English Puritan & Reformed

The History of the Worthies of England

Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) · 654,712 words · 2910 min

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Village so called in this County, bred a Carmelite in the Convent of Blackney, and afterwards studied first in Oxford, then in Paris, one remarkable on many accounts. First for the Dwarfishness of his stature,

Scalpellum calami atramentum charta libellus,

His Pen-knife, Pen, Ink-horn, one sheet of Paper, and any of his books would amount to his full height. As for all the books of his own making, put together, their burden were more then his body could bear.

Secondly, for his high spirit in his low body. Indeed his soul had but a small Diocese to visit, and therefore might the better attend the effectual informing thereof. I have heard it delivered by a learned Doctor in Physic, (at the Anatomy lecture in London ) who a little before had been present at the Emboweling and and Embalming of Duke Hamilton and the Lord Capel, that the heart of the former was the largest, the latter the least he had ever beheld, inferring hence, that contracted spirits act with the greatest vigorousness.

Thirdly, for his high title, wherewith he was generally termed the resolute Doctor. Two sorts of people he equally disliked, Skeptics who are of none; and inconstant people who are [successively] of all opinions, and whilst others turned about like the Wheel, he was as fixed as the Axletree in his own judgment. Yet this his resoluteness was not attended with censuring of such who were of another Opinion, where equal probability on either side allowed a latitude to dissent.

He groaped after more light then he saw, saw more than he durst speak of, spake of more then he was thanked for by those of his superstitio •… s Order, amongst whom (saith Bale ) neither before, nor after, arose the like for learning and religion. Most agree in the time of his death, Anno 1346. though dissenting in the place of his burial, assigning Blackney, Norwich, London, the several places of his Interment.

JOHN GOLTON born at Tirington in this County, was Chaplain to William Bateman Bishop of Norwich, and first Master (by the appointment of the Founder) of Gonvil-hall in Cambridge. Leland allows him a man plus quam mediocriter doctus & bonus, for which good qualities King Henry the fourth advanced him Arch-bishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland. He was employed to the Court of Rome in the heavy schism betwixt Pope Urban the sixth and Clement the seventh, which occasioned his writing of his learned treatise, De causa Schismatis; and because, knowing the cause conduceth little to the cure without applying the remedy, he wrote another book De Remediis ejusdem. It seemeth he resigned his Arch-bishopric somewhat before his death, which happened in the year of our Lord 1404.

ALAN of LYNNE was born in that famous Mart-town in this County, and brought up in the University of Cambridge, where he proceeded Doctor of Divinity, and afterwards became a Carmelite in the Town of his nativity. Great his diligence in reading many and voluminous Authors, and no less his desire, that others with him should reap the fruit of his industry, to which end he made Indexes of the many Writers he perused.

An Index is a necessary implement, and no impediment of a book, except in the same sense wherein the Carriages of an Army are termed Impedimenta. Without this, a large Author is but a labyrinth without a clue to direct the Reader therein. I confess, there is a lazy kind of learning, which is only Indical; when Scholars (like adders which only bite the horse heels) nibble but at the Tables, which are calces librorum, neglecting the body of the book. But, though the idle deserve no Crutches, (let not a staff be used by them, but on them,) pity it is the weary should be denied the benefit thereof, and industrious Scholars prohibited the accommodation of an Index, most used by those who most pretend to contemn it.

To return to our Alan, his Herculean labor in this kind doth plainly appear to me, who find it such a toil and trouble, to make but an Index of the Indexes he had made of the Authors following.

1 Aegidius
2 Alcuinus
3 Ambrosius
4 Anselmus
5 Aquinas
6 Augustinus
7 Baconthorpe
8 Basil
9 Bede
10 Belethus. Bles.
11 Bernard
12 Berthorius
13 Cassianus
14 Cassiodorus
15 Chrysostom
16 Cyril
17 Damascene
18 Gerard. Laodic.
19 Gilbert
20 Gorham
21 Gregory
22 Haymo
23 Jerome
24 Hilary
25 Hugo
26 Josephus
27 Neckam
28 Origen
29 Pamph. Eusebius
30 Phil. Ribot
31 Raban
32 Remigius
33 Richard

All these I. Bale, professeth himself to have seen in the Carmelites Library at Norwich, acknowledging many more which he saw not.

Now, although it be a just and general complaint, that Indexes for the most part are Heteroclites, I mean, either redundant, in what is needless, or defective, in what is needful; yet the Collections of this Alan were allowed very complete. He flourished Anno 1420. and was buried at Lynne in the Convent of Carmelites.

WILLIAM WELLS was born (saith Pitz. ) at Wells, the Cathedral See in Somerset-shire, wherein no doubt he is mistaken: For, (be it reported to any indifferent judgment, that) seeing this William had his constant converse in this County, (living and dying an Augustinian in his Covent at Lynne, ) and seeing there is a Wells no mean Market-Town in this Shire, with more probability he may be made to owe his nativity and name to Norfolk. He was for twenty years Provincial of his Order in England, Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge, an industrious man and good writer; abate only the Siboleth of Barbarism, the fault of the age he lived in. He died and was buried at Lynne 1421.

JOHN THORPE was born in a Village so called in this County, bred a Carmelite at Norwich, and Doctor at Cambridge. Logic was his Master-piece; and this Dedalus wrote a book entitled the Labyrinth of Sophismes, and another called the Rule of Consequences, for which he got the title of Doctor Ingeniosus. This minds me of a Prognosticating Distich on the Physiognomies of two children,

Hic erit Ingenuus non Ingeniosus, at ill

Ingeniosus erit, non erit Ingenuus

The later of these characters agreeth with our Thorpe, who had a pound of wit for a dram of good nature, being of a cruel disposition, and a violent persecutor of William White, and other godly Wickliffites. He died Anno Domini 1440. and lieth buried at Norwich.

His name causeth me to remember his Name-sake of modern times lately deceased, even Mr. John Thorpe B. D. and Fellow of Queens-college in Cambridge, my ever honored Tutor, not so much beneath him in Logic, as above him in the skill of Divinity and an Holy conversation.

JOHN SKELTON is placed in this County, on a double probability. First, because an ancient family of his name, is eminently known long fixed therein. Secondly, because he was beneficed at Dis a Market-town in Norfolk. He usually styled himself (and that Nemine contradicente, for ought I find) the Kings Orator and Poet Laureat. We need go no further for a testimony of his learning than to Erasmus, styling him in his letter to King Henry the eight, Britannicarum Literarum Lumen & Decus.

Indeed he had seholarship enough, and wit too much; seeing one saith truly of him, Ejus sermo salsus in mordacem, risus in opprobrium, jocus in amaritudinem. Yet was his Satyrical wit unhappy to light on three Noli me tangere's, viz. the rod of a Schoolmaster, the Couls of Friars, and the Cap of a Cardinal. The first gave him a lash, the second deprived him of his livelihood, the third almost outed him of his life.

William Lily was the School-master, whom he fell foul with, though gaining nothing thereby, as may appear by his return. And this I will do for W. Lily, (though often beaten for his sake) endeavor to translate his answer;

          Quid me
          
           Sceltone
          
          front sic apertâ
         
          Carpis, vipereo potens veneno?
         
          Quid versus trutinâ meos iniquâ
         
          Libras? dicere vera num licebit?
         
          Doctrinae, tibi dum parare famam,
         
          Et Doctus fieri studes Poeta,
         
          Doctrinam nec habes, nec es Poeta.

          With face so bold, and teeth so sharp
         
          Of Vipers venom, why dost carp?
         
          Why are my verses by thee weighed
         
          In a false scale? may truth be said?
         
          Whilst thou to get the more esteem
         
           A learned Poet
          
          fain wouldst seem:
         
           Skelton
          
          thou art, let all men know it,
         
          Neither l
          
           •…
          
          arned, nor a Poet.

The Dominican Friars were the next he contested with, whose vitiousness lay pat enough for his hand; but such foul Lubbers fell heavy on all which found fault with them. These instigated Nix Bishop of Norwich, to call him to account for keeping a Concubine, which cost him (as it seems) a suspension from his benefice.

But Cardinal Wolsey (impar congressus betwixt a poor Poet and so potent a Prelate ) being inveighed against by his pen, and charged with too much truth, so persecuted him, that he was forced to take Sanctuary at Westminster, where Abbot Islip used him with much respect. In this restraint he died June 21. 1529. and is buried in Saint Margaret's Chapel with this Epitaph,

J. Sceltonus Vates Pierius hic situs est.

The word Vates being Poet or Prophet, minds me of this dying Skeltons prediction, foretelling the ruin of Cardinal Wolsey. Surely, one unskilled in prophecies, if well versed in Solomon's Proverbs, might have prognosticated as much, that, Pride goeth before a fall.

We must not forget, how being charged by some on his death-bed, for begetting many children on the aforesaid Concubine; he protested, that in his Conscience he kept her in the notion of a wife, though such his cowardliness that he would rather confess adultery, (then accounted but a venial; ) than own marriage esteemed a capital crime in that age.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN BARRET was born of an honest family at Linne in this County, bred a Carmelite of White-Friars in Cambridge, when learning ran low, and degrees high in that University. For many usurped scarlets, qualified only with ignorance and impudence, (properties seldom parted) so that a Scholar could scarcely be seen for Doctors, till the University sensible of the mischief thereby, appointed Doctor Cranmer (afterwards Arch-bishop of Canterbury ) to be the Poser-general of all Candidates in Divinity, amongst whom he stopped Barret for insufficiency.

Back goes Barret to Linne, turns over a new, yea many new leaves, plying his book to purpose, whose former ignorance proceeded from want of pains, not parts; and in short time became a tolerable, a good, an excellent, and admirable scholar, and Commencing Doctor with due applause, lived many years a painful Preacher in Norwich, always making honorable mention of Doctor Cranmer, as the means of his happiness. Indeed he had been ever, if not once, a dunce, who if not debarred had never deserved his Degree. Bale saith that in the reign of Q. Mary, he returned to his vomit, and became a great Papist. But his praises are better to be believed then his invectives, and seeing Wood not growing crooked, but warping with weight, may be straightened again, we charitably believe that though complying in times of persecution, he returned to the truth in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, in the beginning whereof he died.

EDMOND GOURNEY born in this County, was bred in Queens and BennetColledge in Cambridge, where he Commenced Bachelor of Divinity, and afterwards was beneficed in this Shire. An excellent scholar, who could be humorous and would be serious, as he was himself disposed; his humors were never profane towards God, or injurious towards his Neighbors, which premised, none have cause to be displeased if in his fancies he pleased himself.

Coming to me in Cambridge when I was studying, he demanded of me, the subject whereon I studied, I told him I was Collecting the Witnesses of the truth of the Protestant Religion through all ages even in the depth of Popery, conceiving it feasible though difficult to evidence them.

It is a needless pains (said he) for I know that I am descended from Adam, though I cannot prove my pedigree from him. And yet Reader, be pleased to take notice he was born of as good a family as any in Norfolk. His book against Transubstantiation, and another on the second Commandment, are learnedly and judiciously written, he died in the beginning of our Civil Wars.

Benefactors to the Public.

GODFREY BOLLEN Knight, Son of Jeffrey Bollen, was born at Salle in this County. Being but a second brother he was sent into the City to acquire wealth, ad aedificandum domum antiquam. Unto whose achievements fell in both the blood and inheritance of his eldest brother for want of Issue Male. By which accumulation he attained great wealth, and Anno Domini 1457. was Lord Mayor of London. By his Testament made in the next year, he gave liberally to the Prisoners, Hospitals, and ( ) Lazer-houses. Besides, ( ) he gave one thousand pounds (the greatest sum I meet with in that age to pious uses,) to poor Householders in London: and two hundred pounds to those in Norfolk. But it was the height of his and our happiness that he was Great-grand-father by the Mothers side to Queen Elizabeth.

JAMES HOBART was born in this County, though I dare not say at Halleshall, which he left to his posterity. He was Attorney-general, and of the Privy-counsel to King Henry the seventh, by him dubbed Knight at such time as he Created Henry his Son Prince of Wales. This worthy Patriot (besides his many benefactions to his Parish-church in London, ) built a fair Bridge over the river Waveny, betwixt this County and Suffolk, and a firm Cause-way thereby, with many other works of charity, so that the three houses of his issue, planted in this County, with fair possessions, may be presumed to prosper the better, for the piety of this their Ancestour.

ANDREW PERNE was born at Bilny, bred in Peter-house, whereof he was Fellow and Master, as also Proctor and Vice-chancellor of Cambridge and Dean of Eli. Very bountiful he was to his College wherein he founded a Fellowship and Scholarships. Besides many rare Manuscripts he acquired to their Library. But his memory ought most to be honored (Saving God's living Temples, is better then building dead Colleges ) on this account, because in the days of Queen Mary, he was the Skrene to keep off the fire of Persecution, from the faces and whole bodies of many a poor Protestant, so that by his means no Gremial of the University was martyred therein.

I know he is much taxed for altering his Religion four times in twelve years, (from the last of King Henry the eight, to the first of Queen Elizabeth, ) a Papist, a Protestant, a Papist, a Protestant; but still Andrew Perne. However be it known, that though he was a Bending Willow, he was no Smarting Willow, guilty of Compliance not Cruelty, yea preserving many who otherwise had been persecuted.

He was of a very facetious nature, excellent at Blunt-sharp Jests, and perchance sometimes too tart in true ones. One instance of many; This Dean chanced to call a Clergy-man fool, (who indeed was little better) who returned that he would complain thereof to the Lord Bishop of Eli. Do (saith the Dean) when you please, and my Lord Bishop will Confirm you.

Yet was Doctor Perne himself at last heart-broken with a Jest, (as I have been most credibly informed from excellent hands,) on this occasion. He was at Court with his Pupil Arch-bishop Whitgift in a rainy afternoon, when the Queen was (I dare not say willfully ) but really resolved to ride abroad, contrary to the mind of her Ladies, who were on hors-back (Coaches as yet being not common) to attend her. Now one Clod the Queens Jester was employed by the Courtiers to laugh the Queen out of so inconvenient a Journey. Heaven (saith he) Madam diswades you, it is cold and wet; and Earth diswades you, it is moist and dirty. Heaven diswades you, this heavenly minded man Arch-bishop Whitgift; and Earth diswades you, your fool Clod, such a lump of clay as myself. And if neither will prevail with you, here is one that is neither Heaven nor Earth, but hangs betwixt both, Doctor Perne, and he also diswades you. Hereat the Queen and the Courtiers laughed heartily, whilst the Doctor looked sadly, and going over with his Grace to Lambeth, soon saw the last of his life.

Since the Reformation.

Sir THOMAS GRESHAM was born in this County, bred a Mercer and Merchant in the City of London, where God so blessed his endeavors that he became the Wealthiest Citizen in England of his age, and the founder of two stately Fabrics, the Old Exchange a kind of College for Merchants, and Gresham-College a kind of Exchange for Scholars.

I have learned from Goldsmiths, that Vessels made of Silver and Guilt, are constantly Burnished; seldom or never those few which are made of Massy Gold, whose real intrinsic worth disdaineth to borrow any Foyl from Art. Let lesser Donations be amplified with rhetorical Prayses. Nothing need be said of this worthy Knights gifts, but his gifts, and take them truly copied from the Original of his Will, as followeth,

First, concerning the building in London called the Royal Exchange, with all Shops, Cellars, Vaults, Tenements thereunto belonging; I will, and dispose one moity to the Mayor, Commonalty, and Citizens of London, upon confidence that they perform the payments, and other intents hereafter limited.

The other moity of the said buildings, to the Wardens and Commonalty of the Mystery of Mercers, of the City of London, upon trust that they perform the payments, and other intents hereafter mentioned.

I Will and Dispose, that they the said Mayor and Commonalty, do give and distribute for the sustentation, maintenance, and finding four Persons, from time to time to be chosen, nominated, and appointed by the said Mayor, &c. to read the Lectures of Divinity, Astronomy, Music, and Geometry, within mine own dwelling house in the Parish of Saint Helens. I give and dispose, out of this moity, two hundred pouuds to be paid to the four Readres sufficiently learned, fifty pounds to each yearly.

I likewise give the said Mayor, &c. fifty three pounds to be yearly distributed in manner following,

Unto eight Alms-folks, whom the said Mayor, &c. shall appoint to inhabit my eight Alms-houses in the Parish of St. Peters Poor, the sum of six pounds, thirteen shillings, four pence, to each of them to be paid at four usual terms, &c.

I likewise Dispose out of this moity, fifty pounds yearly, to be distributed by the said Mayor, &c. To the Prisoners in New-gate, Lud-gate, the Kings-bench, the Marshalsey, the Counter in Wood-street; ten pounds to each prison, to be paid among the poor thereof.

The other moity of the said building disposed to the Mercers, I Will and Dispose, out of it, to be by them paid one hundred and fifty pounds to the finding, &c. three persons to be by the Wardens, &c. chosen, nominated, and appointed to read the Lectures of Law, Physic, and Rhetoric.

That the said Mercers shall out of their moity, yearly expend one hundred pounds at four several Dinners, for the whole Company of the said Corporation, in the Mercers-hall in London, on every Quarter day.

That they shall distribute to the several Hospitals of Christ-church, Saint Bartholomews, the Spittle at Bedlam, the Hospital for the poor in Southwark, and the Poultry-Counter, fifty pounds yearly in money or other provisions ten pounds,

My Mansion house with the Gardens, Stables, &c. I give to the Mayor and Commonalty of London, and also to th •… Wardens and Commonalty of the Mystery of Mercery, to have and to hold in Common, upon trust and confidence that they observe, perform, and keep my Will, and true meaning hereafter expressed.

My Will, Intent, and Meaning is, that the said Mayor, and Commonalty, and their Successors, and that the said Wardens and Commonalty of t •… e Mercers, shall permit and suffer seven persons, by them from time to time to be elected and appointed as aforesaid, to meet and sufficiently learned to read the said seven Lectures, to have the occupation of all my said Mansion house, Gardens, &c. for them and every of them there to inhabit, study, and daily to read the said several Lectures. And my Will is, that none shall be chosen to read any of the said Lectures, so long as he shall be married, neither shall receive any Fee or Stipend appointed for the reading of the said Lectures.

Moreover, I Will and Dispose, that the said Mayor, and Commonalty, and Mercers, shall enjoy the said Royal Exchange, &c. forever, severally by such moities as is before expressed; provided, they do in the term of fifty years provide and obtain sufficient and lawful Dispensations and Licenses, warrant and authority, upon trust and confidence, and to the intent that they shall severally forever maintain and perform the payment, charges, and all other intents and meanings thereof, before limited and expressed, according to the intent and true meaning of these presents.

And that I do require and charge the said Corporations and chief Governors thereof, with circumspect diligence, and without long delay, to procure and see to be done, and obtained such Licenses as they will answer for the same before Almigbty God, for if they, or any of them, should neglect to obtain such Licenses, no Prince nor Counsel in any degree, will deny or defeat the same; and if conveniently by my Will or other Conveyance, I might assure it, I would not leave it to be done after my Death. Then the same shall revert to my Heirs, whereas I do mean, the same to the Commonwealth, and then their default thereof, shall be to the reproach and condemnation of the said Corporation before God. &c.

This worthy Knight completed his second change, I mean of a mortal life for a Blessed Eternity, on the 21. of November 1579. and lieth buried in the Parish Church of Saint Helens.

Sir WILLIAM PASTON Knight, son and heir to Erasmus Paston of Paston Esquire, is justly recounted a Public Benefactour. True it is, the family whence he was extracted, were always forward in deeds of Charity. according to the devotion of the days they lived in. Witness their •… ountiful donations to the Abbys of Saint Bennet in the Holme, and Bromholme in this County, after the Reformation; they had not (with too many) less heat, because more light, but continued the stream though they changed the Channel of charity. This Sir William erected a very fair school, with thirty pounds per annum, for the maintenance thereof at Northwalsam in this County, a deed no doubt acceptable to the God of heaven.

Solomon saith, Teach a Child in the trade of his youth. But alas! it's above the reach of poor parents to teach their Children, lacking learning to do it themselves, and livelihood to hire others, save where such good persons as this worthy Knight, have made provision for them. This Sir William married Francis the daughter of Sir Tho. Clear of Stokesby, and was Great-grand-father to Sir William Paston the bountiful promoter of all my weak endeavors.

HENRY HOWARD youngest son of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, and brother to Thomas Howard last Duke of Norfolk, was bo •… at Shotesham in this County. He was bred a serious student for many years in Kings college in Cambridge, then in Trinity-hall, going the ordinary path and pace to the degree of Mastership, without any honorary advantage. Here he became a grea •… and general Scholar, witness his large and learned work entitled, A D •… pensative against the poison of supposed Prophesies, and dedicated to Sir Francis Walsingham. His fortune left him by his Father, was not great, and he lived privately all the reign of Queen Elizabeth, till King James advanced him in honor and wealth.

Here, for variety sake, and the better to methodize our matter, we will make use of a distinction common in the Custom-house, about bills of lading, Inwards and Outwards, observing what greatness were imported and conferred on him, what gratitude was exported and performed by him.

Inwards.	Outward.
1. King James Created him Baron of Marnehill in Dorset shire. 2. Earl of Northampton. 3. Lord Privy Seal. 4. Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. 5. Knight of the Garter. 6. Cambridge chose him her Chancellor.	1. He founded and endowed an Hospital for twelve poor women and a Governor, at Rising in this County. 2. Another for twelve poor men and a Governor, at Clun in Shropshire. 3. Another at Greenwich in Kent, for a Governor and twenty poor men, of whom eight are to be chosen out of Shotesham, the place of his nativity.

He died the 15. of June 1614. and was buried in the ancient Chapel of the Castle of Dover.

Memorable Persons.

—SHARNBORN, born at, and Lord of Sharnborn a considerable Manor in this County. This Manner William the Conqueror, out of the plenitude of his power conferred on one Warren a Norman Soldier.

But Sharnborn was not so tame, as silently to set down, and suffer a stranger peaceably to possess his inheritance, which his English Ancestors for many years had enjoyed, but fairly traversed his Title, (I will not say in Westminster-hall, as of later erection in the reign of King Rufus ) but in that public place, where Pleas were held in that age.

Surely none but a Norfolk-man, durst go to Law with the Conqueror, and question the validity of his Donations. Yea brave Sharnborn got the better of the Suit, and the Kings grant was adjudged void. This is pertinently pressed by many to prove that King William (though in Name) was in very deed no Conqueror, but came in by composition to keep the Laws of England.

Now as I am heartily sorrowful that Sharnborn possessed ever since, (almost 600. years) by that name and family, should in our age be sold, and aliened from it, (whose heir males are just now extinct) so am I cordially glad that it is bought by a worthy person, Francis Ash Esquire, which, with some limitation hath freely settled it (being of good yearly value) on Immanuel-college, and may they as long enjoy it as the former owners, if before that term, the Day of Judgment put not a Period to all earthly possessions.

Lord Mayors.

Name	Father	Place	Company	Time
1	Godfry Boleyn	Geoffrey Boleyn	Salle	Probably Mercer	1457
2	Bartholomew Rede	Robert Rede	Crowmer	Goldsmith	1502
3	Richard Gresham	John Gresham	Holt	Mercer	1537
4	John Gresham	John Gresham	Holt	Mercer	1547
5	Thomas Cambell	Robert Cambell	Fullsam	Iron-Monger	1609
6	John Leman	John Leman	Gillingham	Fish-Monger	1616
7	Edward Barkham	Edward Barkham	South-Akere	Draper	1621

The names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth 1433.

William Bishop of Norwich.	Commissioners to take the Oaths.
John de Morley Chivaler.
Robert Cliffton, mil. Knights for the shire.
John Roys. Knights for the shire.

Abbatis de Langle
Abbatis de Creek
Abbatis de Wendelyng
Abbatis de Derham
Prioris Sancte fidis
Prioris de Walsyngham
Prioris de Tetford
Prioris de Linne
Prioris de Yernemouth
Prioris de Ingham
Prioris de Cokysforde
Prioris de Westar
Prioris de Penteneye
Prioris de Castelacre
Prioris de Bromhill
Prioris de Ghildham
Prioris de Wyrmingheye
Prioris de Bokynham
Prioris de Bromholm
Prioris de Hyking
Prioris de Petreston
Prioris de Flycham
Prioris de Baeston
Johan. Clyfton, mil.
Briani Stapulton, mil.
Tho. Kerdeston
Hen. Inglose, mil.
Tho. Tudenham, mil.
Rog. Harsick, mil.
Hen. Richford, mil.
Johan. Curson, mil.
Henry Grey
Williel •… i Calthorp
Johan. Fitz-Rauf de Moris
Thomae Willoughby
Oliveri Groos
Thomae Chaumbir
Edmundi Winter
Nich. Apilyerde
Will. Apilyerde
Nicholai Castel
Edmundi Stapulton
Thomae Pigot
Henrici Walpole
Thomae Trusbute
Willielmi Byllingford
Willielmi Daubeney
Thomae Astele
Radulphi Lampet
Johannes Woodehouse
Johan. Berney de Redham
John. Berney de Wythingham
Georgii Holkham
Willielmi Yelverton
Edmundi Wychyngham
Johan. Heydon
Will. Grey de Merston
Willielmi Raimis
Thomae Dengayne
Johannes Clepisby
Johannes Strange
Richardi Gogh
Christopheri Strange
Henrici Catte
Johannes Bakon
Henrici Nottyngham
Henrici Sharyngton
Roberti Martham
Willielmi Bellingford
Walteri Aslak
Thomae Lovell
Thomae Shuldham
Simonis Fincham
Will. Walton
Thomae Derham
Roberti Godard
Thomae Kervile
Hen. Stormer
Johan. Hamond
Georg. Hethe
Johan. Fox de Castelacro
Nich. Bokkyng
Nich. Stonwell
Will. Spynk
Thomae Chelton
Johan. Bekkeswell
Johan. Rysele
Roberti Popyngeay
Johan. Wentworth
Walt. Eton
Will. Thurleton
Will. Tweyth
Edmundi Sekford
Johan. Michell
Thomae Boys
Johan. Dory
Johan. Bachelor
Thomae Selors
Thomae Brigge
Thomae Gurney
Will. Brampton
Johan. Clare
Johan. Austyn
Johan. Bolle
Roberti Brom
Johan. Knight
Galfridi Grey
Johan. Bullok
Johan. Brustbon
Simonis Godknap
Robert. Padyrys
Robert. Blogge
Rich. Chirche
Ade Mundforth
Johan. Gigges
Will. Dyton
Galfridi Craneweys
Edmundi Massingham
Osberti Mundford
Tho. Fyssher
Johan. Seche
Will. Thakker
Will. Barbour
Johan. Crane
Johan. Holdernese
Leonardi Claxton
Tho. Fannyngham
Tho. 〈◊〉
Johan. Thursby
Johan. Wesinham
Rich. Frank
Nich. Frank
Johan. Wythe
Johan. Parlementer
Will. Wythe
Rad. Brecham
Roberti Walsyngham
Will. Kirton
Johan. Stannton
Johan. Miryoll
Johan. Syff
Tho. Spicer
Tho. Salysbury
Johan. Waryn
Johan. Warner
Rich. Lychour
Johan. Bury
Johan. Brekerope
Edmundi Goldyng
Johan. Tylney
Andr. Swanton
Will. Kellowe
Johan. Abbot
Johan. Frewill
Will. Stapulton
Johan. Wayte
Johan. Gybbon
Rober. Brandon
Nich. Wythe
Johan. Nicolasson
Johan. Andrew
Alexan. Draper
Tho. Midleton
Johan. Thorn
Will. Sylk
Simon. Body
Nich. Benpre
Edmund. Bonet
Tho. Feltwell
Rad. Midylton
Rich. Baker
Johan. Howard
Johan. Eye
Rich Deye
Rich. Billingforth
Johan. Tremche
Will. Bullman
Will. Candelere
Will. Stokker
Johan. Bosse
Johan. Sturmy
Will. Fyrsk
Johan. Parker
Sen. Hetersite
Rog. Scot
Johan. Joye
Hen. Warner
Tho. Manning
Rich. Cans
Tho. Norwold
Johan. Bredeman
Georg. Palgrave
Johan. Rede.
Will. Ede
Tho. Gyle
Tho. Candeler
Tho. Stywarp
Johan. Walpell
Tho. Canon
Johan. Mortoft
Rich. Vewtre
Johan. Alcok
Will. James
Johan. Tylls
Rog. Brook
Johan. Be
Will. Tanerham
Rich. Baret
Johan. Loumour
Tho. Walisch
Galf. Brewster
Will. Newegate
Johan. Man
Pet. Hokkeham
Will. Seyne
Johan. Monk
Johan. Louis
Johan. Seforth
Tho. Colles
Johan. Chapman
Edmund. Clerk
Tho. Bertram
Rob. Norwich
Johan. Sweyn
Johan. Puttok
Tho. Trunch
Johan. Wynse
Johan. Byrston
Tho. Stipoard
Rich. Cordy
Johan. Webbe
Rich. Wode
Johan. Spark
Johan. Atte Mere
Johan. Eli
Johan. Dany
Edmund. Wode
Tho. Richeforth
Johan. Daws
Alani. Twykke
Simon. Cook
Nich. Park.
Johan. Legge
Rich. Henke
Rob. Ling
Tho. Monnsewes
Tho. Yekesworth
Johan. Trench
Johan. Elyngham
Johan. Bettys
Johan. Porter
Johan. Bemys
Johan. Molitis
Edw. Wylnby
Will. Moletis
Tho. Holley
Nich. Holley
Robert. Holley
Simon. Dykone
Johan. Westhaw
Edmund. Parker
Galf. Fox
Johan. Draper
Johan. Homerston
Hen. Aphagh
Will. Atte Hagh
Hugo. Bedenham
Will. Prentys
Johan. Watterden
Tho. Burgh
Johan. Doggyng
Geor. Wyton
Will. Sparkam
Johan. Bailey
Hen. Thursby
Johan. Mersch
Galf. Cobbe
Denys Wellys
Tho. Moket
Edmund. Cole
Will. Cole
Johan. Scorowr
Johan. Reppes
Walt. Wedurby
Johan. Brechinham
Will. Payn
Alex. Payn
Johan. Brygg
Johan. Cross
Steph. Silvestre
Bob. Teyser
Tho. Bowde
Johan. Swayn, jun.
Johan. Grenede Folsham
Rob. Kervyle
Simon. Tyller
Johan. Arnald
Rich. Carleton
Edmund. Michell
Johan. Wodesende
Will. Stubbe
Johan. Lawyes
Hen. Lesingham
Johan. Jucewode
Nich. Rake
Will. Fox
Johan. Green
Will. Dallyng
Nich. Waterman
Will. Norwhich
Johan. Tasburgh
Johan. Brampton
Robert. Brese
Edmund. Ade
Tho. Pye
Rich. Rede
Johan. Gerard
Johan. Dam
Johan. Bernard
Johan. L •… ford
Tho. Sto •… agh
Rich. Ballord
Tho. Walsham
Johan. Spany
Johan. Penny
Johan. Hastynges
Rich. Stotevyle
Tho. Arnald
Robert. Elys
Will. Granour
Rich. Elys
Johan. Berhyng
Rog. Hoddes
Will. Bailey
Johan. Crancle
Nich. Baxter
Robert. Dooke
Nich. Pykeryng
Robert. Kent
Tho. Unphrny
Walt. Heylot
Tho. Rycheman
Johan. Howard
Johan. Levoth
Johan. Annsell
Robert. Fyllisson
Rog. Calleston
Tho. Halle
Robert. Martham
Galf. Walle
Johan. Panne
Johan. Cobald
Johan. Phelipp
Johan. Merschgate
Robert. Cupper
Tho. Eyre
Johan. Cobbe
Rich. Flykke
Robert. Heyloth
Johan. Mannyng
Simon. Falsham
Robert. Hendy
Lauren. Oky
Radulph. Bronnyng
Johan. Pepyr
Tho. Martyn
Johan. Roche
Johan. Span
Oliv. Kevet
Johan. Deynes
Johan. Holler
Johan. Fuller
Johan. Puttok
Edmund. Rysyng
Robert. Atte Lee
Johan. Broune de Weveton
Johan. Meleman
Tho. Brydge
Thom. Roose
Gals. Bolayn
Will. Blonnevyse
Edmund. Yonghousbond
Edmund. Godewyn
Tho. Twytwell
Rich. Holdyche
Johan. Holtman
Robert. Randes
Tho. Glaveyn
Robert. Wyrmegey
Tho. Person
Robert. Wylly
Johan. Maynard
Johan. de Pulham
Willielm. Arnald de Crommer
Robert. Russell
Johan. Wodewane
Ade Williamson, & Robert. Cravell

Sheriffs of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Anno 1: Rich. Basset, & Alberi. de Veer
Anno 2: Will. de Nova Villa, & Will de Jeaxmeto
Anno 3: Will. de Caisuei, sive Caisuer
Anno 4
Anno 5: Will.
Anno 6
Anno 7
Anno 8
Anno 9: Will. de Chaisu
Anno 10: Oggerus Dapifer, for 6 years.
Anno 16: Barth. Glanvill, & Vinar. Capellanus, & Will. Bardull, for 6 years.
Anno 22: Vinar. Capellanus, for 11 years.
Anno 33: Vin. pro dimid. Anno & Will. fil. Hervei dimid.

Anno 1: Will. filius Hervei
Anno 2: Idem.
Anno 3: Rob. filius Rog. & Pet. de Edichfeld
Anno 4: Rob. filius Rog. & Sam. de Salia
Anno 5: Idem.
Anno 6: Idem.
Anno 7: Osber. de Longo Campo
Anno 8: Idem.
Anno 9: Idem.
Anno 10: Rob filius Rog. & Rich. de Gosfeld

Anno 1: Rob. filius Rog. & Rich. de Gosfeld
Anno 2: Idem.
Anno 3: Pet. de Mealton
Anno 4: Idem.
Anno 5: Idem.
Anno 6: Alex. de Dunham, & Alex. Banister
Anno 7: Idem.
Anno 8: Johan. de Cornheard, for 4 years.
Anno 12: Walt. de Huntingfeld, & Will. Esturmi
Anno 13: Idem.
Anno 14: Rob. fil. Rog. & Will. filius Rosicke
Anno 15: Will. sive Walt. de Huntingfeld, Will. Escurmi
Anno 16: Johan. fil. Rob. & Rob. de Kent
Anno 17: Johan. filius Rob. filius Rogeri

Anno 1
Anno 2: Hubert. de Burge
Anno 3: Idem.
Anno 4: Idem.
Anno 5: Hu. & Ric. de Frefingfeld.
Anno 6: Hubert. & Rich. Ducket
Anno 7: Idem.
Anno 8: Hub. & Tho. Ingoldethorpe
Anno 9: Idem.
Anno 10: Hugo. Rufus
Anno 11: Idem.
Anno 12: Herb. de Alencum, for 5 years.
Anno 17: Rob. de Brivas
Anno 18: Idem.
Anno 19: Tho. de Heningham
Anno 20: Idem.
Anno 21: Tho. Ingoldesthorpe
Anno 22: Idem.
Anno 23: Rob. de Broyons
Anno 24: Johan. de Ulecott
Anno 25: Idem.
Anno 26: Hen. de Heketon, & Hamo. Passeleve
Anno 27: Idem.
Anno 28: Hamo. Passeleve, for 6 years.
Anno 34: Rob. de Savage, for 6 years.
Anno 40: Will. de Swyneford
Anno 41: Idem.
Anno 42: Idem.
Anno 43: Hamo. Hanteyn
Anno 44: Hamo. & Hen. de Stanho
Anno 45: Idem.
Anno 46: Phil. Marnium, & Will. de Hekam
Anno 47: Nich. Espigornel, for 5 years.
Anno 52: Rob. de Norton
Anno 53: Idem.
Anno 54: Idem.
Anno 55: Will. Giffard
Anno 56: Idem.

Anno 1: Will. Giffard
Anno 2: Idem.
Anno 3: Rob. filius Johannes
Anno 4: Walt. de Shelfhaugre
Anno 5: Idem.
Anno 6: Walt. Granimt
Anno 7: Johan. Brito, & Will. de Bedham
Anno 8: Idem.
Anno 9: Idem.
Anno 10: Will. de Doinge
Anno 11: Idem.
Anno 12: Will. de Rochinger, for 6 years.
Anno 18: Rich. de Belhus
Anno 19: Will. de Nedham
Anno 20: Idem.
Anno 21: Idem.
Anno 22: Will. de Gerbe
Anno 23: Idem.
Anno 24: Idem.
Anno 25: Will. de Rideston
Anno 26: Idem.
Anno 27: Will. de Sutton
Anno 28: Idem.
Anno 29: Will. de Ailton
Anno 30: Rob. Hereward, for 5 years.
Anno 35: Egid. de Mumpinzon

Anno 1: Tho. de Sancto Omero
Anno 2: Hen. de Seagrave
Anno 3: Rob. Baygnard
Anno 4: Idem.
Anno 5: Idem.
Anno 6: Rob. & Alex. de Claveringe
Anno 7: Rich. de Claveringe
Anno 8: Rich. de Retham
Anno 9: Rich. & Alex. de Claveringe
Anno 10: Johan. de Fitton, & Will. de Rungeton
Anno 11: Johan. Howard
Anno 12: Johan. Seafoule
Anno 13: Johan. Howard, & Edw. Hemingne
Anno 14: Idem.
Anno 15: Idem.
Anno 16
Anno 17: Egid. de Wachesham
Anno 18: Idem.
Anno 19: Idem.

Anno 1: Tho. de Lindringham, & Rob. de Walkefare
Anno 2: Johan. de Londham
Anno 3: Idem.
Anno 4: Idem.
Anno 5: Rog. de 〈◊〉
Anno 6: Rog. de Bourne, & Rog. de Kird •… ston
Anno 7: Rog. de Bourne, & Edw. de Baconsthorpe
Anno 8: Johan. de Cailly
Anno 9: Idem.
Anno 10: Rob. de Causton
Anno 11: Idem.
Anno 12: Johan. de Harsike
Anno 13: Rob. Causton, & Joh. Harsike
Anno 14: Rob.
Anno 15: Tho. Belisforde
Anno 16: Edw. de Creting
Anno 17: Idem.
Anno 18: Idem.
Anno 19: Johan. Haward
Anno 20: Will. de Midleton
Anno 21: Idem.
Anno 22: Idem.
Anno 23: Johan. de Colby
Anno 24: Idem.
Anno 25: Will. de Midleton
Anno 26: Idem.
Anno 27: Edw. de Creting
Anno 28: Idem.
Anno 29: Tho. de Mareux
Anno 30: Guido Seynclere
Anno 31: Idem.
Anno 32: Idem.
Anno 33: Johan. de Battlesden
Anno 34: Idem.
Anno 35: Tho. de Sancto Omero for 4 years.
Anno 39: Rog. Gyney
Anno 40: Will. de Clere
Anno 41: Tho. Morieux
Anno 42: Idem.
Anno 43: Rog. Holdich
Anno 44: Idem.
Anno 45: Edw. de Thopre
Anno 46: Rob. Bacon
Anno 47: Johan. Mantby
Anno 48: Johan. Mantby
Anno 49: Will. de Kirdeston
Anno 50: Oliver. de Calthrope
Anno 51: Johan. de Brows.

HENRY the Second.

16 BARTH. GLANVILL, & VINAR. CAPELLANUS.]

It may seem strange that this Vinar. Capellanus, that is, Vini. the Chaplain, should be Sheriff so many years together. One would have sought for a person of his Profession, rather in the Pulpit, then in the Shire-hall. But in that age Men in Orders did not only engross places of Judicature, but also such as had Military and Martial relation, whereof the Sheriffs place in some sort may seem to partake. Sure I am, that under the reign of King Charles, one pricked Sheriff of Rutland escaped, by pleading that he was a Deacon. But now all this is said, this 〈◊〉 . the Chaplain may still be a Layman, seeing in England Multi Clerici sunt Laici, many Clerks by Name, are no Clerks by Profession. Chaplain may be his Surname, and the same with de Capella or Capell, a right ancient name I assure you.

Sheriffs of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Name.	Place.	Arms.
RICH. II.
Anno
1 Johan. Harsikes		Or, a Chief indented Sable.
2 Steph. de Hales
3 Joh. de Mantby
4 Will. Winter		Checkey, Or and Sab. a Fess Arg.
5 Will. de 〈◊〉
6 Joh. de Volveston
7 Joh. Tudenham
8 Andr. Cavendish	Cavendish	Sab. 3 Bucks-heads cabosed Arg. attired Or.
9 Rad. Bigot, mil.		Party per pale, Or and Vert, a Lion ramp. G.
10 Galf. Michell
11 Tho. Corsonn		Ermin. a Bend compone Arg. and Sable.
12 Idem.	ut prius
13 Hugo. Fastolfe		Quarterly Or. and Az. on a Bend Gul. 3 Escalops Arg.
14 Rob. Carbonell
15 Johan. Knivett	Bucknhā	Arg. a Bend within a Border Engrailed Sab.
16 Will. Winter	ut prius
17 Will. Argente, m.		Gules, 3 Cups covered Argent.
18 Gilb. Debenham		S. a Bendbetwixt 2 Crescents Or.
19 Tho. Corsonn	ut prius
20 Idem.	ut prius
21 Will. Rees		Arg. 3 〈◊〉 -heads Gul. a Chief Or.
22 Idem.	ut prius
HEN. IV.
Anno
1 Joh. Gournay		Pale-ways of 6 Pieces Or and Azure.
2 Joh. Heningham Edw. Oldhall		Quarterly, Or & G. a Border Sab. charged with Escallop-shells Arg.
3 Joh. Inglesthorpe		Gul. a Cross ingrailed Argent.
4 Rob. Ramsey		Gul. 3 Rams-heads Cabosed Arg.
5 Idem.	ut prius
6 Nic. Winchinghā
7 Rob. Berney, mil.	Parkhal R.	Per Pale Gul. and Ermin. a Cross engrailed Ermin.
8 Will. Rees	ut prius
9 Rad. Ramsey	ut prius
10 Oliver. Groose		Quarterly Arg. and Az. on a Bend Sab. 3 Martlets Or.
11 Rob. Berney, mil.	ut prius
12 Tho. Lovell		Arg. a Ch •… v. Az. 'twixt 3 Squirrels Seiant Gul.
HEN. V.
Anno
1 Edw. Oldhall
2 John. Heaveninghā	ut prius
3 Joh. Spencer		Quarterly, Arg. and G. a Bend S. in the 2. & 3. a Fret Or.
4 And. Botiller		Gul. a Fess Componee Arg. and S. 'twixt 6 Crosses Patee Fitche
5 Edw. Winter	ut prius
6 Oliv. Groos	ut prius	Argent.
7 Joh. Fitz- 〈◊〉		Gules, a Fess Vairee
8
9 Idem.
HEN. VI.
Anno
1 Rob. Cliston, m.		Sab. semi of Cinque-foils and a Lion ramp. Arg. within a Border of the first, charged with Verdoy of Trefoyles of the second.
2 Joh. Shardlow		Ar. a Chev. G. 'twixt 3 Croslets Az.
3 Bri. Stapilton		Az. a Lion ramp. queve fourchee Or.
4 Oliver. Groose	ut prius
5 Johan. Tirrey
6 Gilb. Debenham	ut prius
7 Hen. Drury, ar.	Halsted S.	Arg. on a Chief Vert the letter Tau 'twixt 2 Mullets pierced Or.
8 Hen. Dray, ar.		Az. a Fess 'twixt 2 Cheverons Or.
9 Joh. Shardlow, m.	ut prius
10 Joh. Ropley
11 Tho. Thudenhā, m.
12 Hen. Grey, ar.	ut prius
13 Joh. Fitz-Rauf	ut prius
14 Tho. Chambre
15 Johan. Hopton		Ermine on 2 Barrs Sab. 6 Mullets Or.
16 Joh. Heaveninghā	ut prius
17 Tho. Brewes		Az. semy of Croslets and a Lion rampant Or.
18 Milo Stapilton	ut prius
19 Ro •… . Chamberlain
20 Will. Calthrop •…		Checke Or and Az. a Fess Ermin.
21 Tho. Brewes	ut prius
22 Joh. Fitz Rauf	ut prius
23 Joh. Hopton, ar.	ut prius
24 Will. Tirrel		Arg •… 2 Cheverons Azu. within a Border engrailed Gul.
25 Tho. Daniel
26 Phil. Wentworth		Sable, a 〈◊〉 betwixt 3 Leopards-heads Or.
27 Egid. Sto. Loe, ar.
28 Johan. Gray	ut prius
29 Johan. Germin	Rushbroke	S. a Cressant 'twixt 2 Mullets Ar.
30 Johan. Clopton	Suf.	Sab. a bend Arg. 'twixt 2 Cotisses dauncette Or.
31 Tho. Sharnbrone
32 Joh. Denston
33 Joh. Wingfeld	Letheringham	Arg. on a Bend Gul. Cotised Sa. 3 Wings of the first.
34 Joh. Clopton, ar.	ut prius
35 Rich. Bothe, ar.		Arg. 3 Boars-heads erased Sable' Tusked Or.
36 •… gid. Sto. Loe, ar.
37 Will. Calthorpe	ut prius
38 Phil. Wentworth	ut prius
EDW. IV.
Anno
1 Tho. Hayward, m
2 Tho. Mountgōery		Gu. a Cheveron betwixt 3 flower de 〈◊〉 O
3 Idem.	ut prius
4 Will. Calthrope, ar.	ut prius
5 Alex. Cressener
6 Will. Hopton, ar.	ut prius
7 Tho. Mountgōery	ut prius
8 Joh. Twyer
9 Rog. Ree, ar.
10 Joh. Heveninghā	ut prius
11 Will. Knivett, at.	ut prius
12 Joh. Wingfeld, m.	ut prius
13 Rog. Ree, mil.
14 Rob. Radliff •…
15 Joh. Hasting, ar.		Or a Maunch Gules.
16 Will. Calthorp, m.	ut prius
17 Tho. Howard, mi.		Gul. a Bendbetwixt 6 Cro •… ets fitchee Argent.
18 Rob. Radliffe, ar.
19 Will. Hopton, ar.	ut prius
20 Will. Knivett, mi.	ut prius
21 Alex. Cressener
22 Hen. Wenthworth	ut prius
RICH. III.
Anno
1 Joh. Wingfeild. ar.	ut prius
2 Rad. Willoughby Rich. Pole		Per Pale Or and Sab. a Saltire Engrailed Counterchanged.
3 Johan. Paston		Arg. 6 Flower de luces Az. a Chief indented Or.
HEN. VII.
Anno
1 Johan. Paston	ut prius
2 E •… m. Bedingfeld		Ermin. an Eagle displayed Gul.
3 Rad. Shelton, m •… .		Az. a Cross Or.
4 Rob. Lovell	ut prius
5 Simon. Wiseman		Sab. a Cheveron Ermin. 'twixt 3 Cronells of a Tiltspear Arg.
6 Phil. Louis, ar.
7 Rob. Brandon, 〈◊〉 .		Barry of 10 Arg. and Gul. over all a Lion rampant Or, Crowned per pale Arg. of the second.
8 Joh. Wingfeld, m.	ut prius
9 Will. Carewe, m.
10 Rob. Southwell
11 Rog. Le Strange, a.	Hunstantō	Gul. 2 Lions passant Argent.
12 Rob. Curson, mil.	ut prius
13 Edw. Arundell, m.
14 Phil. Calthrope, m.	ut prius
15 Will. Bolein, mil.		Arg. a Cheveron 'twixt 3 Bullsheads Sab. armed Or.
16 Hum. Catesby, ar.
17 Rob. Clere, mil.		Arg. on a Fess Az. 3 Eagles Or.
18 Edw. Jeney, mil.
19 Idem.
20 Johan. Shelton	ut prius
21 Idem.	ut prius
22 Phil. Bothe, mil.	ut prius
23 Rob. Brandon, m.	ut prius
24 Idem.	ut prius
HEN. VIII.
Anno
1 Ric. Wentworth	ut prius
2 Joh. Hevingham	ut prius
3 Rog. Townesend	Raynham	Az. a Cheveron Ermin. 'twixt 3 Scallops Arg.
4 Lio. Talmarsh, ar.	Helmingham	Argent, a Fret Sable.
5 Tho. Gibbon, ar.		Or, a Lion rampant Sab. debrused with a Bend Gul. charged with 3 Escallops Arg.
6 Joh. Heydon, m.		Quarterly Arg. and Gul. a Cross
7 Ant. Wingfeld, m.	ut prius	Engrailed counterchanged.
8 Ric. Wentworth, m.	ut prius
9 Will. Paston, ar.	ut prius
10 Rog. Townsend, a.	ut prius
11 Joh. Heydon, mil.	ut prius
12 Hum. Wingfeld, a.	ut prius
13 Th. Bedingfeld, m.	ut prius
14 Joh. Shelton, mil.	ut prius
15 Joh. Heveninghā	ut prius
16 John. Heydon, mil,	ut prius
17 Rog. Towsend	ut prius
18 Fran. Lovell, ar.	ut prius
19 Phil. Filvey, mil.
20 Will. Paston, mil.	ut prius
21 Edw. Bedingfeld,	ut prius
22 Tho. Jermyn, ar.	ut prius
23 Hen. Fermour, m.
24 Tho. LeStrange, m.	ut prius
25 Tho. Lush, or Rush
26 Rich. Southwell
27 Walt. Hubard, m.	Blickling	S. an Estoile with 8 Points 'twixt 2 Flanches Ermin.
28 Will. Drury, mil.	ut prius
29 Edm. Windham	Cowtherk	Az. a Cheveron betwixt 3 Lionsheads Erased Or.
30 Fran. Lovell, mil.	ut prius
31 Edw. Knivett, m.	ut prius
32 Will. Fermoure, m.
33 Tho. Jermyn, mil.	ut prius
34 Johan. 〈◊〉 , m.	ut prius
35 Fran. Lovell, mil.	ut prius
36 Will. Drury, mil.	ut prius
37 Edw. Windhā, m.	ut prius
38 Hen. Hubbard, ar.	ut prius
EDW. VI.
Anno
1 Joh. Robsart, mil.		Vert a Lion 〈◊〉 Or, Valned in the Shoulder.
2 Nich. Le Strange	ut prius
3 Edm. Windhā, m.	ut prius
4 Will. Walgrave		Party per pale Arg. and Gules.
5 Joh. Robsat, mil.	ut prius
6 Tho. Cornwallis	Brome S.	Sable Guttee Arg. on a Fess of the second, 3 Cornish Choughs of the first.
PHILLIP. & MARI.
Anno
1 Tho. Woodhouse	Kimberly No.	S. a Cheveron betwixt 3 Cinquefoils Ermin.
1,2 Joh. Shelton, mil.	ut prius
2,3 Joh. Sulyard, ar.	SUFFOL.	Arg. a Cheveron Gul. 'twist 3 Pheons Sable,
3,4 Chri. Heydon, m.	ut prius
4,5 Hen. Doly, mil.		Gul. 3 Bucks-heads Cabosed Arg.
5,6 Amb. Jermyn, ar.	ut prius
ELIZAB. REG.
Anno.
1 Joh. Apleyard, ar.	SUFFOL.	Az. a Cheveron Or, 'twixt 3 Owls Arg.
2 Rob. Wingfeld, a.	ut prius
3 Tho. Tyndale, mil.
4 Will. Buts, mil.
5 Tho. Woodhouse	ut prius
6 Owin. Hopton, m.	ut prius
7 Will. Paston, m.	ut prius
8 Lion. Talling, ar.
9 Edw. C •… re, ar.	ut prius
10 Will. Walgrave	ut prius
11 Chri. Heydon, m.	ut prius
12 Edw. Witipole
13 Rad. Shelton, ar.	ut prius
14 Amb. Jermyn, m.	ut prius
15 Hen. Doly, ar.	ut prius
16 Tho. Felton, ar.	Playford	G. 2 Lions passant Ermin. Crowned Or.

HENRY the Seventh.

14 PHILLIP CALTHROPE, Miles.]

He was a very grave Gentleman, (and lived to a great age) yet withal of a very merry, and pleasant conceit, whereof take this instance.

He sent as much cloth of fine French-tauney, as would make him a Gown, to a Tailor in Norwich. It happened, one John Drakes a Shoo-maker coming into the Shop, liked it so well, that he went and bought of the same as much for himself, enjoining the Taylor to make it of the same fashion. The Knight being informed hereof, commanded the Taylor to cut his gown as full of holes, as his Sheers could make, which purged J. Drakes of his proud humor, that he would never be of the Gentleman's fashion again.

HENRY the Eight.

29 EDMUND WINDHAM.]

He was a Gentleman of a fair Estate in this County, great Birth and Aliance, (whose Grand mother, was daughter to John Howard Duke of Northfolk, ) but it seems somewhat given to his Passion. This caused him (in the 33. of this Kings reign ) to strike Master Clere, a Gentleman of his own County, in the Kings Tennis Court. For this he was araigned in the great Hall at Greenwich, before Master Gage, Comptroler of the Kings Household, and other Justices, and one Quest of Gentlemen, another of Yeomen passed upon him, to inquire of the same stripe, by whom he was found guilty, and had Judgment to lose his right-hand. Then was he brought in to solemn execution, by Sir Willian Pickering Knight Martial, and confessing his fault, desired that the King of mercy would be pleased to take his left-hand, and spare his right; for therewith (said he) I may hereafter be able to do his Grace service. The King informed hereof by his Justices, granted his full Pardon, neither to lose Hand, Land, nor Goods, but restored him to his liberty. See more of him in the third of King Edward the sixth.

EDWARD the Sixth.

3 EDMUND WINDHAM, Mil.]

Of him before in the twenty ninth of King Henry the eight, he now made good his former promise to the Son, which he made to his Father, of using his right-hand in the service of his Sovereign. For in this year Kets Rebellion began in this Couuty, which this Sheriff endeavored, withal his power and policy to suppress, till at last it proved a task beyond his strength to perform.

Queen MARY.

1 THOMAS WOODHOUSE, Mil.]

Though he be the first of his Surname, whom we meet in our Catalogue, I find many of his family anciently employed in State-affairs. In a Manuscript-collection (extant in the Library of Sir Thomas Cotton ) of persons summoned to Parliament, by King Edward the third, I read,

1. Rex dilecto Clerico suo Roberto de Woodhouse, Archidiacono de Richmund, Thesaurario salutem. Negotia nos & statum regni contingentia, &c. vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes, quod omnibus aliis praetermissis, &c.
2. John Woodhouse, Esq was servant, and one of the Executors to King Henry the fifth.
3. Sir William Woodhouse, (near related to our Sheriff) was Vice-Admiral of our English fleet at Musoleburrough-field.
4. Philip Woodhouse, Esq was very active at the taking of Cadiz, and Knighted there for his good service, by the Earl of Essex.

And ever since there hath been a Military inclination in this family, which hath manifested itself on several occasions.

Sheriffs of Norfolk alone.

Name.	Place.	Arms.
ELIZ. REG.
Anno
17 Tho. Townsend, ar.	Rainham	Az. a Cheveron Ermine, betwixt 3 Escallops Arg.
18 Drugo. Drury, ar.		Arg. on a Chief Vert the letter Tau betwixt 2 Mullets pierced Or.
19 Hen. Weston, mil.
20 Basing. Gaudy, ar.		Vert, a Tortois passant Argent.
21 Tho. Knivett, mi.		Arg. a Bend within a border engrailed Sab.
22 Edw. Clere, mil.		Argent, on a Fefs Azu. 3 Eaglets Or.
23 Arth. Heven nghā		Quarterly Or & G. a Border Sab. charged with Escallop-shells Arg.
24 Will. Paston, mil.		Arg. 6 Flower de luces Az. a Chief indented Or.
25 Will. Heydon, m.		Quarterly Ar. & G. a Cross ingrailed counterchanged.
26 Hen. Woodhouse	Kimberly	Sab. a Cheveron' 〈◊〉 3 Cinque •… oils Ermin.
27 Tho. Hogan, ar. Hen. Hogan, ar.	ut prius	Arg. a Cheveron ingrailed vary. Or & Gul. ' 〈◊〉 3 Hurts each charged with 3 Lions legs erased Argent.
28 Nath. Bacon, ar.	SUFFOL.	Gul. on a Chief Arg. 3 Mullets Sable.
29 Clem. Paston, ar.	ut prius
30 •… oh. Peiton, mil.		Sable, a Cross ingrailed Or.
31 Rob. Southwell
32 Hen. Dolney, ar.
33 Milo. Corbett, ar.	〈◊〉	Or, a Raven Proper.
34 Hen. Gaudy, ar.	ut pri s
35 B •… sing. Gaudy, m.	ut prius
36 Phil. Woodhouse	ut prius
37 Tho. Clere, ar.	ut prius
38 Hum. Guibon, ar.		Or, a Lion rampant Sab. debrused with a Bend Gul. charged with 3 Escallops Arg.
39 Nich. Bacon, mil.	ut prius
40 Clem. Spelman, m.		Sab. Platee proper, 2 Flaunches Argent.
41 Nath. Bacon, ar.	ut prius
42 Ric. Jenkinson, ar.		Or, 2 Bars Gemells Gul. ' 〈◊〉 3 Boars-heads and Necks Erased S.
43 Basen. Gaudy, m.	ut prius
44 Ar •… h. Hemingham	ut prius
45 Edm. Doyley, & 1. Jac.		Gul. 3 Bucks-heads cabosed Arg.
JAC. REG.
Anno
1 Edm. Doyley, ar.	ut prius
2 Hen. Spelman, m.	ut prius
3 Rad. Hare, mil.		Gul. 2 Bars▪ and a Chief indented Or.
4 Le'Stran. Mordant		Arg. a Cheveron betwixt 3 Estoils Sable.
5 Hen. Gawdy, mil.	ut prius
6 Hamo. Le Strange	Hunstantō	Gul. 2 Lions Passant Argent.
7 Tho. Barney, mil.	Parkhal R.	Per Pale Gul. and Ermin. a Cross engrailed Ermin.
8 Chri. Gawdy, mil.	ut prius
9 Tho. Corbet, ar.	ut prius
10 Tho. Lewer, mil.
11 Jac. Calthrope, m.		Checkee Or and Azu. a Fess Erm.
12 Joh. Heveningham	ut prius
13 Ric. Jenkinson, ar.	ut prius
14 Aug. Palgrave, m.		Azu. a Lion Passant Argent.
15 Anth. Drury, mil.	ut prius
16 Tho. Holland, m.		Az. semy of Flower de luce a lion ramp. Guardant Arg.
17 Hen. Beddingfeld		Ermin. an Eagle desplayed Gul.
18 Tho. Heirne, mil.
19 Will. Yelvertō, ba.		Arg. 3 Lion cells rampant Gul. a Chief of the second.
20 Rich. Berney, bar.	ut prius
21 Le'Stran. Mordant	ut prius
22. Tho. Woodhouse	ut prius
CAR. REG.
Anno
1 Tho. Holle, arm.		Or, on a Cheveron S. 3 Unicornsheads Erased Argent.
2 Car. LeGroose, m.		Quarterly, Arg. and Azu. on a Bend S▪ 3 〈◊〉 Or.
3 Fran. Gawdy, ar.	ut prius
4 Rob. Gawdy, mil.	ut prius
5 Rog. Townsend, b.	ut prius
6 Fran. Mapes, ar.
7 Tho. Pettus, ar.	Recheath	Gul. a fess Arg. ' 〈◊〉 3 〈◊〉 Or.
8 Jo. Hobart, m. & b.	Blickling	Sab. an Estoil with 8 points 'twixt 2 Flanches Ermin.
9 Will. Heveninghā	ut prius
10 Joh. Wentworth	ut prius
11 Edr. Barkham, m.		Arg. 3 Pallets Gul. over all a Cheveron.
12 Will. Paston, ar.	ut prius
13 Edr. Asteley, ar.
14 August. Holt, 〈◊〉 .	ut prius
15
16
17 Tho. Guibon, m.	ut prius
18 Joh. Coke, ar.		Party per Pale Gul. and Azu. 3 Eagles displayed Argent.
19
20 Valen. Pell, mil.
21
22 Tho. Barney, ar.	ut prius

Queen ELIZABETH.

18 DRUGO DRURY, Arm.]

This Sir Dru being afterwards Knighted, was joined in Commission with Sir Amias Paulet, to keep Mary Queen of Scots, and discharged his dangerous trust therein. It moveth me not, that I find both these Knights branded for Puritans, being confident, that Nick-name, in relation to them both, was first pronounced through a Popish mouth, causelessly offended at their Religion.

King CHARLES.

5 ROGER. TOWNSEND Baronet.]

He was a religious Gentleman, expending his soul in piety and charity, a lover of God, his Service, and Servants, A grave Divine saith most truly, that encroachments on the Church, are like breaches of the Seas, a thousand to one if they ever return. But this worthy Knight may be said to have turned the tide, restoring Impropriations to the Church, to some hundreds in yearly valuation. He married Mary, daughter and co-heir of Horatio Lord Vere of Tilbury, by whom he had Sir Horace, who for his worth was deservedly Created a Baron at the Coronation of King Charles the second.

The Farewell.

And now being to take my leave of this County, I wish the inhabitants thereof may make good use of their so many Churches, and cross that pestilent Proverb, The nigher to the Church, the farther from God, substituting another (which will be a happy change) in the room thereof, viz. The more the Churches, the more sincere the Devotion.

NORWICH is (as you please) either a City in an Orchard, or an Orchard in a City, so equally are Houses and Trees blendid in it, so that the pleasure of the Country, and populousness of the City meet here together. Yet in this mixture, the inhabitants participate, nothing of the rusticalness of the one, but altogether of the urbanity and civility of the other.

Natural Commodities.

Flowers.

The Dutch brought hither with them, not only their profitable crafts, but pleasurable cur •… osities. They were the first who advanced the use and reputation of Flowers in this City. A Flower is the best complexioned grass, (as a Pearl is the best coloured clay, ) and daily it weareth God's Livery, for He clotheth the Grass in the Field. Solomon himself is out-braved therewith, as whose gallantry only was adopted, and on him, theirs innate and in them. In the morning (when it groweth up) it is a Lecture of Divine Providence; In the evening, (when it is cut down withered) it is a Lecture of Human Mortality.

Single flowers are observed much sweeter then the double ones, ( poor may be more fragrant in God's nostrils then the rich ) and let Florists assign the cause thereof, whether because the Sun doth not so much dry the Intricacies of such flowers which are Duplicated.

Great the Art in meliorating of flowers, and the Rose of Roses [Rosa Mundi ] had its first being in this City. As Jacob used an ingenious invention to make Laban 's cattle speckled or ring-straked, so, much the skil in making Tulips feathered and variegated, with stripes of divers colors.

In my judgment those flowers carry it clearly, which acquit themselves to a double sense, sight and smell, for though in something it may be true, Optime quae minime olent, yet in flowers (besides a negation of an ill ) the position of a good sent, is justly required.

Manufactures.

Stuffs.

It is an ill wind which bloweth no man good, even Storms bring Wrecks to the Admiral. The cruelty of Duke D'Alva, as it blew the Dutch out off their own, brought them into this City, and with them their Manufactures, which the English quickly learned from them, until Norwich became the Staple of such Commodities for the whole Land. For the nimble wooffe its artificial dancing in several postures about the standing warp, produceth infinite varieties in this kind.

Expect not I should reckon up their several names, because daily increasing, and many of them are binominous, as which, when they begin to tire in sale, are quickened with a new name. In my child-hood there was one called Stand-far-of, (the emblem of Hypocrisy) which seemed pretty at competent distance, but discovered its coursness, when nearer to the eye. Also Perpetuano, so called from the lasting thereof, (though but a counterfeit of the clothes of the Israelites, which endured in the Willderness 40. years,) Satinisco, Bombicino, Italiano, &c. Comineus saith, that a Favorite must have an handsome name, which his Prince may easily call on all occasions; so a pretty pleasing name, complying with the Byers fancy, much befriendeth a Stuffe in the sale thereof.

By these means Norwich hath beaten Sudbury out of distance in the race of Trading. Indeed in the starting, (the South having the better of the North, and Bury or City, being before Wich or Vicus a Village, ) Sudbury had the advantage, but now Norwich is come first to their Mark.

The Buildings.

The Cathedral therein is large and spacious, though the roof in the Cloisters be most commended. When some twenty years since, I was there, the top of the Steeple was blown down, and an Officer of the Churce told me, That the wind had done them much wrong, but they meant not to put it up, whether the wrong or the steeple, he did not declare.

Amongst private houses, the Duke of Norfolks palace is the greatest I ever saw in a City out of London. Here a covered Bowling-alley (the first I believe of that kind in England, ) on the same token, that when Thomas, last Duke of Norfolk, was taxed for aspiring (by marriage of the Q to the Crown of Scotland, ) he protested to Queen Elizabeth, that, when he was in his Bowling-alley at Norwich, he accounted himself as a King in Scotland.

As for the Bishops Palace, it was formerly a very fair structure, but lately unleaded, and new covered with tyle by the purchasers thereof. Whereon a wag not unwittily,

Thus Palaces are altered, we saw

John Leyden, now Wat Tyler, next Jack Straw.

Indeed there be many thatch'd houses in the City, so that Luther (if summoned by the Emperor to appear in this place) would have altered his expression, and said instead of Tyles of the house, that if every Straw on the roof of the houses were a Devil, notwithstanding he would make his appearance. However, such thatch is so artificially done (even sometimes on their Chancels ) that it is no eye-sore at all to the City.

Physicians.

JOHN GOSLIN born in this City, was first Fellow, and afterwards Master of Gaius-college in Cambridge, Proctor of the University, and twice Vice-chancellor thereof: a general Scholar, eloquent Latinist, a rare Physician, in which faculty he was Regius Professor. A strict man in keeping, and Magistrate in pressing the Statutes of College and University, and a severe punisher of the infringers thereof. And here, courteous Reader, let me insert this pleasant passage (seeing Cato himself may sometimes smile) without offense.

I remember when this Doctor was last Vice-chancellor, it was highly penal for any Scholar to appear in boots, as having more of the Gallant, then Civil Student therein. Now a Scholar undertook for a small wager, much beneath the penalty, to address himself ocreated unto the Vice-chancellor, which was beheld by others as a desperate adventure. Carrying his state in his Urinal, he craved his advise for an hereditary numness in his legs, (and something of truth therein) which made him in his habit to trespass on the Universities Statutes, to keep them warm. The Vicechancellour pitying instead of pun •… shing him, prefcribed him his best receipts, and so by this fraus honesta, he effected his desires.

This Doctor was a worthy Benefactour to Katharine-hall (to which he had no relalion, save what his bounty created,) bestowing thereon the fair Bull-inn, of considerable value. If he who giveth a nights lodging to a servant of God, shall not lose his reward, certainly he that bestoweth Inn and all upon the sons of the Prophets, shall find full compensation. The rather, because that Hall pent formerly for lack of ground, and complaining with the sons of the Prophets,— the place where we dwell, is too strait for us; may now say with Isaac, The Lord hath made room for us; by this convenient addition. He died in his Vice-chancellor ship Anno 1625.

JOHN CAIUS born in this City, son to Robert Gaius, was bred Fellow in Gonvile hall in Cambridge. Hence he travailed into Italy, where he studied much and wrote several learned Treatises. Returned home, became Physician to Queen Mary, and improved Gunvile-hall into a College. He bestowed good land on, erected fair buildings in, bequeathed thrifty statutes to, produced a proper Coat of Arms for, and imposed a new name on this Foundation, Gonvile and Gaius College. He wrote an excellent book of the Antiquity of Cambridge. When King James passed thorough this College, the Master thereof presented him A Gaius de antiquate Cantabridgiae, fairly bound; to whom the King said, What shall I do with this book, give me rather Gaius de Canibus, a work of the same Author very highly praised, but very hardly procured. Few men might have had a longer, none ever had a shorter Epitaph,

FUI CAIUS.

Writers since the Reformation.

ROBERT WATSON born in this City, was excellently well skilled in the Laws, and (saith Bale) à Dispensatione sive Administratione domesticâ, (English it as you please) to Arcsh-bishop Cranmer. Being imprisoned for his Religion, he often disputed during his Restraint with several Papists, concerning Transubstantiation, and at length having gained his enlargement, wrote a Treatise in elegant Latin, (dedicating the same to such who with him suffered banishment for their Religion,) wherein he relateth the accidents of his life. I cannot attain to any certainty in the date of his death.

Benefactors to the Public.

WILLIAM BAITMAN was born in this City, bred in Cambridge, and afterwards became first Arch-deacon; and then by King Edward the third made Bishop of this his Native See. One of an high spirit to maintain the profit and privileges of his place, and I charitably presume him watchful over his sheep, (souls subjected to his charge) because he was so careful of his Deer, for the stealing whereof, he enjoined penance to Robert Lord Morley, and making him perform them, in the Cathedral of Norwich, notwithstanding the Kings threatening Letters to the contrary.

This Prelate in his travails beyond the Seas, perceiving that our English Commonlaw was Out-lawed in those parts, and apprehending the absolute necessity that the English should have skill in the Cannon and Civil-laws, (for the managing of foreign Negotiations ) erected a College in Cambridge, called Trinity-hall, for the Study thereof. As he was Father to Trinity, he was Foster-father to Gonvil-hall, in the same University, removing it to a more convenient place, building, and settling the Revenues thereof, according to the Will of the Founder. King Edward the third, resolving to follow his Title to the Crown of France, sent this Bishop to the Pope, to acquaint him with his intentions, in which Embassage he died at Avenion 1354.

Since the Reformation.

THOMAS LEGG was born in this City, bred first Fellow in Trinity, then Jesus-college in Cambridge, until he was chosen by Doctor Gaius (then surviving) the nineteenth Master of Gonvil-hall, and the second of Gonvil and Gaius-college. He was Doctor of the Law, and Arches, one of the Masters of the Chancery, twice Vice-chancellor of the University, and thirty four years Master of his College therein. There needeth no other testimony for to avouch his great learning, then the Character given him by J. Lipsius, in his (hitherto unprinted) Epistle,

In Antiquitatis studio, tam egregie, versatus es, ut id de Teipso potes quod de se Apollo Enni.

A me omnes Cantabrigienses consilium expetunt in literis incerti, quos, ego, mea ope, ex incertis certos, compotesque consilii dimitto.

This Doctor, though himself a serious man, used to recreate himself with delightful studies, observing gravity in his very pleasures. He composed a Tragedy of the Destruction of Jerusalem, and having at last refined it to the purity of the Public Standard some Plageary filched it from him, just as it was to be acted. He formerly had made a Tragedy of the life of King Richard the third, presented with great Applause (Queen Elizabeth I suppose being a beholder thereof) in Saint Johns-college-hall. On the same token that John Palmer (afterwards Dean of Peterburough ) who acted King Richard therein, had his head so possessed with a Princelike humor, that ever after, he did what then he acted, in his Prodigal Expences, so that (the Cost of a Sovereign ill befiting the Purse of a Subject, ) he died Poor in Prison, notwithstanding his great preferment.

Great the bounty of Doctor Legg unto his College, bequeathing 600. pounds for the building the East-part thereof; besides, several lesser liberalities. Yea, be it remembered, that after Thomas Bacon, fifteenth Master of the College, had been a Malefactour thereunto, leaving it much indebted, the four succeeding Masters (ill examples avoided do good) Doctor Gaius, Legg, Branthwaite, Gosling, (all natives of Norwich ) were signal Benefactours, though Masters of, but Stewards for the House; making it, for the main, their Heir, at their decease. Doctor Legg died July 12. 1607. in the 72. year of his age.

The Farewell.

I heartily wish that this City may long flourish in its full luster. In tendency whereunto may the Thatch of all their houses by Divine Providence, be effectually secured from the merciless Element of fire, (as which knoweth not to be a King, but must be a Tyrant,) whose furious raging is seldom bounded, unless by the want of fuel to feed on. Yea, may their Straw in due time advance into Tyle, that thereby their houses may for the future be better fenced against another Element, I mean the injury of Wind and Rain.

NORTHAMPTON-SHIRE being a long narrow Inland County, is stretched from North-east to South-west, and bordereth on more Counties then any other in England, being nine in number, viz.

On the East.	On the West.	On the North.	On the South.
1. Cambridgeshire	3. Warwickshire	4. Lincolnshire	7. Bedfordshire
2. Huntingtonshire		5. Rutland	8. Buckinghamshire
		6. Leicestershire	9. Oxfordshire.

It is as fruitful and populous as any in England, insomuch that sixteen several Towns with their Churches have at one view been discovered therein, by my eyes, which I confess none of the best, and God grant that those who are sharper sighted, may hereafter never see fewer.

Sure I am there is as little wast ground in this, as in any County in England, (no Mosses, Mears, Fells, Heaths, (Whitering, but a Beauty spot,) which elsewhere fill so many Shires with much emptiness,) Northamptonshire being an Apple, without Core to be cut out, or Rind to be pared away.

Northamptonshire challengeth that all the Rivers running through, or by it, are its Natives, as bred in it, (which argueth the elevation, and height of the ground thereof,) which I believe no other County in England can say. Besides, it lendeth two considerable Rivers Avon to Warwick, and Cherwell to Oxfordshire.

The language of the common people is generally the best of any Shire in England. A proof whereof, when a Boy, I received from a hand-laboring-man herein, which since hath convinced my Judgment: We speak I believe (said he) as good English any Shire in England, because, though in the singing Psalms, some words are used to make the Meeter unknown to us; yet the last translation of the Bible, which no doubt was done by those learned men in the best English, agreeth perfectly with the common speech of our Country.

Know Reader, that Doctor Bowle my worthy friend, and most skillful Botonographist, hath taken notice of a Heath in this County nigh to Stamford, whereof he giveth this commendation, as fine a place for variety of rare Plants, as ever I beheld. Who I am sure hath seen in this kind, as much, both here, and beyond the Seas, as any of his age and profession.

Natural Commodities.

Now though this Shire shares as largely as any in those profits which are general to England, Grass, Corn, Cattle, &c. Yet it is most eminent for

Salt-peter.

In latin Sal Petrae, rather so called, because exudat e petris, it usually sweats out of rocks, then, because it is wrought up at the last to a rocky or a stony consistency. Some conceive it utterly unknown to the ancients, which learned Hoffman will not allow, only it was disguised unto them, under the name of Sal nitrum, though our modern use was unknown unto them, that Pulvis nitrosus, or Gun-powder might be made thereof. It is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 what will easily take fire, the best Test of the goodness thereof.

But, why is Salt-peter (common to all Counties) insisted on in Northamptonshire? Because, most thereof is found in Dove-houses, and most Dove-houses in this great Corn County. Yet are not those Emblemes of innocence, guilty in any degree of those destructions, which are made by that, which is made thereof. All that I will add of Salt-peter, is this, I have read in a learned Writer that Salt-peter-men, when they have extracted Salt-peter out of a floor of earth one year, within three or four years after, they find more generated there, and do work it over again.

Pigeons.

These of all fowls, live most sociably in a Common-wealth together, seeing their government is not, as Bees, Monarchical. They are generally reported without gall, understand it, their gall is not sequestered into a distinct vessel, as in other creatures. Otherwise we find the effects thereof in their animosities among themselves, (whose Bills can peck as well as kiss) as also (if their Crops be not clearly drawn,) in the bitterness of their flesh. They are most swift in flight, and the steerage of their Tails conduceth much to their steady mounting upright. An envious man, having caught his neighbors Pigeons in a Net, feeding on his Stack, plucked off their Tails and let them go. Which, though they could fly forward home, yet were soon after found dead in the Dove coat, famished for want of food, as unable to fly up perpendicularly, and so out at the Lover.

Pigeons, against their wills, keep one Lent for seven weeks in the year, betwixt the going out of the old, and growing up of the new grain. Probably, our English would be found as docible and ingenious, as the Turkish Pigeons, which carry letters from Aleppo to Babylon, if trained up accordingly. But such practices, by these Wingposts, would spoil many a Foot-post, living honestly by that painful vocation.

I find a grievous Indictment drawn up against the poor Pigeons for felony, as the grand plunderers of grain in this Land. My Author computing six and twenty thousand Dove-houses in England and Wales, and allowing five hundred pair in each House, four bushels yearly for each pair, hath mounted the annual wast they make to an incredible sum. And, if the moity of his proportions hold true, Doves may be accounted the causers of dearth, and justly answer their Etimology in Hebrew Jonah, which is deduced from a root, signifying to spoil or to destroy. The Advocates for Pigeons plead, that they pick up such loose corn, which otherwise would be lost, and uselesly trodden into the earth; that probably Divine Providence, which feedeth the fowls, by some natural instinct directeth them to such grain, which would be barren and fruitless, that their dung, incredibly fruitful for the manuring of ground, abundantly recompenseth the spoil done by them.

However, if Pigeons be guilty of so great stealth, they satisfy the law for the same, being generally killed for man's meat, and a corrected-pigeon (let blood under both wings) is both pleasant and wholesome nourishment.

The Manufactures.

This County can boast of none worth naming, whereof this the reason, sufficient the fruitfulness thereof in Corn, Grass, (and what not necessary for nature?) for it's plentiful subsistence. The Elder Brother who hath the inheritance of his own to maintain him, need not to be bound an Apprentice, let the younger turn Trades-man, and enlarge his narrow portion by his inaustry. It is enough for Northamptonshire to sell their Wooll, whilst that other Countrys make clothe thereof. I speak not this (though it be my Native •… ountry) to praise Northamptonshire men for not using, but that Northamptonshire men may praise God for not needing Manufactures. However the Town of Northampton may be said to stand chiefly on other men's Leggs, where (if not the best) the most and cheapest boots and stockens are bought in England.

I am credibly informed by a good friend, that the Manufacture of Cloathing hath by prudent and able persons, been endeavored effectually (understand me in design not success) in this County, and yet (though fine their Wool) their Cloath ran so coarse, it could not be sold without loss; Thus God hath innated every Country with a Peculiar Genius, and when Art crosseth Nature, neither succeed, but both exceed, where both concur.

Buildings.

As Saint Peter hath the Primacy of all the other Apostles, so the Cathedral dedicated unto him in this County, challengeth the Precedency of all in England, for a Majestick Western Front of Columel-work. But alas! This hath lately felt the misfortune of other Fabrics in this kind. Yea, as in a Gangrean, one member is cut off to preserve the rest, so I understand the Cloisters of this Cathedral were lately plucked down to repair the Body thereof; and am heartily glad God in his mercy hath restored the only remedy (I mean its lands) for the Cure thereof.

As for Civil Structures, Holdenby-house lately carried away the credit, built by Sir Christopher Hatton, and accounted by him the last Monument of his Youth. If Florence be said to be a City, so fine that it ought not to be shown, but on Holy-days; Holdenby was a House, which should not have been shown, but on Christmas-day. But alas! Holedenby-house is taken away, being the Emblem of human happiness, both in the beauty and brittleness, short flourishing, and soon fading thereof. Thus one demolishing Hammer, can undo more in a day, then ten edifying Axes can advance in a Month.

Next is Burleigh-house nigh Stamford, built by William Lord Cecil. Who so seriously compareth the [late] state of Holdenby and Burleigh, will dispute w •… th himself, whither the Offices of the Lord Chancellor or Treasurer of England be of greater Revenues, seeing Holedenby may be said to show the Seal, and Burleigh the Purse, in their respective magnificence, proportionable to the power and plenty of the two great▪ Officers that built them.

Withorpe must not be forgot, (the least of Noble Houses, and best of Lodges, ) seeming but a dim reflection of Burleigh, whence it is but a Mile distant. It was built by Thomas Cecil Earl of Exeter, to retire to (as he pleasantly said) out of the dust, whilst his great House of Burleigh was a sweeping.

Castle Ashby the Noble Mansion of the Earl of Northampton succeeds, most beautiful before, a casual fire deformed part thereof. But seeing fire is so furious a plunderer, that it giveth whatsoever it taketh not away, the condition of this house is not so much to be condoled, as congratulated. Besides these, there be many others, no County in England, yielding more Noble men; no Noble men in England, having fairer habitations. And although the Freestone whereof they be built, keepeth not so long the white innocence, as Brick doth the blushing modesty thereof; yet when the fresh luster is abated, the full state thereof doth still remain.

The Wonders.

There is within the Demeasnes of Boughton, (the Barony of the Right Honorable Edward Lord Montague, ) a Spring which is conceived to turn wood into stone. The truth is this, the coldness of the water incrustateth wood (or what else falleth into it) on every side with a stony matter, yet so that it doth not transubstantiate wood into stone. For the wood remaineth entire within, until at last wholly consumed, which giveth occasion to the former erroneous relation. The like is reported of a Well in Candia with the same mistake, that Quicquid incidit lapidescit. But I have seen in Sidney-college in Cambridge, a Skull brought thence, which was candied over with stone within and without, yet so as the bone remained entire in the middle, as by a casual breach thereof did appear. This Skull was sent for by King Charles, (and whilst I lived in the house) by him safely again returned to the College, being a Prince as desirous in such cases to preserve others propriety, as to satisfy his own curiosity.

Medicinal Waters.

Wellingborough-well.

Some may conceive it called Wellingborough, from a sovereign Well therein anciently known, afterwards obstructed with obscurity, and re-discovered in our days. But Master Camden doth mar their mart, avouching the ancient name thereof Wedlingburough. However thirty years since a water herein grew very famous, insomuch that Queen Mary lay many weeks thereat. What benefit her Majesty received by the Spring here, I know not, this I know, that the Spring received benefit from her Majesty, and the Town got credit and profit thereby. But it seems all waters of this kind have (though far from the Sea) their ebbing and flowing, I mean in esteem. It was then full tide with Wellingburough-well, which ever since hath abated, and now I believe is at low water in its reputation.

Proverbs.

The Mayor of Northampton opens Oysters with his Dagger. ]

This Town being 80 miles from the Sea, Sea fish may be presumed stale therein. Yet have I heard that Oysters (put up with care, and carried in the cool,) were weekly brought fresh and good to Althrope, the house of the Lord Spencer at equal distance. Sweeter no doubt then those Oysters commonly carried over the Alps, well nigh 300. miles from Venice to Viena, and there •… eputed (far fetched and deer bought) daintes to great persons, though sometimes very valiant their savor. Nor is this a wonder, seeing Plinny tell us, that our English Oysters did Romanis culinis servire, Serve the Kitchings of Rome; Pickled as some suppose, though others believe them preserved by an ingenious contrivance, ( Epicures bear their brains in there bowels, ) and some conceive them carried in their shells. But seeing one of their own Emperors gave for his Motto; Bonus odor h •… stis, melior Civis occisi; Good is the smell of an Enemy, but better the smell of a Citizen of Rome, killed. I say unto such a RomanNose, stinking may be better then sweet Oysters, and to their Palates we'll leave them.

He that must eat a buttered Fagot, let him go to Northampton.]

Because it is the dearest Town in England for fuel, where no Coles can come by Water, and little Wood doth grow on Land. Camden saith of this County in general, that it is, Silvis, nisi in ulteriori & citeriori parte, minùs laetus. And if so when he wrote, fifty years since, surely it is less wooddy in our age.

What reformation of late hath been made in men's judgments and manners, I know not, sure I am, that deformation hath been great in trees and timber: who verily believe, that the clearing of many dark places, where formerly plenty of wood, is all the new light this age produced.

Pity it is no better provision is made for the preservation of woods, whose want will be soonest for our fire, but will be saddest for our water, when our naval walls shall be decayed. Say not, that want of wood will put posterity, on witty inventions for that supply, seeing he is neither pious nor prudent parent, who spends his patrimony, on design that the industry and ingenuity of his son may be quick'ned thereby.

Princes.

ELIZABETH daughter of Sir Richard Woodevill, by the Lady Jaquet his wife, (formerly the relict of John Duke of Bedford, ) was born at Grafton Honor in this County, in proof whereof many strong presumptions may be produced. Sure I am, if this Grafton saw her not first a child, it beheld her first a Queen, when married to King Edward the fourth.

This Elizabeth was widow to Sir John Grey, who lost his life for the house of Lancaster; and Petitioned King Edward to take off the sequestration from her Joynter.

Beauty is a good solicitress of an equal suit, especially where youth is to be the judge thereof. The King fell much enamored with her feature, whilst the Lady put herself into a chaste posture, and kept a discreet distance, neither forward to accept, nor froward to decline his favonr.

She confessed herself too worthless to be his wife, yet pleaded too worthy to be his wanton, till at last the King was content to take her upon her own terms, though a widow and his Subject.

She got more greatness then joy, height then happiness by her marriage; her husband keeping company with others for his pleasure, her for posterity: Nor was it long before the tempest of his lust drave him to another Shore, which had a greater share in his affections.

This Lady lived to see the death of her husdand, murder of her two sons, restraint of herself, and rest of her children. And though her condition was altered and bettered, by the marriage of her eldest daughter to King Henry the seventh, yet that cunning King, (who always weighed his love in the balance of policy) was not over dutiful to her, nor over-loving to her daughter. She died Anno Domini 14...

But her memory is most remarkable to posterity for finishing Queens-college in Cambridge, (wherein I had my first breding, and for it, and all therein, shall ever have an unfeigned affection) begun by Queen Margaret, (wife to King Henry the sixth) an implacable enemy to her husband, so that the two houses of Lancaster and York had their first amity in that Foundation, a comfortable presage that in process of time they should be publicly and effectually united.

RICHARD PLANTAGENET son to Richart Plantagenet Duke of York, was born at Fothinghay castle in this County. He was somewhat rumpled in his Mothers womb, (which caused his crooked back ) otherwise handsome enough for a Soldier. Ajax and Ulysses, Valour and Eloquence, met in his person, having as well a tongue to flatter, as an arm to fight.

He compassed the Crown by cruelty, and the killing of his Nephews, the two Sons of King Edward the fourth. When King, he made good Laws, which never procured him the people's love, as who beheld vice for his native color, and virtue for his painted complexion, on design to make himself popular.

He lost the Crown and his life in the battle of Bosworth, where it may be verified of him, what Livy saith of Hannibal, when beaten by Scipio, that in that fight he performed all the offices of a wise General, and valiant Soldier, only fortune did not befriend him.

If any except that King Richard in this battle was too prodigal of his own person, engaging it too far for a General; his condition did excuse him herein, with whom it was all one, to die, as too survive Success. His memory hath since met with a Modern Pen, who hath not only purged, but praised it to the height, and pity it is, that so able an Advocate, had not a more meriting person to his Client. He was slain Anno Domini 1435.

KATHARINE PAR daughter to Sir Thomas Par, and last wife to King Henry the eighth, may probably be presumed a Native of this Shire. However to prevent cavils, we resign her over to Westmorland, where (God willing) we shall meet with her character.

Saints.

WERBURGH was daughter to Wolpher Prince of Mercia, who had his chief Palace of Residence at Wedon in the Street in this County, which place her father bestowed on her for her Portion. She was bred a Nun, under Saint Audery her Aunt, and Abbess at Eli, until such time that she was able, of herself, to go alone without leading, in a Monastical life. Returning to Wedon, she turned that place which had been her fathers Palase, into a Monastery.

Besides Wedon, she had the inspection of two other Monasteries, Trekingham in Lincolnshire, and Hamburge, noted by my Author, near Eli in Cambridgeshire, though no such place appear in any modern Maps or Catalogue. She parted herself, whilst living, successively betwixt these three places. But on her death-bed, commanded her body to be buried at Hamburge, when contrary to her Will, it was carried to the Monastery of Trekingham, and the gates thereof fast locked, and carefully watched, to keep so great a Treasure.

Reader, if the day be as long with thee, when thou readest, as it was with me, when I wrote the ensuing story, time may the better be afforded, for the perusal thereof. My Author proceeds.

Eut see a wonder. [It were well if we could see, whereas now, by his leave, we do but hear it,] They, which were appointed to watch the same, fell into a deep sleep, so as the people of Hamburge coming in the night for the Body, the gates, both of the Monastery and Church, were opened themselves without men's hands, and taking it away without any resistance, they interred it at Hamburge, as before her death she requested.

Wonder not they were so ambitious for her body, for as Werburgh was her name, which by a great Antiquary is interpreted, the Keeper or Conserver of a Burgh or Town, so all presumed she would prove a Tutelary Patroness to the place which possessed her body, seeing some have reported, that she hath miraculously driven away all Geese from Wedon, that they shall destroy no grain th •… reabout. If this be true, then as a certain Jupiter amongst the Heathens, was called Jupiter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Jupiter the fly-flapper, who drave away those offensive Insects, let this Saint hereafter be termed Werburga 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the chaser away of noisome Geese, which spoil grain, grass, and water, where they come. She died Anno Domini 675. her body was afterwards taken up, and translated to Chester, where Hugh Lupus, somewhat after the Conquest, built the fair Monastery of Saint Werburghs to her memory, converted into a Cathedral by King Henry the eight.

Martyrs.

This County affordeth no Marian Martyrs, thanks be to a good and Gracious God, a meek and moderate man, David Pool Bishop of Peterburough, whom I here mention the more willingly, not knowing where to fix his Nativity. However

Unus Homo nobis.

One Martyr we had, not chargable on the Bishop, but his bloody Arch-Deacons account, John Gurd of Syrsam a Shoo-maker burnt in Northampton.

As for Augustine Dudley Parson of Castor, though some of his familly credibly informed me, that he was Martyred, yet on enquiry, his fufferings amounted not to loss of life, and therefore the less wonder, that they escaped the drag-net of Master Fox 's diligence.

Cardinals.

HENRY CHICHLEY was born at Higham Ferrers in this County, and by the Author of Antiquitates Britanicae, is avouched made Cardinal by the title of Saint Eusebius. But, because this appeareth not in his Epitaph on his Tomb, (wherein an exact inventory of all his dignities) the truth thereof is justly suspected, and I reserve his character to be ranked amongst the Benefactors to the Public.

Prelates.

RICARD of NORTHAMPTON.
ADAM of NORTHAMPTON.

We compound them for several reasons. First, because natives of the same Town. Secondly, both going over into Ireland, there became Bishops of the same See. Thirdly, because the history of them is, single, so slender it cannot subsist alone, though twisted together; it is posible that their memories may support one the other. For we have nothing more of them, then the dates of their Consecrations and Deaths. The former Consecrated Bishop of Fernose October the 13. 1282. died Anno 1304. The later Consecrated 1322. died October the 29. 1346. having first seen his Cathedral Church burnt and destroyed by the Rebells.

WILLIAM le ZOUCH son to—Lord Zouch, was born at Haringworth in this County, as a branch of thar Honorable Family still alive, and Critical in their Pedigrees, hath credably informed me. From Dean he became Arch-bishop of York 1342.

King Edward the third, going over to France, committed the North to the care of this Prelate. Soon after David King of Scots, with a great Army invaded it; he promised himself Caesars success, to Come and Conquer, See and Subdue. The rather, because he believed, that he flour of the English Chivalry being gone into France, only Priests and Peasants were left behind. Our Arch-bishop with such forces as he could suddenly provide, bid him Battle at Durham, on Saint Luke's Eve, whereon the Scotch King found such a fast, he had little list to feast the day following, being routed and taken Prisoner. Hence a Poet of that age,

Est pater invictus, sicco de stipite dictus.

Zouch in French signifying the dry stump of a stick. However his honorable Family flourished as a Green Tree for many years, till withered in our memory, when Edward the last Lord Zouch, died without Issue male, in the beginning of King Charles.

To return to our Prelate, he began a beautiful Chapel on the South-side of his Cathedral, intending to be interred therein. But dying before the finishing thereof, was buried before the Altar of Saint Edmund 1352.

ROBERT BRAYBROOKE was born at a Village in this County, well known for the carcass of a Castle therein. He was Consecrated Bishop of London, January 5. 1381. •… nd afterwards for six Months, was Chancellor of England. He died 1404. being buried under a Marble-stone in the Chapel of Saint Mary. Which is all we can recover of this Prelate, and, if it be enough to satisfy the Readers hunger, he need not leave anything for manners in the dish.

LIONELL WYDEVILL, or WOODVILL was born at Grafton (since called Grafton honor ) in this County, bred in the University of Oxford, whereof, for a time he was Chancellor, then made Bishop of Sarisbury 1482. As he was at first preferred, so his memory is still supported from sinking in Silence, rather by the Buttresses of his great relations, then the foundation of his own deserts. For he was Son to Jaquet Dutchess of Bedford, and Richard Wydevill E. of Rivers, Brother to Elizabeth Q. of England, Brother in-law to King Edward the fourth, Uncle to King Edward the fi •… t, and Father (say some) to Stephen Gardener Bishop of Winchester. Heart-broken with grief, with the Tragedies he beheld in his own family, caused by the cruelty of King Richard the third, he died about the year of our Lord 1484.

Since the Reformation.

JAMES MONTA •… UE son to Sir Edward Montague Knight, was born at Boughton in this County, bred in Christ's-college in Cambridge. He was afterwards Master, or rather Nursing father to Sidney-college. For he found it in Bonds to pay 20. Marks per annum to Trinity-college, for the ground whereon it is built, and left it free, assigning it a rent for the discharge thereof. When the Kings Ditch in Cambridge made to defend it by its Strength, did in his time offend it with its Stenche,