The History of the Worthies of England

Queen Elizabeth.

19. JOHN RUSSELL, Ar.]

The same Gentleman (no doubt) who was afterwards Knighted, and betwixt whom and Sir Henry Berkeley, was so deadly a quarrel, as that great blood-shed was likely to have ensued, at the Sessions in Worcester, by reason of their many friends and followers engaged therein. But Doctor Whitgift, then Bishop of Worcester, and Vice-President of Wales, (in the absence of Sir Henry Sidney, then in Ireland, ) wisely prevented it, by providing a strong watch at the gates, and about the City; and requiring them to bring both parties, with their attendance well guarded, to his Palace. Here he caused them all (to the number of four or five hundred ) to deliver their weapons into his own Servants custody, and after two hours pains taken, sometimes in persuading, and otherwhiles in threatening them, he made them so good friends, that they both attended him hand in hand to the Town-hall, where in amity and love, they performed the service of their Country.

36. JOHN PACKINGTON, Mil.]

It is now good manners for me to hold my peace, and listen to a Privy-Counselor, thus describing his character, He was a Gentleman of no mean family, of form and feature no ways disabled a very fine Courtier, and for the time which he stayed there (which was not lasting) very high in the Queens grace. But he came in and went out, and though disassiduity, drew the curtain between himself and the light of her favor, and then death overwhelmed the remnant and utterly deprived him of recovery. And they say of him, that had he brought less to the Court then he did, he might have carried away more then he brought, for he had a time of it, but was no good husband of opportunity.

King James.

2. RICHARD WALSH, Ar.]

I find him called in our Chronicles, (perchance by a Prolepsis) Sir Richard Walsh. Yea, I find him styled so, by him who best might, because he made him so, Knighting him for his good service.

In his Sheriffalty, the Powder-Traitors, sereted out of Warwick-shire by Sir Richard Verney, were as fiercely followed by Sir Richard Walsh, out of the bounds of this County, till they took covert in the house of Stephen Littleton, at Hallbach in Stafford-shire. This discreet Sheriff, not standing on the punctilio of exceeding his Commission, in a case wherein the peace of the Kingdom was so highly concerned, prosecuted his advantage, and beset the house round about, till both the Wrights were killed in the place, Catesby and Percy slain with one bullet, Rookwood and Winter wounded, all the rest apprehended.

Worcester Fight.

Many smart Skirmishes have happened in this County, and near this City. We only insist on that Fatall Fight, September the third, 1651.

Know then (as Introductory thereunto) that His Majesty on the first of August foregoing, began his March from Edenbrough into England, not meeting with any considerable Opposition, (those at Warrington being soon put to flight by his Presence,) until he came to Worcester: His Army consisted of twelve thousand effectual Fighting men, (whereof two thousand English, the rest of the Scottish Nation) but neither excellently Armed, nor plentifully stored with Ammunition, whilst the Parliament Forces under Cromwell, more then doubled that Number, wanting nothing [but a Good Cause ] that an Army could wish or desire.

The Royalists Cheifest strength consisted in two Passes they possessed over the River of Severn, which proved not advantageous according to expectation: For the Enemy found the River Fordable elsewhere; and the Bridge and Pass at Uptrn, though valiantly defended by Major General Massey, (who received a shot in his hand) was forced by Lambert pouring in unequal Numbers on the Kings Forces. Besides Cromwell finished a Bridge of Boards and Plancks over the main River, with more Celerity and less Resistance, then could have been expected in a matter of such importance.

Then began the Battle, wherein His Majesty to remember his subjects Good, forgot his own Safety, and gave an incomparable example of Valour to the rest, by Charging in his Own Person. This was followed by few to the same degree of danger, but imitated in the greatest measure by the Highlanders, fighting with the But-ends of their Muskets, when their Ammunition was spent. But new supplies constantly Charging them, and the Main Body of the Scotch Horse not coming up in due time from the City to His Majesty's relief, his Army was forced to retreat in at Sudbury-gate, in much disorder.

If there were (which some more then whisper) false and foul Play in some Persons of Principal Trust; as they have had a great space seasonably, God grant them his Grace sincerely to repent, for their Treacherous retarding the happiness, prolonging and increasing the Miseries of a Gracious King and three great Nations. Sure it is, here were slain the Flower of the Scottish Loyal Gentry, with the most Illustrious, William (formerly Earl of Lanerick ) Duke of Hamilton. As for Common Soldiers, some few who escaped had a longer life, to have a sadder death, wandering in the Country till other men's Charity and their own Strength failed them.

Since, how God hath conducted His Majesty miraculously through Laberynths of many Difficulties, to the Peaceable Possession of his Throne, is notoriously known to the wonder of the world. Here my Muse heartily craveth leave to make an Humble address to His Majesty, depositing at his feet the ensuing▪

Natural Commodities.

Manufactures,

As for CLOATHING, so vigorously followed in this County, we refer it to our FARWELL in this our description, and here insist on,

Medicinal Waters.

About a mile and a half from Knares-borough Westward, in a morish boggy ground ariseth a spring of a Vitrioline taste and Odor. It was discovered by one Master Slingsby, about the year 1620. and is conceived to run parallel with the Spaw waters in Germany.

Not far off, is a sulphur-well, which hath also the qualities of saltness and bitterness; The stench whereof though offensive, (Patients may hold their nose and take wholesome physic) is recompensed by the virtues thereof. Insomuch, (as my Author saith) It heateth and quickeneth the stomach, bowels, liver, spleen, blood, veins, nerves, and indeed the whole body, insomuch that it consumes crudities, rectifieth all cold distempers in all parts of the body, causeth a good digestion, cureth the dropsy, spleen, scurvy, green-sickness, gout. And here it is high time to hold still, for if this last be true, let that disease which formerly was called dedecus medicinae, be hereafter termed decus fontis Knaresburgensis.

In the same parish over against the Castle (the river Nid running betwixt) ariseth a spring which runneth a little way in an entire stream, till dammed at the brow of the descent with ragged rocks, it is divided into several trickling branches, whereof some drop, some stream down, partly over, partly through a jetting rock, this is called the Petrifying well, (how grammatically I will not engage) because it converteth spongy substances into stone, or crusteth them over round about.

We must not forget Saint Mungus his Well which some have slighted as an ineffectual superstitious relique of Popery, whilst others maintain it hath regained its reputation, and is of Sovereign virtue. Some will have the name thereof mistaken, for Saint Magnus, which in my opinion was rather so called from Saint Mungo (Kentigernus in Latin) a Scottish Saint, and much honored in these Northern parts. I believe no place in England can show four springs so near in situation, so distant in operation.

Such as desire to know more of the nature and use of these springs, of the time, manner and quantity, wherein the Waters are to be taken, and how the Patient is to be dieted for his greater advantage, may inform themselves by perusing two small Treatise, one set forth, Anno 1626. by Edmund Dean Doctor of Physic, living in York, called Spadsacrena Anglica. The other written some six years since by John French Doctor of Physic, and is very satisfactory on that subject.

The Buildings.

The Church of Beverly is much commended for a fine Fabric, and I shall have a more proper occasion to speak hereafter of the Collegiate Church in Rippon, but amongst ancient Civil Structures we mu •… not forget,

Proverbs.

From Hell, Hull, and Halifax,— deliver us. ]

This is part of the Beggars and Vagrants Litany. Of these three frightful things unto them, it is to be feared, that they least fear the first, conceiting it the furthest from them. Hull, is terrible unto them, as a Town of good government, where Vagrants meet with Punitive Charity, and 'tis to be feared are oftener Corrected then Amend ed. Halifax, is formidable unto them for the Law thereof, whereby Thieves taken 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the very Act of stealing of clothe, are instantly beheaded with an Engine, without any further Legal Proceedings.

A Scarborough warning. ]

That is none at all, but a s •… dain surprise, when a mischief is felt before it be suspected. This Proverb is but of 104. years standing, taking its Original from Thomas Stafford, who in the reign of Queen Mary, Anno 1557. with a small company seized on Scarborough-castle, (utterly distitute of provision for resistance) before the Towns-men had the least notice of his approach. However, within six days, by the industry of the Earl of Westmorland, he was taken▪ brought to London, and Beheaded. So that since the Proverb accepteth a secondary (but no genuine ) sense; and a Scarborough-warning may be a Caveat to any, how he undertaketh a treacherous design. But if any conceive this Proverb of more ancient original, fetching it from the custom of Scarboroughcastle in former times, with which, it was not a word and a blow, but a blow before and without a word; as using to shoot ships which passed by and struck not sail, and so warning and harming them both together; I can retain mine own, without opposing their opinion.

As true Steel as Rippon Rowels.]

It is said of trusty Persons, men of metal, faithful in their employments. Spurs are a principal part of Knightly Hatchments, yea, a Poet observes,

Indeed, the best Spurs of England, are made at Rippon a famous Town in this County, whose rowels may be enforced to strike through a Shilling, and will break sooner then bow. However the horses in this County are generally so good, they prevent the Spurs, or answer unto them, a good sign of thrifty metal for continuance.

An Yorkshire * way -Bit.]

That is an Over-plus not accounted in the reckoning, which sometime, proveth as much as all the rest. Ask a Country-man here on the high-way, how far it is to such a Town, and they commonly return, So many miles and a way-bit, which way-bit, is enough to make the wearied Travailer surfeit of the length thereof. If such over-measure be allowed to all Yards, Bushels, &c. in 〈◊〉 Shire, the Poor therein have no cause to complain of their penny-worths, in buying any Commodities.

But hitherto we have run along with common report, and false spelling, (the way not to win the race) and now return to the starting place again. It is not Way-bit, though generally so pronounced, but We-bit a pure Yorkshirisme, which is a small bit in the Northern Language.

Merry Wakefield.]

What peculiar cause of mirth this Town hath above others, I do not know, and dare not too curiously inquire, left I turn their mirth among themselves, into anger against me. Sure it is seated in a fruitful soil, and cheap Country, and where good cheer and company are the Premises, mirth (in common consequence) will be the Conclusion. Which, if it doth not trespass in time, cause and measure, Heraclitus the sad Philosopher, may perchance condemn, but Saint Hilary, the good Father will surely allow.

Princes.

HENRY, youngest son to William Duke of Normandy, but eldest to King William the Conqueror, (by whom he was begotten after he was Crowned King,) on which politick 〈◊〉 , he claimed and gained the Crown, from Duke Robert his eldest brother, was Anno Dom. 1070. born at Selbey in this County. If any ask, what made his Mother travail so far North from London? know it was to enjoy Her Husbands company; who, to prevent insurrections, and settle peace, resided many months in these parts; besides, his peculiar affection to Selby, where after he founded a MitredAbby.

This Henry was bred (say some) in Paris, say others in Cambridge, and I may safely say in both, wherein he so profited, that he attained the Surname of Beauclerke. His learning may be presumed a great advantage to his long and prosperous reign for thirty five years and upwards, wherein he remitted the Norman rigor, and restored to His subjects a great part of the English Laws and Liberties.

Indeed his princely virtues, being profitable to all, did with their luster so dazzle the eyes of his subjects, that they did not see his personal vices, as chiefly prejudicial to himself. For, he was very wanton, as appeareth by his numerous natural issue, no fewer then fourteen, all by him publicly owned; the males highly advanced, the females richly married, which is justly reported to his praise, it being lust to beget, but love to bestow them. His sobriery otherwise was admirable, whose temperance was of proof against any meat objected to his appetite, Lampreys alone excepted, on a surfeit whereof he died, Anno Domini 1135. He had only two children, William dying before, and Maud surviving him; both born in Normandy, and therefore omitted in our Catalogue.

THOMAS Fifth son of King Edward the first, and the first that he had by Margaret his second Wife, was born at (and surnamed from) Brotherton, a small Village in this County, June 1. Anno Dom. 1300. He was created Earl of Norfolk, and Earl Marshall of England. He left no male-issue, but from his females, the Mowbrays Dukes of Norfolk, and from them the Earls of Arundel and Lord's Berkeley are descended.

RICHARD PLANTAGENET Duke of York, commonly is called Richard of Conisborrow, from the Castle in this Shire of his nativity. The Reader will not grudge him a place amongst our Princes, if considering him fixed in his Generation betwixt an Antiperistasis of Royal extraction, being,

Besides he had married Anne, Daughter and sole Heir to Edward Mortimer, the true Inheritrix of the Crown. But tampering too soon and too openly, to derive the Crown in his Wives right to himself, by practicing the death of the present King, he was taken and beheaded for treason, in the reign of K. Henry the fifth.

EDWARD sole son to King Richard the third, and Anne his Queen, was born in the Castle of Midleham, near Richmond in this County; and was by his father created Prince of Wales. A Prince, who himself was a child of as much hopes, as his Father a man of hatred. But he consumed away of a sudden, dying within a month of his Mother; King Richard little lamenting the loss of either, and presently projecting to repair himself by a new Marriage.

The untimely death of this Prince, (in respect of the term to which by Natural possibility he might have attained) in his innocent age, is generally beheld as a punishment on him, for the faults of his Father. The Tongue foreswears, the Ears are cut off; the Hand steals, the Feet are stocked, and that justly, because both consisting of the same body. And because Proles est pars parentis it is agreeable with divine justice to inflict on Children temporal judgments for defaults of their Parents.

Yet this judgment was a mercy to this Prince, that he might not behold the miserable end of his Father. Let me add, and a mercy also to all England. For had he survived to a man's estate, he might possibly have proved a wall of partition, to hinder the happy union of the two houses of York and Lancaster.

Saints.

HILDA was daughter unto Prince Hererick, nephew to Edwin King of Northumberland, and may justly be counted our English Huldah, not so much for sameness of sex, and name-sounding similitude, as more concerning conformities. Huldah lived in a College, Hilda in a Convent at Strenshalt in this County; Huldah was the Oracle of those times, as Hilda of her age, being a kind of a Moderatresse in a Saxon Synod, (or conference rather) called to compromise the controversy about the celebration of Easter. I behold her as the most learned English Female before the Conquest, and may call her the She-Gamaliel, at whose feet many Learned men had their education. She ended her holy life with an happy death, about the year of our Lord 680.

BENEDICT BISCOP was born saith Pitz amongst the East Saxons; saith Jerome Porter in Yorkshire, whom I rather believe. First, because writing his life ex professo, he was more concerned to be curious therein. Secondly, because this Benedict had much familiarity with, and favor from Oswy King of Northumberland, in whose Dominions he fixed himself, building two Monasteries, the one at the influx of the river Were, the other at the river Tine into the sea, and stocking them in his life time with 600 Benedictine Moncks.

He made five Voyages to Rome, and always returned full fraught with Relics, Pictures and Ceremonies.

In the former is driven on as great a Trade of Cheating, as in any earthly Commodity, in so much that I admire to meet with this passage in a Jesuit, and admire more that he Met not with the Inquisition for writing it. Addam, * nonnunquam in Tem plis, reliquias dubias, profana corpora pro Sanctorum, (qui cum Christo in Coelo regnant) exuviis sacris fuisse proposita.

He left Religion in England, Braver, but not better then he found it. Indeed, what Tully said of the Roman Lady, That she danced better then became a modest woman, was true of God's Service as by him adorned, the Gaudiness prejudicing the Gravity thereof. He made all things according (not to the Pattern in the Mount with Mose's, but) the Precedent of Rome; and his Convent, being but the Romish Transcript, became the English Original, to which all Monasteries in the Land were suddenly conformed.

In a word, I reverence his Memory, not so much for his first bringing over Painted Glass into England, as for his bringing up Pious Bead in his Monastery. Being struck beneath the Girdle with the dead Palsy, his soul retired into the Upper Rooms of his Clay Cottage, much employed in meditation, until the day of his death, which happened Anno 703.

Saint JOHN of Beverley, may be challenged by this County, on a threefold title, because therein he had his

• 1. Birth, at Harpham in this County, in the East-Riding.
• 2. Life, being three and thirty years and upwards, Archbishop of York.
• 3. Death, at Beverley in this County, in a College of his own foundation.

I remember his Picture in a Window in the Library at Salisbury, with an inscription under it (whose character may challenge to itself three hundred years antiquity) affirming him the first Master of Arts in Oxford, and Alfredus Beverlacensis reporteth as much. Arts indeed were, and Oxford was (though hardly an University) in that age; but seeing the solemnity of graduating was then unknown, a judicious Oxonian rejecteth it as a fiction. More true it is, that he was bred at Strenshalt under Hilda aforesaid, which soundeth something to her honor, and nothing to his disgrace, seeing eloquent Apollos himself learned the Primer of his Christianity, partly, from Priscilla. He was afterwards educated under Theodorus the Grecian and Arch-bishop of Canterbury. Yet was he not so famous for his Teacher, as for his Scholar, Venerable Bede, who wrote this Johns life, which he hath so spiced with Miracles, that it is of the hottest for a discreet man to digest into his belief.

Being very aged, he resigned his Arch-bishopric, that he might the more effectually apply his private devotions in his College at Beverley, for which he procured the Freedstool from King Athelston. Yet such Sanctuaries (though carrying something of holiness in their name) had a profane abuse for their very use, making Malefactours with their promise of impunity, and then protecting them from justice. Saint John died May 7. 722. and was buried in the Porch of his Collegiate Church. A Synod held at London 1416. assigned the day of his death an Anniversary Solemnity to his Memory.

THOMAS PLANTAGENET. Before I proceed, I must confess myself formerly at a great loss, to understand a passage in an Honorable Author, speaking of the counterfeit Relics detected and destroyed at the Reformation.

But I could recover no Saint Thomas (saving him of Canterbury ) in any English Martyrology, till since on inquiry I find him to be this Thomas Plantagenet.

He was Earl of Derby, Lancaster, Leicester, and (in the right of Alice his Wife) of Lincoln. A popular person, and great enemy to the two Spencers, Minions to King Edward the second, who being hated as Devils for their pride, no wonder if this Thomas was honored, as a Saint and Martyr, by the common sort. Indeed he must be a good Chymist, who can extract Martyr out of Malefactour, and our Chronicles generally behold him put to death for Treason against K. Edward the 2 ^d . But let him pass for a Saint in this Shire, though never solemnly canonized; it being true of such local Saints, what Servius Honoratus observeth of Topicall God's, Ad alias Regiones nunquam transibant, They travailed not so far as to be honored in other Countries. His beheading, alias his Martyr •… ome, happened at Pontfret, Anno Dom. 1322.

RICHARD ROLE alias HAMPOLE had his first Name from his Father, the other from the Place (three Miles from Doncaster ) where living he was Honoured, and dead was Buried, and Sainted. He was a Heremite, led a strict life, and wrote many Books of Piety, which I prefer before his Prophetical Predictions, as but a degree above Almanac Prognostications. He threatened the Sins of the Nation, with suture Famine, Plague, Inundations, War, and such general Calamities, from which, no Land is long free, but subject to them in some proportion. Besides his Predictions if Hitting, were Heeded; if Missing, not Marked.

However, because it becomes me not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , let him pass for a Saint. I will add, that Our Savior's Dilemma to the Jews, may partly be pressed on the Papists his Contemporaries. If Hampoles Doctrine was of Men, why was he generally reputed a Saint; if from God, why did they not Obey him, seeing he spake much against the vitiousness and covetousness of the Clergy of that Age? He died Anno Domini 1349.

JOHN of BIRLINGTON or BRIDLINGTOM was born hard by that Town, bred two years in Oxford, where he profited in piety and learning above his age and equals. Returning home, for a short time he was teacher to a Gentleman's Sons, until the twentieth year of his age he entered himself a Canon-Regular in the Covent of Bridlington, where he grew eminent for his exemplary holiness.

It was his happiness that such offices always fell to his share, as did not retard but quicken his devotion, as Chaunter, Almoner, &c. At last he was cho •… en Prior, but refused the place, alleging his own unworthiness, professing he had rather be beaten in pieces with blows, then accept thereof, so that another was put into the place. This new elect dying soon after, our John was chosen again in the vacancy, and then took it, fearing there might be as much peevishness in rejecting, as pride in effecting it, and hoping that Providence which fairly called him to, would freely fit him for the discharge of that office.

He used to treat strangers at his table with good cheer, and seemingly kept pace with them in eating, morsel for morsel, whilst he had a secret contrivance, wherein he conveyed his exceedings above his Monastical pittance. Being demanded of one why he did not enter into more strict and austere Order, Surely, said he, A man may lead a sincere and acceptable life in any order, and it were arrogancy in me to pretend to a severer discipline, when I cannot observe as I ought, this easier course of life. My Author saith, that Martha and Mary were both compounded in him, being as pious, so provident to husband the revenues of their house to their best advantage.

Going to view their lands in Richmond-shire, he gave a visit to a woman lately turned an Ancorist, and renowned for her holiness; she told him, that now her vision was out, who the night before dreamed, that an Eagle flew about her house with a label in his bill, wherein was written Jesus is my love, and you, saith she, are the person who so honor him in your heart, that no earthly thing can distract you. To whom our John returned, I came hither to hear from you some saving and savoury discourse, but seeing you begin with such idle talk, farewell; and so waved any farther converse.

However, I must not dissemble, that the prophesies fathered on this our John are as fabulous and frivolous as her dreams, witness that deadly passage in an excellent Author,

In Johannes de Bridlington vatis monastici vaticinales rythmos omnino ridiculos incidimus: yet no doubt he was a holy man, and could one light on his life unleavened, before heaved up with the ferment of Monkish fiction, it would afford many remarkables. He died in the sixtieth year of his age, 1379. and was reputed (though I believe not solemnly canonized) a Saint, amongst his own Countrymen.

WILLIAM SLEIGHTHOLME. It is pity to part him from his last named dear friend, such the sympathy of amity and sanctity betwixt them. Once this William demanded of his friend John, what might be the reason, that the Devil in their days affrighted few, if any, with his terrible appearance, who in former ages was very frequent with formidable apparitions? reflecting in this his question, perchance on Saint Paul's messenger of Satan sent to buffet him, but chiefly on those usual [reported] personal combats of the Devil with Saint Dunstan, Guthlake, &c. To whom his friend returned, We are grown so remiss in goodness, that the Devil needs not put himself to such pains, seeing less and lighter temptations will do the deed. It is recorded of this William, that he was one of singular piety, and after his death wrought many miracles at his Tomb in the Monastery of Bridlington, where he was buried about the year 1380. I will add no more, but that I have a learned friend William Sleight holme Doctor of Physic living at Buntingford in Hartfordshire, but born in this County, whom I believe remotely related to this Saint.

Expect not here, that I should add to this Catalogue that Maiden, who to secure her virginity from his unchaste embraces that assaulted it, was by him barbarously murdered, whereby she got the reputation of a Saint, and the Place, the Scene of his Cruelty, (formerly called Horton ) the Name of Hali-fax or Holy-hair. For the credulous People conceited that the Veins which in form of little threads spread themselves between the Bark and Body of that Yew-tree, (whereon the head of this Maid was hung up) were the very hairs indeed of this Virgin head, to whom they flock in Pilgrimage.

Oh! how sharp sighted, and yet how blind is Superstition? Yet these Country-folks fancies had the advantage of Daphnes being turned into a Laurell-tree.

But here she is wholly omitted, not so much because her Name and Time are unknown, but because the judicious behold the whole Contrivance devoid of Historical truth.

Martyrs.

The County (and generally the Province of York ) escaped very well from Popish persecution, which, under God's goodness, may be justly imputed to the tempers of their four succeeding Arch-bishops.

• 1. Thomas Wolsey, whom all behold as a person more proud, then cruel; not so busying himself to maintain Popery, as to gain the Popedom.
• 2. Edward Lee, more furious then the former, persecuting many to imprisonment, none to death, save two, of whom hereafter.
• 3. Robert Hollgate, who was, as they say, a parcel-Protestant, imprisoned and deprived for being married.
• 4. Nicholas Heath, a meek and moderate man, carrying a Court of Conscience in his bosom, long before Queen Mary made him Chancellor of England.

Hereupon it came to pass, that the Diocese of York was dry with Gideon 's fliece, whilst others lying near unto it, were wet in their own tears and blood.

Confessors.

Where no fish, there no fry, and seeing here no Martyrs, which are Confessors full blown, no wonder if here no Confessors, which are Martyrs in the bud.

Cardinals.

JOHN FISHER was born in the Town of Beverly in this County, his father Robert Fisher was by condition a Merchant, and lived in good reputation. He was afterwards bred in Michael-house in Cambridge, whereof he was the first Chancellor pro termino vitae, and Bishop of Rochester. How this Fisher was caught afterwards in the net of Elizabeth Barton, (commonly called the holy Maid of Kent, ) thereby made accessory to her dissembling; How stiff he was against King Henrys Divorce and Title of Supreme head of the Church; How the Pope sent him a Cardinals Cap, and the King Cut off his head, hath been so largely related in my Ecclesiastical History; and being I hope pardoned by the Reader for my former tediousness, I will not now contract a new guilt by offending in Prolixity on the same person. The rather because his Manuscript life written 80. years since by Richard Hall of Christ's-college in Cambridge, is lately set forth in Print under the name of Thomas B •… ily D. D. in which book as I do not repine at any passages, ( though Hyperbolicall ) to the praise of this Prelate; so I cannot but be both angry and grieved at the many false and scandalous reflections therein, on the worthy Instruments of our Reformation. This learned Bishop was beheaded in the year 1535. the Threescore and seventeenth year of his age.

Let me add he was tried by an Ordinary Jury, and not by his Peers, whereof several reasons are rendered. Some thought he forgot to demand his Privilege herein, (disturbed with grief and fear ) as Edward Duke of Somerset forgot to crave the Ben •… fit of the Clergy, or, that he neglected it as surfeiting of long life, and 〈◊〉 of his Dissolution. Others, because he preferred death in a Direct Line before a Circumferential Passage thereunto, (as Certain though not so Compendious ) being assured that the Lord's durst not displease the King in acquitting him. But most imput •… it to his suspicion that if desiring to be tried by his Peers, it would have been denied him, as not due to a Bishop. And yet that worthy Lawyer, Judge Stamford in his Pleas of the Crown leaveth it doubtful, and seemeth inclined to the Affirmative. Besides Sir Robert Brook in his Novell Cases affirmeth in Express Terms, that a Bishop is Peer of the Realm, and ought to be tried by his Peers. The best is, our Charity may be Confident, that our Bishops will so inoffensively behave themselves, and God we hope so secure their innocence, that there will not hereafter be need to decide this Question.

Prelates.

EUSTATHIUS de FAUCONBRIDGE was born in this County, where his Surname appeareth among the Antient Sheriffs thereof. He was chosen Bishop of London, in the sixth of King Henry the third, Anno 1222. carrying it clearly from a Company of able Competitors, occasioning this Distich,▪

Others played on his Name Eustatius [One that stood well ] both in Respect of his spiritual Estate (yet let him that standeth take heed lest he fall) and Temporal Condition, well fixed in the Favor of Prince and People, being Chief Justice, then Chancellor of the Chequer, and afterwards Treasurer of England, and twice Ambassador to the King of France. He deserved right well of his own Cathedral, and dying October 31. 1228. was buried under a Marble Tomb, on the South-side of the Presbytery.

WILLIAM de MELTON, was born in this County, (wherein are four villages so named) and preferred therein Provost of Beverly, and Canon, then Arch-bishop of York. He went to Avinion, there to procure his Consecration. I say to Avinion, whither then the Court was removed from Rome, and continued about threescore and ten years, on the same token, that those remaining at Rome (almost starved for want of employment) called this the seventy years captivity of Babylon.

Consecrated after two years tedious Attendance, he returned into England, and fell to finish the fair fabric of his Cathedral, which John Roman had began, expending seven hundred Marks therein. His life was free from Scandal, signal for his Chastity, Charity, Fasting and Praying. He strained up his Tenants so as to make good Music therewith, but not break the string, and surely Church-lands were intended, (though not equally, yet) mutually for the comfortable support both of Landlord and Tenants.

Being unwilling that the Infamy of Infidel should be fixed upon him, (according to the Apostles Doctrine ) for not providing for his family, he bought three Manors in this County, from the Arch-bishop of Roan, with the Popes Confirmation, and settled them on his Brothers Son, whose Descendant William Melton, was High-sheriff of this County, in the Fiftieth of King Edward the third.

There is a Place in York as well as in London called the Old-baly, herein more remarkable then that in London, that Arch-bishop Melton compassed it about with a great Wall. He bestowed also much cost in adorning Feretrum [English it the Bear or the Coffin ) of Saint William, a Person purposely omitted by my Pen, because no assurance of his English Extraction. Arch-bishop Melton died, (after he had sat two and twenty years in his See) Anno Domini 1340. Entombed in the Body of his Church nigh the Font, whereby I collect him buried below in the Bottom of the Church, that Instrument of Christian Initiation, anciently advancing but a little above the Entrance into the Church.

HENRY WAKEFEILD is here placed with Assurance, there being three Towns of that name in (and none out of) this County. Indeed his is an Episcopal Name, which might mind him of his Office, the Diocese of Worcester, (to which he was preferred Anno 1375. by King Edward the third,) being his Field, and he by his place to Wake or watch over it: Nor hear I of any complaints to the contrary, but that he was very vigilant in his Place. He was also for one year Lord Treasurer of England. Dying March 11. 1394. he lieth covered in his own Church, Ingenti marmore, and let none grudge him the greatness of his Grave-stone, if two foot larger then ordinary, who made the Body of this his Church, two Arches longer Westward then he found it, besides a fair Porch added thereunto.

RICHARD SCROOPE son to the Lord Scroope of Bolton in this County, brother to William Earl of Wilt-shire, was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge, attaining to be a man of great learning and unblamable life. Nor was it so much his high extraction as his own Abilities causing him to be preferred Bishop first of Coventry and Lichfield, then Arch-bishop of York. Being nettled with the news of his Earl-brothers Beheading, he conjoined with the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl Marshall, Lord Bardolph and others, against King Henry the fourth as an Usurper, and Invader of the Liberties of Church and State. The Earl of Westmorland, in outward deportment complied with him, and seemed to approve a Writing wherein his main intentions were comprised, so to Trepan him into his destruction: Toling him on, till it was too late for him either to advance or retreat, the King with his Army being at Pontfract.

Bishop Godwin saith, it doth not appear that he desired to be tried by his Peers, and I believe it will appear, that nothing was then Calmly or Judiciously transacted, but all being done in an hurry of heat, and by Martial Authority. The Executioner had five strokes at his Neck, before he could sunder it from his Body, Imputable not to his Cruelty but Ignorance, it not being to be expected, that one nigh York, should be so dextrous in that trade as those at London. His beheading happened Anno 1405.

STEPHEN PATRINGTON was born in the Village so called in the East-riding of this County. He was bred a Carmelite and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, and the three and twentieth Provincial of his Order through out England for fifteen years. It is incredible (saith Leland ) what Multitudes of People crowded to his Sermons, till his Fame preferred him Chaplain and Confessor to King Henry the fifth. He was deputed of the King, Commissioner at Oxford, to inquire after and make Process against the Poor Wicklevites, and as he was busyed in that employment, he was advanced to the Bishopric of Saint David's. Hence he was sent over to the Council of Constance, and therein (saith Walsingham ) gave great Testimony of his ability. Returning into England, he was made Bishop of Chichester, but dying before his Translation was finished 1417. was buried in White-fryars in Fleetstreet.

WILLIAM PEIRCY was Son to Henry Peircy (second Earl of Northumberland of that Name) and Eleanour Nevill his Wife. Indeed the Son of a Public Woman, conversing with many men, cannot have his Father certainly assigned, and therefore is commonly called Filius Populi. As a base child, in the Point of his Father is subject to a sham •… full, so is the Nativity of this Prelate as to the Place thereof, attended with an Honorable Uncertainty, whose Noble Father had so many houses in the Northern Parts, that his Son may be termed a Native of North-England▪ but placed in this County because Topliffe is the Principal, and most Antient seat of this Family. He was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge, whereof he was Chancellor, and had a younger Brother George Peircy a Clerk also, though attaining no higher preferment then a Prebend in Beverly. Our William was made Bishop of Carlisle, 1452. Master Mills erroneously maketh him afterwards Bishop of Wells, and it is enough to detect the mistake without disgracing the Mistaker. He died in his See of Carlisle 1462.

CUTHBERT TONSTALL was born at Hatchforth in Richmond-shire in this County, of a most Worshipful Family, (whose chief seat at Tonstall Thurland not far off,) and bred in the University of Cambridge, to which he was in books a great Benefactor. He was afterwards Bishop of London, and at last of Durham. A great Grecian, Orator, Mathematician, Civilian, Divine, (and to wrap up all in a word) a fast friend to Erasmus.

In the reign of King Henry the eight, he publicly confuted the papal supremacy in a learned Sermon, with various and solid arguments, preached on Palms-sunday before his Majesty Anno Domini 1539. And yet (man is but man) he returned to his error in the reign of King Edward the sixth, continuing therein in the first of Queen Elizabeth, for which he was deprived of his Bishopric. He shown mercy when in Power, and found it in his Adversity, having nothing but the Name of a prisoner, in which condition he died, and was buried at Lambeth 1560.

RALPH BAINES was born in this County, bred Fellow of Saint Johns-college in Cambridge. An Excellent Linguist in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, I say Hebrew then in its Nonage, whereof Baines was a good Guardian, first in learning, then in teaching the Rules thereof.

Hence he went over into France, and became Hebrew Professor at Paris. He wrote a Comment on the Proverbs in three Volumes, and dedicated it to King Franc is the first of France, that Grand Patron of good Men and great Scholars.

Pitz telleth us, ferunt, it is reported, that the Ministers of Geneva, have much depraved many of his writings in several places, which I do not believe. Such passages (doubtlesly according to the Authors own writing) being reducible to two Heads. First, his fair mentioning of some learned Linguists though Protestants, with whom he kept an Epistolary Correspondency. Secondly, some expressions in preferring the Original of Scripture, to the Diminution of the Vulgar Translation.

Returning into England, he was by Queen Mary 1555, made Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield. Hitherto no ill could be spoken of his Intellectualls, and hereafter no good of his Moralls in point of his Cruelty, he caused such persecution in his Diocese. His greatest Commendation is, that though as bad a Bishop as Christopher son, he was better then Bonner. In the first of Queen Elizabeth he was deprived of his Bishopric, and dying not long after of the Stone, was buried in Saint Dunstans 1560.

Capitall Judges.

Sir WILLIAM GASCOINGE was born at Gauthorp in Harwood parish, (in the midway betwixt Leeds and Knaresburgh, ) and afterwards was Student of the Law in the Inner Temple in London. Wherein he so profited, that being Knighted, the sixth of King Henry the fourth, he was made Chief Justice of the Kings-bench, November 15. and therein demeaned himself with much integrity, but most eminent for the following passage.

It happened that a servant of Prince Henry (afterwards the fifth English King of that Christian name) was arraigned before this Judge for fellony, whom the Prince then present endeavored to take away, coming up in such fury, that the beholders believed he would have stricken the Judge. But he sitting withou •… moving, according to the Majesty he represented, committed the Prince prisoner to the Kings-bench, there to remain until the pleasure of the King his Father were farther known. Who, when he heard thereof by some pickthank Courtier, (who probably expected a contrary return) gave God thanks for his infinite goodness, who at the same instant had given Him a Judge who could minister, and a Son who could obey justice.

I meet in J. Stow with this Marginall note, William Gascoinge was Chief Justice of the Kings-bench, from the sixth of Henry the fourth, till the third of Henry the fifth: and another Historian maketh King Henry the fifth, in the first of his reign, thus expressing himself in relation to that Lord Chief Justice, For which act of Justice I shall ever hold him worthy of the place, and my favor, and wish all my Judges to have the like undaunted courage, to punish offenders of what rank soever. Hence our Comedian (fancy will quickly blow up a drop in History into a bubble in Poetry, ) hath founded a long scene on the same subject.

Give me leave for my love to truth to rectify these mistakes out of authentic records. First, Gascoinge was made Judge not in the sixth, but first of King Henry the fourth, on the first of November. Secondly, he died December 17. in the fourteenth of King Henry the fourth, so that in a manner, his sitting on the bench ran parallel to the Kings sitting on the throne; This date of his death is fairly written in his stately Monument in Harwood Church.

GU •… DO de FAIRFAX. A word of his Surname and Family. Fax and Vex are the same, signifying Hair. Hence Matthew Westminster calleth a Comet (which is stella •… rinita ) a Vexed Star, and this Family had their Name from Beautiful Bushy Hair. I confess I find in Florilegus, writing of the Holy War, Primum Bellum Christianorum fuit apud Pontem Pharfax fluminis, The first Battle of the Christians was at the Bridge of the River Pharfax, but cannot concur with them who hence derive the Name of this Family. But where ever it began it hath continued at Walton in this County, more then four hundred and fifty years, for Nineteen Generations, Charles a Viscount now living being the Twentieth. But to return to Sir Guiao Fairfax Knight, he was bred in the study of the Common Law, made Serjeant thereof, and ever highly favored the house of York in those Civil distempers. Hence it was that he assumed a White-rose, bearing it in his Coat of Arms on the shoulder of his Black Lyon, (no difference as some may suppose, but) an evidence of his affection to that Family. Yet was he by King Henry the seventh advanced Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-bench, supplying the Intervall betwixt Sir William Hussey and Sir John Fineaux. The certain date of his death is to me unknown.

ROGER CHOLMLEY Knight. He is placed in this County with moderate assurance. For his Father (as I am instructed by those of his Family) lived in this County, though branched from Cheshire, and much conversant in London, being Lieutenant of the Tower under King Henry the seventh. By his Will he bequeathed a Legacy to Roger his Natural Son, then Student of the Laws, the self same with our Roger, as Proportion of time doth evince.

He applied his studies so effectually, that in the 37. of King Henry the eight in Michaelmas term, he was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and in the sixth of Edward the sixth Chief Justice of the Kings-bench.

In the first of Queen Mary July 27. he, with Sir Edward Montague, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, was committed to the Tower, for drawing up the Testament of King Edward the sixth, wherein his Sisters were dis-inherited. Yet Sir Rogers activity amounted no higher then to a Complyance and a subscription of the same. He afterwards was enlarged but lost his Judges Place, living some years in a private condition.

When William Flower was burnt in Westminster, Sir Hugh being present, (though called by Master Fox but plain Master Cholmley,) willed him to recant his Heresy, which I impute rather to his Carnal Pity, then Great Affection to Popery.

He built a Free-school of brick at High-gate about the year 1564. the Pension of the Master being uncertain, and the School in the disposition of six Governors, and I believe he survived not long after, and have some ground for my suspicion that he died without Issue.

Sir CRISTOPHER WRAY Knight, was born in the spacious Parish of Bedall, the main motive which made his Daughter Frances Countess of Warwick, scatter her Benesactions the thicker in that place. But I have been informed, that his Ancestor by some accident, came out of Cornwell where his Name is right Antient. He was bred in the study of our Municipall Law, and such his proficiency therein, that in the sixteenth of Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas Term, he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-bench.

He was not like that Judge who feared neither God nor man, but only one Widow (lest her importunity should weary him,) but he heartily feared God in his Religious Conversation. Each man he respected in his due distance off of the Bench, and no man on it to bias his judgment. He was pro tempore, Lord Privy Seal, and sat Chief in the Court, when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber. Sir Christopher collecting the censures of all the Commissioners, concurred to Fine him, but with this Comfortable conclusion, that, as it was in the Queens power to have him punished; so, Her Highness might be prevailed with for mitigating, or remitting of the Fine, and this our Judge may be presumed no ill instrument in the procuring thereof.

He bountifully reflected on Magdalene-college in Cambridge, which infant Foundation had otherwise been starved at nurse for want of maintenance. We know who saith, * the righteous man leaveth an inheritance to his Children's Children, and the well thriving of his third Generation, may be an evidence of his well-gotten goods. This worthy Judge died May the eighth, in the thirty fourth of Queen Elizabeth.

States▪ Men.

Pardon Reader my post poning, this Topic of States-Men, being necessitated to stay a while for further information.

Sir JOHN PUCKERING, Kt. was born at Flamborough head in this County, as I have learned out of the Notes of that industrious and judicious Antiquary Mr. Dod •… worth. He was second Son to his Father, a Gentleman who left him neither plentiful nor penurious estate: his breeding was more beneficial to him than his portion, gaining thereby such skill in the Common Law, that he became Queens-Serjeant, Speaker in the House of Commons, and at last Lord Chancellor of England. How he stood in his judgment in the point of Church-Discipline, plainly appeareth by his following Speech, delivered in the House of Lord's, 1588. the Original whereof was courteously communicated unto me.

He died Anno Domini 1596. caractered by Mr. Cambden, VIR INTEGER. His estate is since descended, (according to the solemn settlement thereof) the maleissue failing, on Sir Henry Newton, who according to the condition, hath assumed the Sur •… name of Puckering, and I can never be sufficiently thankful to him and his Relations.

Sir GEORGE CALVERT, Kt. was born at Kiplin near Richmond in this County, had his education first in Trinity College in Oxford; then beyond the Seas. His abilities commended him first to be Secretary to Robert Cecil, Earl of Sarisbury, Lord Treasurer of England. Afterwards he was made Clerk of the Council, and at last principal Secretary of State to King James, succeeding Sir Thomas Lakes in that office, Anno 1619.

Conceiving the Duke of Buckingham highly instrumental in his preferment, he presented him with a Jewel of great value, which the Duke returned him again, not owning any activity in his advancement; whom King James, ex mero motu, reflecting on his ability designed for the place.

This place he discharged above five years, until he willingly resigned the same 1624. on this occasion; He freely confessed himself to the King, That he was then become a Roman Catholic, so that he must either be wanting to his Trust, on violate his Consolence in discharging his office. This his ingenuity so highly affected King James, that he continued him Privy Counselor all his reign (as appeareth in the Council-Book ) and soon after created him Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland.

During his being Secretary, he had a Patent to him and his Heirs to be Absolutus Dominus, & Proprietarius, with the Royalties of a Count Palatine of the Province of Avalon in New-found-Land. A place so named by him in imitation of old Avalon in Somerset shire, wherein Glassenbury stands; the first fruits of Christianity in Britain, as the other was in that part of America. Here he built a fair House in Ferry Land, and spent five and twenty thousand pounds in advancing the Plantation thereof. Indeed his public spirit consulted not his private profit, but the enlargement of Christianity and the Kings Dominions. After the death of King James he went twice in person to New found-Land. Here when Mounsier de l'Arade with three Men of War sent from the King of France, had reduced our English Fishermen to great extremity; This Lord with two Ships manned at his own charge, chased away the French-man, relieved the English, and took six •… y of the French Prisoners.

He removed afterwards to Virginia, to view those parts, and afterwards came into England, and obtained from King Charles (who had as great an esteem of, and affection for him, as King James ) a Patent to him and his Heirs for Mary-land on the North of Virginia, with the same Title and Royalties conferred on him, as in Avalon aforesaid, now a hopeful Plantation peopled with eight thousand English souls, which in process of time may prove more advantageous to our Nation.

Being returned into England, he died in London, April 15. 1632. in the 53. year of his age, lying buried in the Chancel of S. Dunstans in the West, leaving his Son the Right Honorable Cecil Calvert, now Lord Baltemore, heir to his Honor, Estate, and Noble Disposition.

THOMAS WENTWORTH, Earl of Strafford, Deputy, though Son to William Wentworth of Wentworth-Woodhouse in this County, Esq (at his Sons birth ) afterward Baronet ) yet because born in Chancery-Lane, and Christened April 22. Anno 1593. in Saint Dunstans in the West, hath his Character in London.

Seamen.

ARMIGELL WAAD, born of an ancient Family in York-shire, as I am informed from his Epitaph on his monument at Hampstead in Midlesex: wherein he is termed Hen. 8. & Edw. 6. Regum Secretiori consilio ab epistolis, which I took the boldness to interpret (not Secretary, but) Clerk of the Council. Take the rest as it followeth in his Funeral Inscription.

Indeed he was the first Englishman that discovered America, and his several voyages are largely described in Mr. Hackluite his Travels.

This English COLUMBUS had by two Wives twenty Children, whereof Sir William Waad was the eldest, a very able Gentleman, and Clerk of the Council to Queen Elizabeth. This Armigel died June 20. 1568. and was buried as is aforesaid.

MARTIN FROBISHER, Kt. was born nigh Doncaster in this County. I note this the rather, because learned Mr. Carpenter in his Geography recounts him amongst the famous men of Devonshire, (But why should Devon-shire, which hath a flock of Worthies of her own, take a Lamb from another County?) because much conversing therein.

He was from his youth bred up in Navigation, and was the first Englishman that discovered the North way to China and Cathai, whence he brought great store of black soft Stone, supposing it Silver or Gold Ore, but which, upon trial with great expense, proved useless; yet will no wise man laugh at his mistake, because in such experiments, they shall never hit the mark, who are not content to 〈◊〉 it.

He was very valiant, but withal harsh and violent (faults which may be dispensed with in one of his profession) and our Chronicles loudly resou •… d his signal service in Eighty Eight, for which he was Knighted. His last service was the defending of BrestHaven in Britain, with ten ships, against a far greater power of Spaniards. Here he was shot into the side, the wound not being mortal in itself; But Swords and Gu •… s have not made more mortal wounds, than Probes in the hands of careless and skillesse Surgeons, as here it came to pass: The Chirurgeon took out only the Bullet, and left the bumbast about it behind, wherewith the sore festered, and the worthy Knight died at Plimo •… th, Anno 1594.

GEORGE CLIFFORD, Lord Clifford, Vescye, &c. Earl of Cumberland, was son to Henry second Earl of that Family, by his second Lady, a person wholly composed of true Honor and Valour, whereof he gave the world a clear and large demonstration.

It was resolved by the judicious in that age, the way to humble the Spanish greatness, was not by pinching and pricking him in the Low-Countries, which only emptied his veins of such blood as was quickly re-filled: But the way to make it a Cripple forever, was by cutting off the Spanish sinews of War, his Money from the West Indies.

In order whereunto, this Earl set forth a small Fleet at his own cost, and adventured his own person therein, being the best born Englishman that ever hazarded himself in that kind.

His Fleet may be said to be bound for no other Harbor but the Port of Honor though touching at the Port of Profit in passage thereunto; I say, touching; whose design was not to enrich himself, but impoverish the enemy. He was as merciful as valiant, (the best metal bows best) and left impressions of both in all places where he came.

Queen Elizabeth Anno 1592. honored him with the dignity of the Garter. When King James came first out of Scotland to York, he attended him with such an equipage of Followers, for number and habit, that he seemed rather a King than Earl of Cumberland. Here happened a contest between the Earl and the Lord President of the North, about carrying the Sword before the King in York; which office, upon due search and enquiry, was adjudged to the Earl, as belonging unto him: and whilst Cliffords Tower is standing in York, that Family will never be therein forgotten. His Anagram was as really as literally true.

He died 1605. leaving one Daughter and Heir, the Lady Anne, married to the Earl of Dorset, of whom hereafter.

Physicians.

Sir GEORGE RIPLEY, (whether Knight or Priest, not so soon decided) was undoubtedly born at Ripley in this County, though some have wrongfully entitled Surry to his Na •… vity. That York-shire was the place of his birth, will be evidenced by his relation of Kindred, reckoned up by himself, viz.

1. 〈◊〉 . 2. Riple •… . 3. Madlay. 4. Willoughby. 5. Burham. 6. Waterton. 7. Flemming. 8. Talboyes, Families found in York-shire and Lincoln-shire; but, if sought for in Surrey, to be met with at Nonesuch. Secondly, it appeareth by his preferment, being Canon of Bridlington in this County; and to clear all, In patria Eboracensi, saith my Author.

But Philemon Holland hath not only erroneously misplaced, but (which is worse) opprobriously miscalled him, in his description of Surrey;

Words not appearing in the Latin Britannia, and therefore Holland herein no Translator of Cambden, but traducer of Ripley.

Leaving this Land, he went over into Italy, and there studied twenty years together in pursuance of the Philosophers Stone, and •… ound it in the year 1470. as some collect from those his words then written in his Book; Juveni quem diligit anima mea, (spoken by the Spouse. Cant. 3. 4.) so bold is he with Scripture in that kind.

An English Gentleman of good credit reported, that in his travels abroad, he saw a Record in the Isle of Malta, which declares, that Sir George Ripley gave yearly to those Knights of Rhodes▪ One hundred thousand pounds, towards maintaining the war (then on foot) against the Turks. This vast donation makes some suspect this Sir George for a Knight (who by this might have been Eques Auratus ) though indeed never more than Sir Priest▪ and Canon of Bridlington.

Returning into his native Country, and desiring to repose his old age (no Philosophers Stone to quiet retirement ) he was dispensed with by the Pope to leave his Canons place, (as too full of employment) and became a Carmelite-Anchorite at Boston in Lincolnshire, where he wrote no fewer than 25. Books, though his Compound of Alchimy carrieth away the credit of all the rest. It presenteth the Reader with the twelve gates, leading to the making of the Philosophers Stone, which are thus reckoned up in order,

• 1. Calcination.
• 2. Solution.
• 3. Separation.
• 4. Conjunction.
• 5. Putrefaction.
• 6. Congelation.
• 7. •… ibation.
• 8. Sublimation.
• 9. Fermentation.
• 10. Exaltation.
• 11. Multiplication.
• 12. Projection.

Oh for a Key (saith the Common Reader) to open these Gates, and expound the meaning of these words, which are familiar to the knowing in this mystery. But such who are disaffected thereunto, (what Art hath not enemies?) demand whether these gates be to let in, or let out the Philosophers Stone, seeing Projection the last of all, proves but a Project, producing nothing in effect.

We must not forget, how the said Sir George beseecheth all men, wheresoever they shall meet with any of his Experiments written by him, or that go under his name (from the year 1450. to the year 1470.) either to burn them, or afford them no credit, being written according to his esteem not proof; and which (upon trial) he afterwards found false and vain.

For mine own part, I believe his Philosophy truer than his Chimical Divinity; for so may I call his Work, wherein he endeavors to equal in merit for mankind, the compassion of the Virgin Mary, with the passion of Christ. He died about the year of our Lord 1492. and some of his Works are since exactly set forth, by my worthy and accomplished Friend Elias Ashmole, Esqire, in his Theatrum Chimicum Britannicum.

THOMAS JOHNSON was born in this County, not far from * Hull, bred an Apothecary in London, where he attained to be the best Herbalist of his age in England, making Additions to the Edition of Gerard. A man of such modesty, that knowing so Much, he would own the knowledge of Nothing. The University of Oxford bestowed on him the Honourary degree of Doctor in Physic; and his loyalty engaged him on the Kings side, in our late Civil War. When in Basing House a dangerous piece of service was to be done, this Doctor (who publicly pretended not to Valour) undertook and performed it. Yet afterwards he lost his life in the siege of the same House, and was (to my knowledge) generally lamented of those, who were of an opposite judgment. But let us bestow this Epitaph upon him,

His Death happened Anno Dom. 1644.

W •… iters.

ALPHRED of Beverley, born therein (a Town termed Urbs or City by Bale ) or thereabouts, and bred in the University of Cambridge. Hence he returned to his native place, where he was made Treasurer of the Convent, •… ence (as some will have it) commonly called Alphredus Thesaurarius: others concei •… g this his Topical relation too narrow to give him so general a Name, will have him s •… styled from being so careful a storer up (God send more to succeed him in that Office ) of memorable Antiquities. Indeed, with the good Housholder, he brought out of his Treasury things new and old, writing a Chronicle from Brutus to the time of his own death, which happened Anno 1136.

GULIELMUS REHIEVAILENSIS, or WILLIAM of RIEVAULX was so named from the place of his Nativity in this County, being otherwise a Monk of Rushford. His Learning was great according to that age, and his genius inclined him most to History; whereof he wrote a fair Volumne of the things done in his own age, himself being an eye witness of a great part thereof. For though generally Monks were confined to their Cloisters, more liberty was allowed to such persons whose Pens were publicly employed. And when Monks could not go out to the news, news came home to them: such was their intelligence from Clergy men, who then alone were employed in State Offices. It was no wonder, that the writings of this William did, but had been a miracle if they did not savor of the superstition of the times. He dedicated his Book to Ealread Abbot of Rievaulx, and died Anno Dom. 1146.

EALREAD Abbot of Rievaulx lately named, was one eminent in his generation for Piety and Learning. He was most intimate with David King of Scotland, and had the rare felicity to adventure on desperate differences betwixt great persons; and yet above human hope to complete their agreement. He had Saint Augustine's Confessions both by heart, and in his heart; yet generally he is accounted the English Saint Bernard, and wrote very many Books, whereof one, De Virginitate Mariae, and another, De Abusionibus Claustri, showing twelve abuses generally committed in that kind of life. Yet as Saint Paul honored widows, that were widows indeed; he had a high esteem for Monks, who were Monks indeed; so addicted to a solitary life, that he refused all Honors and several Bishoprics proffered unto him. He died in the 57. year of his age, 1166. and after his death attained with many the reputation of a Saint.

WALTER DANIEL was Deacon to Ealread aforesaid, and it is pity to part them. Leland saith, that he followed his Abbot

Give me leave to english it, with holy emulation, and they who run in that race of Virtue, neither supplant such who are before them, nor justle those that are even with them, nor hinder those who come behind them. He trod in his Masters foot▪ steps; yet so, that my Author saith, Non modo aequavit sed superavit,