The History of the Worthies of England
Other books he left unfinished, for which Bale sends forth a sorrowful sigh, with a Proh Dolor: which his passion, is proof enough for me to place this Horeman on this side of the line of Reformation. He died April 12. 1535. and lieth buried in the Chapel of Eaton.
Masters of Music.
WILLAM LAWES son of Thomas Laws a Vi •… ar Choral of the Church of Salisbury, was bred in the Close of that City, being from his Childhood inclined to Music. Edward Earl of Hertford obtained him from his Father, and bred him of his own cost in that Faculty, under his Master Giovanni Coperario an Italian, and most Exquisite Musician. Yet may it be said that the Scholar in time did Equal, yea Exceed his Master.
He afterwards was of the Private Music to King Charles, and was respected and beloved of all such Persons, who cast any looks towards Virtue and Honor. Besides his Fancies of the three, four, five and six parts to Vyol and Organ, he made above thirty several sorts of Music, for Voyces and Instruments, neither was there any Instrument then in use, but he composed to it so aptly, as if he had only studied that.
In these distracted times his Loyalty engaged him in the War for his Lord and Master, and though he was by General Gerrard made a Commissary on design to secure him (such Officers being commonly shot-free by their place, as not Exposed to danger,) yet such the activity of his Spirit, he disclaimed the Covert of his Office, and betrayed thereunto by his own adventurousness was casually shot at the Siege of Chester, the same time when the Lord Bernard Stuart lost his life.
Nor was the Kings soul so engrossed with gr •… ef for the death of so near a Kinsman, and Noble a Lord, but that hearing of the death of his dear servant William Laws, he had a particular Mourning for him when dead, whom he loved when living, and commonly called the Father of Music. I leave the rest of his worth to be expressed by his own Works of Composures of Psalms done jointly by him and his brother Master Henry Laws, betwixt which two no difference, either in Eminency, Affection, or otherwise considerable, save that the one is deceased, and the other still surviving. Master William Laws died in September 164..
Benefactours to the Public.
T. STUMPS of the Town of Malmesbury in this County, was in his Age one of the most eminent Clothiers in England, of whom there passeth a story told with some variation of circumstances, but generally to this purpose.
King Henry the eighth, Hunting near Malmesbury in Bredon Forest, came with all his Court Train unexpected, to Dine with this Clothier. But great House-keepers are as seldom surprised with Guests as vigilant Captains with Enemies. Stumps commands his little Army of Workmen which he fed daily in his house, to fast one Meal until night, (which they might easily do without endangering their health,) and with the same Provision gave the King, and his Court-train (though not so delicious and various) most wholesome and plentiful entertainment.
But more Authentic is what I read in the great Antiquary, speaking of the plucking down of Malmesbury Monastery.
I find one William Stumps Gentleman, who in the one and thirtieth year of King Henry the eight, bought of him the demeans of Malmesbury Abby, for fifteen hundred pound two shillings and a half penny. Now how he was related to this T. Stumps, whether son or father is to me unknown. It will not be a sin for me to wish more branches from such Stumps, who by their bounty may preserve the Monuments of Antiquity from destruction.
Memorable Persons.
—SUTTON of 〈◊〉 . Tradition and an old Pamphlet (newly vamped with Additions) make him a great Clothier, Entertaining King Henry the first, and bequeathing at his death one hundred pounds to the Weavers of Salisbury, with many other benefactions. I dare not utterly deny such a person, and his bountiful Gifts, but am •… ured that he is notoriously mis-timed, seeing Salisbury had scarce a stone laid therein, one hundred years after King Henry the first; and as for old Sarum, that age knew nothing of Clothing, as we have proved before. Thus these Mungrell Pamphlets (part true, part false, ) do most mischief. Snakes are less dangerous then Lampries, seeing none will feed on what is known to be poison. But these books are most pernicious where truth and falsehoods are blended together, and such a Medly Cloth, is the Tale-story of this Clothier.
MICHEL born at........... in this County, was Under-sheriffe to Sir Anthony Hungarford, (a worthy Knight) Anno 1558. in the last year of Queen Mary. Of this Master Michel I find this Character,
Under sheriffs generally are complained of as over-crafty, (to say no worse of them,) but it seems hereby the place doth not spoil the person, but the person the place. When the Writ de comburendis haereticis, for the Execution of Richard White and John Hunt (of whom formerly) was brought to Mr. Michel, instead of burning them. He burnt the Writ, and before the same could be renewed, Doctor Geffray (the bloody Chancellor of Salisbury who procured it) and Queen Mary, were both dead, to the Miraculous preservation of God's poor Servants.
Sir JAMES— Vicar Choral (as I conceive) of the Church of Sarisbury, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, was wholly addicted to the Study of Chemistry. Now as Socrates himself wrote nothing, whilst Plato his Scholar praised him to purpose, so whilst the Pen of Sir James was silent of his own worth, Thomas Charnock his Scholar (whom he made Inheritour of his Art ) thus chants in his Commendation.
This Sir James pretended that he had all his skill not by Learning, but Inspiration, which I list not to disprove. He was alive Anno 1555. but died about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth.
Lord Mayor.
| Name | Father | Place | Company | Time |
| Sir Nicholas Lambert | Edward Lambert | Wilton | Grocer | 1531 |
The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners, in the twelsth year of King Henry the sixth.
| R. Bishop of Salisbury, | Commissioners to receive the Oaths. |
| Walt. Hungarford, Knight. | |
| Robert Andrew, Knights for the Shire. | |
| Robert Long. Knights for the Shire. |
- Rob. Hungarford, mil.
- Edm. Hungarford, m.
- John. Stourton, mil.
- Will. Becham, mil.
- John. Beynton, mil.
- Will. Westbery Justiciarii.
- John. Seymour
- Will. Darell
- Rich. Milbourn
- Edm. Dantesey
- John. Westbery, sen.
- David. Cerington
- Randul. Thorp
- Lau. Gowayn
- Rog. Peryton
- Will. Gore, sen.
- Roh. Ernly
- Rob. Blake
- Tho. Drewe
- Will. Daungers
- Rob. Paniffote
- John. Westbery, junior.
- Will. Rouse
- Tho. Boneham
- Johan. Rous
- Will. Besyle
- Rob. Baynard
- Rog. Trewbody
- Will. Caynelt.
- Will. Botreauxe
- Will. Widecombe
- John. Atte Berwe
- John. Northfolk
- John. Sturmy
- Tho. Cryklade
- Rob. Bodenham
- Johan. Bride
- Rob. Beast
- Cob. Colyngborn
- Hen. Chancy
- John. Comb
- John. West
- Rob. Onewyn
- Tho. Ierderd
- John. Whitehorn
- John. Gergrave
- Nich. Wotton
- Tho. Hall
- John. Hall
- Rich. Hall
- Will. •… ore, 〈◊〉 .
- Rob. Crikkelade
- John. Lambard
- Tho. Beweshyn
- Rich. Mayn
- John. Mayn
- John. Benger
- Rob. Mayhow
- Hen. Bardley
- Rob. Confold
- John. Mumfort
- Tho. Hancock
- John. Osburn
- John. Gillberd
- John. Attuene
- John. Escote
- Gul. Orum
- Rich. So •… well
- Reg. Croke
- Ingel. Walrond
- John. Waldrine
- Rich. Warrin
- Will. Stanter
- Rob. Solman
- Tho. Temse
- Will. Temse
- Tho. Ryngwode
- Will. Watkins
- Rob. Backeham
- Walt. Backeham
- Will. Dantesey
- Rich. Caynell
- Rich. Hardone
- John. Tudworth
- John. Coventre
- Tho. Gore nuper de Lynshyll
- Rob. Wayte
- Will. Coventre
- John. Ingeham
- John. Martyn
- Walt. Evererd
- Will. Polelchirch
- John. Justice
- Walt. Stodel •… y
- Will. Wychamton
- Rob. Eyre
- John. Voxanger
- Sim. Eyre
- John. Ford
- Will. Russell
- John. Scot
- Tho. Vellard
- Pet. Duke
- John. Quinton
- Tho. Quinton
- John. Bourne
- Rich. Warneford
- John. Stere
- Tho. Hasard
- Rob. Lyvenden
- Will. Lyng
- John. Davy
- Rob. Davy
- Rob. Floure
- Will. Leder
- John. Edward
- John. Cutting
- Tho. Blanchard
- Will. Moun
- Edm. Penston
- Rich. Lye
- John. Bellingdon
- John. Pope
- John. Lye
- John. Spender
- Walt. Clerk
- John. Quarly
- Will. Bacon
- John. Everard
- Nich. Spondell
- Will. Walrond
- Tho. Stake
- Rich. Cordra
- Rich. de Bowys.
- Will Renger
- Thom. Bower de Devise.
R. is here Robert Nevill then Bishop of Salisbury. Walter Hungerford was the Lord Hungerford Treasurer of England.
WILL. WESTBRY Justiciarii.]
Surely this Justice must be more then an Ordinary one of the Peace and Quorum, because preposed to John Seimour a signal Esquire, late High-sheriffe of the Shire. Yet was he none of the two Chief-Justices of Westminster, as not mentioned in their Catalogue. Probably he was one of the Puny Judges in those Courts, but because no certainty thereof, we leave him as we found him.
DAVID CERINGTON.]
The self same name with Sherington for all the literal variation, and they, I assure you, were men of great Anchestry and Estate in this County. Sir Henry Sherington was the last Heir-male of this Family, dwelling at Lacock in this County, a Right Godly Knight, and great friend to Bishop Jewell, who died in his house at Lacock. He dissuaded the Bishop from Preaching that Lord's-day, by reason of his great Weakness, Affirming it better for a Private Congregation to want a Sermon one day, then for the Church of England to lose such a Light forever. But he could not prevail, the Bishop being resolved to expire in his calling. This Sir Henry left two Daughters which had Issue, one married into the Honorable family of Talbot, the other unto Sir Anthony Mildmay, who enriched their Husbands with great Estates.
Sheriffs of Wilt-shire.
-
HEN. II.
- Anno 1
- Will. qui fuit Vic.
- Anno 2
- Com. Patricius
- Anno 3
- Idem.
- Anno 4
- Anno 5
- Idem.
- Anno 6
- Anno 7
- Rich. Clericus
- Anno 8
- Idem.
- Anno 9
- Mil. de Dantesaia
- Anno 10
- Rich. de Wilton
- Anno 11
- Rich. de Wilteser
- Anno 12
- Rich. de Wilton for 15 years.
- Anno 27
- Mich. Belet, Rob. Malde
- Anno 28
- Mich. Belet & Rob. Malde Rog. filius Reuf.
- Anno 29
- Rob. Malduit
- Anno 30
- Idem.
- Anno 31
- Idem.
- Anno 32
- Rob. Malduit.
- Anno 33
- Idem.
-
RICH. I.
- Anno 1
- Hug. Bardulfe
- Anno 2
- Will. Comes Saresb.
- Anno 3
- Rob. de Tresgoze
- Anno 4
- Will. Comes Saresb.
- Anno 5
- Will. Comes Saresb. & Tho. filius Will. for 4 years.
- Anno 9
- Steph. de Turnham & Alex. de Ros
- Anno 10
- Idem.
-
JOHAN. REX.
- Anno 1
- Steph. de Turnham & Wand. filius Corcelles
- Anno 2
- Comes Will. de Saresb. & Hen. de Bermere
- Anno 3
- •… dem.
- Anno 4
- Idem.
- Anno 5
- Comes Will. de Saresb. & Johan. Bonet for 6 years.
- Anno 11
- Will. Briewere & Rob. filius
- Anno 12
- Idem.
- Anno 13
- Nich. Briewere de Vetri ponte & Will. de Chanto
- Anno 14
- Idem.
- Anno 15
- Idem.
- Anno 16
- Will Comes Saresb. & Hen. filius Alchi
- Anno 17
- Idem.
-
HEN. III.
- Anno 1
- Anno 2
- Will. Comes Saresb. & Rob. de Crevequeor for 6 years.
- Anno 8
- Will. Comes Saresb. Adam de Alta Ripa
- Anno 9
- Idem.
- Anno 10
- Idem.
- Anno 11
- Sim. de Halei
- Anno 12
- Eliz. Comit. Saresb. & John. Dacus
- Anno 13
- John. de Monemue & Walt. de Bumesey
- Anno 14
- John. de Monemue
- Anno 15
- Idem.
- Anno 16
- Eliz. Com. Saresb. & John. Dacus for 4 years.
- Anno 20
- Eliz. Comit. Sarum & Rob. de Hugen.
- Anno 21
- Eliz. Comit. Sarum
- Anno 22
- Rob. de Hogesham
- Anno 23
- Idem.
- Anno 24
- Idem.
- Anno 25
- Nich. de Haversham for 6 years.
- Anno 31
- Nich de Lusceshall
- Anno 32
- Idem.
- Anno 33
- Idem.
- Anno 34
- Will. de Tynehiden for 4 years.
- Anno 38
- Will. de Tenhide Io. de Tenhide fil. & Heres
- Anno 39
- Idem.
- Anno 40
- John. de Verurd
- Anno 41
- Idem.
- Anno 42
- Idem.
- Anno 43
- John. de Verund & Galf. de Scudemor
- Anno 44
- Idem.
- Anno 45
- John. de Verund
- Anno 46
- Rad. Cussell
- Anno 47
- Idem.
- Anno 48
- Idem.
- Anno 49
- Rad. de Aungers, John. de Aungers
- Anno 50
- Rad. de Aungers
- Anno 51
- Will. de Duy & Steph. de Edwarth for 5 years. 56 Steph. de Edwarth & Walt. de Strichesley
-
EDW. I.
- Anno 1
- Walt. de Strichesle
- Anno 2
- Idem.
- Anno 3
- Idem.
- Anno 4
- Hildebrandus de London for 6 years.
- Anno 10
- John. de Wotton for 8 years.
- Anno 18
- Rich. de Comb
- Anno 19
- Idem.
- Anno 20
- Tho. de S to Omero for 5 years.
- Anno 25
- Walt. de Pevely
- Anno 26
- Idem.
- Anno 27
- Idem.
- Anno 28
- John. de Novo Burgo
- Anno 29
- Idem.
- Anno 30
- John. de Hertingerr
- Anno 31
- Idem.
- Anno 32
- Idem.
- Anno 33
- Hen. de Cobham
- Anno 34
- John. de Gerberge
- Anno 35
- Idem.
-
EDW. II.
- Anno 1
- Andreas de Grimsted
- Anno 2
- Alex. Cheverell & John. de S to Laudo
- Anno 3
- Idem.
- Anno 4
- Will. de Hardene
- Anno 5
- Adam. Walrand
- Anno 6
- Adam. Walrand & Johan. Kingston
- Anno 7
- Idem.
- Anno 8
- Johan de Holt & Phus. de la Beach
- Anno 9
- Phus. de la Beach
- Anno 10
- Idem.
- Anno 11
- Walt. de Risum
- Anno 12
- Idem.
- Anno 13
- Idem.
- Anno 14
- John. de Tichbourn & Adam. Walrand.
- Anno 15
- Idem.
- Anno 16
- Anno 17
- Adam, Walrand
- Anno 18
- Idem.
- Anno 19
- Idem.
-
EDW. III.
- Anno 1
- Adam. Walrand
- Anno 2
- Phus. la Beach
- Anno 3
- John. Manduit
- Anno 4
- Idem.
- Anno 5
- Idem.
- Anno 6
- Anno 7
- John. Manduit & Will. Randolph
- Anno 8
- Johan. Tichbourn & Johan. Manduit
- Anno 9
- Gilb. de Berewice & Reg. de Pauley
- Anno 10
- Idem.
- Anno 11
- Petr. Doygnel & Gil. de Berewice
- Anno 12
- Johan. Manduit
- Anno 13
- Idem.
- Anno 14
- Idem.
- Anno 15
- Tho. de S to . Mauro & Rob. Lokes.
- Anno 16
- Johan. Manduit
- Anno 17
- Idem.
- Anno 18
- Idem.
- Anno 19
- Johan. Roches
- Anno 20
- Idem.
- Anno 21
- John. de Roches & Tho. Semor
- Anno 22
- Rob. Russell
- Anno 23
- Idem.
- Anno 24
- Idem.
- Anno 25
- Nullus Titulus in hoc Rotulo
- Anno 26
- Tho. de la River
- Anno 27
- Idem.
- Anno 28
- Idem.
- Anno 29
- John. Everard
- Anno 30
- Tho. de Hungerford for 5 years.
- Anno 35
- Hen. Sturmy for 6 years.
- Anno 41
- Walt. de Haywood for 5 years.
- Anno 46
- Will. de Worston
- Anno 47
- Hen. Sturmy
- Anno 48
- John. Dauntesey, mil.
- Anno 49
- John. de la Mare, mil.
- Anno 50
- Hugo Cheyne
- Anno 51
- Idem.
Edward III.
35 HENRY STURMY.]
They were Lord's of Woolfhall in this County, and from the Time of King Henry the second, were by right of Inheritance, the Bailiffs and Guardians of the Forest of Savernake, lying hard by, which is of great note for plenty of good game, and for a kind of Ferne there, that yieldeth a most Pleasant Savour: In remembrance whereof, their Hunters-horn, of a mighty bigness, and tipped with silver, is kept by the Seymours Dukes of Somerset unto this day, as a Monument of their Descent, from such Noble Ancestors.
Sheriffs.
| Name | Place | Arms |
| RICH. II. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Pe. de Cushaunce, m & Will de Worston. | ||
| 2 Rad. de Norton | Virt, a Lion rampant Or, alibi Argent. | |
| 3 Idem. | ||
| 4 Lau. de Sco. Martino & Hug. Cheyne | ||
| 5 Nich. Woodhull | ||
| 6 Bern. Brokers, mil. | ||
| 7 John. Lancaster | ||
| 8 Idem. | ||
| 9 John. Salesbury | ||
| 10 Idem. | ||
| 11 Hug. Cheyne | ||
| 12 Id •… m. | ||
| 13 Rich. Mawardin | ||
| 14 John. Roches | ||
| 15 Rob. Dyneley | ||
| 16 John. Goweyn | ||
| 17 Rich Mawardin | ||
| 18 John. Moigne | ||
| •… 9 Tho. Bonham | ||
| 20 Rich. Mawardin | ||
| •… 1 Idem. | ||
| 22 Idem. | ||
| HEN. IV. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 John. Dau •… tesey | Dantesey | Az. a D •… agon & Lyon Rampant comhatant Arg. |
| 2 Will. Worston & John. Gawayne | ||
| 3 Will. Cheyne | ||
| 4 Walt. Beauchamp | Varry. | |
| 5 Walt. Beauchamp | ut prius | |
| 6 Wal. Hungerford, m. | Sable 2 Barrs Arg. 2 Plates in Chief. | |
| 7 R •… d. Grene | ||
| 8 Walt. Beauchamp | ut pri •… s | |
| 9 Rob. Corbet | Or, a Raven Proper. | |
| 10 Will. Cheyne, mil. | ||
| 11 John. Berkley, mil, | Gules a Cheveron betwixt 10 Crosses Formee Arg. | |
| 12 Tho. Bonham | ||
| HEN. V. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Elias de la Mare | Gules, 2 Lions •… assant Gardant Argent. | |
| 2 Hen. Thorpe | ||
| 3 Tho. Calsten | ||
| 4 R •… b. Andrew | ||
| 5 Will Findern | ||
| 6 Will. Stur •… y, mil. | Woolf-h •… ll | Argent 3 Deme-Lions Gules. |
| 7 Tho. Ringwood | ||
| 8 Will. Darell | Az. a lion Rampant O •… Crowned Argent. | |
| 9 Idem. | ||
| HEN. VI. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Will. Darell | ut prius | |
| 2 Rob Shotesb •… ook, 〈◊〉 . | ||
| 3 Will. Findern | ||
| 4 Walt Pauncefott | Gules, 3 Lions rampant Arg. | |
| 5 John. Stourton, ar. | Stourton | Sa. a Bend Or, betwixt 3 fountains proper. |
| 6 Will. Darell, ar. | ut prius | |
| 7 John. Pawlett, ar. | Sable 3 swords in Point Argent | |
| 8 John. Bainton | Brumham | Sable, a Bend lozenges Argent. |
| 9 Davi. Sherrington | ||
| 10 John. Seymor | Woolf-hall | Gul. 2 A •… gels-wings paleways, inverted Or. |
| 11 Walt. Strickland | ||
| 12 John. Stourton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 13 Steph. Popham, mil. | Arg. on a Cheif Gul. 2 Bucksheads Caboshed Or. | |
| 14 Edw. Hungerford | ut prius | |
| 15 Will. Beauchamp, m. | ut prius | |
| 16 John. Stourton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 17 John. Lisle, mil. | Or a Fess betwixt 2 Chev. Sa. | |
| 18 John. Saintlo, mil. | ||
| 19 John. Norris | Quarterly Az. and Gul. a Fret Or, with Fess Az. | |
| 20 Rich. Restwold | Argent, 3 Bends •… able. | |
| 21 Will. Beauchamp | ut prius | |
| 22 John. Bainton | ut prius | |
| 23 John. Basket | Az. a Cheveron Erm. betwixt 3 Leopards-heads Or. | |
| 24 Rich. Restwold | ut prius | |
| 25 Will. Stafford | Or a Cheveron Gul. on a Canton Ermine. | |
| 26 Will. Beauchamp, m. | ut prius | |
| 27 John. Norris | ut prius | |
| 28 Phil. Barnard | ||
| 29 John. Seymor, mil. | ut prius | |
| 30 John. Nanson | ||
| 31 Edw. Stradling | Dantesey | Paly of 6 Arg. & Az. on a Bend G. 3 Cinquefoyls Or. |
| 32 John. Willoughby | ||
| 33 Geo. Darell | ||
| 34 Reg. Stourton, mil. | ||
| 35 Hen. Long, ar. | Sab. a Lion ram •… nt betwixt 8 Crosses crossed Arg. | |
| 36 John. Seymor, ar. | ut prius | |
| 37 Hug. Pilkenham | ||
| 38 John. Feiris, ar. | ||
| EDW. IV. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Geor. Darell | ut prius | |
| 2 Reg. Stourton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 3 Idem. | ||
| 4 Rog. Tocotes, mil. | ||
| 5 Geor. Darell, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 Tho. de la Mare | ut prius | |
| 7 Ch •… i. W •… ey | ||
| 8 Rich. D •… rell, mil. | ut prius | |
| 9 Geo. Darell, mil. | ut prius | |
| 10 Lau. R •… ynford, mil. | ||
| 11 Rog. •… es, mil. | ||
| 12 Maur. Beikley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 1 •… John Willoughby, m. | AMP. | |
| 14 Will. Collingborne | ||
| •… 5 Hen. Long, ar. | ut prius | |
| 16 W •… lt. Bonham, ar. | ||
| 17 Edw. Hargill, •… r. | ||
| •… 8 I •… h 〈◊〉 | Ar •… . a Lion Ramp. S. a Martlet on his Shoulder Or. | |
| 9 •… Walt. Hungerford | ut prius | |
| 20 C •… Bulkley | S. a Chev. twixt 3 Bulls-heads Cabashed Argent. | |
| 1 •… 〈◊〉 Collingborn a | ||
| 12 John. Mompesson, ar. | ut prius | |
| RICH III. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Hen Long, ar. | ut prius | |
| 2 Edw. Hargill, ar. | ut prius | |
| 3 John. Musgrave & Rog. Tocotes, mil. | WESTME. | Azure 6 Annulets Or. |
| HEN. VII. | ||
| Aano | ||
| 1 Rog Tocotes, mil. | ||
| 2 John. Wroughton | ut infra | |
| 3 John. Turbervile | Ermine, a Lion Rampant Gules Crowned Or. | |
| 4 Tho. Uniom | ||
| 5 Edw. Darell, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 Constan. Darell | ut prius | |
| 7 Io. Lye de Flamston | ||
| 8 John. York | Arg on a Salter Az. an Escallop Or. | |
| 9 Edw. Darell, mil. | ut prius | |
| •… 0 Rich. Puddesey, ar. | ||
| 11 Constan. Darell | ut prius | |
| 12 Geo. Chaderton | ||
| 13 Edw. Darell, mil. | ut prius | |
| 14 Geo. Seymor, mil. | ut prius | |
| 15 John. Hudleston, mil. | CUMBER. | Gules, Frettee Argent. |
| •… 6 Tho. Long, ar. | ut prius | |
| 17 John York, ar. | ut prins | |
| 18 Wi l. Caleway | ||
| 19 John. Danvers, mil. | Dauntesey | G. a chev. inter 3 Mullets Or▪ |
| 20 John Ernley, ar. | Wi •… ham | Arg. on a bend •… . 3 Eaglets displayed Or. |
| 2 •… John. G •… ayne, ar. | ||
| 22 Tho. Long, mil. | ut prius | |
| 23 I •… h. Seymor, mil. | ut prius | |
| 24 John. Mompesson, ar. | ut prius | |
| HEN. VIII. | ||
| Aano | ||
| 1 Edw. Darell, mil. | ut prius | |
| 2 W •… Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 3 Hen. Long, a •… . | ut prius | |
| 4 Chr Wrough •… on, 〈◊〉 | ut prius | |
| 5 John Danvers, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 W •… ll B •… ham, ar. | ||
| 7 John. Scr •… pe, mil. | Castle-come | Azu. a bend Or, a Mullet difference. |
| 8 Nich. Wadh •… m, mi | ||
| 9 Edw Hu •… ord, m. | ut prius | |
| •… 0 John. Seymo, mil. | ut prius | |
| 11 Edw. Darell, mil. | ut prius | |
| 12 John. Skilling, ar. | ||
| 13 Edw. •… on. on, mil | u •… prius | |
| 14 John Er •… ley, ar. | ut prius | |
| •… 5 Th •… . York, ar. | u •… prius | |
| 〈◊〉 John Se •… mor, mil. | ut prius | |
| •… 7 H •… . •… ong, mil. | ut prius | |
| 18 John. 〈◊〉 , mil. | Arg. a Cross Engrailed Gul. betwixt 4 Wate •… Bougets S. | |
| 19 Ant. Hu •… g ford, m. | ut prius | |
| 20 John. E •… ley, ar. | ut •… ius | |
| 21 John. H •… sey, ar. | DORSE. | Azu. 3 Horse-heads Cooped Or, bridled Argent. |
| 2 •… Tho. York, ar. | ut prius | |
| 23 Tho. Bonham, ar. | ||
| 24 John. Ernley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 25 Wal. Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 26 Rob. Baynard, ar. | Leckham | Sab. a Fess btwixt 2 Cheverons Or. |
| 27 Tho. York, ar. | ut prius | |
| 28 Hen. Long, mil. | ut prius | |
| 29 John. Bruges, mil. | Arg. On a Cross Sa. a Leopardshead Or. | |
| 30 Ant. Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 31 John. Ernely, ar. | ut prius | |
| 32 Edw. Mompesson, ar. | ut prius | |
| 33 Hen. Long, mil. | ut prius | |
| 34 John. Marvin, ar. | Funt-hill | Arg. a Demi-lion Ramp. Cooped S. charged on the shoulder with a flower de luce. |
| 35 John. Erneley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 36 Anth. Hungerford | ut prius | |
| 37 Caro. Bulkley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 38 Rich. Scroope, ar. | ut prius | |
| EDW. VI. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Silv. Danvers, ar. | ut prius | |
| 2 Amb. Dauntsey, ar. | Lavington | G. a Lion Ramp. Arg. chasing a wyvern Vert, Alias, Azure a Dragon proper and a Lion Arg. Gombatant. |
| 3 John. Bonh •… m, ar. | ||
| 4 John. Mervyn, ar. | ut prius | |
| 5 Iac. Scumpe, mil. | ||
| 6 W •… ll. Sherington, m. & Edw. Baynard, ar. | ut prius | |
| ut prius | ||
| PHIL. & MAR. | ||
| Anno | ||
| Ma. 1 John. Erneley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 1, Hen. Hungerford, a. | ut prius | |
| 2, 3 John. St. John, ar. | Lediard | Argent on a Chief, G. 2 Mullets pierced Or. |
| 3, 4 Ant Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 4, 5 Wa. Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 5, 6 Hen. Brunker, ar. | Melsam | Argent 6 Ogresses 2, 2, 2. on a Cheif imbattled Sa. a Loz •… ng of the first, thereon a CrossPatee of the second. |
| ELIZ. REG. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 John Zouch, mil. | G. 10 Besants 4, 3, 2, and •… . on a Canton Or a Lozeng vert thereon a flower de luce Arg. | |
| 2 Iac. Stumpe, mil. | ||
| 3 John. Me •… vine, mil. | ut prius | |
| 4 Geo. Penruddock, ar. | Cumpton | Gul, a Limb of a Tree Raguled and Trunked in Bend Arg. |
| 5 John. Erneley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 6 Tho. Button, ar. | Alcon | Ermine a Fess Gules. |
| 7 John. Eyre, ar. | ut infra | Reader, arriving somewhat too late at some of these Arms I am fain to refer thee to what followeth. |
| 8 Nich. Snell, ar. | ut infra | |
| 9 Hen. Sherington, a. | ||
| 10 Geo. Ludlowe, ar. | ut infra | |
| 11 Tho. Thynne, mil. | Longleate | Barry of Ten pieces Or and S. |
| 12 Will. Button, ar. | ut prius | |
| 13 Edr. Baynton, ar. | ut prius | |
| 14 John. St. John, ar. | ut prius | |
| 15 Wol. Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 16 John. Danvers, mil. | ut prius | |
| 17 Rob. Long▪ ar. | ut prius | |
| 18 Tho. Wroughton, m. | ut infra | |
| 19 John. Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 20 Hen. Knivet, mil. | Argent a Bend within a Border engrailed Sable. | |
| 21 N •… ch. St. John, ar. | ut prius | |
| 22 Mich. Erneley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 23 Will. Brounker, ar▪ | ut prius | |
| 24 Wal. Hungerford, a. | ut prius | |
| 25 Jasper. Moore, a •… . | ut infra | |
| 26 John. Snell, ar. | ut infra | |
| •… 7 John. Danvers, mil. | ut prius | |
| 28 Edm. Ludlow, ar. | ut infra | |
| 29 Rich Mody, ar. | ut infra | |
| 30 Wal. Hunger •… ord, m. | ut prius | |
| 3 •… Hen. Willoughby, a. | ut prius | |
| 32 John. Wa •… nford, ar. | Party per fess imbatteled Arg. & Sab. 6 Crosses patee Counterchanged. | |
| 33 Will. Eyre, ar. | ut infra | |
| 34 John Hungerford, m. | ut prius | |
| 35 John. Thynne, ar. | ut prius | |
| 36 Edw. Hungerfo •… d, a. | ut prius | |
| 37 Hen. Sadler, ar. | Everley | Or a Lion Ramp. parte per Fess Azure and Gules |
| 38 John. Dauntsey, ar. | ut prius | |
| 39 Iac. Marvyn, mil. | ut prius | |
| 40 Edw. Penruddock, a. | ut prius | |
| 41 Walt. Vaughan | See the Notes on this years. | |
| 42 Tho. Snell, ar. | Quarterly Gul. and Az. a Cross flowery Or. | |
| 43 Hen. Baynton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 44 Walt. Long, mil. | ut prius | |
| 45 Jasper. Moore, mil. & prim. Jacob. | Ermin on a Cheveron between •… Mores-heads proper. 2 Swords Argent. | |
| JAC. REX. | a Quarterly Ar. & G. a Cressant in the first quar. of the second. | |
| Anno | ||
| 1 Jasper. Moore, mil. | ut prius | b Sabl. a Cross between 4 Nails Gules. |
| 2 Alex. Tutt, mil. a | ||
| 3 John. Hungerford, ar. | ut prius | c G a Cheveron Vairy, twixt 3 Crescants ermine. |
| 4 Gabriel. Pile, ar. b | ||
| 5 Tho. Thynn, mil. | d Arg. a Chev. G. twixt 3 Bo rsheads Cooped S. Tusked Or. | |
| 6 Rich. Goddard, ar. c | Stondō Hu. | |
| 7 John. Ayliffe, ar. | e Argent on a Chief Gu. 2 Buckheads Or. | |
| 8 Eg. Wroughton, m. d | Brodhenton | |
| 9 Will. B •… on, mil. | ut prius | f A •… . a Dimselyon ramp. Cooped S. charged on the Shouldiers with a flower de luce Or. |
| 10 Fran. Popham, m. e | Litlecott | |
| 11 Will. Pawlet, mil. | ut prius | |
| 12 Hen. Marvyn, ar. f | Pertwood | g G a Lyon passant Er. wounded in the Shoulder. |
| 13 Tho. Moore, ar. g | ut prius | |
| 14 Rich. Grubham, mil. | h G. a Fess ingrailed between 3 Harpies Arg. Crined Or. | |
| 15 John Horton, mil. | ||
| 16 Hen. Moody, mil. h | Garesdon | i Az. Semee de fleur de Lzes O •… , a Lion Rampant Arg. |
| 17 Hen. Poole, mil. i | k Arg. a Bend Gu. Guttee d'eau twixt 2 Cornish Choughs proper a chief countercomponce Or and Sable. | |
| 18 Carol Pleadall, m. k | Colshill | |
| 19 Will. Pawlet, ar. | ut prins | |
| 20 John. Lamb, mil. | ut prius | |
| 21 Gifford. Long, ar. | ut prius | |
| 22 Edw. Read, ar. | Gules a Saltire betwixt 4 Garbs Or. | |
| CAR. REG. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Fran. Seymour, mil. | ut prius | |
| 2 Egid. Estcourt, mil. | Newton | Ermen on a Cheif Indented G. 3 Stars. |
| 3 Walt. Long, ar. | ut p •… us | |
| 4 John. Ducket, ar. | Sa. a Saltyr Arg. a Mullet difference. | |
| 5 Rob. Baynard, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 John. Topp, ar. | Sto •… on | Arg. a Canton Gu. a Gantlet of Mail clenched proper. |
| 7 Edw. Hungerford, m. Balnei. | ut prius | |
| 8 John. St. John, mil. | ut prius | |
| 9 Hen. Ludlow, mil. | Hildenrel | Ar. a Chev. twixt 3 Bears-heads erazed S. |
| 10 Fran. Goddard, ar. | ut prius | |
| 11 Geor. Ayliffe, mil. | ut prius | |
| 12 Nevill. Poole, mil. | ut prius | |
| 13 Edw. Bayn •… on, mil. | ut prius | |
| 14 John. Grubb▪ ar. | Pottern | * Per Fess, Arg. & Az. 3 Chaplets counterchanged. |
| 15 John Duke, ar.* | Lakes | |
| 16 Egid. Eyre, ar. | Ar. on a Chev. S. 3 Cater-foils O. | |
| 17 Rob. Chivers, ar. | Arg. a Cheveron Engrailed G. | |
| 18 INGRATUM | ||
| 19 BELLO DE- | ||
| 20 BEMUS IN- | ||
| 21 ANE. | ||
| 22 Ant. Ashly Cooper, Bar. | G. a Bend engrailed betwixt 6 Lions rampant. |
King Henry VI.
23 JOHN BASKET, Esq.]
High-sheriffe of this County in the twenty third of King Henry the sixth. He is memorable on this account, that a solemn dispensation granted unto him from the Court of Rome, acquainteth us with the form of those Instruments in that Age, not unworthy our perusal.
Nicholaus miseratione divinâ, &c. Sanctae Crucis in Jerusalem Presbyter Cardinalis; Dilectis in Christo nobilibus Johanni Basket Scutifero, & Aliciae ejus Uxori, Sarisburiensis Diocesis, Salutem in Domino. Solet annuere Sedes Apostolica piis votis, & honestis petentium precibus, maxim ubi salus requiritur animarum, favorem benevolum impartiri. Cum igitur ex parte vestra nobis fuerit humiliter supplicatum, ut in animarum vestrarum solatium, eligendi Confessorem ideoneum vobis licentiam concedere dignaremur. Nos vestris supplicationibus favorabiliter annuentes, Authoritate Domini Papae, cujus primariae curam gerimus, & de ejus specially mandato super hoc vivae vocis oraculo nobis facto, devotioni vestrae concedimus quatenus liceat vobis idoneum & discretum Presbyterum in Confessorem eligere, qui super peccatis quae sibi confitebimini (nisi talia sint propter quae sit dicta Sedes consulenda) authoritate praedicta vobis provideat de absolutionis debitae beneficio, & paeni •… tia salutari quamdiu vixeritis, quotiens fuerit opportunum. Vota ver •… peregrinationis & abstinentiae si qua emisistis, quae commode servare non potestis, ultra marina (beatorum Petri, & Pauli, atque Jacobi, Apostolorum votis duntaxat exceptis) commutet vobis idem Confessor in alia opera pietatis.
Dat. Florentiae, sub sigillo officii Priariae, 3. Non. Aprilis Pontificatus Domini Eugenii Papae 4. Anno Decimo.
Nicholas by divine mercy, &c. Priest Cardinal of St. Crosses in Jerusalem; To the beloved in Christ the worshipful John Basket Esq. and Alice his Wife, of the Diocese of Salisbury, Greeting in the Lord. The See Apostolic useth to grant the pious desires, and honest requests of petitioners, chiefly where the health of souls requireth courteous favor to be bestowed upon them. Seeing therefore on your behalf you have supplicated humbly unto us, that for the comfort of your souls we would vouchsafe to grant you license tochuse for yourselves a Confessor, we favourably yielding to your request by the authority of our Lord the Pope, the Charge of whose Primary we bear, & from his Special Command in this case made unto us by the Oracle of his mouth, do grant to your devotion, so far forth as it may be lawful for you, to choose a fit & discreet Priest for your Confessor, who as touching the sins which ye shall confess unto him (except they be such for which the said See is to be consulted with) may by authority aforesaid provide for you concerning the benefit of due absolution, & wholesome Penance, so long as ye live, so often as there shall be occasion. But if ye have made any foreign vows of pilgrimage and fasting, which ye cannot conveniently keep (vows to blessed Peter, Paul, and James, Apostles only excepted,) the same Confessor may commute them for you into other works of piety.
Given at Florence, under the seal of the office of the Primary, 3. Non. of April the 13. year of the Popedom of Pope Eugenius the fourth.
The tenth of Pope Eugenius falleth on the twentieth of King Henry the sixth, Anno Domini 1440. Why it should be higher and harder to dispence with vows made to Saint James, then to Saint John, (his brother, and Christ's beloved disciple,) some Courtier of Rome must render the reason. The posterity of this Master Basket in the next generation removed in Dorset-shire, where they continue at this day in a worshipful condition, at Divenish.
Queen Elizabeth.
11 THOMAS THIN, Mil.]
The great and sudden wealth of this Knight, being envied by a great Earl, and PrivyCouncellour neighbouring on his Estate, caused his summons before the Counsel Table, to answer how in so short a time he had gotten so large Possessions, some suggested as if he had met with Treasure Trove, or used some indirect means to enrich himself. The Knight calmly gave in the unquestionable particulars of the Bottom he began on, the accrewment by his Marriage, and with what was advanced by his industry and frugality, so bringing all up within the view (though not the Touch ) of his present Estate. For the rest, my Lord's (said he) you have a good Mistress our Gracious Queen, and I had a good Master the Duke of Sommerset, which being freely spoken, and fairly taken, he was dismissed without further trouble. Nor were his means too big for his Birth, if descended (as Camden saith) from the Antient Family of the Bottevils.
41 WALTER VAUGHAM, Ar.]
His Arms (too large to be inserted in that short space) were, Sable, a Chever •… n betwixt three Children's-heads Cooped at the Shoulders Argent, their Peruques Or, Inwrapped about their Necks, with as many Snakes Proper, whereof this (they say) the Occasion, because one of the Ancestors of this Family, was born with a Snake about his Neck. Such a Neck-Lace, as Nature, I believe never saw. But grant it. How came the Peruques, about the Infants Heads? So that Fancy, surely, was the sole Mother and Midwife of this Device. The Lands of this Walter Vaugham, (afterwards Knighted) descended to his Son Sir George, a Worthy Gentleman, and after his Issueless decease to a Brother of his, who was born blind, bred in Oxford, brought up in Orders, and Prebendary of Sarum.
King Charles.
1 FRANCIS SEYMOUR, Mil.
This wise and religious Knight, (grand-child to Edward Earl of Hartford, and brother to William Duke of Sommerset, ) was by King Charles the first Created Baron of Troubridge in this County, since for his Loyalty, made Privy-councellour to K. Charles the second, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Battles.
Lansdoune Fight.
This was fought in the Confines of this County and Somerset the 13. of July 1643. It was disputed by parcels and piece-meals, as the Place and narrow Passages would give leave; and it seemed not so much one entire Battle, as a Heap of Skirmishes huddled together. It may be said in some sort of both •… des,
For the Parliament Forces five times (by the confession of the Royalists) beat them back with much Disorder, Sir Bevill Greenfield being slain in the Head of his Pikes, (Major Lowre in the Head of his Party of Horse.) Yet the Kings Forces allege Demonstration of Conquest, that Prince Maurice and Sir Ralph Hopton, remained in the Heads of their Troops all Night, and next Morning found themselves possessed of the Field and of the Dead, as also of three hundred Arms, and nine 〈◊〉 of Powder, the Enemy had left behind them.
Round way Fight.
Five days after Prince Maurice with the Earl of Carnarvan returning, and the Lord Wilmot coming from Oxford, with a gallant supply of Select Horse, charged the Parliament Forces under the Conduct of Sir William Waller. With him were the Horse of Sir Arthur Haslerigg so well Armed, that (if of Proof as well within as without ) each Soldier seemed an Impregnable Fortification. But these were so smartly Charged by the Prince, that they fairly forfook the Field, leaving their Foot (which in English Battles bear the heat of the day) to shift for themselves.
In the mean time Sir Ralph Hopton hurt lately (with the blowing up of Powder) lay sick and sore in the Town of the Devizes. His Men wanted Match, whom Sir Ralph directed to beat and to boil their Bed-cords, (necessity is the best Mother of Ingenuity, ) which so ordered did them good service; when Marching forth into the Field, they effectually contributed to the total routing and ruining of the Parliament •… oot which remained.
The Farewell.
This County consisting so much of sheep, must honor the Memory of King Edgar, who first free'd the Land from all Wolves therein. For the future I wish their flocks secured
From
- 1. Two-leg'd Wolves, very destructive unto them.
- 2. Spanish Ewes, whereof one being brought over into England, Anno .......... brought with it the first general contagion of sheep.
- 3. Hunger-Rot, the effect of an over-dry summer.
I desire also, that seeing these seem to be of the same breed with Laban •… and Jethros sheep, which had their solemn times and places of drinking, (which in other Shires I have not observed) that they may never have any want of wholesome water.
WORCESTER-SHIRE hath Stafford-shire on the North, Warwickshire on the East, Gloucester-shire on the South, Hereford and Shorp-shires on the West. It is of a Triangular, but not equilaterall form, in proportion stretching from
- North to South Twenty two Miles.
- South to North-west, Twenty eight Miles.
- Thence to her North-east point, Twenty eight Miles.
Be this understood of the continued part of this Shire, which otherwise hath Snips and Shreds cut off from the whole cloth, and surrounded with the circumjacent Countries, even some in Oxford-shire distanced, by Gloucester-shire interposed.
What may be the cause hereof, it were presumption for me to guess after the conjectures of so many Learned men. Some conceive that such who had the Command of this County, (probably before the Conquest,) and had parcels of their own Land scattered in the Vicinage, desired to Unite them to this County, so to make their own authority the more entire. Or else as a Worthy Writer will have it (rendering a reason why part of Devon-shire straggleth into Cornwall, ) it was done that there might rest some cause of Intercourse, betwixt this and the Neighbouring Counties, adding moreover, that a late great man ensued and expressed the like consideration, in the division of his Lands betwixt two of his Sons. All I will say is this, that God in the partage of Palestine (Reader if you forget, I must remember my own profession) betwixt the twelve Tribes, on the same account, (as the learned conceive) made some Tribes to have In-lots within another, And Manasseh had in Issachar, and in Asher, Bethshean and her Towns, and Ibleam and her Towns, &c.
This County hath a child's portion (and that I assure you a large one) in all English, and especially in these
Natural Commodities.
Lampreys.
In Latin Lampetrae, à lambendo petras, from licking the rocks, are plentiful in this and the neighbouring Counties in the river of Severn. A deformed fish, which for the many holes therein, one would conceive, nature intended it rather for an Instrument of Music, then for man's food. The best manner of dressing whereof, says my Author, is, To kill it in Malmesey, close the mouth thereof with a nutmegg, the holes with so many cloves, and when it is rolled up round, putting in thereto filbard-nut-kernells stamped, crumbs of bread, oil, spices, &c. Others, (but those M •… so-lampreys ) do add, that after all this cost, even cast them away, seeing money is better lost then health; and the meat will rather be delicious then wholesome, the eating whereof cost King Henry the first his life. But, by their favor, that King did not die of Lampreys, but of excess in eating them; and I am confident the Jews might surfeit of Manna itself, if eating thereof above due proportion.
Perry.
This is a Drink or a Counterfeit Wine, made of Pears, whereof plenty in this County; though such which are least delicious for taste, are most proper for this purpose. Such the Providence of Nature to design all things for man's service. Peter Martyr when Professor in Oxford, and sick of a Feaver, would drink no other liquor, though it be generally believed both cold and windy, except, corrected with spice, or some other addition.
Salt.
I have twice formerly insisted hereon, and do confess this Repetition to be flatly against my own Rules, laid down for the regulating of this work, save that the necessity of this Commodity, will excuse it from any offense. I beheld England as a long well-furnished Table, and account three principal Salt-cellars set at distance thereon. Worcester shire, I fancy the Trencher Salt, both because it is not so much in quantity, (though very considerable,) and because it is whiter, finer and heavier, then any other. Ch •… shire, I conceive deserveth to be reputed the Grand-salt-cellar, placed somewhat benea •… h the middle, whilst the third is the Salt of New-castle, set far North, at the lower end of the Table, for the use of those, who otherwise cannot conveniently reach to the former. The usefulness of this not-duly-valued-blessing, may be concluded from the Latin word Salarium, so usual in ancient and modern Authors, which importeth the entertainment or wages of Soldiers, anciently paid chiefly (if not only ) in Victuals, and taketh its name by a Synecdoche, fr om Sal or Salt, as of all things most absolutely needful, without which condiment, nothing can be wholesome nutriment.
I read in a modern Author, describing his own County of Che-shire, and measuring all things to the advantage thereof, that,
Here let me enter this Caveat in preservation of the right of Worcester-shire, that many salt-fountains are found therein, but stopped up again for the preservation of woods, so that the making of salt at one place alone, proceeds not from any Natural, but a Politick restriction. Nor must I forget, how our German-Ancestors (as Tacitus reports) conceited such places where salt was found, to be nearest to the heavens, and to ingratiate men's p •… ayers to the gods; I will not say, founding their superstition on the mis-apprehension of the Jewish-worship, Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
The Buildings.
I am sorry I have never seen the Cathedral of Worcester, so that I cannot knowingly give it a due commendation, and more sorry to hear that our late Civil Wars, have made so sad an Impression thereon.
The Market-towns are generally handsomely built, and no Shire in England can show a brace of them, so neat and near together, as Beaudley and Kiddermister in this County, being scarcely two miles asunder.
Saints.
Saint RICHARD born at Wich, [alias Droitwich ] from which he took his name, was bred in Oxford, afterwards at Paris, & lastly at Bononia in Italy, where for seven years together he heard and read the Canon-law. Having thus, first plentifully laid in, he then began to lay out, in his Lectures in that University, and returning Home, became Chancellor of Oxford, then of Canterbury, till at last chosen Bishop of Chichester. He was a great Becketist, viz. a stout opposer of Regal Power over Spiritual Persons, on which, and other accounts, he wrote a Book to Pope Innocent the fourth, against King Henry the third. These his qualities with the reputation of his holy life, so commended his memory to the notice of Pope Urban the fourth, that seven years after his death, viz. Anno 1260 he canonized him for a Saint. It seems men then arrived sooner at the maturity o •… [Popish] Saintship then now a days, more distance being now required betwixt their death and canonization. As for their report, that the Wiches or Salt-pits in this County were miraculously procured by his prayers, their unsavory lie hath not a grain of probability to season it, it appearing by ancient Authors, that salt-w •… ter flowed there time out of mind, be •… ore any sweet-milk was given by Mother or Nurse to this Saint Richard. This County affording no Martyrs (such the moderation of Bshop Pates ) let us proceed to
Cardinals
JOHN COMIN, or Cumin. It must cost us some pains (but the merit of the man will quit cost) to clear him to be of English extraction. For the proof whereof we produce the testimony of Giraldus Cambrensis, his contemporary and acquaintance, who saith, he was Vi •… Anglicus natione. Hereby the impudent falsehood of John Demster the Scottish Historian, doth plainly appear, thus expressing himself.
| Johannes Cuminus ex nobilissimo Comitum Buchaniae stemmate ortus, Banfiae natus, falsissime inter Anglos reponitur, cum ipse viderim quaedam ipsius nuper Parisiis scripta, quibus suorum Popularium causam, Pontifici Lucio commendavit in bibliotheca Pauli Petavii, Senatoris Parisiensis. | John Cumin descended from the most noble stock of the Earls of Buchan, born at Banfe, is most falsely set down amongst the English, seeing I myself lately saw some of his writings at Paris, in the Library of Paulus Petavius, Senator of Paris, in which he recommended the cause of his Countrymen to Pope Lucius. |
In plain English, this Scottish Demster is an arrant rook, depluming England, Ireland and Wales, of famous Writers, merely to feather his own Country therewith; so that should he, according to the Jewish Law, be forced to make four-fold restitution for his felony, he would be left poor enough indeed.
Besides Alexander Comin was Created first Earl of Buchan, by King Alexander the second, who began to reign Anno Dom. 1214. whereas Comin (by the testimony of Demster himself) died 1212. and therefore could not properly descend of their stock, who were not then in being.
I cannot certainly avouch him a Worcester-shire man, but know that he was bred a Monk at Evesham therein; whence he was chosen (the King procuring it) à clero Dublinensi consone satis & concorditer, Arch-bishop of Dublin. He endowed TrinityChurch in Dublin with two and twenty Prebends, and was made by Pope Lucius Cardinal of Saint Vellit in Italy.
HUGH of EVESHAM so called from the place of his Nativity in this County, applied himself to the Study of Physic, with so good success that he is called the Phoenix in that Faculty; Great also was his skill in the Mathematics, and especially in Astrology. Some questions arising at Rome about Physic (which consequencially were of Church government ) Pope Martin the fourth sent for our Hugh, to consult with him, who gave such satisfaction to his Demands, that in requital, he Created him Cardinal of Saint Laurence, 1280. But so great the envy of his Adversaries at his preferment, that seven years after he was put to death by Poison, and let none say, he might have foreseen his Fate in the Stars, seeing Hell, and not the Heavens brooded that design. Neither say Physician cure thyself, seeing English Antidotes are too weak for Italian Poysons. But Cicaonius to Palliate the business, saith he died of the Plague, and thus I believe him of the Plague of Hatred in the hearts of such who contrived his death. Which happened Anno Domini, 1287.
Prelates.
WULSTAN of BRAUNDSFOED was born at Brandsford in this County, and afterwards became Prior (equivalent to Dean in other foundations) of Worcester. He deserved well of his Covent, building a most beautiful Hall therein. Hence was he preferred Bishop of Worcester 1338. the first and last Prelate who was born in that County, and died in that See. He was Verus Pontifex in the gramaticall notation thereof, building a fair bridge at Braundsford (within three miles of Worcester ) over the river Teme, on the same token, that it is misprinted Tweed in Bishop Godwin, which made me in vain to look for Braundsford in Northumberland. He died August 28. 1349.
JOHN LOWE was born in this County, bred an Augustinian Frier at Wich therein; afterwards he went to the Universities, and then settled himself in London. Hence he was preferred by King Henry the sixth to Saint Asaph, and thence was removed (desiring his own quietness) from one of the best Bishoprics in Wales, to Rochester the meanest in England. He was a great Book-monger, and on that score, Bale (no friend to Friers) giveth him a large Testimonial, that Bishop Godwin borroweth from him (the first and last in that kind) the whole character of his commendation, and this amongst the rest; Opuscula quaedam scripsit purgatis auribus digna.
He deserved well of posterity in preserving many excellent manuscripts, and bestowing them on the Magnificent Library, which he furnished at Saint Augustine's in London. But alas! that Library at the Dissolution vanished away with the fine Spire-steeple of the same Church, (oh, the wide swallow of sacrilege!) one person, who shall be nameless, imbezelling both books and buildings to his private profit. He died Anno Dom. 1467. and lieth buried in his own Cathedral (over against Bishop Merton ) under a Marble monument.
EDMUND BONNER alias SAVAGE. He had to his Father John Savage a Priest, richly beneficed and landed in Cheshire, son to Sir John Savage, Knight of the Garter and Privy Counselor to King Henry the seventh. His Mother Concubine to this Priest, (a dainty dame in her youth, & a jolly woman in her age,) was sent out of Cheshire to cover her shame, and lay down her burden at Elmeley in this County, where this bouncing babe Bonner was born. The history of his life may be methodized according to the five Princes under whom he lived.
He was born under King Henry the seventh, and bred a Bachelor in the Laws in Broadgates-hall in Oxford.
Under King Henry the eight, he was made Doctor of Laws, Arch-deacon of Leicester, Master of the faculties under Arch-bishop Cranmer, and employed in several Embassies beyond Seas. All this time Bonner was not Bonner, being as yet meek, merciful, and a great Cromwellite, as appeared by some tart printed Repartees betwixt him and Bishop Gardener. Indeed he had sesqui corpus, a Body and Halfe, (but I hope that Corpulency without Cruelty is no sin) & towards his old age he was over-grown with fat, as Master Fox (who is charged to have persecuted Persecutors with ugly pictures,) doth represent him. Not long after he was consecrated Bishop of London.
Under King Edward the sixth, being deputed to preach publicly concerning the Reformation, his faint and frigid expressions thereof, manifested his mind rather to betray then defend it, which cost him a deprivation and imprisonment. Then it was when one jeeringly saluted him, Good morrow Bishop quondam, to whom Bonner as tartly returned, Good morrow Knave semper.
Being restored under Queen Mary to his Bishopric, he caused the death of twice as many Martyrs as all the Bishops in England besides, justly occasioning the verses made upon him.
Under Queen Elizabeth he was deprived and secured in his Castle, I mean the Marshallsea in Southwark, for as that prison kept him from doing hurt to others, it kept others from doing hurt to him, being so universally odious he had been stoned in the streets if at liberty. One great good he did, though not intentionally, accidentally to the Protestant Bishops of England. For lying in the Marshalsea, and refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy tendered to him by Horn, then Bishop of Winchester; he pleaded for himself, that Horn was no lawful Bishop, which occasioned the ensuing Parliament to confirm him and the rest of his order to all purposes and intents.
After ten years soft durance in all plenty, (his face would be deposed for his whole body that he was not famished ), enjoying a great temporal Estate left him by his Father. He died 1569. and was buried saith Bishop Godwin in Barking Church-yard, amongst the thieves and murderers, being surely a mistake in the Printer, Allhallows Barking being on the other side the Thames, nothing relating to the Marshalsea. And I have been credibly informed that he was buried in the Church-yard of S. Georges in Southwark. But so long as Bonner is dead let him choose his own grave where he will be buried. But enough, if not too much of this Herostratus, who burnt so many living temples of the Holy Ghost, and who, had he not been remembered by other writers, had found no place in my history.
Since the Reformation.
JOHN WATSON was born at Bengeworth in this County, where some of his name and relations remain at this day, bred (I believe) in Oxford, and afterwards became Prebendary, then Dean of Winchester. Hence he was advanced Bishop of that See, and the ensuing passage (which, I expect, will meet with many infidels, though to me credibly attested) will acquaint us with the occasion thereof, and suspecting the Bishopric of Winchester when vacant would be offered unto him.
Dean Watson aged sixty years, and desirous to lead a private life, in the sickness of Bishop Horn, privately promised the Earl of Leicester (in that Age the Dominus fac multum (if not totum ) in the disposal of Church Dignities,) two hundred pounds that he might not be made Bishop of Winchester, but remain in his present condition.
The Bishopric falling void, and the Queen expressing her intention to confer it on Watson, the foresaid Earl requested the contrary, acquainting the Queen with the passage betwixt them, how otherwise it would be two hundred pounds out of his way.
Nay then (said the Queen) Watson shall have it, he being more worthy thereof who will give two hundred to decline, then he who will give two thousand pounds to attain it.
I confess, such who have read so much of the Corruption of the Earl of Leicester, and heard so little of the Integrity of Watson, will hardly credit this story, which I am ready to believe, and the rather, because of this his Epitaph written on his Marble Monument in the Church of Saint Mary Overies.
Nothing else have I to observe, save that there were three Watson's Bishops in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Thomas of Lincoln, our John of Winchester, and Anthony of Chichester, though I believe little allied together.
States-men.
Sir THOMAS COVENTRY Knight, was born at Croone in this County, Eldest Son to Sir Thomas Coventry Knight, one of the Justices of the Common Pleas. He was bred in the Inner Temple a student of the Laws, and in the year 1618. was Treasurer of the said Temple, and Attorney General to King James. He was afterwards made Lord keeper of the Great Seal of England, the first day of November, in the first year of King Charles.
He was by the same King, Created in the fourth of his reign April 10. Baron Coventry of Alesborough in this County.
An ingenious Gentleman in his History giveth him this Character, in relation to his Keeper-ship, that he enjoyed that dignity fifteen years, if it was not more proper to say, that dignity enjoyed him. This latter age affording none better qualified for the place. Adding, that he knew enough, and acted conformable to his knowledge, so that Captious Mali •… e •… nds mute to blemish his fame. To which we will only add some few operative words taken out of his Patent when he was Created Baron.
He died about the beginning of January 1639. before our Civil distempers began, so that it is hard to say whether his Honorable Life, or Seasonable Death, was the greater favor which God bestowed upon him.
I must not forget, that it hath been observed, that never Lord Keeper made fewer Orders, which afterwards were Reversed, then this Lord Coventry, which some ascribe to his Discretion, grounding most of his Orders on the Consent, and Comprimise of the parties themselves interested therein, whose hands so tied up by their own Act, were the more willing to be quiet for the future.
Writers on the Law.
Sir THOMAS LITLETON, Knight. Reader, the Nimiety of my Cautiousness (loath to prejudice the seeming right of any) made me to bestow part of his. Character on Staffordshire, who since am convinced, that he wholly and solely belongeth to this Shire, as born at Frankley therein, and I request the Reader to rectify some mistakes I formerly wrote by that which followeth. He was a man remarkable in many respects.
First, for his Extraction, he was Son to Thomas Wescot, Esquire, and Elizabeth Litleton his wife, who being a Double Inheritrix, by her Father to the Litletons, Mother to the Quatremains, indented with Husband, that her Heritable Issue, should assume her Surname. Say not her Husband might say, Accepi dotem, cognomen perdidi, seeing it was done before his marriage by his free consent. Besides we find even in Scripture itself, Joab being constantly named the son of his Mother Zeruiah.
Secondly for his happiness, that two great Kings had a great Sympathy to him, who had an Antipathy each to other, Henry the sixth, whose Serjeant he was, and rod Judge of the Northern circuit, and Edward the fourth, who made him a Judge, and in his reign he rod the Northamptonshire Circuit.
Thirdly, for his Exquisite skill in the Laws, witness his Book of Tenures, which though writ about two hundred years since, yet at this day, retaineth an Authentical reputation. Insomuch that when in the reign of King James, it came in question upon a Demu •… rer in Law, whether the release to one Trespasser, should be available or no to his Companion, Sir Henry Hubbard, and Judges Warberton, Winch, and Nicols his Companions, gave Judgment according to the opinion of our Litleton, and openly said, that They would not have HIS CASE disputed or questioned.
Lastly, for his happy posterity, having left three families, signally fixed and flourishing in this and the neighboring Counties of Stafford and Salop. And one saith very truly, that these Quarter the Arms of many Matches, after the best manner of quartering them, (other are scarce half-half-quartering them ) viz. they possess at this day, good land on the same account.
Indeed the Lord Coke observeth that our Lawyers seldom die either without Wills or Heirs. For the first I believe it, for our Common Lawyers will not have their Estates come under the Arbitrary dispose of a Civilian Judge of the Prerogative, and therefore wisely prevent it. For the second, the Observation as qualified which Seldom may pass, otherwise our Grand-fathers can remember Sir James Dier Lord Chief Justice, and Periam Lord Chief Baron, both dying without Issue. His Book of Tenures hath since been Commented on by Sir Edward Coke, his most Judicious Pen.
He died in the 21. year of King Edward the fourth, and lieth buried in the Cathedral of Worcester, having formerly constituted Doctor Alcock his faithful friend, (and then Bishop of Worcestor, ) Supervisor of his Will, who saw it performed to all critical particulars.
Soldiers.
RICHARD BEAUCHAMP Earl of Warwick, was born at the Ma •… or-house of Salwape in this County, January the 28. 1381. King Richard the second, and Richard Scroope then Bishop of Coventry, (afterwards Arch-bishop of York, ) were his Godfathers. A person so redoubted for Marshall Atchievements, that the poetical fictions of Hercules his labors found in him a real performance.
- 1. Being hardly 22. years old in the fifth of King Henry the fourth, at the Queens Coronation he Justed and Challenged all comers.
- 2. He bid battle to Owen Glendour the Welch Rebell, put him to flight and took his Bannor with his own hands.
- 3. He fought a pitched field, against the two Piercies at Shrewsbury, and overcame them.
- 4. In his passage to the Holy land (whither he went on Pilgrimage) he was challenged at Verona by an Italian Sir Pandulph Malacet, to fight with him at three weapons, viz. with Axes, Arming Swords, and Sharp Daggers, whom he had slain at the second weapon, had not some seasonably interceded.
- 5. Fighting at Justs in France with Sir Collard Fines, at every stroke he bare him back-ward to his horse, and when the French suspected that he was tied to his Saddle, to confute their jealousies, our Earl lighted, and presently remounted.
- 6. He was eminently active in the Kings victorious battles in France, and might truly say, Quorum pars ego magna fui.
- 7. He was one of those whom King Henry the fifth sent to the Counsel of Constance, whose whole retinue amounted unto eight hundred horse.
- 8. Here he killed a Dutch Duke who challenged him, Sigismond the Emperor and his Empress beholding it.
- 9. The Empresse affected with his valor, took the Badge from one of the Earls men, (being a plain Bear of Silver) an •… wore it on her shoulder. But the next day our Earl presented her with a Bear (which was his Crest) made of Pearls and Precious Stones.
- 10. Being sent by King Henry the fifth, with a thousand men in arms to fetch Q. Katherine, sole daughter to the King of France, he fought with the Earls of Vendosm and Linosin, killed one of them with his own hand, routed the forces of five thousand men, and brought the Lady, whom he saw safely married to the King.
- 11. He was by the said Kings Will, appointed Governor to his son in his m •… no rity, and made Lieutenant o •… a •… l France.
- 12. During his life our •… uccess in France was progressive, and retrograde a •… ter his death.
It must not be forgotten, how Sigismond the Emperor coming into England, told King Henry the fifth, that no Christian King had such another Knight, fo •… 〈◊〉 , Nurture, and Manhood. He obtained leave of the King, (because in his Dominions) that he might by Imperial Authority fix a Title of Honor upon him, and caused him to be named the Father of Courtesie, as indeed true courage and courtesy, are undividuall Companions.
The last time he went over into Normandy, he was tossed with a hideous Tempest, so that despairing of life, he caused himself to be bound (for who could bind him against his will?) with his Lady and infant Son, to the Main Mast, on this design, that having his Armor and Coat of Arms upon him, he might thereby be known, that such who should light on his corps, if either noble or charitable, might afford him a Christian burial.
Yet he escaping the Tempest, and landing safely in France, died in his bed (no usual repose for so restless and active a spirit,) at Roan of a lingering disease April 30. 1439. and lieth buried in a most stately Tomb, in a Chapel of the Collegiat Church of Warwick, where his Epitaph graven in brass is pointed with Bears, serving for Commas, Colons, Periods, and all distinctions thereof. His deeds of Charity (according to the devotion of those days) were little inferior to the Atchievements of his valor.
Physicians and Chemists.
Sir EDWARD KELLEY [ alias TALBOT,] was born at Worcester, (as I have it from the Scheame of his Nativity, graved from the original calculation of Doctor Dee) Anno Domini 1555. August the first, at four a clock in the afternoon, the Pole being there elevated, gr. 52.. 10. Thus Reader, I hope, that my exactness herein, will make some reparation for my uncertainties, and looser intelligence in the births of oth •… r persons.
He was well studied in the mysteries of nature, being intima •… e wi •… h Doctor Dee, who was beneath him in Chemistry, but above him in Mathematics. These two are said to have found a very large quantity of Elixir, in the ruins of Glass •… nbury- Abby. Indeed I have read, how William Bird, the Prior of the Bath, left and lost the Elixir in the walls of his Priory; and, it may seem strange, that what was lost at Bath, was found at Glassenbury, in the same County indeed, but sixteen miles asunder. But so long as Kelley had this treasure, none need trouble themselves how or where he came by it.
Afterwards (being here in some trouble) he went over beyond the seas, with Albertus Alasco a Polonian Baron, who gave for his Arms the Hull of a ship, having only a Main-mast and a top, without any tackling, and gave for his Motto, Deus dabit Vela, God will send Sails. But it seems, this Lord had formeny carried too high a sail, of whom a good Author reporteth, that Aere alieno oppressu •… clam recessit▪ and now, it seems, sought to repair his fortunes, by associating himself with these two Arch-chemists of England.
How long they continued together, is to me unknown. Sir Edward (though I know not how he came by his Knight-hood) with the Doctor, fixed at Trebona in Bohemia, where he is said to have transmuted a brass warming-pan (without touching or melting, only warming it by the fire, and putting the Elixir thereon,) into pure silver, a piece whereof was sent to Queen Elizabeth. He had great converse with Rodulphus the second Emperor.
I have seen a voluminous Manuscript, in Sir Thomas Cotton his Library, of the particulars of their mysterious proceedings; where amongst many strange passages, I find this ensuing monstrosity. They kept constant intelligence with a Messenger or Spirit, giving them advice how to proceed in their mystical discoveries, and enjoining them, that by way of preparatory qualification for the same, they should enjoy their Wives in common. Though boggling hereat at first, they resolved to submit thereunto, because the Law-giver might dispence with his Laws, in matters of so high a nature. Hereby may the Reader guess the rest of their proceedings.
This probably might be the cause, why Doctor Dee left Kelley, and returned into England. Kelley continuing still in Germany, ranted it in his expenses (say the Brethren of his own art) above the sobriety befitting so mysterious a Philosopher. He gave away in gold-wyer-rings, at the marriage of one of his Maid-servants, to the value of four thousand pounds. As for the high conceit he had of his own skill in Chemistry, it appeareth sufficiently in the beginning of his own works, though I confess myself not to understand the Geberish of his language.
Come we now to his sad Catastrophe. Indeed the curious had observed, that in the Scheme of his Nativity, not only the Dragons-tail was ready to promote abusive aspersions against him, (to which living and dead he hath been subject,) but also something malignant appears posited in Aquarius, which hath influence on the legs, which accordingly came to pass. For being twice imprisoned (for what misdemeanor I know not) by Radulphus the Emperor, he endeavored his escape out of an high window, and tying his sheets together to let him down, fell (being a weighty man) and brake his leg, whereof he died 1595.
I believe him neither so bad as some, nor so good as others do character him, all know, how Separation is of great use amongst men of his profession; and indeed, if his pride and prodigality were severed from him, he would remain a person, on other accounts, for his industry and experience in practical Philosophy, worthy recommendation to posterity.
Writers.
FLORENCE of WORCESTER was probably born near, certainly bred in that City, one eminent in learning as any of his age, and no less industrious. Many books are extant of his making, and one most useful, beginning at the Creation, and continued till his death. This he calleth Chronicum Chronicorum, which some esteem an Arrogant Title, and an Insolent defiance of all Authors before and after him, as if (as the Rose is flos florum, so) his were the Superlative Chronicle of all that are Extant. But others meet with much modesty in the Title Chronicum Chronic •… rum, as none of his own making, but only gathered both for Matter and Language out of others, he being rather the Collector then the Original Composer thereof. He died Anno Domini 1119.
JOHN WALLIS or WELSH, is confessed natione Anglus, which I observe, to secure his nativity against Welch-claims thereunto, only grounded on his Sur-name. Yet I confess, he might be mediately of Welch-extraction, but born in this County, (where the family of the Walshes are extant at this day in a worshipful equipage,) where he became a Franciscan in Worcester. Leaving Oxford he lived in Paris, where he was common lie called,
Non absque insigni Servatoris blasphemia, With no small blasphemy to our Savior, saith our Author. But, to qualify the matter, we take the expression in the same sense, wherein Solomon calls a wholesome tongue a Tree of Life.
Yet might he better be termed, the tree of knowledge of good and evil, whose books (amounting to no fewer then twenty volumes, ) are not so practical for their use, as curious in their speculations. In the ancient Libraries of Bali •… l and Oriel-College, most of his Manuscripts are reported extant at this day. He died and was buried at Paris, Anno Dom. 1216.
ELIAS de EVESHAM was born in this County, of good Parentage, from whom (as it seemeth by J. Bale ) he had expectancy of a fair estate. This did not hinder him, from being a Benedictine in the Abby of Evesham, where he became a great Scholar, and wrote an Excellent Chronicle. Bale knoweth not, where to place him with any certainty. But Pitz not more knowing, but more daring, assigneth him to have flourished in the year 1270.
WILLIAM PACKINGTON. I confess two Villages (the less and greater ) of this name in Warwick-shire, and yet place this Packington here, with no discredit to myself, and greater grace to him. For, first I behold him as no Clergy-man, (commonly called from their Native Places ) but have reasons to believe him rather a Layman, and find an Antient Family of his Name (not to say Alliance ) still flourishing in this County. He was Secretary and Treasurer to Edward the Black Prince, and his long living in France, had made the language of his Nurse more natural to him, then the tongue of his Mother. Hence it was that he wrote in French the story of five English Kings, [King John, Henry the third, Edwards first, second and third,] and a book of the Atchievements of the Black Prince. He flourished Anno Dom. 1380.
Since the Reformation.
Sir EDWIN SANDYS, Son to Edwin Sandys, D. D. was (in all probability) born in this County, whilst his father was Bishop of Worcester. He was bred in Cambridge, and attained to be a most accomplished person.
I have known some pitiful in Affection, but poor in Condition, willing but unable to relieve one in greater want then themselves, who have only gotten an empty Purse, and given it to others to put their charity therein for the purpose aforesaid. Such my case, I can only present the Reader with a Place in this my Book for the Character of this worthy Knight, but cannot contribute any Coine of MEMOIRES or Remarkables to the furnishing thereof. Only let me add, he was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , right-handed to any great employment; and was as constant in all Parliaments, as the Speaker himself, being beheld by all as an Excellent Patriot (faithful to his Country, without being false to his King, ) in all transactions. He was the Treasurer to the undertakers for the Western Plantations, which he effectually advanced, the Bermudaes (the firmest (though not the fairest) Footing the English have in the West-Indies, ) owing their happiness to his Care, and Sandys Tribe is no contemptible Proportion therein. He had a commanding Pen, witness his work of the Religion of the Western World, (many in one Book,) so much matter is Stowed therein. I have been informed, that he bequeathed by his Will, a Considerable Sum to the Building of a College in Cambridge, but Debts not coming in according to Expectation, his good Intention failed in the performance thereof. He died much lamented of all good Men, about the year, 1631.
Romish Exile Writers.
RICHARD SMITH D. D. was born in this County, bred in the University of Oxford, where he became Kings Professor and was fit for that place in all things, if (as one of his own persuasion avoweth) Non obstitisset Laterum debilitas, & Vocis exilitas, The weakness of his Sides, and lowness of his Voice had no hindered him.
King Edward the sixth, afterwards sent for Peter Martyr over to be his Professor in this University, betwixt whom and Doctor Smith, so great the Contest, that waving all engagements it is best to State it to the eye of the Reader, as it is represented by Authors of both sides.
Pitz. de Script. in Anno 1563.
Petrum Martyrem apostatam Monachum, & Haeresis Zuvinglicanae sectatorem, a Rege Edwardo sexto Oxonii in Cathedram Theologicam intrusum, in publicis disputationibus haeresis convicit, & Cathedr •… m suam victor repetiit, sed Rege obstante non impetravit.
In public disputations he convicted Peter Martyr the Apostate Monk, and a follower of the Zwinglian Heresy, thrust in by King Edward the sixth, into the Divinity Chair in Oxford, and being Conquerer did require his own Chair to be restored him; which he obtained not, because the King did withstand him.
L. Humphredus in vita Juelli pag. 44.
Sed animosus iste Achilles, die ad disputandum constituto, cum non Compa •… eret, sed ad Divum Andream in Scotiam profugeret, ratus eum qui in hoc Articulo been lateret, been vivere.
But this valiant Achilles, when he did not appear on the day appointed for him to dispute, fled to Saint Andrew's in Scotland, conceiving it that in a case of this kind, he lived best who lay hid the closest.
From St. Andrew's he afterwards conveyed himself over into the Low-countries.
But this Smith returned afterwards in the reign of Queen Mary, when Peter Martyr was glad to get leave to fly from that University. Thus we see (as to speak unbiassed without reflection on the Cause) that in such controversies it mattereth little who are the Disputants on either side, whilst the Prevalent power is the Moderator.
Doctor Smith flying again over into the Low-Countries, was made Dean of Saint Peters in Dorway, and the first Professor in the University founded therein. He died Anno Domini 1563.
JOHN MARSHALL was born at Dalisford in this County, as * New-college Register doth attest, which is to be credited before J. Pits making him to be born in * Dorsetshire. He was bred at New-college in Oxford, where he proceeded Bachelor of Laws, and for his gravity and learning was chosen second Master of Winchester school. But in the first of Queen Elizabeth he left the land with Thomas Hide, chief School-master thereof; so that now their Scholars had a fat Otium, and in both their absence might play with Security, till a •… uccessor received their Scepter. He became afterwards Canon of Lisle in Flanders, though a long time disturbed in his quiet Possession thereof. He wrote a book much prised by Men of his Perswasions, against John Cal •… ld an English Protestant. At his death he bequeathed a Ring with a rich Stone to adorn a piece of the Cross in his Cathedral (which by Doctor Gifford was solemnly applied thereunto) and died Anno Domini 1597.
ROBERT BRISTOW was born in this Connty, bred first in Oxford in Exeter-college, whence he conveyed himself over beyond the seas, living first at Lovaine, then in the English College at Douay. He was the first of that foundation that was made Priest, being the right-hand of Cardinal Allen, who departing to Reims, left Bristow Prefect of Douay-college. Afterwards he was sent for to Reims, where he wrote his book say the Papists, Contra futilem Fulkum, Against foolish Fulk, (railing is easier then reasoning with such mouths) who indeed was a grave and godly Divine. Being very sickly, he was advised for his health to return into his native Country, where having the good hap to miss that which cureth all diseases, he died in his bed near London 1582.
HENRY HOLLAND born in this County, was bred Fellow of Saint Johns-college in Oxford. Leaving the land he fled over to Douay, where he took the degree of Bachelor in Divinity, and Order of Priest-hood. Hence he removed to Reims, where, saith my Author, Traductioni Bibliorum •… crorum astitit, He assisted (I might say truly to the Traducing, but let it be) the Translating of the Bible. Returning to Douay, he read Divinity in a Monastery hard by, wherein he was living 1611.
Masters of Music.
WALTER of EVESHAM was born thereabouts, and bred therein a BenedictineMonke. His harmonious mind expressed itself in its love of Music, wherein he attained to great eminency, and wrote a Learned book in that faculty.
But here Bilious Bale lets fly without fear, (though not without some wit, ) inveighing against all Music in Churches, pretending to produce a Pair-Royal of Fathers for his own opinion, viz. Saint Jerome calling such chanting, Theatrales modulos, Gregory terming it consuetudinem reprehensibilem, and Athanatius flatly forbidding it the Church, for the vanity thereof. But by Bales leave, such speak not against the decent ornaments of wives, who reprove the garish attire of harlots, the abuse, not use of Music, being taxed by the Fathers aforesaid. Our Walter flourished under King Henry the third, Anno 1240.
Benefactors to the Public.
Reader, it may be disputed in me, whether I am more ashamed of or grieved for my mean intelligence of Benefactions in this County, before and since the Reformation. But I comfort myself, that the Dugdales in this County, I mean the worthy future Illustrators thereof, will supply my defect. Only I will add
RICHARD DUGARD B. D. was born at Grafton-Fliford in this County, bred under Master Henry Bright in the Kings-school at Worcester. I name him the rather, because never did Master Calvin mention his Master Corderius with more honor, then Master Dugard gratefully remembered Master Bright. He was chosen Fellow of SidneyColledge, where in my time (for I had the honor of his intimate acquaintance) he had a moiety of the most considerable Pupills, whom he bred in learning and piety, in the golden mean betwixt superstition and faction. He held a gentle-strict-hand over them, so that none presumed on his lenity to offend, or were discouraged by his severity to amend. He was an excellent Grecian, and general Scholar; old, when young, such his gravity in behavior; and young, when old, such the quickness of his endowments. He bestowed on the College an hundred and twenty pounds for some perpetual use for the Master and Fellows: and ten pounds for books for the Library. At last he was surprised with a presentation of the Rectory of Fulleby in Lincoln-shire, where by his constant preaching and pious living, he procured his own security; a rare happiness in those troublesome times. He died January 28. Anno Dom. 1653. and lies buried under a Marble-stone in his Chancel.
M •… morable Persons.
JOHN FECKENHAM was born of poor parents in Feckenham Forest in this Shire. He was the last Clergy man I find (and therefore Memorable ) who Locally was Surnamed, and was bred a Benedictine in Evosham, and at the dissolution thereof •… eceived an Annual Pension of an hundred florens, which (in my accounting,) make up some twenty pounds. This maintained him when afterwards he went and studied in Oxford, attaining to eminent learning therein.
In the reign of King Edward the sixth, he was imprisoned in the Tower, until Sir Phillip Hobby, (to use Feckenhams own words) quasi Mutuatum accepit, Borrowed him of the Tower. Being at Liberty, he had frequent Disputations in the Earnest, yet Modest defense of his Religion.
By Queen Mary he was made Abbot of Westminster, being the last Mitred Abbot (and therefore more Memorable ) who sat in Parliament. He was very gracious with the Queen, and effectually laid out all his interest with her, (sometime even to offend, but never •… o injure Her,) to procure Pardon of the Faults, or Mitigation of the Punishments, for poor Protestants.
By Queen Elizabeth, he was highly honor •… d, and proffered (as is currently traditioned) the See of Canterbury which he refused, and was kept in easy restraint. For although he found not the same favor with Joseph, to whom the Gaoler committed the care of all his family, making him Super-intendent of all other Prisoners, yet had he always Respective Usage, and ofttimes Liberty on his Parol. By his Bounty to the Poor, he gained the good-will (saith Master Camden ) of all Persons, whilst I behold his Bounty to Others as the Queens Bounty to him, enabling (because not disenabling ) him for the same, and permitting him peaceably to possess his Estate. He died a very aged man in Wisbich-castle, (as I collect) Anno 1585. and the Character which Pitzeus giveth him, may suffice for his Epitaph. Erat in eo insignis pietas in Deum, mira charitas in proximos, singularis observantia in majores, mitis affabilitas in inferiores, dulcis humanitas in omnes, mul •… plex doctrina, redundans facundia, incredibilis religions catholicae zelus.
HENRY BRIGHT was born in the City of Worcester. No good man will grudge him under this Title, who shall seriously peruse this his Epitaph, composed by Doctor Joseph Hall then Dean in the Cathedral in Worcester.
Mane Hospes & lege,
Magister Henricus Bright,
Celeberrimus Gymnasiarcha,
Qui Scholae Regiae istic fundatae, per totos Quadraginta Annos Summa cum Laude praefuit.
Quononalter magis sedulus fuit Scitusve aut dexter in Latinis, Graecis, Hebraius Literis feliciter edocendis:
Teste utraque Academia, quam Instruxit affatim numerosa pube literaria.
Sed & totidem annis eoque amplius Theologiam professus, & hujus 〈◊〉 per Septennium Canonicus major, saepissime Hic & Alibi Sacrum Dei praeconem magno cum Zelo & Fructu egit:
A laboribus perdiu, per noctuque ab anno 1562. ad 1626. strenue usque extant latis 4 to . Martii suaviter requievit in Domino.
For my own part, I behold this Master Bright, placed by Divine Providence in this City, in the Marches, that he might equally communicate the Luster of Grammerlearning, to youth both of England and Wales.
Lord Mayors.
| Name | Father | Place | Company | Time |
| 1 Richard Lee | Simon Lee | Worcester | Grocer | 1460 |
| 2 Richard a Lee | John a Lee | Worcester | — | 1468 |
| 3 Alexander Avenon | Robert Avenon | Kings Norton | Iron-monger | 1569 |
This is one of the twelve pretermitted Counties, the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower, by the Commissioners, in the reign of King Henry the sixth.
Sheriffs.
-
HEN. II.
- Anno 1
- Anno 2
- Will. de Bello Campo, for 14 years.
- Anno 16
- Will. de Bello Campo & Hugo de Puckier
- Anno 17
- Ranul. de Launch, for 4 years.
- Anno 21
- Rob. de Lucy
- Anno 22
- Mich. Belet, for 7 years.
- Anno 29
- Rad. de Glanvill
- Anno 30
- Mich. Belet
- Anno 31
- Rob. Marivion for 3 years.
-
RICH. I.
- Anno 1
- Rob. Marmion
- Anno 2
- Will. de Bello Campo
- Anno 3
- Will. de Bello Campo, & Rich. de Piplinton
- Anno 4
- Idem.
- Anno 5
- Will. de Bello Campo
- Anno 6
- Idem.
- Anno 7
- Hen. de Longo Campo, for 3 years.
- Anno 10
- Rad. de Grafton
-
JOH. Rex.
- Anno 1
- Rad. de Grafton
- Anno 2
- Idem.
- Anno 3
- Will. de Cantela & Adam. de Worcester, for 3 years.
- Anno 6
- Rob. de Cantelu,
- Anno 7
- Idem.
- Anno 8
- Will. de Cantelu, & Adam. Clicus
- Anno 9
- Will. de Cantelu, & Walt. le Puchier, for 3 years.
- Anno 12
- Will. de Cantelupo, & Adam. Ruffus
- Anno 13
- Will. de Cantelupo, & Adam. Delwich
- Anno 14
- Idem.
- Anno 15
- Will. de Cantelupo, & Phus. Kutton, for 3 years.
-
HEN. III.
- Anno 1
- Anno 2
- Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hen. Lunett, for 3 years.
- Anno 5
- Walt. de Bello Campo, for 3 years.
- Anno 8
- Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hug. le Pohier
- Anno 9
- Walt. de Bello Campo, & Tho. Wigorne for 3 years.
- Anno 12
- Walt. de Bello Campo, for 3 years.
- Anno 15
- Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hug. le Poer▪
- Anno 16
- Walt. de Bello Campo, & Will. de Malvern, for 3 years.
- Anno 19
- Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hug. le Pohier
- Anno 20
- Idem (sive Will.)
- Anno 21
- Will. de Bello Campo, & Will. de Blandhall
- Anno 22
- Idem.
- Anno 23
- Will. de Bello Campo, & Laur. de Wandlesworth, for 3 years.
- Anno 26
- Will de Bello Campo, & Simon de London
- Anno 27
- Will. de Bello Campo, for 24 years.
- Anno 51
- Will. de Bello Campo, & John. de Hull
- Anno 52
- Idem.
- Anno 53
- Will. de Bello Campo, for 3 years.
-
EDW. I.
- Anno 1
- Will. de Bello Campo Comes Warwic. for 26 years.
- Anno 27
- Guido. de Bello Campo, for 9 years.
-
EDW. II.
- Anno 1
- Guido. de Bello Campo Comes. Warr, & Rob. de Berkenhall
- Anno 2
- Guido. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, & Walt. de Perthrope, for 4 years.
- Anno 6
- Guido. de Bello Campo, & Rob. de Warwick
- Anno 7
- Idem.
- Anno 8
- Guido. de Bello Campo
- Anno 9
- Johan. de He •… ingwoll
- Anno 10
- Walt. de Bello Campo
- Anno 11
- Idem.
- Anno 12
- Will. Stracy
- Anno 13
- Idem.
- Anno 14
- Idem.
- Anno 15
- Will. de Bello Campo
- Anno 16
- Anno 17
- Nich. Russell
- Anno 18
- Idem.
- Anno 19
- Walt. de Kokesey
-
EDW. III.
- Anno 1
- Walt. de Kokesey
- Anno 2
- Idem.
- Anno 3
- Rich▪ de H •… deslowe, for 3 years.
- Anno 6
- Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, for 46 years.
-
RICH. II.
- Anno 1
- Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, for 4 years.
- Anno 5
- Tho. de Bello Campo, for 13 years.
- Anno 18
- Tho. de Bello Campo
- Anno 19
- Idem.
- Anno 20
- John. Washburne
- Anno 21
- Hen. Haggeley
- Anno 22
- Rob. Russell
-
HEN. IV.
- Anno 1
- Tho. de Bello Campo
- Anno 2
- Tho. de Bello Campo, & Will. Beaucham
- Anno 3
- Tho. Hodington
- Anno 4
- Rich. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, f •… r 9 years.
-
HEN. V.
- Anno 1
- Rich. de Bello Campo, for 9 years.
-
HEN. VI.
- Anno 1
- Rich. de Bello Campo, for 16 years.
- Anno 16
- Norm. Washburne Subvic.
- In the 17. year of King Henry the sixth, this worthy Richard Beauchamp deceased. And here the records are at a loss, (such as ever since came to my hand) presenting no Sheriff for 21 years, till the end of the reign of King Henry the sixth. And yet I am confident that Henry Beauchamp Son and Heir to Richard aforesaid, Earl of Warwick and Albemarle (for Duke of ALBEMARLE I meet with none, before that ILLUSTRIOUS PERSON who now deservedly possesseth that Honor,) enjoyed the Shrevalty of this County.
-
EDW. IV.
- Anno 1
- Walt. Scull Subvic. for 19 years.
- Here we have an Under-sheriff, but no High sheriff could my industry hitherto recover, though my confidence is grounded on good cause, that Richard Nevill (the MakeKing ) Duke of Warwick, was Honorary Sheriff, though too great to officiate in his Person.
- Anno •… 0
- Jacob. Radcliffe, mil. for 3 years.
-
RICH. III.
- Anno 1
- Jacob. Radcliffe, miles
- Anno 2
- Will. Houghton, miles
- Anno 3
- Hum. Stafford & Rich. Nanfan.
-
HEN. VII.
- Anno 1
- Rich. Nanfan
- Anno 2
- Idem.
- Anno