The History of the Worthies of England

Natural Commodities.

Manufactures.

The Buildings.

HAMPTON COURT was built by that pompous Prelate. Cardinal Woolsey, one so magnificent in his expenses, that whosoever considereth either of these three, would admire that he had anything for the other two left unto him, viz.

His
• House-building.
• House-keeping.
• House-furnishing.

He bestowed it on King Henry the eight, who for the greater grace thereof, erected it (Princes can confer dignities on Houses as well as persons ) to be an honor, increasing it with buildings till it became more like a small City, than a House. Now whereas other royal Palaces ( Holdenby, Oatlands, Richmond, Theobalds ) have lately found their fatal period, Hampton Court hath a happiness to continue in its former estate.

Let me add, that Henry the Eight enforrested the grounds hereabouts (the last of that kind in England ) though they never attained the full reputation of a Forest, in common discourse.

OSTERLY HOUSE (now Sir William Wallers ) must not be forgotten, built in a Park by Sir Thomas Gresham, who here magnificently entertained and lodged Queen Elizabeth. Her Majesty found fault with the Court of this House as too great, affirming, That it would appear more handsome, if divided with a Wall in the middle.

What doth Sir Thomas, but in the night-time sends for workmen to London (money commands all things ) who so speedily and silently apply their business, That the next morning discovered that Court double, which the night had left single before. It is questionable whether the Queen next day was more contented with the conformity to her fancy, or more pleased with the surprise and sudden performance thereof. Whilest her Courtiers disported themselves with their several expressions, some avowing it was no wonder he could so soon change a Building, who could Build a Change; others (reflecting on some known differences in this Knights Family) affirmed, That any house is easier divided than united.

Proverbs.

Some English words, innocent and in-offensive in their primitive Nation, are bowed by Custom to a disgraceful sense, as Villain originally nothing but a Dweller in a Village and Tiller of the Ground thereabouts. Churl in Saxon Coorel a strong stout Husbandman. Clown from Colonus, one that plougheth the ground, (without which neither King nor Kingdom can be maintained) of which Middlesex hath many of great Estates.

But some endeavor to fix the Jgnominious sense upon them, as if more arrant Rusticks then those of their condition elsewhere; partly, because Nobility and Gentry are respectively observed (according to their degree) by People far distant from London, less regarded by these Middlesexians (frequency breeds familiarity) because abounding thereabouts, partly, because the multitude of Gentry here ( contraries are mutual Commentaries ) discover the Clownishness of others, and render it more Conspicuous. However to my own knowledge, there are some of the Yeomantry in this County, as completely Civil as any in England.

I allow not this Satirical Proverb as it makes mirth on men in Misery, whom a mere man may pity for suffering, and a good man ought to pity them for deserving it. Tieburne, some will have it so called from Tie and Burn, because the poor Lollords for whom this (instrument of Cruelty to them, though of Justice to Malefactors) was first set up, had their necks tied to the Beam, and their lower parts burnt in the fire; Others will •… ave it called from Twa and Burn that is two Rivolets which it seems meet near to the place. But whencesoever it be called, may all endeavor to keep themselves from it, though one may justly be Confident, that more souls have gone to Heaven from that place, then from all the Churches and Church-yards in England.

I find this Proverb in the Description of Tottenham, written by Mr. William Bedwell, one of the most learned Translators of the Bible. And seeing so grave a Divine stoop'd to solow a subject, I hope I may be admitted to follow him therein. He thus expoundeth the Proverb. When Tottenham-Wood, of many hundred-Acres, on the top of an high hill in the West-end of the Parish, hath a foggy mist hanging and hovering over it in manner of a smoke, then generally foul weather followeth, so that it serveth the Inhabitants instead of a Prognostication. I am confident as much mire now, as formerly in Tottenham-Street, but question, whether so much wood now as anciently on Tottenham-hill?

I find this in the same place of the same Author, but quoting it out of Mr. Heiwood. It seems about the beginning of the Reign of King Henry the eight, French Mechanics swarmed in England, to the great prejudice of English Artisans, which caused the insurrection in London on ill May-day, Anno Dom. 1517. Nor was the City only, but Country Villages for four miles about filled with French fashions, and infections. The Proverb is applied to such, who contemning the custom of their own Country, make themselves more ridiculous, by affecting foreign humors and habits.

Princes.

EDWARD sole surviving Son of King Henry the eight, and Jane his Wife, was born at Hampton▪ Court in this County, Anno Dom. 1537. He succeeded his Father in the Kingdom, and was most eminent in his Generation, seeing the Kings of England fall under a five-fold division.

• 1. Visibly Vicious, given over to dissoluteness and debauchery, as King Edward the second.
• 2. Potius extra vitia, quàm cum virtutibus, Rather free from Vice then fraught with Virtue, as King Henry the third.
• 3. In quibus aequali temperamento, magnae virtutes inerant nec minora vitia, In whom Vices and Virtues were so equally matched, it was hard to decide which got the Mastery, as in King Henry the eight.
• 4 Whose good qualities beat their bad ones quite out of distance of Competition, as in King Edward the first.
• 5 Whose Virtues were so resplendent, no faults (human frailties excepted) appeared in them, as in this King Edward.

He died July 5. 1553. and pity it is, that he who deserved the best, should have no monument erected to his memory, indeed a brass Altar of excellent workmanship, under which he was buried (I will not say sacrificed with an untimely death by the treachery of others) did formerly supply the place of his Tomb, which since is abolished under the notion of superstition.

Guesse the goodness of his head and heart▪ by the following letters written to Barnaby Fitz-Patrick (Gentleman of his Bedchamber, and brought up with him, copyed out from the Originalls, by the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh, and bestowed upon me. Say not they are but of narrow and personal concernment, seeing they are sprinkled with some passages of the Public. Neither object them written by a Child, seeing he had more man in him than any of his Age. Besides, Epistles are the calmest communicating truth to Posterity, presenting History unto us in her night cloths, with a true face of things, though not in so fine a dress as in other kinds of writings.

Martyrs.

Smithfield near London, being Bonners Shambles, and the Bone-fire General of England, no wonder if some sparks thereof were driven thence into the Vicenage, at Barnet, Izlington, and Stratford Bow, where more then twenty persons were Martyred, as in Mr. Fox doth appear. Nor must we forget Mr. John Denley burnt at Uxbridge, who began to sing a Psalm at the Stake, and Dr. Story (there present) caused a prickley fagot to be hu •… led in his face, which so hurt him, that he bled therewith. Now the singing Nightingale needed no Thorn but only the sleeping one, to awake it. We may believe that this Martyrs Prick-song indeed, made good melody in the Ears of the God of Heaven.

Prelates.

RICHARD NORTHALL, was saith my Author born in this County, adding moreover Praetoris Londinensis, ejusdem cognominis ut fertur filius, But take Pretor, either for Major or Sheriff, and no such man appeareth in Stow, his exact survey of London, so that one may thence safely conclude the Negative, no such person in those places, though probably he might hold some other eminent office in that City.

By the way, the applying the names of Roman Magistrates to our English Officers, wherein everyone followeth their own fancy in assigning the correspondency, hath cau •… ed much uncertainty in matters of this nature. But we willingly believe this Robert of wealthy extraction, though he became a Carmelite, and afterward Chaplain to King Richard the second, who for his good Preaching preferred him Bishop of Ossory, for a time Chancellor of Ireland, and at last Arch-Bishop of Dublin. He wrote a Set of Sermons for the whole year, lived much beloved for his learning and virtues, and died no less lamented, Anno Dom. 1397 on the 20 day of July.

Soldiers.

FALCATIUs, or FULKE de BRENT, was a Middlesex-man by his Nativity, whose family so flourished th •… rein in former ages (remaining in a meaner condition to this day) that an Antiquarie will have the rivolet Brent, which denominateth Brentford, so named from them, which is preposterous in my opinion, believing them rather named from the rivolet.

This FULK was a Minion to King John, whose dangers endeared Martial-men unto him, who the more to oblige his fidelity, gave him in marriage Margaret the Daughter of Warrin Fitz- Gerald his Chamberlain, late Wife to Baldwin de Rivers, many muttering thereat, and the Lady herself (it seems) not well satisfied therewith, as beneath her deserts. Hereupon our Author,

This Fulke was highly in favor with King Henry the third; who by the valor of this his General, obtained the great Victory at Lincoln.

But afterwards, when the Land was settled in peace, Fulke found himself less respected, set by, and not set by, hung up like the Axe, when it hath hew'n all the hard timber, on the wall unregarded. He endeavored therefore to embroile the Nation in a new War, and, like a dishonest Surgeon, willfully to blister the sound flesh into a sore, to gain by the cureing thereof. This not succeeding (all being weary of civil war) he presuming on the Kings Lenitie, and his own merit (accounting himself too high to come under the roof of any Law) committed many outrages of felonies and murders. He was esteemed too bad to live, such his present desperateness, yet too good to be put to death, such his former deserts; and therefore (as an expedient between both) he was condemned to perpetual banishment. He went to Rome (none had more need to confess his faults) where he lived obscurely, died miferably, and was buried ignobly, Anno 1226.

Sir RALPH SADLIER, Son of Sadlier, Esquire, was born at Hackney in this County, where he was heir to a fair Inheritance. He first was Servant to the Lord Cromwell, and by him advanced into the service of King Henry the eighth. A Prince judicious in men and meat, (and seldom deceived in either) who made him chief Secretary of State. He was much knowing, (and therefore most employed) in the Scotch affairs, much complicated with State Intricacies, which he knew well to unfold. It is seldom seen that the Pen and Sword, Goun and Corselet, meet eminently as here, in the same person. For in the Battle of Muscleborow, he or •… ered and brought up our scattered Troops, (next degree to a rout) 〈◊〉 them to fight by his own example, and so for his valor was made a Knight Bannaret. Of these two kinds, one by way of encouragement made before, the other by way of R •… ward, 〈◊〉 a Feild 〈◊〉 , more safe, and no less honorable in my Opinion. Sir Ralph was of the second sort and the last which survived in England of that Order. Yet was he little in stature, tall not in person but performance. Queen Eliz. made him Chance •… our of the Duchy. During his last Embassy in Scotland, his house at Standon in Her •… forashire, was built by his Steward in his absence far greater then himself desired, so that he never joyed therein, and died soon after, Anno 1587. in the 80 year of his age. How •… ver it hath been often filled with good Company, and they feasted with great cheer by the Hereditary Hospitality therein.

I must not forget, how when this Knight attended his Master the Lord Cromwell at Rome, (before the English renounced the Papal power) a •… ardon w •… s granted (not by his own, but a Servants procuring,) for the Sins of that Fami •… y, for three immediate Generations, (expiring in R. Sadlier Esquire, lately dead) which was extant, (but lately lost o •… displaced) amongst their Records, and though no use was made thereof, much mirth was made therewith.

Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.

Sir THOMAS FROWICK Knight, was born at Elinge in this County, son to Thomas Frowick Esquire; By his Wife, who was Daughter and Heir to Sir John Sturgeon, Knight, (giving for his Arms, Azure three Sturgeons, Or, under a fret Gules ) bred in the study of our Municipal Law, wherein he attained to such eminency, that he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, on the 39 of September, in the 18 year of the Reign of King Henry the seventh.

Four years he sat in his place, accounted the Oracle of Law in his Age, though one of the youngest men that ever enjoyed that Office. He is reported to have died floridâ juventute, before full forty years old, and lieth buried with Joane his Wife, in the Church of Finchley in this County, the Circumscription about his Monument being defaced; only we understand that his death happened on the seventeenth of October, 1506. He left a large Estate to his two Daughters, whereof Elah the Eldest was married to Sir John Spelman (one of the Justices of the Kings Bench) Grand-Father to Sir Henry that Renowned Knight.

Sir WILLIAM STAMFORD, Knight, was of Staffordian extraction, Robert his Grand-Father living at Rowley in that County. But William his Father was a Merchant in London, and purchased Lands at Hadley in Middlesex, where Sir William was born August 22. 1509.

He was bred to the study of our Municipal Laws, attaining so much eminence therein, that he was preferred one of the Judges of the Common Pleas; His most learned Book of the Pleas of the Crown, hath made him forever famous amongst men of his own profession. There is a Spirit of Retraction of one to his native Country, which made him purchase Lands, and his son settle himself again in Staffordshire; this worthy Judge died August 28, and was buried at Hadley in this Shire, in the last year of the Reign of Queen Mary, 1558.

Writers.

JOHN ACTON. I find no fewer then seventeen Actons in England, so called as I conceive Originally from Ake, in Saxon an Oak, wherewith anciently no doubt those Towns were well stored. But I behold the place nigh London, as the Paramount Acton amongst them.

Our John was bred Doctor of the Laws in Oxford, and afterwards became Canon of Lincoln, being very able in his own faculty. He wrote a learned Comment on the Ecclesiastical Constitutions of Otho and Ottob one (both Cardinals and Legates to the Pope in England ) and flourished under King Edward the First, Anno 1290.

RALPH ACTON was bred in the University of Oxford, where he attained (saith my Author ) Magisterium Theologicum, and as I understand Magister in Theologiâ is a Doctor in Divinity, so Doctor in Artibus is a Master of Arts. This is reported to his eternal Commendation

And though sometimes his tongue lisped with the Siboleth of the superstition of that age, yet generally he uttered much precious truth in those dangerous days, and flourished under King Edward the second, Anno 1320.

ROGER TWIFORD. I find eleven Towns so named in England, (probably from the confluence of two fords thereabouts) and two in this County. He was bred an Augustinian Friar, studied in both Universities, and became a Doctor in Divinity. In his declining age he applied himself to the reading of the Scripture and the Fathers, and became a painful and profitable Preacher. I find him not fixed in any one place, who is charactered, Concionum propalator per Dioecesin Norvicensem, an Itinerant (no Errant ) Preacher through the Diocese of Norwich. He was commonly called GOODLU •… K (and Good-Luck have he with his honor ) because he brought good success to others (and consequently his own welcome) with him whithersoever he went, which made all Places and Persons Ambitious and Covetous of his presence. He flourished about the year of our Lord, 1390.

ROBERT HOWNSLOW was born in this County at Hownslow, a Village well known for the Road through, and the Heath besides it. He was a Friar of the Order of the Holy Trinity, which chiefly employed themselves for the redemption of Captives. Indeed Locusts generally were the devourers of all food, yet one kind of Locusts were themselves wholesome, though course food, whereon John the Baptist had his common repast; Thus Friars (I confess) generally were the Pests of the places they lived in, but to give this order their due, much good did redound from their endeavors. For this Robert being their Provincial for England, Scotland and Ireland, rich people by him were affectionately exhorted, their Alms industriously collected, such collections carefully preserved, till they could be securely transmitted, and thereby the liberty of many Christian Captives effectually procured. He wrote also many Synodal sermons, and Epistles of confequence to several persons of quality, to stir up their liberality. He flourished (says Pitseus) Anno Dom. 1430. a most remarkable year by our foresaid Author, assigned either for the flourishing, or for the Funerals of eleven famous writers, (yet so, as our Robert is dux gregis, and leads all the rest) all Contemporaries, whereas otherwise, for two or three eminent persons to light on the same year, is a fair proportion through all his book, De illustribus Angliae scriptoribus.

Benefactors to the Public.

A nameless HERMITE (dwelling in the Hermitage where now the School is) on his own cost, caused Gravel to be dig'd in the Top of Hygate-hill (where now is a fair Pond of Water ) and therewith made a Causway from Hygate to Islington; a two handed Charity, providing water on the Hill, where it was wanting, and cleanness in the Vale, which before (especially in Winter) was passed with much molestation.

Memorable Persons.

PETER FABEL. I shall probably offend the Gravity of some to insert, and certainly curiosity of others to omit him. Some make him a Friar, others a Lay Gentleman, all a conceited person, who with his merry Devises, deceived the Devil, who by grace may be resisted, not deceived by Wit. If a Grave Bishop in his Sermon speaking of BRUTE his coming into this Land, said it was but a Bruit, I hope I may say without offense, that this Fabel was but a fable, supposed to live in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth.

........ TRESTRAM was a Gardener by his Occupation, living at Branford in this County. This man anno Dom. 1609. fell into a most violent Inflammation of the Lungs, accompanied with a Terrible Feaver, Shortnesse of Breath, Stitch of both Sides, Dry Cough, and an unquenchable Thirst. Dr. Theod. Deodate being his Neighbor (then Physician to Prince Henry and the Lady Elizabeth ) beholding him of a Ruddy and Sanguine Complexion, adventured to let him blood, though he was of Threescore and sixteen years of age.

Once he let him Blood about Twenty Ounces, by which Evacuation (his Blood being extremely putrefied) he felt ease for three hours, but afterwards all his accidents returned as violent as before.

Next Morning he repeated the Bleeding in the same quantity, whereby the Patient only found a Momentary Ease, his pain returning as violent as before.

The third day Remembering the Rule of Hypocrates, that blood must be let to the changing of the Colour, he adventured again on as copious a Phlebotemy as before whereby the Sickman found an extraordinary ease, who in three days had lost more then Sixty Ounces of Blood.

This Trestram survived eight years after, and died anno 1619. a most eminent Instance against those who endeavor to prove the decay of the World, because men cannot spare so much by Bloodletting as in former ages.

The Battells.

The Farewell.

This County is much infested with the Mildew. That it is, I know to my Cost, but could not purchase the knowledge what it is, much less how it might be prevented at the same Price, though having diligently inquired into the Name and Nature thereof.

Some will have it called Mildew, quasi Maldew, or Illdew, others Meldew or Honydew, as being very sweet (oh how lushious and noxious is Flattery! ) with the Astringency thereof, causing an Atrophy a Consumption in the Grain. His Etymology was peculiar to himself who would have it termed Mildew, because it grindeth the Grain aforehand, making it to dwindle away almost to nothing.

It falleth (be it Mist or Dew ) when Corn is almost ripe for the Sicle, and antidateth the Harvest (not before it is welcome but) before it is wished by the Husbandman, Grain being rather withered then ripened thereby. If after the fall a good Rain or strong wind cometh, it washeth and wipeth it off, so that no mischief is done: Otherwise the hot Sun arising, sealeth (to use the Husbandmans Phrase ) the Mildew upon the Straw, and so intercepteth the Nourishment betwixt the Root and the Ear, especially if it falleth not on the Hoase (which is but another case, and hath another Tunicle under it) but on the stripped Straw near to the top of the Stalk.

Grain growing under Hedges (where the wind hath least power ) is most subject thereunto, though Wheat of all Grain is most, Bearded Wheat of Wheat is least liable unto it: Not that the Hawnes thereof are Spears to fright the Mildew from it, but advantageous Gutters to slide it away the sooner, which sticketh on notted or pollard Wheat.

Inland Counties, Northampton-shire, Bedford-shire, &c. complain the least, Maritime the most of Mildew which insinuateth the Vapors of the Sea to be causal thereof. Some hold, that seeing it falls from the Skies, Earth hath no guard for Heavens blow, save prayer, which in this very case is prescribed by Solomon. But others conceive, that human may be subordinate to Spiritual means, to prevent not the falling but the hurting of this Dew in such a degree, and hopefully expect the Remedy from the Ingenuity of the next Generation.

I am the rather confirmed in my Hopes, because a help hath been found out against the smooting of Wheat, at leastwise in some good proportion, I say the smooting of Wheat which makes it a Negro, as Mildew makes it a Dwarfe, viz. by mingling the seed with Lime as your Husbandmen will inform you.

And for my Vale to this County, I heartily desire, that either God would of his Goodness spare the Fruits of the Earth, from so hurtful a Casualty, or put it into the Minds of Men (if it may stand with his Will ) to find out some defensitive in some part, to abate the Malignity thereof.

Manufactures.

Natural Commodities are not to be expected to grow in this place, which is only the Field of Art, and Shop General of England, Cheapsiae being called the best Garden only by Metaphor, seeing otherwise nothing but Stones are found therein. As for London Manufactures they are so many, I shall certainly loose myself in this Labyrinth if offering to enter: in leaving therefore all intermediate Inventions to others; I will only insist on the Needle and the Engine, as the least and greatest Instruments employed therein.

The Buildings.

Proverbs.

A London Jury, hang half and save half. ]

Some affirm this of an Essex, others of a Middlesex Jury, and my Charity believes it equally true, that is, equally untrue of all three: What gave first occasion to this Libelling Proverb I know not; this I know, reports of this Nature, like round bodies, down Precepices, once m •… ved move themselves, and a Mouse may stir what a man cannot stay in this kind. The best is, though none can hinder a Slanderer from speaking, they may hinder them from speaking Truth.

This Proverb would fain suggest to credulous people, as if Londoners frequently impannelled on Juries, and loaded with multiplicity of matters, aim more at dispatch then Justice, and to make quick Riddance (though no hast to hang true men ) acquit half and condemn half. Thus •… hey divide themselves in aequilibrio, betwixt Justice and mercy, though it were meet the latter should have the more advantage, and the Beam break on the pitiful side. Others extend this Proverb also to their arbitrations betwixt party and party; as if not minding the merits of the cause, they cleave the thing controverted into equal moities betwixt Plainuff and Defendant.

The falseness of these Suggestions will appear to such, who by perusing History do discover the London Jurors most conscientious in proceeding secundum allegata & probata, always inclining to the merciful side in saving life, when they can find any cause or color for the same, and amongst many thousands take two most memorable Instances.

The first, Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, who on the 17 of April 1554. was (in the Reign of Queen Mary ) arraigned for High Treason in Guildhall, before Sir Thomas White Lord Major, the Earls of Shrewsbury and Derby, Sir Thomas Bromley Lord Cheif Justice, &c. Mr. Edward Griffin the Attorney General, pressed the Prisoner very sorely for his Correspondency with the Carews in the West, and his being privy to the Rising of Sir Thomas Wyat. Sir Nicholas pleaded many hours for himself, no less stoutly then wisely, yet with due submission to the Conrt, till at last his Jury passed upon him, whose names ad perpetuam rei memoriam are here inserted.

These acquitted the Prisoner, and though much menaced by the Court, stood stoutly to their Verdict, for which they were all imprisoned, five of them fined, and paid 260. l. a piece, the rest lower Sums, and after their discharge from durance, commanded to attend the Council Table at an hours warning.

The other is of a person who was lately arraigned in Guildhall, and whom I list not to name, partly because he is easily guessed, partly because he was of so turbulent a Spirit, that his Name would set all my Book at dissention. He being charged with what concerned his Life, was by an uncorrupted Jury, though heavily pressed to the contrary, clearly acquitted, and one passage (omitted in his printed Trial) I must here insert.

Speaking his Farewell to the Jury now ready to depart the Bar, he requested them to remember a Statute in the Reign of King Henry the Seventh, as making much in his behalf. Sirrah, said one Judge on the Bench to this Prisoner, I know that Statute better then you do; to whom he calmly replied, I believe you Sir, but I desire that these Gentlemen of the Jury should understand it but as well as I do; and so it seems they did, for his life was saved thereby.

A Fool will not part with his Bawble for the Tower of London.]

This Tower anciently was (and in part still is) the Magazine of England's Wealth. There the Silver, the Mint of Money, and there the Brasse and Iron to defend it, the Armory and Store-house of Ordnance; yet Fools so doat on their darling Fancies, that they prize them above all this Treasure. But alas! Quod scribimus, & Legimus, & ridemus, hoc facimus; We do ourselves what we deride in others. Everyone is addicted to some vanity or other, which he will not part with on any conditions, so weak and willful we are by nature. He that will not freely and sadly confess that he is much a Fool, is all a Fool.

London Lick Penny. ]

The Countryman coming up hither by his own experience will easily expound the meaning thereof. The best is, it is also London Get Penny, to those who live here, and carefully follow their Vocations.

London Cockneys. ]

Let us observe first the antiquity of this Proverb, then the meaning; Lastly, the Application thereof to Londoners. It is more then four hundred years old; for when Hugh Bigot, added artificial fortifications to the natural strength of his Castle at Bungey in Suffolk, he gave out this Rhime, therein vaunting it for impregnable;

Meaning thereby King Henry the Second, then peaceably possessed of London whilst some other places did resist him, though afterwards he so humbled this Hugh, that he was fain with large sums of money, and pledges for his Loyalty, to redeem this his Castle from being razed to the Ground.

I meet with a double sense of this word Cockeney, some taking it for,

• 1. One coaks'd or cockered, made a wanton or Nestle-cock of, delicately bred and brought up, so that when grown Men or Women, they can endure no hardship, nor comport with pains taking.
• 2. One utterly ignorant of Husbandry, and Huswifery, such as is practiced in the Country, so that they may be persuaded anything about Rural Commodities, and the Original thereof, and the Tale of the Citizens Son, who knew not the Language of Cock, but called it Neighing is commonly known.

Here I take no Notice of his Fancy who will have it called Cockney by Transposition, quasi Incoct, raw and rude, as forced and far fetched.

The Name is generally fixed on such who are born within the Sound of Bow-Bell, and are tender enough, and sufficiently ignorant in Country businesses. One merrily persuaded a She Citizen, that seeing Malt did not grow, the good Huswifes in the Country did spin it; I knew as much said the Cockney, for one may see the Threds hang out at the ends thereof. However, be it known unto all people, that as there are delicate and silly Folk in the Country; so are there as hardy men and skillful Huswives in the City, no disparagement to any of what place soever.

Ane ill word meets another, and it were at the Bridge of London.]

This is a Scottish Proverb, and indeed a Scottish Text needs a Scottish Comment thereon. However, I thus guess at the meaning thereof; London-Bridge is notoriously known for a narrow pass, and numerous passengers, so that people meeting thereon, a Quarrel will quickly be engendered, if one of them hath not the wit or patience, to step into a Shop, if on foot; if on Horseback to stay in the void places. Thus Words quickly enflame a difference, except one of the parties have the Discretion of silence, yielding or departure.

Billings-gate Language. ]

Billings was formerly a Gate, though now rather portus then porta, being the prime Landing place, and Market for some Sea Commodities. Now, although as fashionable people live there, as elsewhere in the City, yet much rude folk repair thither, so that one may term this the Esculine Gate of London, from the dross and dregs of the baser people flocking thither. Here one may hear Linguas jurgatrices; yea shrewd words are sometimes improved into smart blows betwixt them. I doubt not, but that Rome, Venice, Paris, and all populous Cities have their Billings-gate Language, in those places where rude people make their Rendezvouz.

Kirbies Castle, and Megses Glory.

Spinolas Pleasure, and Fishers Folly. ]

These were four houses about the City, built by Citizens, large and sumptuous above their Estates, whose Memories are likely longer to continue by this Rhime, then by their own pompous buildings.

The fi •… st of these is so uncastelled, the Glory of the second so obscured, that very few know (and it were needless to tell them) where these houses were fixed.

As for Spinola (a Genoan made Free-Denizon ) the Master and Fellows of a College in Cambridge, know too well what he was, by their expensive Suit known to posterity, by Magdalene College Case. If his own Country (I mean the Italian) curse did overtake him, and if the Plague of Building did light upon him, few I believe did pity him.

As for the last, it was built by Jasper Fisher, Free of the Goldsmiths, one of the six Clerks in Chancery, and a Justice of Peace, who, being a Man of no great Wealth (as indebted to many) built here a Beautiful house, with Gardens of pleasure, and Bouling Alleys about it, called Devonshire House at this Day.

However, it seems this was an ancient Vanity, even in the Days of King David, Their inward thought is, that their Houses shall continue forever, and their dwelling places to all Generations: They call their Lands after their own names.

He will follow him like a St. Anthony's pig. ]

St. Anthony is notoriously know for the Patron of Hogs, having a pig for his page in all pictur •… s, though for what reason unknown, except, because being an Hermit, and having a Cell or hole, digged in the earth, and having his general repast on roots, he and hogs did in some sort entercommon both in their diet and lodging.

There was a fair Hospital built to the honor of St. Anthony, in Bennets Fink in this City. The Protectors and Proctors whereof claimed a privilege to themselves, to garble the Live Pigs in the Markets of the City, and such as they found starved, or otherwise unwholesome for man's sustenance, they would slit in the ear, tie a Bell about their Necks, and let them loose about the City.

None durst hurt or take them up (having this Livery of St. Anthony upon them) but many would give them bread, and feed them in their passage, whom they used to follow whining after them. But, if such Pigs proved fat, and well liking (as often they did) the Officers of St. Anthony's Hospital would seize on them for their own use.

The Proverb is appliable to such, who have servile saleable souls, who for a small reward, will lack-wey many Miles, pressing their Patrons with their unwelcome importunity.

He was born within the Sound of Bow-Bell. ]

This is the Periphrasis of a Londoner at large, born within the Suburbs thereof; the Sound of this Bell exceeding the extent of the Lord Mayors Mace. It is called Bow-bell, because hanging in the Steeple of Bow-Church, and Bow-Church because built on Bows or Arches. John Dun Mercer, gave 1472, two Tenements to maintain the ringing of this Bell nightly at Nine a clock, which sounded to Servants a Retreat from their Work, and a March to their Supper and Bed; and therefore conceived by some Masters to ring too soon, by most Apprentices too late. William Copland the Kings Merchant about the Year 1520. gave a bigger Bell for the same purpose, and had the hansel thereof himself, being first rang as a Knell at his Burial.

Under Correction I conceive it called in the Poor, because the Augustinian Friers professing willful poverty, for some hundred of years, possessed more than a Moiety thereof. But as one gave for his Motto Malim dives esse quam haberi; this Parish may say Malim pauper vocari quam esse, which ever was (not to say is) one of the richest in London, which their Signlesse houses do avouch, being a Sign of the eminency of their Inhabitants, ubi quisque sui ipsius index, sufficiently notified and distinguished by themselves.

How ancient the use of Signs in this City on private houses is to me unknown, sure I am, it was generally used in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth, Witness that dear jest of a well meaning Citizen, who lost his life in those dangerous times for saying he would leave the Crown to his Son.

I suspect this Proverb is lately a little discomposed, and that some public houses for entertainment have stepped or crept into this Parish.

To dine with Duke Humphrey.]

This Proverb hath altered the original meaning thereof. For first it signified aliena vivere quadra, to eat by the bounty, or feed by the favor of another man. For Humphrey Duke of Gloucester (commonly called the good Duke ) was so hospital, that every man of Fashion, otherwise unprovided, was welcome to Dine with him. It not being so proper for Strangers to sup in those days, with the greatest House keepers. The said Duke was so bountiful, that his Alms-dish of Silver, was very massy when empty (what then when full;) which Alms-dish came afterwards into the possession of the Duke of Somerset, who sent it to the Lord Rivers, to sell the same to furnish himself for a Sea-voyage.

But after the Death of good Duke Humphrey, (when many of his former Alms-men were at a loss for a meals meat) this Proverb did alter its Copy, to Dine with Duke Humphrey, importing, to be Dinnerlesse.

A general mistake fixed this sense, namely, that Duke Humphrey was buried in the Body of St. Paul's Church, where many men chaw their meat with feet, and walk away the want of a Dinner; whereas indeed that noble person interred in St. Paul's, was Sir John Beauchamp Constable of Dover, Warden of the Cinque Ports, Knight of the Garter, Son to Guy Earl of Warwick, and Brother to Thomas Earl of Warwick, whilst Duke Humphrey was honourably buried in St. Albans.

I will use you as bad as a Jew.]

I am sure I have carried the Child home, and laid it at the Fathers House, having traced this Proverb by the Tract from England in General to London, thence to the Old Jury, whence it had its first Original; that poor Nation (especially on ShroveTuesday ) being intollerably abused by the English, whilst they lived in the Land.

I could wish, that wheresoever the Jews live, they may not find so much courtesy as to confirm them in their false, yet not so much Cruelty as to discourage them from the true Religion; till which time I can bemoan their Misery, condemn the Christians Cruelty, and admire God's justice in both.

See we it here now fulfilled, which God long since frequently foretold, and threatened, namely that he would make the Jews become a Proverb, if continuing Rebellious against him. I pass not for the Flouts of profane Pagans, scoffing at the Jews Religion, Credat Judaeus Apella, but to behold them thus Proverbiascere, for their Rebellions against God, minds me of the performance of God's Threatning unto them.

Good manners to except my Lord Major of London.]

This is a corrective for such, whose expressions are of the largest size, and too general in their extent, parallel to the Logic Maxim; Primum in unoquoque genere est excipiendum, as too high to come under the Roof of comparison. In some cases it is not civil to fill up all the room in our speeches of ourselves, but to leave an upper place void, as a blank reserved for our betters.

I have dined as well as my Lord Major of London.]

That this Proverb may not cross the former, know, that as well is not taken for as dubiously or daintily, on Variety of Costly Dishes, in which kinds, the Lord Major is Paramount for Magnificence. For (not to speak of his solemn Invitations, as when Henry Pickard, Lord Major 1357. did in one day entertain a Messe of Kings, Edward King of England, John King of France, David King of Scots, and the King of Cyprus, besides Edward Prince of Wales, and many prime Noble-men of the Land ) his daily Dinners, are Feasts both for Plenty, Guests and Attendants. But the Proverb hath its modest meaning, I have dined as well, that is, as comfortable, as contentedly, according to the Rule; Satis est quod sufficit, enough is as good as a Feast, and better then a Surfeit, and indeed Nature is contented with a little, and Grace with less.

As old as Paul's Steeple.]

Different are the Dates of the Age thereof, because it had two births or beginnings. For if we count it from the time wherein it was originally co-founded by K. Ethelbert, with the Body of the Church, Anno six hundred and ten, then it is above a thousand and forty years of Age. But if we reckon it from the year 1087. when burnt with Lightning from Heaven, and afterwards rebuilt by the Bishops of London; it is not above five hundred years old. And though this Proverb falls far short of the Latin ones, Antiquius Arcadibus, Antiquius Saturno: yet serveth it sufficiently to be returned to such, who pretend those things to be Novell, which are known to be stale, old, and almost antiquated.

He is only fit for Ruffians-Hall.]

A Ruffian is the same with a Swaggerer, so called, because endeavoring to make that Side to swag or weigh down, whereon he engageth. The same also with Swash-Buckler, from swashing, or making a noise on Bucklers. West-Smith-field (now the HorseMarket ) was formerly called Ruffians-Hall, where such men met casually and otherwise, to try Masteries with Sword and Buckler. Moe were frighted then hurt, hurt then killed therewith, it being accounted unmanly to strike beneath the Knee, because in effect it was as one armed against a naked man. But since that desperate Traitor Rowland York first used thrusting with Rapiers, Swords and Bucklers are disused, and the Proverb only appliable to quarrelsome people (not tame, but wild Barretters) who delight in brawls and blows.

A Loyal heart may be landed under Traitors Bridge.]

This is a Bridge under which is an Entrance into the Tower (over against Pink Gate ) formerly fatal to those who landed there, there being a muttering that such never came forth alive, as dying (to say no worse) therein, without any Legal Trial. The Proverb importeth, that passive Innocence overpower'd with Adversaries, may be accused without cause, and disposed at the pleasure of others; it being true of all Prisoners, what our Savior said to and of St. Peter, Another shall carry thee whither thou wouldst not.

Queen Elizabeth may be a proof hereof, who in the Reign of Queen Mary her Sister, first stayed and denied to Land at those Stairs, where all Traitors and Offenders customably used to Land, till a Lord (which my Author would not, and I cannot name) told her she should not choose, and so she was forced accordingly.

To cast water into the Thames. ]

That is, to give to them w •… o had plenty before; which notwithstanding is the dole general of the World. Yet let not Thames be proud of his full and fair stream, seeing Water may be wanting therein, as it was Anno 1158. the Fourth of William Rufus, when men might walk over dryshod; and again Anno 1582. a strong Wind lying West and by South, which forced out the Fresh and kept back the Salt-water.

He must take him a House in Turn-again Lane. ]

This in old Records is called Wind-again Lane, and lieth in the Parish of St. Sepulchers, going down to Fleet-Dike, which men must turn again the same way they came, for there it is stopped. The Proverb is applied to those, who sensible that they embrace destructive courses, must seasonably alter their manners, which they may do without any shame to themselves; it is better to come back through Turn-again (though a narrow and obscure) Lane, then to go (on an ill account) straight forwards in a fair street hard by, whence, Vestigia nulla retrorsum, as leading Westward to Execution.

He may whet his Knife on the Threshold of the Fleet. ]

The Fleet is a place notoriousl •… known for a Prison, to which many are committed for their contempts, more for their debts. So called it is from a Brook running by, as that (of Tigris in Armenia) from its former Fleetnesse, though now it creepeth flow enough, not so much for age; as the injection of City excrements wherewith it is so obstructed.

The Proverb is appliable to those who never owed ought, or else having run into debt have crept out of it, so that now they may defy danger and arrests, yea may triumphare in Hostico, laugh in the Face of the Serjeants. Surely the Threshold of the Fleet so used, setteth a good edge on the Knife, and a better on the Wearer thereof, acting him with a Spirit free from all engagements.

All goeth down Gutter-lane.

There is a small Lane (inhabited anciently by Gold-beaters) leading out of Cheapside, East of Foster-lane, which Orthography presents to the Reader by the name of Guthurun -Lane, from him the once Owner thereof. But common people (we must speak with the volge and think with the wise ) call it Guttur Lane, pleading for their mispronouncing it, that the narrow form thereof is like the Throat or Gullet, and such a one would have pleased Apitius the Epicure, who wished to himself Tricubitale Guttur.

The Proverb is appliable to those who spend all in Drunkenness and Gluttony, mere Belly-God's, whom the Philosopher called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : I confess the word both in sound and sense, hath some affinity with that of St. Paul's of the Gretians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Idle-bellies, save that our Gastrimargi are far worse, so named from the mere madness and distraction of their appetite.

As Lame as St. Giles Criple-gate.]

St. Giles was by •… irth an Athenian, of noble Extraction and great Estate, but quitted all for a solitary Life. He was visited with a Lameness (whether natural or casual I know not) but the Tradition goes, that he desired not to be healed thereof for his greater mortification: if so, his Judgment differed from all the good Lamemen in the Gospel, importunate for ease from their infirmity. He is accounted the Patron of Cripples; and whereas Churches dedicated to other Saints of better Footmanship, get the speed of him and come into the City, generally Lame St. Giles laggeth behind in the Suburbs, as in London, Cambridge, Salisbury, &c.

Criplegate was so called before the Conquest, from Cripples begging of Passengers therein. And indeed they may prescribe for their Custom, ever since the Lameman begged an Alms of •… eter and John at the beautiful Gate of the Temple.

This Proverb may seem guilty of false Herauldry, Lameness on Lameness, and in common Discourse, is spoken rather merrily then mournfully of such, who for some light hurt, lagg behind, and sometimes is applied to those, who out of Lazinesse (none so lame as they that will not go) counterfeit Infirmity.

You are all for the Hoistings, or Hustings. ]

It is spoken of those who by Pride or Passion are mounted or elated to a pitch above the due proportion of their Birth, Quality, or Estate; such as are all in Altitudinibus, so that Common persons know not how to behave themselves unto them. It cometh from Hustings, the Principal and highest Court in London, (as also in Winchester, Lincoln, York, &c. ) so called from the French word Haulser, to raise or lift up.

The mention of the Hustings, a Court so called, mindeth me of another Court, called the Court of Hall-mote, and I am resolved to run the hazard of the Reader's anger with this my Digression, to rectify a mistake in some, and prevent it in others.

Sir Edward Coke, Institut. 4. part. cap. 9.

This is derived of Hall and Mote, as much as to say, the Hall Court, id est, Conventus Civium in Aulam Publicam; Every Company in London having a Hall wherein they kept their Courts, and this Court anciently called Hall-Mote, or Folk-Mote.

With whom verbatim concurreth (who would not willingly dissent from him in point of Common-Law ) the Learned Doctor Cowel in his Interpreter.

But let all take heed that they confound not this Court, with another more Antient, (and more proper for the cognizance of the Pen of a Divine) viz. Haly-Mote Court, being a Court derived from Haly, which is Holy, and Mote a Meeting, being an Assembly kept before the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, for the Regulation of the Company of the Bakers in London, (wherein the Staff of Bread, and therein the Life of the poor is so much concerned) formerly kept on the Lord's Day, (whence it took its Name) before the Feast of St. Thomas. But a Court of Common-Council 〈◊〉 . the 15th. 1609. altered that Court, until the Thursday before St. Thomas 's Day, as since by a later act of the same Council, it is Removed unto the Monday before the said Festival. The Antient Title of this Court ran as followeth;

Such who are Learned in the Laws, and are pleased to reflect on the Name of my Author and Worthy Friend on the Margin, will not in the least Degree suspect the Truth hereof.

Before I come to enroll the List of the Worthies of this City, I premise the words Londinas and Londinensis, as some have curiously stated their Senses, according to whose fancy,

Could this be made a truth, this distinction would be very serviceable to me in this work; but it will not hold water, finding on due enquiry, that by the best Critics, both are used promiscuously for an •… , either born, or living in that City, save, that Londinas (answering to the Question Cujas ) signifieth Persons alone, whilst Londinensis importeth either Persons or Things relating to that City, as Turris Londinensis, Pons Londinensis, &c.

Princes.

KATHERINE third Daughter of K. Henry the third, and Q. Eleanor, was born at London, Anno Dom. 1252. November the 25th. being St. Katherins day, whose name was therefore given unto her at the Font, by Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, her Uncle and Godfather. She died in her very Infancy, on whom we will presume to bestow this Epitaph.

She lieth interred at Westminster, in the space betwixt the Chapels of King Edward and St. Bennet.

JOAN Eldest Daughter, and third child of K. Edward the second, and Q. Isabel, was born in the Tower of London, about the year 1316. She was afterward married to David the second, K. of Scotland, continuing his wife twenty eight years. This was she ( as I conceive) who was commonly called Joan Make-Peace; (and we know Blessed are the peace makers ) improving her power (though sometimes with small success) to do good offices betwixt the two Kingdoms. Coming into England to visit her Brother K. Edward the third, she deceased here without issue, Anno 1357. and lieth buried in Gray-Friers London.

It will not be amiss in Reference to her Name, here to observe, that Joan (which is Feminine to John ) was a frequent name in the Royal Family of England, as also amongst Foreign Princes; and no wonder, seeing we find a worthy woman of that name, Benefactresse to our Savior himself. However, seeing in later times it hath been counted but a Course and homely name, and some Proverbs of Contempt have been cast thereon: it hath since been m ollified into Jane, (sounding finer it seems to an English ear) though this modern name will hardly be found in any English writer three hundred years ago.

KATHERINE, youngest Daughter to K. Henry the 7. and Elizabeth his Queen, was born in the Tower of London, on the 2 day of February, Anno Dom. 1503. deceasing few days after.

It is a sad (and probably too true an) account, of an Antient man, which is given in his Epitaph,

What was a bad Character of his aged unprofitableness, is a good one of this infant Ladies innocence, of whom we know nothing, save that she sucked, fell sick and deceased. Only let me add, she was the last Princesse born in the Tower; our English Kings hereafter removing their residence to Bridewel and White-hall, and using the Tower not so much as a Palace for the State, as Prison for the strength thereof.

ANNA BOLLEN, Daughter of the Lord Thomas Bollen Earl of Wiltshire, was (as some of her Honorable relations still surviving do conjecture) born in London, and became second Wife to K. Henry 8th. Indeed he passionately affected her, when but a Lord's Daughter, but did not marry her till she was a Princesse; Created by him Marchionesse of Pembroke, partly to make her the more proportionable Match, and partly to try how she would become a •… oronet, before she wore a Crown.

The Papists much disparage her memory (malice will lie, or must be dumb) making all her Wit to consist in Boldness, her Beauty in a French garb and her Modesty in a Cunning •… oynesse; whereas indeed she was a Lady accomplished in Body, (was it likely K. Henry would love what was not lovely?) and Virtuous in Mind, and, whilst a Favorite of the Kings, a Favourer of all good men, and great Promoter of the Gospel. The Inconstancy of her husbands affections, is conceived by most moderate men, (what else soever was pretended) her chiefest crime, and cause of her death, which happened Anno 1536.

KATHERINE HOWARD, Daughter to the Lord Edmond Howard, son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk, was (though her father had large lands and houses in many places) probably born in London, and at last became fifth wife to K. Henry the eighth. Such as desire to know the names, number and success of all six, may conceive K. Henry thus speaking on his death bed,

Of this Katherine Howard little is reported, and yet too much, if all be true, of her incontinency, which cost her her life. The greatest good the Land got by this match, was a general leave to marry Cousin-Germans, formerly prohibited by the Canon, and hereafter permitted by the Common-law; A door of lawful liberty left open by God in Scripture, shut by the Pope for his private profit, opened again by the King, first, for his own admittance, (this Katherine being Cousin-German to Anna Bollen, his former Wife) and then for the service of such Subjects, as would follow him upon the like occasion. This Lady was beheaded Anno Domini 1540.

Saints.

Not to speak of St. Sedd born in this City, and afterwards Bishop thereof, of whom we find nothing reported, save that he was very instrumental to the converting of the Mercians; we begin with

WULSINE who was born in this City, of worthy Parents, breeding him up in the Devotion of that age; and became a Benedictine Monk, till at last by his fast friend St. Dunstan, he was preferred, first Abbot of Westminster, whence he was afterwards removed to be Bishop of Sherburne in Dorsetshire. A mighty Champion he was for a Monastical life, and therefore could not be quiet till he had driven all the secular priests out of Sherburne, and substituted Monks in their room. I read not of any Miracle done by him either whilst living, or when dead, save, that in the juncture of both, he is said with St.