The History of the Worthies of England

Since the Reformation.

NICHOLAS WADHAM of Merrifield in this County Esq. had great length in his extraction, breadth in his Estate, and depth in his liberality. His Hospital house was an Inn at all times, a Court at Cristmas. He married Dorothy, daughter to the Secretary, sister to the first Lord Peters.

Absalom, having no children, reared up for himself a Pillar to perpetuate his name. This Worthy pair, being Issueless, erected that, which hath, doth, and will afford many Pillars to Church and State, the uniform and regular (nothing defective or superfluous therein) College of Wadham in Oxford. Had this worthy Esquire (being a great Patron of Church-Livings) annexed some Benefices thereunto (which may be presumed, rather forgotten than neglected by him) it had for compleatenesse of Fabric and endowment equalled any English Foundation.

If he was (which some suggest) a Romanist in his Judgment, his charity is the more commendable, to build a place for persons of a different persuasion. Whilst we leave the invisible root to the Searcher of hearts, let us thankfully gather the good fruit, which grew from it. He died before his College was finished, his Estate by Co-heirs descending to Strangwayes, Windham, White, &c. and he lieth buried with his wife under a stately Monument in the fair Church of Illminster.

PHILIP BISS was extracted from a worshipful Family in this County, who have had their habitation in Spargrave for some descents. Being bred Fellow, and Doctor in Divinity in Magdalene -College in Oxford, he was afterwards preferred Arch-Deacon of Taunton. A Learned Man and great lover of Learning. Now though it be most true what Reverend Bishop Hall was wont to say, Of Friends and Books good and f •… w are best. Yet this Doctor had good and many of both kinds. And at his death bequeathed his Library (consisting of so many Folio's as were valued at one thousand pounds) to Wadham College, then newly founded.

This Epitaph was made upon him, wherein nothing of wit, save the Verbal-Allusion, which made itself without any pains of the Author thereof.

I collect by probable proportion that his death happened about the year 1614.

Lord Majors.

Know Reader, this is one of the Ten pretermitted Counties, the Names of whose Gentry were not by the Commissioners returned into the Tower in the 12 of K. Henry the sixth.

Sheriffs.

This County had the same with Dorsetshire until the ninth year of Queen Elizabeth, since which time these following have born the Office in this County alone.

Natural Commodities.

Manufactures.

The Buildings.

Ratcliffe Church in this City clearly carrieth away the credit from all Parish-Churches in England. It was founded by Cannings (first a Merchant who afterwards b •… ame a Priest, and most stately the ascent thereunto by many stairs, which at last plentifully recompenceth their pains who climb them up with the magnificent structure both without and within.

If any demand the cause why this Church was not rather made the See of a Bishop then St. Augustine's in this City much inferior thereunto, such may receive this reason thereof; That this (though an entire stately structure) was not conveniently accomodated like St. Augustine's (formerly a great Monastery) with public Buildings about it for the Palace of a Bishop, and the Reception of the Dean and Chapter. However as the Town of Hague in Holland would never be Walled about as accounting it more credit to be the Biggest of Villages in Europe, than but a Lesser City, so Ratcliffe-Church esteemeth it a greater grace to lead the Van of all Parochial, than to follow in the Rear after many Cathedral Churches in England.

Medicinal Waters.

St. Vincents Well lying West of the City, under St. Vincents Rock, and hard by the River, is sovereign, for Sores and Sicknesses, to be washed in, or drunk of, to be either outwardly or inwardly applied. Undoubtedly the Water thereof runneth through some Mineral of Iron •… , as appeareth by the rusty ferruginous taste thereof, which it retaineth, though boiled never so much. Experience proveth that Beer brewed thereof is wholesome against the Spleen; and D ^r . Samuel Ward afflicted with that malady, and living in Sidney -College was prescribed the constant drinking thereof, though it was costly to bring it thorough the Severn, and narrow seas to Lin, and thence by the River to Cambridge. But men in pain must not grudge to send far to purchase their ease, and thank God if they can so procure it.

Proverbs.

Bristol Milk. ] Though as many Elephants are fed as Cows grased within the Walls of this City, yet great plenty of this Metaphorical Milk, whereby Xeres or Sherry-Sack is intended. Some will have it called Milk, because (whereas Nurses give new-born Babes in some places Pap, in other water and sugar ) such Wine is the first moisture, given Infants in this City. It is also the entertainment of course, which the courteous Bristolians present to all Strangers, when first visiting their City.

Martyrs.

The moderation of John Holyman, Bipshop of this City is much to be commended who in the reign of Queen Mary, did not persecute any in his Diocese. And yet we find Rich. Sharpe, Tho. Benion, and Tho. Hale, martyred in this City, whose Blood, the Inquisitor thereof will visit on the account of Dalbye the cruel Chancellor of this Dio cess.

Prelates.

RALPH of BRISTOL born in this City, was bred (as I have cause to conceive) in the Neighbouring Covent of Glassenbury. Going over into Ireland, first he became Treasurer of St. Patricks in Dublin, then Episcopus Darensis, Bishop of Kildare. He wrote the life of Lawrence Arch-Bishop of Dublin, and granted (saith my Author) certain Indulgences to the Abbey of Glassenbury in England, probably in testimony of his Gratitude for his Education therein. He died, Anno Dom. 1232.

Sea-men.

No City in England (London alone excepted) hath, in so short a Time bred more Brave and Bold Sea-men, advantaged for Western Voyages by its situation. They have not only been Merchants, but Adventurers, possessed with a Public Spirit, for the General Good. Aiming not so much to return wealthier, as wiser, not always to en-rich themselves, as inform Posterity by their Discoveries. Of these, some have been but merely casual, when going to fish for Cod, they have found a Country, or some eminent Bay, River, or Haven of importance unknown before. Others were intentional, wherein they have sown experiments, with great pains, cost, and danger, that ensuing Ages may freely reap benefit thereof. Amongst these Sea-men we must not forget

HUGH ELIOT a Merchant of this City, who was in his Age the prime Pilot of our Nation. He first (with the assistance of M ^r . Thorn his fellow-Citizen) found out Newfound-land, Anno 1527. This may be called Old-found-land, as senior in the cognizance of the English, to Virginia and all our other Plantations.

Had this Discovery been as fortunate in public Encouragement, as private Industry, probably before this time, we had enjoyed the Kernel of those Countries whose Shell only we now possess. It's to me unknown when Eliot deceased.

Writers.

THOMAS NORTON was born in this City, and if any doubt thereof, let them but consult the Initial syllables in the six first, and the first line in the seventh chapter of his Ordinal, which put together compose,

Thus his modesty embraced a middle way betwixt concealing and revealing his name, proper for so great a Professor in Chemistry as he was, that his very name must from his Book be mysteriously extracted.

He was scarce twenty eight years of Age, when in forty days (believe him for he saith so of himself) he learned the perfection of Chemistry, taught, as it seems, by M ^r . George Ripley. But, what saith the Poet?

The spite is, he complaineth, that a Merchants wife of Bristol stole from him the Elixir of life. Some suspect her to have been the wife of William Cannings (of whom before) contemporary with Norton, who started up to so great and sudden Wealth, the clearest evidence of their conjecture.

The admirers of this Art are justly impatient, to hear this their great Patron traduced by the Pen of J. Pits and others, by whom he is termed Nugarum opifex in frivola scientia, and that he undid himself, and all his friends who trusted him with their money, living and dying very poor about the year 1477.

JOHN SPINE. I had concluded him born at Spine in Bark-shire nigh Newbury but for these diswasives. 1. He lived lately under Richard the Third, when the Clergy began to leave off their Local Surnames, and in conformity to the Laity, to be called from their Fathers. 2 My Author, peremptorily saith he was born in this City. I suspect the name to be Latinized Spineus by Pits, and that in plain English he was called Thorn, an ancient Name I assure you in this City. However he was a Carmelite, and a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, leaving some Books of his making to posterity. He died and was buried in Oxford, Anno Dom. 1484.

JOHN of MILVERTON. Having lost the Fore, I must play an After-game rather than wholly omit such a Man of Remark. The matter is not much, if he, be who was lost in Somerset-shire, (where indeed he was born at Milverton ) be found in Bristol, where he first fixed himself a Frier Carmelite. Hence he went to Oxford, Paris, and at last had his abode in London.

He was Provincial General of his Order thorough England, Scotland and Ireland, so that his Jurisdiction was larger than King Edward the Fourth's, under whom he flourished. He was a great Anti-Wi •… liffist, and Champion of his Order both by his writing, and preaching. He labored to make all believe, that Christ himself was a Carmelite (Professor of willful Poverty) and his high commending of the Poverty of Friers, tacitly condemned the Pomp of the Prelates. Hereupon the Bishop of London, (being his Diocesan ) ca •… t him into the Jaile from whom he appealed to Paul the II. and coming to Rome, he was for three years •… ept close in the Prison of St. Angelo. It made his durance the more easy, having the company of Platina the famous Papal Biographist, the Neb of whose Pen, had been too long in writing dangerous Truth. At last he procured his Cause to be referred to Seven Cardinals, who ordered his enlargement.

Returning home into England, he lived in London in good repute. I find him nominated Bishop of St. David's, but how he came to miss it, is to me unknown. Perchance he would not bite at the bait, but whether because, too fat to cloy the stomach of his mortified Soul, or too lean to please the appetite of his concealed covetousness, no man can decide. He died and was buried in London 1486.

WILLIAM GROCINE was born in this City and bred in Winchester -School, Where he, when a Youth, became a most excellent Poet. Take one instance of many. A pleasant Maid (probably his Mistress, however she must be so understood) in a LoveFrolick pelted him with a Snow-ball, whereon he extempore made this Latin Tetrastick, Me nive candenti petiit mea Julia: rebar Igne carere nivem, nix tamen ignis erat. Sola potes nostras extinguere Julia flammas, Non nive, non glacie, sed potes ignes pari.

A snow-ball white at me did Julia throw, Who would suppose it? Fire was in that snow Julia alone can quench my hot desire, But not with snow, or Ice but equal fire.

He afterwards went over into Italy, where he had Demetrius Calchondiles and Politian for his Masters. And returning into England was Public Professor of the Greek Tongue in Oxford. There needs no more to be added to his Honor, save that Erasmus in his Epistles often owns him pro Patrono suo, & praeceptore. He died Anno 1520.

Romish Exile Writers.

JOHN FOWLER was born in Bristol bred a Printer by his occupation, but so Learned a Man, that (if the Character given him by one of his own persuasion be true) he may pass for our English Robert, or Henry Stephens, being skillful in Latin and Greek, and a good Poet, Orator, and Divine. He wrote an abridgment of Thomas his Summes, the Translation of Osorius into English, &c. Being a zealous Papist he could not comport with the Reformation, but conveyed himself and his Press over to Antwerp, where he was signally serviceable to the Catholic Cause, in printing their Pamphlets, which were sent over, and sold in England. He died at Namurch 1579. and lies there buried in the Church of St. John the Evangelist.

Benefactors to the Public.

ROBERT THORN was born in this City, as his ensuing Epitaph doth evidence. I see it matters not what the Name be, so the Nature be good. I confess Thorns came in by man's curse, and our Savior saith, Do men gather Grapes of Thorns. But this our Thorn, (God send us many Copices of them) was a Blessing to our Nation, and Wine and Oil may be said freely to flow from Him, being bred a Merchant-Tailor in London, he gave more than Four thousand four hundred forty five pounds to pious uses. A Sum sufficient, therewith to build and endow a College, the time being well considered, being towards the beginning of the reign of King Henry the Eighth.

I have observed some at the Church-door cast in six pence with such ostentation, that it rebounded from the Bottom, and rung against both the sides of the Bason (so that the same piece of Silver was the Alms and the Givers Trumpet, ) whilst others have dropt down silent 5 shillings without any noise. Our Thorn was of the second sort, doing his Charity effectually, but with a possible privacy. Nor was this good Christian abroad, worse (in the Apostle-phrase) than an I •… del at home in not providing for his Family, who gave to his poor Kindred, (besides Debt forgiven unto them) the sum of five thousand one hundred forty two pounds.

Grudge not Reader to peruse his Epitaph, which though not so good as he deserved, is better than most in that Age.

He died a Bachelor, in the fortieth year of his Age, Anno Domini 1532, and lieth buried in Saint Christophers, London.

Lord Majors.

The Farewell.

I am credibly informed that one M ^r . Richard Grigson Cittizen hath expendeth a great Sum of money in new casting of the Bells of Christ -Church, adding tunable Chymes unto them. Surely he is the same person, whom I find in the printed List of Compounders to have paid One hundred and sive pounds for his repuetd Delinquency in our Civil Wars, and am glad to see one of his persuasion (so lately purified in Goldsmiths-Hall ) able to go to the Cost of so chargeable a Work.

I wish Bristol may have many more to follow his Example, though perchance in this our suspicious Age it will be conceived a more discreet and seasonable desire not to wish the increase, but the continuance of our Bells, and that (though not taught the descant of Chymes ) they may retain their plain song for that public use to which they were piously intended.

Natural Commodities.

The best Alabaster in England (know Reader, I have consulted with Curious Artists in this kind) is found about Castle-Hay in this County. It is but one degree beneath White Marble only more soft and brittle: However, if it lie dry fenced from weather, and may be let alone, long the during thereof. Witness the late Statue of John of Gaunt in Paul's, and many Monuments made thereof in Westminster remaining without breck or blemish to this day. I confess Italy affords finer Alabaster, (whereof those Imagilets wrought at Ligorn are made) which indeed Apes Ivory in the whiteness and smoothness thereof. But such Alabaster is found in small Bunches and little proportions, it riseth not (to use the Language of Work-men) in great Blocks, as our English doth. What use there is of Alabaster Calcined in Physic, belongs not to me to dispute. Only I will observe, that it is very Cool, the main reason why Mary put her ointment so precious into an Alabaster Box, because it preserved the same from being dried up, to which such Liquors in hot Countries were very subject.

Manufactures.

The Buildings.

I have presented the Portraicture of the Church of Lichfield in my Church-History, with the due praise of the neatness thereof. But now, alas! the Body thereof is become a very carcase ruined in our late Civil Wars. The like Fate is likely to fall on the rest of our Cathedrals, if care be not taken for their reparations.

I have read of Duke d'Alva, that he promised Life to some Prisoners, but when they petitioned Him for food, he returned he would grant them life but no meat, by which Criticism of courteous cruelty the poor people were starved. If our Cathedrals have only a Bare Being, and be not supplied with seasonable repairs, (the daily •… ood of a Fabric) soon will they be famished to nothing.

As for the Close at Lichfield, I have been credibly informed, that the Plague (which long had raged therein) at the first shooting of Canon at the Siege thereof did abate, imputed by Naturalists to the violent purging of the Air by the Bullets, but by Divines to God's goodness, who graciously would not have two Miseries of War and Plague afflict one small Place at the same Time. Pass we now to Civil Buildings in this Shire.

TUTBURY CASTLE is a stately place, and I dare take it on the credit of an excellent Witness, that it hath a brave and large Prospect ( to it, in it, and from it) Northward it looks on pleasant Pastures; Eastward on sweet Rivers and rich Meadowes; Southward on a goodly▪ Forest, and many Parks (lately no fewer than twelve) belonging thereto or holden thereof. It was formerly the Seat of the Lord Ferrars Earl of Derby, and how it was forfeited to the Crown is worth our observing.

Robert de Ferrars Earl of Derby siding with Simon Mumford against King Henry the Third, was fined at fifty thousand pounds to be paid, Pridie Johan. Baptist. next following. I know not whether more to admire at the suddeness of payment, or vastness of the Sum: seeing an hundred thousand pounds was the Randsom set by the Emperor on our King Richard the First, and it shaked all the Co •… ers of England in that Age, (without the help of Church-plate to make it up.) Well, these Lord's following were the security bound for the Earls true payment at the time appointed.

• 1 Henry son to Rich. King of the Romans
• 2 Will. Valence Earl of Pembroke.
• 3 John de Warren Earl of Surrey▪
• 4 Will. Beauchampe Earl of Warwick.
• 5 Sir Roger de Summary.
• 6 Sir Thomas de Clare.
• 7 Sir Robert Wa •… ond.
• 8 Sir Roger Clifford.
• 9 Sir Hamond le Strange.
• 10 Sir Bartholomew de Sudeley.
• 11 Sir Robert Bruse, all being then Barons of the Land.

But Earl Robert unable to advance the money at the time appointed, and unwilling to leave the Lord's, his Bail, under the Kings lash, surrendered his Lands (and Tutbury Castle amongst the rest) to the clear yearly value of three thousand pounds into the Kings hands; redeemable, when he or his Heirs should pay down on one day fifty thousand pounds, which was never performed.

The English Clergy much pitied John the son of this Earl Robert, who presented a petition to the Pope, informing his Holiness, that the English Clergy were willing to give him money by way of Contribution to redeem his Estate, but durst not, because commanded to the contrary under the pain of the Popes curse. And therefore he craved his Apostolical Indulgence therein.

Something I find was restored unto him, but Tutbury was too sweet a morsel to return, being annexed to the Duchy of Lancaster. John of Gaunt built a fair Castle there, walled on three sides by Art, and the fourth by its natural steepness.

DUDLEY CASTLE must not be forgotten, highly and pleasantly seated, and in the reign of King Edward the Sixth well built, and adorned by John Dudley Duke of Northumberland, whereon a story worth the reporting doth depend.

The afore-said Duke deriving himself (who truly not yet decided) from a younger Branch of the Lord Dudley thirsted after this Castle in regard of the name and the honourableness of the House, some having avouched that the Barony is annexed to the lawful possession thereof, whether by purchase or descent. Now finding John Sutton the Lord Dudley (Grand-father to the last Baron) a weak man exposed to some wants and entangled with many debts, he by the help of those Money-Merchants wrought him out of his Castle. So that the Poor Lord turned out of doors and left to the charity of his Friends for subsistence was commonly called the Lord Quondam. But after the execution of that Duke Queen Mary sympathizing with Edward the son of this poor Lord (which Edward had married Katharine Bruges her maid of Honor and sister to the Lord Shandois) restored him to the Lands and Honor which justly belonged to his Father.

Proverbs.

DOVE a River parting this and Derby-shire, when it overfloweth its Banks in April is the Nile of Staffordshire much Battling the Meadowes thereof.

But this River of Dove as overflowing in April feeds the Meadowes with fruitfulness, so in May and June chokes the sand grain'd with Grit and Gravel to the great detriment of the owners thereof.

It is time that this old profane Proverb should die in men's mouths forever. I confess in common discourse God is said to come to what he doth approve, to send to what he only permits, and neither to go nor send to what he doth dislike and forbid. But this distinction, if granted, will help nothing to the defending of this profane Proverb, which it seems took it's wicked original from the situation of Wotton, so covered with Hills from the light of the Sun a dismal place, as report representeth it. But were there a place indeed, where God came never, how many years purchase would guilty consciences give for a small abode therein, thereby to escape Divine Justice for their offenses.

Saints.

Authors do as generally agree about a grand Massacre committed by the Pagans under Dioclesian on the British Christians in the place where Litchfield now standeth, I say, they as generally agree in the fact, as they disagree in the number: some making them Two hundred, others five, others seven. And one Author (certainly he was no Millenary in his Judgment ) mounts them to just 999. Indeed many were martyred in those days both in Britain, and elsewhere, whose names and numbers are utterly unknown, so true is the expression of Gregory the Great; Ipse sancti Martyrs Deo numerabiles, nobis arenam multiplicati sunt, quia quot sint, a nobis comprehendi non possunt, novit enim eos tantum ill, qui (ut habet Tsalmus 126.) numerat multitudinem Stellarum, & omnibus eis nomina vocat.

St. BERTELIN was a Briton of a Noble Birth and lead an Eremitical Life in the Woods near Stafford, anciently called Bethiney, (contracted it seems for Bertiliney ) something of solitariness still remaining in his Memory as being so alone, it hath no memorable particulars of his accounts to accompany it.

• WOLFADUS.
• RUFFINUS

It was pity to part them seeing they were loving in their lives, and in their death they were not divided. They were sons to Wol •… erus, the Pagan King of Mercia and a Tyrant to boot, who hating Christianity and finding these times to profess privately to practice it, was so enraged that nothing but their blood would quench his anger. Wolfadus was taken and martyred at Stone in this County: Whilst his younger (if not twin brother) Ruffinus came little more behind him at his death, then he started before him at his birth, seeking to hid himself in a woody place (where since the Chapel of Burnweston hath been built) was there by his Herod-father found out and murdered. They were by succeeding ages rewarded with reputation of Saint •… ip. This Massacre happened Anno Domini....

Cardinals.

REGINALD POLE was born at Stoverton Castle in this County Anno 1500. He was second son unto S ^r . Richard Pole, Knight of the Garter, and Frater consobrinus (a relation which I cannot make out in reference to him) to Henry the Seventh. His mother Margaret Countess of Salisbury, was Neice to King Edward the Fourth, and daughter to Geo •… ge Duke of Clarence.

This Reginald was bred in Corpus-Christi-College in Oxford, preferred afterward Dean of Exeter▪ King Henry the Eighth highly favored and sent him beyond the Seas, allowing him a large Pension, to live in an equipage suitable to his birth and alliance. He studied at Padua, conversing there so much with the Patricians of Venice, that at last he degenerated into a perfect Italian; so that neither love to his Country, nor gratitude to the King, nor sharp Letters of his Friends, nor fear to lose his present, nor hopes to get future preferments, could persuade him to return into England, but that his pensions were withdrawn from him.

This made him apply his studies the more privately in a Venetian-Monastery, where he attained great credit for his Eloquence, Learning, and good Life. Such esteem foreign Grandees had of his great Judgment, that Cardinal Sadolet having written a large Book in the praise of Philosophy, submitted it wholly to his Censure. Pole as highly commended the Work, as he much admired, that a Cardinal of the Church of Rome, would conclude his old age with writing on such a subject applying unto him the Verses of Virgil,

These far fetched lines He thus brought home to the Cardinal, that though Philosophy had been in high esteem, whilst Paganism was in the prime thereof, yet was it but a bad Harbor for an aged Christian, to cast his Anchor therein.

It was not long before he was made Deacon-Cardinal, by the Title of St. Mary in Cosmedin, by Pope Paul the Third, who sent him on many fruitless and dangerous Embassies to the Emperor and the French King, to incite them to War, against King Henry the Eighth. Afterwards he retired himself to Viterbo in Italy, where his House was observed the Sanctuary of Lutherans, and he himself became a racking, but no thorough-paced Protestant. In so much, that being appointed one of three Presidents of the Council of Trent, he endeavored (but in vain) to have Justification determined by Faith alone.

During his living at Viterbo, he carried not himself so cautiously, but that he was taxed for begetting a base Child, which Pasquil published in Latin and Italian Verses, affixed in the season of liberty on his lawless pillar.

This Pasquil is an Author, eminent on many accounts. First, for his self-concealment, being Noscens omnia, & notus nemini. Secondly, for his intelligence, who can display the deeds of midnight at high noon, as if he hid himself in the holes of their bedstaves, knowing who were Cardinals Children, better than they knew their Fathers. Thirdly, for his unpartial boldness. He was made all of tongue and teeth, biting what e're he touched, and it bled what e're he bit; Yea, as if a General Council and Pasquil were only above the Pope, he would not stick to tell where he trod his holy Sandals awry. Fourthly, for his longevity, having lived (or rather lasted) in Rome some hundreds of years, whereby he appears no particular person, but a successive corporation of Satyrists. Lastly, for his impunity, escaping the Inquifition whereof some assign this reason, because hereby the Court of Rome comes to know her faults, or rather to know that their faults are known; which makes Pasquils converts (if not more honest) more wary in their behavior.

This defamation made not such an impression on Poles credit, but that after the death of Paul the Third, he was at midnight in the Conclave chosen to succeed him. Pole refused it, because he would not have his choice a deed of darkness, appearing therein not perfectly Italianated in not taking preferment, when tendered, and the Cardinals beheld his refusal as a deed of dullness. Next day expecting a re-election, he found new morning new minds, and Pole being reprobated, Julius the Third, his professed enemy, was chosen in his place.

Yet afterwards he became Alterius Orbis Papa, when made Arch-bishop of Canterbury by Queen Mary. He was a person free from passion, whom none could anger out of his ordinary temper. His youthful Books were full of the Flowers of Rhetoric, whilst the withered stalkes are only found in the Writings of his old Age, so dry their style, and dull their conceit. He died few hours after Queen Mary, November the 17, Anno 1558.

Prelates.

EDMUND STAFFORD was Brother to Ralph, first Earl of Stafford, and consequentially must be son to Edmund Baron Stafford. His Nativity is rationally with most probability placed in this County, wherein his father, (though Landed everywhere) had his Prime Seat, and largest revenues.

He was by King Richard the Second preferred Bishop of Exeter, and under King Henry the Fourth, for a time, was Chancellor of England. I meet with an Author who doth make him Bishop first of Rochester, then of Ex •… ter, and lastly of York. But of the first and last altum silentium in Bishop Godwin, whom I rather believe. He was a Benefactor to Stapeltons -Inn in Oxford, on a three-fold account, viz.

He sat in his See 24 years, and dying 1419 was buried under an Alabaster Tomb in his own Cathedral.

WILLIAM DUDLEY son of John Dudley, the Eighth Baron Dudley, of Dudley-Castle in this County, was by his Parents designed for a Scholar, and bred in University College in Oxford, whence he was preferred to be Dean of Windsor and afterwards was for six years Bishop of Durham. He died Anno 1483 at London, and lies buried in Westminster on the South side of St. Nicholas Chapel.

EDMUND AUDLEY Son to the Lord Audley of Heyley in this County, whose surname was Touchet. I am informed by my worthy Friend that skillful Antiquary M ^• . Tho. Barlow of Oxford, that this Edmund in one and the same Instrument writeth himself both Audley and Touchet. He was bred in the University of Oxford, and in process of time he built the Choir of Saint Mary's therein a new on his own charge, adorning it Organ •… 〈◊〉 , which I think imports no more than a Musical Organ.

He was preferred Bishop first of Rochester, then of Hereford, and at last of Salisbury. He died at Ramsbury, August 23, 1624, and is buried in his own Cathedral on the South side of the Altar in a Chapel of excellent Artifice of his own erection. Not meeting with any Bishops born in this County since the Reformation, let us proceed.

Lawyers.

S ^r . THOMAS LITTLETON, Knight. Reader, I have seriously and often perused his life, as written by S ^r . Edward Coke, yet not being satisfied of the certainty of his Nativity, am resolved to divide his Character betwixt this County and Worcester-shire. He was son to Thomas Westcote, Esq. and Elizabeth Littleton his wife, whose mother being daughter and heir of Thomas Littleton, Esq. and bringing to her husband a great Inheritance, indented with him before marriage, that her Virgin-surname should be assumed and continued in his posterity.

He was bred Student of the Laws in the inward Temple, and became afterwards Serjant, and Steward of the Court of the Marshal-sea of the Kings Household, to Henry the Sixth. By King Edward the Fourth in the sixth of his Reign, he was made one of the Judges of the Common Pleas; and in the fifteenth of his Reign by Him created Knight of the Bath

He is said by our Learned Antiquary to have deserved as well of our Common, as Justinian of the Civil-Law; whose Book of Tenures (dedicated by him to Richard his second son, who also studied the Laws) is counted oraculous in that kind, which since hath been commented on by the Learned endeavors of S ^r . Edward Coke.

He married Johan one of the daughters and co-heirs of William Boerley, of Bromsecraft Castle in Salop, by whom he had three sons, Founders of three fair Families still flourishing.

This Reverend Judge died the 23 of August, in the one and twentieth of King Edward the Fourth, and lieth buried under a very fair Monument in the Cathedral of Worcester.

EDMUND DUDLEY Esq. was son to John Dudley Esq. second son to John Sutton, first Baron of Dudley as a Learned Antiquary hath beheld his Pedegree derived. But his descent is controverted by many, condemned by some, who have raised a report that John father to this Edmund was but a Carpenter born in Dudley Town, (and therefore called John Dudley ) who travailing Southward to find work for his Trade lived at Lewis in Sussex, where they will have this Edmund born, and for the pregnancy of his parts brought up by the Abbot of Lewis in Learning. But probably some who afterwards were pinched in their purses by this Edmund did in revenge give him this Bite in his reputation, inventing this Tale to his disparagement. I must believe him of Noble Extraction, because qualified to marry the daughter and heir of the Viscount Lisle, and that before this Edmund grew so great with King Henry the Seventh, as by the age of John his son (afterwards Duke of Northumberland ) may probably be collected.

He was bred in the study of the Laws, wherein he profited so well, that he was made one of the Puis-nee Judges, and wrote an excellent Book compounded of Law and Policy (which hitherto I have not seen) entitled the Tree of the Common-wealth.

But what saith Columella? Agricolam arbor ad fructum perducta delectat. A Husbandman is delighted with the Tree of his own planting when brought to bear fruit. Judge Dudley knew well how to turn a Land into the greatest profit of his Prince, which made him implied by King Henry the Seventh to put his penal Statutes in execution, which he did, with severity, cruelty, and extortion, so that with S ^r . Richard Empson Viis & modis (vitiis & modis rather) they advanced a mighty Mass of Money to the King, and no mean one to themselves.

King Henry the Eighth coming to his Crown, could not pass in his progress for complaints of people in all places, against these two wicked Instruments, who with the two daughters of the horse leach were always crying, give, give, and therefore he resolved to discharge their protection and to resign them to Justice, so that they were made a peaceoffering to popular anger 1510, and were executed at Tower-hill.

Sir, THOMAS BROMLEY, Knight. Reader, I request thee that this short note may keep possession for his Name and memory, until he may be fixed elsewhere with more assurance. He was in the first of Queen Mary, Octob. 8. made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, holding his place hardly a year; but, whether quitting his Office or dying therein is to me unknown.

Soldiers.

JOHN BROMLEY, Esq. branched from the Bromleys in Shrop-shire, but born and living in this County at Bromley, followed the fortunate Arms of King Henry the Fifth in France. It happened, that in a Battle near Corby the French (according to their fashion▪ furious at first ) fell so fiercely on the English, that they got away the Kings Standard of GUIEN to the great dismay of our Army. But Bromley's heart had no room for fear or grief, anger had so wholly possessed it: Insomuch, that valiantly he recovered the Captive Standard, and by his exemplary Prowess largely contributed to that days Victory. Hereupon Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier conferred on him a yearly pension of forty pounds during his life. Afterwards in the sixth of King Henry the Fifth Anno 1418 he was not only Knighted by the King for his venturous Activity, but also made Captain of Dampfront, and Great Constable of Bossevile le Ross in France: Yea, and rewarded by the King with forty pounds in Land a year to him and his heirs the Patent whereof is extant in the Tower, and exemplified in my Author. He appears to me no more than a plain Knight, or a Knight Bachelor: But were it in the power of my Pen to create a Banneret, he should, for the Reason premised, have that Honor affixed to his Memory, who, as we conjecture, died about the middle of the reign of King Henry the Sixth.

JOHN DUDLEY Duke of Northumberland (where born uncertain) was son to Edward Dudley, Esq. (of whom hereafter) and would willingly be reputed of this County, a Descendent from the Lord Dudley therein, whose memory we will gratify so far as to believe it.

He lived long under King Henry the Eighth who much favored him, and the Servant much resembled his Master, in the equal contemperament of Virtue and Vices, so evenly matched, that it is hard to say, which got the Mastery in either of them. This John was proper in person, comely in carriage, wise in advising, valiant in adventuring, and generally (till his last project) prosperous in success. But he was also notoriously wanton, intollerably ambitious, a constant dissembler, prodigeously profuse, so that he had sunk his Estate, had it not met with a seasonable support of Abbey Land, he being one of those who well warmed himself with the chipps, which fell from the felling of Monasteri •… s.

King Henry the 8th. first Knighted, then created him Viscount Lisle, Earl of Warwick, and Duke of Nor •… humberland. And under Queen Mary he made himself almost King of England, though not in Title, in power, by contriving the settling of the Crown on Queen Jane his daugh •… er in Law, till success failed him therein. And no wonder if that design missed the mark, which besides many rubbs it met with at hand, was thrown against the general bias of English affection. For this his treasonable practices he was executed in the First of Queen Mary, much bemoaned by some Martial men, whom he had formerly endeared in his good service in the French and Scottish Wars. He left two sons who survived to great Honor. Ambrose Earl of Warwick heir to all that was good, and Robert Earl of Leicester heir to all that was great in their Father.

The BAGNOLS. Something must be premised of their Name and extraction. The Bagenhalts (commonly called Bagnols ) were formerly a Family of such remark in this County, that before the reign of King Henry the Eighth, there scarce passed an Ancient piece of evidence which is not attested by one of that Name. But (see the uncertainty of all human things) it afterwards sunk down (to use my Authors language) into a Plebean Condition. But the sparks of their gentle Blood (though covered for a time under a mean estate) have since blazed again with their own worth and valor when Ralph and Nicholas sons to John Bagnol of Newcastle in this County were both Knighted for their good service, the one in Mustle-Borough fight, the otherin Ireland. Yea, as if their courage had been hereditary. Their sons Samuel and Henry were for their Martial merit advanced to the same degree.

Sea-men.

WILLIAM MINORS. Reader, I remember how, in the Case of the Ship-money, the Judges delivered it for Law, that, England being an Island, the very Middle-land-Shires therein are all to be accounted as Maritime. Sure I am the Genius even of Land-lock-Counties acteth the Natives with a Maritime dexterity; The English generally may be resembled to Ducklings, which, though hatched under a Hen, yet naturally delight to dabble in the Water. I mean, though born and bred in In-Land places, (where neither their Infancy nor Childhood ever beheld Ship or Boat ) yet have they a great Inclinatio •… and Aptnesse to Sea-service; And the present subject of our Pen is a pregnant proof thereof.

This William, son to Richard Minors, Gent. of Hallenbury-Hall, was born at Uttoxater in this County, who afterwads coming to London, became so prosperous a Mariner, that he hath safely returned eleven times from the East-Iudies: whereas in the days of our GrandFathers, such as came thence twice, were beheld as Rarities; thrice, as Wonders; four times, as Miracles.

Much herein (under Divine Providence) is to be attributed to the Make of our English Ships, now built more advantageous for sailing, than in former Ages. Besides, the oftener they go, the nearer they shape their Course, use being the mother of Perfectnesse.

Yet whilst others wonder at his happiness in returning so often, I as much commend his moderation in going no oftener to the East-Indies. More men know, how to get enough than, when they have gotten enough, which causeth their Coveteousness to increase with their wealth. M ^r . Minors, having advanced a competent Estate, quitted the water to live on the land, and now peaceably enjoyeth, what he painfully hath gotten, and is living in, or near, Hartford at this present year 1660.

Writers.

JOHN STAFFORD, born in the Shire-Town of this County, was bred a Franciscan. No contemptible Philosopher and Divine, but considerable Historian, who wrote a Latin History of England's affairs. Authors are at an absolute loss, when he lived and are fain by degrees to screw themselves into a general notice thereof.

He must be since the year 1226, when the Franciscans first fixed themselves in our Land.

He must be before John Ross, who flourished Anno 1480, under Edward the Fourth, and maketh honorable mention of him.

Therefore with proportion and probability he is collected to have written about 1380.

WILLIAM de LICHFIELD, so termed from the place of his Nativity, applied himself to a study of Divinity, whereof he became Doctor, and afterwards Rector of All-hallowes the Great in Thames-street, London. He was generally beloved for his great Learning, and godly li •… e. He wrote many Books both Moral and Divine, in Prose and Verse, one entitled The complaint of God unto sinful Men. There were found in his Study after his death Three thousand four score and three Sermons of his own writing. He died Anno Dom. 1447. being buried under a defaced Monument in the Choir of his own Church.

ROBERT WHITTINGTON born at Lichfield, was no mean Grammarian: Indeed, he might have been greater, if he would have been less, Pride prompting him to cope with his Conquerors, whom he mistook for his Match. The first of these was Will. Lily, though there was as great difference betwixt these two Grammarians, as betwixta Verb defective, and one perfect in all the Requisites thereof. The two other were William Horman, and Alderedge, both eminent in the Latin Tongue: But some will carp at the best, who cannot mend the worst line in a Picture, the humor of our Whittington, who flourished 1530.

Romish Exile Writers.

WILLIAM GIFFORD. Though this Ancient and Worshipful Name be diffused in several Counties; I have satisfied myself in fixing him here, as an Extract of the Family of Chillington. He was a man of much Motion, and my Pen is resolved to follow him, as able to Travel with more Speed, less Pain, and Cost,

• 1 From his Fathers house he went to, and lived four years in Oxford.
• 2 Thence (with his School-master) he went over to Lovain, where he got Lauream Doctoralem in Artibus, was made Master of Arts.
• 3 Then, studying Divinity there under Bellarmine, was made Bachelor in that Profession.
• 4 Frighted hence with War went to Paris.
• 5 Removed to Rheams, where he eleven years professed Divinity.
• 6 Doctorated at Pont-Muss in Lorain.
• 7 Highly prized by Henry Duke of Guise and Cardinal Lewis his brother, who gave him a Pension of two hundred Crowns a year.
• 8 After their death he went to Rome, where he became Dean of St. Peters in the Isle for ten years.
• 9 Returning to Rheams he was made Rector of the University therein.
• 10 At fifty years of Age bidding farewell to the World, he became a Benedictine at Delaware in Lorain.

Thus far Pitseus: (acquainting us, that he was alive 1611) on whose Stock give me leave to graft, what followeth; This D ^r . Gifford was afterwards advanced Arch-bishop of Rheams by the favor of the Duke of Guise, who is shrewdly suspected to have quartered to heavily on the profit of that place.

However our Gifford gained so much, as therewith to found not only a Covent for English Monks at St. Mallowes in France, but also at Paris for those of the same profession. Remarkable Charity, that an Exile (who properly had no home of his own ) should erect Houses for others.

Benefactors to the Public.

This County, I confess, is exceeded by her Neigbours in this particular; and I meet with few either ancient or eminent Benefactions therein. Yet besides a •… air School at Wolver-Hampton built by S ^r . Stephen Jennings Lord Major of London, and another erected by M ^r . Thomas Allen at •… tceter, I am credibly informed, that

MARTEN NOEL, Esq. born in the Coun •… y-Town of Stafford, bred S •… rivener in London, hath fairly built and largely endowed an Hospital in Stafford aforesaid▪

The Crown Mu •… all amongst the Roman •… wa •… no •… given to every Soldier, who scaled the Walls, but only to him, who footed them first: on which account a Garland of Glory is due to this Gentleman, whose Foundation (as I am certified) is the first [considerable] Fabric of that kind in this County. I •… is to be hoped, that as the zeal of Achaia provoked many, •… o this good Leader will invite ma •… y Followers to succeed him, living in London this present 1660.

Memorable persons.

THOMAS TARLTON. My intelligence of the certainty of his birth-place, coming too late, ( confessed by the marginal mark ) I fix him here, who indeed was born at Condover in the neighbouring County of Shrap-shire, where still some of his Name and Relations remain. Here he was in the field keeping his Fathers Swine, when a Servant of Robert Earl of Leicester (passing this way to his Lord's Lands in his Barony of Denbighe ) was so highly pleased with his happy unhappy answers, that he brought him to Court, where he became the most famous Jester to Queen Elizabeth.

Many condemn his ( vocation I cannot term it, for it is a coming without a calling) Employment as unwarrantable. Such maintain, that it is better to be a Fool of God's making, born so into the World, or a Fool of Mans making jeered into it by general Dirision, than a Fool of one's own making, by his voluntary affecting thereof. Such say also, he had better continued in his Trade of Swine-keeping, which (though more painful, and less profitable) his conscience changed to loss, for a Jesters place in the Court, who, of all men have the hardest account to make for every idle word that they abundantly utter.

Others allege in excuse of their Practises; That Princes in all Ages were allowed their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 whose Virtue consisted in speaking anything without control: That Jesters often heal what Flatterers hurt, so that Princes, by them arrive at the notice of their Errors, seeing Jesters carry about with them an Act of Indemnity for whatsoever they say or do: That Princes over-burdered with States-business must have their Diversions, and that those words, are not censurable for absolutely idle, which lead to lawful delight.

Our Tarlton was Master of his Faculty. When Queen Elizabeth was serious (I dare not say sullen ) and out of good humor, he could un-dumpish her at his pleasure. Her highest Favorites, would in some Cases, go to Tarleton, before they would go to the Queen, and he was their Usher to prepare their advantageous access unto Her. In a word He told the Queen more of her faults, than most of her Chaplains, and cured her Melancholy better than all of her Physicians.

Much of his merriment lay in his very looks and actions, according to the Epitaph written upon him

Indeed the self same words, spoken by another, would hardly move a merry man to smile, which uttered by him, would force a sad soul to laughter.

This is to be reported to his praise, that his Jests never were profane, scurrilous, nor Satyrical, neither trespassing on Piety, Modesty, or Charity, as in which plurimum inerat salis, mu •… tum aceti, aliquid sinapis, nihil veneni. His death may proportionably be assigned, about the end of Queen Elizabeth.

JAMES SANDS, of Horborn, (nigh Bremingham but) in this County, is most remarkable for his Vivacity, for he lived 140 and his wife 120 years. He out lived five Leases of twenty one years a piece, which were made unto him after his Marriage. Thus is not the age of Man so Universally contracted, but that Divine Providence sometimes draweth it out to an extraordinary length, as for other reasons so to render the longevity of the primitive Patriarchs more credible. He died about the year 1625.

WALTER PARSONS born in this County was first Apprentice to a Smith, when he grew so tall in stature, that a hole was made for him in the Ground to stand therein up to the knees, so to make him adequate with his Fellow work-men. He afterwards was Porter to King James; seeing as Gates generally are higher than the rest of the Building, so it was sightly that the Port •… should be taller than other Persons. He was proportionable in all parts, and had strength equal to height, Valour to his strength, Temper to his valor, so that he disdained to do an injury to any single person. He would make nothing to take two of the tallest Yeomen of the Guard (like the Gizard and Liver ) under his Arms at once and order them as he pleased.

Yet were his Parents (for ought I do understand to the contrary) but of an ordinary stature, whereat none will wonder who have read what St. Augustine reports of a Woman which came to Rome (a little before the sacking thereof by the Goths ) of so Giantlike a height that she was far above all who saw her, though infinite Troopes came to behold the spectacle. And yet he addeth Et hoc erat maximae admirationis, quod ambo parents ejus, &c. This made men most admire, that both her Parents were but of ordinary stature. This Parsons is produced for proof, that all ages affords some of extraordinary height, and that there is no general decay of Mankind in their Dimentions, which if there were, we had ere this time shrunk to be lower than Pigmyes not to instance in a less proportion. This Parsons died Anno Dom. 162.▪