The History of the Worthies of England
The Reader (whom I presume no less charitable then judicious ) will not be offended with the many naked blanks or arm-less spaces, annexed to these Sheriffs. He that thinks the Sheriffs of London as cognoscible Persons (especially so long since) as these of other Counties, may with equal truth maintain the springs of rivers as easily discernible as their Channels. For the Sheriffs of Counties were men of known and grown Estates, equally eminent for the roots whence they sprang, as for the branches springing from them; whereas many Sheriffs of London (like those plants which the Gardiners term Annual, lasting but a year) appear only eminent during their Sherifalty, a •… d afterwards no motion or mention of them, especially of such as died before their Mayoralty, the true reason why we could attain but so few Arms with any assurance.
HENRY the Sixth.
18. PHILLIPUS MALPAS.]
He gave by his Testament 125l. to relief of poor Prisoners, and every year for five years 400. Shirts and Smocks, 40. pair of Sheets, 150. gowns of Freeze to the Poor. To 500. poor people in London, everyone 6. Shillings 8. Pence; to poor Maids Marriages, 100. Marks; to Highways, 100. Marks; 20. Marks the year to a Graduate to Preach; 20. Pounds unto Preachers at the Spittle on the three Easter holy-days, &c.
20. RICHARD RICH.]
He was a Mercer, and founded Alms-houses at Hodsden in Hartford-shire, which no doubt were by him competently endowed, though now the Alms-houses are as poor as the Alms-folk, the one needing repairing, as much as the other relieving.
EDWARD the Fourth.
17. RICARD RAWSON.]
He gave by Testament large Legacies to the Prisoners, Hospitals, and Lazerhouses. To other poor, to Highways, to the Water-conduits, besides to poor Maids Marriages 340. pounds, and his Executors to build a large house in the Church-yard of Saint Mary's Spittle, wherein the Mayor and his Brethren do use to sit, and hear the Sermons in Easter holy-days.
20. THOMAS ILAM.]
He newly built the great Conduit in the Cheap, of his own charges, to the great convenience of the City.
HENRY the Seventh.
18. HENRY KEBL •… .]
He gave to Highways 200. pounds, to poor Maids Marriages 100. Marks, &c. to 7. Alms-men in London 6. pence the Week forever. He was when living a great Benefactor to the building of Alder-Mary-Church, and by his Testament gave 1000. pounds towards the finishing thereof, how barbarously he was afterwards requited, and his body cast out of the grave, we have formerly largely bemoaned and with just indignation.
HENRY the Eighth.
1. GEORGE MONOX.]
He re-edified the decayed Parish-Church of Waltamstow or Walthamstow in Essex, he founded there a Free-school, and Alms-houses for thirteen Alms-people, he made also a Cawsey of Timber over the Marshes from Walthamstow to Lock-bridge.
The Farewell.
And now, being to take my Farewell of this great City, I cannot forget the verse, which I find amongst others, in Master Camden 's commendation thereof.
| Urbs pietate potens, numeroso cive superba. | Potent in piety, in her people proud. |
But see the Romish charity, who confine all piety to Popery. The Index Expurgato •… ius, Printed at Madrid by Louis Sanchez 1612. commandeth the forepart of the verse, concerning their piety to be expunged, letting the latter moity of their pride to remain.
May I in this particular be the humble Remembrancer of the City, (without the least entrenching on his place, who worthily dischargeth that office,) to cross and consute that peevish and partial Index. Let it be their endeavors, to delete out of their hearts, all high conceits of their populousness, and effectually to express grace and goodness in their conversations.
Nor let the City of London ever forget quantillum interfuit inter maximam Civitatem et nullam; How little distance there lately was betwixt the greatest City and none at all, if Gates and Barrs (as it is generally received) be the essential difference of a City. But God who can produce light out of darkness can make the plucking d •… wn of the Gates, to be the setting up of the City. Wherefore though the Eleventh day of March, be generally beheld as the first day of Spring, London may date her Spring from the Eleventh day of February 1659. when she effectually felt the vernal heat after a long Winter of woe and misery.
I heartily wish this honorable City what ever may conduce to the continuance and increase of the happiness thereof. Especially that the river of Thames, the lif •… of London (as which Easeth, Adorneth, Inricheth, Feedeth and Fortifieth it,) may have its Channel constantly continued: The Millers Riddle,
is appliable to this City; so long as Thames-water continues, Londoners may Wine it; but should it fail, they must drink water indeed, and some perchance brackish too, as made of their tears.
I will not pry too nearly and narrowly into the fancy of our Poet, speaking of the ruins of old Rome,
And yet by his leave, greater rivers then Tiber have in process of time had their streams by casualties or neglect, partly drained, wholly dried, or otherwise diverted. My humble request therefore to the Officers of the City is, effectually to own their concernment in the river of Thames, in clearing and cleansing it from Sholes, Sands, and other obstructing encroachments, that they may leave it as well to posterity, as they found it from their fathers.
WESTMINSTER.
WESTMINSTER is the greatest City in England next London, not only in Position, but by the Dimensions thereof. For let it be taken (as truly it ought) extensively with the Liberty of Lancaster from Temple-bar, and it filleth as much ground (not to say containeth more reasonable souls) then any City in the Land. But as a proper man seemeth a Dwarfe, when placed next to a Giant; such the infelicity of Westminster, whose due greatness, devoured by the vicinity of London, is insensible in the eyes of the Beholders.
It was anciently called Thorney, and afterwards Westminster, for distinction from Saint Paul's, called in ancient times Eastminster.
The Buildings.
The Abbey Church is beheld as a rare structure, with so small and slender Pillars (greatest legs argue not the strongest Man ) to support so weighty a fabric, built by King Henry the third, and afterwards much enlarged and beautified by the Abbots thereof.
Adjoyning to it, is the Chapel of King Henry the seventh, which Leland calls the Miracle of the World. Indeed let the Italians deride our English, and condemn them for Gothish Buildings, This they must admire, and may here take notes of Architecture (if their pride would permit them) to perfect theirs accordingly.
In this Chapel the founder thereof, with his Queen lieth interred, under a Monument of solid Brass, most richly gilded, and Artificialy carved. Some, slight it for the cheapness, because it cost but a thousand pounds in the making thereof. Such do not consider it, as the work of so thrifty a Prince, who would make a little money go far; besides, that it was just at the turning of the Tide (as one may term it) of money, which flowed after the finding out of the West-Indies, though ebbing before.
Amongst the civil structures, Westminster -Hall is eminent, erected by King W. Rufus, for the Hall to his own Court, built with copwebless beams, conceived of Irishwood. Sure I am, we then had no command in that Island, as first subdued by King Henry the second. It is one of the greatest rooms in Christendom, and indeed it needeth to be of good capacity, to receive so many Plantiffes and Defendants, being at such mutual distance of affection.
Next is White-hall, the Palace of ou •… English Kings, which one termed a good Hypocrite, promising less then it performeth, and more convenient within then comely without, to which the Nursery of Saint James 's was an appendant.
As for the houses of Noble-men all along the Strand, I desire to be excused from commending some, lest it should by caviling Spirits be implicitly interpreted a dispraise of the rest. Besides, I am ignorant under what name to commend them to posterity; so many houses daily new-dipt, assume to themselves new names, according to the alteration of their Owners. I conclude them therefore all best, and best of all, whilst they continue in the hands of their present possessors.
Proverbs.
As sure as Exchequer pay. ]
All know, that the Exchequer was formerly the Treasury of the Kings of England, kept in this City, the pleading part on the one side, and the paying part on the other side of Westminster-hall. This Proverb was in the prime thereof, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who maintained her Exchequer to the height, that her Ex •… hequer might ma •… tain her. The pay thereof was sure inwards, nothing being remitted which was due there to the Queen; and sure outwards, nothing being detained which was due thence from the Queen, full and speedy payment being made thereof. This Proverb began to be crossed about the end of the reign of King James, when the credit of the Exchequer began to decay, and no wonder if the streams issuing thence were shallow, when the fountain to feed them was so low, the revenues of the Crown being much abated.
There is no redemption from Hell.]
There is a place partly under, partly by the Exchequer Court commonly called Hell; I could wish it had another name, seeing it is ill jesting with edge tools, especially with such as are sharpened by Scripture. I am informed that formerly this place was appointed a prison for the Kings debtors, who never were freed thence, until they had paid their uttermost due demanded of them: If so, it was no Hell but might be termed Purgatory according to the Popish erroneous persuasion. But since this Proverb is applied to moneys paid into the Exchequer, which thence are irrecoverable, upon what plea or pretence whatsoever.
As long as Megg of Westminster.]
This is applied to persons very tall, especially if they have Hop-pole-heighth wanting breadth proportionable thereunto. That such a giant woman ever was in Westminster, cannot be proved by any good witness, (I pass not for a late lying Pamphlet ) though some in proof thereof produce her Grave-stone on the South-side of the Cloistures, which (I confess) is as long an large and entire Marble, as ever I beheld. But be it known, that no woman in that age was interred in the Cloistures, appropriated to the Sepultures of the Abbot and his Monks. Besides, I have read in the Records of that Abby of an infectious year, wherein many Monks died of the Plague, and were all buried in one Grave, probably in this place under this Marble Monument. If there be any truth in the Proverb, it rather relateth to a great Gun, lying in the Tower, commonly called long Megg, and in troublesome times, (perchance upon ill May day in the reign of King Henry the eighth,) brought to Westminster, where for a good time it continued. But this Nut (perchance) de •… erves not the Cracking.
Princes.
EDWARD the first was born in Westminster, being a Prince placed by the posture of his nativity, betwixt a weak Father, and a willful Son. Yet he needed no such advantage for foils to set forth his 〈◊〉 worth. He was surnamed Longshanks, his step being another man's stride, and was very high in stature. And though ofttimes such who are built four stories high are observed to have little in their cock-loft, yet was he a most judicious man in all his undertakings, equally wise to plot, as valiant to perform, and (which under Divine Providence was the result of both,) happy in success at Sea, at Land, at Home, Abroad, in War, in Peace. He was so fortunate with his Sword at the beginning of his reign, that he awed all his enemies with his Scabbard, before the end thereof. In a word he was a Prince of so much merit that nothing under a Chronicle can make his complete Character.
EDWARD sole •… on to King Henry the sixth, and Margaret his Queen, was born at Westminster on the 13 day of Octo. 1453. Now when his Father's party was totally and finally routed in the battle at Teuks-bury, this Prince being taken prisoner, presented to King Edward the fourth, and demanded by him, on what design he came over into England, returned this answer, That he came to recover the Crown, which his Ancestos for three desents had no less rightfully then peaceably possessed.
An answer for the truth, befitting the Son of so holy a Father as King Henry the sixth, and for the boldness thereof, becoming the Son of so haughty a Mother as Queen Margaret. But presently King Edward dashed him on the mouth with his 〈◊〉 , and his Brother Richard Crook-back stabbed him to the heart with his dagger. A barbarous murder, without countenance of justice in a legal, or valor in a military way. And his blood then shed was punished not long after.
Here I am not ashamed to make this observation. That England had successively three Edwards, all Princes of Wales, sole or eldest sons to actual Kings; Two dying violent, all untimely deaths, in their minority, before they were possessed of the Crown, viz.
| 1 Edward | Son to | Henry 6. stabbed | In the | Seventeenth | years of his age. |
| 2 Edward | Edward 4. stifled | Tenth | |||
| 3 Edward | Richard 3. pined away | Eleventh |
The murder of the second may justly be conceived the punishment of the murder of the first, and the untimely death of the last, (of whom more in Yorkshire, ) a judgment for the murder of the two former.
EDWARD eldest son of Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen, was born in the Sanctuary of Westminster, November 4. 1471. His tender years are too soft, for a solid character to be fixed on him. No hurt we find done by him, but too much on him, being murdered in the Tower by the procurement of his Unckle Protector. Thus was he born in a spiritual, and killed in a temporal Prison. He is commonly called King Edward the fifth, though his head was asked, but never married to the English Crown; and therefore in all the Pictures made of him, a distance interposed, forbiddeth the banes betwixt them.
ELIZABETH eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen was born in Westminster on the eleventh of February 1466. She was afterwards married to King Henry the seventh, and so the two Houses of York and Lancaster, united first hopefully in their Bed, and a •… terwards more happily in their Issue. B •… sides her dutifulness to her husband, and fruitfulness in her children, little can be extracted of her personal character. She died (though not in Child bearing ) in Child-bed, being safely delivered on Candlemas day, Anno 1503▪ of the Lady Katharine, and afterwards falling sick, languished until the eleventh of February, and then died in the thirty seventh year of her age, on the day of her nativity. She lieth buried with her husband in the Chapel of his erection, and hath an equal share with him in the use and honor of that his most magnificent monument.
CECILY second daughter to King Edward the fourth, by Elizabeth his Queen, bearing the name of Cecily Dutchess of York, her grand▪ mother and god mother, was born at Westminster. In her Child-hood mention was made of a marriage betwixt her and James (son to James the third) Prince of Scotland. But that Motion died with her father, Heaven (wherein marriages are made) reserving that place for Margaret her eldest sisters eldest daughter.
She long led a single life, but little respected of King Henry the seventh her brother in law. That politick King knowing, that if he had none, or no surviving Issue by his Queen, then the right of the Crown rested in this Cecily, sought to suppress her from popularity, or any public appearance. He neither preferred her to any 〈◊〉 Prince, nor disposed of her to any prime Peer of England, till at last this Lady wedded herself to a Linconshire Lord, John Baron Wells, whom King Henry advanced Viscount and no higher. After his death, my ( ) Author saith, she was re-married, not mentioning her ( ) husbands name, whence I conclude him an obscure person, and this Lady rather married then matched, such the distance betwixt their degrees. Probably this Cecily, consulting her comfort, more then her credit did it of design, so to be beneath the jealousy of King Henry the seventh. She left no children, and the date of her death is uncertain.
CHARLES the second (son to King Charles the first of Blessed Memory) (and Mary, youngest daughter to Henry the fourth King of France, ) was born at Saint James 's May 29. 1630. Great was the general rejoicing thereat. The University of Oxford congratulated his birth with printed Poems, and it was taken ill, though causelessly, by some, that Cambridge did not do the like: for then the Wits of the University were sadly distracted into several Counties, by reason of the plague therein. And I remember, Cambridge modestly excused herself in their Poem made the year after, at the birth of the Lady Mary, and it will not be amiss to insert and translate one Tetrastick, made by my worthy friend,
His birth was accompanied with two notable accidents in the heavens. The star Venus was visible all day long, as sometime it falls out near her greatest Elongation. And two day •… after there was an Ecclipse of the Sun, about eleven digits, observed by the greatest Mathematicians.
And now Reader, give me leave to be silent myself, and present thee with the expressions of a most ingenious Gentleman;
Yea such have since been the occurrences in the life of this pious Prince, that rightly considered they will appear (not only eminent above the common standard of actions, but) full of miracle and amazement.
He was on the 1. of January 1650. at Scoon Crowned King of Scotland; Being before invaded by an Army under the conduct of O. C. Soon after quitting that Kingdom he marched for England, and on the 3. of September 1651. nigh Worcester was fought, and lost the day, though he (to use my Authors expression) acted beyond the expectation of his friends, and to the great applause of his very enemies. Narrow search was made after his person, yea a thousand pounds (a bait his politique enemies made sure would have been bit at,) promised to such who should betray him. Yet God (whose Angels •… were his Life-guard) miraculously preserving him out of the hands of his enemies, he safely passed over into France to the Queen his mother.
During his continuance beyond the Seas, great were the proffers tendered unto him if forsaking the Protestant Religion; but alas! as soon might the impotent waves remove the most sturdy rocks, as they once unfix him; such his constancy, whom neither the frowns of his afflictions, nor smiles of secular advantages, could make to warp from his first principles.
At length his piety and Patience were rewarded by God, with a happy restitution to his undoubted Dominions, and he after a long and tedious exile, landed at Dover, May 25. 1660. to the great joy of his three Kingdoms.
A Prince whose virtues I should injure, if endeavoring their contraction within so narrow a scantling. And yet, I cannot pass over that, wherein he so much resembleth the King of Heaven, (whose Vicegerent he is) I mean his merciful disposition, doing good unto those who spitefully used and persecuted him.
And now it is my hearty prayer, that God who appeared so wonderful in his Restauration, would continue still Gracious to us in his Preservation, confounding the plots of his adversaries, that upon him and his posterity the Crown may flourish forever.
MARY eldest daughter of King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at Saint James 's November 4. 1631. When her royal father out of his paternal love, began to cast about for a fitting confort, this Peerless Princess (though tender in years, rich in piety and wisdom,) made it her humble request, she might be matched as well in her religion as affection; which happened answerable to her desires. For not long after, a marriage, treated betwixt her and Count William of Nassau, eldest son to Henry Prince of Orange, was concluded, and this royal pair wedded accordingly May 2. 1641. The February following, having at Dover taken her leave of the King her Father (the last time she ever saw him on earth,) she embarked for, and within few days landed in Holland.
His Majesty's affairs in England daily growing worse and worse, at length the sad news of his horrid murder arrived at her ears: this was seconded with the loss of her husband the Prince of Orange, who deceased October 8. 1650. Yet such her signal patience that she underwent the weight of so many heavy afflictions (sufficient to break the back of a mean Christian) with a courage far surpassing the weakness of her sex. But amidst these her calamities God was pleased to remember mercy, blessing her the November ensuing with a hopeful son.
The complexion of the times being altered in England, she came over to congratulate the happiness of her Brother his miraculous restitution. When behold sickness arrests this royal Princess no bail being found by physic to defer the execution of her death, which happened 1660. On the 31. of December following, she was honourably [though privately] interred at Westminster in the Chapel of King Henry the seventh, and no eye so dry but willingly afforded a tear to bemoan the loss of so worthy a Princess.
JAMES third son of King Charles and Queen Mary, October was 13. 1633. born at Saint James 's. He was commonly styled Duke of York, though not solemnly created until January 27. 1643. At the rendition of Oxford he was taken Prisoner, and some two years after, through the assistance of one Colonel Bamfield, made his escape, landing safe in Holland. Hence he went for France, where he so prudently deported himself, that he soon gained the favor and honor of the whole Court. Yea, such was this Princes valor and prowess, that before arrived at the age of one and twenty years, he was made Lieutenant General of the Forces of the King of France, a thing which sounds highly to the esteem of this Duke, being a sufficient argument as well of his Policy as Magnanimity; seeing a wise head is equally required warily to consult, as a stout heart resolutely to act, for the due performance of that office.
This trust he discharged to the admiration of all, achieving so many Noble and Heroic exploits, which rendered him renow'd throughout the Christian world. Yet such the bafeness and ingratitude of the French, that concluding a Peace with O. C. the Usurper of England, they wholly forgot his former services, and consented to the expulsion of this Prince and his royal brothers out of that Kingdom.
〈◊〉 valor cannot long lie neglected, soon was he courted by Don John de Austria into Flanders, where in the action at Dunkirk, he far surpassed his former deeds, often forgetting that he was a Prince to show himself a true soldier, such his hazarding his person, (really worth ten thousand of them) to the great molestation of his true friends.
Since God out of his infinite love to the English, hath safely returned this Duke to his native Country, where that he may long live, to be the joy and delight of the whole Nation, I shall constantly beg of God in my daily devotions.
ELIZABETH second daughter of King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at Saint James 's Anno 1635. on the 28. day of December. She proved a Lady of parts above her age, the quickness of her mind making recompense for the weakness of her body. For the remainder of her life I will my hold peace, and listen to my good friend Master John Buroughs thus expressing himself in a letter unto me.
The Princess Elizabeth with her Brother Henry Duke of Gloucester, being by order of parliament to be removed to Carisbroke-castle in the Isle of Wight, (where his Most Excellent Majesty was lately a Prisoner) were accordingly received by Mr. Anthony Mild may from the Earl and Countess of Leceister. at Penshurst in Kent, and began their unwilling journey on Friday 9. of August 1650. On the 16. of the same Month they were first lodged in Carisbroke-castle aforesaid.
The Princess being of a melancholy temper, (as affected above her age with the sad condition of her Family,) fell sick about the beginning of September following, and continue •… 〈◊〉 for three or four days, having only the Advise of Doctor Bignall a worthy and able 〈◊〉 of Newport. After very many rare ejaculatory expressions, abundantly demonstrating her unparalelled Piety, to the eternal honor of her own memory, and the astonishment of those who waited on her, she took leave of the world on Sunday the eighth of the same September.
Her body being embalmed, was carefully disposed of in a Coffin of Lead, and on the four 〈◊〉 twentieth of the said Month, was brought (in a Borrowed Coach) from the Castle to the Town of Newport, attended thither with her few late Servants. At the end of the 〈◊〉 , the Corps were met and waited on by the Mayor and Aldermen thereof in their formalities to the Church, where about the middle of the East part of the Chancel in Saint Thomas 〈◊〉 Chapel, her Highness was interred in a small Vault purposely made, with an Inscription of the date of her death engraved on her Coffin.
The 〈◊〉 of Norway, where a Winters day is hardly an hour of clear light, are the 〈◊〉 of wing of any Foul under the firmament, nature teaching them to bestir themselves, to lengthen the shortness of the time with their swiftness. Such the active piety of this Lady improving the little life alloted her, in running the way of God's Command •… .
〈◊〉 third daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at 〈◊〉 James 's, March 17. Anno Domini 1637. She was a very pregnant Lady above 〈◊〉 , and died in her infancy when not full four years old. Being minded by those 〈◊〉 her, to call upon God even when the pangs of death were upon her, I am not able, saith she, to say my long prayer, (meaning the Lord's-prayer) but I will say my short one, Lighten mine eyes, O Lord, lest I sleep the sleep of death; this done, the little lamb gave up the ghost.
KATHARINE fourth daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at White hall, (the Queen-Mother then being at Saint James 's) and survived not above half an hour after her baptizing. So that it is charity to mention her whose memory is likely to be lost, so short her continuance in this life. The rather because her name is not entered as it ought, into the Register of Saint Martins in the fields, as indeed none of the Kings children save Prince Charles, though they were born in that Parish: And hereupon a story depends.
I am credibly informed, that at the birth of every child of the King, born at Whitehall or Saint James 's, full five pounds were ever faithfully paid to some unfaithful receivers thereof, to record the names of such children in the Register of Saint Martins. But the money being emb •… iled (we know by some, God knows by whom,) no memorial is entered of them. Sad, that bounty should betray any to such baseness, and that which was intended to make them the more solemnly remembered, should occasion that they should be more silently forgotten.
Say not, let the children of mean persons be written down in Registers, Kings children are Registers to themselves, or all England is a Register to them. For sure I am, this common confidence hath been the cause, that we have been so often at a loss, about the nativities and other properties of those of Royal extraction.
CHARLES STUART son to the Illustrious James Stuart Duke of York, by Anne daughter to the Right Honorable Edward Hide Earl of Clarendon, and Lord Chancellor of England, and Frances his Lady, descended of the Ancient Family of the Aylesburies, High-sheriffs for many years together of Bedford and Buckinghamshire, in the reign of King Edward the second and third, was born at Worcester-house 22. day of October 1660. and christened by the Right Reverend Father in God Gilbert L. Bishop of London, his Majesty and George Duke of Albemarle being his God-fathers, and Mary the Queen-mother his God-mother: He was declared Duke of Cambridge, a title which to the great honor of that University for these four hundred years, hath been only conferred either on foreign Princes, or persons of the Royal Blood. This Princely infant died May 5. 1661.
Saints.
Saint WULSY being a man reputed when living, (and reported when dead) of great virtue, and innocence; Was by Saint Dunstan, created the first Abbot of Westminster, where he lived many years very exemplary for his conversation, until his death, which happened Anno Dom. 960. Then was his body buried in the same Monastery, and the 26. day of September was kept by the Citizens of London, with great Veneration of his miracle-working memory.
Martyrs.
I meet with none in this City, and in my mean Judgment it is most observable that London having two Pages (as I may term them) attending it, viz. Westminster and Southwark, both joined to it in buildings, should be so different from it in condition; in London we have no room to hold Martyrs, in the other two no Martyrs to take up any room.
Inquiring the cause thereof, we find these three places (though contiguous not to say continued) in the reign of Queen Mary under three several jurisdictions; London under bloody Bonner who made havoc of all he could come at: Southwark under politick Gardner, who took wit in his anger, of whom formerly: This Westminster under John Fecknam Abbot thereof, with power Episcopal, a man cruel to none, courteous and charitable to all who needed his help or liberality.
Confessors.
Rain (which Country-people say goeth by Planets,) goeth by Providence. * I caused it to rain upon one City, and caused it not to rain upon another. Persecution observeth the same method, ordered by the same power and pleasure. A shower of blood fell upon London, whilst Westminster the next City did escape. So that I find neither Martyr nor Confessor therein. Meeting with none before, let us proceed to
Prelates since the Reformation.
RICHARD NEILE was born in Kings-street in this City, and was bred in Saint Johns-college in Cambridge, he was afterwards Vicar of Chesthunt in the County of Hartford, presented thereunto by the honorable family of the Cecills; he was the first and last Native of this City, who became the Dean, and so the supreme magistrate thereof. Through many Bishoprics of Coventry and Lichfield, Durham and Winchester, he was at last preferred Arch-bishop of York, being also Privy Counselor to King James and King Charles. He died Anno Domini 16.
JOHN WARNER D. D. was born in the Parish of Saint Clements Danes, within the Precincts of this City, bred in Magdalene-college in Oxford, at last preferred Bishop of Rochester.
This worthy Bishop perceiving the want of a fixed Font in the Cathedral Church of Canterbury, bestowed one upon it, whether more curious or costly, my Author could not decide it, being both ways so excellent and exquisite. A gift the more remarkable, because the first, which hath been offered by any private hand to that Church of later times. But I suspect now this Font itself is washed away in the deluge of our late wars under the notion of superstition.
God hath given him a great Estate, and a liberal heart to make use of it. Keeping good Hospitality in the Christmas at Brumley, as he fed many Poor, so he freed himself from much trouble; being absent when the rest of the Bishops subscribed their Protest in Parliament, whereby he enjoyed liberty in the restraint of others of his Order. He was an able and active advocate for Episcopacy, in the House of Lord's speaking for them as long as he had any voice left him, and then willing to have made signs in their just defense, if it might have been permitted him.
But it is now high time for me to put out my Candle when Day-light shines so bright, I mean to desist from charactering of persons who are so perfectly known to so many alive. I will only add, this eminent Prelate hath since seen the happy restitution of his order, enjoying again his former dignity, who now is (and long may be) living 1661.
Statesmen.
Sir FRANCIS BACON Knight, youngest son to Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper, was born in York-house Anno 1560. For being demanded his age by Queen Elizabeth, he returned, that he was two years younger then her Majesty's reign. He was bred in Trinity-college in Cambridge, and there first fell into a dislike of Aristotle's Philosophy, as Barren and Jejune, enabling some to dispute, more to wrangle, few to find out truth, and none, if confining themselves to his Principles.
Hence it was that afterwards he traded so largely in experiments, so that as Socrates is said to be the first, who stooped Towring Speculations into Practical Morality: Sir Francis was one of the first, who reduced Notional to Real and Scientifical Philosophy.
He was afterwards bred in Grays-Inn in the Study of our Municipal Law, attaining to great Eminency, but no Preferment therein, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth; Imputable to the envy of a great Person, who hindered his rising, for fear to be hindered by him if risen, and Eclipsed in his own profession. Thus the strongest wing of merit cannot mount, if a stronger weight of malice doth depress it. Yet was he even then Favorite to a Favorite, I mean, the Earl of Essex, and more true to him, then the Earl was to himself. For finding him to prefer destructive before displeasing Counsel, Sir Francis fairly for sook, not h •… s person, (whom his pity attended to the grave) but practices, and herein was not the worse friend, for being the better subject.
By K. James he was made his Solicitor, and afterwards his Attorney, (then privileged contrary to custom to •… it a member in Dom. Com. ) and at last Lord Chancellor of England. His abilities were a clear con •… utation of two vulgar errors errors, (libels on learned men) First, that Judgment, Wit, Fancy, and Memory, cannot eminently be in conjunction in the same person, whereas our Knight was a rich Cabinet, filled with all four, besides a golden key to open it, Elocution. Secondly, That he who is something in all, is nothing in any one Art, whereas he was singular in singulis, and being In- at- all came off with credit.
Such as condemn him for pride, if in his place, with the fifth part of his parts, had been ten times prouder themselves; he had been a better Master if he had been a worse, being too bountiful to his servants, and either too confident of their honesty, or too conniving at their falsehood. The story is told to his advantage, that he had two Servants, one in all causes Patron to the Plantiffe, (whom his charity presumed always injured,) the other to the Defendant, (pitying him as compelled to Law, ) but taking bribes of both, with this condition, to restore the money received if the Cause went against them? Their Lord ignorant hereof, always did unpartial Justice, whilst his men (making people pay for what was given them) by compact shared the money betwixt them, which cost their Master the loss of his office.
Leading a private life, he much delighted to study in the shade of solitariness, and many useful discoveries in Nature were made by him, so that he may be said to have left nothing to his Executors and all to his Heirs, under which notion the learned of all ages may be beheld. His vast bounty to such who brought him presents from great persons occasioned his want afterwards, who in rewarding them so remembered that he had been Lord Chancellor, that he forgot that he was but the Lord Verulam.
A Viscountry that began and ended in him dying issu'less, it being remarkable, that though we have had two Earls (of several families ) of Saint Albans, yet was there no Lord Verulam, as if it were referved for that ancient Roman Colony to be buried in its own reverend ruins and in this peerless Lord's everlasting memory, much admired by English, more by out-landish men; Distance diminishing his faults to be invisible to foreign eyes, whilst we beheld his perfections abated with his failings.
He died Anno Domini 1626. in the house of the Earl of Arundel at High-gate, and was buried in Saint Michaels Church in Saint Albans, Master Mutis his grateful servant erecting a Monument for him. Since I have read that his grave being occasionally opened, his scull, (the relique of civil veneration) was by one King a Doctor of Physic made the object of scorn and contempt, but he, who then derided the dead, is since become the laughing stock of the living.
Writers.
SULCARD of WESTMINSTER was an English-man by birth, bred a Benedictine Monk. He was one of an excellent wit, meek disposition, candid behavior, and in great esteem with King Edward the Con •… essor. What Progress he made in learning, may easily be collected from what is recorded in an old Manuscript,
In Westmonasterio vixerunt simul Abbas, Eadwinus & Sulcardus Coenobita: Sed Sulchardus doctrina major erat.
He flourished Anno Domini 1070. under King William the Conqueror.
GILBERT of WESTMINSTER bred first Monkc then Abbot thereof. He gave himself to the study of human learning, then of Divinity, and through the guidance of Anselm Arch-bishop of Canterbury attained to great knowledge in the Scriptures. Afterwards he studied in France, visited Rome, in his return from whence he is reported to have had a disputation with a learned Jew, which afterwards he reduced into the form of a Dialogue, and making it public he dedicated it to Saint Anselm. He died Anno 1117. and was buried in Westminster.
MATHEW of WESTMINSTER was bred a Monk therein, and as accomplished a Scholar as any of his age. Observable is the grand difference betwixt our English history, as he found it and as he left it. He found it like Polyphemus when his eye was bored out, a big and bulky body, but blind. Memorable actions were either presented without any date which little informed, or too many dates which more distracted the Reader. Our Matthew reduced such confused sounds to an Articulate and intelligible voice, regulating them by a double directory of time, viz. the beginnings and deaths of all the Kings of England and Arch bishops of Canterbury. He wrote one History from the beginning of the world to Christ; a second, from Christ's Nativity to the Norman Conquest; a third; from thence to the beginning of King Edward the second, augmenting it a •… terwards with the addition of his life and King Edward the thirds. He named his book Flores Historiarum, and if sometimes (for it is but seldom) he presenteth a flower less fragrant, or blasted bud, the judicious Reader is not tied to take what he tenders, but may select for his own ease a Nosegay out of the choicest flowers thereof. He died about the year 1368.
Since the Reformation.
BENIAMIN JOHNSON was born in this City. Though I cannot with all my industrious inquiry find him in his cradle, I can fetch him from his long coats. When a little child he lived in Harts-horn-lane near Charing-cross, where his Mother married a Bricklayer for her Second husband.
He was first bred in a private school in Saint Martins Church, then in Westminster school, witness his own Epigram;
He was Statutably admitted into Saint Johns-college in Cambridge, (as many years after incorporated a honorary Member of Christ-church in Oxford ) where he continued but few weeks for want of further maintenance, being fain to return to the trade of his father in law. And let not them blush that have, but those that have not a lawful calling. He helped in the building of the new structure os Lincolns-Inn, when having a Trowell in his hand, he had a book in his pocket.
Some gentlemen pitying that his parts should be buried under the rubbish of so mean a Calling, did by their bounty manumise him freely to follow his own ingenuous inclinations. Indeed his parts were not so ready to run of themselves as able to answer the spur, so that it may be truly said of him, that he had an Elaborate wit wrought out by his own industry. He would sit silent in learned company, and suck in (besides wine ) their several humors into his observation. What was ore in others, he was able to refine to himself.
He was paramount in the Dramatique part of Poetry, and taught the Stage an exact conformity to the laws of Comedians. His Comedies were above the Volge, (which are only tickled with down right obscenity) and took not so well at the first stroke as at the rebound, when beheld the second time; yea they will endure reading, and that with due commendation, so long as either ingenuity or learning are fashionable in our Nation. If his later be not so spriteful and vigorous as his first pieces, all that are old will, and all that desire to be old, should excuse him therein.
He was not very happy in his children, and most happy in those which died first, though none lived to survive him. This he bestowed as part of an Epitaph on his eldest son, dying in infancy.
He died Anno Domini 1638. And was buried about the Belfry in the Abby-church at Westminster.
Masters of Music.
CHRISTOPHER TYE Doctor of Music, flourished in the reign of King Henry the eight and King Edward the sixth, to whom he was one of the Gentlemen of their Chapel, and probably the Organist. Music, which received a grievous wound in England at the disolution of Abbyes, was much beholding to him for her recovery; such his excellent skill and piety, that he kept it up in credit at Court and in all Cathedrals during his life. He translated the Acts of the Apostles into verse, and let us take a taste of his Poetry,
Pass we now from his Poetry (being Music in words) to his Music, (being Poetry in sounds ) who set an excellent Composition of Music of four parts, to the several Chapters of his aforementioned Poetry, dedicating the same to King Edward the sixth, a little before the death of that good Prince, and Printed it Anno Domini 1553. He also did compose many excellent Services and Anthems of four and five parts which were used in Cathedrals many years after his death, the certain date whereof I cannot attain.
JOHN DOULAND was (as I have most cause to believe) born in this City; sure I am he had his longest life and best livelihood therein, being Servant in the Chapel to Queen Elizabeth and King James. He was the rarest Musician that his Age did behold: Having travailed beyond the Seas, and compounded English with Forreign Skill in that faculty, it is questionable whether he excel'd in Vocal or Instrumental Music, A cheerful Person he was passing his days in lawful merriment, truly answering the Anagram made of him,
Christian the fourth K. of Denmark coming over into England, requested him of K. James who unwillingly willing parted with him. Many years he lived (as I am credibly informed) in the Danish Court, in great favor and plenty, generally employed to entertain such English Persons of quality as came thither. I cannot confidently avouch his death at Denmark, but believe it more probably then their assertion, who report him returned and dying in England about the year 1615.
Benefactors to the Public.
JAMES PALMER B. D. was born in this City and bred in Magdalene-college in Cambridge; The Company of Carpenters in London, gave him an exhibition towards his maintenance there, or lent it him rather; For since, his bounty hath repaid them the Principle with plentiful consideration. He was afterwards for many years the constant Preacher of Saint Bridgets in Fleetstreet, the only Church preferment he enjoyed: I perceive thus craft and cruelty may raise a quick and great, but plain frugallity (especially if vivacious ) will advance a better and surer estate. Though sequestered in these times; what he had formerly gained in his place, he hath since bestowed in building and endowing, over against the New Chapel in Westminster, a fair Alms-house for twelve poor people; besides this, many and great have his gifts been to Ministers poor widows, and wonder not Reader, if they be unknown to me, which were unknown to his own left-hand, all this he did in his life time. O it giveth the best light when one carrieth his Lant-horn before him! The surest way that ones Will shall be performed, is to see it performed. Yea, I may say, that his poor people in his Alms-house are in some sort provided for, not only from head to foot, but also from body to soul, he constantly preaching to them twice a week. He died Anno 1659.
Memorable Persons.
EDMOND DOUBLEDAY Esquire, was of a tall and proper person, and lived in this City. Nor had this large case a little jewel, this long body a lazy soul, whose activity and valor was adequate to his strength and greatness, whereof he gave this eminent testimony.
When Sir Thomas Knevet was sent November 4. 1605. by King James to search the Cellar beneath the Parliament-house, with very few, for the more privacy, to attend him, he took Master Doubleday with him. Here they found Gui Faux with his dark-lant-horn, in the dead of the night, providing for the death of many the next morning. He was newly come out of the Devils Closet, (so I may fitly term the inward room where the powder lay, and the train was to be laid,) into the outward part of the Cellar; Faux beginning to bussel, Master Doubleday instantly ordered him at his pleasure, up with his heels, and there with the Traitor lay the Treason flat along the floor, by God's goodness detected, defeated. Faux vowed (and though he was a false Traitor, herein I do believe him,) that had he been in the inner room, he would have blown up himself and all the company therein. Thus it is pleasant music to hear disarmed malice threaten, when it cannot strike. Master Doubleday lived many years after deservedly loved and respected, and died about the year of our Lord 1618.
The Farewell.
Seeing the well-being (yea being) of this City consisteth in the Kings Court and in the Courts of Justice, I congratulate the happy return of the one, praying for the long continuance of the other; yea, may the Lawyers in Westminster-hall never again plead in their Armor, (as they did in the time of Wyats rebellion,) but in their peaceable Gowns and Legal Formalities. Nor doth this Wish only extend to the Weal of Westminster, but all England. For no such dearth in a Land, as what is caused from a drought of Justice therein. For if judgment do not run down as Waters, and righteousness as a mighty Stream, Injustice like an Ocean will drown all with its inundation.
NOR FOLK hath the German Ocean on the North and East thereof, Suffolk severed by the river Waveny on the South-side, Cambridge-shire parted by the river Ouse, and a small part of Lincoln shire on the West; it extendeth full 50. miles from East to West, but from North to South stretcheth not above thirty miles.
All England may be carved out of Norfolk, represented therein, not only to the kind but degree thereof. Here are Fens and Heaths, and Light and Deep, and Sand and Clay-ground, and Meddows and Pasture, and Arable and Woody, and [generally] woodless land, so grateful is this Shire with the variety thereof. Thus, as in many men, though perchance this or that part may justly be cavilled at, yet all put together, complete a proper person: so Norfolk collectively taken hath a sufficient result of pleasure and profit, that being supplied in one part which is defective in another.
This County hath the most Churches of any in England, (six hundred and sixty, ) and, though the poorest Livings, yet (by some occult quality of their good husbandry, and God's blessing thereon,) the richest Clergy-men. Nor can there be given a greater demonstration of the wealth and populousness of this County, than, that in the late Act for an Assessment upon England, at the rate of sixty thousand pounds by the Month, for three Months, Norfolk with the City of Norwich, is rated at three thousand two hundred sixty six pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence, the highest proportion of any Shire in England. And, though Norfolk hath little cause to please and less to pride itself in so dear purchased pre-eminence, yet it cannot but account it a credit, to see itself not undervalued.
Natural Commodities.
It shareth plentifully in all English Commodities, and aboundeth with the best and most.
Rabbits.
These are an Army of natural Pioners, whence men have learned cuniculos agere, the Art of undermining. They thrive best on barren ground, and grow fattest in the hardest frosts. Their flesh is fine and wholesome. If Scottish-men tax our language as improper, and smile at our wing of a Rabbit, let us laugh at their shoulder of a Capon.
Their skins were formerly much used, when furs were in fashion, till of late our Citizens, of Romans are turned Grecians, have laid down their grave gowns, and took up their light cloaks; men generally disliking all habits, though emblems of honor, if also badges of age.
Their rich or silver-hair-skins, formerly so dear, are now levelled in prices with other colors, yea, are lower then black in estimation, because their wool is most used in making of hats, commonly (for the more credit) called Half-Beavers, though many of them hardly amount to the proportion of Semi-Demi-Castors.
Herrings.
Great store and very good of these are caught nigh Yarmouth, where once every year on the Feast of Saint Michael, is a Fair held for the sale of fish, and such the plenty of Herrings there constantly vented, that incredible the sum which is raised thereby. Indeed, the fishing for Herrings is a most gainful trade, fish though contemptable in it self, considerable in its company, swimming in such shoals, that what the Whale hath in bigness the Herring hath in number. (It may well mind such who excel in strength and valor, not to boast or be proud thereof, seeing the greatest courage may be soon pressed to death under unequal number.) Yea, Red-herrings in England mostly eaten for sauce to quicken the Appetite, serve in Holland and elsewhere for food to satisfy hunger.
I will conclude the Natural Commodities of this County, with this memorable passage, which I have read in a modern Author;
My belief tireth in coming up to the top of this story, suspecting the addition of a cypher. But if it were so, how much would it have enriched us, if those mockChina-dishes had been made in England.
Manufactures,
Worsteds.
These first took their name from Worsted a Village in this County, originally it is nothing but Woollen-thread spun very fine, and for the more strength twisted together: But O! it surpassesh my skill to name the several stuffs (being Worsted disguised with Weaving and Colouring ) made thereof.
It argueth the usefulness and public profit of this commodity, (which first found a general repute in England toward the end of the reign of King Henry the sixth) that there are no fewer then fourteen Statutes now in force in the well ordering thereof to Merchantable proof; And appointing which of them may, which may not be Transported. Not to speak of four Wardens of Worsted Weavers to be chosen yearly within the City of Norwish, and other four out of the County of Northfolk, with their solemn Oath, Office and Authority.
As for worsted Stockins they were first made in England Anno 1564. by William Rider an ingenious Apprentice living against Saint Magnus Church at the foot of London Bridge: This William chancing to see a pair of knit worsted Stockins in the Lodging of an Italian Merchant, who had brought them from Man •… ua, borrowed them, and making the like by that pattern, presented them to William Earl of Pembroke who first wore them in England.
Proverbs.
Norfolk dumplings. ]
This cannot be verified of any dwarfish, or diminutive stature of people in this County, being as tall of their bodies, and as tall of their arms too, I assure you, as any in England. But it relates to the fare they commonly feed on, so generally called. I wish, much good may it do them, and that their bodies thereby may be enabled for all natural, civil and spiritual performances.
Norfolk Wiles. ]
Such the skill of the common people hereof in our Common-Law, wherein they are so versed, ut si nihil sit litium, lites tamen ex juris apicibus serere callent. If I must go to Law, I wish them rather of my Counsel then my Adversaries. For whereas pedibus ambulando is accounted but a vexatious Suit in other Counties, here (where men are said to study Law as following the Plough tail ) some would persuade us, that they will enter an action for their neighbors horse but looking over their hedge. Now, although we listen to this but as a jeer, yet give me leave to observe two parts in Wiles.
| Wittiness | which all must | commend. |
| Wickedness | condemn. |
Sure I am, that in Scripture a Wile always male audit, is taken in an evil sense, as wherein the simplicity of the Dove is stung to death by the subtlety of the Serpent. But no more hereof least Norfolk-men commence a Suit against me, though I verily believe many therein are of as peaceable dispositions as any in other places.
A Yarmouth Capon. ]
That is a red-herring. No news for creatures to be thus disguised under other names, seeing Critics by a Libyon bear, sub pelle Libystidis ursae, understand a Lion, no Bears being found in the land of Libya. And I believe few capons (save what have more fins then feathers) are bred in Yarmouth. But to countenance this expression, I understand that the Italian Friers (when disposed to eat flesh on Fridays) call a Capon, piscem e corte, a fish out of the Coop.
He is arrested by the Bailey of Marshland.]
The air of Marshland in this County is none of the wholesomest, being surrounded with the Sea and Fens on all sides. Hence it is that strangers coming hither, are clapt on the back with an ague, which sometimes lasts them longer then a Stuffe Suit. The best is when such prisoners have paid the Bailiffs Fees and Garnish, and with time and patience have weathered out the brunt of that disease, they become habited to the air of the Country, and arrive in health at a very great age.
Princes.
I meet with no Prince since the Conquest taking his first breath in this County, probably, because so remote from the principal place of Royal Residence.
Prelates.
GILBERT BERKELEY was born in this County, but descended from the ancient Barons of that name, as appeareth by his Arms. He was consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wells in the first of Queen Elizabeth, and sat therein 22. years. He died of a Lethargy being 80. years of age 1581. and is buried on the North-side of the Communion-table of his own Cathedral.
JOHN AYLMER Brother to Sir Robert Aylmer Knight, was born, at Aylmerhall in the Parish of Tilsely in this County, as his nearest surviving relations have informed me, from whom I have received the following information.
When he was but a Child going toward school, Henry Gray Duke of Suffolk having some discourse with, took so much liking unto him, that after he had been bred some years in the University of Cambridge, he made him his Chaplain, and committed his daughter the Lady Jane Gray to his tuition.
In the reign of Queen Mary he fled over beyond Sea, and was little less then miraculously saved from the Searchers of the Ship, by the ingenuity of a Merchant who put him into a great Wine-but which had a partition in the middle, so that Master Aylmer sat in the hind part, whilst the Searchers drank of the Wine which they saw drawn out of the head or other end thereof.
Returning into England he was made Arch-Deacon of Lincoln, and at last Bishop of London. He was happy in a meet Yoke-fellow, having a gracious Matron to his wife, by whom he had many children, and one son to which Arch-bishop Whitgift was Godfather, and named him Tob-el, that is, The Lord is good, in memorial of a great deliverance bestowed on this child's mother. For when she was cast out of her Coach in London, (by a Mastiff casually seising upon the Horses ) she received no harm at all, though very near to the time of her Travail.
Bishop Aylmer was well learned in the Languages, a ready Disputant, and deep Divine. He was eighteen years Bishop of London, and dying Anno 1594. in the 73. year of his age, had this for part of his Epitaph, which Bishop Vaugham (sometimes his Chaplain, afterwards his Successor ) made upon him.
I understand it thus, once a Champion in suffering, when an Exile for religion, and again in doing, when chosen one of the disputants at Westminster against the Popish Bishops Primo Elizabethae; except any expound it thus: once Champion of the Doctrine against Papists, and afterwards against the Discipline of the Non-Confromists, none more stoutly opposing or more foully belibelled of them.
God blessed him with a great estate, the main whereof he left unto Samuel Aylmer his eldest son, ( High-sheriff of Suffolk in the reign of King Charles ) and amongst his youngest sons (all well provided for) Doctor Aylmer Rector of Haddam in Hartfordshire, was one of the most learned and reverend Divines in his generation.
JOHN TOWERS was born in this County, bred Fellow of Queens-college in Cambridge; and became Chaplain to William Earl of Northampton, who bestowed on him the Benefice of Castle-Ashby in Northampton-shire. He was preferred Dean and at last Bishop of Peterborough.
He was a good actor when he was young, and a great sufferour when he was old, dying (about the year 1650.) rich only in Children and Patience. Nothing but sin is a shame in itself, and poverty as poverty (especially since our Savior hath sanctified, it by suffering it) is no disgrace.
Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.
RALPH DE-HENGHAM so named from a fair Market-town in this County, was made Lord Chief-justice of the Kings-bench in Michaelmas term in the second year of King Edward the first, when the King was newly returned from the Holy-land. He sat 16. years in that place (saving that one Winborne was for a year or two interposed) and at the general purging and garbling of the Judges, which happened in the 18. year of the aforesaid King, when all the Judges (except two, John de Metingham and Elias de Bekingham, ) were cast out by the Parliament for their corruption, fined, banished and imprisoned, then this Ralph was merced in seven thousand marks, for bribery, and ejected out of his place.
Some will say, let him wither in silence, why do you mention him amongst the Worthies of our Nation? I answer, Penitence is the second part of Innocence, and we find this Ralph after his fine paid, made Chief-justice of the Common-pleas, sub recipiscendi fiducia, under the confidence generally conceived of his amendment. He died the next, being the 19. year of the reign of King Edward the first, he lies buried in the Church of Saint Paul, where he hath or had this Epitaph,
One must charitably believe that he played a good after-game of integrity, and if enjoying longer life, he would have given a clearer testimony thereof.
WILLIAM PASTON Esq. son of Clement Paston, Esq. and Beatrix his wife, (sister and heir to Jeffry Sommerton Esq.) was born at Paston in this County. He was learned in the laws of this Realm and first was Serjeant to King Henry the sixth, and was after by him preferred second Judge of the Common-pleas. I confess having confined our Catalogue to Capital Judges or Writers on the Law, he falls not under our method in the strictness thereof. But I appeal to the Reader himself, whether he would not have been highly offended with me, had I in silence passed over a person so deserving his observation.
He was highly in favor with King Henry the sixth, who allowed him, besides the ordinary salary assigned to other Judges, one hundred and ten marks, (Reader behold the Standard of money in that age and admire) with two Gowns to be taken yearly out of the Exchequer, as by the ensuing letters Patents will appear;
What Pellura is I understand, Furr, but what Limra is (if rightly written) I would willingly learn from another, though some are confident it is Taffata.
I wonder the less at these noble favors conferred on the said William Paston Judge, for I find him in grace with the two former Kings, being made Serjeant by King Henry the fourth, and of •… is counsel for the Dutchie of Lancaster, and in the reign of King Henry the fifth, he was in such esteem with Sir John Falstofe Knight, that he appointed him one of his Feoffees, whom he enabled by a writing under his hand to recover debts from the Executors of King Henry the fifth.
This William Paston married Agnes daughter and heir of Sir Edmond Berrey, by which marriage the Pastons rightly quarter at this day the several Coats of Hetherset, Wachesham, Craven, Gerbredge, Hemgrave and Kerdeston, and received both advancement in blood and accession in estate. This said William Paston died at London, August 14. 1444. and lies buried in Norwich; so that his corps by a peculiar exception do straggle from the Sepulture of their Ancestors, who from Wolstan de Paston (who three years after the Conquest came into England to William Earl of Glandwill, ) were all interred at Paston. He lest rich revenues to John Paston Esquire, his eldest son, who married Margaret daughter and heir of John Mautby; and no mean Estate to William his second surviving son, who married Anne daughter to Edmond Duke of Somerset.
Sir EDWARD COKE Knight, son of Robert Coke Esquire, and of Winefred Knightly his wife, was born at Mileham in this County; bred, when ten years of age, at Norwich-school, and thence removed to Trinity-college in Cambridge. After four years continuance there, he was admitted into Cliffords-Inn-London, and the year following entered a Studient of the Municipal-law in the Inner-Temple. Such his proficiency therein, that at the end of six years (exceeding early in that strict age) he was call •… d to the Bar, and soon after for three years chosen Reader in Lions-Inn. Here his learned Lectures so spread forth his fame, that crowds of Clients sued to him for his counsel, and his own suit was the sooner granted, when tendering his affections in order to marriage, unto Briget daughter and Co-heir of John Paston Esquire.
She was afterwards his incomparable wife, whose Portion moderately estimated, Viis & modis, amounted unto thirty thousand pounds, her virtues not falling under valuation, and she enriched her husband with ten children.
Then began preferment to press upon him, the City of Norwich choosing him Recorder, the County of Norfolk their Knight to Parliament, the Queen her Speaker therein, as also successively her Solicitor and Attorney. King James honored him with Knighthood, and made him Chief Justice, first of the Common-Pleas, then of the Kings-Bench. Thus beginning on a good bottom left him by his father, marrying a wife of extraordinary wealth, having at the first great and gainful practice, afterwards many and profitable Offices, being provident to choose good penny-worths in purchases, leading a thrifty life, living to a great age, during flourishing and peaceable times, (born as much after the Persecution under Queen Mary, as dying before our Civil Wars) no wonder if he advanced a fair estate, so that all his sons might seem elder brethren, by the large possessions left unto them.
Some falsely character him a back-friend to the Church and Clergy, being a grand benefactor to the Church of Norwich, who gratefully under their public seal honored him with the ensuing testimony,
As for the many Benefices in his own Patronage, he freely gave them to worthy men, being wont to say in his Law-language, that he would have Church-livings pass by Livery and Seisin, not Bargain and Sale.
Five sorts of people he used to fore-design to misery and poverty; Chemists, Monopolizers, Concelers, Promoters, and Rythming Poets. For three things he would give God solemn thanks; that he never gave his body to physic, nor his heart to cruelty, nor his hand to corruption. In three things he did much applaud his own success; in his fair fortune with his wife, in his happy study of the laws, and in his free coming by all his Offices, nec prece, nec pretio, neither begging, nor bribing for preferment.
His parts were admirable, he had a deep judgment, faithful memory, active fancy; and the jewel of his mind was put into a fair case, a beautiful body, with a comely countenance; a case, which he did wipe and keep clean, delighting in good clothes, well worn, and being wont to say, that the outward neatness of our bodies, might be a Monitor of purity to our souls.
In his pleadings, discourse and judgments, he declined all Circumlocutions, usually saying, The matter lies in a little room. In all places, callings and jurisdictions, he commended modesty and sobriety within their boundaries, saying, If a River swells beyond its Banks, it loseth its own Channel.
If any adverse party crossed him, he would patiently reply, If another punisheth me, I will not punish myself. In the highest Term of business he made Vacation to himself at his Table, and would never be persuaded privately to retract, what he had publicly adjudged, professing, he was a Judge in a Court, and not in a Chamber. He was wont to say, No wise man would do that in prosperity, whereof he should repent in adversity. He gave for his Motto, Prudens qui Patiens, and his practice was accordingly, especially, after he fell into the disfavor of King James.
The cause hereof the Reader may find in our English Chronicles, whilst we behold, how he employed himself when retired to a private life, when he did frui suo infortunio, and improved his loss to his advantage. He triumphed in his own innocence, that he had done nothing illegally, calling to mind the Motto which he gave in his rings when made Serjeant, Lex est tutissima Cassis, The Law is the safest Helmet.
And now he had leisure to peruse what formerly he had written, even thirty books with his own hand, most pleasing himself with a Manual, which he called his Vade mecum, from whence at one view he took a prospect of his life passed, having noted therein most remarkables. His most learned and laborious works on the Laws, will last to be admired by the judicious posterity whilst •… ame hath a trumpet left her, and any breath to blow therein. His judgment lately passed for an Oracle in Law, and if since, the credit thereof hath causelessly been questioned, the wonder is not great. If the Prophet himself, living in an incredulous age, found •… ause to complain, Who hath believed our Report? it need not seem strange, that our licentious times have afforded some, to shake the authenticalness of the Reports of any earthly Judge.
He constantly had prayers said in his own house, and charitably relieved the poor with his constant alms. The foundation of Suttous-hospital (when indeed but a foundation) had been ruined before it was raised, and crushed by some Courtiers in the hatching thereof, had not his great care preserved the same. The Free-school at Thetford was supported in its being by his assistance, and he founded a School on his own cost at Godwick in this County.
It must not be forgotten, that Doctor Whitgift (afterwards Arch-bishop of Canterbury ) was his Tutor, who sent unto his Puple, when the Queens Attorney, a fair New Testament with this message; He had now studied Common-law enough, let him hereafter study the Law of God.
Let me add to this, that when he was under a cloud at Court, and outed of his Judges place, the lands belonging to the Church of Norwich, which formerly he had so industriously recovered and settled thereon, were again called into question, being begged by a Peer, who shall pass nameless. Sir Edward desired him to desist, telling him, that otherwise he would put on his Gown and Cap, and come into Westminster-hall once again, and plead there in any Court in Justification of what he had done. He died at Stoke Poges in Buckingham-shire, on Wednesday the 3. of September being the 83. year of his age, whose last words were, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.
Sir THOMAS RICHARDSON Knight, was born at Mulbarton in this County, his father being Minister thereof. He was bred in the study of our Municipal-law, and became the Kings Serjeant therein. Afterwards, on the 28. of November 1626. he was sworn Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, that place having been void ten months before.
But coming now to our own times, it is safest for me to break off. Virgil, I remember, put a period to his Eclogue with
Seeing many will be ready to carp, it is safest for me to be silent, whilst his Brass Monument on the South-side of Westminster Abby, thus entertaineth the Reader;
This Judge married for his second Lady Elizabeth Beaumont, the sister (as I take it) of Mary Countess of Buckingham, and the Relict of........ Ashburnham Knight. She was by King Charles Created Baroness of Craumount in Scotland, and (though issueless by the Judge ) the Honor descended to his Grand-child.
Soldiers.
ROBERT VENILE Knight, one I confess whose name I never heard of, till meeting with this memorable Note in a Modern Historian;
This put me with blushing enough (that one so eminent in himself should be altogether to me obscure,) upon the inquiry after this valiant Knight, but all my industry could not retrive him in any author, so that he seems to me a kin to those spirits, who appear but once, and finally vanish away.
Sir OLIVER HINGHAM was born, richly landed, and▪ buried in Hingham, an eminent Market-town in this County. A right valiant man, whom King Edward the third left Governor of Aquitain in France, an honorable, but difficult place, being to make good a great Country with a few men, against a fierce and numerous enemy. Yet he gave a good account of his trust. When the French lay before Burdeaux, the Citizens thereof, to abuse the enemies hopes, set open their gates, displaying the Golden-lilies, the French-arms on their Towers, as if they were theirs; the French were no sooner securely entered, but brave Oliver, Captain of this City, and Warden of the whole Country for King Edward, gave them such an entertainment, that they drank not so much Claret-wine in the City, as they left Blood behi nd them. This happ'ned in the thirteenth year of the reign of King Edward the third.
This Sir Oliver lived many years after, and was made Knight of the Garter, and lies buried at Hingham under a fair tomb of free-stone curiously wrought, with his resemblance in his Coat-Armor (having a Crowned Owl out of an Ivy-bush for his Crest) lying upon a Rock, beholding Sun, Moon, and Stars, (because a great Travailer) all lively set forth in metal, with four and twenty mourners about his monument.
JOHN FASTOLFE Knight, was a native of this County, as I have just cause to believe, though some have made him a French-man, merely, because he was Baron of Sineginle in France, on which account they may rob England of many other Worthies. He was a Ward (and that the last) to John Duke of Bedford, a sufficient evidence to such who understand time and place to prove him of English extraction. To avouch him by many arguments valiant, is to maintain that the sun is bright, though since the Stage hath been over bold with his memory, making him a Thrasonical Puff, and emblem of Mock-valor.
True it is Sir John Oldcastle did first bear the brunt of the one, being made the make-sport in all plays for a coward. It is easily known out of what purse this black penny came. The Papists •… ailing on him for a Heretic, and therefore he must also be a coward, though indeed he was a man of arms, every inch of him, and as valiant as any in his age.
Now as I am glad that Sir John Oldcastle is put out, so I am sorry that Sir John Fastolfe is put in, to relieve his memory in this base service, to be the anvil for every dull wit to strike upon. Nor is our Comedian excusable, by some alteration of his name, writing him Sir John Falstafe, (and making him the property of pleasure for King Henry the fifth, to abuse) seeing the vicinity of sounds intrench on the memory of that worthy Knight, and few do heed the inconsiderable difference in spelling of their name. He was made Knight of the Garter by King Henry the sixth, and died about the second year of his reign.
Sir CLEMENT PASTON Knight, fourth son to Sir William Paston, son to Sir John Paston, a famous Soldier, and favorite to King Edward the fourth, (sent by him with the Lord Scales to conduct the Lady Margaret, the sister of the King, to her husband Charles Duke of Burgundy, ) son to William Paston the Judge, was born at Paston in this County. When a youth he was at the burning of Conquest in France, and afterwards by King Henry the eight was made Captain of one of his ships of war, and in a Sea-fight took a French Gally, and therein the Admiral of France prisoner, called the Baron of Blancard, whom he brought into England, and kept at Castor nigh rarmouth, till he had paid 7000. crowns for his ransom, besides the spoil of the Galley, wherein he had a cup and two snakes of gold, which were the Admirals, and which Sir Clement used during his life on Festivals, and at his death bequeathed them to his family for a monument. He received divers wounds, and was left for dead at Muscleburough -field in Scotland. When Sir Thomas Wyat in the reign of Queen Mary, was worsted at Ludgate, and desired for the more civil usage to render himself to a Gentleman, he submitted himself (saith our Historian) to Sir Clement Paston. He served at New-haven, having command of some ships of Queen Elizabeth, and was pensioner to two Kings, and two Queens successively. So rare was his happiness, that he spent his old age honourably, quietly and in good house-keeping in this County, where at Oxnit, he built a goodly house for hospitality, and a hospital hard by, for six poor serving-men, retainers to his name and family, allowing them convenient maintenance. He died Anno Domini 15.. and lieth buried in a fair tomb in the Church at Oxnit.
Seamen.
No County in England doth carry a top and top gallant more high in Maritime performances, then Norfolk. Witness the proportion of Yarmouth alone in the ensuing Catalogue of Ships, used by King Edward the third against Calis.
| The South-fleet Ships 493. | The North-fleet Ships 217. | Ships of London 25. | Ships of Yarmouth 43. |
| The Mariners thereof 9630. | The Mariners thereof 4521. | Mariners of London 662. | Mariners of Yarmouth 1950. or 1075. |
Know Reader, I cannot with all my diligence and interest recover the Original of this Catalogue, as extant not in the Tower, (where by my friends favor I could do something) but in the Kings great Wardrobe in London, out of which it is cited by our Author. But our times (I fear) have brushed it away with the rest of the Wardrobe. However give me leave to make some Annotations thereon.
- 1. These Ships, as by their great number appeareth, were small vessels: Yet as good as any in that age of England; and better (witness their victories) then any in France.
- 2. The Proportion may seem strange that Yarmouth should afford, well nigh, twice as many Ships and Mariners, as London itself.
- 3. Except it was that the King spared London, at this time, as the sure reserve for his Navy, on all occasions.
- 4. Or except there be a mistake in the numbers, (figures in Writing, as well as figures in Rethorick may, with a small dash, have their Meiosis made an Hyperbole.) And the various Lections in the Mariners of Yarmouth doth something shake (though not shatter ) the credit of the account.
- 5. The numbers may be very true, Yarmouth in that age being so populous a place, that (though but one Parish ) a lamentable Plague in one year did sweep thence 7000 men to the grave.
Thus, though the Church (and that very large) could never hold their Living, the Church yard could contain the Dead. Seeing persons alive will not be pressed in their Pews so close, as Corps may be crowded together in their Graves. But let us proceed to the particular Sea men of this County, and let none be offended if a Frier be put in the front before all the rest, viz.
NICHOLAS of LYNNE born in that Town, bred in Oxford, and is generally accounted a Franciscan Frier. But my Author, being a Carmelite himself, makes him one of his own Order. And all acknowledge him an excellent Musician, Mathematician, and Astrologer.
It is reported of him, how in the year 1330. being the thirty year of the reign of King Edward the third, he sailed, with others, to the most Northern Islands in the world. Then leaving his company, and taking his Astrolabe, he, by the help of ArtMagick, (so Mathematicians are nick-named by the ignorant) went as far as the Pole itself, where he discovered four In-draughts of the Ocean, from the four opposite Quarters of the World, from which many did conceive, as well the flowing of the Sea, as blasts of the Winds to have their Original. Were these things true, and had they been known to the Ancients, as it would have spared Philosophers much pains, in disputing the Moon the cause of the Motion of the Tide in the Sea, so had it spoiled Virgil his fancy, in making the Country of Aeolia the only Magazene of the winds.
Sure I am, Gerardus Mercator hath so graced the fancy of this Frier, that he made his description of the Countries about the Artick Pole, conformable to this his imaginary discovery, preferring to fill that his Map with a Fiction, then otherwise to leave it altogether empty. But the other Parts of his book have more solid and substantial truths, ór else weak were the Shoulders of his Atlas to support the world therewith.
But to return to Frier Nicholas. One tells us he wrote a book of his discoveries, and entitled it Inventio Fortunata. Sure it is, he was highly honored by our learned * Chaucer, witness his testimony of him, styling Freere N. Linne, A reverend Clerk. But all his learning could not sense him from death, which happened about the year 1360. and he was buried in Linne, the Town of his nativity.
PETER READ what he was, his ensuing Epitaph on his Monument in the South-Isle in Saint Peter's Church in Norwich will fully acquaint you,
We place him among Sea men because finding first his mention in Hakluit 's voyages, and Salt-water is the proper Element of the Pen of that Author.
Secondly, because his service was performed at Tunis, a Port-town in a Sea expedition. Now, although we confess it follows not, that he was born in or about Norwich, because buried therein; (Vast ofttimes the distance betwixt the Cradles and Coffins of far-travaillers, ) yet let none dislike his placing here, but such who can disprove it, and depose the negative, that elsewhere he had his nativity.
It is observable that this Sir Peter, Kinghted by the Emperor, as appears in his Epitaph, (let me add Anno 1538.) is only styled, not less modestly then truly Esq. upon his Monument. I confess some maintain that though higher honors ( Baron, Count, &c.) are only local to be owned by the person receiving them, in that place where they are given him: Yet that Knighthood given by a Sovereign Prince is universal and passeth currant, through all Christendom. But others, their equals, as stiffly deny it, and one who is their superior, (I mean Queen Elizabeth ) who in the case of Count Arundle, would not admit of any foreign honor conferred on her Subjects, avowing that her sheep should only be known by her own Mark.