & hac praesente charta mea confirmavi Rogero le Dubbare, pro servicio suo, & pro quadam summa pecuniae quammihi dedit primo manibus, totum & integrum illud tenementum cum pertinentiis suis quod habui in veteri vico Rading inter tenementum quod quondam fuit Thomae Goum in parte boreali, & tenementum quod quondam fuit Jordani le Dubbar in parte australi, habend. & tenend. dicto Rogero, & haeredibus suis vel Assignatis, libere quiet, integre, in bona pace in perpetuum de capitalibus dominis illius foedi per servicium inde debitum & consuetum, Reddendo inde annuatim mihi & haeredibus vel Assignatis meis duos solidos & sex denarios, ad festum Sancti Michaelis, pro omni servicio seculari, exactione, & donand. & ego praedictus Joannes & heredes mei vel mei assignati, totum praedictum tenementum cum omnibus suis pertinentiis dicto Rogero, & haeredibus vel assignatis suis Warrantizabimus, & contra omnes gentes defendemus in perpetuum per servitium praedictum. In cujus rei testimonium praesenti chartae sigillum meum apposui, hiis Testibus, Radulpho de la Batili, Thom. de Lecester, Nicho. Bastat, Waltero Gerard, Robert. le Taylur, Johan. le Foghel, Bado le Foghellar, Gilberto de Hegfeild, & aliis. Dat. Rading duodecimo die Februarii, anno Regni Regis Edward. fil. Regis Henrici vicesimo nono.
The descendents of this name are still extant in this County at Coley in a worshipful condition.
SHERIFFES.
Anciently this County had sometimes the same, sometimes a distinct Sheriff from Oxfordshire, as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear so well as we can distinguish them.
| Of Barkshire. | Of both. | Of Oxfordshire. |
| Anno | HEN. II. | 1 Restoldus |
| 1 Willielm. de Pontearch | 2 Henr. de Oille | |
| 2 Richard. de Charvill | 3 Henricus de Oille | |
| 3 Gilbertus de Pinchigen | 4 | |
| 4 | 5 Henricus de Oille | |
| 5 Gulielmus Pinchigen | 6 | |
| 6 | 7 Manassar Arsic | |
| 7 Richard. Lucy | 8 Idem. | |
| 8 Adam. le Cadinns | 9 Idem. | |
| 9 Adam. de Catmer | 10 Thomas Basset | |
| 10 Idem. | ||
| 11 | 11 Adam. de Catmer | |
| 12 | 12 Idem. | |
| 13 | 13 Idem. | |
| 14 | 14 Idem. | |
| 15 | 15 Idem. | |
| 16 Hugo de Bockland | 16 Adam. Banaster | |
| 17 Idem. | 17 Idem. | |
| 18 Idem. | 18 Idem. | |
| 19 Idem. & Hugo de Bockland | 19 Idem. | |
| Anno | Anno | |
| 20 Hugo de Bockland | 20 Alard. Banaster | |
| 21 Idem. | 21 Idem. | |
| 22 Idem. | 22 Rob. de Turvill | |
| 23 Hugo | 23 Idem. | |
| 24 Idem. | 24 Idem. | |
| 25 Hugo de S to . Germano | 25 Idem. | |
| 26 Idem. | 26 Galf. Hose | |
| 27 Idem. | 27 Galf. Hosatts | |
| 28 Idem. | 28 Idem. | |
| 29 Idem. | 29 Rob. Witefield | |
| 30 Idem. | 30 Idem. | |
| 31 Idem. | 31 Alan. de Furnell | |
| 32 | 32 Idem. | |
| 33 Rogerus filius Renfr. | 33 Idem. | |
| Anno | RICHARD. I. | Anno |
| 1 Robertus filius Renfr. | 1 Rob. de la Mara | |
| 2 | 2 Robertus de la Mara | |
| 3 | 3 Wilhelmus Briewere | |
| 4 | 4 Idem. | |
| 5 | 5 Idem. | |
| 6 | 6 Idem. | |
| 7 Wilhelmus filius Rad. | 7 Henricus de Oille | |
| 8 Philippus filius Rob. | 8 Henr. de Oille & | |
| 8 Alan. de Marton. | 8 Pagand. de Chaderington | |
| 9 Philip. filius Rob. | 9 Hugo de Nevill | |
| 9 Alan. de Manton. | 9 Galf. de Savage | |
| 10 Stephan. de Turnham | 10 Hugo de Nevill | |
| 10 Johannes de Ferles. | 10 Galfr. de Salvage | |
| Anno | JOHANNES. | Anno |
| 1 Stephan. de Turnham | 1 Hugo de Nevill | |
| 1 Johannes de Ferles. | 1 Galfr. Slavagius | |
| 2 Rob. de Cantelu | ||
| 2 Gilbert. Basset | 2 Fulk. de Cantelu | |
| 2 Richard. Caverton | 2 Nich. de Kent | |
| 3 Will. Briewere & | ||
| 3 Will. Briewere |