PuritanSearch

Martyrs.

Grievous the persecution in this County, under John Christopherson the Bishop thereof. Such his Havock in burning poor Procestants in one year, that had he sat long in that See, and continued after that rate, there needed no Iron-mills to rarify the Woods of this County, which this BONNER junior would have done of himself.

I confess the Papists admire him as a most able and profound Divine, which mindeth me of an Epigran made by one, who, being a Suitor to a surly and scorn •… ull. Mistress, after he had largely praised her rare parts and Divine perfections, concluded,

She hath too much Divinity for me; Oh! that she had some more Humanity!

The same may this Diocese say of Christopherson, who, though carrying much of Christ in his Surname, did bear nothing of him in his Nature, no meekness, mildness or mercy, being addicted wholly to cruelty and destruction, burning no fewer then ten in one fire in Louis, and seventeen others at several Times in sundry Places.

Cardinals.

HERBERT de BOSHAM was born at Bosham a goodly manner in this County, (which Earl Godwin craftily kissed out of the Arch-bishop of Canterbary, ) and being a good Scholar he was a Manubus (I mean to write, not to fight for him) unto Thomas Becket Arch-bishop of Canterbury. He was present at his Murder-martyring, and h •… d the discretion to make no resistance, lest he had been sent the same way with his Master. However amongst many other books, he wrote the story of his M •… sters death. Going over into Italy he was by Pope Alexander the third m •… de Arch bishop of Beneventum, and in the Month of December 1178. created Cardinal, but by what title, it is unknown, as also is the exact date of his death.

Prelates.

JOHN PECKHAM born of obscure Parents in this County, bred when a boy in Louis, When a Youth, a Franciscan in Oxford, when a Young man, in Paris, when a Man, he lived in Lions, (where he became Canon ) when a Grave-man in Rome, there made Auditor of causes in that Court, when an Old man in Canterbury, preferred against his will (except out of cunning he would seem Courted into what he Coveted ) by the Popes plenary power, to be Arch bishop thereof.

Peckham believed the Pope invited him freely to that place, when soon after he was called upon to pay a sad reckoning, no less then four thousand marks. A worthy man he was in his place, who neither feared the Laity nor flattered the Clergy, impartially imposing on both (if appearing Pecant) most severe penance: he was a great punisher of Pluralists, and injoyner of Residence.

His Canons place at Lions, he not only kept during his life, but left it to his successors, who held it in Commendam some hundred years afterwards. Loth they were to part with it as a safe retreating place, in case our English Kings should banish them the Realm. Besides it was a Convenient Inn for them to Lodge at, as almost in the Midway of their journey betwixt Canterbury and Rome.

He sat Arch-bishop almost fourteen years, built and endowed a College at Wing ham, yet left a great estate to his Kindred. I believe his wealth well gotten, because the land purchased therewith hath lasted so long in the Linage of his Allies, in this and the next County, even to our age, he died Anno Dom. 1294.

ROBERT WINCHELSEY. Although Bishop Godwin saith, ubi natus traditur, opinor, à nemine, yet considering the custom of the Clergy in that age, none can doubt his birth in this County, except any should deny Winchelsey to be therein. He was bred in the neighbouring Shire of Kent, where he was such a proficient in Grammar Learning, all did foretell, that he, [then the Arch-Scholar in the School ] in due time would be Arch-bishop of the See of Canterbury.

He was afterwards admitted in Merton-college in Oxford, went thence to Paris, where he took the degree of Master of Arts, and became Rector (perchance no more then a Regent amongst Us, ) of that University; returning to Oxford he there proceeded Doctor of Divinity, and became Chancellor thereof, successively Canon of Paul's, ArchDeacon of Essex and Arch bishop of Canterbury. He went to Rome, to procure his Pall of Pope Celestine.

This is that Celestine, formerly an Eremite, whom a Cardinal (afterward his Successor by the Name of Boniface the eighth ) persuaded, by a voice through a hollow-trunk to resign his Popedom, and return into the wilderness, which he did accordingly. Herein his Holiness did trust the Spirit before he did try it, contrary to the counsel of the Apostle. But this Pope appearing Fallible in his Chamber, if in his Chair and consul •… ing his Conclave of Cardinals, no doubt would not have been deceived.

He easily obtained his Pall, and refused a Cardinals Cap offered unto him, returning to Canterbury, he was there solemnly inthroned, and on the same day Consecrated one Bishop, bestowed 12. rich Benefices on 12. Doctors, and 12. meaner Livings on as many Bachelors in Divinity.

Confiding in the Canon of the Council of Lions, which forbad the Clergy to pay any taxes to Princes, without the consent of the Pope, he created much molestation to himself, King Edward the first using him very harshly, till at last he overcame all with his patience. For the main he was a worthy Prelate, excellent Preacher, being Learned himself, he loved and preferred Learned men. Prodigious his Hospitality, being reported that Sundays and Fridays he fed no fewer, then four Thousand men when corn was cheap, and five Thousand when it was dear, and because it shall not be said, but my Belief can be as Large as his Bounty, I give credit thereunto. Otherwise it seemeth suspicious, as a mock-imitation of those self same Numbers of Persons, which Christ at two several times miraculously fed with Loafes and Fishes. His Charity went home to them, which could not come to it, sending to such, who were Absented by their Impotencies.

After his Death, happening Anno Domini 1313. he was accounted ( though not the Popes ) the Poor-man's Saint, (Bountiful men will always be Canonized in the Calender of Beggers, ) Poor-people repairing in Flocks, to the place of his burial, and superstitiously praying unto him, and they could best tell, whether they found as much Benefit from his Tomb when dead, as at his Table when living.

THOMAS BRADWARDINE was descended of an ancient family at Bradwardine in Hereford-shire, who removing thence, had settled themselves for three generations in this County, where this Thomas was born, in or near the City of Chichester. He was bred Fellow of Merton-college in Oxford, where he became a most exquisite Mathematician, and deep Divine, being commonly called Doctor Profundus. He was Confessor to King Edward the third, and some impute our great Conquest in France, not so much to the Prowesse of that King as to the Prayers of this his Chaplain. He constantly preached in the Camp, Industry to Officers, Obedience to Common-soldiers, Humility to all in good, Patience in bad success. He exhorted them to be Pious to God, Dutifull to their King, Pi •… full to all Captives, to be Carefull in making, Faithful in keeping articles with their enemies. After the death of Strafford, he was made Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and at Avenion (where the Pope then resided) received his Consecration. Here he was accounted 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , somewhat Clownish by the Romish Court, partly, because he could not mode it with the Italians, but chiefly, because money being the general Turn-key to Preferment in that place, he was me •… lie advanced for his merit.

But that which most recommended his memory to posterity, is that worthy book he made de Causâ Dei, wherein speaking of Pelagius, he complaineth in his second Book, that, Totus paene mundus, ut timeo & doleo, post hunc abiit, & erroribus ejus fave •… . I fear and lament that almost the whole world runs after him, and favors his errors. Bradwardine therefore undertook to be Champion for Grace and God's cause, against such who were not defensores, sed deceptores, sed inflatores, sed praecipitatores liberi arbitr •… , as Augustine calleth them, and as the same Father saith of Cicero dum liberos homines esse volunt, faciunt sacrilegos. He died at Lamb •… th in October Anno Dom. 1349.

THOMAS ARUNDELL was the fourth Arch-bishop of Canterbury who was born in this County, Son he was to Robert, Brother to Richard Fitz-Alen both Earls of Arund •… ll. Herein he standeth alone by himself, that the Name Arundell speaks him both Nobleman and Clergy-man, the Title of his fathers honor, and place of his own birth, meeting both in the Castle of Ar •… ell.

It was •… ither his Nobility, or Ability, or Both, which in him did supplere aetatem, qualifying him to be Bishop of Eli at twenty two years of age. He was afterwards Archbishop of York, and at last of Canterbury 1396. and three several times Lord Chancellor of England, viz. In the Tenth of Richard the second, 1386. in the Fifteenth of Richard the second, 1391. the Eleventh of Henry the fourth, 1410.

By King Richard the second, when his Brother the Earl of Arundell was beheaded, this Thomas was banished the land. Let him thank his Orders for saving his Life, the Tonsure of his hair for the keeping of his Head, who otherwise had been sent the same path a •… pase with his Brother.

Returning in the First of K. Henry the fourth, he was restored to his Arch-bishopric. Such who commend his Courage for being the Churches Champion, when a powerful Party in Parliament pushed at the Revenues thereof, condemn his Cruelty to the Wicklevites, being the first, who persecuted them with Fire and Fagot. As for the manner of his death, we will neither carelessly wink at it, nor curiously stare on it; but may with a serious look solemnly behold it. He who had stopped the mouths of so many servants of God from preaching his Word, was himself famished to Death by a swelling in his Throat. But seeing we bear in our Bodies the seeds of all Sicknesses, (as of all sins in our souls ) it is not good to be over-bold and buisie in our censures on such Casualties. He died February 20. 1413. and lieth buried in his Cathedral at Canterbury.

HENRY BURWASH so named saith my Author (which is enough for my discharge) from Burwash a Town in this County. He was one of Noble Alliance. And when this is said, all is said to his Commendation, being otherwise neither good for Church nor State, Sovereign nor Subjects, Covetous, Ambitious, Rebellious, Injurious.

Say not, what makes he here then amongst the worthies; for though neither Ethically nor Theologically, yet Historically he was remarkable, affording something for our Information, though not Imitation.

He was recommended by his kinsman B •… rtholomew de Badilismer (Baron of Leeds in Kent ) to K. Edward the second, who preferred him Bishop of Lincoln. It was not long be fore falling into the Kings displeasure his Temporalities were seized on, and afterwards on his submission restored. Here, instead of new Gratitude, retaining his old Grudge, he was most forward to assist the Queen in the deposing of her husband. He was twice L. Treasurer, once Ch •… ncellor, and once sent over Ambassador to the Duke of Bavaria. He died Anno Domini 1340. Such as mind to be merry may read the pleasant Story of his apparition, being condemned after Death to be viridis viridarius, a green •… rester, because in his life time he had violently enclosed other men's Grounds into his Park. Surely such Fictions keep up the best Park of Popery, [Purgatory ] whereby▪ their fairest Game and greatest Gaine is preserved.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM BARLOW D. D. My industry hath not been wanting in Qaest of the place of his Nativity; but all in vain. Seeing therefore I cannot fix his character on his Cradle, I am resolved (rather then omit him) to fasten it on his Coffin, this County where in he had his last preferment.

A man he was of much Motion and Promotion; First, I find him Canon Regular of S •… . 〈◊〉 in Essex, and then Prior of Bisham in Barkshire.

Then preferred by K. Henry the eighth Bishop of St. Asaph, and consecrated Febr. 22. 1535.

Translated thence the April following to St. David's remaining 13. years in that See.

In the Third of King Edward the sixth, he was removed to the Bishopric of Bath and Wells.

Flying the Land in the Reign of Queen Mary, he became Superintendent of the English Congregation at Embden.

Coming back into England, by Q. Elizabeth he was advanced Bishop of Chichester.

It is a Riddle, why he chose rather to enter into new First-fruits, and begin at Chichester, then return to Bath a better Bishopric. Some suggest, that he was loath to go back to Bath, having formerly consented to the Expilation of that Bishopric, whilst others make his consent to signify nothing, seeing empowered Sacrilege is not so mannerly as to ask any, By your leave.

He had a numerous and prosperous female-Issue, as appeareth by the Epitaph on his Wifes Monument in a Church in Hant-shire, though one shall get no credit in translating them.

           Hic Agathae tumulus Barloi, Praesulis inde,
          
           Exulis inde, iterum Praesulis, Uxor erat.
          
           Prole beata fuit, plena annis, quin{que} suarum,
          
           Praesulibus vidit, Praesulis ipsa, datas.

            Barlows
           
           Wife
           
            Agathe
           
           doth here remain,
          
            Bishop,
           
           then
           
            Exile,
           
           Bishop then again▪
          
           So long she lived, so well his Children sped,
          
           She saw
           
            five Bishops
           
           her
           
            five daughters
           
           wed.

Having sat about ten years in his See, he peaceably ended his Life, Dec. 10. 1569.

WILLIAM JUXTON was born at Chichester in this County, bred Fellow in Saint Johns-college in Oxford, where he proceeded Bachelor of Law; very young, but very able for that degree, and afterwards became Doctor in the same Faculty, and President of the College.

One in whom Nature hath not Omitted, but Grace hath Ordered, the Tetrarch Humour of Choler, being Admirably Master of his Pen and his Passion, for his Abilities he was successively preferred by King Charles the first Bishop of Hereford and London, and for some years Lord Treasurer of England. A troublesome place in those times, it being expected that he should make much Brick, (though not altogether without, yet) with very little Straw allowed unto him. Large then the Expences, Low the Revenues of the Exchequer. Yet those Coffers which he found Empty, he left Filling, and had left Full, had Peace been preserved in the Land, and he continued in his Place. Such the mildness of his temper, that Petitioners for Money, (when it was not to be had) departed well pleased with his denials, they were so civilly Languaged. It may justly seem a wonder, that, whereas few spake well of Bishops at that time, and Lord Treasurers at all times are liable to the Complaints of discontented people, though both Offices met in this man, yet with Demetrius, he was well reported of all men, and of the truth itself.

He lived to see much shame and contempt undeservedly poured on his Function, and all the while possessed his own soul in patience. He beheld those of his Order to lose their votes in Parliament, and their insulting enemies hence concluded, (Loss of speech being a sad Symptom of approaching Death, ) that their Final extirpation would follow, whose own experience at this day giveth the Lie to their malicious Collection. Nor was it the least part of this Prelates Honor, that amongst the many worthy Bishops of our Land, King Charles the first, selected him for his Confessor at his Martyrdom. He formerly had had experience [in the case of the Earl of Strafford ] that this Bishops Conscience was bottomed on Piety not Policy, the reason that from him he received the Sacrament, good Comfort and Counsel, just before he was Murdered. I say just before that Royal Martyr was Murdered; a Fact so foul, that it alone may confute the error of the Pelagians, maintaining, that all Sin cometh by imita •… ion, the Universe not formerly affording such a Precedent, as if those Regicides had purposely designed to disprove the Observation of Solomon, that there is No new thing under the Sun. King Charles the second, Anno Domini 1660. preferred him Arch-bishop of Canterbury, which place he worthily graceth at the writing hereof, Feb. 1. 1660.

ACCEPTUS FRUIN D. D. was born at—in this County, bred Fellow of Magdalene-college in Oxford, and afterwards became President thereof, and after some mediate preferments, was by King Charles the first, advanced Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, and since by King Charles the second, made Arch-bishop of York.

But the matter whereof Porcellane or China dishes are made, must be ripened many years in the earth, before it comes to full perfection. The Living are not the proper objects of the Historians Pen, who may be misinterpreted to flatter, even when he falls short of their due Commendation, the Reason why I add no more in the praise of this worthy Prelate. As to the Nativities of Arch-bishops, one may say of this County, many Shires have done worthily, but SUSSEX surmounteth them all, having bred Five Archbishops of Canterbury, and at this instant, claiming for her Natives the two Metropolitans of our Nation.

States-men.

THOMAS SACKVILL, son and heir to Sir Richard Sackvill (Chancellor, and SubTreasurer of the Exchequer, and Privy-Counselor to Queen Elizabeth ) by Winifred his wife, daughter to Sir John Bruges, was bred in the University of Oxford, where he became an excellent Poet, leaving both Latin and English Poems of his composing to posterity. Then studied he law in the Temple, and took the degree of Barrister; afterward he travelled into foreign parts, detained for a time a prisoner in Rome, whence his liberty was procured for his return into England, to possess the vast Inheritance left him by his father, whereof in short time by his magnificent prodigality, he spent the greatest part, till he seasonably began to spare, growing near to the bottom of his Estate.

The story goes, that this young Gentleman coming to an Alderman of London, who had gained great Pennyworths by his former purchases of him, was made (being now in the Wane of his Wealth, ) to wait the coming down of the Alderman so long, that his generous humor being sensible of the incivility of such attendance, resolved to be no more beholding to Wealthy pride, and presently turned a thrifty improver of the remainder of his Estate. If this be true, I could wish that all Aldermen would State it on the like occasion, on condition their noble debtors would but make so good use thereof.

But others make him the Convert of Queen Elizabeth, (his Cosin german once removed) who by her frequent admonitions, diverted the torrent of his profusion. Indeed she would not know him, till he began to know himself, and then heaped places of honor and trust upon him, creating him

1. Baron of Buckhurst in this County, (the reason why we have placed him therein,) Anno Dom. 1566.
2. Sending him Ambassador into France, Anno 1571. into the Low-countries; Anno 1586.
3. Making him Knight of the Order of the Garter, Anno 1589.
4. Appointing him Treasurer of England, 1599.

He was Chancellor of the University of Oxford, where he entertained Q. Elizabeth with a most sumptuous feast. His elocution was good, but inditing better, and therefore no wonder if his Secretaries could not please him, being a person of so quick dispatch, (faculties, which yet run in the blood.) He took a Roll of the names of all Suitors, with the date of their first addresses, and these in order had their hearing, so that a fresh-man could not leap over the head of his senior, except in urgent affairs of State.

Thus having made amends to his house for his mis-spent time, both in increase of Estate and Honor, being created Earl of Dorset by King James, he died on the 19. of April, 1608.

Capitall Judges.

Sir JOHN JEFFRY Knight, was born in this County, as I have been informed. It confirmeth me herein, because, he left a fair Estate in this Shire; (Judges, genebuilding their Nest, near the place where they were Hatched, ) which descended to his Daughter. He so profited in the study of our Municipall-Law, that he was preferred Secondary Judge of the Common-pleas, and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth, in Michaelmas Terme, the nineteenth of her Reign, to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, which place he discharged for the Terme of two years, to his great commendation. He left one only Daughter and Heir, married to Sir Edward Montague, (since Baron of Boughton ) by whom he had but one Daughter, Elizabeth, married to Robert Barty, Earl of Linsey, Mother to the truly Honorable Montague, Earl of Linsey and Lord Great Chamberlain of England. This worthy Judge died in the 21. of Queen Elizab •… h.

Soldiers.

The ABBOT of BATTLE. He is a pregnant Proof, that one may leave no Name, and yet a good Memory behind him. His Christian or Surname cannot be recovered out of our Chronicles, which hitherto I have seen; But take his worth as followeth:

King Richard the second in the beginning of his Reign was in Nonage, and his Council, some will say, in Dotage, leaving the Land and Sea to defend themselves, whilst they indulged thir private Factions.

This invited the French to invade this County, where they did much mischief, Plundering (the Thing was known in England before the Name ) the people thereof, and carrying away captive the Prior of Louis; And no wonder, if our Abbot was startled therewith, seeing it may pass for a Proverb in these parts.

Ware the Abbot of Battle, When the Prior of Louis is taken Prisoner.

Wherefore (though no Sheriff) he got together (as well as he might) the Posse Comitatus, and puting it in as good a posture of defense as the time would permit, marched to Winchelsey and fortified it.

Some condemned him herein, it being incongruous for a Clergy-man to turn Soldier. They objected also, that he ought to have expected Orders from Above, doing Rectum but not Recte, for want of a Commission.

Others commended him, to save and preserve, being the most proper Performance of a Spiritual Person. That, in Hosts Publicos omnis Homo Miles. That though it be high Treason for any to Fight a Foe in a Set field without Command from the Supreme power, yet one may (if he can) repel a Rout of Armed Thieves invading a Land, the first being the fittest Time for such a Purpose, the Occasion itself giving (though no express ) an Implicite Commission for the same. This Abbot used rather the Shield then the Sword, being only on the Defensive side.

Well, the French followed the Abbot, and besieged him in the Town of Winchelsey. In Bravado they dared him to send out one, two, three, four or more, to try the Mastery in fight, to be encountered with an equal number; But the Abbot refused to retail his men out in such Parcels, alleging, that he was a spiritual person, not to challenge but only defend.

Then the French let fly their great Guns, and I take it to be the first and last time, they were ever planted by a Forreign Enemy on the English Continent, and then roared so •… ud, that they lost their voice, and have been (blessed be God) silent ever since.

The Enemy perceiving that the Country came in fast upon them, and suspecting they should be surrounded on all sides, were fain to make for France as fast as they could, leaving the Town of Winchelsey behind them, in the same form and fashion wherein they found it.

I behold this Abbot as the Saver not only of Suffex, but England. For as Dogs, who have once gotten an Haunt to worry sheep, do not leave it off till they meet with their reward: So, had not these French felt the smart as well as the sweet of the English Plunder, our Land, (and this County especially,) had never been free from their incursions. All this happened in the reign of King Richard the second, Anno Domini 13...

Sir WILLAM PELHAM Knight, was a Native of this County, whose ancient and wealthy Family hath long flourished at Laughton therein. His Prudence in Peace, and Valour in War, caused Queen Elizabeth to employ him in Ireland, where he was by the Privy Council, appointed Lord Chief Justice to govern that Land, in the interim betwixt the death of Sir William Drury, and the coming in of Arthur Gray Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Say not that he did but stop a Gap for a twelve-month at the most; seeing it was such a GAP, Destruction had entered in thereat to the final ruin of that Kingdom, had not his Providence prevented it. For in this juncture of time, Desmund began his Rebellion 1579. inviting Sir William to side with him, who wisely gave him the Hearing with a Smile into the Bargain. And although our Knight (for want of force) could not cure the wound, yet he may be said to have washed and kept it clean, resigning it in a recovering condition to the Lord Gray, who succeeded him. Afterwards he was sent over into the Low-Countries 1586▪ being Commander of the English Horse therein: and my Author saith of him, Brabantiam persultabat, He leaped-through Brabant; Importing Celerity and Success, yea as much Conquest, as so sudden an expedition was capable of. I suspect he survived not long after, meeting no more mention of his Martial Activity.

The Shirleys.

Their ancient extraction in this County is sufficiently known. The last age saw a leash of brethren of this family, severally eminent. This mindeth me of the Roman Horatii, though these expressed themselves in a different kind for the honor of their Country, pardon me if reckoning them up not according to their age.

Sir ANTHONY SHIRLEY second Son to Sir Thomas, set forth from Plymouth May the 21. 1596. in a ship called the Bevis of Southampton, attended with six lesser vessels. His design for Saint Thome, was violently diverted by the contagion they found on the South coast of Africa, where the rain did stink as it fell down from the heavens, and within six hours did turn into magots. This made him turn his course to America, where he took and kept the City of Saint Jago two days and nights, with two hundred and eighty men, (whereof eighty were wounded in the service) against three thousand Portugalls.

Hence he made for the Isle of Fuego, in the midst whereof a Mountain Aetna -like always burning, and the wind did drive such a shower of ashes upon them, that one might have wrote his name with his finger on the upper deck. However in this fiery Island, they furnished themselves with good water, which they much wanted.

Hence he sailed to the Island of Margarita, which to him did not answer its name, not finding here the Perl-Dredgers which he expected. Nor was his gain considerable in taking the town of Saint Martha, the Isle and chief town of Jamaica, whence he sailed more then thirty leagues up the river Rio-dolci, where he met with great extremity.

At last, being diseased in person, distressed for victuals, and deserted by all his other ships, he made by New-found-Land to England, where he arrived June 15. 1597. Now although some behold his voyage, begun with more courage then counsel, carried on with more valor then advice, and coming off with more honor then profit, to himself or the nation, (the Spaniard being rather frighted then harmed, rather braved then frighted therewith,) yet unpartial judgments, who measure not worth by success, justly allow it a prime place amongst the probable (though not prosperous) English Adventures.

Sir ROBERT SHIRLEY youngest Son to Sir Thomas, was by his Brother Anthony entered in the Persian Court. Here he performed great Service against the Turks, and shown the difference betwixt Persian and English valor, the latter having therein as much Courage, and more Mercy, giving Quarter to Captives who craved it, and performing Life to those to whom he promised it. These his Actions drew the Envy of the Persian Lord's, and Love of the Ladies, amongst whom one (reputed a kins-man to the great Sophy ) after some Opposition, was married unto him. She had more of Eb •… ny, then Ivory, in her Complexion, yet amiable enough, and very valiant, a quality considerable in that Sex, in those Countries. With her he came over into England, and lived many years therein. He much affected to appear in foreign Vestes, and as if his Clothes were his limbs, accounted himself never ready till he had something of the Persian Habit about him.

At last a Contest happening betwixt him and the Persian Ambassador, (to whom some reported Sir Robert gave a Box on the Ear,) the King sent them both into Persia, there mutually to impeach one another, and joined Doctor Go •… gh, (a Senior Fellow of Trinity-college in Cambridge, ) in Commission with Sir Robert. In this •… oyage, (as I am informed) both died on the Seas, before the controverted difference was ever heard in the Court of Persia, about the beginning of the reign of K. Charles.

Sir THOMAS SHIRLEY. I name him the last, (though the eldest Son of his Father) because last appearing in the world, men's Activity not always observing the method of their Register. As the Trophies of Miltiades would not suffer Themistocles to sleep, so the Atchivements of his two younger brethren, gave an Ala •… m unto his spirit. He was ashamed to see them Worne, like flowers in the Breasts and Bosomes of foreign Princes, whilst he himself withered upon the stalk he grew on. This made him leave his aged Father and fair Inheritance in this County, and to undertake Sea Voyages into foreign parts, to the great honor of his Nation, but small enriching of himself, so that he might say to his Son as Aeneas to Aescanius,

Disce pure Virtutē ex me verum{que} Laborem, Fortunam ex aliis.

Virtue and Labor, Learn from me thy Father,

As for success, Child Learn from others rather.

As to the general performances of these three brethren, I know the Affidavit of a Poet, carrieth but a small cre •… it in the court of History, and the Comedy made of them, is but a friendly foe to their Memory, as suspected more accommodated to please the present spectators, then inform posterity. However as the belief of Miti •… (when an Inventory of his adopted Sons misde •… nours, was brought unto him) embraced a middle and moderate way, nec omnia credere nec nihil, neither to believe all things nor nothing, of what was told him: so in the list of their Atchivements we may safely pitch on the same proportion, and when abatement is made for poetical embelishments, the remainder will speak them Worthies in their generations. The certain dates of their respective deaths I cannot attain.

Physicians.

NICHOLAS HOSTRESHAM. Know, Reader, I have placed him in this County, only on presumption, that Horsham in this Shire (no such place otherwise in England, ) is contracted for Hostresham. He was a learned man, a most famous Physician, and esteemed highly of all the Nobility of the Land, who coveted his company on any conditions. It seemeth that he was none of those so pleasing and conformable to the Humor of their Patients, as that they press not the true Cure of the Disease, and yet none of those, who are so Regular in proceeding according to Art for the Disease, as that they respect not sufficiently the condition of their Patients, but that he was of a Middle Temper, and so in effect was two Physicians in one Man. Many were the Books he wrote, reckoned upby Bale and Pitz, amongst which I take especial notice of one, contra dolorem renum, thus beginning, Lapis quandoque generatur in renibus. I observe this the rather, because his Practice was wholly at home, (it not appearing that he ever went beyond the Sea,) and this is contrary unto the confidence of such, who have vehemently affirmed, that the Stone was never heard of in England, until Hopps and Beer made therewith, (about the year 1516.) began to be commonly used. He flourished, Anno Domini 1443.

Writers.

LAURENCE SOMERCOTE was born saith Bale in the South-part of the Kingdom. But had, I am sure his best English preferment in Sussex, being Canon of Chichester. After his breeding here under his Carefull Parents, and Skilfull Masters, who taught him Logic and Rhetoric, he applied himself to the Study of the Law, and attained to great Learning therein. Then leaving the Land, he went to Rome, and repaited to (his Brother or Kinsman) Robert Somercote Cardinal, who it seems procured him to be SubDeacon under the Pop •… . He wrote some Books both in Latin and French, and flourished in the year of our Lord 1240.

JOHN DRITON so is his Surname Englished by Bale, —And why not as well John Driby, (a V •… llage in Lincoln-shire ) seeing no Driton in all England. The truth is this, in Latin he wrote himself, de Arida Vill •… , equivalent with Sicoa villa or Sack-will, a Surname most renowned in this County: and because it is added to his Character, ex Illustri quadam Angliae familia procre •… s, it suiteth well with our conjecturing him this Country-man. He was bred according to the Mode of that Age in France, and there became at Paris, Summus Gymnasii Moderator, which (howsoever rendered in English) soundeth a high place Conferred on a Forreigner. In his time was much busling in the University, about an Apocrypha Book, (patched together out of the Dreams of Joachime and Cyril two Monks,) which was publicly read and commented on by many Admirers thereof, by the name of the Eternal Gospel.

The Pope, who often Curseth where God Blesseth, here Blessed where God Cursed, and notwithstanding the solemn Commination against such Additions to Scripture, favored them, and (what a Charitable Christian can scarcely believe,) damned their Opposers for Heretics, this our Sackwill bestirred himself, and with William de Sancto Amore and other pious Men, opposed this piece of Imposture.

Pitz, in the Character of this our de Arida Villa, treads like a foundered Horse on stones, mentioning only that he met with much disturbance—without any particulars thereof. At last this Eternal Gospel had a Temporal End, and (with the Serpents of the Egyptian Enchanters which vanished away,) this pretended Quint Essence Gospel sunk with shame into silence, whilst the other four Gospel's (with the Serpent of Moses ) do last and continue. This our Writer flourished 1260.

JOHN WINCHELSEY was bred in Oxford, and became a great Scholar therein. I am not bound to believe Bale in full latitude, that he made a Centaur-Divinity out of Poets and Philosophers; but this I believe, that in his old Age he turned a Franciscan, and when Gray, became a Green Novice of the Order at Sarisbury. Many condemned him, that he would enter into such a life when ready to go out of the world, and others of his own Covent commended him, who being old, was concerned to find out the most compendious way to Heaven. The year of his Probation was not ended, when he died and was buried in that Covent Anno 1326.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM PEMBLE was born in this County, where his Parents had no plentiful Estate, but their wants were supplied (as to this their Sons education in Learning,) by the bounty of John Barker of Mayfield in this Shire, Esq. as by the following passage may appear, written by Mr. Capel his worthy Tutor.

You are the man, who supported the Vine, that bore this and many other excellent grapes. His studies had shrunk and withered, even then, when they were about to knit, had it not been for you and your Exhibitions; who have raised up an able Scholar, a learned Divine, a well studied Artist, a skillful Linguist, and (which is the soul of all) a very godly Minister.

So then, if I have missed Master Pembles native County, yet I shall be excused by the known Proverb, Non ubi nascor, sed ubi pascor, Sussex affording him his most effectu •… l maintenance. He was bred in, (or if you will, he bred) Magdalene-hall in Oxford, that house owing its late luster to his Learned Lectures, the gravest in the University not disdaining their presence thereat. He was an excellent Orator indeed, as who spake nonex ore sed ex pectore, many excellencies being in him; but above all, this was his Crown, that he unfeignedly sought God's Glory, and the good of Men's Souls. He died in the flower of his Age, as he was making his Lectures on the Prophesy of Zacharias, (finishing but nine chapters of fourteen) Anno Dom. —of a burning fever.

THOMAS CHUNE Esquire, living at Alfriston in this County, set forth a small Manual, entitled Collectiones Theologicarum Conclusionum. Indeed many have much opposed it (as what book meeteth not with opposition?) though such as dislike, must commend the brevity and clearness of his Positions. For mine own part, I am glad to see a Lay-Gentleman so able and industrious. His book was set forth 1635.

THOMAS MAY was born in this County, of a worshipful but decayed Family, bred Fellow-commoner in Cambridge in Sidney college, where he seriously applied himself to his studies. He afterwards lived in Westminster, & about the Court. He was an Elegant Poet, and translated Lucan into English. Now though Scaliger be pleased to say Hypocritically of Lucan, Non cannot sed latrat, yet others (under the Rose) as judicious, allow him an excellent Poet, and loseing no luster by Mr. Mays translation.

Some disgust at Court was given to, or taken by him, (as some will have it) because his Bays were not gilded richly enough, and his Verses rewarded by King Charles according to his expectation. He afterwards wrote an History of this State, in the beginning of our Civil Wars, and being myself (for my many writings) one under the Authority of the Tongues and Pens of others, it ill becometh me to pass any censure on his performance therein. Sure I am, if he were a Biassed and Partiall writer, he lieth buried near a good and true Historian indeed, (I mean Mr. Camden ) in the West-side of the North Isle of Westminster Abby, dying suddenly in the night Anno Dom. 1652. in the 55. year of his Age.

JOHN SELDEN, son of Thomas Selden, was born at Salvington within the parish of East Terring in this County, and the ensuing inscriptions being built three stories high, will acquaint us with his age and parentage.

The lowest is written on the top stone of his sepulcher, being five foot deep in the ground.

Hic inhumatur corpus Johannes Seldeni.

The second is inscribed on a blew marble stone, lying flat on the 〈◊〉 in the Temple Church.

J. Seldenus, J. C. Hic situs est.

The third is graven on the wall, in a monument of white and black marble.

Johannes Seldenus

Heic juxta situs, natus est decimo sexto Decembris MDLXXXIV. Salvintoniae qui viculus est Terring occidentalis in Sussexiae maritimis, parentibus honestis, Joannae Seldeno Thomae filio, e Quinis secundo, Anno MDXLI. nato.

Et

Margareta filia & haerede unica Thomae Bakeri de Rushington, ex Equestri Bakerorum in Cantîo familia, filius 〈◊〉 cunis superstitum unicus, Aetatis fere LXX. annorum. Denatus est ultimo die Novembris, Anno salutis reparatae MDCLIV. per quam expectat heic Resurrectionem faelicem.

He was first bred in Hart-hall in Oxford, then in the Inner Temple in London, where he attained great skill in the Law, and all Antiquity. His learning did not live in a Lan •… , but traced all the Latitude of Arts and Languages, as appears by the many and various works he hath written, which people affect, as they stand affected either by their Fancy or Function. Lay-gentlemen, preser his Titles of honor, Lawyers, his Mare Clausum, Antiquaries his Spicelegium ad Edmearum, Clergy-men like best his book de Dis Syris, and worst his History of Tythes.

Indeed the body of that History did not more offend them in point of profit, then the preface thereof in matter of credit. Such his insolent reflections therein. Nor will it be impertinent here to insert a passage of consequence which I find in a Modern Author of good Intelligence.

Master Selden was no friend to Bishops, as constituted and established in the Church of England. For, being called before the High Commission, and forced to make a public acknowledgment of his error and offense gived unto the Church, in publishing a book entitled, The History of Tithes, it sunk so deep into his stomach, that he did never after affected the men, or cordially approved the calling, though many ways were tried to gain him to the Churches interest.

To this his public acknowledgment I can say nothing, this I know, that a friend of mine employed on a fair and honest account, to peruse the Library of Arch-bishop Laud, found therein a large letter written to him, and subscribed with Master Seldens own hand, wherein he used many expressions of his Contrition, much Condemning himself for setting forth a book of that nature; which Letter my aforesaid friend gave back again to Master Selden, to whom (I assure you) it was no unacceptable present.

But that which afterwards entitled him to a general popularity, was his pleading with Master Noy for a Habeas Corpus of such Gentlemen, which were imprisoned for the refusal of the Loane. Hence was it that most men beheld Master Selden as their Common Council, and them selves as his Clients, conceiving that the Liberty of all English Subjects was concerned in that Suit. He had very many Ancient Coynes of the Roman Emperors, and more modern ones of our English Kings; dying exceeding wealthy. Insomuch, that naked charity, both wished and hoped for a good new Coat at his hands, but mist of its Expectation. The Arch-bishop of Armagh (to whom he was always most civil and respectful,) preached his Funeral Sermon. The Large Library which he left is a Jewell indeed, and this Jewell long looked to be put into a New Cabinet, when one of the Inns of Court (on which it was bestowed) should be pleased to provide a fair and firm Fabric to receive it, but now is reposited ( Bodly within a 〈◊〉 ) in the matchless Library of Oxford.

Romish Exil'd Writers.

GREGORY MARTINE was born at Macfield in this County, bred (contemporary with Campian, ) Fellow of Saint Johns-college in Oxford. He was chosen by Thomas Duke of Northfolk, to be Tutor to his Son Philip Earl of Arundell, and well discharged his trust therein.

Going afterwards beyond the Seas, and living some time in Douay and Rome, he fixed at last in the English-college at Reims, where he was Professor of Divinity. As he was Papal both in his Christian and Surname, so was he deeply died with that Religion, writing many Books in the defense thereof, and one most remarkable, entitled, A Detection of the corruptions in the English Bible. Athaliah did craftily to cry out first, Treason, Treason, when she was the greatest Traitor herself; and this Martin, conscious of the many and foul corruptions in his own Rhemish translation, politically complained of the Faults in our English Bible. He d •… ed the 28. of October 1582. and lieth buried in the Parish Church of St. Stephens in Reims.

THOMAS STAPLETON was born at Henfield in this County, as Pitts his familiar friend doth inform us. Object not that it is written on his Tomb at Saint Peters at Lovaine.

Thomas Stapletonus qui Cicestriae in Anglia Nobili loco Natus.

Chichester there not being taken restrictively for the City, but extensively for the Diocese. His bare Sirname is sufficient proof of his Gentile Birth.

Those of his own persuasion please themselves much to observe, that this Thomas was born in the same year and month, wherein Sir Thomas Moor was beheaded, as if Divine Providence had purposely dropped from Heaven, an Acorn in place of the Oak that was •… ell'd.

He was bred in New college in Oxford, and then by the Bishop ( Christopherson as I take it) made Cannon of Chichester, which he quickly quitted in the First of Queen Elizabeth. Flying beyond the Seas, he first fixed at Douay, and there commendably performed the Office of Catechist, which he discharged to his commendation.

Reader, pardon an Excursion caused by just Grief and Anger. Many counting themselfs Protestants in England, do slight and neglect that Ordinance of God, by which their Religion was set up, and gave Credit to it in the first Reformation, I mean CATECHISING. Did not nor Savior say even to Saint Peter himself? feed my Lambs, feed my heep; And why Lambs first? 1. Because they were Lambs before they were Sheep; 2. Because, if they be not fed whilst Lambs, they could never be Sheep; 3. Because She •… p can in some sort feed themselves, but Lambs (such their tenderness) must either be fed, or famished. Our Stapleton was excellent at this Lamb-feeding, from which Office he was afterwards preferred Kings Professor of Divinity in Lovain, and was for forty years together, Dominus ad Oppositum, the Undertaker-General against all Protestants. Dr. Whitacre Professor in Cambridge, experimentally professed, that Bellarmine was the fairer, and Stapleton the shrewder adversary.

His preferment (in mine Eye) was not proportionable to his Merit, being no more then Cannon and Master of a College in Lovain. Many more admired that Stapleton mist, then that Allen got a Cardinals Cap, equalling him in Strictness of Life, exceeding him in Gentility of Birth and Painfulness of Writing for the Romish Cause. Such consider not that Stapletons Ability was drowned with Allens Activity, and one Grain of the Statesman is too heavy for a pound of the Student; Practical Policy in all Ages, beating Pen-pains out of distance in the Race of Preferment. Stapleton died, and was buried in St. Peters in Lovain, Anno 1598.

Benefactors to the Public.

Reader, let not the want of Intelligence in me, be mis-interpreted want of munificence in the natives of this County, finding but one most eminent, and him since the Reformation.

RICHARD SACKVILL Eldest son of Thomas Earl of Dorcet, by Cecilly his Wife, had his Barony (if not his Birth ) at Buckhurst in this County. A Gentleman of Singular learning in many Sciences and Languages; so that the Greek and Latin, were as familiar unto him, as his own native Tongue. Succeeding his father in that Earldom, he enjoyed his dignity not a full year, as lacking seven Weeks thereof. Yet is there no fear that the shortness of his Earlship will make his Name forgotten, having erected a Monument which will perpetuate his Memory to all Posterity, viz. A College at East-greensted in this County, for one and Thirty poor people to serve Almighty God therein. Endowing the same with three hundred and thirty pounds a Year out of all his Land in England. By Margaret sole daughter to Thomas Duke of Norfolk, he left two surviving sons, Richard and Edward, both Persons of admirable parts, (successively Earls after him,) and dying 1608. was buried at Withiham in this County.

Memorable Persons.

JOHN PALMER,
HENRY PALMER,
THOMAS PALMER,

Sons unto Edward Palmer, Esq. of Angmarine in this County. A Town so called as I am informed from Aqua Marina, or the water of the sea, being within two Miles thereof, and probably in former Ages nearer thereunto.

Their Mother was daughter to one Clement of Wales, who for his effectual assisting of King Henry the seventh, from his landing at Milford-haven, until the Battle of Bosworth, was brought by him into England, and rewarded with good Lands, in this and the next County.

It happened that their Mother being a full fortnight inclusively in Labor, was on Whitsunday delivered of John her eldest son, on the sunday following of Henry her second son, and the sunday next after of Thomas her third son. This is that which is commonly called Superfoetation, (usual in other Creatures, but rare in Women, ) the cause whereof we leave to the disquisition of 〈◊〉 .

These Three were knighted 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 by King 〈◊〉 the eighth, (who never laid his sword on his Shoulders who was not a Man ) so that they appear as remarkable in their suc •… esse as their Nativities. The truth hereof needeth no other Atrestation then the general and uncontrolled Tradition of their no less worshipful then Numerous posterity in Sussex and Kent. Amongst whom I instance in Sir Roger Palmer aged 80. years, lately deceased and 〈◊〉 to our late King, averring to me the faith hereof on his Reputation. The exact date of these Knights deaths I cannot attain.

LEONARD 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 in this County, being much delighted in gardening, man's Original vocation, was the 〈◊〉 who brought over into England from beyond the seas Carps and Pippins, the one well cook'd delicious, the other cordial and restorative. For the proof hereof, we have his own word and witness, and did it, it seems, about the Fifth year of the reign of King Henry the eighth, Anno Dom. 1514. The time of his death is to me unknown.

WILLIAM WITHERS born at Walsham in this County, being a Child of Eleven years old, did Anno 1581. lie in a Trance Ten days without any sustenance, and at last coming to himself, uttered to the Standers by, many strange speeches, Inveighing against Pride, 〈◊〉 , and other Outragious sins. But let the Credit thereof be Charged on my Authors account.

The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the twelsth year of King Henry the sixth.

Commissioners.
S. Bishop of Chichester,
John Earl of Huntingdon.	Knights for the shire.
William St. John,
William Sidney.

Abbatis de Bello
Tho. de Echingham, mil.
Hugon. Halsham, mil.
Rog. Ferrys, mil.
Tho. Leukenore, mil.
〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 , mil.
Hen. Husee, mil.
Rich. Dalyngrigge, ar.
Edw. Sakevyle, ar.
Will. Ryman, ar.
Rog. Gunter, ar.
Rob. Lyle
Johan. Bartelet
Will. Ernele
Walt. Urry
Johan. Lylye
John. Knottesford, ar.
Rich. Profyt
Johan. Bolne
Walt. Fust.
Johan. Wilteshire
Ade Iwode
Will. Halle de Or •…
John. 〈◊〉
Tho. 〈◊〉
Rob. Arnold
〈◊〉 . Peres
Rich. Danmere
Tho. Stanton
Tho. Cotes
John. Wyghtrynge
Will. Hore
Johan. Sherar
Johan. Hilly
Will. Warnecamp
Will. Merwe
Toh. Grantford
Rad. Vest
〈◊〉 . Vest
Johan. Hammes de Padyngho
Johan. Parker de Louis
Jacob. Hon •… wode Prior de Louis
Abbatis de Ponte Rober •…
Rober. Abbatis de Begeham
Prioris de Mechilham
Prioris de Hasting
Rich. Waller, ar.
Johan. Ledes, ar.
Johan. Bramshel, ar.
Rich. Cook, ar.
Rich. Farnfold
John. Burdevyle, ar.
Rad. Rademeld, ar.
Johan. Apsle
Rich. Grene
Tho. Grene
Will. Blast
Rober. Tank
Johan. Bradebrugge
Will. Delve
Will. Shreswell
Johan. Luniford
Johan. Penhurst
Johan. Goringe
Sim. Cheyne
Tho. Ashburnham
Rich. Clothule
Rob. Hyberden
Johan. Dragon
Tho. Surflet
Henrici Exton
Io •… . Symond
Will. Scardevyle
Will. Yevan
John. Rombrigg
Hen. Wendon
Rich. Danel
Rich. Roper
Tho. Fustyngden
Rad. Shreswell

Sheriffs.

This County had the same Sheriffs with Surry, till the twelfth year of Queen Elizabeth, and then for the four years following, had these Sheriffs peculiar to itself.

Name	Place	Arms
REG. ELIZA.
〈◊〉
9 Ed. Bellinghā, ar.		Arg. 3. Hunters-horns stringed S.
10 John. Apseley, ar.		Barry of 6. Ar. & G. a Cant. Er.
11 Hen. Goring, ar.		Arg. a Chev. twixt 3 〈◊〉 G
12 Edw. Carrell, ar.	Harting	Arg. 3. Bars, & as many Mar •… lets in Chief S.

Then were the two Counties re-united under one Sheriff, until the twelfth year of K. Charles, when, being divided, these following were proper to Sussex alone.

Sheriffs.

Name	Place	Arms
REX. GARO.
Anno
12 Edw. Bishop, mi.	Parham	Ar. on a Bend coticed G. 3 〈◊〉 .
13 Anth. Fowlc, ar.	〈◊〉	Gu. a Lion Pass. Gard betwixt 3 Roses Or.
14 Anth. Forster, ar.	Tronton	S. on a Cheveron A •… 3 Scallopshels of the field betwixt as many Pheons Or.
15 Edw. Apsley, ar.	ut prius
16 Geo. Churchar, ar.
17 Egid. Garton▪ ar.
18
19 John. Baker, ar.
20 Edw. Payne, ar▪		Ar. on a fess Engrailed G. 3 Roses Erm.
21
22 Tho. Eversfield, ar.		Erm. on a Bend S. 3 〈◊〉 Or. betwixt as many 〈◊〉 S.

The Farewell.

For my Vale to this County, I desire to be their Remembrancer of the counsel which their country-man, William Earl of Arundle, gave to his Son Henry Fitzallen, last Earl of that Surname, viz. Never to trust their Neighbors the French. Indeed for the present they are at amity with us, but foreign friendship is ticklish, temporary, and lasteth no longer then it is advantaged with mutual interest. May never French land on this shore, to the Loss of the English. But if so sad an Accident should happen, send then our Suss •… xians no worse success, then their Ancesters of Rye and Winchelsey had 1378. in the reign of Richard the second, when they embarked for Normandy. For in the night they entered a Town, called Peters port, took all such Prisoners who were able to pay ransom, and safely returned home without loss, and with much rich Spoil, and amongst the rest they took down out of the Steeple the Bells, and brought them into England. Bells, which the French had taken form •… lie from these Towns, and which did afterwards Ring the more merrily, restored to their proper place, with addition of much wealth to pay •… or the cost of their Recovery.

WARWICK-SHIRE.

WARWICK-SHIRE hath Leicester and Northampton-shires on the East, Oxford, & Gloucester-shires on the South, Worcester on the West, and Stafford-shire on the North thereof. In form at the first view in a Map it doth pretend to some Circularness, but attaineth no exactness therein, as extending Thirty three miles, from North to South, though from East to West not distanced above twenty six.

One said no less truly then merrily, It is the Heart but not the Core of England, having nothing Course or Choaky therein. The Wood-land part thereof may want what the Fieldon affords. So that Warwick-shire is defective in neither. As for the Pleasure thereof, an Author is bold to say, that from Edg-hill one may behold it another Eden, as Lot did the Plain of Jordan, but he might have put in, It is not altogether so well watered.

Natural Commodities.

Sheep.

Most large for bone, flesh and wool in this County, especially about Worm-Leighton. In this Shire the complaint of J. Rous continueth and increaseth, that sheep turn Cannibals, eating up men, houses, and towns, their pastures make such depopulation.

But on the other side, it is pleaded for these Inclosures, that they make houses the fewer in this County, and the more in the Kingdom. How come buildings in great towns every day to increase? (so that commonly Tenants are in before Tenements are ended, ) but that the poor are generally maintained by Clothing, the Staple-trade of the Nation.

Indeed Corn doth visibly employ the poor in the place where it groweth, by Ploughing, Sowing, Mowing, Inning, Threshing: but Wooll invisibly maintaineth people at many miles distance, by Carding, Spinning, Weaving, Dressing, Dying it. However an expedient might be so used betwixt Tillage and Pastureage, that Abel should not kill Cain, the Shepherd undo the Husbandman, but both subsist comfortably together.

Ash.

It is the Prince (Oke being allowed the King ) of Eglish Timber, growing plentifully in the Wood-land Part of this County. I confess it far short in Sovereigness against Serpents of the Italian Ash, if true what Pliny reporteth, (making Affidavit thereof on his own Experience, Experti prodimus ) that a Serpent encircled with Fire and Boughes of Ash, will in this Dilemma, put himself rather on the hazard of fire, then adventure on the fence of Ashen Boughes. It is also far infe •… iour in toughness to the Spanish Ash, and yet a Stand of Pikes made of English Ash, and managed with English-men's Arms, will do very well. But to wave the Warlike, and praise the Peaceable use of the Ash, it is excellent for Plow-timber, besides many Utensils within a Family. Being cut down Green it burneth (a Peculiar Privilege of this Wood) clear and bright, as if the Sap thereof, had a fire-feeding Unctiousness therein. The fruit thereof is good in Physic, whose Keys are opening of obstructions arising from the Spleen.

Cole.

Much hereof is digged up at Bedworth, which (in my Measuring) of all Cole-mines, North of Thames, is the most Southward, adding much to their Price, and Owners Profit. The making such Mines destroyeth much, but when made preserveth more Tim •… er. I am sorry to hear, that those black Indies, both in Quantity and Quality, fall short of their former fruitfulness, and I wish they may recover their lost Credit, being confident, the Earth there will bleed Profit as plentifully as any, had the Miners but the good Hap, to hit the right vein thereof. As for Manufactures in this County, some Broad cloths are made in Coventry, and ten might be made for one, if the mistery thereof were vigorously pursued.

The Buildings.

Coventry much beholding to the Lady Godiva, (who took Order that her Charity should not prejudice her Modesty, when she purchased the Privileges of this Place) showeth two fair Churches close together: How clearly would they have shined, if set at competent Distance? whereas now, such their Vicinity, that the Arch-angel eclipseth the Trinity.

Saint Ma •… ies in Warwick a Beautiful Structure, owes its life to the Monuments of the dead therein, most being Earls of Warwick. Of these, that in the Body of the Church is the Oldest, that in the Chancel is the largest, that in the Chapel (of Guilt Brass) the Richest, that in the Chapter-House (of Fulke Lord Brook ) the latest. Greatness may seem in some fort to be buried in the Tomb of the Earl of Leicester, and Goodness in that of the Earl of Warwick. Women are most delighted with the Statue of the Infant Baron of Denby, and Scholars most affected with the learned Epitaph of Sir Thomas Puckering. In a word, so numerous is the Church with its Appendences, as I am informed by my Worthy Friend, the Minister, that he can accommodate One Clergyman, of all Dignities and Degrees, to repose them, in several Chapells or Ve •… ries by themselves.

Kenelworth, alias Kenilworth. It had the Strength of a Castle, and Beauty of a Princes Court; Though most fair the Porch, no danger of the Castles running out thereat, (like that of Mindus at the Gate) as most Proportionable to the rest of the Fabric. I confess Handsome is an unproper Epithet of a Giant, yet Neatness agreeth with the Vastness of this structure.

Some Castles have been Demolished for security, which I behold destroyed, se defendendo, without offense. Others Demolished in the heat of the Wars, which I look upon as Castle-slaughter. But I cannot excuse the Destruction of this Ca •… tle, from Wilfull-murder, being done in cold blood, since the end of the Wars.

I am not stocked enough with Charity to pity the Ruiners thereof, if the materials of this Castle answered not their Expectation, who destroyed it.

Pass we now from the Preterperfect to the Present Tense, I mean from what was once, to what now is most magnificent, the Castle of Warwick. It over-looketh the Town which is washed and swept by Nature, so sweet on a Rising Hill, is the situation thereof. The Prospect of this Castle is Pleasant in its self, and far more to the Present Owner thereof, the Right Honorable Robert Lord Brooke, seeing the Windows look into Lands mostly of his Possession.

We will conclude the Buildings of this County, with the beautiful Cross of Coventry. A Reformed Cross, (or Standard rather) without any Cross thereon, being a Masterpiece, all for Ornament, nothing for Superstition, so that the most curious, hath just cause to commend, the most conscientious to allow, none to condemn it.

It was begun 1541. the 33. and finished 1544. the 36. of King Henry the eighth, at the sole cost of Sir William Hollis Lord Mayor of London, Great-grand-father to the Right Honorable the Earl of Clare.

The Wonders.

At Lemington, within two Miles of Warwick, there issue out (within a stride) of the womb of the Earth, two Twin-springs, as different in Taste and Operation, as Esa •… and Jacob in disposition, the one Salt, the other Fresh. Thus the meanest Country-man doth plainly see the Effects, whilst it would pose a Consulta •… ion of Philosophers to assign the true cause thereof. To this Permanent let me join a trans •… ent Wonder which some was fifty years since. The Situation of Coventry is well known, on a rising Hill, having no River near it, save a small Brook, over which generally one may make a Bridge with a Stride. Now here happened such an Inundation, on friday April the seventeenth 1607. (attested under the Seal of the City, in the Majoralty of Henry S •… well ) as was equally admirable;

In 1. Coming about eight a clock in the morning, no considerable rain preceding, which might suggest the least suspicion thereof.
In 2. Continuance, for the Space of three Hours, wherein it overflowed more then two hundred and fifty dwelling Houses, to the great damage of the Inhabitants.
In 3. Departure, or vanishing rather, sinking as suddenly as it did rise.

Thus what the Scripture saith of wind, was then true of the water, One cannot tell, whence it came, nor whither it went. Leaving others to inquire into the second and subordinate, I will content myself with admiring the Supreme Cause, observed by the Psalmist, He turneth a wilderness into a standing water, and dry-ground into waterSprings.

Medicinal waters.

At Newenham Regis there is a Spring, the water whereof drunk with Salt looseneth, with Sugar bindeth the Body. It is also very Sovereigne against Ulcers, Impostumes, & the Stone. This last I commend to the Readers choice observation, the same Author affirming that it turneth Sticks into Stone, and that he himself was an Eye-witness thereof. Now, how it should dissolve the Stone in the Body of a Man, and yet turn Wood into Stone, I leave to such who are naturae à Sanctioribus Consiliis, at their next meeting at their Counsel-table, to discuss and decide.

Proverbs.

He is the black Bear of Arden. ]

Arden, is a Forest, anciently occupying all the Wood-land part of this County. By the Black Bear, is meant Guy Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, who (besides the allusion to his Crest) was Grim of Person and Surly of resolution, for when this Bear had gotten Pierce Gavistone, (that Munkey and Minion of King Edward the second) into his Chambers, he caused his Death at a Hill within two miles of Warwick, notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary. The Proverb is appliable to those who are not Terricula menta, bnt Terrores, no fancy-formed Bug-bears, but such as carry fear and fright to others about them.

As bold as Beauchamp.]

Some will say the concurrence of these two B. B. did much help the Proverb, and I think (as in others of the same kind) they did nothing hinder it. However this quality could not be fixed on any name with more truth. If it be demanded, what Beauchamp is chiefly meant, amongst the many of that Surname, Earls of Warwick? The answer of mutinous people is true in this case, One and all.

1. William. 2. Guy. 3. Thomas. 4. Thomas. 5. Richard. 6. Henry.

Such a series there was of successive undauntedness in that noble Family. But, if a better may be allowed amongst the best, and a bolder amongst the boldest; I conceive that Thomas the first of that name, gave the chief occasion to this Proverb, of whom we read it thus reported in our Chronicles:

At Hogs in Normandy, in the year of our Lord 1346. being there in safety arrived with Edward the third, this Thomas leaping over ship-board, was the first man who went on land, seconded by one Esquire, and six Archers, being mounted on a silly Palfray, which the sudden accident of the business first offered to hand; with this company, he did fight against one hundred armed men, and in hostile manner overthrew everyone which withstood him: and so at one shock, with his seven assistants, he slew sixty Normans, removed all resistance, and gave means to the whole fleet to land the Army in safety.

The Heirs-male off this name, are long since extinct, though some deriving themselves from the Heirs-general, are extant at this day.

The Bear wants a Tail, and cannot be a Lion.]

Nature hath cut off the Tail of the Bear close at the Rump, which is very strong, and long in a Lion; for a great part of the Lions strength consists in his Tail, wherewith (when Angry) he useth to Flap and Beat himself, to raise his Rage therewith to the Height, so to render himself more Fierce and Furious. If any ask why this Proverb is placed in Warwick-shire? Let them take the Ensuing Story for their satisfaction.

Robert Dudley Earl of Leice •… er, derived his Pedegree from the ancient Earls of Warwick, on which Title he gave their Crest, the Bear and Ragged Staff, and when he was Governor of the Low Countries, with the high Title of his Excellency, disusing his Own Coat of the Green-Lion with Two Tails, he signed all Instruments with the Crest of the Bear and Ragged Staff. He was then suspected by many of his jealous adversaries, to hatch an Ambitious design to make himself absolute Commander (as the Lion is King of Beasts ) over the Low-Countries. Whereupon some (Foes to his faction, and Friends to the Dutch-freedom ) wrote unde •… his Crest, set up in Public places,

Ursa caret cauda, non queat esse Leo.

The Bear he never can prevail

To Lion it, for lack of Tail.

Nor is U •… sa in the feminine merely placed to make the Verse; But because Naturalists observe in Bears, that the Female is always the strongest.

This Proverb is applied to such who not content with their Condition, aspire to what is above their worth to deserve, or Power to achieve.

He is true Coventry-blew. ]

It seems the best blews, so well fixed as not to fade, are died in Coventry. It is applied to such an one who is fidus Achates, a fast and faithful friend to those that employ him. Opposite hereunto is the Greek Proverb, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Ignavi vertitur color, A Coward will change color, either for fear or falsehood, when deserting those who placed confidence in him. As for those who apply this Proverb to persons so habited in wickedness, as past hope of amendment, under favor I conceive it a secondary, and but abusive sense thereof.

Princes.

ANNE NEVILL Daughter and Co▪heir to Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick, was most prob •… bly born in Warwick-castle. She was afterward married with a great portion and inheritance, to Edward Prince of Wales, sole Son to King Henry the sixth. A Prince, neither dying of Disease, nor slain in Battle, nor executed by Justice, but barbarously butchered by Richard Duke of Gloucester.

Was it not then a daring piece of Court-ship in him, who had murdered her husband, to make love unto her in way of marriage; and was not his success strange in obtaining her, having no 〈◊〉 to commend his person to her affection? O the Impotency of the weaker sex, to resist the battery of a Princely Suitor, who afterward became King by his own ambition! however her life with him proved neither long nor fortunate.

It happened that there was the muttering of a marriage between Henry Earl of Richmond, and Elizabeth eldest Daughter to Edward the fourth, so to unite the houses of Lancaster and York. To prevent this, King Richard the third intended to marry the Lady himself, so methodical he was in breaking the Commandments of the second Table. First Honor thy Father and Mother, when he procured his Mother to be proclaimed a harlot, by a Preacher at Paul's Cross. Secondly, Thou shalt not kill, when he murdered his Nephews. Thirdly, Thou shalt not Commit adultery, being now in pursuit of an incestuous Copulation.

Say not that this match would nothing confirm his title, seeing formerly he had pronounced all the Issue of King Edward the fourth as Illegitimate; for first, that design was rather endeavored then effected, most men remaining (notwithstanding this bastardizing attempt) well satisfied in the rightfulness of their extraction. Secondly, they should or should not be Bastards, as it made for his present advantage. Tyrants always driving that nail which will go, though it go cross to those which they have driven before. Lastly, if it did not help him, it would hinder the Earl of Richmond, which made that Usurper half wild till he was wedded.

But one thing withstood his desires, this Anne his Queen was still alive, though daily quarrelled at, and complained of (her son being lately dead) for barren, and O what a loss would it be to nature itself, should her husband die without an heir unto his virtues! Well, this Lady understanding that she was a burden to her husband, for grief soon became a burden to herself, and wasted away on a sudden. Some think she went her own pace to the grave, while others suspect a grain was given her to quicken her in her journey to her long home. Which happened Anno Dom. 1484.

EDWARD PLANTAG •… NET Son to George Duke of Clarence, may pass for a Prince, because the last Male-heir of that Royal Family. Yea, some of his Foes feared, and more of his Friends desired, that he might be King of England. His Mother was Isabel, Eldest Daughter to Richard▪Nevill Earl of Warwick. And he was born in Warwick-castle.

As his Age increased, so the Jealousy of the Kings of England on him did increase, being kept Close Prisoner by King Edward the fourth, Closer by King Richard the third, and Closest by King Henry the seventh. This last, being of a New Linage and Sirname, knew full well how this Nation hankered after the Name of Plantagenet, which as it did out-syllable Tuthar in the Mouths, so did it out-vie it in the Affections of the English. Hence was it, that the Earl was kept in so strict Restraint, which made him very weak in his Intellectuals, and no wonder, being so sequestered from human converse.

It happened, a marriage was now in debate, betwixt Prince Arthur, and Katherine Daughter to Ferdinand King of Spain, and the latter would not consent thereunto, until to clear all Titles, this Edward Plantagenet were taken out of the way. Thereupon he was Charged for intending an Escape out of the Tower, (was he not a very fool indeed, if not desiring his own liberty?) which far fetched deduction was 〈◊〉 into High Treason. The simple Earl was persuaded by his friend pretending Foes, to confess the fact as the only way to find favor, and so freely acknowledging more against himself, then others could prove, yea, or himself did intend, soon after found the Proverb true, Confess and be Beheaded.

However the blood of this Innocent (so may he truly be termed take the word in what sense you please) did not pass unpunished, and the Lady Katherine Dowager was wont to acknowledge the death of her two Sons an ill success of her match, as Heavens Judgment on her family, for the Murdering of this Earl, which happened Anno Domini 1499.

Saints.

Saint WOLSTAN. There is some difference, but what is easily reconcilable, about the place of his Nativity,

J. Pitz, de illust. Angliae Script. aetate undecima num. 174. Sanctus Wolstanus natione Anglus Wigorniensis.

Jerome. Porter, in the Flowers of the lives of English Saints, p. 84. Saint Wolstan was born in Warwick-shire, of worthy and religious Parents.

The accommodation is easy, seeing a Warwick-shire man by his County, may be a Worcester-man by his Diocese, to which See the western moity of that County doth belong. Since I have learned from my worthy friend, that Long Irtington in this Shire, may boast of the birth of Saint Wolstan. He afterwards began Bishop of Worcester, and for his piety and holiness was generally reverenced.

Indeed he was like Jacob, a plain man, with Nathaniel an Israelite without guile, welt or gard. He could not Mode it, or comport, either with French ficleness, or Italian pride, which rendered him at once hated by two Grandees, K. Will. the Conqueror, and Lankfank the lordly Lombard Arch-bishop of Canterbury.

These resolved on his removal, quarrelling with him that he could not speak French, (a quality which much commended the Clergy in that Age to preferment,) and command him to give up his Episcopal staff and ring into the hands of the King. But old Wolstan trudged to the Tomb of King Edward the Confessor in Westminster, who had been his Patron, and there offered up his Episcopal Habilliments, These (said he) from you I received, and to you I resign them.

This his plain dealing so wrought on his adversaries, ( Honesty at long running is the best Policy, ) that he was not only continued, but countenanced in his Bishopric, yea, acquired the reputation of a Saint. The greatest fault which I find charged on his Memory, is his Activity in making W. Rufus King to the apparent injury of Ro •… ert his Elder Brother. But it is no wonder, if Clergy men betray their weakness, who being bred in a Covent, quit Church business, to intermeddle with Secular matters. He died January 19. 1095.

Martyrs.

Name	Place	Vocation	Martyred	Time
Laurence Sanders		Priest	Coventry	Feb. 8. 1555.
Robert Glover	Mancetor	Gentleman	Coventry	Sept. 20. 1555.
Cornelius Bongey	Coventry	Capper	Coventry	Sept. 20. 1555.
John Careles	Coventry	Wever	Kings-bench, London

To these let me add JULIUS PALMER a hopeful scholar, bred in Magdalene-college in Oxford, and though burnt in Newbury, born at Coventry. Ralph Baines Bishop of this Diocese, was the cause of much persecution therein.

Confessors.

JOHN GLOVER. David saith, He shall deliver th •… e from the snare of the Hunter. Now Hunters often change their Hare, losing that which they first followed, and starting another which they hunt and take: So it happened here. For this John was the person by his persecutors designed to Death, who (after many temporal and spiritual troubles) Miraculously escaped those Nimrods. Whilst Robert Glover his younger Brother (of whom before) without their intention, fell into their hands, and lost his life. Yet was there no mistake in Divine Providence, making the Swervings and Aberrations of men, tend in a straight line, to the accomplishing of his hidden Will and Pleasure.

Cardinals.

WILLIAM MAKLESFIELD was born saith my Author (but with an abatement of a hic fertur ) in the City of Coventry. He was made Bachelor of Divinity at Paris, Doctor at Oxford and being a Dominican was made General of their Order.

Pope B •… nedict the eleventh, (who was of the same fraternity,) formerly his familiar acquaintance, made him Cardinal, with the title of Saint Sabine. But such his misfortune, that he was dead and buried at London, before his Cardinals cap was brought to him.

What said David, He shall carry nothing away with him when he dies, Neither shall his Pomp follow him. Yet this man's State endeavored to follow him as far as it could. For his Cardinals cap being sent to London with great Solemnity, was with much Magnificence set on the Monument where he was buried. And perchance this cap did him as much good when he was dead, as it would have done, if he had been living. Sure I am, that F •… ithfull Linnen did him far more service, which adventured to go down with him into the grave, for the winding of his body therein.

PETER PETOW by Master Camden called William Petow, (and had I been at his Christening, I could have decided •… he controversy,) was descended from an Ancient family, which for a long time have flourished at Chesterton in this County. Being by Order a Franciscan, he was by Pope Paulus the third created Cardinal, (his title unknown) June 13. 1557.

The same Pope also made him Legat à Latere, and Bishop of Salisbury, to the apparent wronging of John Capon Bishop thereof, then alive, and no more Obnoxious then others of his Order. But I forget what the Cannon-law saith, None may say to the Pope, why dost thou so? as if what were unjust in itself, were made just by his doing it.

P •… tow thus Armed, with a Legatine Power advances towards England, with full Intent and Resolution, either to force his Admittance into the English Court, or else to depart as he came.

But Queen Mary though Drenched, not Drown'd in Popish Principles, would not Unprince herself to Obey his Holiness, and understanding it a Splenatick design against Cardinal Poole, whom she entirely affected, (wonder not at such differences betwixt AntiCardinals, whereas worse between Anti-Popes, ) Prohibited his entrance into the Realm, which Petow took so tenderly, that the April after he died in France 1558.

Prelates.

JOHN STRATFORD son of Robert and Isabell Stratford, is notoriously known to be born at Stratford, an Eminent Market in this County. This makes me much admire, and almost suspect my own Eyes, in what I read, both in Arch-bishop Parker, and Bishop Godwin,

De cujus Gente atque Patria nihil accepimus.

De cujus viri Natalibus traditum non reperi quicquam.

Being by Papal provisions preferred Bishop of Winchester, without the Royal Consent, he fell into the Dis-favor of King Edward the second, regaining his Good will, (by the intercession of Arch-bishop Mepham ) and being a Subject, not to the Prosperity, but person of his Prince, he forsook him not in his greatest Extremity. This cost him the Displeasure of the Queen Mother, and King Edward the third, till at last Converted by his Constancy, they turned their frowns into smiles upon him.

When Arch-bishop of Canterbury, he persuaded King Edward the third to invade France, promising to supply him with competent provisions for the purpose. A promise not so proportionable to his Archiepiscopal Capacity, as to him, as he had been twice Treasurer of England, and skillful in the collecting and advancing of money, so that he furnished the King with great sums, at his first setting forth for France.

These being spent before the year ended, the King sends over for a supply. Stratford instead of Coin, returns Counsel, advising him to alter his Officers, otherwise, if so much was spent at a Breakfast, the whole wealth of the land, would not suffice him for Dinner.

Over comes the angry King, from whose fury Stratford was forced to conceal himself, until publicly passing his purgation in Parliament, he was restored to the reputation of his Innocence, and rectified in the Kings esteem. He built, and bountifully endowed, a Beautiful College, in the Town of his Nativity, and having set Archbishop fifteen years, died Anno 1348. leaving a perfumed memory behind him, for his Bounty to his Servants, Charity to the Poor, Meekness and Moderation to all persons.

RALPH STRATFORD (kinsman to the foresaid Arch-bishop,) was born in the Town of Stratford on Avon, where he built a Chapel to the honor of Saint Thomas. He was first Cannon of Saint Paul's, and afterwards May 12. 1339. was consecrated at Canterbury Bishop of London.

During his sitting in that See, there happened so grievous a Pestilence in London, that hardly the Tenth Person in some places did escape. Then each Church-yard was indeed a Polyandrum, so that the Dead might seem to Justle one another for room therein. Yea, the Dead did kill the Living, so shallowly were their heaped Corps interred.

Whereupon this Bishop Charitably bought a Piece of Ground nigh Smithfield. It was called No▪Mans-Land, not à parte Ante, as formerly without an Owner, (seeing it had a Proprictary of whom it was legally purchased,) but de futuro, none having a particular interest therein, though indeed it was All-Men's-Land, as designed and consecrated for the General Sepulture of the Deceased. This Bishop having continued about 14. years in his See, he died at Stepney 1355.

ROBERT STRATFORD (brother to the Arch-bishop aforesaid) was in the reign of King Edward the third made Bishop of Chichester. He was at the same time Chancellor of Oxford, (wherein he was bred) and of all England. Honorable Offices, which sometimes have met in the same Person, though never more deservedly then in the Present Enjoyer of them both.

In his time there was a tough contest betwixt the South and Northern-men in that University. They fell from their Pens to their Hands, using the contracted fist of Mar •… ial, Logic, bloody blows passing betwixt them. Th s Bishop did wisely and fortunately bestir himself an Arbitrator in this Controversy, being a proper Person for such a performance, born in this County, (in the very Navil of England ) so that his Nativity was a Natural Expedient betwixt them, and his Judgment was impartial in compremising the difference.

He was accused to the King for favoring the French, with his Brother Archbishop, contented patiently to attend till Pregnant Time was delivered of Truth her Daughter, and then this Brace of Prelates appeared Brethren in Integrity. He died at Allingbourn April 9. 1362.

JOHN VESTY alias HARMAN, Doctor of Law, was born at Sutton Colefield in this County, bred in Oxford; A most vivacious person, if the Date of these Remarks be seriously considered.

1. In the twentieth year of King Henry the sixth, he was appointed to celebrate the Divine-service in the Free-Chapel of Saint Blase of Sutton aforesaid.
2. In the twenty third year of Henry the seventh, he was made Vicar of Saint Michaells Church in Coventry.
3. Under K. Henry the eighth, he was made Dean of the Chapel Royal, Tutor to the Lady Mary, and President of Wales.
4. In the Eleventh of K. Henry the eighth, 1519. he was advanced to be Bishop of Exeter.

Which Bishopric he destroyed, not only shaving the Hairs, (with long leases) but cutting away the limbs with sales outright, in so much that Bishop Hall his successor in that See, complaineth in print, that the following Bishops were Barons, but Bare-ones indeed. Some have Confidently affirmed, in my hearing, that the word to Veize (that is in the West, to drive away with a Witness) had its Original from his Profligating of the lands of his Bishopric, but I yet demure to the truth thereof.

He robbed his own Cathedral to pay a Parish Church, Sutton in this County, where he was born, whereon he bestowed many Benefactions, and built fifty one houses. To enrich this his Native Town, he brought out of Devonshire many Clothiers, with Desire and Hope to fix the Manufacture of Cloathing there. All in vain, for as Bishop Godwin observeth,

Non omnis fert omnia tellus.

Which though true conjunctively, that all Countrys put together bring forth all things, to be Mutually bartered by a Reciprocation of Trade, is false disjunctively, no one place affording all Commodities, so that the Cloath-workers here, had their pains for their labor, and sold for their lost.

It seems though he brought out of Devon-shire the Fiddle and Fiddlestick, he brought not the Rosen, therewith to make Good Music, and every Country is innated with a Peculiar Genius, and is left handed to those trades, which are against their Inclinations.

He quitted his Bishopric (not worth keeping) in the reign of King Edward the sixth, and no wonder he resumed it not in the reign of Queen Mary, the Bone not being worth the taking, the Marrow being knocked out before. He died (being 103. years old,) in the reign of Q. Mary, and was buried in his Native Town, with his Statue Mitred and Vested.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN BIRD was born in the City of Coventry, bred a Carmelite at Oxford, and became afterwards the 31. (the head-game) and last Provincial of his Order. He Preached some smart Sermons before King Henry the eighth, against the Primacy of the Pope, for which he was preferred (saith Bishop Godwin ) to be successively Bishop of Ossery in Ireland, Bangor in Wales, and Chester in England.

To the two last we concur, but dissent to the former, because John Bale contemporary with this John Bird, and also Bishop of Ossery, (who therefore must be presumed skillful in his Predecessors in that See) nameth him not Bishop of Ossery, but Episcopum Pennecensem in Hiberniâ, the same Bale saith of him, Audivi eum ad Papismi vomitum reversum. I have heard that (in the reign of Queen M •… ry) he returned to the vomit of Popery: which my charity will not believe. Indeed in the first of Queen Mary he was outed of his Bishopric for being married, and all that we can recover of his carriage a •… terwards, is this passage at the examination of Master Thomas Hauke, Martyr. When John Bird (then very old) brought Boner a bottle of Wine, and a dish of Apples, probably a present unto him for a Ne noceat, and therefore not enough to speak him a Papist in his persuasion.

Bishop Boner desired him to take Haukes into his Chamber, and to try if he could convert him, whereupon after Boners departure out of the room, the quondam Bishop accosted Haukes as followeth,

I would to God I could do you some good, you are a young man, and I would not wish you to go to far, but learn of the elders to bear somewhat.

He enforced him no further, but being a thorough old man even fell fast asleep. All this in my computation amounts but to a passive compliance, and is not evidence enough to make him a thorough paced Papist, the rather because John Pitts omitteth him in the Catalogue of English-writers, which no doubt he would not have done, had he any assurance, that he had been a radicated Romanist. Nothing else have I to observe of him, but only that he was a little man, and had a pearl in his eyes, and dying 1556. was buried in Chester.

States men.

Sir NICHOLAS THROCKMORTON Knight, fourth Son of Sir George Throckmorton of Coughton in this County, was bred beyond the Seas, where he attained to great experience. Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-Hall arraigned for Treason (compliance with Wyat ) and by his own wary pleading, and the Jury's upright verdict hardly escaped. Queen Elizabeth employed him Her Leiger a long time, first in France, then in Scotland, finding him a most able Minister of State, yet got he no great wealth, and no wonder, being ever of the opposite party to Burleigh Lord Treasurer; Chamberlain of the Exchequer, and Chief Butler of England, were his highest preferments. I say Chief Butler, which office like an empty covered cup, pretendeth to some state, but affordeth no considerable profit. He died at supper with eating of salates, not without suspicion of poison, the rather because happening in the house of one no mean artist in that faculty, R. Earl of Leicester. His death as it was sudden, was seasonable for him and his, whose active (others will call it turbulent ) spirit had brought him into such trouble as might have cost him, at least, the loss of his personal estate. He died in the fifty seventh year of his age, February the 12. 1570. and lieth buried in the South-side of the Chancel of St. Katharine Cree-Church London.

EDWARD CONWAY Knight, Son to Sir John Conway Knight, Lord and Owner of Ragleigh in this County. This Sir John being a Person of Great skill in Military affairs, was made by Robert Earl of Leicester (General of the English Auxiliaries in the united Provinces ) Governor of Ostend. His Son Sir Edward succeeded to his Fathers Martial skill and valor, and twisted therewith peaceable policy in State-affairs▪ so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most Eminent Proportion, and thereupon King James made Him one of the Principal Secretaries of State.

For these his good services, he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County, and afterwards by King Charles, Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim. And lastly in the third of King Charles, Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvanshire, England, Ireland and Wales, mutually embracing themselves in His Honors. He died January the third, Anno 1630.

JOHN DIGBY Baron of Sherborn, and Earl of Bristol, was born in this County, a younger Son of an ancient family, long flourish •… ng at Coleshull therein. To pass by his Infancy, (all Children being alike in their long Coats) his Youth gave pregnant hopes of that Eminency, which his mature age did produce.

He didken the Emhassador-Craft, as well as any in his age, employed by King James, in several services to frreign Princes, recited in his Patent (which I have perused) as the main motives of the Honors confer'd upon him. But his managing the Matchless Match with Spain, was his Master-piece, wherein a Good (I mean a Great ) number of State-Traverses were used on both sides.

His contest with the Duke of Buckingham, is fresh in many men's Memories, charges of High Treason mutually flying about. But this Lord fearing the Dukes Power (as the Duke this Lor •… s policy) it at last became a Drawn Battail betwixt them; yet so, that this Earl lost the love of King Charles, living many years in his Dis-favor: But such as are in a Court-Cloud, have commonly the Countries Sun-shine, and this Peer during his Eclyps was very Popular with most of the Nation.

It is seldom seen, that a favorite once Broken at Court, sets up again for himself, the hap (rather then happiness ) of this Lord, the King graciously reflecting on him, at the beginning of the Long-Parliament, as one Best able to give him the safest Counsel in those dangerous Times. But how he incensed the Parliament so far as to be excepted Pardon, I neither do know nor dare inquire. Sure I am after the surrender of Exeter, he went over into France, where he met with that due respect in foreign, which he missed in his Native Country. The worst I wish such, who causelessly suspect him of Popish inclinations, is, that I may hear from them but half so many strong Arguments for the Protestant Religion, as I have heard from him, who was to his commendation a Cordial Champion for the Church of England. He died in France about the year 1650.

Writers.

WALTER of COVENTRIE was born and bred a Benedictine therein. Bale saith he was, Immortali vir dignus Memoria, and much commended by Leland (though not of set purpose, but) sparsim as occasion is offered. He excelled in the two Essential Qualities of an Historian, Faith and Method, writing truly and orderly, only guilty of Coursness of style. This may better be dispensed with in him, because Historia est res veritatis non Eloquentiae, because bad Latin was a catching disease in that age. From the beginning of the Britons he wrote a Chronicle (extant in Bennet College Library) to his own time. He flourished Anno 1217.

VINCENT of COVENTRIE was born in the chief City in this shire, and bred a Franciscan (though Learned Leland mistakes him a Carmelite ) in the University of Cambridge.

His order at their first entrance into England, looked upon learning as a thing beneath them; so totally were they taken up with their Devotion. This Vincent was the first who brake the Ice (and then others of his order drank of the same water) first applied himself to Academical studies, and became a public Professor in Cambridge, he set a Copy for the Carmelites therein to imitate, who not long after began their public Lectures in the same place, he left some books to posterity, and flourished Anno Dom. 1250.

JOHN of KILLINGWORTH born in that Castelled-village in this County, bred in Oxford, an excellent Philosopher, Astronomer and Physician. He studied the Stars so long, that at last he became A STAR himself in his own Sphere, and out-shined all others of that Faculty. He was Father and Founder to all the Astronomers in that Age. I never did spring such a Covye of Mathematicians all at once, as I met with at this time, Cervinus or Hart, Cure, John Stacy and Blach, all bred in Merton College. Which Society in the former Century applied themselves to School-Divinity, in this to Mathematics, and attained to Eminency in both, so good a Genius acted within the walls of that worthy foundation. He flourished about the year 1360.

WILLIAM of COVENTRY was born and bred a Carmelite in that City. He in his Youth was afflicted with an unhealable Sprain in his Hip, and was commonly called Claudus Conversus, which I adventure to English, the lame Converted.

Conversus properly is one, who for lack of Learning or Deformity of Body, is condemned to the servile work in the Monastery, under a Despair ever to be made Priest, termed it seems Conversus, because not of voluntary choice, Turning, to that course of Life, but Turned (as Passively necessitated) thereunto.

But hear how J. Pits clincheth in his Praise. Claudicavit corporis gressu, non virtutis progressu, vitiatus corpore non viciosus animo, being in his writings full of S •… ntences. Amongst which Bale takes especial notice of his Prodesset Hierosolymam petere & alia invisere loca sacra, sed multum praestaret eo precio paupers alere domi, wherein though I perceive no more sententiousness then common sense, yet because it containeth a Bold Truth in those Blind Days, it may be mentioned. He never set his name to his Books, but it may (according to the Frierly-Fancy ) be collected out of the Capital Letters of his several works. Who flourished Anno 1360.

JOHN ROUSE Son of Jeffery Rouse, was born at Warwick, but descended from the Rouses of Brinkloe in this County, he was bred in Oxford, where he attained to great Eminencie of Learning, he afterwards retired himself to Guis •… cliffe within a Mile of Warwick.

A most delicious place, so that a Man in many Miles Riding cannot meet so much variety, as there one forlong doth afford. A steep Rock full of Caves in the Bowels thereof, washed at the Bottom with a Crystal River, besides many clear Springs on the side thereof, all overshadowed with a stately grove, so that an ordinary Fancy may here find to itself Helicon, Parnassus, and what not? Many Hermits (and Guy Earl of Warwick himself) being sequestered from the world, retreated hither. Some will say it is too Gaudy a place for that purpose, as having more of a Paradise then Wilderness therein, so that men's thoughts would rather be Scattered then Collected with such various objects. But seeing Hermits deny themselves the Company of Men, let them be allowed to Converse with the Rarities of Nature, and such are the fittest texts for a solitary devotion to comment upon.

To this place came our John Rouse, and by leave obtained from King Edward the fourth, immured himself therein, that he might apply his Studies without distraction. Here he wrote of the Antiquities of Warwick, with a Catalogue of the Earls thereof, a Chronicle of our English Kings, and a History of our Universities. He was as good with the Pensill as the Pen, and could Draw Persons as well as Describe them, as appears by lively Pictures Limmed with his own hand. He died a very aged man, Anno Domini 1491.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM PERKINS was born at Marston in this County, bred Fellow of Christcolledge, and then became Preacher of Saint Andrew's in Cambridge.

The Athenians did nothing else but tell or hear some new thing. Why tell before hear? Because probably, they themselves were the first Finders, Founders, and Fathers of many reports. I should turn such an Athenian to fain and invent, should I add anything concerning this worthy Person, whose life I have formerly written at large in my Holy-State. He died Anno Dom. 1602.

THOMAS DRAX D. D. was born at Stonely in this County, his Father being a Younger Brother of a Worshipful family, which for many years had lived at Wood-hall in York-shire, he was bred in Christ's-college in Cambridge. He was a Pious man, and an excellent Preacher, as by some of his Printed Sermons doth appear. He translated all the Works of Master Perkin •… his Countryman and Collegiat) into Latin, which were Printed at Geneva. Doctor King Bishop of London, removed him from his Native Country, and bestowed a Benefice on him nigh Harwich in Essex, where the change of the Air was conceived to hasten his Great change, which happened about the year 1616. I cannot forget how this worthy name of Drax may be resembled to the river Anas in Spain, which having run many miles under ground, surgeth a greater channel then before. They have flourished at Wood hall a •… oresaid, in the Parish of Darfield, ever since a Co-heir of the Noble Family of Fitz-williams brought that good Manor, (with the alternate gift of the Mediety of the rich Parsonage therein,) in marriage into this Family, as since by an Heir-general it hath been alienated. But after many various changes, this Name hath recovered and increased its luster in Sir James Drax, a direct descendant from the Heirs-male, who by God's blessing on his Industry and Ingenuity, hath merited much of the English nation, in bringing the Sugars and other Commodities of the Barbadoes to their present perfection.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE was born at Stratford on Avon in this County, in whom three eminent Poets may seem in some sort to be compounded, 1. Martial in the Warlike sound of his Sur-name, (whence some may conjecture him of a Military extraction,) Hasti-vibrans or Shake-spear. 2. Ovid, the most natural and witty of all Poets, and hence it was that Queen Elizabeth coming into a Grammar-School made this extemporary verse,

Persius a Crab-staff, Bawdy Martial, Ovid a fine Wag.

3. Plautus, who was an exact Comaedian, yet never any Scholar, as our Shake-spear (if alive) would confess himself. Add to all these, that though his Genius generally was jocular, and inclining him to fe •… ivity, yet he could (when so disposed) be solemn and serious, as appears by his Tragedies, so that Heraclitus himself (I mean if secret and unseen) might afford to smile at his Comedies, they were so merry, and Democritus scarce for •… ear to sigh at his Tragedies they were so mournful.

He was an eminent instance of the truth of that Rule, Poeta non fit, sed nascitur, one is not made but born a Poet. Indeed his Learning was very little, so that as Cornish diamonds are not polished by any Lapidary, but are pointed and smoothed even as they are taken out of the Earth, so nature itself was all the art which was used upon him.

Many were the wit combats betwixt him and Ben Johnson, which two I behold like a Spanish great Gallion, and an English man of War; Master Johnson (like the former) was built far higher in Learning; Solid, but Slow in his performances. Shake-spear with the English-man of War, lesser in bulk, but lighter in sailing, could turn with all tides, tack about and take advantage of all winds, by the quickness of his Wit and Invention. He died Anno Domini 16... and was buried at Stratford upon Avon, the Town of his Nativity.

MICHAEL DRAYTON born in this County at Athelston, as appeareth in his poetical address thereunto.

My native Country,

If there be virtue yet remaining in thy earth,

Or any good of thine thou breath'st into my birth,

Accept it as thine own whilst now I sing of thee;

Of all thy later Brood th' unworthiest though I be.

He was a pious Poet, his conscience having always the command of his fancy, very temperate in his life, slow of speech, and inoffensive in company. He changed his laurel for a crown of glory, Anno 1631. and is buried in Westminster-Abby near the South-door with this Epitaph,

           Do pious Marble, let thy Readers know,
          
           What they, and what their children owe
          
           To
           
            Draitons
           
           name, whose sacred dust
          
           We recommend unto thy trust.
          
           Protect his memory, and preserve his story,
          
           Remain a lasting Monument of his glory:
          
           And when thy ruins shall d
           
            •…
           
           aim
          
           To be the Treasurer of his name:
          
           His name that cannot fade, shall be
          
           An everlasting Monument to thee.

He was born within few miles of William Shake-spear, his Countryman and fellowPoet, and buried within fewer paces of Jeffry Chaucer, and Edmund Spencer.

Sir FULKE GREVIL Knight, Son to Sir Fulke Grevil the Elder, of Becham-Court in this County, he was bred first in the University of Cambridge. He came to the Court, backed with a full and fair Estate; and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantial Courtiers, as could plentifully subsist of themselves. He was a good Scholar, loving much to employ (and sometimes to advance) learned men, to wh •… m worthy Bishop Overal chiefly owed his preferment, and Mr. Cambden (by his own Confession,) tasted largely of his liberality.

His Studies were most in Poetry and History, as his works do witness. His Style conceived by some to be swelling, is allowed for lofty and full by others, King James created him Baron Brook of Beachamp-Court, as descended from the sole daughter and heir of Edward Willowby the last Lord Brook, in the reign of King Henry the seventh.

His sad Death or Murder rather, happened on this occasion. His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon or well enough rewarded, wounded him Mortally, and then (to save the law the labor) killed himself, verifying the observation that he may when he pleaseth be master of another man's life, who contemneth his own.

He lieth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble, whereon he is styled Servant to Q. Elizabeth, Counselor to K. James, and friend to Sir Phillip Sidney. Dying Anno 16... without Issue, and unmarried, his Barony by virtue of Entail in the patent descended on his kinsman Robert Grevill Lord Brook, father to the Right Honorable Robert Lord Brook.

NICHOLAS BYFIELD was born in this County, (as his son hath informed me,) bred (as I remember,) in Queens-college in Oxford. After he had entered into the Ministry, he was invited into Ireland, to a place of good profit and eminency, in p •… ssage whereunto, staying wind-bound at Chester, his Inn proved his home for a long time unto him, preaching a Sermon there with such approbation, that he was chosed Minister in the City. Not without an especial Providence, seeing the place promised in Ireland, would have failed him, & his going over had been a labor in vain. The Cestrians can give the best account of his profitable preaching and pious life, most strict in keeping the Lord's day, on which occasion pens were brandished betwixt him and Mr. Breerwood.

In his declining age he was presented to the Benefice of Isleworth in Middlesex, where for fifteen years together he preached twice every Lord's-day, and expounded Scripture every Wednesday and Friday, till five weeks before his death, notwithstanding there was Mors in oll •… , A stone in his bladder, which being taken out, weighed, and measured after his death, was found of these prodigious proportions.

In 1. Weight, thirty three ounces and more.
In 2. Measure about the edge, fifteen inches, and an half.
In 3. Measure about the length, thirteen inches and above.
In 4. Measure about the breadth, almost thirteen inches.

It was of a solid substance to look upon, like a flint. Lo, here is the patience of the Saints. All I will add is this, the Pharisee said proudly, I thank thee Lord, I am not as this Publican. Let Writer and Reader say humbly, and thankfully to God, We are not as this truly painful Preacher, and let us labor, that as our bodies are more healthful, our souls may be as holy as his, who died and was buried at I •… leworth.

PHILEMON HOLLAND, where born, is to me unknown, was bred in Trinity-college in Cambridge, a Doctor in Physic, and fixed himself in Coventry. He was the Translator General in his Age, so that those Books alone of his Turning into English, will make a Country Gentleman a competent library for Historians, in so much that one saith,

Holland with his Translations doth so fill us,

He will not let Suetonius be Tranquillus.

Indeed some decry all Translators as Interlopers, spoiling the Trade of Learning, which should be driven amongst Scholars alone. Such also allege, that the best Translations are works, rather of Industry then Judgment, and (in easy Authors) of Faithfulness, rather then Industry; That many be but Bunglers, forcing the meaning of the Authors, they translate, picking the lock, when they cannot open it.

But their Opinion resents too much of Envy, that such Gentlemen, who cannot repair to the Fountain, should be •… ebard access to the Streame. Besides, it is unjust to charge All, with the faults of some, and a Distinction must be made amongst Translators, betwixt Cobblers and Workmen, and our Holland had the true knack of Translating.

Many of these his Books he wrote with One Pen, whereon he himself thus pleasantly versified.

           With one sole pen I writ this Book,
          
           Made of a Grey Goose Quill.
          
           A Pen it was, when it I took,
          
           And a Pen I leave it still.

This Monumental Pen, he solemnly kept and showed to my reverend Tutor Doctor Samuel •… ard. It seems he leaned very lightly on the Neb thereof, though weightily enough, in another sense, performing not slightly, but solidly, what he undertook.

But what commendeth him most to the Praise of Posterity, is his Translating Camdens Britannia, a Translation more then a Translation, with many excellent Additions, not found in the Latin, done fifty years since in Master Camdens life time, not only with his knowledge and consent, but also, no doubt, by his desire and help. Yet such additions (discoverable in the former part with Asterisks in the Margent) with some Antiquaries obtain not equal Authenticalness with the rest. This eminent Translator was Translated to a better life, Anno Dom. 16...

FRANCIS HOLYOAKE (latining himself de sacra Qu •… rcu ) and Minister of Southam, born at Witacre in this County. He set forth that staple Book which School-boys called Riders Dictionary. This Rider did Borrow (to say no worse) both his S •… ddle and Bridle from Thomas Thomatius, who being bred Fellow of Kings-college in Cambridge, set forth that Dictionary known by his Name, then which, Men, have not a Better and Truer; Children, no Plainer and Briefer. But Rider after Thomas his death, set forth his Dictio •… ary, the same in effect, under his own Name, the property thereof, being but little disguised with any Additions.

Such Plageary ship ill becometh Authors or Printers, and the Dove being the Crest of the Stationers Arms, should mind them, not like Rooks, to filch copies one from another. The Executors of Thomas Thoma •… us entering an Action against Rider, occasioned him in his own defense to make those Numerous Additions, to his Dictionary, that it seems to differ rather in Kind then Degree, from his first Edition.

I am forced to place this Child, •… ather with his Guardian then Father, I mean, to mention this Dictionary rather under the name of Master Holyoake then Rider, both because the residence of the latter is wholly unknown unto me, and because Mr. Holyoak •… added many (as his learned Son hath since more) wonders thereunto. This Master Holyoake died Anno Dom. 16...

JAMES CRANFORD was born at Coventry in this County, (where his father was a Divine and School-Master of great note) bred in Oxford, beneficed in Northampton shire, and afterwards removed to London, to Saint Ch •… istophers. A painful Preacher, an exact Linguist, subtle Disputant, Orthodox in his Judgment, sound against Sectaries, well acquainted with the Fathers, not unknown to the School-men, and familiar with the Modern Divines. Much his Humility, being James the less in his own esteem, and therefore ought to be the Greater in Ours. He had as I may say, a

The History of the Worthies of England

Martyrs.

Cardinals.

Prelates.

Since the Reformation.

States-men.

Capitall Judges.

Soldiers.

The Shirleys.

Physicians.

Writers.

Since the Reformation.

Romish Exil'd Writers.

Benefactors to the Public.

Memorable Persons.

The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the twelsth year of King Henry the sixth.

Sheriffs.

Sheriffs.

The Farewell.

WARWICK-SHIRE.

Natural Commodities.

Sheep.

Ash.

Cole.

The Buildings.

The Wonders.

Medicinal waters.

Proverbs.

Princes.

Saints.

Martyrs.

Confessors.

Cardinals.

Prelates.

Since the Reformation.

States men.

Writers.

Since the Reformation.