The History of the Worthies of England
RICHARD the Second.
1 BRIAN CORNWAL.] He 〈◊〉 also this year Sheriff of Shrop-shire so that the two adjacent Counties were under his inspection.
4 ROGER de WIRLEY] When I observe how this Gentleman is fixed in his Generation, I cannot satisfy myself, whether he lived nearer unto his Ancestor Rober •… de Wirley, who flourished in this County under King Henry the 2d. (if not before) or whether he approached nearer unto his Descendent S •… John Wirley that learned Knight now living at Hampsteade. In my Arithmetic he is equally distanced from them both.
HENRY the Sixth.
12 THOMAS STANLEY.] His true name was Audley. For, after that Adam, youngest Brother to James Lord 〈◊〉 , had married the daughter and heir of Henry de Stanley, William their son assumed the sir-name of Stanley, & transmitted it to his posterity.
As for this Thomas Stanley, till I be clearly convinced to the contrary, he shall pass with me for the same person, whom King Henry the Sixth made Lord Stanley, Knight of the Garter, Lord Deputy of Ireland, and Lord Chamberlain of his Household; and father unto Thomas Stanley, whom King Henry the Seventh created the first Earl of Derby.
34 JOHN DELVES, Esq.] He is the last of that Ancient Family appearing in this Catalogue, who were fixed in this County in the reign of King Edward the Third. This Sir John Delves (for he was afterwards Knighted) left one daughter and sole heir called Helene, married unto Sir Robert Sheffield Knight and Recorder of London, Ancestor unto the present Earl of Moulgrave.
EDWARD the Fourth.
1 WALTER WROTESLEY.] He was lineally descended from S •… Hugh Wrotesley, one of the first Founder of the most Noble Order of the Garter.
HENRY the Eighth.
28 JOHN DUDLEY.] I had thought his Ambition had been too high to come under the Roof of such an Office, and discharge the place of a Sheriff. But know, that as yet Sir John Dudley, was but Sir John Dudley, a Plain, but powerful Knight, who not long afterwards, viz. the 38th. of King Henry the Eighth was created Viscount Lisley, and then Earl of Warwick, in the first of King Edward the sixth, and in the fifth of the said King, Duke of Northumberland. However now he waited at Assizes, on the Itinerant Judges who afterwards made all the Judges of the Land (Justice Hales alone excepted) attend on him, and dance after the Pipe of his pleasure, when the Instrument was drawn up ( Testament I can hardly term it) whereby the two Sisters of King Edward the sixth, were dis-inherited.
King CHARLES.
3 WILLIAM BOWYER Knight.] Thomas Bowyer his Ancestor, from whom he is lineally descended, did in the reign of King Richard the Second marry Katharine daughter and heir of Robert Knipersley, of Knipersley in this County, with whom he had a fair Inheritance. The Bowyers of Sussex (invited thither some 200 years since by an Earl of Northumberland ) are a younger Branch from these in Stafford-shire.
BATTLES.
At Hopton Heath in this County in March 1643, a fierce fight happened betwixt the Kings and Parliaments Forces, on a ground full of Cony-borroughs, therefore affording ill footing for the Horse. But an equal disadvantage on both sides is no disadvantage on either. The Royalists may be said to have got the Day, and lost the Sun which made it, I mean the truly Loyal and Valiant Spencer Earl of Northampton, though still surviving as in his grateful memory, so in his Noble and Numerous Issue, no less deservedly honored by others then mutually loving amongst themselves.
The Farewell.
To take our Vale of Stafford-shire. I wish that the Pit-coal (wherewith it aboundeth) may seasonably and safely be burnt in their Chimnies, and not have their burning antedated, before they be dig'd out the Bowels of the Earth. The rather, because I have read, how in the year 1622 there was found a Coal-mine actually on fire, between Willingsworth and Weddesbury in this County. I find not by what casualty this English Aetna was kindled, nor how long it did continue. And although such combustions be not so terrible here, as in the South of Italy, where the sulphureous matter more inrageth the fury of the fire, yet it could not but cause much fright and fear to the people thereabouts.
SUFFOLK hath Norfolk on the North, divided with the Rivers of Little Ouse and Waveny, Cambridge-shire on the West, the German Ocean on the East, and Essex parted with the River Stoure on the South thereof. From East to West it stretcheth forty five miles, though the general breadth be but twenty, saving by the Sea-side, where it runneth out more by the advantage of a Corner. The Air thereof generally is sweet and by the best Physicians esteemed the best in England often prescribing the Receit thereof to the Consumptionish-Patients. I say generally sweet, there being a small parcel nigh the Sea-side not so excellent, which may seem left there by Nature, on purpose to advance the purity of the rest.
Natural Commodities.
Cheese.
Most excellent are made herein, whereof the finest are very thin, as intended not for food but digestion. I remember when living in Cambridge, the Cheese of this County was preferred as the best. If any say that Scholars palates are incompetent Judges, whose hungry appetites make course Diet seem delicates unto them, let them know, that Pantaleon the Learned Dutch Physician counted them, equal at least, with them of Parma in Italy.
Butter.
For Quantity and Quality this County doth excel, and venteth it at London, and elsewhere. The Child, not yet come to, and the old Man, who is past the use of Teeth eateth no softer, the Poor Man no cheaper, (in this Shire) the Rich no wholesomer food, I mean in the morning. It was half of our Savior's Bill of Fare, in his Infancy Butter and Honey shall he eat.
It is of a Cordial, or if I may say, Antidotal Nature. The story is well known of a Wife which desiring to be a Widow incorporated Poison in the Butter, whereon her Husband had his principal repast. The poor man finding himself strangely affected, repaired to a Physician, who by some Symptoms suspecting poison, demanded of his Patient which was his chiefest Diet. The sick man told him, that he fed most constantly on Butter. Eat Butter still (returned the Physician) which hitherto hath saved your Life, for it corrected the poison, that neither the malignity thereof, nor the malice of the wife, could have their full operation.
Manufactures.
Cloathing.
Here it will not be amiss to insert a passage which I meet with in an Industrious Antiquary as relating to the present subject.
The Manufacture of Cloathing in this County hath been much greater, and those of that Trade far richer, I persuade myself, heretofore than in these times, or else the Heirs and Executors of the deceased were more careful that the Testators dead Corps should be interred in more decent manner, than they are now a-days; Otherwise I should not find so many Marbles richly inlaid with Brass, to the memory of Cloathiers in fore-going Ages, and not one in these later seasons. All the Monuments in the Church of Neyland which bare any face of comeliness, and Antiquity are erected to the memory of Cloathiers, and such as belong to that Mystery.
Some perchance would assign another reason, viz. Because Monuments formerly were conceived to conduce much to the happiness of the deceased (as bespeaking in their Epitaphs the Suffrages of the living in their behalf) which error is vanished away since the Reformation; all which being fully believed weakeneth not the observation, but that Suff •… lk Clothiers were Wealthier in former than in our Age.
Buildings.
This County hath no Cathedral therein, and the Parochial Churches [generally fair] no one of transcendent eminency; But formerly it had so magnificent an AbbeyChurch in Bury, the Sun shined not on a fairer, with three lesser Churches waiting thereon in the same Church-yard. Of these but two are extant at this day, and those right stately structures;
Here I meet with a passage affected me with wonder, though I know not how the Reader will resent it: It is avouuched by all Authors; That Mary youngest sister to King Henry the Eighth, Relict to Lewis the Twelfth King of France, afterwards married to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, died on Mid-summer Eve 1533, and was buried in the Abbey Church in Bury. But it seems her Corps could not protect that Church from demolishing, which in few years after was levelled to the ground. I read not that the Body of this Princess was removed to any other place, nor doth any monument here remain to her memory, though her King-Brother and second Husband survived the destruction of that Church. A strange thing! save that nothing was strange in those days of confusion.
As for the Town of Bury it is sweetly seated and fairly built, especially since the year 1608. About which time it was lamentably defaced with a casual Fire, though since God hath given them Beauty for Ashes. And may the following Distich (set up therein) prove Prophetical unto the place.
Noris the School a small Ornament to this Town founded by King Edward the Sixth, being itself a Corporation, now (as well as ever) flourishing under M r . Stephens, the able Master thereof.
Amongst the many fair houses of the Gentry in this County Long Melford must not be forgotten, late the house of the Countess Rivers, and the FIRST FRUITS of PLUNDERING in England; and Sommerley Hall (nigh Yarmouth ) belonging to the Lady Wentworth, well answering the Name thereof: For here Summer is to be seen in the depth of Winter in the pleasant walks, beset on both sides with Firr-trees green all the year long, besides other curiosities. As for Merchants houses, Ipswich Town (corrival with some Cities for neatness and greatness) affordeth many of equal handsomness.
Proverbs.
Suffolk Milk. ] This was one of the Staple-Commodities of the Land of Canaan, and certainly most wholesome for Mans Body, because of God's own choosing for his own People. No County in England affords better and sweeter of this kind, lying opposite to Holland in the Netherlands, where is the best Dairy in Christendom, which mindeth me of a passage betwixt Spinola and Grave Maurice.
The Spanish General being invited to an entertainment by the afore-said Prince at Breda (as I take it) when Lemons and Oranges were brought in for sauce at the first Cour •… e, What a brave Country is my Masters (quoth de Don) affording this fair fruit all the year long. But when Cream was brought up to close the Feast, Grave Maurice returned, What a brave Country is ours that yieldeth this fruit twice every day?
Suffolk fair Maids. ] It seems the God of Nature hath been bountiful in giving them beautiful complexions, which I am willing to believe so far forth as it fixeth not a comparative disparagement on the same Sex in other Counties. I hope they will labor to join gracious hearts to fair faces; otherwise I am sure there is a Divine Proverb of infallible truth, As a Jewel of gold in a Swines snout, so is a fair Woman which is without discretion.
Suffolk s •… iles. ] It is a measuring cast, whether this Proverb pertaineth to Essex or this County, and I believe it belongeth to both, which being enclosed Countries into petty quillets abound with high stiles troublesome to be clambred over. But the owners grudge not the pains in climbing them, sensible that such severals redound much to their own advantage.
You are in the high way to Needham.] Needham is a Market-Town in this County, well stokt (if I mistake not) with poor People, though I believe this in no degree did occasion the first denomination thereof. They are said to be in the high way to Needham who do hasten to poverty.
However these fall under a distinction, some go, others are sent thither: Such as go embrace several ways, some if Poor, of Idleness; if Rich, of Carelessness, or else of Prodigality.
Others are sent thither against their wills by the powerful oppression of such, who either detain or devour their Estates. And it is possible some may be sent thither by no Default of their own, or visible cause from others, but merely from Divine Justice, insensibly dwingling their Estates, chiefly for trial of their Patience.
Wherefore, so many ways leading to Needham from divers quarters, I mean from different causes; It is unjust to condemn all persons meeting there, under the Censure of the same guiltness.
Princes.
EDMUND MORTIMER, son to Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, Grand-child of Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March, and of Philippa sole daughter of Lionel Duke of Clarence, may pass with the charitable Reader for a Prince, since he paid so dear for the same, as will appear. I confess it impossible to fix his Nativity with assurance, (having not hitherto read any record which reached it) the rather because of the vastness of his patrimony; and several habitations
| In England | In the Marches of Wales whence he had his honor. | In Ireland |
| Clare-Cas •… le, with many other Manors in Suffolk. | Wigmore in Hereford-shire. | Trim, Conaught, with large Lands in Ulsier. |
| Ludlow in Shrop-shire. |
But most probable it is that he was born where he was buried, at Clare. After the death of King Richard the Second, he was the next heir to the Crown. Happy had he been, if either nearer to it, so as to enjoy the honor thereof; or farther off, so as not to be envied and suspected for his Title thereunto by King Henry the Fourth. Now, all the harm, this Earl had done King Henry, was this, that King Henry held from him his lawful Inheritance. Yea, this meek Mortimer was content to wave the Crown, so be it he might but enjoy his private Patrimony, which he could not without many molestations from the King. For, this is the nature of some Men to heap injuries on those they have wronged, as if the later injuries would give a countenance of Justice to the former.
He employed this Edmund in a War against Owen Glendour, the Welsh Rebel, on the same design that Saul sent David to fight against, and fetch the fore-skins of the Philistines. If he proved Conqueror, then was King Henry freed from a professed Foe; if conquered, then was he rid of a suspected Subject. But Mortimer went by the worst, and being taken prisoner, the King (though often solicited) never endeavored his enlargement; till at last he dearly ransomed himself. Yet did he but exchange a Welsh for an Irish prison, kept 20 years in r •… traint in his own Castle of Trim, in the end of the reign of cunning King Henry the Fourth, all the reign of courageous King Henry the Fifth, and the beginning of the reign of innocent King Henry the Sixth, their different tempers meeting in cruelty against this poor Prisoner. He died Anno Domini 1454. without Issue, leaving Anne his sister, his heir, and lieth buried in Clare, as is aforesaid.
Saints.
St. EDMUND King of the East-Angles. Hear what falsehoods are huddled together in our English Martyrology, written (as he terms himself) By a Catholic Priest, Permi •… Superiorum. 1608. pag. 319 on the 20 of November.
At Hexam in Northumberland the passion of St. Edmund King and Martyr, who being a Saxon by Blood, born in the City of Noremberg in that Province, and Nephew to Offa King of the East-Angles.
First, Hexam in Northumberland, should be Hoxton in this County, where St. Edmund was martyred. Secondly, there is no City Noremberg in Britain, nor Europe save that in Germany.
This is enough to make us distrust what he writeth afterwards, viz. that, When the said St. Edmund was cruelly murdered by the Danes, and when the Christians, seeking his Corps, were lost in a Wood, did call one to another, Where art? Where art? Where art? The martyred head answered, Here, Here, Here. However, God forbid, that this Authors fauxities should make us undervalue this worthy King and Martyr, cruelly tortured to death by the Pagan Danes, and by an old Author thus not unhansomely expressed.
His death happened Anno Domini 870. whose body was placed in a goodly shrine, richly adorned with jewels, and precious stones at Bury in this County. These all are vanished, whilst the name of St. Edmund will ever remain in that Towns denomination.
ROBERT GROSTHEAD. •… ehosaphat seeing four hundred Prophets of Baal together, and suspecting they were too many to be good, cast in that shrewd question; Is there not here a Prophet of the Lord besides? and thereupon Micaiah was mentioned unto him.
Possible the Reader seeing such swarms of Popish Saints in England, will demand; Is there not •… et a Saint of the Lord besi •… es? and I conceive myself concerned to return a true answer, that there is Robert Grosthead by name, whom now we come to describe.
He was born in this County, bred in Oxford, where he became most eminent for Religion and Learning in all kind of Languages, Arts and Sciences, and at last was preferred Bishop of Lincoin, 1235. He wrote no fewer than three hundred Treatises, whereof most are extant in Manuscript in Westminster Library, which D r . Williams (his Successor in the See of Lincoln ) intended to have published in three fair Folio Volumes, had not the late troublesome Times dis-heartened him. Thus our Civil Warrs have not only filled us with Legions of lying Pamphlets, but also deprived us of such a Treasure of Truth, as this worthy Mans works would have proved to all posterity.
He was a stout Opposer of Popish-Oppression in the Land, and a sharp Reprover of the Corruptions of the Court of Rome, as we have largely declared in our Ecclesiastical History. Such the Piety of his Life and Death, that, though loaded with Curses from the Pope, he generally obtained the Reputation of a Saint.
Bellarmine starts a Question, whether one may pray lawfully to him & paint his Picture in the Church, who is not Canonized by the Pope? and very gravely he determineth (a short line will serve to fadom a shallow water ) that privately he may do it, and that a Picture of such a Man may be painted in the Church, provided his head be not encompassed with a Radiated Circle as particular to Canonized Saints. Thus our Learned and Pious Robert must want that addition of a Glory about his Picture, and the matter is not much, seeing no doubt having Turned many to righteousness, he doth shine in Heaven as the brightness of the Firmament. Whose death happened Anno Domini 1254.
Martyrs.
ROWLAND TAYLOR. Where born unknown (though some without any assurance have suggested his Nativity in Yorkshire ) was bred in Cambridge, and became head of Borden Hostle nigh (if not now partly in) Cajus College, where he commenced Doctor of the Laws. Hence he was by Archbishop Cranmer presented to the Rectory of Hadley in this County. He was a great Scholar, painful Preacher, charitable to the Poor, of a comely Countenance, proper Person, (but inclining to corpulency) and cheerful behavior. The same devotion had different looks in several Martyrs, frowning in Stern Hooper, weeping in meek Bradford, and smiling constantly in pleasant Taylor.
Indeed some have censured his merry Conceits as trespassing on the gravity of his calling, especially when just before his death. But surely such Romanists, who admire the temper of S r . Thomas More jesting with the Axe of the Executioner, will excuse our Taylor for making himself merry with the Stake. But though it be ill Jesting with edged Tooles (whereof Death is the sharpest, ) yet since our Savior hath blounted it, his servants may rather be delighted than dismayed with it. Not long after Doctor Taylor set Archbishop Cranmer who was his Patron, a Copy of Patients, who indeed wrote after it, but not with so steady a hand, and so even a Character of constancy. Taylor was martyred at Hadley, February 9, 1555.
ROBERT SAMUEL was Minister of Barfold in this County, who by the cruelty of Hopton Bishop of Norwich and Downing his Chancellor, was tortured in Prison. Not to preserve, but to reserve him for more pain. He was allowed every day but three mouthfuls of Bread, and three spoonfuls of water. Fain would he have drunk his own Urin, but his thirst-parched body afforded none.
I read how he saw a Vision of one all in white, comforting and telling him, that after that day he never should be hungry or thirsty; which came to pass accordingly, being within few hours after martyred at Ipswich, August 31, 1555. Some report that his body when burnt, did shine as bright as burnish'd silver, Sed parcius ista. Such things must be sparingly written by those who would not only avoid untruths, but the appearance thereof. Thus loath to lengthen men's tongues reporting what may seem improbable, and more loath to shorten God's hand in what might be miraculous, I leave the relation, as I found it.
Besides these two, I meet with more than twenty by name martyred ( Confessors doubling that number) whose ashes were scattered all over the County, at Ipswich, Bury, Bekles, &c. It is vehemently suspected, that three of them burnt at Bekles had their death antedated before the Writ, de Haeretico comburendo, could possibly be brought down to the Sheriff. And was not this (to use Tertullian's Latin in some different sense) Festinatio homicidii? Now though Cha •… ity may borrow a point of Law to save life, surely Cruelty should not steal one to destroy it.
Cardinals.
THOMAS WOLSEY, was born in the Town of Ipswich, where a Butcher, a very honest Man, was his Father, though a Poet be thus pleased to descant thereon,
One of so vast undertakings, that our whole Book will not afford room enough for his Character; the writing whereof I commend to some eminent Person of his Foundation of Christ-Church in Oxford.
He was made Cardinal of St. Cecily and died heart-broken with grief at Leicester 1530. without any Monument, which made a great Wit of his own College thus lately complain,
This may truly be said of him, he was not guilty of mischievous pride, and was generally commended for doing Justice, when Chancellor of England.
Prelates.
HERBERT LOSING was born in this County, as our * Antiquary informeth us; In Pago Oxunensi in Sudovolgia Anglorum Comitatu natus: but, on the perusing of all the Lists of Towns in this County, no Oxun appeareth therein, or name, neighbouring thereon in sound and syllables. This I conceive the cause why Bishop Godwin, so confidently makes this Herbert born Oxoniae, in Oxford, in which County we have formerly placed his Character.
However, seeing Bale was an excellent Antiquary, and being himself a Suffolk-man, must be presumed knowing in his own County; and conceiving it possible that this Oxun was either an obscure Church-less-Village, or else is this day disguized under another name, I conceive it just that as Oxford-shire led the Front, Suffolk should bring up the Reer of this Herberts description.
Indeed he may well serve two Counties, being so different from himself and two persons in effect. When young, loose and wild, deeply guilty of the sin of Simony: When old, nothing of Herbert was in Herbert, using commonly the words of St. Jerome; Erravimus juvenes, emendemus senes, When young we went astray, when old we will amend; Now, though some controversy about the place of his birth, all agree in his death, July 22, 1119; and in his burial, in the Cathedral Church of Norwich.
RICHARD ANGERVILE, son to S • . Richard Angervile Knight, was born at Bury in this County, and bred in Oxford, where he attained to great eminency in Learning. He was Governor to King Edward the Third whilst Prince, and afterwards advanced by Him to be successively his Cofferer, Treasurer of his Wardrobe, Dean of Wells, Bishop of Duresme, Chancellor, and lastly Treasurer of England. He bestowed on the poor every week Eight Quarters of Wheat baked in Bread. When he removed from Duresme to Newcastle (twelve short miles) he used to give eight pounds sterling in Alms to the Poor, and so proportionably in other places betwixt his Palaces. He was a great lover of Books, confessing himself Exsiatico quodam librorum amore potenter abreptum, in so much that he alone had more Books than all the Bishops of England in that Age put together, which stately Library by his Will he solemnly bequeathed to the University of Oxford. The most eminent Foreigners were his Friends, and the most Learned Englishmen were his Chaplains, until his death which happened Anno 1345.
JOHN PASCHAL, was born in this County (where his name still continueth) of Gentle Parentage, bred a Carthusian and D. D. in Cambridge. A great Scholar and popular Preacher. Bateman Bishop of Norwich, procured the Pope to make him the umbratile Bishop of Scutari, whence he received as much profit, as one may get heat from a Glow-worm. It was not long before, by the favor of King Edward the Third, he was removed from a very shadow to a slender substance, the Bishopric of Landaffe; wherein he died Anno Domini 1361.
SIMON SUDBURY, aliàs, TIBALD, was born at Sudbury, as great as most, and ancient as any Town in this County. After many mediate preferments (let him thank the Popes provisions ) at last he became Arch-bishop of Canterbury. He began two Synods with Latin Sermons in his own person, as rare in that age as blazing stars, and as ominous; for they portended ill success to Wycliffe and his followers. However this Simon Sudbury, overawed by the God of Heaven, and John Duke of Lancaster, did not (because he could not) any harm unto him. He was killed in the Rebellion of J. Straw and Wat. Tyler, Anno Domini 1381.
And although his shadowey Tomb (being no more than an honourary Cenotaph ) be shown at Christ-Church in Canterbury; yet, his substantial Monument, wherein his Bones are deposited, is to be seen in St. Gregory's in Sudbury, under a Marble stone sometimes inlayed all over with Brass, some four yards long, and two broad, saith mine eyewitnesse-Author (though I confess I never met with any of like dimension) so that in some sense I may also call this a Cenotaph, as not proportioned to the bulk of his Body, but height of his Honor and Estate.
THOMAS EDWARDSTON, so named from his Birth-place Edwarston in this County (a Village formerly famous for the Chief Mansion of the Ancient Family of Mounchensey ) bred first in Oxford, then an Augustinian Eremite in Clare. He was a great Scholar, as his Works evidence, and Confessor to Lionel Duke of Clarence, whom he attended into Italy, when he married Joland daughter to John Galeaceus Duke of Milan.
J. Pits conceiveth him to have been an Arch-bishop in Ireland, which is utterly disowned by Judicious Sir James Ware. And indeed if Bales words (whence Pits deriveth his intelligence) be considered, it will appear, he never had Title of an Arch-bishop, sed cujusdam Archi-Episcopatus curam accepit, He undertook care of some Arch-bishopric, probably commended in the vacancy thereof to his inspection. And why might not this be some Italian Arch-bishopric, during his attendance on his Patron there, though afterwards (preferring privacy before a pompous charge) he returned into his Native Country, and died at Clare. Anno 1396.
THOMAS PEV •… REL, was born of good Parentage, in this County, bred a Carmelite, and D. D. in Oxford. He was afterwards by King Richard the Second made Bishop of Ossory in Ireland. I say by King Richard the Second, which minds me of a memorable passage, which I have read in an excellent Author.
It may justly seem strange, which is most true, that there are three Bishoprics in Ireland in the Province of Ulster, by name, Derry, Rapho, and Clogher, which neither Queen Elizabeth, nor any of her Progenitors did ever bestow, though they were the undoubted Patrons thereof. So that King James was the first King of England that did ever supply those Sees with Bishops, so that it seems, formerly the Great Irish Lord's in those parts preferred their own Chaplains thereunto.
However the Bishoprics in the South of the Land, were ever in the disposal of Our Kings, amongst which Ossory was one, bestowed on our Peverel. From Ireland he was removed to Landaffe in Wales, then to Worchester in England, being one much esteemed for Learning, as his Books do declare. He died, according to Bishop Godwins account, March the 1, 1417, and lieth buried in his own Cathedral.
STEPHEN GARDINER, was born in Bury St. Edmunds, one of the best airs in England, the sharpness whereof he retained in his Wit and quick apprehension. Some make him Base-son to Lionel Woodvile, Bishop of Salisbury, which I can hardly believe, Salisbury and St. Edmunds-Bury being six score miles asunder. Besides, time herein is harder to be reconciled than place. For, it being granted an error of youth in that Bishop, and that Bishop vanishing out of this World 1485. Gardener in all probability must be allowed of greater age than he was at his death.
It is confessed by all, that he was a man of admirable natural parts, and memory especially, so conducible to Learning, that one saith, Tantum scimus quantum meminimus. He was b •… ed Doctor of Laws in Trinity-hall in Cambridge, and after many State-Embassies and employments, he was by King Henry the Eighth made Bishop of Winchester. His malice was like what is commonly said of white powder, which surely discharged the Bullet, yet made no report, being secrete in all his acts of cruelty. This made him often chide Bonner, calling him Ass, though not so much for killing poor people, as not for doing it more cunningly.
He was the chief Contriver of what we may call Gardiners-Creed, though consisting but of six Articles, which caused the death of many, and trouble of more Protestants. He had almost cut off one who was, and prevented another forever being a Queen, I mean Katharine Par and the Lady Elizabeth, had not Divine Providence preserved them. He complied with King Henry the Eighth, and was what he would have him; opposed King Edward the Sixth, by whom he was imprisoned and deprived; acted all under Queen Mary, by whom he was restored, and made Lord Chancellor of England.
He is reported to have died more than half a Protestant, avouching that he believed himself and all others only to be justified by the merits of Christ; which if so, then did he verify the Greek and Latin Proverb,
He died at White-hall of the Gout, November the 12th. 1555. and is buried by his own appointment on the Northside of the Choir, over against Bishop Fox, in a very fair Monument. He had done well, if he had parallel'd Bishop Fox (Founder of Corpus Christi College in Oxford ) in erecting some public work, the rather because he died so rich, being reported to have left forty thousand Marks in ready money behind him.
However on one account his memory must be commended for improving his power with Queen Mary to restore some Noble Families formerly depressed. My Author instanceth in some descendan •… e from the Duke of Norfolk, in the Stanhops and the Arundels of Warder Castle. To these give me leave to add the Right Ancient Family of the Hungerfords, to whom he procured a great part of their Patrimony, ceased on by the Crown, to be restored.
Since the Reformation.
JOHN BALE was born at Covie in this County, five miles from Donwich, and was brought up in Jesus -College in Cambridge, being before, or after a Carmelite in Norwich. By the means of Thomas Lord Wentworth, he was converted to be a Protestant. This is that Bale who wrote a Book De scriptoribus Britannicis, digested into nine Centuries, not more beholding to Leland, than I have been to Bale in this Work, and my Church-History. Anno 1552, February the 2d. he was consecrated at Dublin, Bishop of Ossory in Ireland, whence on the death of King Edward the Sixth, he was forced to fly (some of his servants being slain before his eyes) and in his passage over the sea, was taken prisoner by Pirates, sold, ransomed, and after many dangers safely arrived in Switzerland.
After the death of Queen Mary, he returned into England, but never to his Irish Bishopric, preferring rather a private life, being a Prebendary of the Church of Canterbury. One may wonder, that being so Learned a Man, who had done and suffered so much for Religion, higher promotion was not forced upon him, seeing about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth, Bishoprics went about begging able men to receive them. But probably he was a person, more Learned than discreet, fitter to write than to govern, as unable to command his own passion, and Biliosus Balaeus passeth for his true Character. He died in the sixty eighth year of his Age at Canterbury (Anno Domini 1563, in the month of November ) and was buried in the Cathed •… all Church therein.
JOHN MAY was born in this County, bred in the •… niversity of Cambridge, whereof he became Proctor 1545, Elected Master of Katharine-hall 1564, Vice-Chancellor 1569, and at last consecrated Bishop of Carlisle, Sept. 27, 1577, continuing eleven years in that See, and died in April 1598.
JOHN OVERAL, D. D. born a •… Hadley in this County, was bred in the Free-School therein, till sent to St. Johns, then to Trinity College in Cambridge whereof he was Fellow, and there chosen Regius Profess •… r; one of the most profound School-Divines of the English Nation. Afterwards by the Queens absolute mandate (to end a contention betwixt two Corrivals) not much with his will he was made Master of Katharine-hall. For when Archbishop Whitgift joyed him of the place, he returned that it was Terminus diminuens, taking no delight in his preferment. But his Grace told him, That (if the injuries, much more) the less courtesies of Princes must be thankfully taken, as the Ushers to make way for greater, as indeed it came to pass.
For, after the death of D r . Nowel, he was (by the especial recommendation of S r . Fulke Grevil ) made Dean of St. Paul's. Being appointed to preach before the Queen, he professed to my Father (most intimate with him) that he had spoken Latin so long it was troublesome to him to speak English in a continued Oration. He frequently had those words of the Psalmist in his mouth, When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth, surely every man is vanity.
I cite it the rather out of the new Translation (something different from the old) because he was so eminent an Instrument employed therein. King James made him Bishop of Norwich, where he was a discreet presser of Conformity, on which score he got the ill will of many dis-affected thereunto, and died Anno 1618.
LEONARD MAW, was born at * Rendlesham in this Connty, a remarkable place Iassure you, which, though now a Country Village, was anciently the Residence of the Kings of the East-Angles. Where King Redwald, a Mongrel Christian, kept at the same time Altare & Arulam, the Communion Table, and Altars for Idols.
He was bred in Cambridge, where he was Proctor of the University, Fellow, and Master of Peter-house, after of Trinity College, whereof he deserved well, showing what might be done in five years by good Husbandry to dis-engage that Foundation from a great debt.
He was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was a Prince, and waited on him in Spain, by whom he was preferred Bishop of Bath and Wells. He had the Reputation of a good Scholar, a grave Preacher, a mild man, and one of Gentil Deportment. He died Anno Domini 163..
RALPH BROUNRIG, D. D. was born at Ipswich of Parents of Merchantly condition. His Father died in his Infancy, and his Mother did not carelessly cast away his youth (as the first Broachings of a Vessel ) but improved it in his Education at School, till he was sent to Pembroke-hall in Cambridge, and afterwards became Scholar and Fellow thereof.
King James coming to Cambridge, was (amongst others) entertained with a Philosophy Act, and M r . Brounrig was appointed to perform the Joco-serious part thereof, who did both to the wonder of the Hearers.
Herein he was like himself, that he could on a sudden be so unlike himself and instantly vary his words and matter from mirth to solidity. No man had more ability, or less inclination to be Satyrical, in which kind posse & nolle is a rarity indeed. He had wit at will, but so that he made it his Page, not Privy Counselor, to obey, not direct his Judgment. He carried Learning enough in numerato about him in his pockets for any Discourse, and had much more at home in his chests for any serious Dispute. It is hard to say whether his loyal memory, quick fancy, solid judgment, or fluent utterance, were most to be admired, having not only flumen, but fulmen eloquentiae, being one who did teach with Authority.
When commencing Bachelor in Divinity, he chose for his Text, Vobis autem, &c. It is given to you, not only to believe, but suffer in the behalf of Christ. A Text somewhat Prophetical to him, who in the Sequele of his life met with affronts to exercise his Prudence and Patience, being afterwards defied by some, who [almost] Deified him before, in whose Eyes he seemed the blacker, for wearing white sleeves, when 1641 made Bishop of Exeter.
I was present at his Consecration Sermon, made by his good Friend Doctor Younge, taking for his Text, The waters are risen, O Lord, the waters are risen, &c. wherein he very gravely complained of the many invasions which Popular violence made on the Privileges of Church and State. This Bishop himself was soon sadly sensible of such Inundations, and yet by the Proc •… rity of his parts and piety, he not only safely waded thorough them himself, but also, (when Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge ) by his prudence raised such Banks, that those overflowings were so not destructive, as otherwise they would have been to the University.
He continued constant to the Church of England, a Champion of the needful use of the Liturgy, and for the Privileges of Ordination to belong to Bishops alone. Unmoveable he was in his principles of Loyalty, witness this instance.
O. P. with some show of respect unto him, demanded the Bishops Judgment ( non plusit it seems himself) in some business, to whom he returned, My Lord, the best counsel I can give you, is, Give unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's, with which free answer O. P. was rather silenced than satisfied.
About a year before his death, he was invited by the Society of both Temples to be their Preacher, admirably supplying that place, till strong fits of the Stone, with Hydropical Inclinations, and other distempers incident to phletorick Bodies, caused his death.
I know all Accidents are minuted and momented by Divine Providence, and yet I hope I may say without sin, his was an untimely death, not to himself (prepared thereunto) but as to his longer life which the prayers of pious people requested, the need of the Church required, the date of Nature could have permitted, but the pleasure of God (to which all must submit) denied. Otherwise he would have been most instrumental to the composure of Church differences, the deserved opinion of whose goodness had peaceable possession in the hearts of the Presbyterian party. I observed at his Funeral that the prime persons of all Perswasions were present, whose Judgments going several ways met all in a general grief for his decease. He was buried on the cost of both Temples, to his great, but their greater honor.
The Reader is referred for the rest, to the Memorials of his life, written by the Learned Doctor John Gauden, who preached his Funeral Sermon, and since hath succeeded him, both in the Temple and Bishopric of Exeter. His dissolution happened in the 67th. year of his Age, Decemb. 7, 1659, and was buried the week following in the Temple Church.
States-men.
S • . NICHOLAS BACON, Knight, was born in this County, not far from the famous Abbey of St. Edmunds Bury, and I have read that his Father was an Officer belonging thereunto. His name I assure you is of an Ancient Gentry in this Shire as any whatsoever. He was bred in Bennet College in Cambridge, to which afterwards he proved a bountiful Benefactor, building a beautiful Chapel therein.
He afterwards applied himself to the study of the Common Law: and was made Attorney to the Court of Wards, whence he was preferred Lord Keeper of the Great Seal in the First of Queen Elizabeth, 1558. He married Anne, second daughter to S • . Anthony Cook, of Giddy-hall in Essex, Governor to King Edward the Sixth. And it is worthy of our observation, how the Sates-men in that Age were arched together in affinity, to no small support one to another.
- Sir John Cheek, Secretary to K. Edward the Sixth, whose sister was first wife to S r William Cecil Secretary to the same King.
- Sir Will. Cecil aforesaid for his second wife married the wives sister unto this Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper.
- S r . Francis Walsingham Secretary to Queen Elizabeth had a sister married unto Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
- Sir Franc. Walsingham was also brother in Law unto Sir Tho. Randolph, that grand States-man & Ambassador.
To return to Sir Nicholas Bacon he was condemned by some who seemed wise, and commended by those that were so, for not causing that S •… atute to be repealed (the Queen relying on him as her Oracle of Law) whereby the Queen was made illegitimate in the days of her Father. For this wise States-man would not open that wound, which time had partly closed, and would not meddle with the variety, yea, contrariety of Statutes in this kind, whereby people would rather be perplexed than satisfied; but derived her right from another Statute which allowed her succession, the rather, because Lawyers maintain; That a Crown once worn cleareth all defects of the wearer thereof.
He continued in his Office about eighteen years, being a Man of rare wit and deep experience,
For he was loaden with a corpulent body, especially in his old Age, so that he would be not only. out of breath, but also almost out of life, with going from Westminster-hall to the Star-chamber, in so much when sitting down in his place, it was some time before he could recover himself. And therefore it was usual in that Court, that no Lawyer should begin to speak till the Lord Keeper held up his staff as a signal to him to begin.
He gave for his Motto, Mediocria Firma, and practiced the former part thereof Mediocria; Never attaining, because never affecting, any great Estate. He was not for Invidious Structures (as some of his Contemporaries) but delighted in Domo Domino pari. Such as was his house at Gorhambury in Hartfordshire. And therefore when Queen Elizabeth coming thither in progress, told him, My Lord, your house is too little for you; No Madam (returned he no less wittely than gratefully) But it is your Highness that hath made me too great for mine house. Now as he was a just practiser of the first part of this Motto Mediocria, so no doubt, he will prove a true Prophet in the second part thereof Firma, having left an Estate rather good than great to his posterity, whose eldest son Sir Edward Bacon in this County was the first Baronet of England. He died on the 20th. of February, 1578, and Iieth buried in the Choir of St. Paul's. In a word he was a goodman, a grave States-man, a Father to his Country, and Father to Sir FRANCIS BACON.
Sir WILLIAM DRUERY, was born in this County, where his Worshipful Family had long flourished at Haulsted. His name in Saxon soundeth a Pearl, to which he answered in the preciousness of his disposition, clear and hard, innocent and valiant, and therefore valued deservedly by his Queen, and Country.
His youth he spent in the French Wars, his middle in Scotland, and his old Age in Ireland. He was Knight Marshal of Barwick, at what time the French had possessed themselves of the Castle of Edinburgh, in the minority of King James. Queen Elizabeth employed this Sir William with 1500 men to besiege the Castle, which service he right worthily performed, reducing it within few days to the true owner thereof.
Anno 1575 he was appointed Lord President of Mounster, whether he went with competent Forces, and executed impartial Justice in despite of the Opposers thereof. For as the Sign of Leo, immediately precedeth Virgo and Libra in the Zodiac, so no hope that innocence will be protected, or Justice administered in a Barbarous Country where power and strength do not first secure a passage unto them. But the Earl of Desmond opposed this good President, forbidding him to enter the County of Kerry, as a Palatinate, peculiarly appropriated unto himself.
Know by the way as there were but four Palatinates in England, Chester, LancasterDurham and Eli, (whereof the two former many years since were in effect invested in th •… Crown) there were no fewer than eight Palatinates in Ireland, possessed by their Respective Dynasts, claiming Regal Rites therein, to the great retarding of the absolute Conquest of that Kingdom. Amongst these (saith my Author) Kerry became the Sanctuary of sin, and Refuge of Rebels, as out-lawed from any English Jurisdiction.
Sir William, no whit terrified with the Earls threatening, entered Kerry, with a competent Train, and there dispensed Justice to all persons, as occasion did require. Thus with his seven-score men, he safely forced his return through seven hundred of the Earls, who sought to surprise him. In the last year of his life, he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland, and no doubt had performed much in his place, if not afflicted with constant sickness, the fore-runner of his death at Waterford, 1598.
Sir ROBERT NAUNTON, was born in this County, of Right ancient Extraction, some avouching that his Family were here before, others that they came in with the Conqueror, who rewarded the chief of that Name for his service with a great Inheretrix given him in marriage. In so much that his Lands were then estimated at (a vast sum in my Judgment) seven hundred pounds a year. For along time they were Patrons of Alderton in this County, where I conceive Sir Robert was born.
He was first bred Fellow Commoner in Trinity College, and then Fellow of TrinityHall in Cambridge. He was Proctor of the University, Anno Domini 160 0/1, which Office according to the Old Circle returned not to that College but once in forty four years. He addicted himself from his youth to such studies, as did tend to accomplish him for Public employment. I conceive his most excellent piece called Fragmenta Regalia, set forth since his death, was a fruit of his younger years.
He was afterwards sworn Secretary of State to King James on Thursday the eighth of January, 1617. which place he discharged with great ability and dexterity. And I hope it will be no offense here to insert a pleasant passage.
One M r . Wiemark a wealthy Man, great Novilant, and constant Paul's walker, hearing the News that day of the beheading of Sir Walter Raleigh: His head (said he) would do very well on the shoulders of Sir Robert Naunton, Secretary of State. These words were complained of, and Wiemark summoned to the Privy Council, where he pleaded for himself, that he intended no dis-respect to M r . Secretary, whose known Worth was above all detraction; Only he spake in reference to an old Proverb, Two heads are better than one. And so for the present he was dismissed. Not long after, when rich men were called on for a Contribution to St. Paul's, Wiemark at the Council-Table subscribed a hundred pounds, but M r . Secretary told him two hundred were better than one, which betwixt fear and charity Wiemark was fain to subscribe.
He died Anno Domini 163.. leaving one daughter, who first was married to Paul Viscount Banning, and after to the Lord Herbert, eldest son to Philip Earl of Pembroke.
Capital Judges.
JOHN de METINGHAM was born in this County (where Metingham is a Village in Wang ford Hundred not far from Bongey ) and was Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the reign of King Edward the Third. It is reported, to his eternal praise that when the rest of the Judges (18 Edw. 3.) were fined and outed for corruption, this Metingham and Elias de Beckingham continued in their places, whose innocence was of proof against all accusations, and as Caleb and Josh •… a amongst the Jury of false Spies, so these two amongst the Twelve Judges only retained their integrity. King Edward in the 20th of his reign directed a Writ unto him about the stinting of the number of the Apprentices and Attorneys at Law, well worth the inserting.
D. Rex injunxit John de Metingham & Sociis suis, quod ipsi per discre •… ionem eorum provideant & Ordinent numerum certum e quolibet Comitatu de melioribus & legalioribus & libentius add scentibus, secundum quod intellexerint, quod Curiae suae & populo de regno melius valere poterit, &c. Et videturRegi & ejus Consilio quod Septies viginti sufficere poterint. Apponant tamen praefati Justiciarii plures, si viderint esse faciendum, vel numerum anticipent.
The Lord the King hath enjoined John de Metingham and his Assistants, that they according to their discretion provide and ordain a certain number out of every County of such persons which according to their understanding, shall appear unto them of the better sort and most Legal and most willingly applying themselves to the learning of the Law, what may better avail for their Court and the good of the people of the Land, &c. And it seems likely to the King and his Council that Sevenscore may suffice for that purpose. However the afore-said Justices may add more if they see it ought to be done, or else they may lessen the number.
Some conceive this number of sevenscore confined only to the Common Pleas, whereof Metingham was Chief Justice. But others behold it as extended to the whole Land, this Judge his known integrity being entrusted in their choice and number, which number is since much increased, and no wonder, our Land being grown more populous, and the people in it more litigious. He died Anno Domini....
Sir JOHN CAVENDISH Knight, was born at Cavendish in this County, (where his name continued until the reign of King Henry the Eighth) bred a Student of the Municipal-Law, attaining to such learning therein, that he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings (or Upper) Bench, July 15, in the 46th. of King Edward the Third, discharging his place with due commendation, until his violent death on the fifth of King Richard the Second on this occasion.
John Raw, a Priest, contemporary with Jack Straw and Wat Tyler, advanced Robert Westbroome, a Clown, to be King of the Commons in this County, having no fewer than fifty thousand followers. These for eighth days together, in savage sport, caused the heads of great persons to be cut off, and set on Poles to kiss and whisper in one another's ears.
Chief Justice Cavendish chanced then to be in the Country, to whom they bare a double pique; one, because he was honest, the other, learned. Besides, they received fresh news from London, that one John Cavendish his kinsman, had lately killed their Idol Wat Tiler in Smithfield. Whereupon they dragged the Reverend Judge with Sir John of Cambridge, Prior of Bury, into the Market-place there, and beheaded them. Whose innocent blood remained not long unreveng'd, by Spencer the Warlike Bishop of Norwich, by whom this rascal rabble of Rebels was routed and ruined 1381.
Reader, be charitably pleased that this Note may (till better information) preserve the Right of this County unto Sir ROBERT BROKE, a great Lawyer, and Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the reign of Queen Mary. He wrote an Abridgment of the whole Law, a Book of high account. It insinuateth to me a probability of his birth herein, because ( Lawyers generally purchase near the place of their Birth) his Posterity still flourish in a Worshipful equipage at Nacton nigh Ipswich in this County.
Soldiers.
Sir THOMAS WENTWORTH of Nettlested in this County, of a younger Family (confessed by the Crescent in his Coat ) descended from the Wentworths of Wentworth-Woodhouse in York-shire, was created Baron Wentworth by King Henry the Eighth. He was a stout and valiant Gentleman, a cordial Protestant, and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors, John Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel, and gratefully acknowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite.
The memory of this good Lord is much (but unjustly) blemished, because Calis was lost the Last of Queen Mary under his government. The manner hereof was huddled up in our Chronicles (least is best of a bad business) whereof this the effect. The English being secure by reason of the late conquest at St. Quintin, and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof, he sat down before the Town at the time (not when Kings go forth to, but return from battle) of mid-Winter, even on New-years-day. Next day he took the two Forts of Rise-bank and Newnam-bridge (wherein the strength of the City consisted) but whether they were undermined or undermonied it is not decided, and the last left most suspicious. Within three days the Castle of Calis, which commanded the City and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain, was taken, the French wading thorough the ditches (made shallower by their artificial cut) and then entering the Town, were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager, Marshal of Calis, the only man, saith Stow, who was killed in the fight (understand him of note: ) † Others, for the credit of the business, accounting four score lost in that service.
The French re-entering the City the next being Twelfth-day, the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof, made but vain resistance, which (alas) was like the wriggling of a Wormstail after the head thereof is cut off, so that he was forced to take what terms he could get, viz. That the Townsmen should depart (though plundered to a groat ) with their lives; and himself with forty nine more ▪ such as the Duke of Guise should chose, should remain prisoners to be put to ransom.
This was the best news brought to Paris, and worst to London, for many years before. It not only abated the Queens cheer, the remnant of Christmas, but her mirth all the days of her life. Yet, might she thank herself for loosing this Key of France, because hanging it by her side with so slender a string, there being but five hundred Soldiers effectually in the Garrison, too few to manage such a piece of importance.
The Lord Wentworth, the second of June following, was solemnly condemned for Treason, though un-heard, as absent in France, which was not only against Christian charity, but Roman Justice, Festus confessing it was not fashionable amongst them, To deliver any man to die before he, which is accused, have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
It was well for this Lord that he was detained in France till his ransom was paid, and Queen Mary dead, who otherwise probably had lost his life, if he had had his liberty. But Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown, he found the favor, or rather had the Justice to be tried again, and was acquitted by his Peers, finding it no treachery, cowardice or carelessness in him, but in S r . John Harlston and S r . Ralph Chamberlain, the one Governor of Rise-Bank, the other of Calis-Castle, for which they were both condemned to die, though their judgment was remitted. This Lord was the only person I have read of, who thus in a manner played Rubbers when his head lay at stake, and having lost the fore, recovered the after-game. He died a very aged man 1590.
Sea-men.
THOMAS CAVENDISH, of Trimley in this County Esq. in pursuance of his generous inclination to make foreign discoveries for the use and honor of his Nation, on his own Cost victualled and furnished three Ships (the least of Fleets) as followeth,
| Tunn. |
| 1 The Desire, Admiral of 120 |
| 2 The Content, Vice-Admi •… all of 40 |
| 3 The Hugh-Gallant, Rear-Admiral of 40 |
All three managed by 123 persons, with which he set sail from Plymouth the 21th. of July, 1586.
So prosperous their winds, that by the 26 of August they had gone nine hundred and thirty leagues to the South of Africa. Then bending their course South-West, January the 7th. they entered the mouth of the Magellan-straits; Straits indeed, not only for the narrow passage, but many miseries of hunger and cold, which Mariners must encounter therein. Here M r . Cavendish named a Town Port-famine, and may never distressed Seaman be necessitated to land there. It seems the Spanjards had a design, so to fortify these Straits in places of advantage, as to ingross the passage that none, save themselves, should enter the Southern Sea. But God the promoter of the public good destroyed their intended Monopoly, sending such a mortality amongst their Men, that scarce five of five hundred did survive.
On the 24 of February they entered the South-sea, and frequently landed as they saw occasion. Many their conflicts with the Natives, more with the Spanjards, coming off Gainers in most, and Savers in all encounters, that alone at Quintero excepted, April 1, 1587, when they lost twelve Men of account, which was the cause that the June following they purposely sunk the Rear-Admiral, for want of Men to manage her.
Amongst the many prizes he took in his passage, the St. Anne was the most considerable, being the Spanish Admiral of the Southern-sea, of seven hundred Tuns. However our Cavendish boarded her with his little Ship (a Chicken of the game will adventure on a greater fowl, and leap where he cannot reach ) and mastered her though an hundred and ninety persons therein. There were in the Ship an hundred and two and twenty thousand Pezos (each worth eight shillings) of gold, the rest of the lading being Silks, Sattins, Musks and other rich Commodities. M r . Cavendish his mercy after, equaled his valor in the fight, landing the Spaniards on the Shore, and leaving them plentiful provisions.
Surrounding the East-Indies, and returning for England, the Ship called the Content did not answer her name, whose Men took all occasions to be mutinous, and stayed behind in a road with Stephen Hare their Master, and M r . Cavendish saw her not after. But he, who went forth with a Fleet, came home with a Ship, and safely landed in Plymouth, Sept. 9, 1588. Amongst his Men three most remarkable, M r . John Way their Preacher; M r . Thomas Fuller of Ipswich their Pilot; and M r . Francis Pretty of Eyke in this County, who wrote the whole History of their Voyage.
Thus having circumnavigated the whole Earth, let his Ship no longer be termed the Desire, but the Performance; He was the third Man, and second English Man, of such universal undertakings.
Not so successful his next and last Voyage, begun the 26th. of August, 1591, when he set sail with a Fleet from Plymouth, and coming in the Magellan-straits near a place by him formerly named Port- •… esire, he was the November following, casually severed from his Company, not seen or heard of a •… terward. Pity, so illustrious a life should have so obscure a death. But all things must be, as Being itself will have them to be.
Physicians.
WILLIAM BUTLER was born at Ipswich in this County, where he had one only brother, who going beyond sea turned Papist, for which cause this William was so offended with him, that he left him none of his Estate. I observe this the rather, because this William Butler was causelessly suspected for Popish inclinations. He was bred Fellow of Clare-Hall in Cambridge, where he became the Aesculapius of our Age. He was the first English man who quick' ned Galenical Physic with a touch of Paracelsus, trading in Chemical Receits with great success. His eye was excellent at the instant discovery of a cadaverous face, on which he would not lavish any Art: this made him at the first sight of sick Prince Henry, to get himself out of sight. Knowing himself to be the Prince of Physicians, he would be observed accordingly: Complements would prevail nothing with him, entreaties but little, surly threatenings would do much, and a witty jeer 〈◊〉 anything. He was better pleased with presents than money, loved what was pretty rather than what was costly, and preferred rarities before riches. Neatness he neglected into slovinlyness; and, accounting cuffs to be manacles, he may be said not to have made himself ready for some seven years together. He made his humoursomnesse to become him, wherein some of his Profession have rather aped than imitated him, who had morositatem aequabilem, and kept the tenor of the same surliness to all persons. He was a good Benefactor to Clare-Hall, and dying 1621, he was buried in the Chancel of St. Mary's in Cambridge under a fair Monument. M r . John Crane, that expert Apothecary and his Executour, is since buried by him, and if some eminent Surgeon was interred on his other side, I would say, that Physic lay here in state with its two Pages attending it.
Writers.
HUMPHREY NECTON, was born (though Necton be in Northfolk ) in this County, and quitting a fair fortune from his Father, professed poverty and became a Carmelite in Norwich.
Two Firstships met in this Man, for he Handselled the House-Convent, which Philip Wat in of Cowgate, a prime Citizen, (and almost I could believe him Mayor of the City) did after the death of his Wife in a fit of sorrow give with his whole Estate to the Carmelites.
Secondly, He was the first Carmelite, who in Cambridge took the Degree of Doctor in Divinity. •… orsome boggled much thereat as false Heraldry in Devotion, to super-induce a Doctoral hood over a Friers Coul, till our Necton adventured on it. For though Poverty might not affect Pride, yet Humility may admit of Honor. He flourished under King Henry the Third, and Edward the First, at Norwich, and was buried with great solemnity by those of his Order, Anno Dom. 1303.
JOHN HORMINGER was born of good Parents in this County, and became very accomplished in Learning. It happened that travelling to Rome he came into the company of Italians (the admirers only of themselves, and the Slighters-General of all other Nations,) vilifying England, as an inconsiderable Country', whose Ground was as barren, as the people Barbarous. Our Horminger, impatient to hear his Mother▪land traduced, spake in her defense, and fluently Epitomized the commodities thereof. Returning home he wrote a Book De Divitiis & Deliciis Angliae, of the Profit and Pleasure of England; which had it come to my hand, O how advantageous had it been to my present design! He flourished 1310.
THOMAS of ELY was born in this County. For though Cambridge-shire boasteth of Eli (so famous for the Cathedral) yet is there Monks-Eli in Suffolk, the Native Town of this Thomas, who followed the foot-steps of his Countryman Necton, being a Carmelit •… (but in Ipswich ) and afterwards Doctor in the University of Cambridge, aith my Author, of Both Divinities.
But the same hand, which tieth, untieth this knot, giving us to understand that thereby are meant Scholastical and Interpretative Divinity, seeming to import them in that Age to have been distinct Faculties, till afterwards united, as the Civil and Common Law, in one profession.
Leaving his Native Land, he travelled over the seas with others of his Order, to Bruges in Flanders, and there kept Lectures and Disputations, as one Gobelike (a formidable Author) informeth my Informer, till his death about 1320.
RICHARD LANHAM was born at a Market-Town well known for Cloathing in this County, and bred (when young) a Carmelite in Ipswich. He made it his only request to the Trefect of his Convent, to have leave to study in Oxford, which was granted him, and deservedly, employing his time so well there, that he proceeded Doctor with public applause. Lelands Pencil paints him Pious and Learned, but Bale cometh with his spunge, and in effect deletes both, because of his great Antipathy to the Wicklevites. However his Learning is beyond contradiction, attested by the Books he left to Posterity. Much difference about the manner and place of his death, some making him to decease in his Bed at Bristol, others to be beheaded in London with Sudbury Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and Hales Master of St. 〈◊〉 of Jerusalem ) by the Rebellious Crew of Wat Tyler, who being a Misogrammatist (if a good Greek word may be given to so Barbarous a Rebel) hated every man that could write or read, and were the more incensed against Lanham for his eminent Literature. He died Anno Dom. 1381.
JOHN KINYNGHAM was born in this County, bred a Carmelite first in Ipswich, then in Oxford, being the 25th. Prefect of his Order, in England and Ireland, Confessor to John of Gant and his Lady. He was the first who encountered Wycliffe in the Schools at Oxford, disputing of Philosophical Subtilties, and that with so much Ingenuity, that Wycliffe, much taken with the Mans modesty, prayed heartily for him that his Judgment might be convinced. But whether with so good success, wherewith Peter Martyr besought God on the same account for 〈◊〉 Gilpin, I know not. He died a very aged man Anno 1399, and was buried at York far, I confess, from Ipswich his first fixation. But it was usual for Prefects of Orders, to travel much in their Visitations.
JOHN LYDGATE was born in this County at a Village so called, bred a Benedictine Monk in St. Edmunds-Bury. After some time spent in our English Universities, he travelled over France and Italy, improving his time to his great accomplishment. Returning, he became Tutor to many Noble-men's sons, and both in Prose and Poetry was the best Author of his Age. If Chaucers Coin were of a greater weight for deeper learning, Lydgates were of a more refined Standard for purer language, so that one might mistake him for a modern Writer. But because none can so well describe him as himself, take an Essay of his Verses, excusing himself, for deviating in his Writings from his Vocation.
He lived to be 60 years of age, and died about the year 1444, and was buried in his own Convent with this Epitaph,
As for the numerous and various Books, which he wrote of several subjects, Bale presenteth us with their perfect Catalogue.
JOHN BARNYNGHAM, born at a Village so named in this County, was bred a Carmelite in Ipswich, and afterwards proceeded Doctor in Oxford, thence going to Serbon (the Cock-pit of controversies) was there admitted to the same Degree.
Trithemius takes notice of his parts and perfections, allowing him Festivum ingenium & ad quodcunque deflexum, having a subtle and supple Wit, so that he could be what he would be, a great Master of Defense in the Schools, both to guard and hit. Bale saith, he saw his Works in Cambridge fairly written in four great Volumes. Weary with his long Race beyond the seas, he returned at last to the place whence he started, and retiring to his Convent, whereof he was Ruler at Ipswich, died there January 22, 1448.
JOHN of BURY was an Augustinian in Clare, Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge, Provincial of his Order thorough England and Ireland, no mean Scholar and a great opposer of Reginald Peakock and all other Wicklevites. He flourished Anno 1460.
THOMAS SCROOPE was born at Bradley in this County, (but extracted from the Lord Scroop in York-shire ) who rolled through many professions.
- 1 He was a Benedictine, but found that Order too loose for his conscience.
- 2 A Carmelite of Norwich as a stricter profession.
- 3 An Anchorite (the dungeon of the prison of Carmelitisme ) wherein he lived twenty years.
- 4 Dispensed with by the Pope, he became Bishop of Drummore in Ireland.
- 5 Qui •… ing his Bishopric, he returned to his solitary life, yet so, that once a week he used to walk on his bare •… eet and preach the Decalogue in the Villages round about.
He lived to be extremely aged, for about the year 1425 clothed in sack-clothe and girt with an iron chain, he used to cry out in the streets,
Thomas Waldensis the great Anti-Wicklevite, was much offended thereat; protesting, it was a scandal and disgrace to the Church. However our Scroope long out-lived him, and died aged well nigh 100 years, Non sine sanctitatis opinione, say both Bale and 〈◊〉 ; And it is a wonder they meet in the same opinion. He was buried at 〈◊〉 in this County, Anno 1491.
Since the Reformation.
RICHARD SIRS was born in the edge of this County (yet so, that Essex seemeth to have no share in him) nigh Sudbury and was bred a Fellow of St. Johns College in Cambridge. He proved afterwards a most profitable Preacher to the Honorable Society of Grais-Inn, whence he was chosen Master of St. Katharine-hall in Cambridge. He found the House in a mean condition, the Wheel of St. Katharine having stood still (not to say gone backwards) for some years together, he left it replenished with Scholars, beautified with Buildings, better endowed with Revenues. He was most eminent for that grace, which is most worth, yet cost the least to keep it, ( viz.) Christian humility. Of all points of Divinity he most frequently pressed that of Christ's Incarnation, and if the Angels desired to pry into that Mystery, no wonder if this Angelical Man had a longing to look therein. A Learned Divine imputed this good Doctors great humility to his much meditating on that point of Christ's humiliation, when he took our flesh upon him. If it be true what some hold in Physic, that Omne par nutrit suum par, that the Vitals of our Body are most strengthened by feeding on such Meat as are likest unto them, I see no absurdity to maintain, that Men's souls improve most in those graces, whereon they have most constant meditation, whereof this worthy Doctor was an eminent instance. He died in the 58th year of his Age, Anno Domini 1631.
WILLIAM ALABLASTER was born at Hadley in this County, and by marriage was Nephew to Doctor John Still, Bishop of Bath and Wells. He was bred Fellow in Trinity College in Cambridge. A most rare Poet as any our Age or Nation hath produced: witness his Tragedy of Roxama admirably acted in that College, and so pathetically; that a Gentle-woman present thereat (Reader I had it from an Author whose credit it is sin with me to suspect) at the hearing of the last words thereof, sequar, sequar so hideously pronounced, fell distracted and never after fully recovered her senses.
He attended Chaplain in Calis -voyage on Robert Earl of Essex, where he was so affected with the beauty of Popish Churches and the Venerable respect the Papists gave to their Priests, that he staggered in his own Religion. There wanted not those of the Romish party to force his fall, whom they found reeling; working on his Ambition, who complained of the slowness of preferment in England, which followed not so fast as in due time to overtake his deserts; so that soon after he turned a Papist.
Yet it was not long before he was out of love with that persuasion; so that, whether because he could not comport with their discipline, who would have made him (who conceived himself at the top ) begin again (according to their course) at the bottom of Human Learning; Or, because (which I rather charitably believe) that upon second thoughts he seriously disgusted the Romish superstition, he returned into his own Country.
It was not long before he was made Prebendary of St. Paul's, and Rector of the rich Parsonage of Tharfield in Hartford-shire. He was an excellent Hebrician and well skilled in Cabalistical Learning, witness his Clerum in Cambridge when he commenced Doctor in Divinity, taking for his Text the first words of the first Book of Chronicles
Besides the literal sense, as they are proper names of the Patriarchs, he mined for a mystical meaning, Man is put or placed for pain and trouble.
How well this agreeth with the Original belongs not to me to inquire; This I know, it had been hard (if not impossible) for him to hold on the same rate, and reduce the proper names in the Genealogies following to such an Appellativeness, as should compose a continued sense. He died Anno Domini 163..
SAMUEL WARD was born at Haveril in this County, where his Father had long been a painful Minister of the place, and I remember I have read this Epitaph written on his Monument in the Chancel there, which I will endeavor to translate;
He bred his son Samuel in Cambridge in Sidney College, whereof he became Fellow, being an excellent Artist, Linguist, Divine and Preacher. He had a sanctified fancy, dexterous in designing expressive pictures, representing much matter in a little model.
From Cambridge he was preferred Minister in, or rather of Ipswich, having a care over and a love from all the Parishes in that populous place. Indeed he had a magnifick Virtue (as if he had learned it from the Load-stone, in whose qualities he was so knowing) to attract people's affections. Yet found he foes as well as friends, who complained of him to the High Commission, where he met with some molestation.
He had three Brethren Ministers, on the same token that some have said, that these four put together, would not make up the abilities of their Father. Nor were they themselves offended with this Hyperbole, to have the Branches lessened, to greaten their Root. One of them, lately dead, was benefic'd in Essex, and following the counsel of the Poet,
hath in a jesting way in some of his Books delivered much Smart-Truth of this present Times. M r . Samuel died 163..
JOHN BOISE, Born at Elmeseth in this County, being son of the Minister thereof. He was bred first in Hadley-School, then in St. Johns College in Cambridge, and was deservedly chosen Fellow thereof. Here he (as a Volonteer ) read in his bed a Greek Lecture to such young Scholars, who preferred Antelucana studia before their own ease and •… est. He was afterwards of the Quorum in the translating of the Bible, and whilst St. Chrysostom lives M r . Boise shall not die, such his learned pains on him in the edition of Sir Henry Savil. Being Parson of Boxworth in Cambridge-shire and Prebendary of Eli, he made a quiet End about the beginning of our Warlike disturbances.
Romish Exile Writers.
ROBERT SOUTHWEL was born in this County, as Pitseus affirmeth, who although often mistaken in his locality, may be believed herein, as professing himself familiarly acquainted with him at Rome. But the matter is not much, where he was born, seeing, though cried up by men of his own Profession for his many Books in Verse and Profe, he was reputed a dangerous enemy by the State, for which he was imprisoned and executed, March the 3, 1595.
Benefactors to the Public.
ELIZABETH, third daughter of Gilbert Earl of CLARE and wife to John Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland, I dare not say was born at, but surely had her greatest Honor from Clare in this County. Blame me not, Reader, if I be covetous on any account to recover the mention of her Memory, who Anno 1343 founded Clare-Hall in Cambridge, since augmented by many Benefactors.
Sir SIMON EYRE, son of John Eyre, was born at Brandon in this County, bred in London first an Upholster, then a Draper. In which Profession he profited, that he was chosen Lord Mayor of the City 1445. On his own cost he built Leaden-Hall (for a Common Garner of Corn to the City ) of squared stone in form as it now showeth, with a fair Chapel in the East side of the Quadrant. Over the Porch of which he caused to be written, Dextra Domini exaltavit me, The Lord's right hand hath exalted me. He is elsewhere styled Ho •… orandus & famosus Mercator. He left five thousand Marks, a prodigious sum in that age, to charitable uses, so that if my sight mistake not (as I am confident it doth not) his bounty like Saul stands higher than any others from the shoulders upwards. He departed this life the 18th. of September, Anno Domini 1459. and is buried in the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth in Lombard-street, London.
THOMAS SPRING, commonly called the Rich Clothier, was I believe born, I am sure lived and waxed Wealthy at Laneham in this County. He built the Carved Chapel of Wainscot, in the North-side of the Chancel, as also the Chapel at the South-side of the Church. This Thomas Spring, senior, died Anno 1510, and lieth buried under a Monument in the Chapel of his own erection.
Since the Reformation.
WILLIAM COPPINGER born at Bucks-Hall in this County, where his Family flourisheth at this day in a good esteem. He was bred a Fish-monger in London, so prospering in his Profession that he became Lord Mayor Anno 1512. He gave the half of his Estate (which was very great) to pious uses and relieving of the poor.
His bounty mindeth me of the words of Zacchaeus to our Savior; Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Demand not of me whether our Coppinger made such plentiful restitution, being confident there was no cause thereof, seeing he never was one of the Publicans, persons universally infamous for extortion▪ Otherwise I confess, that that charity, which is not bottomed on Justice, is but built on a foundered foundation. I am sorry to see this Gentleman's ancient Arms (the Epidemical disease of that Age) substracted (in point of Honor) by the addition of a superfluous Bordure.
Sir WILLIAM CORDAL, Knight. Where ever he was born, he had a fair Estate at Long-Melford in this County, and lieth buried in that fair Church under a decent Monument. We will translate his Epitaph, which will perfectly acquaint us, with the great Offices he had, and good offices he did to posterity:
He was made Master of the Rolls November 5th. the Fifth of Queen Mary, continuing therein till the day of his death the 23th of Queen Elizabeth.
Sir ROBERT HICHAM Knight, and Serjeant at Law, was born (if not at) near Nacton in this County, and was very skillful in our Common-Law. By 〈◊〉 practice he got a great Estate, and purchased the fair Manor of Framlingham of the Earl of Suffolk. Herein he met with many difficulties ( knots which would have made another man's Axe turn edge to hew them off) so that, had he not been one of a sharp Wit, strong Brains, powerful Friends, plentiful Purse and indefatigable Diligence, he had never cleared the Title thereof to him and his heirs.
I am willing to believe that gratitude to God (who gave him to wade thorough so many Incumbrances and land safely at last on the peaceable possession of his Purchase ) was the main motive inclining him to leave a great part of his Estate to pious uses, and principally to Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge. He departed this life a little before the beginning of our Civil Wars.
Memorable Persons.
JOHN CAVENDISH Esq. was born at Cavendish in this County, bred at Court, a Servant in ordinary attendance on King Richard the Second, when Wat Tyler played Rex in London. It happ'ned that Wat was woundly angry with Sir John Newton Knight, ( SwordBearer to the King then in presence) for devouring his distance, and not making his approaches mannerly enough unto him; Oh the pride of a self-promoting Pesant! Much bussling a rising thereabout, Sir William Walworth, Lord Mayor of London, arrested Wat and with his Dagger wounded him; and being well stricken in years, wanted not valor but vigor to dispatch him. He is seconded by John Cavendish standing by, who twice or thrice wounded him mortally; my Author complaining, That his death was too worthy, from the hands of honorable persons, for whom the Axe of the Hangman had been too good. I would have said, the H •… lter of the Hangman. But it matters not, by whom a Traitor be killed, so he be killed.
Hereupon the Arms of London were augmented with a Dagger, and, to divide the Honor equally betwixt them, if the Heaft belonged to Walworth, the Blade, or point thereof at least, may be adjudged to Cavendish. Let me add that King Richard himself shown much wisdom and courage in managing this matter, so that in our Chronicles he appeareth wiser Youth than Man; as if he had spent all the stock of his discretion in appeasing this tumult, which happened, Anno Dom. 1381.
- Sir THOMAS COOK, Knight.
- Sir WILLIAM CAPELL, Knight.
I present these pair of Knights in parallels, because I find many considerable occurrences betwixt them in the course of their lives;
- 1 Both were natives of this County, born not far asunder. Sir Thomas at L •… venham, Sir William at Stoke-Neyland.
- 2 Both were bred in London, free of the fame Company of Drapers, and were LordMayors of the City.
- 3 Both by God's blessing on their industry attained great Estates, and were Royal-Merchants indeed. The later is reported by tradition (since by continuance consolidated into Historical truth) that, after a large entertainment made for King Henry the Seventh, he concluded all with a Fire, wherein he burnt many Bonds, in which the King (a Borrower in the beginning of his Reign) stood obliged unto him; (a sweet perfume (no doubt) to so thrifty a Prince) not to speak of his expensive Frolick, when at another time he drank a dissolved Pearl (which cost him many hundreds) in an health to the King.
- 4 Both met with many molestations, Sir Thomas being arraigned for lending money (in the reign of King Edward the Fourth) hardly escaped with his life (thank a good God, a just Judge and a stout Jury) though griveously fined, and long imprisoned. As for Sir William, Empson and Dudley fell with their bodies so heavy upon him, that they squeezed many thousand pounds out of his, into the Kings Coffers.
- 5 Both died peaceably in Age and Honor, leaving great Estates to their Posterities. The Cooks flourishing lately at Giddy-Hall in Essex, in a Worshipful, as the Capels at Hadham in Hartford-shire now in an Honorable condition.
Nor must it be forgotten, that Elizabeth, daughter to Sir William Capel, was married to William Powlet Marquess of Winchester, and Mildred, descended from Sir Thomas Cook to William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, both their husbands being successively Lord Treasurers of England, for above fifty years. Sir Thomas Cook lieth buried in the Church of Augustine •… , London. Sir William Capel in the South-side of the Parish Church of St. Bartholomews (in a Chapel of his own addition) behind the Exchange, though the certain date of their deaths do not appear.
Lord Mayors.
Reader, this is one of the twelve pretermitted Shires, the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the reign of King Henry the Sixth.
Sheriffs.
Know that this County and N •… hfolk had both one Sheriff until the seventeenth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a List of whose names we formerly have presented in the description of Northfolk.
| 〈◊〉 | Place | Arms. |
| Reg. ELIZ | ||
| Anno | ||
| 17 Rob. Ashfield, ar. | Netherhall | Sable, 〈◊〉 Fesse •… ngrailed betwixt 3 flower de Luces, Arg. |
| 18 John. 〈◊〉 , arm. | Sable, a Fesse checkee Or and Azure betwixt 3 Naggs heads erazed, Argent. | |
| 19 Will. Spring, mil. | Lanham | Argent, on a Cheveron between 3 Martlets Gules, as many Cinquefoiles of the Field. |
| 20 Rob. Jermin, mil. | Rushbrook | Sable, a Cressant betwixt 〈◊〉 Mullets, Argent. |
| 21 Philip. Parker, mil. | Arwerton | Argent, a Lion passant Gules betwixt 2 Barrs Setheron 3 Bez •… nts, in Chief as many Bucks heads •… abosed of the third. |
| 22 Th. Bernardiston, m. | Kedington | Azure, a Fesse Dauncette Ermin, betwixt 6 Crosle •… s, Argent. |
| 23 Nich. Bacon, mil. | Culfurth | Gules, on a Chief 〈◊〉 2 Mullets, Sable. |
| 24 Will. Drury, mil. | Halsted | Argent, on a Chief Vert, the letter Tau betwixt 2 Mullets pierced Or. |
| 25 Carol. Framling▪ ham, miles. | ||
| 26 John. Gurdon, arm. | Assington | S. 3 Leopards heads jessant flowers de Luce, Or. |
| 27 Will. Clopton, a •… . | Sable, a Bend Argent betwixt 2 Cotises dauncette, Or. | |
| 28 Geo▪ Clopton, ar. | ut prius | |
| 29 Franc. Jermy, arm. | Arg. a Lion ramp. gardant Gules. | |
| 30 Phil. Tilney, arm. | Shelleigh | Argent, a Cheveron betwixt 3 Griffins-heads erazed, Gules. |
| 31 Will. Walgrave, m. | 〈◊〉 | Party per Pale Argent, and Gu. |
| 32 Tho. Rowse, arm. | Sable, 2 Barrs engrailed Argent. | |
| 33 •… c. Garnish, arm. | Ar. a chev. engr. Az. bet. 3 scallops Sab. | |
| 34 Lionel Talmarsh, 〈◊〉 . | Helminghā | Argent, Fretty Sable. |
| 35 Rob. Forth, arm. | † Or, 3 Bulls-heads coupee Sable. | |
| 36 Tho. †Cro •… , arm. | Saxmundhā | * Ar. on a fess Gu. 3. Garbs Or, between 2 cheverons Az. charged with Escallops, Arg. |
| 37 Will. Spring, mil. | ut prius | |
| 38 Tho. *Eden, arm. | ||
| 39 Antho. Wingfield, | Letheringham | Argent, a Bend Gules cotised able, 3 Wings of the first. |
| 40 Hen. Warner, ar. | ||
| 41 Antho. Felton, ar. | Playford | Gules, 2 Lions passant E •… in, crowned Or. |
| 42 Edw. Bacon, arm. | ut prius | |
| 43 Edwin. Withipol. | Christ Church in Ipswich. | Party per pale Or and Gules, 3 Lions p •… ssant regardant, armed Sable, langued Argent, a Bordure interchanged. |
| 44 Tho. Stutvile, 〈◊〉 . | Dallam | 〈◊〉 , Argent and Gules, a Lion rampant Sable. |
| Nicol. Bacon, miles | ut prius | |
| Reg. JACO. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 〈◊〉 . Bacon, miles. | ut prius | |
| 2 Edm. Bokemham, armiger, | ||
| 〈◊〉 Tho. Playters, arm. | 〈◊〉 | Bendy Wavy of six Argent and Azure. |
| 4 Antho. Penning, ar. | ||
| I •… oho. Wentworth, armiger. | Sable, a Cheveron between 3 Leopa •… ds heads, Or. | |
| 6 Lionel Talmarsh, ar | ut prius | |
| 7 Geo. le Hunt, miles. | ||
| 8 Thom. Tilney, arm. | ut prius | |
| 9 Calthorp Parker, mil. | ut prius | |
| 10 Martin Stutevil. | ut prius | |
| 11 Rob. Brook, miles. | AMP. | |
| 12 Rob. Barker, mil. | Perfess embatt'led Or and Azure 3 martlets counterchanged. | |
| 13 Tho. Clench, arm. | ||
| 14 Lio. Ialmarsh, m. B. | ut prius | Azure, a Cheveron Argent. |
| 15 Edw. Lewkenor, m. | ||
| 16 Io. Wentworth, m. | ut prius | |
| 17 Hen. North, miles. | Azure, a Lion passant Or, between 3 Flower de 〈◊〉 , Ar. | |
| 18 Will. Spring, miles. | ut prius | |
| 19 Will. Wetle, arm. | ||
| 20 Rob. Brook, arm. | ||
| 21 N •… . Bernardiston, m | ut prius | |
| 22 Galf. Pittman, arm. | ||
| Reg. CAROL. | ||
| 1 Sam. Aylemer, arm. | Cleydon | Argent, a Cross Sable betwixt 4 Cornish 〈◊〉 proper. |
| 2 Joha. Prescot, mil. | S. a Chev. betwixt 3 〈◊〉 , Ar. | |
| 3 Maur. Barrowe, ar. | S. 2 swords in Saltire Ar. 〈◊〉 betw. 4 flowers de luce Or, within a Bordure compone of the second and 〈◊〉 | |
| 4 Brampt. Gourden, a. | ut prius | |
| 5 Hen, Hookenham, a. | ||
| 6 Johan, Acton, arm. | ||
| 7 Rob. Crane, miles. | Chyston | Ar. a Fess betw. 3 Cross 〈◊〉 fitchee Gu. |
| 8 Will. *Some, miles. | ||
| 9 Edw. Bacon, miles. | ut prius | Gules, a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mallets, Or. |
| 10 Ioha. Barker, arm. | ut prius | |
| 11 Ioha. Rouse, miles. | ut prius | |
| 12 Phil. Parker, mil. | ut prius | |
| 13 Ed. Duke, armiger. | Brampton | Az a Cheveron betwixt 3 〈◊〉 Argent membred Gules. |
| 14 John. Clench, arm. | ||
| 15 Sim. Dewes, miles. | Stow-Hall | Or, 3 Quatersoil •… s, Gules▪ |
| 16 Will. Spring, arm. | ut prius | |
| 17 Will. 〈◊〉 , a •… | ||
| 18 Maur. Barrowe, ar •… | ut prius | |
| 19 | ||
| 20 Ioha. Cotton, arm | ||
| 21 | ||
| 22 Tho. Blosse, arm. |
Queen ELIZABETH.
18 JOHN HIGHAM Arm.] I find this passage in the Ingenious Michael Lord Montaigne in France, in his Essay * of Glory,
I have no name which is sufficiently mine. Of two I have the one common to all my Race, yea and also to others. There is a Family at Paris, and another at Montpellier, called Montaigne, another in Brittanny, and one in Zantoigne, surnamed de la Montaigne. The removing of one only syllable, may so confound our Web, as I shall have a share in their Glory, and they perhaps a part of my shame. And my Ancestors have heretofore been surnamed HEIGHAM, or HIQUEM a surname which also belongs to an House well known in England.
Indeed the Highams (so * named from a Village in this County) were, (for I suspect them extinct) a right Ancient Family, and S r Clement Heigham, (Ancestor to this John our Sheriff,) who was a Potent Knight in his Generation, lies buried under a fair Tomb in Thorning-Church in Northfolk.
20 ROBERT JERMIN, Miles] He was a Person of singular Piety, a bountiful Benefactor to Immanuel-College, and a man of great command in this County. He was Father to Sir Tho. Jermin (Privy Concellour and Vice-Chamberlain to King Charles the First) Grandfather to Thomas and Henry Jermin Esquires. The younger of these being Lord Chamberlain to our present Queen Mary, and sharing in her Majesty's sufferings during her long Exile in France, was by King Charles the Second deservedly advanced Baron, and Earl of St. Albans.
23 NICHOLAS BACON Miles.] He was son to Sir Nicholas and elder Brother to Sir Francis Bacon, both Lord Chancellors of England, and afterward by King James in the ninth of his reign on the 22 of May created the first Baronet of England.
36 THOMAS CROFTS, Armiger.] He was a Man of Remark in his generation; Father to Sir John Crofts, Grand-father to. . . . Crofts, who for his Fidelity to his Sovereign during his suffering condition, and for several Embassies, worthily performed to the King of Poland and other Princes, was created Baron Crofts by King Charles the Second.
CHARLES the First.
15 SIMONDS DEWES Miles.] This Sir Simonds was Grand-child unto Adrian D •… wes descended of the Ancient Stem of Des Ewes Dynasts or Lord's of the Dition of Kessel in the Duchy of Gelderland: who came first thence, when that Province was wasted with Civil War in the beginning of King Henry the Eighth.
He was bred in Cambridge as appeared by his printed speech (made in the long Parliament) wherein he endeavored to prove it more Ancient than Oxford. His Genious addicted him to the study of Antiquity. Preferring Rust before Brightness, and more conforming his mind to the Garbe of the former than mode of the moderne times. He was studious in Roman Coin to discriminate true ones from such as were cast and counterfeit. He passed not for Price to procure a choice piece, and was no less careful in conserving than curious in culling many rare Records. He had plenty of precious Medals, out of which a methodical Architect might contrive a fair Fabric for the benefit of posterity. His Treasury afforded things as well new as old, on the token that he much admired that the Ordinances and Orders of the late Long Parliament did in Bulks and number exceed all the Statutes made since the Conquest. He was loving to Learned Men to whom he desired to do all good offices, and died about the year of our Lord 1653.
The Fare-well.
To conclude our description of Suffolk, I wish that therein Grain of all kinds may be had at so reasonable rates, that rich and poor may be contented therewith. But if a Famine should happen here, let the poor not distrust Divine providence, whereof their Grand-fathers had so admirable a testimony 15. . When in a general dearth all over England, plenty of Pease did grow on the Sea-shore near Dunwi •… h (never set or sown by human industry) which being gathered in full ripeness, much abated the high prices in the Markets, and preserved many hundreds of hungry Families from famishing.
SURREY hath Middlesex (divided by the Thames ) on the North, Kent on the East, Sussex on the South, •… ant & Bark-shires on the West. It may be allowed to be a Square (besides its Angular expatiation in the South-west ) of two and twenty miles, and is not improperly compared to a Cinnamon-tree whose Bark is far better than the Body thereof. For the skirts and borders bounding this Shire are rich and fruitful, whilst the ground in the inward parts thereof is very hungry and barren, though by reason of the clear Air and clean ways full of many gentile habitations.
Natural Commodities.
Fullers-Earth.
The most and best of this kind in England (not to say Europe ) is digged up nigh Rygate in this County. It is worth 4 d. a Bushel at the Pit; 16 d. at the Wharfe in London, 3 s. at Newbury, and Westward twice as dear. Double the use thereof in making Cloath, to scour out stains, and to thicken it, or (to use the Trades-man's term ) to bring it to proof. Though the transporting thereof be by Law forbidden, yet private profit so prepondereth the public, that Ships ballasted therewith are sent over into Holland, where they have such Magazins of this Earth, that they are ready (on their own rates ) to furnish us therewith, if there should be any occasion▪.
And now we are mentioning of Earth, near Non-such is a Vein of Potters-Earth, much commended in its kind, of which Crusibles are made for the melting of Gold, and many other necessary Utensils.
Wall-Nuts.
As in this County, and in Cash-Haulton especially, there be excellent Trouts: so are there plenty of the best Wall-nuts in the same place, as if Nature had observed the Rule of Physic, Post Pisces Nuces. Some difficulty there is in cracking the Name thereof, why Wall-Nuts;