The History of the Worthies of England

Richard I.

3 WILLIELMUS BRIEWERE,]

He was so called, (saith my Author) because his Father was born upon an Heath, though by the similitude of the Name, one would have suspected him born amongst briers. But see what a poor man's child may come to: He was such a Minion to this King Richard the first, that he created him Baron of Odcomb in Sommersetshire. Yea, when one Fulk Paynell was fallen into the Kings displeasure, he gave this William Briewere the Town of Bridgewater, to procure his reingratiating. His large inheritance (his son dying without issue) was divided amongst his Daughters, married into the honorable Families of Breos, Wake, Mohun, La-fert, and Percy.

8

• PHILIPPUS filius ROB.]
• ALAN. de MARTON.]

It is without precedent, that ever two persons held the Shrevalty of one County, jointly, or in Co-partnership, London or Middlesex alone excepted, (whereof hereafter.) However, if two Sheriffs appear in One year, (as at this time, and frequently hereafter) such Duplication cometh to pass by one of these Accidents;

• 1. Amotion of the first put out of his place for misdemeanor, (whereof very rare precedents) and another placed in his Room.
• 2. Promotion. When the first is advanced to be a Baron in the year of his Shrevalty, and another substituted in his Office.
• 3. Mort. The former dying in his Shrevalty, not privileged from such Arrests to pay his Debt to Nature.

In these cases Two (and sometimes Three ) are found in the same year, who successively discharged the office. But if no such mutation happened, and yet two Sheriffs be found in one year, then the second must be understood Sub-vice-comes, (whom we commonly also call Mr. Sheriff in courtesy,) his Deputy, acting the affairs of the County under his Authority. However, if he who is named in this our Catalogue in the second place, appear the far more Eminent Person, there the Intelligent Reader will justly suspect a Transposition, and that by some mistake the Deputy is made to precede him, whom he only represented.

Be it here observed, that the place of Under-Sheriffs in this age was very honorable, not hackned out for profit. And although some uncharitable people (unjustly I hope) have nowadays fixed an ill character on those who twice together discharged the place, yet anciently the office befitted the best persons; little difference betwixt the High-Sheriff and Under-Sheriff, save that he was under him, being otherwise a man of great credit and Estate.

Henry III.

2 FULCO de BREANTEE. Oxf. ]

This Fulco, or Falkerius, or Falkesius de Breantee, or Breantel, or Brent, (so many several ways is he written,) was for the first six years of this King High-Sheriff of Oxford, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Bedford, Buckingham, and Northampton shires, (Counties continued together) as by perusing the Catalogues will appear. What this Vir tot locorum, Man of so many places was, will be cleared in Middlesex, the place of his Nativity.

56 ROG. EPIS. COVENT. & LICH.]

That Bishops in this age were Sheriffs of Counties in their own Dioceses, it was usual and obvious. But Bark-shire lying in the Diocese of Sarum, Oxfordshire of Lincoln, that the far distant Bishop of Coventry and Lich. should be their Sheriff, may seem extraordinary and irregular.

This first put us on the inquiry who this Roger should be, and on search we found him surnamed De Molend, aliàs Longespe, who was Nephew unto King Henry the third, though how the kindred came in I cannot discover. No wonder then if his royal relation promoted him to this place, contrary to the common course; the King in his own great age, and absence of his Son Prince Edward in Palestine, desiring to place his Confidents in offices of so high trust.

Edward II.

6 PHIL. de la BEACH]

Their Seat was at Aldworth in this County, where their Statues on their Tombs are Extant at this day, but of Stature surely exceeding their due Dimension. It seems the Grecian Officers have not been here, who had it in their Charge to order Tombs, and proportion Monuments to the Persons represented. I confess Corps do stretch and extend after their Death, but these Figures extend beyond their Corps, and the People there living extend their Fame beyond their Figures, Fancying them Giants, and fitting them with Porportionable Performances. They were indeed most Valiant men, and their Male Issue was extinct in the next Kings Reign, whose Heir General (as appeareth by the H •… ralds Visitation, ) was married to the ancient Family of WHITLOCK.

Henry IV.

2 THOMAS CHAUCER.]

He was sole son to Geffery Chaucer, that famous Poet, from whom he inherited fair lands, at Dunnington-Castle in this County, and at Ewelme in Oxfordshire. He married Maud daughter and coheir of Sir John Burwash, by whom he had one only daughter named Alice, married unto William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk. He lieth buried under a fair tomb in Ewelme Church, with this inscription. Hic jacet Thomas Chaucer, Armiger, quondam Dominus istius villae & Patronus istius Ecclesiae, qui obiit 18. die Mensis Novembris Anno Dom. 1434. & Matilda uxor ejus, quae obiit 28. mensis Aprilis Anno Domini 1436.

Henry V.

1 THOMAS WIKHAM.]

I behold him as kinsman, and next heir to William Wykham, that famous Bishop of Winchester, to whom the Bishop left, notwithstanding above six thousand pounds bequeathed by him in legacies, (for the discharge whereof he left ready money) one hundred pound lands a year. As for his Arms, viz. Argent, two Cheverons Sable between three Roses Gules; a most ingenious Oxfordian conceiveth those Cheverons (aliàs Couples in Architecture) given him in relation to the two Colleges he built, the one in Oxford, the other in Winchester. It will be no sin to suspect this, no original of, but a post-nate-allusion to his Arms, who was (whatever is told to the contrary) though his parents were impoverished, of a Knightly extraction. But if it was his assigned, and not hereditary Coat, it will be long enough ere the Heralds Office grant another to any upon the like occasion.

Henry VI.

JOHANES GOWFRE, Ar.

No doubt the same with him who 2 ^do Hen. 5 ^nti . was written John Golofre. He is the first person who is styled Esquire, though surely all who were before him were (if not Knights ) Esquires at the least: And afterwards this addition grew more and more fashionable in the Reign of King Henry the sixth. For after that •… ack Straw (one of the grand founders of the Levellers ) was defeated, the English Gentry, to appear above the common sort of people, did in all public instruments insert their Native or acquired Qualifications.

Edward IV.

8 JOHN HOWARD, Miles.]

He was son to Sir Robert Howard, and soon after was created a Baron by this King, and Duke of Northfolk by King Richard the third, as Kinsman and one of the Heirs of Anne Dutchess of York and Northfolk, whose Mother was one of the Daughters of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Northfolk. Soon after he lost his life in his quarrel who gave him his honor in Bosworth field.

From him descended the Noble and Numerous family of the Howards, of whom I told four Earls and two Barons sitting in the last Parliament of King Charles. I have nothing else for the present to observe of this Name, save that a great Antiquary will have it originally to be Holdward (L. and D. being omitted for the easier pronunciation) which signifieth the Keeper of any Castle, Hold, or Trust committed unto them, wherein they have well answered unto their Name. Did not Thomas Howard Earl of Surry well hold his ward by Land, when in the reign of King Henry the eighth he conquered the Scots in Flodden-field, and took James the fourth their King Prisoner? And did not Charles Howard (afterwards Earl of Nottingham) hold his ward by Sea in 88. when the Armado was defeated? But hereof (God willing) hereafter;

15 HUMPHRY FOSTER, Ar.]

This must be he (consent of times avowing it) who was afterwards Knighted, and lieth buried in Saint Martin •… in the Fields London, with the following inscription.

Hen •… y VII.

8 ROBERT HARECOURT, Miles.]

Right ancient is this family in France, having read in a French Herald who wrote in the reign of King Edward the sixth, that it flourished therein eight hundred years, as by a Genealogy drawn by him should appear.

Of this Family (for both give the same Coat at this day ( viz.) G •… les two Barrs Or, ) a younger branch coming over at the Conquest, fixed itself in the Norman Infancy at Staunton Harecourt in Oxfordshire. And I find that in the reign of King •… ohn, Richard de Harecourt of Staunton aforesaid, marrying Orabella daughter of Saer de Quincy Earl of Winchester, had the rich manor of Bosworth in Leicester-shire bestowed on him for his wifes portion.

I cannot exactly distinguish the several Harecourts contemporaries in this County, and Sheriffs thereof, so as to assign them their several habitations, but am confident that this Robert Harecourt (Sheriff in the reign of King Henry the seventh, ) was the same person whom King Edward the fourth made Knight of the Garter. From him lineally descended the valiant Knight Sir Simon Harecourt, lately slain in the wars against the Rebells in Ireland, whose Son, a hopeful Gentleman, enjoys the Manor of Staunton at this day.

15 JOHN BASKET.]

He was an Esquire of Remark and martial activity in his younger days, who in some years after removed to Devenish in Dorsetshire, to whom King Henry the eighth, going over into France, committed the care of that County, as by his following Letter will appear:

Henry VIII.

Henry VIII.

1 WILLIAM ESSEX, Ar.]

He was a worthy man in his generation, of great command in this County, (whereof he was four times Sheriff,) and the first of his family who fixed at Lambourn therein, on this welcome occasion. He had married Elizabeth, daughter and sole heir of Thomas Rogers of Benham, whose Grandfather John Rogers had married Elizabeth, daughter and heir of John Shote •… broke of Bercote in this County (whose ancestors had been Sheriffs of Barkeshire in the fourth, fifth and sixth of King Edward the third,) by whom he received a large inheritance.

Nor was the birth of this Sir William (for aferwards he was Knighted) beneath his estate, being Son unto Thomas Essex Esquire, Remembrancer and Vice-Treasurer unto King Edward the fourth; who died November 1. 1500. lieth buried with a plain Epitaph in the Church of Kensington, Middlesex. He derived himself from Henry de Essex, Baron of Rawley in Essex, and Standard-Bearer of England, (as I have seen in an exact Pedigree attested by Master Camden, ) and his posterity have lately assumed his Coat, viz. Argent an Orle Gules. There was lately a Baronet of this family, with the revenues of a Baron, but * riches endure not forever, if providence be not as well used in preserving as attaining them.

24 HUMPHRY FORSTER, Knight.]

He bare a good affection to Protestants, even in the most dangerous times, and spake to the Quest in the behalf of Master Marbeck that good 〈◊〉 ; yea he confessed to King Henry the third, that never anything went so much against his Conscience which under his Graces authority he had done, as his attending the execution of three poor men Martyred at Windsor.

Edward VI.

1 FRANCIS INGLEFIELD, Mil.]

He afterwards was Privy-Counselor unto Queen Mary, and so zealous a Romanist, that after her death he left the land, with a most large inheritance, and lived for the most part in Spain. He was a most, industrious agent to solicit the cause of the Queen of Scots, both to his Holiness, and the Catholic King. As also he was a great Promotor of, and Benefactor to the English College at Valladolit in Spain, where he lieth interred in a family of his alliance is still worshipfully extant in this County.

Queen Mary.

1 JOHN WILLIAMS, Miles.]

Before the year of his Sherivalty was expired, Queen Mary made him Lord Williams of Tame in Oxfordshire. In which town he built a small Hospital, and a very fair School; He, with Sir Henry Bennyfield, were joint-Keepers of the Lady Elizabeth, whilst under restraint, being as civil as the other was cruel unto Her. Bishop Ridley when martyred requested this Lord to stand his friend to the Queen, that those Leases might be confirmed which he had made to poor Tenants; which he promised and performed accordingly.▪ His great estate was divided betwixt his two daughters and coheirs, one married to Sir Henry Norrice, the other to Sir Richard Wenman.

Queen Elizabeth.

4 HENRY NORRICE, Ar.]

Son-in-law to the Lord Williams aforesaid. He was by Queen Elizabeth created Baron Norrice of Ricot in Oxfordshire; it is hard to say whether this tree of honor was more remarkable for the root from whence he sprung, or for the branches that sprang from him: He was Son to Sir Henry Norrice, who suffered in the cause of Queen Anne Boleyn, Grandchild to Sir Edward Norrice, who married Fridswide sister and coheir to the last Lord Lovell. He was Father (though himself of a meek and mild disposition) to the Martial brood of the Norrices, of whom hereafter.

Elizabeth his great Grandchild, sole Daughter and heir unto Francis Norrice Earl of Barkshire, and Baroness Norrice, was married unto Edward Wray Esquire, whose only Daughter Elizabeth Wray, Baroness Norrice lately deceased, was married unto 〈◊〉 Bertue Earl of Lindsey, whose Son, a Minor, is Lord Norrice at this day.

Queen Elizabeth.

9 EDWARD UNTON or UMPTON, Miles.]

This ancient and worshipful name was extinct in the days of our fathers for want of Issue Male, and a great part of their lands devolved by an Heir-general to G. Purfen of wadley Esquire, whose care is commendable in preserving the Monuments of the Umptons in Farington Church, and restoring such as were defaced in the war to a good degree of their former fairness.

26 BESILIUS FETIPLACE]

Some may colourably mistake it for Basilius or Basil, a Christian-name frequent in some families, whereas indeed it is Besil a Surname. These lived in great regard at Lee, thence called Besiles-Lee in this County, until Elizabeth danghter and heir of William Besiles, last of that name, was married unto Richard Fetiplace, whose greatgreat-grand-child was named Besile, to continue the remembrance of their Ancestors.

Reader, I am confident an instance can hardly be produced of a Surname made Christian in England, save since the Reformation; before which time the Priests were scrupulous to admit any at Font, except they were baptized with the name of a Scripture or Legendary-Saint. Since it hath been common; and although the Lord Coke was pleased to say he had noted many of them prove unfortunate, yet the good success in others confutes the general truth of the observation.

King James.

8 RICHARD LOVELACE, Knight.]

He was a Gentl •… man of Mettal, and in the reign of Queen Elizabeth making use of letters of Mart, had the success to light on a large remnant of the King of Spain's Cloth of silver, I mean his West-Indian Fleet; wherewith he and his posterity are the warmer to this day: King Charles created him Lord Lovelace of Hurley.

King Charles.

1 Sir JOHN DARELL, Baronet.]

He being the first, who in the Catalogue of Sheriffs occurreth of that order, a word of the institution thereof. We meddle not with ancient Baronets, finding that word formerly promiscuously blended with Bannerets, (Sir Ralph Fane in a Patent passed unto him, is expressly termed a Baronet,) but insist on their new erection in the ninth of King James.

The King did undertake that they should never exceed two hundred, which number completed if any chanced to die without issue-male, none were to be substituted in their place, that so their number might daily diminish, and honor increase. He did also promise for himself and his Heirs, that no new Order under another name should be superinduced.

Newberry the first 1643. September. 20.

The Earl of Essex having raised the Siege of Gloucester, and returning towards London, was rather followed then overtaken by the Kings army. Both sides might be traced by a tract of bloody foot-steps, especially at Auborn in Wilts, where they had a smart encounter. At Newberry the Earl made a stand: Here happened a fierce fight on the East-side of the Town, wherein the Londoners did show that they could as well use a Sword in the field, as a Met-ward in a Shop. The Parliament was conceived to lose the most, the King the most considerable persons; amongst whom the Earl of Carnarvon and Sunderland, the Viscount Falkland, Colonel Morgan, &c. Both armies may be said to beat and be beaten, neither winning the Day, and both the Twi-light. Hence it was that both sides were so sadly filled with their Supper over night, neither next morning had any stomach to break-fast, but keeping their stations, were rather contented to face, then willing to fight one another.

Newberry the second 1644. Octob. 27.

One would wonder, where the Earl of Essex, so lately stripped out of all his Infantry in Cornwall, so soon reinvested Himself with more Foot, save that London is the Shopgeneral of all Commodities, recruited with fresh (but not fresh-water ) Soldiers, he gave the King battle. This fight was as long and fierce as the former, but the conquest more clear on the Parliaments side. The Cornish (though behaving themselves valiantly) were conceived not to do so well, because expected to have done better.

The Royalists were at night fain to hang lighted matches on the Hedges, (so to similate their abode thereabouts) whilst they drew of, securing their Canon in Dunnington-castle, (the Governor whereof Sir J. Bois did the King Knights service,) and so in a pace slower then a flight, and faster then a retreat, returned in as good order as their condition was capable of. Many here lost their lives, as if Newberry were so named by a sad Prolepsis, fore-signifying that that Town should afford a new-burying place to many slain in two bloody Battles.

Natural Commodities.

The Manufactures.

Fat folk (whose Collops stick to their sides) are generally Lasie, whilst leaner people are of more activity. Thus fruitful Countries (as this is for the generality thereof) take to themselves a Writ of Ease; the principal cause why Bedford shire affords not any trades peculiar to itself.

The Buildings.

This County affordeth no Cathedral, and the Parochial Churches entitle not themselves to any eminency. Only I hear such high commendations of a Chapel and Monument erected at Maldon by Thomas Earl of Elgin to the memory of his deceased Lady Diana Cecil, that I am impatient till I have beheld it, to satisfy myself, whether it answereth that Character of curiosity which credible persons have given thereof. Taddington, Amphtill and Wobourn carry away the credit amongst the houses of the Nobility in this County.

Wonders.

At Hareles-wood commonly called Harold in this County, the River of Ouse Anno 1399. parted asunder, the water from the Fountain standing still, and those towards the Sea giving way, so that it was passable over on foot for three miles together, not without the astonishment of the beholders. It was an Ominous Prefage of the sad Civil Wars betwixt the two houses of York and Lancaster.

There is a Rivolet in this County (though confining on Buckingham-shire ) near a Village called Aspeley, and takes the strange operation thereof from his Pen, who (though a Poet) is a credible Author,

But, by his leave, there is another of the same nature in Northampton-shire, which because less known, I will there enlarge myself on that Subject.

Proverbs.

As plain as Dunstable Road. ]

It is applied to things plain and simple without either welt or guard to adorn them, as also to matters easy and obvious to be found without any difficulty or direction. Such this Road being broad and beaten, as the confluence of many leading to London from the North and North-west parts of this Land.

As crooked as Crawley brook. ]

This is a nameless brook arising about Wobourn, running by Crawley, and falling immediately into the Ouse. But this proverb may better be verified of Ouse itself in this Shire, more Maeandrous then Maeander, which runneth above eighty miles in eighteen by land. Blame it not, if sensible of its sad condition, and presaging its fall into the foggy fens in the next County, it be loath to leave this pleasant place; as who would not prolong their own happiness?

The Baylife of Bedford is coming ]

This Proverb hath its Original in this, but Use in the next County of Cambridge, The River Ouse running by is called the Baylife of Bedford, who swelling with rain, snow-water, and tributary brooks in the winter, and coming down on a sudden arresteth the I will of Eli with an inundation. But I am informed that the Drayners of the fenns, have of late with incredible care, cost, art and industry, wrested the Mace out of this Bailiffs hand, and have secured the Country against his power for the future.

Princes.

MARGARET BEAUFORT Countess Richmond and Derby, No person of judgment or ingenuity will find fault with her Posture under this Title, who was Great-great-grand-child to King Edward the third, and Mother to King Henry the seventh, besides her [almost incredible] Alliance to so many foreign Princes.

Thus Reader, I am confident I have pleased thee as well as myself, in disposing her in this place. And yet I am well assured, that were she alive she would ( half-offended hereat,) be more contented to be ranked under another and lower Topic of Benefactors to the Public; yea, (if left to her own liberty) would choose that Reposing Place for her memory. This is not only most consonant to her humility and charity, (desiring rather to be Good then Great, ) but also conformable to her remarkable expression, (according to the devotion of those darker days,) that if the Christian Princes would agree to march with an Army for the recovery of Palestine, she would be their Landress.

This is she who besides a Professor of Divinity place in both Universities, founded the two fair Colleges of Christ's and Saint Johns in Cambridge. By the way be it observed, that Cambridge hath been much beholden to the strength of bounty in the weaker Sex. Of the four Halls therein, two, viz. Clare and Pembroke, were (as I may say) feminine foundations; and of the 12. Colleges, one third, Queens, Christ's, Saint Johns and Sidney, owe their Original to worthy women. Whereas no female ever founded College in Oxford, (though bountiful Benefactors to many,) seeing Queens College therein, though commended to the Queens of England for its successive Patronesses, had R. Eglesfield for the effectual founder thereof.

And Cambridge is so far from being ashamed of, she is joyful at, and thankful for such charity, having read of our Savior himself, that Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Susanna, and many other women ministered unto him of their substance. But this worthy Lady Margaret being too high for a mean man to commend, is long since gone to the great God to reward, dying in the beginning of the reign of her Grand-child King Henry the eight.

Saints.

AINULPHUS of Royal British blood was an holy Hermit, who waving the vanities of this wicked world, betook himself in this County to a solitary life, renowned for the Sanctity (or rather Sanctimony ) thereof. The age he lived in is not exactly known, but sure it is, that Ainulphs-bury (a Town in the confines of This and Huntingdon-shire, ) was erected in his memory, part whereof (corruptly called Ainsbury ) is extant at this day, and the rest is disguised under the new name of Saint Neots.

Martyrs.

THOMAS CHASE, an ancient and faithful laborer in God's vineyard, led his life most in Buckingham-shire, but found his death in this County, long kept in durance and hanged at last in the Bishops prison at Wobourn. His Executioners to palliate their murder, and asperse his Memory, gave it out that he had destroyed himself. A loud lie, seeing he was so loaden with Chaines, that he could not lift up his own body. But the clearing hereof must be remitted to that day, wherein all things done in secret shall be made manifest. His martyrdom happened in the reign of King Henry the seventh, Anno Domini 1506.

Prelates.

SILVESTER de EVERTON, for so is he written in the Records of Carlisle, (though Eversden and Everseen in other books) which are most to be credited, as passing under the pens of the best (and to his particular the most knowing) Clearks, no doubt, took his name from Everton a Village in this (but the confines of Cambridge) Shire. He was a man memorable for his preferment, and very able to discharge the Lay-part thereof, receiving the Great Seal, Anno the 29. of King Henry the third 1246. and is commended for one most cunning in customs of Chancery. The same year he was chosen Bishop of Carlisle, though demurring on the acceptance thereof (conscious to himself perchance as unqualified) his consecration was deferred until the next year.

He with the rest of the English Bishops addressed themselves to King Henry the third, and boldly enough Requested-Required of him, that all foreigners and 〈◊〉 persons might be put out of their Bishoprics. Now, as to the point of insufficiency, the King singling out this Silvester thus bespake him.

His expression licking the Chancery hath left Posterity to interpret it, whether taxing him for Ambition, liquorishly longing for that Place: Or for Adulation, by the soft smoothing of flatery making his way thereunto: Or for Avarice, licking it so, that he gained great (if good ) profit thereby. As for his expression, little Cleark, it is plain it referred not to his stature, but dwarfness in learning. However all this would not persuade him into a resignation of his Bishopric, though it was not long before he lost both it and his life, by a fall from a skittish-horse, Anno Domini 1254.

I find no Bishop born in this County since the Reformation, and therefore we may go on in our propounded method.

Capital Judges, and Writers on the Law.

Sir JOHN COKEYN Knight, Chief Baron of the Exchequer in the reign of King Henry the fourth, founded a worshipful Family at, and imparted his Sirname to CokeynHatley in this County. But being convinced, that he was born at Ashbourn in Derbyshire, I have reserved his character for that County.

EDMOND WINGATE Esq. was a Native of this County, whose family flourisheth at Hartington therein: He was bred in Greys- 〈◊〉 in the Study of our Commonlaw, whereof he wrote besides others a Book Intitled, The Reason of the Common-law, and is lately deceased.

Writers.

JOHN of DUNSTABLE, so called from a Market-town in this County wherein he was born. If hitherto the Reader hath not, it is high time for him now, to take notice of a person of such perfection. Indeed at first my Pen feared famishing, finding so little; since surfeiting, meeting so much of this man. For this John of Dunstable was John of all Arts, as appeareth by his double Epitaph, one inscribed on his Monument, the other written on his memory. But be it premised of both, that we will not avouch the truth of the Latin, or quantity in these verses; but present them here as we find them, with all their faults, and his virtues on whom they were made.

What is true of the bills of some unconscionable Trades-men, if ever paid, over paid; may be said of this hyperbolical Epitaphs, if ever believed, over believed. Yea, one may safely cut off a Third in any part of it, and the remainder will amount to make him a most admirable person. Let none say that these might be two distinct persons, seeing (besides the concurrence of time and place, ) it would bank-rupt the Exchequer of Nature to afford two such persons, one 〈◊〉 at once being as much as any will believe. This Dunstable died an. 1455.

Benefactors to the Public.

Sir WILLIAM son to William HARPER was born in the Town of Bedford, but bred a Merchant-taylor in the City of London. Where God so blessed his endeavors, that Anno 1561. he was chosen Lord Mayor thereof. In gratitude to God and the place of his Nativity, he erected and endowed a free-school in Bedford, in which Town he lieth buried.

HENRY GREY son to Henry Grey was born at Wrest in this County. Something must be premised of his extraction. Richard Grey third Earl of Kent of that family, was so profuse a person, that he willfully wasted his Estate, giving away what he could not spend to the King and others; so little he reflected on Sir Henry Grey his Brother (but by a second Venter) of Wrest in this County. Hereupon the said Sir Henry, though heir to his Brother Richard after his death; yet perceiving himself overtitled or rather under-stated, for so high an honor, (the undoubted right whereof rested in him) declined the assuming thereof. Thus the Earldom of Kent lay (though not dead) asleep in the family of the Greys almost 50. years, viz. form the 15 of King Henry the eight till the 13. of Queen Elizabeth, when she advanced Reginald Grey, grandchild to Sir Hen. Grey aforesaid, (who had thriftily recruted himself with competence of Revenues) to be Earl of Kent, Anno 1571.

This Reginald dying Issuelesse within the year, Henry his Brother (the subject of our present description) succeeded to his honor. A person truly noble, expending the income of his own Estate and of his Ladies fair Joynter, ( Mary the Relict of Edward Earl of Darby ) in hospitality.

He was a most Cordial Protestant, on the same token that being present at the execution of the Queen of Scots, when she requested the Nobility there, to stand by and see her death, he ( fearing something of Superstition) hardly assented thereunto. Yet was he as far from the faction as Superstition, deserving the caracter given unto him.

He left no Isue, except some will behold him in some sort Parent of Sidney College in Cambridge, as one of the executors to the Foundress thereof, who did both Prove and Improve her will, besides his Personal benefaction thereunto. And being the surviving executor, he did perpetuate the fellowships (formerly temporary ) according to the implicit trust deposited in him, to the advantage of that foundation. He died Anno Domini 1613.

FRANCIS CLEARK Knight, was born at Eaton-soton in this shire near to Saint Neots, in the Lordship there commonly called the Parsonage. He was a noble Benefactour to Sidney-college, augmenting all the Scholarships of the Foundation, and erecting a fair and firm range of building. Such his skill in Arithmetic and Architecture, that staying at home, he did provide to a brick what was necessary for the finishing thereof. He founded four new Fellowships, and had he been pleased to consult with the College, the settlement with the same expense might have proved more advantageous. For, though in gifts to private persons, it be improper that the Receiver should be the Director thereof, a Corporation may give the best advise to improve the favors confer'd upon it. But it is a general practice, that men desire rather to be broad then thick Benefactours.

However seeing everyone may do with his own as he pleaseth, blessed be the memory of this worthy Knight, whose gift in effect was selt by the College before the giver thereof was seen, being himself a mere stranger unto it. Some say, that because this was the youngest foundation in the University (generally the last child hath the least left it,) his charity pitched upon it. But I have been informed, that Sir F •… ancis coming privately to Cambridge, to see unseen, took notice of Doctor Ward his daily presence in the Hall, with the Scholars conformity in caps, and diligent performance of exercises, which endeared this place unto him. Thus the observing of old Statutes, is the best load-stone to attract new Benefactours. His death happyned, Anno Domini, 163

Memorable Persons.

A WOMAN, whose name I cannot recover, lived, died, and is buried at Dunstable in this County. It appeareth by her Epitaph in the Church, that she had nineteen children at five births, viz. three several times three children at a birth, and five at a birth, two other times. How many of them survived to man's estate is unknown. Here I must dissent from an Author maintaining that more Twins were born in the first Age of the World, then nowadays. Whereas we meet with none but single births in the Patriarchs before the Flood, and more 〈◊〉 six hundred years after the Deluge, Esau and Jacob were the first Twins mentioned in Scripture.