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The History of the Worthies of England

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

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Reader, pardon a digression: I am confident there is one, and but one, sin frequent in the former Age, both with Clergy and Laity, which in our days our Land is not guilty of, and may find many compurgators of her innocence therein: I mean the sin of Simony, seeing none in our Age will give anything for Church livings; partly because the persons presented thereunto have no assurance to keep them, partly because of the uncertainty of Tithes for their maintenance. But whether this our Age hath not added in sa •… rilege what it wanteth in simony, is above my place to discuss, and more above my power to decide.

To return to our Herbert, whose character hitherto cannot entitle him to any room in our Catalogue of Worthies; but know that afterwards he went to Rome, (no such clean wash •… ing as in the water of Tiber ) and thence returned as free from fault as when first born. Thus cleansed from the Leprosy of simony he came back into England, removed his Bishopric from Thetford to Norwich, laid the first stone, and in effect finished the fair Cathedral therein, and built five beautiful Parish Churches. He died Anno Dom. 1119. See more of his character, on just occasion, in Suffolk under the title of Prelates.

OWEN OGLETHORP was (saith my Author) born of good parentage, and I conjecture a Native of this County, finding Owen Oglethorp his Kinsm •… n twice HighSheriff thereof in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. He was President of Magaalen College in Oxford, Dean of Windsor, and at last made Bishop of Carlisle by Queen Mary. A good natured man, and when single by himself very pliable to please Queen Elizabeth, whom he crowned Queen, which the rest of his Order refused to do: but when in conjunction with other Popish Bishops, such principles of stubbornness were distilled into him, that it cost him his 〈◊〉 . However an Author tells me, that the Queen had still a favor for him, intending his restitution either to his own or a better Bishopric, upon the promise of his general conformity, had he not died suddenly of an Apoplexy, 1559.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN UNDERHILL was born in the City of Oxford, first bred in New college, and afterwards Rector of Lincoln-college in that University; Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth, and esteemed a good Preacher in those days.

The Bishopric of Oxford had now been void 22. years; and some suspected that so long a Vacancy would at last terminate in a Nullity, and that See be dissolved. The •… ause that Church was so long a widow, was the want of a competent Estate to prefer her: At last the Queen 1589. appointed John underhill Bishop thereof. An ingenious Pen (but whose accusative suggestions are not always to be believed) hinteth a suspicion, as if he gave part of the 〈◊〉 portion this Church had to a great Courtier, which made the match betwixt them. He died 1592. and lieth buried in the middle Choir of Christ's Church.

JOHN BANCROFT was born at Ascot in this County, and was advanced by Archbishop Bancroft his Uncle, from a Student in Christ-church, to be Master of universitycollege in Oxford. Here it cost him much pains and expense in a long suit to recover and settle the ancient Lands of that Foundation. Afterwards he was made Bishop of Oxford, and during his sitting in that See he renewed no Leases, but let them run out for the advantage of his successor. He obtained the Royalty of Shot-over for, and annexed the Vicari •… ge of Cudsden to, his Bishopric; where he built a fair Palace and a Chapel, expending on both about three thousand five hundred pounds; Cujus munificentiae (said the Oxford Orator of him to the King at Woodstock) debemus, quod incerti Laris Mitra, surrexerit e pulvere in Palatium. But now by a retrograde motion that fair building, e Palatio recidit in pulverem, being burnt down to the ground in the late wars, but for what advantage, as I do not know, so I list not to inquire. This Bishop died Anno Dom. 1640.

States=Men.

Sir DUDLEY CARLETON Knight, was born in this County, bred a Student in Christ-church in Oxford. He afterwards was related as a Secretary to Sir Ralph Winwood Ambassador in the Low-Countries, when K. James resigned the cautionary Towns to the States. Here he added so great experience to his former learning, that afterwards our King employed him for twenty years together Ambassador in Venice, Savoy, and the united Provinces; Anne Garrard his Lady (co-heir to George Garrard, Esq) accompanying him in all his travels, as is expressed in her Epitaph in Westminster Abby.

He was by King Charles the first created Baron of Imbercourt in Surrey, and afterwards Viscount Dorchester, marrying for his second wife the daughter of Sir Henry Glenham, the Relict of Paul Viscount Banning, who survived him. He succeeded the Lord Conway, (when preferred President of the Council) in the Secretary-ship of State, being sworn at White-hall, Decemb. 14. 1628. He died without issue Anno Dom. 163.. assigning his burial (as appears on her Tomb) with his first wife, which no doubt was performed accordingly.

Soldiers.

Of the NORRISES and the KNOWLLS.

No County in England can present such a brace of Families contemporaries, with such a bunch of Brethren on either, for eminent achievements. So great their states and stomachs, that they often justled together: and no wonder if Oxford-shire wanted room for them, when all England could not hold them together. Let them be considered root and branch, first severally, then conjunctively.

Father. Mother. Father. Mother.
Henry Lord Norris (descended from the Viscounts Lovels ) whose father died in a manner Martyr for the Queens mother, executed about the business of Anna Boleyn. Margaret, one of the daughters and heirs of John Lord Williams of Tame, Keeper of Queen Elizabeth whilst in restraint under her sister, and civil unto her in those dangerous days. Sir Francis Knowlls Treasurer to the Q. household, & Knight of the Garter, (who had been an exile in Germany under Q. Mary ) deriving himself from Sir Robert Knowlls that conquering Commander in France. — Cary, sister to Henry Lord Hunsdon, and Cousingerman to Queen Elizabeth, having Mary Boleyn for her mother.
Thus Queen Elizabeth beheld them both, not only with gracious but grateful eyes. Ricot in this County was their chief habitation. Thus the Husband was allied to the Queen in conscience, (Fellow-sufferers for the Protestant cause) the Wife in kindred. Grays in this County was their chief dwelling.
    Their Issue.
  • 1. William, Marshall of Barwick, who died in Ireland, and was father to Francis afterward Earl of Bark-shire.
  • 2. Sir John, who had three horses in one day killed under him in a Battle against the Scots. But more of him hereafter.
  • 3. Sir Thomas, President of Munster. Being hurt in a Fight, and counting it a scratch rather then a wound, he scorned to have it plastered; as if the Balsom of his body would cure itself: but it rancled, festered, gangrene'd, and he died thereof.
  • 4. Sir Henry, who died about the same time in the same manner.
  • 5. Maximilian, who was slain in the war of Britain.
  • 6. Sir Edward, who lead the Front at the taking of the Groyn; and fought so valiantly at the Siege of Ostend. Of all six he only survived his Parents.
    Their Issue.
  • 1. Sir Henry, whose daughter and sole heir was married to the Lord Paget.
  • 2. Sir William, Treasurer of the household to K. James, by whom he was created Baron Knowlls, May 3. 1603. Viscount Wallingford, 1616. and by K. Charles 1. in the first of his reign Earl of Banbury.
  • 3. Sir R. father to Sir Robert Knowlls of Greys, now living.
  • 4. Sir Francis, who was living at, and chosen a Member of the late Long Parliament; since dead, aged 99.
  • 5. Sir Thomas, a Commander in the Low-Countries.
  • 6. Lettuce, though of the weaker sex, may well be recounted with her brethren, as the strongest pillar of the Family. Second wife she was to R. Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and (by a former husband) mother to R. Devereux Earl of Essex; both prime Favorites in their Generations.

The Norrises were all, Martis pulli, men of the sword, and never out of military employment. The Knowlls were rather valiant men than any great soldiers, as little experienced in war. Queen Elizabeth loved the Knowlls for themselves, the Norrises for themselves and herself, being sensible that she needed such martial men for her service. The Norrises got more honor abroad, the Knowlls more profit at home, conversing constantly at Court; and no wonder if they were the warmest, who sat next to the Fire.

There was once a Challenge passed betwixt them at certain Exercises, to be tried between the two Fraternities, the Queen and their aged Fathers being to be the Spectators and Judges, till it quickly became a •… at quarrel betwixt them. Thus, though at the first they may be said to have fenced with rebated Rapiers and swords buttoned up, in merriment only to try their skill and strength, they soon fell to it at sharps indeed, seeking for many years together to supplant one another, such the heart-smoking, and then heart-burning betwixt them. And although their inclinations kept them asunder, the one Brother-hood coming seldom to Court, the other seldomer to Camp; yet the Knowlls are suspected to have done the Norrises bad offices, which at last did tend to their mutual hurt; so that it had been happy for both, had these their contests been seasonably turned into a cordial compliance.

Sir JOHN NORRIS must be resumed, that we may pay a greater Tribute of respect to his memory. He was a most accomplished General, both for a charge, which is the Sword; and a retreat, which is the Shield, of War. By the later he purchased to himself immortal praise, when in France he brought off a small hand-full of English from a great arm-full of enemies; fighting as he retreated, and retreating as he fought; so that always his Reer affronted the Enemy. A retreat worth ten victories got by surprise, which speak rather the fortune, than either the valor or discretion of a General.

He was afterwards sent over with a great Command into Ireland, where his success neither answered to his own care, nor others expectation. Indeed hitherto Sir John had fought with right-handed enemies in France and the Netherlands, who was now to fight with left-handed foes, for so may the Wilde-Irish well be termed, (so that this great Master of Defense was now to seek a new guard ) who could lie on the coldest earth, swim through the deepest water, run over what was neither earth nor water, I mean, bogs and marishes. He found it far harder to find out than fight his enemies, they so secured themselves in Fastnesses. Supplies, sown thick in promises, came up thin in performances; so slowly were succors sent unto him.

At last a great Lord was made Lieutenant of Ireland, of an opposite party to Sir John; there being Animosities in the Court of Queen Elizabeth, (as well as of later Princes) though her general good success rendered them the less to the public notice of posterity. It grieved Sir John to the heart, to see one of an opposite Faction should be brought over his head, in so much that some conceive his working soul broke the cask of his body, as wanting a vent for his grief and anger; for going up into his Chamber, at the first hearing of the News he suddenly died, Anno Dom. 1597.

Queen Elizabeth used to call the Lady Margaret, his mother, her own Crew, being (as it seemeth) black in complexion, (a color which no whit unbecame the faces of her Martial issue; ) and upon the news of his death sent this Letter unto her, which I have transcribed from an Auth •… ntick Copy.

To the Lady Norris.

22 Sept. 1597.

My own Crow:

Harm not yourself for bootless help, but show a good example to comfort your dolorous Yoke-fellow. Although We have deferred long to represent to you Our gri •… d thoughts, because We liked full ill to yield you the first reflection of misfortune, whom We have always rather sought to cherish and comfort; yet knowing now, that Necessity must bring it to your ear, and Nature consequently must move both grief and passion in your heart; We resolved no longer to smother, neither Our care for your sorrow, or the sympathy of Our grief for your loss. Wherein, if it be true, That society in sorrow works diminution, We do assure you by this true messenger of Our Mind, that Nature can have stirred no more dolorous affection in you as a Mother for a dear Son, than gratefulness and memory of his service past, hath wrought m •… s his Sovereign, apprehension of Our miss for so worthy a Servant. But now that Natures common work is done, and he that was born to die hath paid his tribute, let that Christian discretion stay the flux of your immoderate grieving, which hath instructed you both by Example and Knowledge, that nothing in this kind hath happened, but by GOD'S Divine Providence. And let these lines from your loving and gracious Sovereign serve to assure you, that there shall ever appear the lively character of Our Estimation of him that was, in Our gracious care of you and yours that are left, in valuing rightly all their faithful and honest endeavors. More at this time We will not write of this unpleasant subject, but have dispatched this Gent. to visit both your Lord and you, and to condole with you in the true sense of your love, and to pray that the world may see, what time cureth in a weak mind, that Discretion and Moderation helpeth in you in this accident, where there is so just cause to demonstrate true Patience and Moderation.

Your gracious and loving Sovereign, E. R.

Now, though •… nothing more consolatory and pathetical could be written from a Prince, yet his death went so near to the heart of the Lord, his ancient father, that he died soon after.

Writers.

JOHN HANVILE took his name (as I conceive) from Hanwell a Village in this County, (now the habitation of the ancient Family of the Copes ) seeing none other in England, both in sound and spelling, draweth nearer to his Sirname. He proceeded Master of Arts in Oxford, then studied in Paris, and travelled over most parts in Christendom. He is commonly called Archithrenius, or Pri •… ce of lamentation, being another Jeremy and man of mourning. He wrote a book, wherein he bemoned the errors and vices of his own Age; and himself deserved to live in a better: Yet this doleful Dove could peck as well as groan, and sometimes was satyrical enough in his passion, there being but a narrow •… age betwixt grief and anger; and bitterness is a quality common to them both. He flourished under King John, Anno 1200. and after his return from his travels, is conceived by some to have lived and died a Benedictine of St. Albans.

JOHN of OXFORD was no doubt so named from his birth in that City; otherwise had he only had his Education or eminent learning therein, there were hundreds Johns of Oxford as well as himself. Hector Boethius surnamed him a Vado Boum, and owneth him the next Historian to Jeffrey Monmouth in age and industry. He was a great Anti-Becketist, as many more in that Age of greater learning (except stubbornness be made the standard thereof) than Becket himself: Being Dean of old Sar •… m, and Chaplain to King Henry the second, he was by him employed with others, to give an account to the Pope (but I question whe •… her he would take it ) of the Kings carriage in the business of Becket. He was preferred Anno 1175. Bishop of Norwich, where he repaired his Cathedral, lately defaced with fire, built a fair Alms-house, and Trinity-church in Ipswich. His death happened Anno Dom. 1200.

ROBERT BACON, first Scholar of, afterward a familiar Friend to, St. Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury, was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, and when aged became a Dominican or preaching Friar; and for his Sermons he was highly esteemed by King Henry the third. He was Lepidus & Cynicus, and a most professed enemy to Peter Roach Bishop of Winchester.

Mat •… hew Paris gives him and another (viz. Richard de Fishakle ) this praise, Quibus non erant majores, imo nec pares (ut creditor) viventes in Theologia, & aliis scientiis: and I listen the rather to his commendation, because being himself a Benedictine Monk, he had an antipathy against all Friars. I behold this Robert Bacon as the senior of all the Bacons, which like tributary streams disembogued themselves, with all the credit of their actions, into Roger Bacon, who in process of time hath monopolized the honor of all his Sirname-sakes in Oxford. Our Robert died Anno Dom 1248.

ROBERT of OXFORD was not only an Admirer, but Adorer of Thomas Aquinas his contemporary; accounting his Opinions Oracles, as if it were a venial sin to doubt of, and a mortal to deny any of them. Mean time the Bishop of Paris, with the consent of the Masters of Sorbonne, (the great Champions of liberty in this kind) granted a license to any Scholar, Opinari de opinionibus, to guess freely (and by consequence to discuss in Disputations) any man's Opinions, which as yet by a general Council were not decided matters of faith. Our Rober •… , much offended thereat, wrote not only against Henricus Gandavensis and Aegi •… ius Romanus, but also the whole College of Sorbonne: an act beheld of many as of more boldness than brains, for a private person to perform. He flourished under King Henry the third, Anno Dom. 1270.

JEFFREY CHAUCER was by most probability born at Woodstock in this County, though other places lay stiff claim to his Nativity.

Berk-shires title. London's title. Oxford shires title.
Leland confesseth it likely that he was born in Barochensi provincia, and Mr. Cambden avoweth that Dunington-castle nigh unto Newburie was anciently his Inheritance. There was lately an old Oak standing in the Park called Chaucers Oak. The Author of his life, set forth 1602. proveth him born in London, out of these his own words in the Testament of love: Also in the City of London, that is to m •… e •… ot dear and sweet, in which I was forth grown; and more kindly love have I to that place than to any other in yerth, (as every kindly creature hath full appetite to that place of his kindly ingendure. Besides, Mr. Cambden praiseth Mr. Edmund Spencer the Londoner for the best Poet, Ne Chaucero quidem concive excepto, Chaucer himself his fellow-citizen not being excepted. Leland addeth a probability of his birth in Oxford-shire, and Cambden saith of Woodstock, Cu •… nihil habeat quod ostentet, H •… merum nostrum Anglicum, Galfredum Chaucerum alumnum suum fuisse gloriatur. Besides, •… . Pits is positive that his father was a Knight, and that he was born at Woodstock. And Queen Elizabeth passed a fair stone-house next to her Palace in that Town, unto the Tenant by the name of Chaucers house, whereby it is also known at this day.

Now, what is to be done to decide the difference herein? Indeed Appion the Grammarian would have Homer (concerning whose Birth-place there was so much controversy) raised ab Inferis, that he might give a true account of the place of his Nativity. However our Chaucer is placed he •… e, (having just grounds for the same) until stronger reasons are brought to remove him.

He was a terse and elegant Po •… t, (the Homer of his Age) and so refined our English Tongue, Ut inter expolitas gentium linguas potuit recte quidem connumerari. His skill in Mathematics was great, (being instructed therein by Joannes Sombus and Nicholas of Linn ) which he evidenceth in his book De Sphaera. He being Contemporary with Gower, was living Anno Dom. 1402.

Since the Reformation.

THOMAS LYDYATE. Now I find the old sentence to be true, Difficile fugitivas mortuorum memorias retrahere, seeing all my industry and inquiry can retrive very little of this worthy person; and the Reader, I hope, will not be angry with me, who am so much grieved with myself for the same. Indeed contradicting qualities met in him, Eminency and Obscurity; the former for his Learning, the later for his Living. All that we can recover of him is as followeth▪ He was born at Alkerton in this County, bred first in Winchester school, then in New college in Oxford, being admitted therein June 22. 1593. An admirable Mathematician, witness these his learned Works left to posterity:

  • 1. De variis Annorum Formis.
  • 2. De natura Coeli & conditione Elementorum.
  • 3. Praelectio Astronomica.
  • 4. De origin Fontium.
  • 5. Disquisitio Phisiologica.
  • 6. Explicatio & additameutnm Arg. temp. nat. & ministry Christi.

In handling of these subjects, it seems, he crossed Scalliger, who was highly offended thereat, conceiving himself such a Prince of Learning, it was high Treason for any to doubt of, much more deny, his opinion: Yea, he conceited his own Judgment so canonical, that it was Heresy for any inferior person to differ from the same. Shall Scalliger write a book of the Emendation of Times, and should any presume to write one of the Emendation of Scalliger? especially one no public Professor, and so private a person as Lydyate? However this great Bugbear Critick, finding it more easy to contemn the person, than confute the arguments of his Adversary, slighted Lydyate as inconsiderable, jeering him for a Prophet, who indeed somewhat traded in the Apocalyptical Divinity.

Learned men of unbiassed judgments will maintain, that Lydyate had the best in that Contest, but here it came to pass what Solomon had long before observed, Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

He never attained higher Church-preferment than the Rectory of Alkerton the Town of his Nativity, and deserted that (as I have cause to suspect) before his death. Impute his low condition to these causes,

  • 1. The nature of his Studies, which being Mathematical and Speculative, brought not, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Grist to the mill.
  • 2. The nature of his Nature, being ambitious of Privity and Concealment.
  • 3. The death of Prince Henry, (whose Library-keeper he was) and in whose Grave Lydyates hopes were interred.
  • 4. His disaffection to Church-discipline, and Ceremonies used therein: though such wrong his memory, who represent him an Anabaptist.

His modesty was as great as his want, which he would not make known to any. Sir William Boswell, well understanding his worth, was a great friend unto him; and so was Bishop Williams. He died about Westminster, as I take it, in the year of our Lord, 1644. Happy had it been for posterity, if on his death-bed he could have bequeathed his Learning to any surviving Relation.

Sir RICHARD BAKER Knight, was a Native of this County, and High-Sheriff thereof in the 18. of King James, Anno Dom. 1621. His youth he spent in learning, the benefit whereof he reaped in his old age, when his Estate thorough Surety-ship (as I have heard him complain) was very much impaired: But God may smile on them, on whom the World doth frown; whereof his pious old age was a memorable instance, when the storm on his Estate forced him to fly for shelter to his studies and devotions. He wrote an Exposition on the Lord's prayer, which is corrival with the best Comments which professed Divines have written on that subject. He wrote a Chronicle on our English Kings, embracing a method peculiar to himself, digesting Observables under several heads, very useful for the Reader. This reverend Knight left this troublesome world about the beginning of our Civil wars.

WILLIAM WHATELEY was born in Banbury, (whereof his father was twice Mayor) and bred in Christ's-college in Cambridge. He became afterwards Minister in the Town of his Nativity; and though generally people do not respect a Prophet or Preacher when a Man, whom they knew whilst a Child; yet he met there with deserved reverence to his Person and Profession. Indeed he was a good Linguist, Philoso▪ pher, Mathematician, Divine; and (though a Poetical Satyrical Pen is pleased to pass a jeer upon him) free from Faction. He first became known to the world by his book called the Bride-bushe, which some say hath been more condemned than confuted, as maintaining a Position rather odious than untrue: But others hold that blows given from so near a Relation to so near a Relation, cannot be given so lightly, but they will be taken most heavily. Other good Works of his have been set forth since his death, which happened in the 56. year of his age, Anno Dom. 1639.

JOHN BALLE was born at Casfigton (four miles North-west of Oxford ) in this County, an obscure Village, only illustrated by his Nativity. He proceeded Bachelor of Arts in Brazen-nose college in Oxford, (his Parents purse being not able to maintain him longer) and went into Cheshire, until at last he was beneficed at Whitmore in the County of Stafford. He was an excellent School man and School-master, (qualities seldom meeting in the same man) a painful Preacher, and a profitable Writer, and his Treatise of Faith cannot sufficiently be commended. Indeed he lived by faith, having but small means to maintain him, (but 20▪ pounds yearly Salary, besides what he got by teaching and boording his Scholers) and yet was wont to say he had enough, enough, enough: Thus contentment consisteth not in heaping on more fuel, but in taking away some fire. He had an holy facetiousness in his discourse, when his friend having had a fall from his horse, and said that he never had the like deliverance; Yea, (said Mr. Balle) and an hundred times when you never fell; accounting God's preserving us from, equal to his rescuing us out of, dangers. He had an humble heart free from passion, and though somewhat disaffected to Ceremonies and Church-discipline, confuted such as conceived the corruptions therein ground enough for a separation. He hated all New Lights and pretended Inspirations besides Scripture; and when one asked him whether he at any time had experience thereof in his own heart, No (said he) I bless God, and if I should ever have such phantasies, I hope God would give me grace to resist them. Notwithstanding his small means he lived himself comfortably, relieved others charitably, left his children competently, and died piously October the 20. Anno Dom. 1640.

WILLIAM CHILLINGWORTH was born in the City of Oxford, so that by the benefit of his birth he fell from the lap of his mother into the arms of the Muses. He was bred in Trinity college in this University; an acute and subtle Disputant, but unsettled in judgment, which made him go beyond the Seas, and in some sort was conciled to the Church of Rome: but, whether because he found not the respect he expected, (which some shrewdly suggest) or because his Conscience could not close with all the Romish corruptions, (which more charitably believe) he returned into England, and in testimony of his true conversion wrote a book entitled, The Religion of Protestants a safe way to salvation, against Mr. Knot the Jesuit: I will not say, Malo nodo malus quaerendus est cuneus, but affirm no person better qualified than this Author, with all necessary accomplishments to encounter a Jesuit. It is commonly reported that Dr. Prideaux compared his book to a Lamprey, fit for food if the venomous string were taken out of the back thereof: a passage in my opinion inconsistent with the Doctors approbation, prefixed in the beginning of his book. This William Chillingworth was taken prisoner by the Parliament Forces at Arundel castle, and not surprised and slain in his studi •… es, as Archimedes at the sacking of Syracuse, (as some have given it out) but w •… s safely conducted to Chichester, where notwithstanding hard usage hastened his dissolution.

DANIEL FEATLY D. D. was born in (or very near to) the City of Oxford, his father being a servant of Corpus-Christi college, and this his son Fellow thereof. Here he had the honor to make the Speech in the College, at the Funeral of Dr. Reynalds.

Some men may be said to have mutinous parts, which will not obey the commands of him who is the owner of them: Not so this Doctor, who was perfect Master of his own Learning. He did not, as Quintilian saith of some, Occultis thesaur is incumbere; but his learning was, in numerato, for his present using thereof. He was as good in the Schools as in the Pulpit, and very happy in his Disputes with Papists; for in the Conference with F. Fisher, (when Fisher was caught in his own Net ) though Dr. White did wisely cast that Net, Dr. Featly did help strongly to draw it to the shore.

It seems, though he was in, yet he was not of, the late Assembly of Divines; as whose body was with them, whilst his heart was at Oxford: Yea, he discovered so much in a Letter to the Archbishop of Armagh, which being intercepted he was proceeded against as a Spie, and closely imprisoned, though finding some favor at last, he died in the Prison College at Chelsey, Anno Dom. 1643. His Wifes son hath since communicated to me his Pocket-Manual of his memorable observations, all with his own hand; but alas to be read by none but the writer thereof.

JOHN WHITE (descended from the Whites in Hant-shire ) was born at StantonSt. Johns in this County, bred first in Winchester, then New-college in Oxford, whereof he was Fellow; and fixed at last a Minister at Dorchester in Dorcet-shire well nigh forty years. A grave man, yet without moroseness, as who would willingly contribute his shot of facetiousness on any just occasion. A constant Preacher, so that in the course of his Ministry he expounded the Scripture all over, and half over again; having an excellent faculty in the clear and solid interpreting thereof. A good Governor, by whose wisdom the Town of Dorchester (notwithstanding a casual merciless fire) was much enriched; Knowledge causing Piety, Piety breeding Industry, and Industry procuring Plenty unto it. A beggar was not then to be seen in the Town, all able Poor being set on work, and impotent maintained by the profit of a public Brew house, and other collections.

He absolutely commanded his own Passions, and the purses of his Parishioners, whom he could wind up to what height he pleased on important occasions. He was free from covetousness, if not trespassing on the contrary: and had a Patriarchal influence both in Old and New-England, yet towards the end of his days Factions and fond Opinions crept in his flock; a new generation arose, which either did not know, or would not acknowledge this good man; disloyal persons, which would not pay the due respect to the Crown of his old age, whereof he was sadly and silently sensible.

He was chosen one of the Assembly of Divines, and his judgment was much relied on therein. He married the sister of Dr. Burgess, the great Non-conformist, (who afterwards being reclaimed wrote in the defense of Ceremonies) by whom he left four sons, and died quietly at Dorchester, Anno Dom. 164..

I hope that Solomon's observation of the poor wise man, who saved the little City, [ Yet no man remembered him ] will not be verified of this Town, in relation to this their deceased Pastor, whom I hope they will not, I am sure they should not, forget, as a person so much meriting of them in all considerations. His Comment on some part of Genesis is lately set forth, and more daily expected.

Benefactors to the Public since the Reformation.

THOMAS TISDALL, of Glimpton in this County, Esquire; deceasing Anno 1610. bequeathed five thousand pounds to George Abbot then Bishop of London, John Bennet Knight, and Henry Aray Doctor of Divinity, to purchase Lands for the maintenance of seven Fellows and six Scholers: which money deposited in so careful hands, was as advantageously expended for the purchase of two hundred and fifty pounds per annum. It fell then under consideration, that it was pity so great a bounty ( substantial enough to stand of itself) should be adjected to a former Foundation; whereupon a new College (formerly called Broad-gates-hall in Oxford ) was erected therewith by the name of Pembroke-College, which since hath met with some considerable Benefactors. May this the youngest College in England have the happiness of a youngest child, who commonly have in their mothers love, what they lack in the land of their father.

We must not forget, that the aforesaid Thomas Tisdall gave many other charitable Legasies, and deserved very well of Abington-school, founding an Usher therein.

Memorable Persons.

ANNE GREENE, a person unmarried, was indicted, arraigned, cast, condemned and executed, for killing her child, at the Assizes at Oxford, Decemb. 14. 1650. After some hours her body being taken down, and prepared for dissection in the Anatomyschools, some heat was found therein, which by the care of the Doctors was improved into her perfect recovery. Charitable people interpret her so miraculous preservation a Compurgator of her innocence. Thus she intended for a dead, continues a living Anatomy of divine Providence, and a monument of the wonderful contrivances thereof. If Hippolytus, revived only by Poetical fancies, was surnamed Virbius, because twice a man; why may not Mulierbia, by as good proportion, be applied to her? who since is married, and liveth in this County in good reputation.

Lord Mayors.

Name. Father. Place. Company. Time.
1. John Norman John Norman Banbury Draper 1453
2. Thomas Pargitor John Pargitor Chippingnorton Salter 1530
3. Michael Dormer Jeffrey Dormer Tame Mercer 1541

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

William Bishop of Lincoln
William de Lovell, chiv. Commissioners to take the Oaths.
Stephen Haytfeld Knights for the Shire.
Richard Quatermayns Knights for the Shire.

  • Tho. Wikeham, chiv.
  • Lodowici Grevill
  • Johannes Wisham
  • Johan. Banufo
  • Humphridi Hay
  • Johannes Tyso
  • Will. Thomlyns
  • Thome Andrey
  • Thome atte Mille
  • Johannes Benet
  • Rad. Archer
  • John. Archer
  • Thome Willes
  • Johannes Perysson
  • John. Cross de Sibford
  • Thome Eburton
  • Thome Kynch
  • Willielmi Brise
  • Willielmi Dandy
  • Richardi Stanes
  • Johannes Wallrond
  • Johannes Daypoll
  • Johannes Fabian
  • Will. Page
  • Johannes Mose
  • Williel. Seton
  • Johannes Pytte
  • Thome Helmeden
  • Tho. Schools
  • Thome Sperehawke
  • Thome Gascoine
  • Thome Clere
  • John. Goldwell
  • Williel. Goldwell
  • Johannes White
  • Thome Lynne
  • Will. Smith de Bloxham
  • Thome Chedworth
  • Willielmi Haliwell
  • John. Chedworth
  • John. de Berford
  • Robert: Q •… inaton
  • Richardi atte Mille
  • Willielmi Mason
  • Willielmi almer
  • Thome Tymmes
  • John. Cross de Drayton
  • Alexandri Byfeld
  • Job. Andrew de Bodycote
  • Thome Serchesden
  • Theme Feteplace, ar.
  • Tho. Hastyng, ar.
  • Will. wallweyn, ar.
  • John. Hille ar.
  • John. Lcmilt
  • Thome Mayor
  • Johannes Hood
  • Will. Gayte
  • Johannes Martyn
  • Thome Martyn
  • •… ill. Fycheler
  • Will. Brayn
  • Nicholai Wenne
  • Johannes Leche
  • Will. Leche
  • Richardi Fremantle
  • Roberti Carpenter
  • •… icardi Colas
  • •… ill. Coteler
  • Richardi Coteler
  • Johannes Punter
  • Henrici Suthwik
  • I •… hannis Fawlour
  • Johannes Mos •… er
  • John Wynchelcombe
  • Will. Style
  • Thome Vyncent
  • •… ohannis Bcdyll
  • Johannes Trilling
  • Thome Marshall
  • Johannes Walker
  • Will. walker
  • Simonis Walker
  • Thome Brys
  • Thome Mede
  • John. Freman de Pole
  • Thome Chalkele
  • John. Godef •… llawe
  • Johannes Abraham
  • Johannes Turfray
  • Richardi Howkyn
  • Rob. Bocher de Witteney
  • Johannes Rous
  • Stephani Cornewaill
  • Johannes Iurdan
  • Johannes Bronne
  • Johannes Willeney
  • W •… llielmi Fellawe
  • Johannes Pere
  • Johan. Bray
  • Richardi Wellwe
  • Willielmi Wynn
  • Will. Whittington
  • Willielmi Dagbill
  • Will. Dustelyng
  • Johannes Danvers
  • Thome Mason
  • Johan. Ayl •… sworth
  • Johan. Waver
  • Hen •… ici Frebody
  • Richardi Ha •… pour
  • Will. Shitford
  • Roberti Shitford
  • Hugonis Culworthe
  • John. Danus •… dynton
  • Richardi Touchestre
  • Thome Blexham
  • Rogere Predy
  • Will. Drynkwater
  • Thome Wykham de Swalelyf
  • Will. Willingham
  • Roberti Campden
  • Walteri Snappe
  • Richardi Ru •… e
  • Thome Spycer
  • John. Draper
  • Thome Penny
  • Thome Harys
  • Johannes Flore
  • Will. Rothe
  • John. Etterton
  • Will. Witteney
  • Will. Wych
  • John. Potter
  • John. Fletewell
  • Richardi Eton
  • John. •… arner
  • Will. Standell
  • Richardi Sclaytey de Shorldbury
  • John. Folke
  • Tho. Takle Bail
  • Thome Abbatis de Eynesham
  • Richardi Walkestede, chiv.
  • John. Blount, ar.
  • Will. Marmyon
  • Thome Halle
  • John. Lydier
  • Will. Berkingham
  • Will. Rash
  • John. Whighthill
  • Roberti Croxford
  • Thome Carwell
  • Thome Yerman
  • John. Somerton
  • Will. Somerton
  • Roberti Hare Court
  • Simonis Somerton
  • Thome Harlyngrigge
  • Will. Horncastle
  • John. Yerman
  • John. Colles
  • John. Bourman de Dadyngton
  • Thome Magon
  • Thome Pricket
  • Thome Pebworth
  • Walteri Jouster
  • Rogeri Jouster
  • John. Cobwell
  • John. Bingham
  • John. Tymmes
  • Will. Frere
  • Thome Maykyn
  • Richardi Tanner de Wod •… stock
  • Willielmi Weller
  • John. Swift
  • Richardi Stevenes
  • Richardi Marchall
  • Richardi Chapman
  • Thome Snareston
  • John. Bridde
  • Richardi Aston
  • Will. Parsons
  • Thome Payne
  • John. Nethercote
  • Stephani Humpton
  • Will. Romney
  • John. Romney
  • Roberti Rye
  • Will. Swift
  • Will. Harryes
  • John. Tanner de Eynesham
  • Will. Madle
  • Thome Millward
  • John. Fisher
  • John. Webbe
  • Edm. Rammesby
  • Iacobi Howes
  • Iac. Bocher de Stunsfeld
  • John. Megre
  • John. Ha •… e de Barton
  • Phillippi Frere
  • John. Frere
  • John. Stowe
  • John. Knight
  • John. Kemster
  • Will. Kemster
  • Rob. Quaynaton
  • Rob. More, ar.
  • Rob. Alkerton
  • John. Chorleton
  • John. Eburton, jun.
  • John. Eburton, sen.
  • Thome Eburton
  • John. Yonge
  • John. Balle
  • Thome Balle
  • John. Eureshawe
  • Galfridi Crewe
  • Will. Tommys
  • Will. Ayltan
  • John. Stokes
  • John. Walle
  • Will. Smith de Chepyng Norton
  • Johannes Howes
  • Thome Howes
  • Willielmi Hide
  • Rogeri Milton
  • Johannes Stacy
  • Richardi Gurgan
  • Johannes Halle
  • Johannes Sampson
  • Willielmi Sampson
  • Thome Churchehill
  • Thome Cogeyn
  • Willielmi Cogeyn
  • Richardi Bury
  • Willielmi Houchyns
  • Johannes Channdyt
  • Willielmi Bagge
  • Will. Rollandright
  • Thome Fayreford
  • John. Martyn
  • Thome Tackle
  • Will. Weller
  • John. Maynard
  • Richardi Couper de Eastan
  • Will. Wrench o h. Halle de ShorIthamton
  • Willielmi Tunford
  • Johannes Tunford
  • Johannes Parkyns
  • Rob. Raynald
  • John. Mucy
  • Will. Carter de Overnorton
  • Tho. Balle de parva Rowlan-right
  • John. Hammond
  • John. Halle
  • John. Payne
  • John. Shawe
  • John. Silver
  • John. Brewes
  • Tho. Spillesby
  • John. Salman
  • John. Potter, jun. Prioris de Burcestre
  • John. Langeston
  • Rogeri Pour
  • Will. Anderne
  • John. Aston
  • John. Cornwaile
  • Richardi Purcell
  • Iacobi Samwell
  • Rich. Fitz▪water
  • Tho. Wyonb •… ssh
  • John. Togood
  • Rich. Togood
  • John. Spere
  • John. Shoue
  • Nicholai Norris
  • Thome Chapman
  • Willielmi Durbare
  • Thome Hoggys
  • Thome Gurdon
  • Tho. Markham
  • Johannes Lile
  • Johannes Sylvester
  • Johannes Balegh
  • Johannes Chantclere
  • John. Huntingdon
  • Will. Baldyngton
  • Johan. Burdon
  • Johannes Fellipps de Overfayford
  • Iohaunis Fellipps de Netherfayford
  • John. Smith de Mellington
  • Thome Smith de eadem
  • Johan. Notebene de Fencote
  • Will. Fitz water
  • John. Felmersham
  • Johannes Abbatis de Oseneye
  • Johannes Abbatis de Thame
  • Edm. Prioris sancti Frideswide
  • Tho. Baldington, jun.
  • Tho. Baldington, sen.
  • John. Iacket
  • Thome Welles
  • Thome Longe
  • John. Ellys
  • Rob. Crakeall
  • Willielmi Tyller
  • John. Dog
  • Andree Sparewe
  • Will. Loy, sen.
  • John. Chamberleyn
  • John. Shrovcbury
  • Roberti Reve
  • John. Friday
  • John. Mayhon
  • John. Hamond
  • Will. Halfeknight
  • Hugonis Benet de Thame
  • Will. Collyngrig
  • Thome Credy
  • John. Savage bayly
  • John. Clifton Abbatis Dorcacestr.
  • John. Harpeden, chiv.
  • Hug. Wolf, chiv.
  • Thome Chancer, ar.
  • Rich. Drayton, ar.
  • Rich. Restold, ar.
  • Petri Feteplace, ar.
  • Will. Wikham, ar.
  • John. Fitz-Elys, ar.
  • Reg. Barantyn, ar,
  • Will. Lynde, ar.
  • Rob. Simeon, ar.
  • Drugonis Barantyn
  • John. Bedford
  • Edmundi Forster
  • Rich. Gilot
  • Thome Chibenhurst
  • Thome atte Hide
  • Rogeri Radle
  • Petri Shotesbroke
  • Johannes Hide
  • Will. Ravenyng
  • Willielmi Borde
  • Williel. Skyrmet
  • Johannes Elmes
  • Thome Vine
  • John. Hertilpole
  • Tho. Clerk bayly
  • John. Bayly de Puriton
  • Johannes Badley
  • Will. Bosenhe
  • Thome Bartelot
  • Rich. Calday
  • Johannes Crips
  • Williel. North
  • Johannes atte Water
  • Roberti atte Water
  • Rich. Forster
  • Thome Denton
  • Thome atte Well de Garsingden
  • Johannes Holt
  • Nicholai Neuby
  • John. Thomley
  • Will. Bele
  • Johannes Lowe
  • Rob. Hye
  • John. Bullery
  • John. Fitz Aleyn
  • John. Waly by clerici
  • Thome Tretherf •… t
  • Tho. Balingdon, sen.
  • John. Smith
  • John. Skynner
  • Rich. English
  • Rob. Powlegh
  • Nich. atte Water
  • Johannes Hawe
  • Thome Dodde
  • Thome Bartelet
  • Will. Padenale
  • Ade Hastyng
  • John. 〈◊〉
  • Tho Baker de Watlington
  • Richardi Hurry
  • John. Tours
  • Thome Muttyng
  • Thome Deven
  • John. Martyn
  • Will. Somer
  • John. Romsey
  • John. Yonge
  • Will. Caturmayn
  • •… ill. Hervey
  • Hen. Benefeld
  • Will. North
  • Nicholai Wotton de Kingston
  • John. Temple
  • John. Fynamour
  • Rich. Malpas
  • John. Boure
  • Rob. Gorewey
  • John. Stafford
  • Rich. Saddock
  • John. atte Lee
  • Will. Derenden.

The Commissioners in this County appear over-diligent in discharging their trust: For, whereas those in other Shires flitted only the Cream of their Gentry, it is suspicious that here they made use of much thin Milk, as may be collected from their numerousness in a County of so small content. I could wish they had spent part of their pains on some other places, seeing we have so little of great, and nothing of some Shires in this kind. But I see nothing will here fall out adequate to our desires in all particulars, but still we shall conceive ourselves to have cause to complain, of something redundant and something defective.

Sheriffs.

Although Oxford and Berk-shires be divided by the Thames, and in the Saxon Heptarchy were under two different Kingdoms, Oxford-shire belonging to Mercia, and Berk-shire to the West Saxons; yet after the Conquest they were united under one Sheriff, until the ninth year of Queen Elizabeth, as by their Catalogue formerly presented in Berk-shire doth plainly appear: Since that year for the more effectual discharge of the Office, and greater ease of the Subjects, each have had several Sheriffs, and Oxford-shire as followeth:

Name. Place. Arms.
ELIZ. REG.
Anno
9 Ric. Fines, mil. Broughtō. Azure, 3. Lions rampant, Or.
10 Hum. Ashfeld, ar.
11 Will. Taverner, ar. Water E.
12 Tho. Gibbons, ar.
13 Ric. Waynman, m: Tame Pa. Quarterly G. & Az. a Cross Patonce, Or.
14 John. Danvers, ar. † † G. a Chev. inter 3. Mullets, O.
15 Hen. Rainford, ar.
16 Will. Babington, m. Ar. ten Torteauxes, 〈◊〉 -3. 2. & 1.
17 Mich. Molyns, ar.
18 Rob. Doyle, mil. & John. Coop, ar. ut infra ut infra
19 Will. Hawtry, ar.
20 Ric. Corbet, ar. Or, a Raven proper.
21 Edm. Bray, ar.
22 Ric. Hudleston, ar. Gul. Frettee Arg.
23 Tho. Denton, ar.
24 Anth. Cope, ar. Hanwell Arg. on a Chev. Az. betwixt 3.
25 Ric. Fines. ar. ut prius Roses, G. slipped and leaved,
26 On. Ogletho •… p, ar. a Newingt. Vert, 3. Flower de luces, Or.
27 John. Doyle, ar. b a Arg. a Chev. varry Or and
28 Idem. ut prius Vert, betwixt 3. Boys heads
29 Mich. Blount, ar. c Maph Du. sable cut of G.
30 John. Danvers, ar. ut prius b Or, two Bends, Arg.
31 Will. Clarke, ar. c Barry Formy Neb •… le of 6.
32 Will. Spencer, ar. d Yardingt. Or and Sable.
33 Anth. Cope, mil. ut prius d Quarterly Ar. & G. a Fret.
34 Ro. Chamblayn, a. e Or. on a Bend sab. 3. Escalops of the first.
35 Fran. Stonard, ar. f Stonard
36 Ric. Fenys, mil. ut prius e Gul. a Cheveron Arg. betwixt three Escalops, Or.
37 Oni. Oglethorpe, ar ut prius
38 Will. Freer, ar. g Water E. f Az. two Bars Dancettee Or, a Chief Arg.
39 Gorg. Broome, ar.
40 Mich. Blount, ar. ut prius g Gul. two Flanches Or, three Wheat-ears erect in Fess counterchanged.
41 Fran. Curson, ar.
42 Will. Green, ar.
43 Will. Pope, ar. Wiscot Per pale, Or & Az. on a chev. betw. 3. Griffins heads erazed, 4. Flower de luces, all counterchanged.
44 Ric. Farmer, mil.* * Arg. a Fess sab. twixt three Leopards heads erazed, Gul.
JACOB.
Anno
1 Anth. Cope, mil. ut prius
2 Gorg. Tipping, ar.
3 Iac. Harrington, m. Sable, a Fret. Arg.
4 Tho. Temple, mil. Buckin Arg. on two Bars sab. 6.
5 Roland. Lacy, mil. Martlets, Or.
6 Hen. Samborne, ar.
7 Mich. Dormer, mil. Az. ten billets, 4. 3. 2. & 1.
8 Bene. Winchcōbe, a Or in a Chief of the second, a Lion issuant sable.
9 Tho. Moyle, ar. † † Gul. a Mule passant, Arg.
10 Will. Clerke, mil.
11 Hen. Lee, bar. Dichley Arg. a Fess betw. 3. cressants, S.
12 Edw. Dunch, ar. S. a chev. betw. 3. Towers, Arg.
13 Tho. Read, ar. G. a saltire twixt 4. Garbs, O.
14 Th. Spencer, m. & b. ut prius
15 John. Curson, mil.
16 Edw. Fenner, ar.
17 Will. Cope, m. & b. ut prius
18 Ric. Baker, mil.
19 Fra. Stoner, mil. ut prius
20 •… owlan. Lacy, ar.
21 Will. Aishcombe, m
22 Walt. Dunch, ar. ut prius
CAROL. I.
Anno
1 Ric. Blount, mil. ut prius
2 Ric. Lovelace, mil. modo dom. Lovelace & Cope Doyley, mil. Berk-shire ut prius Gul. a Chief indented sable, 3. Martlets, Or.
3 Ric. Wenman, mil. modo dom. Wenman ut prius ut prius
4 Rob. Dormer, mil. ut prius
5 Will. Cobb, mil. Adderbury
6 John. Lacy, mil.
7 John. Harborne, ar.
8 Tho. Coghill, ar. modo Miles. Ble •… hing. Gules, on a Cheveron Arg. 3. Ogresses, a Chief sable.
9 John. Mellor, mil.
10 Pet. Wentworth Miles Baranit. Sable, a Cheveron betwixt 3. Leopards heads, Or.
11 Fran. Norris, mil. Quarterly Arg. & G •… a. a Fret, or with a Fess Az.
12 Will. Walter, ar.* Saresden * Az. 3. Eagles displayed, Arg
13 T. Peniston, m. & b. † † Arg. 3. Cornish-choughs prop.
14 John. Doyly, ar. ut prius
15 Rad. Warcoppe, ar.
16 Ric. Libb, ar.
17 Tho. Tippin, ar.
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Q. Elizabeth.

11. WILLIAM TAVERNER, Arm.]

This was he, who in the year of his Sherivalty came to Oxford, and went up into the Pulpit at St. Mary's with a sword by his side, and a gold chain about his neck; where he made a Sermon (or an Oration rather) to the University, the stuff, or rather bombace whereof we have set down in our Ecclesiastical History. Now though this was an odd act wherein his zeal was conceived by most to trespass on his discretion, yet was it born the better in those darker days from a person well-affected in Religion, and abhorring to invade the Ministerial Function.

18. ROBERT DOYLE, Mil.]

This year (if I mistake not) were the black Assizes at Oxford, wherein (contrary to the common course) the Prisoners caused the death of the Judge, (Chief-Baron Bell ) the Sheriff, some of the Lawyers, many of the Justices, and most of the Jury; besides other persons of Quality there present. It was generally imputed to the stench of the prisoners clothes and bodies: for whereas other offensive smells are open enemies, and violently assaulting the brain warn men in some sort to avoid or resist them; a Gaolstench treacherously pretendeth alliance, (as made of man-sweat ) and so insinuates itself with the less suspicion and more danger into the spirits.

31. WILLIAM CLARKE, Arm.]

He was son, or (if the same with Sir William Clarke, Sheriff in the 10. of K. James ) grand-child to Sir John Clarke of Northampton-shire in the 21. of K. Henry the eight, whose Arms, with the honorable augmentation, and the worthy cause thereof, are there largely described.

36. RICHARD PENYS, Mil.]

He was a worthy Gentleman, and bred Fellow (being the Founders Kinsman) of Newcollege in Oxford. He was also lineally descended from James Lord Say and Seal, Tresurer of England, in the reign of K. Henry the sixth, and in consideration thereof was 1. Jacobi created Lord Say and Seal. He died Anno Dom. 1612. William Fenys, his eldest son, was since created Viscount Say and Seal, and is still alive.

K. Charles I.

3. RICHARD WENMAN, Mil.]

This worthy Knight was by K. Charles the first created, first Baron Wenman of Chilmaynam in the County of Dublin, and then Viscount Wenman, of Tuant in the County of Galloway, both in the Kingdom of Ireland, by Letters Patents dated at Cambrey the 25. of July 1628. 4 Caroli.

The Farewell.

As for the poorer sort of Husbandmen in this County, I wish there may be more Sir Henry Kebles for their sakes: This Knight (though a Native of London, and Lord Mayor thereof) had such an affection for this and Warwick-shire, that he singled out an hundred and fifty of the poorest Husbandmen therein, and gave each of them a new Plough-share and a new Coulter of Iron; and in my mind that is the most charitable Charity, which enableth decayed industry to follow its Vocation.

RUTLAND-SHIRE is by a double Diminutive called by Mr. Cambden, Angliae Provinciola minima. Indeed it is but the Pestel of a Lark, which is better than a quarter of some bigger bird, having the most cleanly profit in it: No place so fair for the Rider, being more fruitful for the Abider therein.

Ban •… shing the fable of King Rott, and their fond conceit, who will have Rutland so called from Roet, the French word for a Wheel, from the rotundity thereof, (being in form almost exactly orbicular) it is so termed, quasi Red-land; for as if Nature kept a Dye-vat herein, a reddish tincture discoloureth the earth, stones, yea the very flieces of the sheep feeding therein. If the Rabbins observation be true, who distinguish betwixt Arets, the general element of the earth; and Adamah, red ground, from which Adam was taken and named; making the later the former refined: Rutlands soil on the same reason may lay claim to more than ordinary purity and perfection.

Buildings.

Burgley on the Hill belonged formerly to the Lord's Harrington, but since so beautified with buildings by the Duke of Buckingham, that it was inferior to few for the House, superior to all for the Stable; where horses (if their pabulum so plenty as their stabulum stately) were the best accommodated in England. But alas, what saith Menedemus to Chremas in the Comedy? Filium unicum adolescentulum habeo. Ah quid dixi habere me? immo habui: so may Rutland say, I have; yea I had one most magnificent house: this Burgley being since demolished in our Civil war, so just was the Poets ancient Invective,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mars, Mars, bane of men, slaughter-stained, spoiler of houses.

But when we have first sufficiently bemoned the loss of so many worthy men in our late war, if then we have still any sorrow left, and tears to spare, we will spend them in lamenting the razing and ruining of so many stately structures.

Wonders.

How it will appear to the Reader I know not, but it is wonderful in my apprehension, that this County, so pleasant, so fruitful, almost in the middle of England, had not one absolute or entire Abby therein; producing only two small appurtenances (of inconsiderable value) to Convents in other Counties, viz.

Okehame, under the custody of the Priory of St. Anne by Coventry, founded by William Dalby, for two Chaplains and twelve poor; receiving in all one and twenty pounds per annum.

Brook, a Cell to Killingworth, founded by Walkeline de Ferrers Baron of Okeham, for black Canons, valued at the dissolution at forty three pounds thirteen shillings and four pence.

The like cannot be parallel'd in England, choose so great a parcel of good ground where you please. Shew me so fair a bunch of sweet grapes, which had no more flies to suck them: Nor can I conjecture any competent cause thereof, except because Edward the Confessor by his Will gave all Rutland to Westminster Church, which though rescinded by King William the Conqueror, yet other Convents perchance might be scrupulous to accept, what once belonged to another Foundation.

Proverbs.

Rutland Raddleman. ]

I meet in an Author with this blazon, as he terms it, of Rutland-shire, though I can scarcely recover the meaning thereof▪

Rad here is the same with red, (only more broadly pronounced) as Radcliffe de rubro clivo Redcliffe: Raddleman then is a Reddleman, a Trade (and that a poor one ) only in this County, whence men bring on their backs a pack of red stone or Oker, which they sell to their neighbouring Countries for the marking of sheep, well nigh as •… scernable (and far less hurtful to the wool) as Pitch-brands made on their flieces.

Saints.

St. Tibba. Because this County is Princeless, I mean affords no Royal Nativities, we begin with Saints, and here almost we are at a loss, finding but one worshipped therein, and probably a Native thereof. But seriously peruse, I pray, the words of our Author, speaking of Rihall a Village in this County,

Where, when superstition had so bewitched our Anchestours, that the multitude of their petty Saints had well near taken quite away the true God, one Tibba, a petty Saint or Goddess, reputed to be the tutelary patronesse of Hawking, was of Fowlers and Falconers worshipped as a second Diana.

This Saint of Falconers doth stive so high into the air, that my Industry cannot fly home after the same, so as to give a good account thereof to the Reader. All that I can retrive of her is digested into these following particulars:

  • 1. She was a Female, whose sex ( dubious in the English ) is cleared in the Latin Cambden, Tibba minorum gentium Sancta.
  • 2. Though gentium may import something of Heathenism, Sancta carries it clear for Christianity; that she was no Pagan Deity amongst the Britons, (who were not our Ancestors but Predecessors) but a Popish she-Saint amongst the Saxons.
  • 3. She could not be St. Ebba, a Virgin Saint of whom formerly in Northumberland, whom the Country-people nick-name Tabbs for St. Ebbs.
  • 4. My best inquiry making use of mine own and friends industry, perusing Authors proper to this purpose, cannot meet with this Tibb with all our industry.

But I will trouble myself and the Reader no longer with this Saint, which if she will not be found, even for me let her be lost; only observe, after that superstition had appointed Saints to all Vocations, (St. Luke to Painters, St. Crispin to Shoemakers, &c. ) she then began to appoint Patrons to Recreations; and surely Falconers [generally] according to the Popish principles, if any need a Saint, both to protect them in their despe •… are Riding, and pray for a pardon for their profane oaths in their passions.

A Post-script.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 at last we have found it. She was no Pagan Deity but a Saxon Saint, as plainly appeareth, because the passage concerning her is commanded to be expung'd out of Cambden by the Index expurgatorius, bearing a Pique thereat, as grating against their superstitious practice. The same no doubt with Tibba, Virgin and Anchoress▪ who living at Dormundcaster, died with the reputation of holiness about the year 660. However, Reader, I am not ashamed to suffer my former doubts and disquisitions still to stand, though since arrived at better information.

Benefactors to the Public.

WILLIAM BROWNE Esq twice Alderman of Stamford, Merchant of the Staple, was (as I am credibly informed) extracted from the ancient Family of Brownes of T •… llThorp in this County. He built on his own proper cost the beautiful Steeple, with a great part of the Church, of All-Saints in Stamford, and lieth therein with his wife buried in a Chapel proper to his Family. He also erected Anno 1493. the old Bead-house in that Town, for a Warden, Confrater, twelve poor old men, with a Nurse-woman to attend them: To this he gave the Manor of Swayfeld (seven miles from Stamford ) worth four hundred pounds per annum, besides divers Lands and Tenements elsewhere. I am loath to insert, and loath to omit, what followeth in my Author, viz. That the pious and liberal gift is much abused by the avarice and mis-employment of the Governors thereof: and charitably do presume, that such faults (if any) are since, or will be, suddenly amended.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN HARINGTON the elder, son to Sir James Harington, was born at Exton in this County, where their ancient Family had long flourished. A bountiful Housekeeper, dividing his hospitality between Rutland and Warwick-shire, where he had a fair habitation. He was one of the Executors to the Lady Frances Sidney, and a grand Benefactor to the College of her founding in Cambridge. King James created him Baron of Exton, and his Lady, a prudent woman, had the Princess Elizabeth committed to her government: When the said Princess was married to Frederick Prince Palatine, this Lord (with Henry Martin Doctor of the Laws) was sent over to the Palatinate, to see her Highness settled at Hidleburgh, and some formalities about her Dowry and Jointure performed. This done, (as if God had designed this for his last work) he sickned on the first day of his return, and died at Wormes in Germany, on St. Bartholomews day Anno Dom. 1613. The Lord John his son (of whom in Warwick-shire ) did not survive him a year; both of them signally eminent, the one a pattern for all good fathers, the other for all gracious sons; and pity it is the last had not issue to be a president to all grand-children: but God thought it fit, that here the Male-issue of that honorable Family should expire.

Memorable Persons.

—JEFFEREY was born in the Parish of Okeham in this County, where his father was a very proper man, broad-shouldered and chested, though his son never arrived at a full Ell in stature. And here we may observe Pliny his observation not true, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ,

In plenum autem cuncto mortalium generi •… inorem staturam indies fieri, propemodum observatur, rarosque patribus proceriores, &c.

It seems that Families sometimes are chequered, as in brains so in bulk, that no certainty can be concluded from such alternations.

His father, who kept and ordered the baiting Bulls for George Duke of Buckingham, (a place, you will say, requiring a robustious body to manage it) presented him at Burleigh on the Hill to the Duchesse of Buckingham, being then nine years of age, and scarce a foot and half in height, as I am informed by credible persons then and there present, and still alive. Instantly Jefferey was heightened (not in stature, but) in condition, from one degree above rags into Silk and Satin, and two tall men to attend him.

He was without any deformity wholly proportionable, whereas often Dwarfs, Pigm •… es in one part, are Giants in another. And yet, though the least that England ever saw, he was a proper person compared to him, of whom Sabinus doth write, in his Comment upon the Metamorphosis:

Vidit Italia nuper virum justa aetate, non majorem cubito, circumferri in caveâ Psittaci, cujus viri meminit in suis scriptis Hieronymus Cardanus.

There was lately to be seen in Italy a man of a ripe age not above a cubit high, carried about in a Parrets cage, of whom Jerome Cardan in his Writings makes mention.

It was not long before he was presented in a cold baked Pye to King Charles and Queen Mary at an entertainment, and ever after lived (whiles the Court lived) in great plenty therein, wanting nothing but humility, (high mind in a low body) which made him that he did not know himself, and would not know his father, and which by the Kings command caused justly his sound correction. He was, though a Dwarf no Dastard, a Captain of horse in the Kings Army in these late civil wars, and afterwards went over to wait on the Queen in France.

Here being provoked by Mr. Crofts, who accounted him the object, not of his anger but contempt, he shown to all, that Habet musca suum splenum, and they must be little indeed that cannot do mischief, especially seeing a Pistol is a pure leveller, and puts both Dwarf and Giant into equal capacity to kill and to be killd: For the shooting the same Mr. Crofts he was imprisoned. And so I take my leave of Jefferey, the least man of the least County in England.

The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth.
William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners to take the Oaths.
William de Souche de Harringworth, chiv.
Thomas Grenham Knights for the Shire.
William Beaufo Knights for the Shire.

  • Johannes Basinges de Empyngham, mil.
  • Johannes Colepepar▪ de Exton, mil.
  • Henricus Plesington de Burley, mil.
  • Robertus Brown de Wodehead, ar.
  • Robertus Davis de Tykencoat, ar.
  • Johannes Brown de Tygh. ar.
  • Johannes Plesington de Wissenden, ar.
  • Thomas Flore de Oakham, ar.
  • Franciscus Clerke de Stoke-dry, ar.
  • Johannes Chycelden de Brameston, ar.
  • Johannes Sapcoat de Keton, merchant
  • Robertus Whitwell de eadem, gentleman
  • Johannes Clerk de Wissenden, merch.
  • Wilhelmus Lewis de Oakham, merch.
  • Johannes Brigge de eadem, merch.
  • John. Basset de North Luffenham, gent.
  • Jacobus Palmer de eadem, gent.
  • Johannes Palmer de eadem, gent.
  • Willielmi Sheffeild de Seyton, gent.
  • Johannes Sadington de eadem, gent.
  • Rob. Sousex de Market Overton, gent.
  • Johannes Vowe de Whitwell, gent.
  • Wilhelmus Pochon de Wissenden, gent.
  • Willi •… lmus Swafeld de Braunston, gent.
  • Henricus Breton de Keton, gent.
  • Willi •… lmus Uffing •… on de Pilton, gent.
  • Thomas Luffenham de Winge.
Sheriffs.

It remaineth now that we give in a List of the Sheriffs of this Shire; and here Rutland conceiveth it to sound to her credit, that whereas other Shires ten times bigger than this, (viz. Norfolk and Suffolk ) had but one Sheriff betwixt them; this little County never took-hands to hold with a partner, but had always an entire Sheriff to itself; though anciently the same person (generally honorable) discharged the Office for many years together, as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear.

SHERIFFS From the year of King To the year of King
Richard de Humet Tenth of Henry 2. Six and twenty of Henry 2.
William Molduit six and twentieth of Henry 2. first of Richard 1.
Anna Brigg dispensat. first of Richard 1. second of Richard 1.
William Albeney & William Fresney second of Richard 1. ninth of Richard 1.
William Albevine solus ninth of Richard 1. first of King John
Benedic de Haversham first of King John second of King John
Robert Malduit second of King John fifth of King John
Ralph Normanvill fifth of King John twelfth of King John
Robert de Braibro & Henry filius ejus twelfth of King John second of Henry 3.
Alan Basset second of Henry 3. twelfth of Henry 3.
Jeffrey de Rokingham twelfth of Henry 3. thirty eight of Henry 3.
Ralph de Greneham thirty eight of Henry 3. forty third of Henry 3.
Anketyn de Markinall forty third of Henry 3. first of Edward 1.
Peter Wakervill & William Bovile first of Edward 1. ninth of Edward 1.
Alberic de Whitleber ninth of Edward 1. seventeenth of Edward 1.
Edmund Earl of Cornwall seventeenth of Edward 1. twenty ninth of Edward 1.
John Burley twenty ninth of Edward 1. thirtieth of Edward 1.
Marg. widow to Edmund Earl of Cornwall thirtieth of Edward 1. sixth of Edward 2.
Marg. widow of Pierce Gavester Earl of Cornwall sixth of Edward 2. ninth of Edward 2.
Hugo de Audley ninth of Edward 2. seventeenth of Edward 2.
Edmund Earl of Kent brother to the King seventeenth of Edward 2. first of Edward 3.
Hugo de Audley Earl of Gloucester first of Edward 3. twenty second of Edward 3.
William de Bohun Earl of Northampton twenty second of Edward 3. thirty third of Edward 3.
William Wade thirty third of Edward 3. thirty eight of Edward 3.
Humphrey de Bohun thirty eight of Edward 3. forty seventh of Edward 3.
John de Witlesbrough forty seventh of Edward 3. forty ninth of Edward 3.
Simon Ward forty ninth of Edward 3. first of Richard 2.

Sheriffs.

Name. Place. Arms.
RICH. II.
Anno
1 John Wittlebury
2 Tho de Burton Azure, a Fess betwixt 3 Talbots heads erazed, Or.
3 John. Basings
4 Will. Moorwood
5 John. de Wittlesbury
6 Will. Flore Okeham Ermins, a Cinque-foil, Erm.
7 Walt. Skarle
8 John. de Calveley
9 Rob. de Veer Quarterly Gules & Or in the fi •… st, a Mullet, Arg.
10 Idem ut prius.
11 John. Wittebury
12 Walt. Skarles
13 Edw. comes Rutland for eight years. Quarterly France and Engl. a Label Arg. charged with 9. Tortea •… es.
•… 1 Tho. Ondeley
22 Idem.
HEN. IV.
RECORDA MANCA, All this Kings reign.
HEN. V.
Anno
1 Tho. Ondeley
2 Iac. Bellers Party per pale, G. & S. a Lion ramp. Arg. crowned, Or.
3 John. Boyvill*
4 Tho. Burton, mil. ut prius * Gul. a Fess Or, between 3. Saltires hu •… t, Arg.
5 Rob. Brown
6 Rob. Chisdden
7 John. Pensax
8 Th •… . Burton, mil. ut prius
9 Idem. ut prius
HEN. VI.
Anno
1 Tho. Burton ut prius
2 John. Ondeby
3 John. Davies, mil. Tickenco.
4 John. Colepeper Exton Arg. a bend engrailed, Gul.
5 Hen. Plesington, m. Burley Azure, a cross Pa •… e betwixt 4. Martlets, Arg.
6 Tho. Burton, mil. ut prius
7 John. Denys
8 John. Colepeper ut prius
9 Tho. Flore ut prius
10 Hen. Plesington, m. ut prius
11 John. Boyvile ut prius
12 Will. Beaufo Ermine, on a bend Azure, 3. •… inque-foils, Or.
13 Rob. Davies & John. Pilton
14 John. Branspath
15 Hugo. Boyvile ut prius
16 Laur. Sherard Arg. a Cheveron Gul. betwixt 3. Torteauxes.
17 Will. Beaufo ut prius
18 Tho. Burton ut prius
19 Hen. Plesington, m. ut prius
20 Tho. Flore ut prius
21 Will. Beaufo ut prius
22 Tho. Barkeley Gules, a Cheveron betwixt ten Cinque-foils, Arg.
23 John. Basings, mil.
24 Will. Walker
25 John. Boyvile ut prius
26 Will. Haselden
27 Hugo Boyvile ut prius
28 Rob. Fenne Arg. on a Fess Az. 3 escalopshels of the first, a Bordure engrailed as the second.
29 Tho. 〈◊〉 ut prius
30 Will H •… on
31 Rob. Sherard ut prius
32 Rob. 〈◊〉 ut prius
33 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 ut prius
34 Will. Haselden
35 Tho. Flore, ar. ut prius
36 Tho. Dale
37 Rob. Fenne ut prius
38 Everard. Digby Dry-stoke Azure, a Flower de lys, Arg.
EDW. IV.
Anno
1 John. Francis
2 Tho. Palmer
3 Idem.
4 Will Greenham, ar▪
5 Tho. Flore, ar. ut prius
6 Ric. Sopcotts, mil. Sab. 3. Dovecoats, Arg.
7 Will. Brown Tolethorp Sable, 3. Mallets, Arg.
8 Galfr. Sherard ut prius
9 John. Dale, ar.
10 Tho. Flore, ar. ut prius
11 Brian. Talbot, ar.
12 Tho. Berkley, mil. ut prius
13 Will. Haselden
14 John. Pilton, ar.
15 Will. Brown ut prius
16 John. Sapcote ut prius
17 David. Malpas Arg. a Cross patee, Az.
18 Hen. Mackworth Normant. Per pale inde •… ed Erm. & S. a Chev. Gul. 〈◊〉 , Or.
19 John. Pilton
20 Galfr. Sherard ut prius
21 Will. Palmer
22 David. Malpas ut prius
RICH. III.
Anno
1 Will. Brown Stamford ut prius
2 Galf. Sherard ut prius
3 John. Pilton
HEN. VII.
Anno
1 Everard. Digby Martinth. Arg. on a Fess Azure, 3 Lozenges, Or.
2 Will. Brown ut prius
3 David. Malpas ut prins
4 Maur. Berkley ut prius
5 Iho. Sapcots ut prius
6 John. Digby, mil. ut prius
7 Rob. Harrington, a. Sable, a Frettee, Arg.
8 Christoph. Brown ut prius
9 John. Pilton
10 Tho. Sherard ut prius
11 Tho. Sapcots, ar. ut prius
12 Geo. Mackworth ut prius
13 Rob. Harrington, a. ut prius
14 Everard. Digby, ar. ut prius
15 John. Chisleden
16 Christ. Brown, ar. ut prius
17 John. Digby ut prius
18 John. Harrington ut prius
19 Maur. Berkley ut prius
20 Will. Pole
21 Tho. Sherard ut prius
22 Ric. Flowre, ar. ut prius
23 John. Coly, ar.
24 Ever. Feilding, mil. Martins T. Argent on a Fess Az. three Fusils, O •… .
HEN. VIII.
Anno.
1 Christ. Brown, ar. ut prius
2 Edw. Sapcote ut prius
3 Geo. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
4 John. Harrington, ar. ut prius
5 Everard. Digby, ar. ut prius
6 Tho. Brokesby, ar.
7 John. Caldecott
8 John. Harrington ut prius
9 Ion. Digby, mil. ut prius
10 Everard. Digby, ar. ut prius
11 Will. F •… ilding, ar. ut prius
12 Io. Harington, ju. a▪ ut prius
13 Io. Harington, se. ar. ut prius
14 Geo. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
15 John. Digby, mil. ut prius
16 F •… n. B •… own, ar. ut prius
17 John. •… aldecot, ar.
18 Will. Filding, ar. ut prius
19 Edw. Sapcors ut prius
•… 0 Ever •… rd. Digby, m. ut prius
21 Edw. Ca •… esby, ar. Argent, two Lions passant S. crowned, Or.
•… 2 Geo Mackworth, ar. ut prius
23 Edw. Sap •… ots, ar. ut prius
24 Ev •… rard. Digby, m. ut prius
25 John. H •… rington, ar. ut prius
26 Geo. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
27 Edw. Sapcots, ar. ut prius
•… 8 Andr. Nowell, ar. B •… ooke Or, sr •… ttee Gul. a Canton Erm.
29 Ti •… . Burdenell, ar. ut in •… a
30 Fra. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
3 •… Rich. Cecell, ar. Barry o •… ten Arg. & Az. on 6. Escutcheons Sable, as many Lions rampant of the first.
32 John. Harington, m. ut prius
33 Kenelm. Digby, ar. ut prius
34 Edw. 〈◊〉 , ar. ut prius
35 Fra. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
36 G •… o. Sherard, ar. ut prius
37 Anch. Brown, ar. ut prius
38 Edw. Sapcots, m •… l. ut prius
EDW. VI.
Anno
1 Anth. Colly, ar.
•… Simon. D •… gby, ar. ut▪ prius.
3 Kenelm. Digby, ar. u •… prius.
4 Andr. Noell, ar. ut prius.
5 Anth. Colly, ar.
6 John. Harington, m ut prius.
Iac. Harington, ar. ut prius
MAR. REG.
Anno
1 Kenelm. Digby, ar. ut prius
2 Simon. Digby, ar. ut prius
3 Fra. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
4 Andr. N •… ll, ar. ut prius
5 Anth. Brown, ar. ut prius
6 Edw. Brudenell, ar. Arg. a Cheveron G. betwixt 3 Capps Az. turned up Erm.
ELIZ. REG.
Anno
1 Anth. Colly, ar.
2 Iac. Harington, mil▪ ut prius
3 Kenelm. Digby, ar. ut prius
4 Geo. Sherard, ar. ut prius
5 Will. Caldecot, ar.
6 G •… o. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
7 John. Floure, ar. ut prius
8 Iac. Harington, m. ut prius
9 Kenelm. Digby, ar. ut prius
10 Anth. Colly, ar.
11 John. Floure, ar. ut prius
12 Maur. Berkley, ar. ut prius
13 Anth. Brown ut prius
14 Geo. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
15 Tho. Cony, ar. Sab. a Bar and two Barrulets twixt 3. Conies currant Arg.
16 Rob. Sapcots, ar. ut prius
17 Will. Caldecot, ar.
18 Anth▪ •… olly, ar.
19 John. Floure, ar. ut prius
20 Iac. Harington, mil. ut prius
21 Mich. Ca •… esby, ar. ut prius
22 Geo. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
23 Will. Feilding, ar. ut prius
24 Roger. Smith▪ ar. Leicest sh Gules on a Cheveron Or, betwixt 3. B •… zants, 3. Croslets sormee fi •… chee.
25 Anth. Colley, ar.
26 Tho. Coney, ar. ut prius
27 Kenelm. Digby ut p •… s
28 Iac. Harington, m. ut prius
29 Andr. Nowell, mil. ut prius
30 Geo. Sheffeild, ar. Seaton Arg. a Cheveron twixt three Garbs, Gules.
31 Rob. Sapcots, ar. ut prius
32 Hen. Harenten, ar. ut priu •…
33 Will. Feilding, ar. ut prius
34 Roger. Smith, ar. ut prius
35 Iac. Harington, m. ut prius
36 John. Harington, m. ut prius
37 Andr. Nowell, mil. ut prius
38 Will. Feilding, ar. ut prius
39 Hen. Ferrers, ar. Arg. on a Bend Gul. cotized▪ Sab. 3 Horshooes, Arg.
40 John. Harington, m. ut prius
41 Tho. Mackworth, ar ut prius
42 Andr. Nowell, mil. ut prius
43 Iac. Harington, m. ut prius
44 John. Harington, m. ut prius
JACOB.
Anno
1 Will. Bodendin, ar.
2 Will. Boulstred, m.
3 Basil. Feilding, ar. ut prius
4 Hen. Barkley, ar. ut prius
5 Guido. Palms,
6 Edw. Nowell, mil. ut prius
7 Tho. Mackworth, ar. ut prius
8 Will. Halford, ar. Leicest. sh Arg. a Grey •… ound passant on a Chief Sab. 3 Flower de liz. of the field.
9 John. Elmes, ar.* North H.
10 Rob. Lane, mil.
11 Anth. Andrew's, ar. * Erm. 2 bars Sab. each charged with 5. Elm leaves transposed, Or.
12 Fran. Bodinden, ar.
13 Ed. Noell, m. & bar. ut prius
14 Rich. Cony, mil. ut prius
15 Guido. Palms, m.
16 Abr. Johnson, ar.
17 Rich. Halford, ar. ut prius
18 Anth. Colley, ar.
19 Ed. Haringtō, m. & b Ridlingtō ut prius
20 Rob. Lane, mil.
21 Rob. Tredway, ar.
22 John. Osborne, ar. Quarterly Erm. and Azure, a cross Or.
CAROL. I.
Anno
1 Guido. Palms, m.
2 Will. Gibson, mil.
3 He •… . Mackworth, ar ut prius
4 Ever. Fawkener, ar.
5 John. Huggeford, ar.
6 John. Wingfeild, mil. Arg. a bend Gul. cotized Sab. 3 Wings of the first.
7 Ric. Hal ford, ar. ut prius
8 Anth. Colley, mil.
9 Ric. Hickson, ar.
10 Fran. Bodington, m.
11 Hen. Mynne, mil.
12 Edw. Ha •… rington, mil. & bar. ut prius
13 Edw. Andrew's, ar.
14 John. Barker, ar.
15 Tho. Levett, ar.
16 Rob. Horsman, ar. Stretton
17 Tho. Wayte, ar.
18
19
20
21
22 Abel Barker

Henry VII.

16. CHRISTOPHER BROWNE, Arm.]

This Sheriff came over with King Henry the seventh, and assisted him against Richard the third 〈◊〉 for which good service King Henry the eight granted to Francis Brown (son of our Sheriff) of Council to the Lady Margaret, the following Patent:

HEnricus octavus Dei gracia Angliae, Franciaerex, fidei defensor, & dominus 〈◊〉 , omnibus ad quos praesentes Litterae pervenient, salutem. Sciatis quod no •… de gratia nostra specially con •… essimus pro nobis & heredibus nostris, quantum in nobis est, dilecto nostro Francisco Brown armigero, quod ipse ad totam vitam suam non ponatur, impanellet. nec juret. in Assisis juratis inquisitionibus attinctis seu aliis recognitionibus aut juratis quibuscunque, licet ill seu eorum aliquis tangant nos vel heredes nostros, ac licet nos vel heredes nostri soli aut conjunctim cum aliis sit una pars. Concessimus etiam, ac per presents conced mus eidem Francisco, quod ipse de cetero non fiat Vicecomes nec Escaetor nostri vel heredum nostrorum in aliquo comitatu regni nostri Angliae: Et quod ipse ad offic. vic. Escaetoris superius recitat. habend. exercend. faciend. recipiend. aut occupand. ullo modo per nos vel heredes nostros assignet. ordinet. seu compellet. aut aliqualit. artet. ullo modo nec ad ascend. jurat. super aliqua triatione, arrainatione alicujus Assisae coram quibuscun{que} justic. nostris vel heredum nostrorum ad Assisis capiend. assign. aut aliis justic. quibuscunque; & quod non ponatur nec impanelletur in aliqua magna Assisa infra regni nostri Angliae inter partes quascunqne contra voluntatem suam licet nos vel heredi nostri sit una pars. Et ulterius de habundanciori gratia nostra concessimus praefato Francisco, quod si ipse ad aliqua officia superdict. seu aliquod praemissorum eligat. ipse{que} & officia superdict. recusavit, extunc idem Franciscus aliquem contemptum dep •… rdit. poenam fortisfitur. aut aliquos exutos fines, redemptiones seu amerciament. quaecun{que} occasion omissionis sive non omissionis aut alicujus eorundem nullatenus incurrat fortisfaciat aut perdet; sed quod praesens carta nostra de exemptione coram quibuscun{que} justic. nostris & hered. nostr. ac in quocun{que} loco aut curia de record. per totum regnum nostrum praedict. super demonstratione ejusdem chartae nostrae, abs{que} aliquo brevi precept. seu mandat. aut aliquo alio superinde habend. seu persequend. vel aliqua proclamatione faciend. praefato Francisco allocetur. Concessimus etiam, & per praesentes concedimus eidem Francisco, quod ipse de cetero durante vita sua in praesentia nostra aut hered. nostrorum, aut in praesentia alicujus, sive aliquorum magnatum, dominorum spiritualium vel temporalium, aut aliquorum aliorum regni nostri, quorumcun{que} quibuscun{que} temporibus futuris pilio sit coopertus capite, & non exuat aut deponat pilium suum à capite suo occasion vel causa quacun{que} contra voluntatem aut placitum suum; & ideo vobis omnibus & singulis, aut quibuscunque Justic. Judicibus, Vicomitibus, Escaetoribus, Coronatoribus, Majoribus, praepositis Balivis & aliis officiariis & ministris nostris & hered▪ nostr •… rum firmiter injungendo mandamus, quod ipsum Franciscum contra hanc concessionem nostr. & contra tenorem exegent. aut effect. present. non vexetis, perturb. molest. in aliquo seu gravetis. In cujus reitestim. has literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste meipso apud Westm. sexto die Julii, anno regni nostri decimo octavo.

Per ipsum Regem & de dat. praedict. authoritate Parliamenti.

Tolethorpe (the chief place of residence at this▪ day of Christopher Brown Esquire, who hath born the office of Sheriff in this County, 1647.) was by Deed conveyed unto John Brown from Thomas Burton Knight, in the fiftieth year of King Edward the third.

I meet with a Brown Lord Mayor of London, 1479. the son of John Brown of Oakham.

The Farewell.

Let not the Inhabitants of Rutland complain, that they are pinned up within the confines of a narrow County; seeing the goodness thereof equals any Shire in England for fertility of ground: But rather let them thank God, who hath cast their lot into so pleasant a place, giving them a goodly heritage.

SHROP-SHIRE hath Cheshire on the North, Staffordshire on the East; Worcester, Hereford and Radnorshires on the South: Montgomery and Denbighshires on the West. The length thereof from North to South is 34 Miles, and the general breadth thereof about 26 Miles. I behold it really (though not so Reputed) the biggest Lund-lock-shire in England. For although (according to Mr. Speeds mea-suring) it gathereth but one hundred thirty four miles (short of Wiltshireby five) in Circumference; Yet though less in compass, it may be more in Content, as less angular in my eye, and more approaching to a Circle, the form of greatest capacity. A large and lovely County generally fair and fruitful, affording Grass, Grain, and all things necessary for Mans sustenance, but chiefly abounding with

Natural Commodities.

Iron.

It is the most impure of all Metals hardly meltable (but with Additaments ) yea malleable and ductible with difficulty. Not like that at Damascus, which they refine in such sort, that it will melt at a Lamp, and yet so tough that it will hardly break.

Some impute the grossness of our English Iron to our water, not so proper for that purpose, as in Spain, and other parts, and the Poet telleth us of Turnus his Sword.

Ensem quem Dauno igni potens Deus ipse parenti
Fecerat, & Stygia candentem extinxerat unda.
Sword which god Vulcan did for Daunus fixe,
And quenched it when firy hot in Stix.

However many Utensils are made of the Iron of this County, to the great profit of the Owners, and no loss (I hope) of the Common-wealth.

Coale.

One may observe a threefold difference in our English-Coale. 1 Sea-coal, brought from Newcastle. 2 Land-coal, at Mendip, Bedworth, &c. and carted into other Counties. 3 What one may call River or Fresh-water-Coale, digged out in this County, at such a distance from Severne, that they are easily ported by Boat into other Shires.

O ifthis COALE could be so charcked as to make Iron melt out of the Stone, as it maketh it in Smiths Forges to be wrought in the Bars.

But Rome was not built all in one day, and a NEW WORLD of Experiments is left to the discovery of Posterity.

Manufactures.

This County can boast of no one, her ORIGINAL, but may be glad of one to her DERIVATIVE: viz. the Welsh-Freeses brought to Oswastre, the staple of that commodity, as hereafter •… hall be observed.

The Buildings.

No County in England hath such a heap of Castles together, insomuch that Shropshire may seem on the West, divided from Wales with a Wall of continued Castles. It is much that Mr. Speed which alloweth but one hundred eighty six in all England, accounteth two and thirty in this County. But as Great Guns so useful in the side of a ship, are useless in the middle thereof, so these Castles formerly serviceable, whilst Shropshire was the verge of English Dominions, are now neglected, this Shire being almost in the midst of England, since Wales was peaceably annexed thereunto. As for the Houses of the Gentry of this County, as many of them are fair and handsome, so none amount to an extraordinary Eminence.

Medicinal Waters.

There is a Spring at Pitch-ford, in this Shire, which hath an oily unctuous matter swimming upon the water thereof. Indeed it is not in such plenty as in a River near to Solos in Silicia, so full of that liquid substance, that such as wash therein, seem anointed with Oile: nor so abundant, as in the Springs near the Cape of S. Helen, wherewith (as Josephus Acosta reports) men use to pitch their Ropes and Tackling. I know not whether the sanative virtue thereof hath been experimented, but am sure, that if it be Bitumen, it is good to comfort the Nerves, supple the Joynts, dry up Rheumes, cure Palsies and Contractions. I have nothing more to say of Bitumen, but that great the affinity thereof is with Sulphur, save that Sulphur hath ingression into Mettal, and Bitumen none at all. Here I purposely pass by Okenyate in this County, where are Allum springs, whereof the Dyers of Shrewsbury make use instead of Allum.

Proverbs.

He that fetcheth a Wife from Shrewsbury, must carry her into Staffordshire, or else shall live in Cumberland.

The Staple-wit of this vulgar Proverb consisting solely in similitude of sound, is scarce worth the inserting. Know then that (notwithstanding the literal allusion) Shrewsbury affordeth as many meek Wives, as any place of the same proportion: Besides, a Profitable Shrew well may content a reasonable man, the Poets feigning Juno, chas •… e and thrifty, qualities which commonly attenda shrewd nature. One being demanded; How much shrewishnesse may be allowed in a Wife? Even so much (said he) as of Hops in Ale, Whereof a small quantity maketh it both last the longer in it self, and taste the better to the owner thereof.

The Case is altered quoth PLOWDEN.] This Proverb referreth its original to Edmund Plowden, an eminent Native and great Lawyer of this County, though very various the relations of the occasion thereof. Some relate it to Plowden his faint pleading at the first for his Client, till spurred on with a better Fee: which some will say, beareth no proportion with the ensuing Character of his Integrity. Others refer it to his altering of his Judgment upon the Emergencie of new matter formerly undiscovered: It being not Constancy but Obstinacie to persist in an old error, when convinced to the contrary by clear and new Information. Some tell it thus, That, Plowden being of the Romish persuasion, some Setters trapanned him (pardon the prolepsis ) to hear Mass: But afterwards Plowden understanding, that the pretender to Officiate was no Priest, but a mere Lay-man (on design to make a discovering) Oh! The case is altered quoth Plowden: No Priest, no Mass. As for other meaner Origination of this Proverb, I have neither List nor Leasure to attend unto them.

Princes.

RICHARD PLANTAGENET, second Son to Edward the fourth, and Elizabeth his Queen, was born at Shrewsbury 1472. He was created by his Father Duke of York, and affianced to Anne, Daughter and Heir to John Mowbray Duke of Norfolk. But before the nuptials were solemniz'd, his cruel •… ncle, the Duke of Gloucester, married him to a grave in the Tower of London. The obscurity of his burial gave the advantage to the report, that he lived in Perkin Warbeck, one of the Idols which put politick King Henry the seventh to some danger, and more trouble, before he could finally suppress him.

GEORGE PLANTAGENET, youngest son to Edward the fourth, and Elizabeth his Queen, was born at Shrewsbury. He was like Plautus his Solsticial Flower, Qui repentino ortus, repentino occidit, dying in the infancy of his infancy. Some vainly conceive (such conjectures may be safely shot, when nobody can see, whether they hit or miss the mark) that, had this George surviv'd, he would have secured the lives of his two elder Brethren, whose •… ncle Duke Richard durst not cut thorough the three-fold Cable of Royal Issue. A vain surmise, seeing when Tyrants hands are once washed in blood, two or three are all one with their cruelty.

Saints.

MILBURGH daughter to Meroaldus Prince of Mercia, had the fair Manor of Wenlock in this County, given to her by her Father for her portion. She, quitting all worldly wealth, bestowed her Inheritance on the Poor, and answered her name of Milburgh, which (as an Antiquary interpreteth) is Good, or Gracious to Town and City. Living a Virgin, she built a Monastery, in the same place, and departed this life about the year 664.

Four hundred years after, in the Reign of William the Conqueror, her Corps (discovered by Miracles wrought thereby) were taken up sound and uncorrupted, to the admiration of the beholders, (saith my Author) and surely had I seen the same, I would have contributed my share of wondering thereunto. This I am sure of, that as good a Saint, Lazarus by name, by the confession of his own Sister did stink when but four days buried. Her Relicts inshrined at Wenlock, remained their in great state, till routed in the reign of King Henry the Eighth.

OSWALD was King of Northumberland, who, after many fortunate battles fought, was vanquished and slain at last by Penda, the Pagan King of the Mercians, at a place in this County called after his name Oswaldstre (now a famous Market-Town in the Marches ) thereby procuring to his memory the reputation of Saint and Martyr.

Be pleased, Reader, to take notice, that all battles of this nature, though they were quarrels or armed-suits, commenced on a civil or temporal account for the extending or defending their Dominions; yet were they conceived (in that age especially) to have a mixture of much Piety and Church-concernment therein, because fought against Infidels, and so conducing consequentially to the propagation of the Faith; the reason that all Kings killed in such service, achieved to themselves the veneration of Saints and Martyrs. Say not that King Saul might be Sainted on the same account, mortally wounded in a pitched field fought against the Vncircumcised Philistines; both because in fine he slew himself, and his former life was known to be notoriously wicked. Whereas our Oswald was always pious, and exceedingly charitable to the Poor.

His arm cut off, it seems, from the rest of his body, remained, said Bede, whole and incorrupt, kept in a silver Case in S. Peters Church at Bamborough, whilst his Corps was first buried at Peterborough, and afterwards (in the Danish persecution) translated to Bergen in Flanders, where it still remaineth.

The fifth of August was in our Kalendar consecrated to his memory, save that the Thanks-giving for the defeating of Gowries-Conspiracy, made bold to justle him out, all the reign of king James. His death happened Anno Domini 635.

Confessors.

This County afforded none, as the word is reconfined in our Preface. But if it be a little enlarged, it bringeth within the compass thereof,

THAMAS GATAKER younger son of William Gataker, was a branch of an Ancient Family, so firmly planted by Divine providence at Gatacre-Hall in this County, that they have flourished the owners thereof, by an noninterrupted succession, from the time of King Edward the Confessor. This Thomas being designed a Student for the Law, was brought up in the Temple, where in the reign of Queen Mary he was often present at the examination of persecuted people. Their hard usage made him pity their persons, and admirable patience to approve their opinions. This was no sooner perceived by his Parents (being of the Old persuasion ) but instantly they sent him over to Lovain in the Low-Countries, to win him to a compliance to the Popish Religion, and for his better encouragement settled on him an estate of One hundred pound per annum, old Rent. All would not do. Whereupon his Father recalled him home, and revoked his own grant; to which his Son did submit, as unwilling to oppose the pleasure of his Parents, though no such Revocation could take effect without his free consent. He afterwards diverted his mind from the most profitable, to the most necessary Study; from Law, to Divinity: and finding Friends to breed him in Oxford, he became the profitable Pastor of S. Edmond's in Lombard-street, London, where he died Anno leaving Thomas Gataker his Learned Son, ( of whom formerly) heir to his Paynes and Piety.

Prelates.

ROBERT of SHREWSBURY was in the reign of King John (but I dare not say by him) preferred Bishop of Bangor 1197. Afterwards the King, waging war with Leoline Prince of Wales, took this Bishop prisoner in his own Cathedral Church, and enjoined him to pay Three hundred Hawkes for his ransom. Say not that it was improper that a Man of Peace should be ransomed with Birds of Prey, seeing the Bishop had learnt the Rule, Redime te captum quam queas minimo. Besides 300 Hawkes will not seem so inconsiderable a matter, to him that hath read, how in the reign of King Charles an English Noble Man (taken prisoner at the I will Ree) was ransomed for a Brace of Grey-hounds.

Such who admire where the Bishop on a sudden should furnish himself with a stock of such Fowl, will abate of their wonder, when they remember that about this time the Men of Norway (whence we have the best Hawkes) under Magnus their General, had possessed themselves of the Neighbouring Island of Anglesea. Besides he might stock himself out of the Aryes of Pembrook-shire, where Perigrines did plentifully breed. How ever, this Bishop appeareth something humerous by one passage in his Will, wherein he gave order that his Body should be buried in the middle of the Market place of Shrewsbury. Impute it not to his profaneness and contempt of Consecrated ground, but either to his humility accounting himself unworthy thereof, or to his prudential fore-sight, that the fury of Soldiers (during the intestine War betwixt the English and Welsh ) would fall fiercest on Churches, as the fairest market, and men, preferring their profit before their Piety, would preserve their Market-places, though their Churches were destroyed. He died Anno 1215.

ROBERT BURNEL, was son to Robert, and brother to Hugh Lord Burnel, whose Prime Seat was at Acton-Burnel-Castle in this County. He was by King Edwàrd the First preferred Bishop of Bath and Well •… s, and first Treasurer, then Chancelor of England. He was well versed in the Welsh affairs, and much used in managing them; and that he might the more effectually attend such employment, caused the Court of Chancery to be kept at Bristol. He got great Wealth wherewith he enriched his kindred, and is supposed to have rebuilt the decayed Castle of Acton-Burnel on his own expense. And to decline envy for his secular structures left to his heirs, he built for his Successors the beautiful Hall at Wells, the biggest room of any Bishops Palace in England, plucked down by Sir John Gabos (afterwards executed for Treason) in the reign of King Edward the Sixth.

English and Welsh affairs being settled to the Kings contentment, he employed Bishop Burnel in some business about Scotland, in the Marches whereof he died, Anno Domini 1292. and his body, solemnly brought many miles, was buried in his own Cathedral.

WALTER de WENLOCK Abbot of Westminster, was, no doubt, so named from his Nativity in a Market Town in this County. I admire much that Matthew of Westminster writeth him William de Wenlock, and that a Monk of Westminster should (though not miscall) mis-name the Abbot thereof. He was Treasurer of England to King Edward the First betwixt the twelfth and fourteenth year of his reign, and enjoyed his Abbots Office six and twenty years lacking six days. He died on Christmas day at his Manor of Periford in Gloucester-shire 1307, and was buried in his Church at Westminster, besides the High-Altar before the Presbutery, without the South door of King Edward's Shrine, where Abbas Walterus non fuit Aus •… erus is part of his Epitaph.

RALPH of SHREWSBURY, born therein, was in the third of King Edward the Third preferred Bishop of Bath & Wells. Being consecrated without the Popes privity (a daring adventure in those days) he paid a large sum to expiate his presumption therein. He was a good Benefactor to his Cathedral, and bestowed on them a Chest Portcullis-like, barred with iron, able to hold out a siege in the view of such as beheld it. But, what is of proof against Sacrilege? Some Thieves (with what Engines, unknown) in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, forced it open.

But this Bishop is most memorable for erecting and endowing a spacious structure for the Vicars-Choral of his Cathedral to inhabit together, which in an old Picture is thus presented.

The Vicars humble petition on their knees.

Per vicos positi villae, Pater alme, rogamus,
Ut simul uniti, te dante domos, maneamus.
To us dispersed ith' streets, good Father, give,
A place where we together all my live.

The gracious answer of the Bishop, sitting.

Vestra petunt merita quod sint concessa petita,
Ut maneatis ita, loca fecimus haec stabilita.
Your merits crave that what you crave, be yielded,
That so you may remain, this place we've built.

Having now made such a Palace (as I may term it) for his Vicars, he was (in observation of a proportionable distance) necessitated in some sort to enlarge the Bishops Seat, which he beautified and fortified Castle-wise, with great expense. He much ingratiated himself with the Country people by disforasting Mendip, Beef better pleasing the Husbandmans palate than Venison. He sat Bishop thirty four years, and dying August 14. 1363. lieth buried in his Cathedral, where his Statue is done to the life, Vivos viventes vultus vividissime exprimens, saith my Author.

ROBERT MASCAL, Was bred (saith Bale in) and born (saith Pitz positively) at Ludlow in this County, where he became a Carmelite. Afterwards he studied in Oxford, and became so famous for his Learning and Piety, that he was made Confessor to Henry the Fourth, and Counselor to Henry the Fifth, Promoted by the former Bishop of Hereford. He was one of the Three English Prelates which went to (and one of the Two which returned alive from) the Council of Constance. He died 1416 being buried in the Church of White-Friers in London, to which he had been an eminent Benefactor.

RICHARD TALBOTE was born of Honorable Parentage in this County, as Brother unto John Talbote, the first Earl of Shrewsbury. Being bred in Learning, he was consecrated Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland 1417. He sat two and thirty years in that See (being all that time a Privy Counselor to King Henry the Fifth and Sixth) twice Chief Justice, and once Chancelor of Ireland.

He deserved well of his Church (founding six petty Canons, and as many Choristers therein) yea, generally of all Ireland, writing a Book against James Earl of Ormond, wherein he detected his abuses during his Lieutenancy in Ireland. He died August the 15. 1449. and lieth buried in Saint Patricks in Dublin under a marble stone, whereon an E •… itaph is written not worthy the inserting.

The said Richard was unanimously chosen Arch-bishop of Armagh, a higher place, but refused to remove, wisely preferring Safety, above either Honor or Profit.

GEORGE DAY was born in this County, and successively Scholar, Fellow and Provost of Kings College in Cambridge. Which he retained with the Bishopric of Chichester, to which he was consecrated 1543. A most pertinacious Papist, who though he had made some kind of Recantation in a Sermon (as I find it entered in king Edward the Sixth his own Diary) yet either the same was not satisfactory; or else he relapsed into his errors again, for which he was deprived under the said king, and restored again by Queen Mary. He died Anno Dom. 1556.

Prelates since the Reformation.

WILLIAM DAY was brother to the aforesaid George Day. I find no great difference betwixt their age, seeing