English Puritan & Reformed

The History of the Worthies of England

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

Large work readerShowing section 26 of 40. Corpus search still uses the whole work; source find opens the first matching section.

Section 26/40

sendeth forth a hearty Prayer for the continuance of his he •… th and happiness.

Writers.

RALPH FRESBOURNE was born in this County, bred a Soldier, Scholar, Travailer, (being a man of great estate) and at last turned a Frier. He attended Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and King of the Romans, into the Holy-land. Here he came acquainted with the Friers living on Mount Carmel, which were then much molested with the inroads of Pagans. Our Ralph, pitying their condition, and much taken with their sanctity and (as some say) miracles, brought them over with him into England, and built them an house at Holme nigh Alnwick in Northumberland, In loco Carmelo Syriae non dissimili, saith my Author, In a place not unlike to Carmel in Syria. Thus pence are like shillings, and as Carmel had an Hill, with the river Kishon running under it, a Forest beside it, and the Mid-land-Sea some three miles from it▪ so this had the river Alne, a Park adjoining, and the German-Sea at the same distance.

But Northumberland was but a cold Carmel for these Friers, who soon got themselves warmer nests in Kent, Essex, London, and where not? Multiplying more in England, then in any other Country, as Mantuan observeth, and hath not ill expressed.

          Cur apud Anglorum populos ita creverit, audi:
         
          Anglicus in Syrias veniens exercitus olim,
         
          Achonem Tyrii positam prope litora ponti,
         
          Quae priùs occurrit, subit is oppresserat armis.

           Hear, why that they so much in
          
          England
          
           thriv'd:
          
           When th
          
          ' English
          
           erst in
          
          Palestine
          
           arrived,
          
           The City
          
          Acon
          
           on the shore of
          
          Tyre,
         
           As next at hand, with arms did soon acquire.

And after some verses interposed.

          Ista duces tanta intuiti miracula, secum
         
          In patriam duxere viros, quibus arma negabant,
         
          In laribus sedem Assyri
          
           •…
          
          : & templa domosque
         
          Construxere novas. Pauc is it a f
          
           •…
          
          ruit annis
         
          Relligio, quasi virga solo depact a feraci,
         
          Et veluti palms robur translata recepit.

           The Captains seeing so great wonders wrought,
          
           These Friers with them into
          
          England
          
           brought,
          
           What war denied at home, they here anew
          
           Churches and Houses built. In years but few
          
           Increasing twig-like set by happy band,
          
           Or tree transplanted to a fruitful land.

This Ralph wrote Books of pious exhortations and Epistles, and after he had been fourteen years provincial of his own Order, died and was buried at Holme aforesaid, Anno Domini 1274.

JOHANNES SCOTUS. We have formerly asserted the very Scociety of this Scotus his nativity to belong to England, and have answered the objections to the contrary. He was born at Dunston, a village in the Parish of Emildon in this County, as appeareth by a writing in a book of his in Merton-college, wherein he was bred. He was a Franciscan by Order, and of such nimble and solid parts, that he got the title of Doctor subtilis.

Hitherto all School-men were (like the world before the building of Babel) of one language, and of one speech, agreeing together in their opinions, which hereafter were divided into two Reg •… ments, or Armies rather, of Thomists and Scotists, under their several Generals opposing one another. Scotus was a great stickler against the Thomists for that sinful opinion, that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin; which if so, how came she to rejoice in God her Savior? He read the Sentences thrice over in his solemn Lectures, once at Oxford, again at Paris, and last at Colen, where he died, or was killed rather, because falling into a strong fit of an Apoplexy, he was interred whilst yet alive, as afterwards did appear. Small amends were made for his hasty burial, with an handsome monument erected over him, at the cost of his Order, (otherwise whether as Scot, Scholar, or Franciscan, he had little wealth of his own,) in the Choir before the High Altar. On his Monument are inscribed the names of fifteen Franciscans, viz. three Popes, and two Cardinals on the top, and ten Doctors (whereof six English ) on the sides thereof, all his Contemporaries, as I conceive. He died Anno Dom. 1308.

Benefactors to the Public.

STEPHEN BROWN Grocer, son of John Brown, was born at Newcaste upon Tine in this County, afterwards Knighted and made Lord Mayor of London 1438. In which year happened a great and general famine, caused much by unseasonable weather, but more by some ( Huckstering Husbandmen) who properly may be termed Knaves in grain, insomuch, that wheat was sold for three shillings a bushel, (intolerable according to the standard of those times,) and poor people were forced to make bread of fern roots. But this Sir Stephen Brown, sent certain ships to Dantz, whose seasonable return with Rye, suddenly sunk grain to reasonable rates, whereby many a languishing life was preserved. He is beheld one of the first Merchants who in want of Corn, shown the Londoners the way to the Barn-door, I mean, into Spruseland, prompted by charity, (not covetousness ) to this his Adventure. He may be said that since his death, he hath often relieved the City on the like occasion, because as Symmachus well observeth, Author est, bonorum sequentium qui bonum relinquit exemplum.

ROBERT WOODLARKE was born saith my Author at Wakerly in this County. True it is, in my late Church History I have challenged him for Northamptonshire.

Because there is no Wakerly in Northumberland.

Because there is a Wakerly in Northamptonshire.

But on second thoughts, I resige him clear to this County, loath to higgle for a letter or two (misprinted perchance) in the name of a Town. This Woodlarke was the last of the first Original Fellows, and third Provost of Kings-college in Cambridge. He bought three tenements in Miln-street, and (by a Mortmain procured from King Edward the fourth,) erected of them a small College, by the name of Saint Katharines-hall.

As is the man, so is his strength, great matters cannot be expected from so private a person, who never attained to any Prelatical preferment, who was bountiful to his Foundation to the utmost of his ability. Herein he stands alone, without any to accompany him, being the first and last who was Master of one College, and at the same time Founder of another. This his Zoar hath since met with many worthy Benefactours, who have advanced it to be considerable both in buildings and revenues. The date of his death I cannot with any certainty affix.

Memorable Persons.

MACHELL VIVAN is a Scottish-man by his birth, but because beneficed in this County so many years, shall (by the Readers leave) pass for an English-man, so far, as to be here inserted. The rather, because he will minister to the present and future ages, just matter of admiration, as by the perusing of the ensuing letter, from my credible friend, well know in London, (where his surviving Father, was not long since the Prime Magistrate thereof,) will appear.

There is an acquaintance of mine, and a friend of yours, who certified me, of your desire of being satisfied of the truth of that relation I made, concerning the old Minister in the North. It fortuned in my journey to Scotland, I lay at Alnwick in Northumberland, one Sunday by the way; and understanding from the Host of the house where I lodged, that this Minister lived within three miles of that place, I took my horse after dinner, and rid thither, to hear him preach, for my own satisfaction. I found him in the Desk, where he read unto us, some part of the Common-prayer, some of Holy David's Psalms, and two Chapters, one out of the Old, the other out of the New Testament, without the use of Spectacles. The Bible, out of which he read the Chapters, was a very small Printed Bible. He went afterwards into his Pulpit, where he prayed and preached to us about an hour and half. His Text was, Seek you the Kingdom of God, and all things shall be added unto you. In my poor judgment, he made an excellent good Sermon, and went cleaverly through, without the help of any Notes. After Sermon, I went with him to his house, where I proposed these several following Questions to him. Whether it was true, the book reported of him concerning his hair? whether or no he had a new set of Teeth come? whether or no his Eye-sight ever failed him? and whether in any measure he found his strength renewed unto him? He answered me distinctly to all these, and told me, he understood the News-book reported his hair to become a dark brown again, but that is false, he took his Cap off, and shown me it. It is come again like a child's, but rather flaxen, then either brown or gray. For his Teeth, he hath three come within these two years, not yet to their perfection; while he bred them he was very ill. Forty years since he could not read the biggest Print without Spectacles, and now (he blesseth God) there is no Print so small, no written hand so small, but he can read it without them. For his Strength, he thinks himself as strong now, as he hath been these twenty years. Not long since he walked to Alnwick to dinner and back again, six North-country miles. He is now an hundred and ten years of age, and ever since last May, a hearty body, very cheerful, but stoops very much. He had five children, after he was eighty years of age, four of them lusty lasses, now living with him, the other died lately, his wife yet hardly fifty years of age. He writes himself Machell Vivan, he is a Scottish-man, born near Aberdeen. I forget the Towns name where he is now Pastor, he hath been there fifty years.

Your assured loving friend, Thomas Atkin.

Windsor 28. Septem. 1657.

A most strange accident! For waving the Poetical fiction of Aeson his Re-juvenescency in Medeas Bath, it will hardly be paired. To begin with Scripture, Caleb (or All-heart ) his professing himself as able for any action at eighty, as forty years before, speaketh no renovation, but continuation of his strength. And whereas David saith, that his youth was renewed as an Eagles, he is to be understood in a Metapborical, yea Spiritual sense, of the vigorousness, and sprightfulness of grace in his heart, seeing otherwise his great debilitation doth appear at seventy years, scarce a moity of this man's a age. As for the many miracles, wrought by our Savior, though extending to the cleansings of Leapers, Curing Diseases, Casting out Devils, yea, Reviving the Dead, yet they never countermanded nature in this kind, by recruiting the strength of an aged person. As for human History, I meet not with any to mate him in all particulars. The nearest that treadeth on his heels, is the Countess of Desmond, married in the reign of King Edward the fourth, and yet alive Anno 1589. and many years since, when she was well known to Sir Walter Raleigh, and to all the Nobles and Gentlemen in Mounster. But chiefly to the Earls (for there was a succession of them worn out by her vivacity) of Desmond, from whose expectation she detained her jointer. The Lord Bacon casteth up her age to be an hundred and forty at least, adding withal, Ter per vices dentisse, That she recovered her Teeth, after her casting them three several times.

All I will add is this, had this happened in foreign parts, addicted to Popery, near the shrine of some Saint, superstition with her sickle, might have reaped a great harvest thereby.

........ ANDERSON a Townsman and Merchant of Newcastle, talking with a friend on Newcastle-bridge, and fingering his ring, before he was aware let it fall into the river, and was much troubled with the loss thereof, until the same was found in a fish caught in the river, and restored unto him. The same is reported by Herodotus in his third book, of Polycrates a petty King, and the Minion of fortune, and may be an instance of the recurrency of remarkable accidents, according to Solomon's observation, There is no new thing under the sun.

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

Thomas Bishop of Dur •… am,	Commissioners to take the Oaths.
Ralph Earl of Westmorland.
Thomas Lilborn, Knights for the Shire.
John Carington. Knights for the Shire.

Rob. Umfravile, mil.
Rad. Gray, mil.
Rob. Ogle, senior. mil.
Rob. Ogle, jun. mil.
Johan. Bertram, mil.
Will. Elmeden, mil.
Johan. Midleton, mil.
Will. Svynbarn, mil.
Johan Maners, mil.
Math. Whitfeld, mil.
Will. Carnaby
Johan. Fenwyk
Johan. Midelton
Tho. Ilderton
Rob. Raymes
Tho. Haggerston
Rob. Maners
Laur. Acton
Tho. Gray de Norton
Tho. Blekensop
Row. Thirwall
Ric. Fetherstanhalgh
Gilb. Rotherford
Will. Muschaunce
Gilb. Eryngton
Will. Clenell
Johan. Heron de Netherton
Tho. Reed de Redesdale
Roger. Ushere
Tho. Midleton
Joh. Ellerington
Joh. Park
Rich. Lilburne
Tho. Elwick
Joh. Eryngton
Nic. Heron de Meldon
Joh. Trewyk
Joh. Chestre
Lion. Chestre
Joh. Horsley de Horsley
Jaco. Buk de Morpath

Observations.

The Fable is sufficiently known of the contest betwixt the Wind and the Sun, which first should force the Travailer to put off his clothes. The Wind made him wrap them the closer about him, whilst the heat of the Sun, soon made him to part with them.

This is moralized in our English Gentry, such who live South-ward near London, (which for the •… stre thereof I may fitly call the Sun of our Nation,) in the warmth of wealth, and plean •… •… f pleasures, quickly strip and disrobe themselves of their Estates and Inheritance; whilst the Gentry living in this County, in the Confines of Scotland, in the Wind of War, (daily Alarumed with their blustering enemies ) buckle their Estates (as their armor) the closer unto them; and since have no less thriftily defended their patrimony in Peace, then formerly they valiantly maintained it in War.

The Commissioners of this County did not over weary themselves in working, when they returned these persons, presenting no underwood, yea, no standels, but only timber-oaks, men of great wealth and worship in this Shire, as appears by the thinness of their number, but one and twenty.

Sheriffs of Northumberland.

Anno 1: Odardus
Anno 2: Will. de Vesci Milo
Anno 3: Idem.
Anno 4
Anno 5: Idem.
Anno 6
Anno 7: Will. de Vesci Milo, for 9 years.
Anno 16: Rog. Statevill, for 15 years.
Anno 31: Rog. de Glanvill, for 3 years.

Anno 1: Rog. de Glanvill
Anno 2: Will. de Stutevill, & Regin. Basset
Anno 3: Nul. Tit. Com. in hoc Rotulo
Anno 4
Anno 5
Anno 6: Hug. Bardoph. for 4 years.
Anno 10: Idem, & Ob. fil. Will.

Anno 1: Hugo. Bardolfe
Anno 2: Will. Stutevill, & Joh. Laleman
Anno 3: Rob. filius Rog. & Rad. de Furnell, for 3 years.
Anno 6
Anno 7
Anno 8: Rob. filius Rog. & Rob. de Kent
Anno 9: Rob. filius Rog. & Ang. de Corvo
Anno 10: Rob. filius Rog. & Tho. Haltem
Anno 11: Rob. filius Rog. & Will. de Blunvill
Anno 12: Idem.
Anno 13: Idem.
Anno 14
Anno 15: Idem.
Anno 16: Aimericus Archid. Dunelm, & Phil. 〈◊〉
Anno 17: Phil. de Ulecot, & Will. de Stratton

Anno 1: Phil. de Ulcot, for 4 years.
Anno 5: Rob. de Wittester alias (Wirceser)
Anno 6: Idem.
Anno 7: Will. Briewere, jun. & Rog. Langford
Anno 8: Will. Briever, jun. ut Custos, & Tho. de Tetleburn
Anno 9: Joh. filius Rob. & Will. Coniers, for 3 years.
Anno 12: Joh. filius Rob.
Anno 13: Bri. fil. Alani, & Hug. de Magneby, for 3 years.
Anno 16: Bri. fil. Alani, & Joh. de Mersley, for 4 years.
Anno 20: Rich.
Anno 21: Hu. de Bolebet, & Alan. de Kirkby, for 7 years.
Anno 28: Hug. de Bolebet, & Rob. de Camho, for 3 years.
Anno 31: Will. Heyrun, for 11 years.
Anno 42: Joh. de Plesset
Anno 43: Idem.
Anno 44: Tho. filius Mich.
Anno 45: Idem.
Anno 46: Adam. de Gesenor, & Hug. de Hereford Clicus.
Anno 47: Adam. de Cresenor, & Joh. Lidegreynes, for 5 years.
Anno 52: Wischardus de Charny
Anno 53: Idem.
Anno 54: Rich. de Charny, for 3 years.

Anno 1: Rob. de Hampton, for 3 years.
Anno 4: Joh. de Lichegreynes, for 3 years.
Anno 7: Walt. de Cannblion
Anno 8: Idem.
Anno 9: Tho. de Dyneleston, for 8 years,
Anno 17: Rich. Knoul. for 5 years.
Anno 22: Hu. Gobium, for 3 years.
Anno 25: Joh. de Kirkby
Anno 26: Rob. de Balliclo
Anno 27: Idem.
Anno 28: Rog. Mynot
Anno 29: Idem.
Anno 30: Joh. de Camblion
Anno 31: Lucas Talboys
Anno 32: Idem.
Anno 33: Joh. de Creppinge, & Joh. de Sheffeld, for 3 years.

Anno 1: Rob. de Fandon
Anno 2: Guid. Charroum
Anno 3: Johan. de Cannton
Anno 4: Idem.
Anno 5: Will. de Felton, & Joh. de Cannton, for 3 years.

Anno 1: Joh. de Insula, & Joh. de Fenwick
Anno 2: Joh. de Littlebourne, for 5 years.
Anno 7
Anno 8: Rog. Mauduit
Anno 9: Hob. Dardins, for 3 years.
Anno 12: Will. Felton, for 6 years.
Anno 18: Rob. Bertram, & Rob. de Fenwicke
Anno 19: Idem.
Anno 20: Rob. Reyms
Anno 21: Idem.
Anno 22: Johan. Clifford
Anno 23: Idem.
Anno 24
Anno 25: Joh. Coupeland, for 3 years.
Anno 28
Anno 29
Anno 30
Anno 31: Alan. de Strocker
Anno 32: Idem.
Anno 33: Hen. de Strocker
Anno 34: Idem.
Anno 35: Johan. Heronn
Anno 36: Rog. de Widrington
Anno 37: Rich. de Horsele
Anno 38: Hen. de Strocher, for 5 years.
Anno 43: Rich. de Horsele, for 3 years.
Anno 46: Rob. Umfravil
Anno 47: Tho. Surtis
Anno 48: Johan. Fenwicke
Anno 49: Barthram. Monboucher
Anno 50: Tho. de Ilderton
Anno 51: Rob. Umfravil

EDWARD the third.

25. JOHN COUPELAND.]

This was he, who five years ago, ( viz. in the 20. of this Kings reign) took David Bruce, King of Scotland prisoner, in the battle at Nevils-Cross. Buchanan, an Author not always to be credited, in the concernments of his own Nation, (seldom allowing victory to the English valor, but either to their treachery, or unequal numbers,) reporteth, how Coupeland, having disarmed his Royal Prisoner, Duos pugno dentes excussit, which I will not English, as confident never done by English-man, our Chronicles taking no notice of such a cruelty, but that he treated him with strictness, beseeming a Prisoner; and respect, becoming a Prince; until he had surrendered him to King Edward, who rewarded him with Knight-hood; and lest his honor, without means to support it, should seem burdensome to him, and contemptible to others, He gave him five hundred pounds per annum, to be paid four hundred out of the Customs of London, the other out of those of Berwick, until such time as lands of the same value, were settled on him, and his heirs forever.

Sheriffs of Northumberland.

Name.	Place.	Arms.
RICH. II.
Anno
1 Bert. Monboucher
2 Tho. Surties
3 B •… rt. Monboucher
4 Idem.
5 Adom. de Atholl		G. on a Cheveron Or, 3 Estoiles S.
6 Rob. de Clifford		Checky Or and Azu. a Fess Gules.
7 Johan. Heronn
8 Hen. de Percy, Com. Morthumb.	Alnwick	Or, a Lion rampant Azure.
9 Idem.	ut prius
10 Idem.	ut prius
11 Idem.	ut prius
12 R •… d. de Eure		Quarterly Or and Gul. on a Bend Sab. 3 Escalops Argent.
13 Idem.	ut prius
14 Joh. de Filton, m.
15 Hen. de Percy Com. Northumb.	ut prius
16 Idem.	ut prius
17
18
19
20 Hen. de Percy	ut prius
21 Idem.	ut prius
22 Joh. de Fenwick	Fenwick	Per pale Gul. and Arg. 6 Martlets counterchanged.
HEN. IV.
Anno
1 Hen. de Percy fil. Com. Northumb.	ut prius
2 Ger. Heron, m. & Rob. Umfravill		Argent, a Fess betwixt 6 Cinquefoiles Gules.
3 Joh. Milford, m.
4 Joh. Clavering, m.		Quarterly Or and Gul. a bend Sa.
5
6 Rob. Umfravill, m.	ut prius
7 Rob. Lisle, mil.		Or a Fess betwixt 2 Cheverons S.
8 Rob. Herbotell
9 Tho. Grey		Gul. a Lion ramp. within a Border engraild Arg.
10 Rob. Tempest		Arg. a bend betwixt 6 Martlets S.
11 Joh. Widrington		Quarterly Arg. & Gu. a bend Sab.
12 Joh. Bertram		Or, an Orle Azure.
HEN. V.
Anno
1 Joh. Maveres		Or, 2 Bars Az. a Chief Gules.
2 Edw. Hastings, m.		Argent, a Maunch Sable.
3 Rob. Lisle	ut prius
4 Joh. W •… derington	ut prius
5 Rob. Ogle		Arg. a Fess betwixt 3 Cressants G.
6 Edw. Hastings	ut prius
7 Will. Elmeden
8 Tho. Surtis
9 Idem.
HEN. VI.
Anno
1 Joh. Bertram, m.	ut prius
2 Joh. Midleton
3 Joh. Bertram, mil.	ut prius
4 Joh. Widerington	ut prius
5 Will. Lamb •… on
6 Hen. Fenwick, ar.	ut prius
7 Will. Carnaby, ar.
8 Joh. Woderington	ut prius
9 Joh. Bertram	ut prius
10 Rog. Woderington	ut prius
11 Joh. Midleton
12 Math. Whitfeld		Argent, a bend betwixt 2 〈◊〉 engrailed Sable.
13 Joh. Bertram. m.	ut prius
14 Rog. Woderington	ut prius
15 Will. Eure, mil.	ut prius
16 Rob. Ogle, mil.	ut prius
17 Joh. Bertram	ut prius
18 Rob. Herbotell, m.
19 Joh. Heron	Gawby
20 Idem.
21 Rog. Woderington	ut prius
22 Joh. Heron
23 Rob. Claxston
24 Will. Haringe
25 Tho. Wellden
26 Bertr. Herbotell
27 Tho. Nevill, mil.		Gules a Saltire Argent.
28 Ro. de Woderingtō	ut prius
29 Rog. Thornton
30 Joh. Heronford
31 Rob. Mitford
32 Joh. Burcester
33 Rob. Mavers, ar.	ut prius
34 Rad. Grey, mil.	Chillingham	Gules, a Lion rampant within a Border engrailed Argent.
35 Joh. Heron, mil.
36 Rog. Thornton
37 Will. Bertram	ut prius
38 Rad. Grey, mil.	ut prius
EDW. IV.
Anno
1 Joh. Midleton, mil.
2 Georg. Lumley, m.
3 Idem.
4 Rob. Maures, mil.	ut prius
5 Ger. Woderington	ut prius
6 Will. Bows, m •… .		E •… min. 3 Bows bent Gules.
7 Joh. Nevill. mil.	ut prius
8 Geor. Lumley, m.
9 Idem.
10 Idem.
11 Idem.
12 Joh. Woderington	ut prius
13 Idem.	ut prius
14 Idem.	ut prius
15 Hen. Com. North.	ut prius
16 Idem.	ut prius
17 Idem.	ut prius
18 Idem.	ut prius
19 Idem.	ut prius
20 Idem.	ut prius
21 Idem.	ut prius
22
RICH. III.
Anno
1 Hen. Com. North.	ut prius
2 Rad. Herbotle, m. subvic.
3 Hen. Com. North.	ut prius
4 Rob. Maneret, m.
HEN. VII.
Anno
1 Hen. Com. North.	ut prius
2 Idem.	ut prius
3 Idem.	ut prius
4 Nullus Ti •… . Com.
5 in hoc Rotulo.
6
7
8
9 Rog. Fenwick, ar.	ut prius
10
11
12 Rob. Grey	Horton	Ut prius.
13 Geor. Taylboys, m.		Argent, a Cross Saltire, and Chief Gules on the last, 3 Escallops of the first.
14
15
16
17 Edw. Radcliff, m.		Arg. a Bend engrailed Sable.
18
19 Rad. Eure, mil.	ut prius
20
21 Tho. Ilderton, m.
22
23 Nich. Ridley, ar.
24
HEN. VIII.
Anno
Nich. Ridley, ar.
2 Idem.
3 Idem.
4
5
6
7 Rad. Fenwick, ar.	ut prius
8
9
10 Chri. Thirkill, ar.
11 Georg. Skelton, ar.
12 Chri. Dacre, mil.		Gules, 3 Escallops Argent.
13 Will. Elleker, ar.		Argent, a Fess betwixt 3 Waterbougets Gules.
14
15
16 Will. Elleker, m.	ut prius
17 Will. Heron, mil.
18 Will. Eure, mil.	ut prius
19 Cut. Ratcliffe, ar.	ut prius
20
21
22		Recorda Manca.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32 Joh. Woderington	ut prius
33 Leon. Cornaby, m.		Ermin. 2 Bars Vert.
34 Joh. de Lavale, m.		Arg. 2 Bars Azu. over all a flower de liz Or.
35 Tho. Hilton, mil.
36 Joh. Collingwood
37 Tho. Hilton, mil.	ut prius
38 Joh. Horsley, ar.
EDW. VI.
Auno
1 Joh. de Lavele, m.	ut prius
2 Tho. Hilton, mil.	ut prius
3 Joh. Foster, mil.		Arg. a Cheveron Vert 'twixt 3 Hunters-horns Sable.
4 Joh. Gray, mil.	ut prius
5 Rob. Collingwood
6 Joh. Witherington	ut prius
PHILLIP. & MARI.
Anno
1 Joh. de Lavele, m.	ut prius
1, 2
2, 3
3, 4
4, 5
5, 6 Geo. R •… tcliffe, m.	ut prius
ELIZAB. REG.
Anno
1 Joh. Witherington	ut prius
2 Alb. 〈◊〉	Fetherston▪	Gul. a Cheveron betwixt 3 Feathers Argent.
3 Rob. Lawson, ar.	Haugh
4 Hen. Percy, mil.	ut prius
5 Rad. Grey, mil.	ut prius
6 Tho. Foster, ar.	ut prius
7 Joh. de Lavele, ar.	ut prius
8 Georg. Heron, ar.
9 Cut. Carnaby, ar.
10 Cut. Collingwood
11 Rob. Raydes, ar.
12 Nich. Ridley, ar.
13 Joh. deLavele, m. Geor. Heron, m▪	ut prius
14 Tho. Foster, ar.	ut prius
15 Cut. Caneyby, ar.
16 Tho. Grey, mil.	ut prius
17 Rob. de Lavele, m.	ut prius
18 Rob. Midleton, ar.
19 Fran. Russell, mil.		Arg. a Lion rampant Gul. on a Chief Sable, 3 Escallops of the first.
20 Will. Fenwicke, ar.	ut prius
21 Hen. Witheringtō	ut prius
22 Cut. Colingwood
23 Joh. Heron, ar.
24 Rad. Grey. ar,	ut prius
25 Rob. de Lavele, ar.	ut prius
26 Jam. Ogle. ar.	ut prius
27 Rich. Radley, ar.
28 Rob. Cl •… uding, ar.
29 Hen. Anderson, ar.
30 Idem.
31 Will. Fenwick, ar.	ut prius
32 Ale. F •… therston, ar.	ut prius
33 Rad. Grey. ar.	ut prius
34 Rob. de Lavele, ar.	ut prius
35 Rad. Grey, ar.	ut prius
36 Tho. Bradford, ar.
37 Idem.
38 Geor. Musch •… mpe		Or, 3 Bars Gules.
39 Edw. Grey. ar.	ut prius
40 Idem.	ut prius
41 Tho. Midleton, ar.
42 Ge. Muschamp, ar.	ut prius
43 Edw. Talbot, ar.		Arg. 3 Lions ramp. Purpure.
44 Nich. Foster, ar.		Argent, a Ch •… veron Vert 'twixt 3 Hunters-horns Sable.
45 Will. Selby, jun. ar. & 1 Jacob.
JACO. REG.
Anno
1 Will. Selby, jun. ar.
2 Rad. de Lavale, ar.	ut prius
3 Hen. Witheringtō	ut prius
4 Will. Selby, mil.
5 Geor. Selby. mil.
6 Rad. de Lavale, m.	ut prius
7 Edw. Talbot, ar.	ut prius
8 Joh. de Lavale, ar.	ut prius
9 Rad. Grey, mil.	ut prius
10 Claud. Foster, ar.	ut prius
11 Rad. Seldy, mil.
12 Joh. Clavering, m.		Quarterly Or and Gul. a Bend S.
13 Hen. Anderson, m.
14 Will. Selby, mil.
15 Rob. Brandlinge
16 Tho. Midleton, ar.
17 Joh. Fenwicke, m.	ut prius
18 Mat. Foster, ar.	ut prius
19 Rad. de Lavale, m.	ut prius
20 Will. Muschampe	ut prius
21 Joh. Clavering, m.	ut prius
22 Joh. de Lavale, m.		Ermine 2 Bars Vert.
CAR. REG.
Anno
1 Cutb. Heron, ar.
2 Fran. Bradling, ar.
3
4 Tho. Swinborn, m. & duobus Tumid.
5
6 Rob. Bradling, ar.
7 Nic. Towneley, ar.
8 Nich. Tempest, m.	ut prius
9 Tho. Midleton, ar.
10
11 Will. Carniby, m.
12 Will. Witheringtō		Quarterlr Arg. & Gul. a Bend S.
13 Rob. Bewick, ar.
14
15
16 Ingratum bello
17 debemus Inane.
18
19
20
21
22

The Reader is sensible of more blanks and interruptions, in these Sheriffs, then in any other Catalogue, whereof this reason may be assigned; because the Sheriffs of Northumberland never accounted to the Kings Majesty in his Exchequer, (from which accounts the most perfect List is made) until the third year of King Edward the sixth Yea, they assumed such liberty to themselves, as to siese the issues and profits of their Baylwick, and convert them to their own use, with all other Debts, Fines, and Amercements, within the said County, and all Emoluments accrueing from Alienations, Intrusions, Wards, Marriages, Reliefs, and the like.

This, though it tended much unto the detriment, and loss of the Crown, was for many years connived at, chiefly to encourage the Sheriffs in their dangerous office, who in effect, lay constant Perdues against the neighbouring Scots. But after that, their care was much lessened, by settling the Lord-Wardens of the Marches, it was enacted in the third of King Edward the •… ixth, that the Sheriffs of Northumberland should be accountable for their office, as others, in the Exchequer.

Queen ELIZABETH.

19 FRANCIS RUSSELL, Mil.]

He was son to Francis, and father to Edward Earl of Bedford. He married Julian daughter (whom Mills calls Elionar, and makes her co-heir) to Sir John Foster aforesaid, which occasioned his residence in these parts. It happened on a Truce-day, June 27. 1585. that the English meant to treat, whilst the Scots meant to fight, being three thousand to three hundred. Now, though it was agreed betwixt them, (to use the words of the Limitary-laws) that they should not hurt each other with word, deed, or look, they fell on the English, in which tumult this worthy Knight lost his life. And, because seldom single funerals happen in great Families, his Father died the same week in the South of England.

The Farewell.

Being now to take our leave of Northnmberland, I remember what I have read of Sir Robert Umfrevile, a native of this County, how he was commonly called Robin Mendmarket, so much he improved trading hereabouts, in the reign of King Henry the fonrth. It will not be amiss to wish this County more Mendmarkets, that the general complaint of the decay of traffick may be removed. I confess the Knight bettered the Markets, by selling therein the plentiful plunder which he had taken from the Scots, but I desire it done by some ingenious, and not injurious design, that none may have just cause to complain.

NOTTINGHAM-SHIRE.

NOTTINGHAM-SHIRE hath York-shire on the North, Lincolnshire on the East, Leicester-shire on the South, and Derby shire on the West: Nor can I call to mind any County besides this, bounded with four, and but four, Shires, (and those towards the four cardinal points ) without any parcels of other Shires interposed. The pleasantness thereof may be collected from the plenty of Noble-men, many having their Barronies, and more their Residence, therein: It is divided into two parts, the Sand and the Clay, which so supply the defects one of another, that what either Half doth afford, the whole County doth enjoy.

Natural Commodities.

Glycyrize or Liquoris.

England affordeth hereof the best in the world for some uses, this County the first and best in England: Great the use thereof in Physic, it being found very pectoral and sovereign for several diseases. A stick hereof is commonly the spoon prescribed to Patients, to use in any Lingences or Loaches: If (as Aeneas his men were forced to eat their own Trenchers) these chance to eat their Spoons, their danger is none at all. But Liquoris formerly dear and scarce, is now grown cheap and common, because growing in all Counties. Thus plenty will make the most precious thing a drug, as silver was nothing respected in Jerusalem in the days of Solomon.

Wonders.

We must not forget how two Ayres of Lannards were lately found in Sherwood Forest. These Hawks are the natives of Saxony, and it seems, being old and past flying at the game, were let or did set themselves loose, where meeting with Lanerets, enlarged on the same terms, they did breed together, and proved as excellent in their kind, when managed, as any which were brought out of Germany.

Proverbs.

Many talk of Robin Hood, who never shot in his Bow. ]

That is, many discourse (or prate rather) of matters wherein they have no skill or experience. This Proverb is now extended all over England, though originally of Nottingham-shire extraction, where Robin Hood did principally reside in Sherwood Forest. He was an Arch robber, and withal an excellent Archer; though surely the Poet gives a twang to the loose of his Arrow, making him shoot one a cloth-yard long, at full forty score mark, for compass never higher than the breast, and within less than a foot of the mark. But herein our Author hath verified the Proverb, talking at large of Robin Hood, in whose Bow he never shot.

One may justly wonder that this Archer did not at last hit the mark, I mean, come to the Gallows for his many robberies, but see more hereof in the Memorable Persons of this County.

To s •… ll Robin Hoods penny-worths. ]

It is spoken of things sold under half their value; or if you will, half sold half given. Robin Hood came lightly by his ware, and lightly parted therewith; so that he could afford the length of his Bow for a yard of Velvet. Whithersoever he came, he carried a Fair along with him, Chapmen crowding to buy his stolen Commodities. But seeing The receiver is as bad as the thief, and such buyers are as bad as receivers, the cheap Penny-worths of plundered goods may in fine prove dear enough to their Consciences.

As wise as a man of Gotham.]

It passeth publicly for the Periphrasis of a Fool, and an hundred Fopperies are feigned and fathered on the Town-folk of Gotham, a Village in this County. Here two things may be observed:

1. Men in all Ages have made themselves merry with singling out some place, and fixing the staple of stupidity and stolidity therein. Thus the Phrygians were accounted the fools of all Asia, and the Anvils of other men's wits to work upon, sero sapiunt Phryges, Phryx nisi ictus non sapit. In Grecia take a single City, and then Abdera in Thracia carried it away for Dull-heads,

— Abderitanae pectora plebis habes.

But for a whole Country commend us to the Boetians for Block-heads, and Baeotium ingcnium is notoriously known. In Germany auris Baetava is taken by the Poet for a dull Ear, which hath no skill in witty conceits.

2. These places thus generally slighted and scoffed at, afforded some as witty and wise persons as the world produced: Thus Plutarch himself (saith Erasmus ) was a Baeotian, and Erasmus a Batavian or Hollander, and therefore (his own copy-hold being touched in the Proverb) he expoundeth auris Batava a grave and severe Ear.

But to return to Gotham, it doth breed as wise people, as any which causelessly laugh at their simplicity. Sure I am, Mr. William de Gotham, fifth Master of Michael-house in Cambridge, Anno 1336. and twice Chancellor of the University, was as grave a Governor as that Age did afford. And Gotham is a goodly large Lordship, where the ancient and right well respected Family of St. Andrew's have flourished some hundreds of years, till of late the name is extinct in, and lands divided betwixt, Female co-heirs, matched unto very worshipful persons.

The little Smith of Nottingham,

Who doth the work that no man can.

England hath afforded many rare workmen in this kind, whereof he may seem an Apprentice to Vulcan, and inferior only to his Master, (in making the invisible Net ) who made a Lock and Key, with a Chain of ten links, which a Flea could draw. But what this little Smith and great workman was, and when he lived, I know not; and have cause to suspect, that this of Nottingham is a periphrasis of Nemo, Ou It is, or a person who never was: And the Proverb, by way of Sarcasm, is applied to such, who being conceited of their own skill, pretend to the achieving of impossibilities.

Martyrs.

I meet with none within this County, either before or in the Marian days, imputing the later to the mild temper of Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York, and Diocesan thereof. Yet find we a Martyr, though not in this, yet of this, County; as a Native thereof here following.

THOMAS CRANMER was born at Arse lackton (Speed calls it Astackton ) in this County, and being bred in Jesus college in Cambridge became Archbishop of Canterbury; and at last (after some intermediate failings) valiantly suffered for the Truth at Oxford, An. Dom. 1556. March 22.

Two hungry meals (saith our English Proverb) makes the third a glutt •… n. This may also be inverted, Two glutton meals require the third an hungry one, fasting being then necessary lest Nature be surcharged. If the Reader hath formerly perused Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments, and my Ecclesiastical History, Cranmer his story is so largely related in those two books, there is danger of his surfeit if I should not now be short and sparing therein: only one memorable passage omitted by Mr. Fox (and that's a wonder) I must here insert out of an excellent Author.

After his whole body was reduced into ashes, his heart was found entire and untouched. Which is justly alleged as an argument of his cordial integrity to the truth, though fear too much and too often prevailed on his outward actions: So that what the Holy Spirit recor •… eth of King Asa, was true of him,— Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days, though good man he was guilty of many and great imperfections.

The like to this of Cranmer is reported of Zwingli, Quod cadavere flammis ab hostibus tradito, cor exuri non potuerit, His foes making this a sign of the obduration and hardness of his heart, his friends of the sincerity thereof. And thus saith my moderate and learned Author, Adeo turbat is odio aut amore animis, ut fit in religions dissensionibus, pro se quis{que} omnia superstitious interpretor, Their minds being so disturbed with hatred or love, as it comes to pass in dissensions of Religion, everyone interprets all things superstitiously for his own advantage. The best is, our Religion, wherein it differs from Romish Errors, hath better demonstration for the truth thereof, than those Topical and Osier accidents, liable to be bent on either side, according to men's fancies and affections.

Prelates since the Reformation.

WILLIAM CHAPPELL was born at Lexington in this County, and bred a Fellow in Christ's college in Cambridge, where he was remarkable for the strictness of his Conversation. No one Tutor in our memory bred more and better Pupils, so exact his care in their Education. He was a most subtle Disputant, equally excellent with the Sword and the Shield, to reply or answer. He was chosen Provost of Trinity college in Dublin, and afterwards Bishop of Corke and Ross: Frighted with the Rebellion in Ireland he came over into England, where he rather exchanged than eased his condition, such the wofulness of our civil wars. He died Anno 1649. and parted his Estate almost equally betwixt his own Kindred and distressed Ministers, his charity not impairing his duty, and his duty not prejudicing his charity.

Capital Judges.

Sir JOHN MARKHAM, descended of an ancient Family, was born at Markham in this County, and brought up in the Municipal Law, till being Knighted by Edward the Fourth, he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, in the place of Sir John Fortescue. These I may call the two Chief Justices of the Chief Justices, for their signal integrity: For though the one of them favored the House of Lancaster, the other of York, in the Titles to the •… rown; both of them favored the House of Justice in matters betwixt party and party.

It happened that Sir Thomas Cook, late Lord Mayor of London, one of vast wealth, was cast before hand at the Court, (where the Lord Rivers, and the rest of the Queens Kindred, had pre-devoured his Estate) and was only for Formalities sake to be condemned in Guild-hall, by extraordinary Commissioners in Oyer and Terminer, whereof Sir John Markham was not the meanest. The Fact for which he was arraigned, was for lending money to Margaret the Wife of King Henry the Sixth: this he denied, and the single testimony of one Haukins, tortured on the Rack, was produced against him.

Judge Markham directed the jury (as it was his place, and no partiality in point of Law to do) to find it only Misprision of treason; whereby Sir Thomas saved his lands though heavily fined, and life though long imprisoned. The King was highly displeased at him, and vowed he should never sit on the Bench anymore. And here I hope it will not trespass on the grave character of this Judge, to insert a modern and pleasant passage, being privy myself to the truth thereof.

A Lady would traverse a suit of Law against the will of her husband, who was contented to buy his quiet by giving her her will therein, though otherwise persuaded in his judgment the cause would go against her.

This Lady dwelling in the Shire-town, invited the judge to dinner, and (though thrifty enough of herself) treated him with s •… mptuous entertainment. Dinner being done, and the cause being called, the judge clearly gave it against her: And when in passion she vowed never to invite any Judge again; Nay, Wife (said he) vow never to invite a just Judge anymore.

Well, King Edward was so vexed, that Sir John Markham was outed of his Chief-justice-ship, and lived privately but plentifully the remainder of his life, having fair lands by Margaret his wife, ( daughter and co-heir of Sir Simon Leke of Cotham in this County) besides the Estate acquired by his Practice and paternal Inheritance.

Seamen.

EDWARD FENTON (Brother to Sir Jeffrey Fenton, of whom hereafter) was born in this County, whose nature inclined him wholly to Sea-service; and disdaining to go in a trodden path, he was ambitious to discover unknown passages. His Atchievements in this nature are related at large in Mr. Hackluit, and excellently contracted in an Epitaph on his Monument in Depthford Church in Kent, erected by the Right Honorable Roger Earl of Corke, who married his Brothers daughter.

Memoriae perenni Edwardi Fenton, Reginae Elizabethae olim pro corpore Armigeri, Jano O-Neal, ac post eum Comite Desmoniae, in Hibernia turbantibus, fortissimi Taxiarchi, qui post lustratum improbo ausu, Septentrionalis Plagae Apochryphum mare, & excussas variis peregrinationibus inertis Naturae latebras, Anno 1588. in celebri contra Hispanos Naumachia, meruit Navis Praetoriae Navarchus. Obiit Anno Domini 1603.

Some days after the death of Queen Elizabeth. Observe by the way how God set up a generation of military men, both by Sea and Land, which began and expired with the Reign of Queen Elizabeih, like a suit of clothes made for her, and worn out with her: For Providence designing a peaceable Prince to succeed her, (in whose time martial men would be rendered useless) so ordered the matter, that they all almost attended their Mistress, before or after, within some short distance, unto her grave.

Writers.

WILLIAM MANSFEILD (named no doubt from, and) born at that noted Market Town in this County, was bred a Dominican, and for his skill in Logicks, Ethics, Physicks, and Metaphysics in his Age highly applauded. And because some prize a Dram of Foreign before a pound of Home-bred praise, know that Leander Bononiensis (though mistaking his Name Massettus ) giveth him the Appellation of Inclytus Theologi •… Professor. He defended Thomas Aquinas against Henricus Gandavensis, (though both of them were dead long before) and got great Credit thereby. Bale, (who is not usually so civil in his expressions) saith that he did strow branches of Palms before Christ's Ass, which if so, was (I assure you) no bad employment. He flourished, Anno Dom. 1320.

WILLIAM NOTTINGHAM was first Prebendary, then Chanter of York, bred an Augustinian, and fourteen years the Provincial of his Order. Resigning which place, he went on some great employment to Rome, and returning thence by Genoa, fell sick and recovered of the Plague, being therein a Monument of Divine Mercy to prove that disease (though in itself Mortale ) not always Mortiferum.

Amongst the many Books he wrote, his Concordance on the Evangelists was most remarkable, which I behold as a Leading-piece in that kind, though since it hath met with many to follow it; A worthy work to show the Harmony betwixt those four Writers, though it hath met with many to decry the design, being accounted by

Some Impossible.	Others Unnecessary.
As if there were Contradictions herein past reconciling, whose opinion cannot be reconciled with Piety; seeing the four Gospels are Indited by one and the same Spirit of Unity and Verity, of Truth and Concord, whilst in two sentences really contrary, one must be false of necessity.	As if it were nothing but the reconciling of those who never fell out. Whereas indeed, there are many seeming oppositions therein to raise the reputation thereof. Intellecta ab omnibus sunt neglecta a plurimis, and some necessary difficulty becomes Scripture, to quicken our prayers, pains, and patience to understand it.

Bale giveth him this Lukewarme (call it hot, because coming from his mouth) commendation, non omnino impius in voluminibus, quae composuit. He died, and was buried at Lecester. Anno Dom. 1336.

ROBERT WORSOP was born (saith Bale ) in the County, mistaken for the Di •… cese of York, seeing Worsop is notoriously known to be in Nottingham-shire. He was bred an Augustinian in the convent of Tick-Hill not far from Doncaster, where he wrote many Books, the one called the Entrance of the Sentences. Bale saith, that at last he was made a Bishop, not naming his Diocese, and no such Prelate appearing in our English Catalogue it rendereth it suspicious, that either he was some Suffragan, or some Titulary Bishop in Greece. He died, and was buried at Tick Hill, about the year 1360.

Since the Reformation.

Sir JEFFREY FENTON Knight, born in this County, was for twenty seven years Privy-Counselor in Ireland to Queen Elizabeth and King James. He translated the History of Francis Guicciardine out of Italian into English, and Dedicated it to Queen Elizabeth, he deceased at Dublin October 19. 1608. and lieth buried in St. Patricks Church under the same Tomb with his Father-in Law Dr. Robert Weston, sometimes Chancellor of Ireland.

JOHN PLOUGH was born in this County, a pious and learned Minister of the Word; who for his conscience fled over into Basil in the Reign of Queen Mary.

It happened that a Book came over into the hands of the English Exiles, written against the Marriage of Ministers, by one Miles Hoggard, a silly Hosier in London, but highly opinioned of his learning. It was debated amongst the English, whether this Book should be passed over with neglect, or answered. And here the Reader is requested to pardon this digression, as proper enough for my profession. Solomon hath two Proverbs, the one immediately succeeding, yet seemingly crossing the other,

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like •… nto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Some will have the first precept given to Magistrates (who are not to make their Authoitry cheap, by engaging against fools) and the later to belong to all Christians. O thers distinguish that an answer according to his folly may be twofold; by way of complying with it, which may not; and confuting of it which ought to be done. Most make a difference between the railing fool and the reasoning fool: the former to be ordered, as Hezekiah did Rabshakeh, Answer him not a word. But if he be a reasoning fool, who will offer to argue conceited of himself, take him off his speed, with a short and seasonable return.

Such a fool this Hoggard was adjudged, whom John Plough undertook to answer, and cut his comb so close, that the other appeared no more. He died in the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.

WILLIAM BRIGHTMAN was born in Nottingham (where some of his brethren were lately alive) bred Fellow of Queen College in Cambridge, and afterwards beneficed at Haunes in Bedfordshire. No lover of Conformity, yet no hater of Conformists; being charitable to such, who in judgment dissented from him. His Memory is most remarkable for his Comment on the Revelation, by some Protestants approved, praised, admired; by others slighted, contemned, condemned.

Pro.
1. His very name Brightman imports something of illumination and clearness therein. 2. He makes many hard places to be plain, and mysteries to be histories, by his Comment. 3. He foretold many things forty years ago, which we see performed in our days.	Con.	1. Names are casual, and even Lucian himself, as bad as he was, had as much of light and luster in his name. 2. He makes many plain places hard, and histories to be mysteries by his mis-interpretation; expounding the seven Asian Churches, then literally extant, to be Germany, France, England, &c. 3. Shooting so many Arrows, no wonder if foam few, rather by hap than aim, hit the mark.

Sure I am that Time and Mr. Brightman will expound the hardest places in the Revelation, but what credit is to be given to the later alone, I will not engage.

Such who dislike Mr. Brightmans writing, could not but commend his Angelical living, who had so much of Heaven in his heart. Walking thorough the vineyard of this world, he plucked and eat a few grapes, but put up none in his Vessel, using wealth as if he used it not.

His Clay-cottage did crack and fall down in the same minute, so sudden was his death: But he who died daily, could on no day be said to die suddenly, being always prepared for his dissolution, which happened Anno Dom. 16—.

Memorable Persons.

ROBERT HOOD was (if not by birth ) by his chiefest abode this Country-man. Cambden calls him praedonem mitissimum, the gentlest thief that ever was: and know, Reader, he is entered into our Catalogue, not for his thievery but for his gentleness. Take the character of his (though not good) less bad behavior from the pen of our Poet:

          From wealthy Abbots chests, and Churls abundant store,
         
          What oftentimes he took, he shar'd amongst the poor:
         
          No lordly Bishop came in lusty
          
           Robins
          
          way,
         
          To him before he went, but for his Pass must pay:
         
          The widow in distress he graciously relieved,
         
          And remedied the wrongs of many a Virgin grieved.

But who made him a Judge? or gave him a Commission to take where it might best be spared, and give where it was most wanted? His principal residence was in Shirewood Forest in this County, though he had another haunt (he is no Fox that hath but one hole) near the Sea in the North-riding in York-shire, where Robin Hoods Bay still retaineth his name: Not that he was any Pirat, but a Land-thief, who retreated to those unsuspected parts for his security.

One may wonder how he escaped the hand of Justice, dying in his bed, for ought is found to the contrary: But it was because he was rather a merry than a mischievous thief, (complementing passengers out of their purses) never murdering any but Deer, and this popular Robber feasted the Vicinage with his Venison. He played his pranks in the reign of King Richard the First, about the year of our Lord 1100.

THOMAS MAGNUS. He was an exposed child, left by his mother in the Parish of Newark. What the Poet saith of the father of Cadmus (commanding his son to find his lost sister Europa, or else never to return) that he was,

Facto piu •… & sceleratus eodem.

Expressing in one act a mind,

Which was both cruel, and was kind.

may be applied to the mother of this and all such Foundlings. Now it happened that some York shire Clothiers coming in the dark, (very early or late) did light on this child, and resolved to pay both for his nursing and education, the charge whereof would not be great, equally divided betwixt them, according to the Proverb,

Multorum manibus grande levatur onus.

An heavy work is light to do,

When many hands are put thereto.

First then they took order he should be baptized in Newark by the name of Thomas, (probably the best person in their company) and because all of them had Interest alike in him, for his Sirname they assigned him Amang-us, which is amongst us in the Northern pronunciation.

They were very careful in his breeding. I confess, Aristotle urgeth it as an argument against the breeding of children in common, that the care of all will effectually be the care of none, and so the children be neglected. Not so here, where this Thomas, though he had a Common-wealth of Foster-fathers, was very well brought up in learning, and became an excellent scholar and States-man, being employed in many foreign Embassies. Then took he on him the name of Dr. Magnus, (and was famous thereby both at home and beyond the Seas) on which account he might claim kindred with Pompeius Magnus, Carolus Magnus, and Albertus Magnus, and whom not, who was Great for arts, arms, or otherwise? It soundeth much in his commendation, that he forgot not his gratitude to the Town of his Nativity, where he erected a fair school, with other Benefactions. He flourished (as I take it) under King Henry the Eight.

Lord Mayors.

I cannot on my best inquiry recover any Native of this County whoever attained to this place of Magistracy; but am informed, that now the feet of one do tread near unto the Thr •… should of that Dore of Honor, and doubt not but when he hath first entered and opened the way, there will be others soon found to follow him.

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

John Archbishop of York	Commissioners to take the Oaths.	Humfrey Earl of Stafford
Richard Stanhop One of the Knights for the Shire.

Tho. Cheworth, chiv.
Johan. Zouche, chiv.
Will. Plumton, chiv.
Hug. Welughby, chiv.
Roberti Strelley, chiv.
Hen. Perponnt, chiv.
Rob. Ma •… kam, chiv.
Gerv. Cl •… ston, chiv.
Will. Meryng, chiv.
Hug. 〈◊〉 , chiv.
John. Cokfeld armig.
Radulphi Makerell
Thome Nevyll
Roberti Brewce
Thome Stanton
Rad. Leek
Richardi Sutton
Thome Stanhope
Iacobi Stanhope
Thome Curson
Willielmi Byrton
Henrici Perponnt
Hugonis Hercy
Johannes Wastnes
Johannes Gaitford
Gorgii Clay
Johannes Hus
Johannes Hiklinge
John. Barbour de Leek
Thome Stannton de Sutton
Roberti Doyle
Rogeri Perponnt
Thome Hercy
Richardi Bevercotes
Reberti Moresby
Roberti Morewode
Johannes Clifton
Roberti Dunham
Johannes Serlby
Willielmi Wilbram
Thome Genel •… y
Thome Sch •… feld
Thome Anne
Johannes Rolley
Johannes atte Vikars
Willielmi Boson
Edm. Nornamuyle
Richardi Gatford
Johannes Becard
Willielmi Remston
Richardi Strelly
Thome Meryng
Willielmi Lassels
Johannes Powerr
Willielmi Powerr
John. Le •… k de Halom
Thome Okere
Philippi Barley
Thome Warberton
Johannes Alferton
Willielmi Alferton, filius ejus
Richardi Ranchestere de Wirssope
Johannes White de Colyngam
Johannes Glouseter de Carcoston
Richardi Walfeld de Newerk
Roberti Kelom de Newerk
Willielmi Skrynishire de Muskham
Roberti Garnon de Muskham
John. Kelom de Kelom
Rob. Darley de Thorp
Thome Columboll de Thorp
Riginaldi Shawe de Estwayte
Gervasii Bampton de Beston
Johannes Matthew de Sterroppe
Willielmi Crecy de Markham
Petri Creci de Markham
Roberti Forsett de Grynley
Will. Lord de Retford
Roberti Wytham de Orston
Radulphi •… tuffin de Mansfeld Wodhous
Johannes Brannspath de Ragnell
John. Brannspath filius ejus de Ragnell
Tho. Brannspath de Ragnell
Rad. Barre de Ragnell
Johannes Crostes de Ragnell
Johannes Melton de Mormanton
Willielmi Clerk de Gedlynge
Radulphi Wilbram de Westmerkham
Galfridi Botelere de Welhagh
Rob. Norton de Kirton
Johannes Milnere de Allerton
Will. Haley de Sutton
Johan. Morehagh de Mansfeld
John. Arnall de Arnall
Johan. Spondon de Newerk
Johan. Dennett de Newerk
Hugonis Garnon de Muskham
Johan. Crumwell de Charleton
Rob. Crumwell filius ejus, de eadem
Willielmi Daynell de Egmanton
Edm. Berkyn de Allerton
Henrici Payser de Clypston
Simonis Caldewell de Laxton
Roberti Bliton de Cannton
Rob. Waryn deWanton
Williel. Drapour de Welhagh
Johannes Carleton de Blithe
Tho. Bagley de Blithe
Walteri Carleton de Carleton
Will. Hogekyngson de Misterton
John. Darnall de Misterton
Williel. Lyndrike de Stockwith
Willielmi Browet de Walkryngham
Richardi Caxton de Tuxford
Johannes Parlethorpe de Laxton
Tho. Grengorge de Allerton.

Sheriffs.

This County had the same Sheriffs with Derby-shire until the tenth year of Queen Elizabeth, wherein they were divided, and since which time these were the particular Sheriffs of this Shire.

Name.	Place.	Arms.
ELIZ. REG.
Anno
10 Tho. Cowper, ar.		Azure a Tortois erected Or.
11 John. Biron, ar.		* Gules, a Saltyr Ermin •… .
12 John. Nevill, ar.	Grove	† Az. in a Chief Or, a Lion issuant G. and 〈◊〉 Arg.
13 Rob. Markham, ar. †
14 Gerv. Clifton, mil.	Clifton	Sable semi de cinque-soils, a Lion ramp. Arg.
15 Will. Hollis, mil. b	Houghton
16 Th. Stanhope, mil. c	Shelford	b Ermine 2. Piles sable.
17 Hen. Perpoynt, ar. d	Holme	c Quarterly Ermine and Gul.
18 Geo. Chaworth, ar. e	Wiverton	d Arg. a Lion ramp. sable in an Orb of cinque-soils Gul.
19 Tho. Markham, ar.	ut prius
20 John. Biron, ar.		e Azure, two cheverons, Or.
21 Fra. Willoughby, m.		Or, on 2. bars Gul. 3. Waterbougets arg.
22 G •… o. Nevill, ar.	ut prius
23 Will. Sutton, ar.	Arundel	Arg. a quarter S. a crescent G.
24 Fran. Molineux, ar.	Teversha.	Az. a cross moline quater pierce •… Or.
25 Rob. Markham, ar.	ut prius
26 Brian Lasles, ar.		Argent 3. Chaplets Gules.
27 John. Sydenham, ar.	Some. shi.	Sab. 3. Rams argent.
28 Geo. Chaworth, m	ut prius
29 Tho. Stanhope, mil.	ut prius
30 Fra. Willoughby, m.	ut prius
31 John. Biron, mil.
32 Th. Thornhough, ar
33 John. Hollis, ar.	ut prius
34 John. Basset, ar.		Or, 3. Piles G. a Canton Erm
35 Fra. Willoughby, ar.	ut prius
36 Will. Sutton, ar.	ut prius
37 Rich Whalley, ar.
38 John. Biron, m •… l.
39 John. Thorold, ar.		Sable, 3. Goats salient Gules.
40 H •… n. Chaworth, ar.	ut prius
41 Brian Las •… else, ar.	ut prius
42 Edw. No ••• ar.		Az. a Lion passant Or betwixt 3. Flower 〈◊〉 arg.
43 Hen. Perpoint, ar.	ut prius
44 Rog. Ascough, mil.		Sable. a Fess Or, between 3. Asses passant, arg.
JACOB.
Anno
1 Will. Reyner, mil.
2 Gab. Armstrong, ar.		G. 3. right hands coped and armed bar-ways proper.
3 Will. Sutton, mil.	ut prius
4 Will. Cowper, ar.	ut prius
5 Io. Thornhough, ar.
6 Hen. Sachererell, ar		Arg. on a Saltyre 5. Waterbougets of the first.
7 John. Molineux, ar.	ut prius
8 Ger. Clifton, mil.	ut prius
9 John. Molineux, mil.	ut prius
10 John. Biron, mil.
11 Geo. Perkins, mil.
12 Ro. Williamson, ar.	Eastmark.	Or, a Cheveron Gules betwixt 3. Tresoils, Sab.
13 Rob. Perpoynt, ar.	ut prius
14 Geo. Lassels, mil.	ut prius
15 Io. Thornhough, m.
16 Tho. Barton, ar.
17 Will. Reason, ar.
18 Tho. Hutchinson, m
19 John. White, mil.
20 John. Digby, ar.		Azure, a Flower de luce, Arg.
21 Math. Palms, ar.		Gul. 3. flower de luces, Arg. a Chie •… Varry.
22 Edw. Goldinge † & 〈◊〉 . Markham, ar. CAROL, I.	ut prius	† Gules, a Cheveron Or, betwixt 3. Besants.
Anno
1 Tim. Pusey, ar.
2 Fran. Williamson.	ut prius
3 Tho. Hewet, mil.		Sab. a Chev. counter-Battilee betwixt 3. Owls, Arg.
4 Jer. Teresy, ar.
5 Ith. Perkins, ar.
6 Rob. Sutton, ar.	ut prius
7 Tho. White, ar.
8 Tho. Bolles, ar.		Az. 3. Cups Arg. holding as many Boars heads erected, Or
9 John. Melish, ar.*
10 John. Biron, mil.		* Az. 2. Swans Arg. betwixt as many Flanches Ermine.
11 Har. Wasteneys, b. †	Hendon
12 Geo. Lassels, mil.	ut prius	† Sab. a Lion ramp. Arg. collered, Gules.
13 Fra. Thorohaugh, m
14 John. Chaworth, ar.	ut prius
15 Tho. Williamson, ar.	ut prius
16 Gilb. Edw. Nevill, ar.	ut prius

Q. Elizadeth.

15. WILLIAM HOLLIS, Mil.]

This was that steady and constant House-keeper, who for his hospitality and other eminent virtues, was commonly called The good Sir William: A most honorable title, seeing of God's two grand Epithets, Optimus, Maximus, the former is embraced by too few, the later affected by too many. This Sir William was son to Sir William Hollis, Lord Mayor of the City of London, father to John Hollis Lord Houghton of Houghton created Earl of Clare in the 22. of King Charles the First; and Grand-father to the Right Honorable John the present Earl of Clare.

K. James.

13. ROBERT PERPOINT, Armig.]

He was afterwards created Baron Perpoint and Viscount Newark, and afterwards in the fourth of King Charles the first, Earl of Kingston upon Hull. One descended of right ancient and noble extraction, whose Ancestors coming over with the Conqueror, first fixed at Hurst- •… erpoint in Sussex, thence removed into this County. I find this remarkable passage recorded of Henry de Perpoint, who flourished in those parts in the beginning of King Edward the First.

Claus. 8 Edvardi 1. membrana tertia in dorso in Tur. Londin.

Memorandum, quod Henricus de 〈◊〉 die Lunae in 〈◊〉 Octab. Sancti Michaelis, venit in 〈◊〉 apud Lincol •… iam, & publice dixit quod sigillum suum amisit, & protestabatur quod si aliquod instrumentum cum sigillo illo post tempus illud inveniretur consignatum, illud nullius esse valoris vel momenti.

Memorand. That Henry de 〈◊〉 on Monday the day after the Octaves of St. Michael, came into the Chancery at Lincoln, and said publicly that he had lost his Seal, and protested that if any instrument were found sealed with that Seal after that time, the same should be of no value or effect.

He appeareth a person of prime quality, that great prejudice might arise by the false use of his true Seal, if found by a dishonest person, so that so solemn a protest was conceived necessary for the prevention thereof.

Robert Perpoint, a Descendent from this Henry, was by King Edward the third summoned as a Baron to Parliament, but died (as I am informed) before he sat therein, which hindered the honor of Peerage from descending to his posterity.

But this Robert Perpoint was Robert the younger, in distinction from his Name-sakeAncestor, who lived in great dignity under King Edward the Third, as by the following Record will appear.

Claus. 49 Hon. 3. in dorso memb. 6.

Rex Priori S. Johannes Jerusalem in Anglia salutem. Cum dilectus & fidelis noster Robertus de Petroponte, qui fidei nostrae & Edwardi primogent •… i nostri hactenus constanter adhaesit, in conflictu habito apud Louis captus esset ab inimicis nostris & detentus in prisona Hugonis le Despenser, donec per septingentas marcas finem fecisset▪ cum eodem pro •… edemptione sua, unde Walerandus de Munceaus se praefato Hugoni pro praedicto Roberto obligavit per quandam chartam de feoffamento, & scripta obligatoria inter ipsos confecta, quae vobis liberata fuerant custodienda, ut dicitur: Nos ipsorum Roberti & Walerandi indempnitatt prospicere, & eidem Roberto gratiam facere volentes specialem: vobis mandamus, firmiter injungentes, quod cartas & scripta praedicta eidem Roberto & Walerando, vel eorum alteri, sine morae dispendio deliberari faciatis; & nos inde versus vos servabimus indempnes. In cujus, &c.

Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium 15. die Octobris.

The King to the Prior of St. John Jerusalem in England greeting. Whereas our beloved and faithful Robert Perpoint, who hitherto hath constantly adhered to our trust, and of our first born Edward, was taken by our enemies in a skirmish at Louis, and kept in the prison of Hugh le Dispenser, until by seven hundred marks he had made an end with him for his ransoming, whereupon Walerand of Munceaus bound himself to the forenamed Hugh for the foresaid Robert by a certain charter of feoffment, and obligatory writings made betwixt them, which as is said were delivered to you to be kept: We, willing to provide for the safety of the said Robert and Walerand, and to do a special favor to the same Robert, do command you firmly enjoining, that ye cause the foresaid charters and writings without any delay to be delivered to the same Robert and Walerand, or to one of them; and we shall thenceforth save you harmless.

Witness the King at Westminster the 15. day of October.

Whoso seriously considereth how much the Mark, and how little the Silver of our Land was in that Age, will conclude seven hundred marks a ransom more proportionable for a Prince than private person. The best was, that was not paid in effect, which by command from the King was restored again.

The Farewell.

There is in this County a small Market Town called Blithe, which my Author will have so named à jucunditate, from the mirth and good fellowship of the Inhabitants therein. If so, I desire that both the name and the thing may be extended all over the Shire, as being confident that an Ounce of mirth, with the same degree of grace, will serve God more and more acceptably than a pound of sorrow.

OXFORD-SHIRE hath Bark-shire (divided first by the Isis, then by the Thames ) on the South, Gloucester-shire on the West, Buckingham-shire on the East, Warwick and Northampton Shires on the North. It aboundeth with all things necessary for man's life; and I understand, that Hunters and Falconers are nowhere better pleased. Nor needeth there more pregnant proof of plenty in this place, than that lately Oxford was for some years together a Court, a Garrison, and an University; during which time it was well furnished with provisions on reasonable rates.

Natural Commodities.

Fallow Deer.

And why of these in Oxford shire? why not rather in Northampton-shire, where there be the most, or in York shire, where there be the greatest Parks in England? It is because John Rous of Warwick telleth me, that at Woodstock in this County was the most ancient Park in the whole Land, encompassed with a Stone-wall by King Henry the First.

Let us premise a line or two concerning Parks, the case, before we come to wha tis contained therein.

1. The word Parcus appears in Varro, (derivd no doubt à parcendo, to spare or save) for a place wherein such Cattle are preserved.
2. There is mention once or twice in Dooms-day Book of Parcus silvestris bestiarum, which proveth Parks in England before the Conquest.
3. Probably such ancient Parks (to keep J. Rous in credit and countenance) were only paled, and Woodstock the first that was walled about.
4. Parks are since so multiplied, that there be more in England than in all Europe besides.

The Deer therein, when living, raise the stomachs of Gentlemen with their sport; and, when dead, allay them again with their flesh. The fat of Venison is conceived to be (but I would not have Deer-stealers hear it) of all flesh the most vigorous nourishment, especially if attended with that essential addition which Virgil coupleth therewith,

Implentur veteris Bacchi, pinguis{que} ferinae,

[Old Wine did their thirst allay, fat Venison hunger.]

But Deer are daily diminished in England, since the Gentry are necessitated into thrift, and forced to turn their pleasure into profit, Jam seges est ubi Parcus erat; and since the sale of Bucks hath become ordinary, I believe, in pro •… ess of time the best stored Park will be found in a Cooks shop in London.

Wood.

Plenty hereof do •… h, more hath grown in this County, being daily diminished. And indeed the Woods therein are put to too hard a task in their daily duty, (viz. To find fuel and timber for all the houses in, and many out of, the Shire;) and they cannot hold out, if not seasonably relieved by Pit-cole found here, or Sea-cole brought hither. This minds me of a passage wherein Oxford was much concerned; When Shot-over Woods (being bestowed by King Charles the First on a Person of Honor) were likely to be cut down, the University by Letters labored their preservation, wherein this among many other pathetical expressions, That Oxford was one of the eyes of the Land, and Shot-over Woods the hair of the Eye-lids; the loss whereof must needs prejudice the sight, with too much moisture flowing therein. This retrenched that designed for the present; but in what case those Woods stand at this day, is to me unknown.

Buildings.

The Colleges in Oxford, advantaged by the vicinity of fair Free-stone, do for the gen •… rality of their structure carry away the credit from all in Christendom, and equal any for the largness of their endowments.

It is not the least part of Oxfords happiness, that a moity of her Founders were Prelates, (whereas •… bridge hath but three Episcopal Foundations, Peter-house, Trinityhall, and Jesus ) who had an experimental knowledge, what belonged to the necessities and conveniences of Scholars, and therefore have accommodated them accordingly; principally in providing them the patronages of many good Benefices, whereby the Fellows of those Colleges are plentifully maintained, after their leaving of the University.

Of the Colleges University is the oldest, Pembroke the youngest, Christ-church the greatest, Lincol •… (by many reputed) the least, Magdalene the neatest, Wadham the most uniform, New-college the strongest, and Jesus college (no fault but its unhappiness) the poorest; and if I knew which was the richest, I would not tell, seeing concealment in this kind is the safest. H •… -college is most proper for Southern, Exeter for Western, Queens for Northern, Brazen-nose for North-western men, St. Johns for Londoners, Jesus for Wels •… men; and at other Colleges almost indifferently for men of all Countries. Merton hath been most famous for School-men, Corpus Chresti (formerly called 〈◊〉 Gollegium ) for Linguists, Christ-church for Poets, All-souls for Orators, Newcollege for Civilians, Brazen-nose for Disputants, Queens college for Metaphysicians, 〈◊〉 for a la •… e series of Regius Professor's; Magdalene for ancient, St. Johns for modern Prelates: and all eminent in someone kind or other. And if any of these Colleges were transported into foreign parts, it would alter its kind, (or degree at least) and presently of a College proceed an University, as equal to most, and superior to many, 〈◊〉 beyond the Seas.

Before I conclude with these Colleges, I must confess how much I was posed with a passage which I met within the Epistles of Erasmus, writing to his familiar friend Lud •… vicus Vives, then residing in Oxford, in collegio Apum, in the College of Bees, according to his direction of his Letter: I knew all Colleges may metaphorically be rermed the Colleges of Bees, wherein the industrious Scholers live under the rule of one Master: In which respect St. Jerome advised Rusticus the Monk to busy himself in making Be- •… ives, that from thence he might learn, Monasteriorum ordinem & Regiam disciplinam, the order of Monasteries and discipline of Kingly government. But why any one College should be so signally called, and which it was, I was at a loss; till at last seasonably satisfied that it was Corpus Christi: whereon no unpleasant story doth depend▪

In the year 1630. the Leads over Vives his Study being decayed, were taken up and new cast, by which occasion the Stall was taken, and with it an incredible mass of Honey. But the Bees, as presaging their intended and imminent destruction (whereas they were never known to have swarmed before) did that Spring (to preserve their famous kind) send down a fair swarm into the Presidents Garden: The which in the y •… 1633 yielded two Swarms, one whereof pitched in the Garden for the President, the other they 〈◊〉 up as a new Colony into their old Habitation, there to continue the memory of this 〈◊〉 Doctor, as the University styled him in a Letter to the •… ardinal.

It seems the •… Bees were Aborigines, from the first building of the College, being called Collegium Apum in the Founders Statutes, and so is John Claym •… d, the first President thereof, saluted by Eras •… .

The Library.

If the Schools may be resembled to the Ring, the Library may the better be compared to the Diamond therein: not so much for the bunching forth beyond the rest, as the preciousness thereof, in some respects equalling any in Europe, and in most kinds exceeding all in England, yet our Land hath been ever 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , much given to the love of Books, and let us Fleet the Cream of a few of the primest Libraries in all ages.

In the infancy of Christianity, that at York bare away the Bell, founded by ArchBishop Egbert (and so highly praised by Alevinus in his Epistle to Charles the Great) but long since abolished.

Before the dissolution of Abbeys, when all Cathedr •… s and Convents had their Libraries, that at Ramsey was the greatest R •… bbin, spake the most and best Hebrew, abounding in Jewish, and not defective in other Books.

In that age of Lay Libraries (as I may term them, as belonging to the City) I behold that pertaining to Guild-Hall as a principal, •… ounded by Richard Wh •… ington, whence three Cart loads of choice Manuscripts were carried in the reign of King Edward the sixth on the promise of [never performed Restitution.]

Since the Reformation, that of Benet in Cambridge hath for Manuscripts exceeded any (thank the cost and care of Matthew Parker) College •… ate Library in England.

Of late Cambridge Library, augmented with the Arch-Episcopal Library of Lambeth, is grown the second in the Land.

As for private Libraries of Subjects, that of Treasurer Burlies was the best for the use of a States-man, the Lord Lumlies for an Historian, the late Earl of Arundels for an Herald, Sir Robert Cottons for an Antiquary, and Arch-Bishop Ushers for a Divine. Many other excellent Libraries there were o •… particular persons, Lord Brudnels, Lord Hat tons, &c. routed by our Civil Wars, and many Books which scaped the execution are fled, [transported] into France, Flanders, and other foreign parts.

To return to Oxford Library (which stands like Di •… amongst her Nymphs, and) surpasseth all the rest for rarity and multitude of Books; so that if any be wanting on any Subject, it is because the world doth not afford them. This Library was •… ounded by Humphrey the Good Duke of Glo •… ster; confounded in the reign of Edward the sixth, by those who I list not to name; re-founded by worthy Sir Thomas Bodley, and the bounty of daily Benefactors.

As for the Kings Houses in this County Woodstock is justly to be preferred, where the Wood and Water Nymphs might equally be pleased in its •… uation. Queen Elizabeth had a great affection for this place, as one of her best R •… membrancers of her condition, when a prisoner here (in none of the best lodgings) in the raig •… of her Sister. Here she escaped a dangerous fire, but whether casual or intentional God knoweth. Here hearing a Milk-maid merrily singing in the Park, she desired exchange of Estates, preferring the poorest liberty before the richest res •… raint. At this day it is a fair, wa •… formerly a fairer fabric, if the Labyrinth built here by King Henry the second, answered the Character of Curiosity given it by Authors. But long since the Labyrinth (time without the help of Ariadne her Clue of Silk, can unravel and display this most intricate building) is vanished away.

Nor must E •… on hard by be forgotten, which though some sullen Soul may recount amongst the costly tri •… es, the more ingenious do behold as Arts pretty Comment, as Natures pleasant Text, both so intermingled, that Art in some sort may seem •… tural, and Nature artificial therein. It was made by Thomas B •… shel, Es •… sometimes servant to Francis Bacon Lord Vor •… am. Now because men's expectations are generally tired with the tedious growing of wood, here he set hedges of full growth (which thrived •… ll well) so that where the former left no plants, the following year found trees grown to their full perfection. In a word, a melancholy mind may hear feast itself to a surfeit with variety of entertainments. But Rarities of this nature are never sufficiently described till beheld.

Proverbs.

You were born at Hogs-Norton. ]

This is a Village, properly called Hoch-Norton, whose inhabitants (it seems formerly) were so rustical in their behavior, that boarish and clownish people are said born at Hogs-Norton. To take a Burford-bait. ]

This it seems is a bait, not to stay the stomach, but to lose the wit thereby, as resolved at last into drunkenness. If the fair Market of Burford in this County be so much guilty of this foul sin, it is high time to damn the words of this Proverb, and higher to detest the practice thereof. Otherwise Burford-bait may have an hook therein, to choke such souls as swallow it, without their sincere and seasonable repentance.

Banbury Zeal, Cheese, and Cakes. ]

I admire to find these joined together in so learned an Author as Mr. Cambden, affirming that Town famed for these three things, Quam male convenient? and though Zeal be deservedly put first, how inconsistent is it with his gravity and goodness, to couple a spiritual grace with matters of corporeal repast: so that if spoken in earnest, it hath more of a profane than pious Pen; if in jest, more of a Libeller than Historian.

But to qualify the man, no such words are extant in the Latin Cambden, where only we read, Nunc autem con •… iciendo caseo oppidum notissimum castrum ostendit, &c.

Secondly, it being in the English translated by Philemon Holland, was at the first (as I have been credibly informed) a literal mistake of the Printers (though not confessed in the Errata ) set forth in Anno Dom. 1608. Zeal being put for Veal in that place.

But what casual in that, may be suspected willful in the next and last Edition, Anno 1637. where the error is continued out of design to nick the Town of Banbury, as reputed then a place of precise people, and not over-conformable in their carriage. Sure I am that Banbury had a gracious, learned, and painful Minister, and this Town need not be ashamed of, nor grieved at what Scoffers say or write thereof; only let them add Knowledge to their Zeal, and then the more of Zeal the better their condition.

He looks as the Devil over Lincoln. ]

Some fetch the original of this Proverb from a stone picture of the Devil, which doth (or lately did) overlook Lincoln College. Surely, the Architect intended it no farther than for an ordinary Antick, though beholders have since applied those ugly looks to envious persons, repining at the prosperity of their neighbors, and jealous to be overtopped by their vicinity.

The Latins have many Proverbs parallel hereunto, to express the ill aspects of malevolent spectators, as, Cyclopicus Obtutus, and the Cyclops, we know, were deformed at the best (envy makes a good face look ill, and a bad, look worse) Vultus Titanicus, Vultus Scythicus, Limis oculis os oblique inspicere, Thynni more videre, To look like a Thuny, a Fish, which, as Aristotle saith, hath but one eye, and that, as some will have it, on the left side; so full is malice of sinister acceptions.

To return to our English Proverb, it is conceived of more antiquity than either of the fore-named Colleges, though the secondary sense thereof lighted not unhappily, and that it related originally to the Cathedral Church in Lincoln.

Testons are gone to Oxford to study in Brazen-nose. ]

This Proverb began about the end of the reign of King Henry the eighth, and happily ended about the middle of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, so that it continued in use not full fifty years.

This the occasion thereof▪ King Henry the eighth, as his In-comes, so his Out-goings were greater than any English Kings since the Conquest. And it belongs not to me to question the cause of either. Sure it is, as he was always taking, he was always wanting; and the Showre of Abby-Lands being soon over, his drought for money was as great as ever before. This made him resolve on the debasing thereof, Testons especially (a Coin worth six pence, corruptly called Tester, ) so that their intrinsic value was not worth above three shillings four pence the ounce, to the present profit of the Sovereign, and future loss of the Subjects. Yea, so allayed they were with Copper (which common people confound with Brass ) and looked so red therewith, that (as my Author saith) they blusht sor shame, as conscious of their own corruption.

King Edward the sixth, and Queen Mary earnestly endeavored the reduction of money to the true Standard (and indeed the Coin of their stamping is not bad in its self) but could not compass the calling in of all base money, partly through the shortness of their Raigns, and partly through the difficulty of the design. This by politick degrees was effected by Queen Elizabeth, with no great prejudice to the then present age, and grand advantage to all posterity, as is justly mentioned on her Monument in Westminster.

Send Verdingales to Broad-Gates in Oxford.]

This will acquaint us with the Female Habit of former Ages, used not only by the gadding Dinah's of that age, but by most sober Sarah's of the same, so cogent is a common custom. With these Verdingales the Gowns of Women beneath their w •… stes were pent-housed out far beyond their bodies, so that posterity will wonder to what purpose those Bucklers of Past-board were employed.

Some deduce the name from the Belgic Verd gard (derived they say from Virg, a Virgin, and Garder, to keep and preserve) as used to secure modesty, and keep wantons at distance. Others more truly fetch it from Vertu and Galle, because the scab and bane thereof, the first inventress thereof being known for a light House-wife, who under the pretence of modesty, sought to cover her shame, and the fruits of her wantonness.

These by degrees grew so great, that their wearers could not enter (except going sidelong) at any ordinary door, which gave the occasion to this Proverb. But these Verdingales have been disused this forty years, whether because Women were convinced in their consciences of the va •… ity of this, or allured in their fancies with the novelty of other fashions, I will not determine.

Chronica si penses, cum pugnent Oxonienses,

Post aliquot menses volat ira per Angliginenses

          Mark the Chronicles aright▪
         
          When
          
           Oxford
          
          Scholars fall to fight,
         
          Before many months expired
         
           England
          
          will with wa
          
           •…
          
          be fired.

I confess Oxoniensis may import the broils betwixt the Townsmen of Oxford, or Towns men and Scholars; but I conceive it properly to intend the contests betwixt Scholars and Scholars, which were observed predictional, as if their animosities were the Index of the Volume of the Land. Such who have time may exactly trace the truth hereof through our English Histories. Sure I am, there were shrewd bickerings betwixt the Southern and Northern men in Oxford in the reign of King Henry the third, not long before the bloody War of the Barons did begin. The like happened twice under King Richard the second, which seemed to be the Van-curreer of the fatal fights betwixt Lancaster and York. However this observation holds not negatively, all being peaceable in that place, and no broils at Oxford, sounding the all •… rum to our late civil dissensions.

Princes.

RICHARD Son to King Henry the second, and Queen Eleanor (was the sixth King since the Conquest, but second Native of England ) born in the City of Oxford, Anno 1157. Whilest a Prince he was undutiful to his Father, or to qualify the matter, overdutiful to his Mother, whose domestic quarrels he always espoused. To expia •… e his offense when King, he with Philip King of France undertook a voyage to the Holy Land, where thorough the Treachery of Templary cowardice of the Greeks, diversity of the Climate, distance of the place, and differences betwixt Christian Princes, much time was spent, a mass of money expended, many lives lost, some honor achieved, but little profit produced. Going to Palestine, he suffered ship-wrack, and many mischiefs on the coasts of Cyprus; coming for England thorough Germany, he was tost with a worse Land-Tempest, being (in pursuance of an old grudge betwixt them) taken prisoner by Leopaldu •… Duke of Austria. Yet this Coeur de Lion, or Lion-hearted King (for so was he commonly called) was no less Lion (though now in a Grate) than when at liberty, abating nothing of his high spirit in his behavior. The Duke did not undervalue this his Royal Prisoner, prizing his person at ten years purchase, according to the [then] yearly revenue of the English Crown. This ransom of an hundred thousand pounds being paid, he came home; first reformed himself, and then mended many abuses in the Land, and had done more, had not an unfortunate Arrow shot out of a besieged Castle in France, put a period to his life, Anno Dom. 1199.

EDMUND, youngest Son to King Edward the first by Queen Margaret, was born at Woodstock, Aug. 5. 1301. he was afterwards created Earl of Kent, and was Tutor to his Nephew King Edward the third. In whose reign falling into the tempest of false, injurious and wicked envy, he was beheaded, for that he never dissembled his natural brotherly affection toward his Brother deposed, and went about when he was (God wot) murdered before (not knowing so much) to enlarge him out of prison, persuaded thereunto by such as covertly practiced his destruction. He suffered at Winchester the nineteenth of March, in the fourth of Edward the third.

EDWARD, Eldest Son of King Edward the third, was born at Woodstock in this County, and bred under his Father (never abler Teacher met with an apter Scholar ) in Marshal Discipline. He was afterwards termed the Black Prince, not so called from his complexion, which was fair enough (save when Sun-burnt in his Spanish expedition ) nor from his conditions, which were courteous (the constant attender of Valour; ) but from his achievements dismal and black, as they appeared to the eyes of his enemies, whom he constantly overcame.

But grant him black in himself, he had the fairest Lady to his Wife this Land and that age did afford, viz. Joane Countess of Salisbury and Kent, which though formerly twice a Widow, was the third time married unto him. This is she whose Ga •… ter (which now flourisheth again) hath lasted longer than all the Wardrobes of the Kings and Queens in England since the Conquest, continued in the Knighthood of that Order.

This Prince died before his Father at Canterbury in the 46. year of his age, Anno Dom. 1376. whose Maiden success attended him to the grave, as never foiled in any undertakings. Had he survived to old age, in all probabilities the Wars between York and Lancaster had been ended before begun, I mean, prevented in him, being a person of merit and spirit, and in Seniority before any suspicion of such divisions. He left two Sons, Edward who died at seven years of age, and Richard, afterwards King, second of that name, both born in France, and therefore not coming within the compass of our Catalogue.

THOMAS of Woodstock, youngest Son of King Edward the third, and Queen Philippa, was surnamed of Woodstock, from the place of his Nativity. He was afterward Earl of Buckingham and Duke of Gloucester, created by his Nephew King Richard the second, who summoned him to the Parliament, by the Title of the Kings loving Uncle. He married Isabel one of the Co-heirs of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Essex, in whose right he became Constable of England; a dangerous place, when it met with an unruly manager thereof.

But this Thomas was only guilty of ill tempered Loyalty, loving the King well, but his own humors better, rather willful than hurtful; and presuming on the old maxim, Patruus est loco Parentis, An Uncle is in the place of a Father. He observed the King too nearly, and checked him too sharply; whereupon he was conveyed to Calis, and there strangled. By whose death King Richard being freed from the causeless fear of an Uncle, became exposed to the cunning Plots of his Cousin German, Henry Duke of Lancaster, who at last deposed him. This Thomas founded a fair College at Playsie in Essex, where his body was first buried with all Solemnity, and afterward translated to Westminster.

ANNE BEAUCHAMP was born at Cavesham in this County. Let her pass for a Princess (though not formally) reductively, seeing so much of History dependeth on her, as,

Elevated.

Depressed.

1. Being Daughter (and in fine sole Heir) to Richard Beaucamp, that most Martial Earl of Warwick.
2. Married to Richard Nevill Earl of Sarisbury and Warwick, commonly called the Make-King, and may not she then by a courteous proportion be termed the MakeQueen?
3. In her own and Husbands right, she was possessed of one hundred and fourteen Manors in several Shires.
4. Isabell, her eldest daughter, was married to George Duke of Clarence, and Anne, her younger, to Edward Prince of Wales, son of Henry the sixth, and afterwards to King Richard the third.

1. Her Husband being killed at Barnet fight, all her land by Act of Parliament was settled on her two Daughters, as if she had been dead in Nature.
2. Being attainted (on her Husbands score) she was forced to fly to the Sanctuary at Beauly in Hant-shire.
3. Hence she got herself privately into the North, and there lived a long time in a mean condition.
4. Her want was increased after the death of her two daughters, who may be presumed formerly to have secretly supplied her.

I am not certainly informed when a full period was put by death to these her sad calamities.

Saints.

St. FRIDESWIDE was born in the City of Oxford, being daughter to Didan the Duke thereof. It happened that one Algarus, a noble young man, solicited her to yield to his lust, from whom she miraculously escaped, he being of a sudden struck blind. If so, she had better success than as good a Virgin, the daughter to a greater and better father, I mean Tamar daughter of King David, not so strangely secured from the lust of her brother.

She was afterward made Abbess of a Monastery, erected by her father in the same City, which since is become part of Christ-church, where her body lieth buried.

It happened in the first of Queen Elizabeth, that the Scholars of Oxford took up the body of the wife of Peter Martyr, who formerly had been disgracefully buried in a dunghill, and interred it in the Tomb with the dust of St. Frideswide. Sanders addeth, that they wrote this Inscription, (which he calleth Impium Epitaphium) Hic requiescit Religio cum •… uperstitione: though the words being capable of a favorable sense on his side, he need not have been so angry. However we will rub up our old Poetry, and bestow another upon them:

          In tumulo fuerat
          
           Petri
          
          quae
          
           Martyris
          
          uxor,
         
          Hic cum
          
           Frideswida
          
          virgins jure jacet.
         
          Virginis intactae nihilum cum cedat honori,
         
          Conjugis in thalamo non temerata fides.
         
          Si facer Angligenis cultus mutetur, (at absit!)
         
          Ossa suum
          
           •…
          
          ervent mutua tuta locum.

          Intom'd with
          
           Frideswide,
          
          deemed a Sainted maid,
         
          The Wife of
          
           Peter Martyr
          
          here is laid.
         
          And reason good, for Women chaste in mind,
         
          The best of Virgins come no whit behind.
         
          Should Popery return, (which God forefend!)
         
          Their blended dust each other would de
          
           •…
          
          end.

Yet was there more than eight hundred years betwixt their several deaths, Saint Frideswide dying Anno 739. and is remembered in the Romish Calendar on the nineteenth day of October.

St. EDWOLD was younger Brother to St. Edmund King of the East-Angles, so cruelly martyred by the Danes, and after his death that Kingdom not only descended to him by right; but also by his Subjects importunity was pressed upon him. But he declined both, preferring rather a sollitary life and heavenly contemplation. In pursuance whereof he retired to Dorcester in this County, and to a Monastery called Cornhouse therein, where he was interred, and had in great veneration for his reputed miracles after his death, which happened Anno Dom. 871.

St. EDWARD the CONFESSOR was born at I slip in this County, and became afterwards King of England, sitting on the Throne for many years, with much peace and prosperity. Famous for the first founding of Westminster Abby, and many other worthy a •… hievements.

By Bale he is called Edvardus simplex, which may signify either shallow or single; but (in what sense soever he gave it) we take it in the later. Sole and single he lived and died, never carnally conversing with St. Edith his Queen: which is beheld by different persons according to their different judgments, (coloured eyes make coloured objects ) some pitying him for defect or natural Impotence; others condemning him as affecting singelness, for want of Conjugal affection; others applauding it as an high p •… ece of 〈◊〉 and perfection. Sure I am, it opened a door for foreign Competitors, and occasioned the Conquest of this Nation. He died Anno Dom. 1065. and lieth buried in Westminster Abby.

Cardinals.

ROBERT PULLEN or Pullain or Pulley or Puley or Boleyn or Pully, for thus variously is he found written. Thus the same name passing many mouths seems in some sort to be declined into several Cases, whereas indeed it still remaineth one and the same word, though differently spelled and pronounced.

In his youth •… e studied at Paris, whence he came over into England in the reign of King Henry the Fi •… st, when learning ran very low in Oxford, the university there being first much affl •… cted by Herald the Dane, afterwards almost extinguished by the cruelty of •… he Conqueror. Our Pullen improved his utmost power with the King and Prelates for the restoring thereof, and by his praying, preaching, and public reading, gave a great advancement thereunto. Remarkable is his character in the Chronicle of Osny, Robertus Pulenius scriptur as divin as quae in Anglia obsolverant apud Oxoniam legere c •… pit, Robert Pullen began to read at Oxford the holy scriptures which were grown out of fashion in England.

The fame of his le •… rning commended him beyond the Seas, and it is remarkable, that whereas it is usual with Popes (in policy to unravel what such weaved who were before them) three successive Popes continued their love to, and increased honors upon him:

1. Innocent courteously sent for him to Rome.
2. Celestine created him Cardinal of St. Eusebius, Anno 1144.
3. Lucius the second made him Chancellor of the Church of Rome.

He lived at Rome in great respect, and although the certain date of his death cannot be collected, it happened about the year of our Lord, 1150.

THOMAS JOYCE or Jorce, a Dominican, proceeded Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, and living there he became Provincial of his Order, both of England and Wales. From this place without ever having any other preferment, Pope Clement the fifth created him Cardinal of St. Sabine; though some conceive he wanted breadth proportionable to such an height of dignity, having no other revenue to maintain it, Cardinals being accounted Kings fellow, in that Age. Others admire at the contradiction betwixt Friars p •… ofession and practice, that persons so low should be so high, so poor so rich; which makes the same men to 〈◊〉 , that so chaste might be so wanton.

He is remarkable on this account, that he had six brethren all Dominicans. I will not listen to their compa •… ison, who resemble them to the seven sons of Sceva, which were Exorcists; but may term them a week of brethren, whereof this Rubricated Cardinal was the Dominical letter. There want not those who conceive great virtue in the youngest son of these seven, and that his Touch was able to cure the Popes Evil. This Thomas, as he had for the most time lived in Oxford, so his Corps by his own desire were buried in his Convent therein. He flourished Anno Dom. 1310.

Prelates.

HERBERT LOSING was born in Oxford, his father being an Abbot, seeing wives in that Age were not forbidden the Clergy, though possibly his father turned Abbot of Winchester in his old age, his son purchasing that preferment for him. But this Herbert bought a better for himself, giving nineteen hundred pounds to King William Rufus for the Bishopric of Thetford. Hence the Verse was made,

Filius est Praesul, pater Abbas, Simon uterque.

Meaning that both of them were guilty of Simony, a fashionable sin in the reign of that King, preferring more for their gifts than their endowments.

Reader, pardon a digression: I am confident there is one, and but one, sin frequent in the former Age, both with