The History of the Worthies of England
Confessors.
EDWARD FREESE brother to the aforesaid Valentine, was born in York, and there a Prentice to a Painter. He was afterwards a Novice-Monk, and leaving his Convent, came to Colchester in Essex. Here his heretical Inclination (as then accounted) discovered itself in some sentences of Scripture, which he Painted in the Borders of Cloths, for which, he was brought before John Stoaksley Bishop of London, from whom he found such cruel usage as is above belief. Master Fox saith, that he was fed with Manchet made of Saw-dust, or at the least a great part thereof, and kept so long in Prison, Manicled by the wrests, till the Flesh had overgrown his Irons; and he not able to kembe his own head became so distracted, that being brought before the Bishop, he could say nothing, but my Lord is a good man. A sad sight to his Friends, and a sinful one to his Foes, who first made him mad, and then made mirth at his madness.
I confess distraction is not mentioned in that list of losses, reckoned up by our Savior, He that left his House, or Brethren, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands, for my sake, &c. But seeing his wits is nearer and dearer to any man then his wealth, and seeing what is so lost may be said to be left; no doubt this poor man's distraction was by God graciously accepted, on his enemies severely punished, and to him mercifully rewarded. We must not forget how the wife of this Edward Freese, being big with child, and pressing in to see her husband, the Porter at Fulham gave her such a kick on the belly, that the child was destroyed with that stroke immediately, and she died afterwards of the same.
Prelates.
JOHN ROMAN so called because his Father was born in Rome, though living a long time in this City, being Treasurer of the Cathedral therein, and I conjecture this John his Son born in York, because so Indulgent thereunto. For generally Pure Pute Italians preferred in England, transmitted the gain they got by Bills of Exchange or otherwise into their own Country, and those outlandis •… Mules though lying down in English Pasture, left no Hairs behind them: Whereas this Roman had such Affection for York, that being advanced Arch-bishop, he began to build the Body of the Church, and finished the North Part of the Cross-Isle therein. Polydore Virgil praised him, (no wonder that an Italia •… commended a Roman ) for a Man of great Learning and Sincerity.
He fell into the disfavour of King Edward the first, for Excommunicating Anthony Beck Bishop of Durham, and it cost him four thousand marks to regain his Princes Good Will. He died Anno Domini 1295. And let none grudge his Buria •… in the best Place of the Church, who was so Bountiful a Builder thereof.
ROBERT WALBEY born in this City, was therein bred an Aug •… stinian Friar, he afterwards went over into France, where he so applied his studies, that at last he was chosen Divinity Professor in the City of Toulouse: he was Chaplain to the black Prince, & after his death to his Father K. Edward the third. Now as his Mr. enjoyed three Crowns, so under him in his three Kingdoms this his Chaplain did partake successively of three Miters, being first a Bishop in Gascoine, then Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland, & afterwards Bishop of Chichester in England, not grudging to be degraded in Dignity, to be preferred in profit. At last he was consecrated Arch-bishop of York, and was the first and last Native which that City saw the least of Infants, and (in his Time) when Man, the greatest therein. Yet he enjoyed his place but a short time, dying May 29. Anno Domini, 1397.
Since the Reformation.
THOMAS MORTON was born Anno 1564. in the City of York, whose father Richard Morton, (allied to Cardinal Morton Arch▪ bishop of Canterbury, ) was a Mercer (I have been informed the first of that calling in that City sure,) of such repute, that no Mercers for many years by past, were of any Eminency, but either immediately or mediately were Apprentices unto him. He was bred in York school, where he was Schoolfellow with Guy Faux, which I note, partly, to show that Loyalty and Treason, may be educated under the same Roof, partly, to give a check to the received opinion, that Faux was a Fleming, no Native English-man.
He was bred in Saint Johns-college in Cambridge, and chosen Fellow thereof to a Fellowship to which he had no more Propriety, then his own Merit, before Eight Comp •… titors for the place, equally capable with himself, and better befriended.
Commencing Doctor in Divinity, he made his Position, (which though unusual was Arbitrary and in his own power,) on his second Question, which much defeated the expectatio •… of Doctor Playfere, replying upon him with some passion, Commos •… i mihi stomachum. To whom Morton returned, Gratulor tibi Reverende professor de bono tuo stomacho caenabis apud me hac nocte.
He was successively prefer'd Dean of Gloucester, Winchester, Bishop of Chester, Coventry and Lichfield and Durham. The Foundation which he laid of Foreign corre spondency with eminent persons of different persuasions, when he attended as Chaplain to the Lord Evers, (sent by King James Ambassador to the King of Denmark and many Princes of Germany, ) he built upon unto the Day of his Death.
In the late Long Parliament, the displeasure of the House of Commons fell heavy upon him, partly, for subscribing the Bishops Protestation for their Votes in Parliament; partly, for refusing to resign the seal of his Bishopric, and baptizing a Daughter of John Earl of Rutland with the sign of the Cross; two faults, which compounded together in the judgment of honest and wise-men amounted to a High Innocence.
Yet the Parliament allowed him eight hundred pounds a year (a proportion above any of his Brethren) for his maintenance. But alas the Trumpet of their Charity gave an uncertain sound, not assigning by whom or whence this sum should be paid. Indeed the severe Votes of the Parliament ever took full effect, according to his observation, who did Anagram it
- VOTED
- OUTED
But their merciful Votes found not so free performance. However this good Bishop got a thousand pounds out of Goldsmiths-hall, which afforded him his support in his old Age.
The Neb of his Pen was impartially divided into two equal Moyeties, the one writing against Faction, in defense of three Innocent Ceremonies; the other against Superstition, witness the Grand Impostor, and other worthy works.
He solemnly proffered unto me (pardon me Reader, if I desire politiquely to twist my own with his Memory; that they may both survive together,) in these sad times to maintain me to live with him; which Courteous Offer as I could not conveniently accept, I did thankfully 〈◊〉 . Many of the Nobility deservedly honored him, though none more then John Earl of Rutland, to whose Kinsman Roger Earl of Rutland he formerly 〈◊〉 been Chaplain. But let not two worthy Baronets be forgotten, Sir George Savill, who so civilly paid him his purchased Annuity of two hundred pounds, withal Proffered advantages; and Sir Henry Yelve •… ton, at whose house he died, aged 95. at Easton-Manduit in Northampton shire, 1659. For the rest the Reader is remitted to his life, written largely and learnedly, by Doctor John Barwick Dean of Durham.
States-men.
Sir ROBERT CAR was born in this City on this occasion, Thomas Car his father Laird of Furnihurst, a man of great lands and power in the South of Scotland, was very active for Mary Queen of Scots; and on that accompt forced to fly his land, came to York. Now although he had been a great inroder of England, yet for some secret reason of State, here he was permitted safe shelter, du •… ing which time Robert his son was born; this was the reason why the said Robert refused to be Naturalized by Act of our Parliament, as needless for him born in the English Dominions.
I have read how his first making at Court was by breaking of his leg at a Tilting in London whereby he came first to the Cognizance of King James; Thus a fair starting with advantage in the notice of a Prince, is more then half the way in the race to his favor: King James reflected on him whose Father was a kind of Conf •… ssor for the cause of the Queen his Mother; besides the Young Gentleman had a handsome person and a conveniency of desert; Honors were crowded upon him, made Baron, Viscount, Earl of Sommerset, Knight of the Garter, Warden of the CinquePorts, &c.
He was a well natured man, not mischievous with his might, doing himself more hurt then any man else. For abate one foul fact with the appendance and consequences thereof notoriously known, and he will appear deserving no foul Character to posterity; but for the same he was banished the Court, lived and died very privately, about the year of our Lord, 1638.
Writers.
JOHN WALBYE was born in this City, of honest Parentage. He was bred an Augustinian (Provincial of his Order, ) and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford. A Placentious Person, gaining the good-will of all, with whom he conversed, being also Ingenious, Industrious, Learned, Eloquent, Pious, and Prudent. Pitz writeth, that (after Alexander Nevell ) he was Chosen but never Confirmed, Arch bishop of York, (an Honor reserved for Robert his Younger Brother, of whom before.) But Bishop Godwin maketh no mention hereof, which rendereth it suspicious. The said Pitz maketh him actual Arch-bishop of Dublin, whilst Bale (who being an Irish Bishop, had the advantage of exacter Intelligence, ) hath no such thing, whence we may conclude it a Mistake. The rather because this John is allowed by all to have died in this place of his Nativity, 1393. Also I will add this, that though sharp at first against the Wickliffites, he soon abated his own Edge; and though present at a Council kept at Stanford, by the King against them, was not well pleased with all things transacted therein.
JOHN ERGHOM was born in this City, an Augustinian by his profession. Leaving York he went to Oxford, where passing thorough the Arts, he fixed at last in Divinity, proving an admirable Preacher. My Author tells me, that sometimes he would utter nova & inaudita, whereat one may well wonder, seeing Solomon hath said, There is no n •… w thing under the Sun. The truth is, he renewed the custom of expounding Scripture in a typical way, which crowded his Church with Auditors, seeing such 〈◊〉 preaching break 's no bones, much pleased their fancy, and little crossed or curbed their corruptions. Indeed some (but not all) Scripture is capable of such comments, and because metals are found in Mountains, it is madness to Mine for them in every rich Meadow. But in expounding of Scripture, when men's inventions out-run the Spirits intentions, their swiftness is not to be praised, but sawcyness to be punished. This Erghom wrote many books, and dedicated them to the Earl of Hereford, (the same with Edward Duke of Buckingham, ) and flourished under K. Henry the seventh, Anno 1490.
Since the Reformation.
RICHARD STOCK was born in this City, bred Scholar of the house in Saint JohnsColledge in Cambridge, and designed Fellow of sidney, though not accepting thereof. He was afterwards Minister of All hallows Bredstreet in London, by the space of thirty two years, till the day of his death.
Where (if in health) he omitted not to Preach twice every Lord's day, with the approbation of all that were Judicious and Religious. No Minister in England had his Pulpit supplied by fewer Strangers. Doctor Davenant afterwards Bishop of Sarum, (whose father was his parishioner) was his constant Auditor, while lying in London. His Preaching was most profitable, Converting many, and Confirming more in Religion, so that appearing with Comfort at the Day of Judgment, he might say, behold I and the Children that God hath given me. He was zealous in his life, a great Reformer of profanations on the Sabbath, prevailing with some companies to put off their wonted Festivalls from Mundays to Tuesdays, that the Lordsday might not be abused by the preparation for such entertainments. Though he preached oft in neighbouring Churches, he never neglected his own, being wont to protest, That it was more Comfortable to him to win one of his own Parish then twenty others.
Preaching at Saint Paul's Cross when young, it was ill taken at his mouth, that he reproved the inequality of Rates in the City, (burdening the Poor to ease the Rich,) and he was called a Green head for his pains. But being put up in his latter days to preach on the Lord Mayors Election, and falling on the same subject, He told them, That a Gray head spake now what a Green-head had said before. He died April 20. Anno Domini 1626. with a great lamentation of all, but especially of his Parishioners.
Memorable Persons.
JOHN LEPTON of York Esquire, servant to King James, undertook for a wager to ride six days together betwixt York and London, being sevenscore and ten miles, stylo vetere, as I may say, and performed it accordingly, to the greater praise of his strength in acting, then his discretion in undertaking it. He first set forth from Aldersgate May 20. being Monday, Anno Domini 1606. and accomplished his journey every day before it was dark. A thing rather memorable then commendable, many maintaining, that able and active bodies, are not to vent themselves in such vain (though gainful) ostentation; and that it is no better then tempting Divine Providence, to lavish their strength, and venture their lives, except solemnly summoned thereunto by just necessity.
Lord Mayors.
Expect not Reader, that under this Title I should present thee with a list of the Lord Mayors of this City born therein. Only to make this part conformable to the rest of my book, know, that I find one Native of this City Lord Mayor of London, viz.
| Name | Father | Place | Company | Time |
| 1 Martin Bows | Thomas Bows | York | Goldsmith | 1545 |
The Farewell.
To take our leaveof this Loyall City: I desire that some Lucrative Trade may be set up therein, to repair her former losses with advantage. Mean time I rejoice, that the Archiepiscopat See is restored thereunto, not despairing, but that in due time, (if the Supreme Authority adjudge it fit) the Court of the Presidency of the North, may be re-erected therein, presuming the Country will be Eased, and City Inriched thereby, as the Loadstone which will atract much Company, and by consequence Commodity thereunto.
Let me add, I am informed, that Sir Thomas Widdrington, a person accomplished in all Arts, (as well as in his own Profession of the Laws, ) hath made great Progress in his Exact Description of this City. Nor do I more congratulate the happiness of York coming under so Able a Pen, then Condole my own Infelicity, whose unsuccessfull attendance hitherto could not compass speech with this worthy Knight. Sure I am when this his work is set forth, then indeed YORK SHALL BE, what? a City most completely Illustrated in all the Antiquities and Remarkables thereof.
THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES.
PSAL. 95. 4, 5. In his hand are the deep places of the Earth: the strength of the Hills is his also. The Sea is his, and he made it.
PROV. 27. 25, 26. The herbs of the Mountains are gathered. The Lambs are for thy clothing, and the Goats are the price of thy fields.
A NECESSARY PREFACE TO THE READER.
IT bare a debate in my serious consideration, whether a Total Omission or Defective Description of this Principality were to be preferred, finding myself as Unable to do it Exactly, as Unwilling to Pretermit it. For First, I never was in Wales, and all know how necessary 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is to accurateness herein. Secondly, I understand not their Language, and cannot go to the Cost, nor dare take the State of having an Interpreter. King James was wont pleasantly to say, that he cared not though he was poor himself, so long as his Subjects were Rich, as confident he could command their wealth, on good conditions and a just occasion. But indeed it matters not how meanly skilled a Writer is, so long as he hath Knowing and Communicative Friends; my happiness in England, who here am quite destitute of such assistance. However on the other side, a Total Omission seemed very unhandsome, to make a Cypher of this Large Principality. Besides, England cannot be well described without Wales, such the Intimacy of Relation betwixt them, three of our English Kings being born, and many of Our Prime Atchievments being acted in Wales. Wherefore, I resolved to endeavor my utmost in the description thereof, though sadly sensible in myself, that my desires were as high as a Mountain, but my performances would fall as low, ( would they were half so fruitful) as the Valleys.
And here I humbly desire, that the many faults by me committed, may be like a Ball cast down and deadened on a soft Floor, even to be buried in my own weakness to my own shame, without the least Ripling or Rebounding to the disgrace of the Welsh Country or Nation. And my hope and desire is that these my weak pains will provoke others of more Ability, to substitute a more Exact Description in the room thereof.
I had rather the Reader should take the name of that worthy Knight from Master Camden, then from me, who designing to build according to the Italian Mode of Architecture, plucked down a good and convenient English-house, preposterously destroying the one, and never finished the other: I hope the Reader, will not be so uncharitable, ( I will not say undiscreet) but will allow our grains a subsistence, till they will willingly vanish at the substitution of another.
In Doubtfull Nativities of Worthy Persons betwixt England and Wales, I have not called for a sword to divide the controverted Child betwixt the two Mothers, but have wholly resigned it to Wales, partly, out of desire of quietness, (not engage in a contest,) partly, because I conceived England might better spare then Wales want them.
To conclude some will wonder, how Perfect [ coming from Perficere, to do thoroughly,] and Perfunctorie [ derived from Perfungi, thoroughly to discharge,] should have so Opposite Senses. My Motto in the description of this Principality is betwixt them both,
For as I will not pretend to the Credit of the former, so may I defend myself from the shame of the latter, having done the utmost, which the Strength of my Weakness could perform.
WALES.
THIS PRINCIPALITY hath the Severn Sea on the South, Irish-Ocean on the West and North, England on the East, anciently divided from it by the River Severn, since by a Ditch drawn with much Art and Industry, from the Mouth of Dee to the Mouth of Wie. From East to West, [Wie to Saint David's ] is an hundred, from North to South, [Car •… ion to Hollihead ] is an hundred and twenty miles.
The Ditch or Trench lately mentioned, is called Clauhd-Offa, because made by King Offa; who cruelly enacted, that what Welch-man soever was found on the East-side of this Ditch should forfeit his Right-hand. A Law long since Cancelled, and for many ages past, the Welch have come peaceably over that Place, and good reason, bringing with them both their Right-hands and Right-hearts; no less Loyally then Valiantly to defend England against all •… enemies, being themselves under the same Sovereign United thereunto.
It consisteth of three parts, the partition being made by •… oderick the great, about the year 877. dividing it betwixt his three sons.
| 1. North-Wales, | Whose Princes chiefly Resided at | 1. Aberfrow, |
| 2. Mathravall, | ||
| 3. Dynefar. | ||
| 2. Powis, | ||
| 3. South-Wales. |
This division in fine proved the Confusion of Wales, whose Princes were always at War, not only against the English, their Common Foe, but mutually with themselves to enlarge or defend their Dominions.
Of these three North-wales was the chief, as doth plainly appear, first, because Roderick left it Mervin his Eldest Son. Secondly, because the Princes thereof were by way of Eminency styled the Princes of Wales, and sometimes Kings of Aberfrow. Thirdly, because as the King of Aberfrow paid to the King of London, yearly Threescore and three pounds by way of Tribute, so the same sum was paid to him by the Princes of Powis and South-wales.
However South-wales was of the three the Larger, Richer, Fruitfuller, therefore called by the Welsh Deheubarth, that is, The Right-side, because nearer the Sun. But that Country being constantly infested with the Invasions of the English and Flemings, had North-wales preferred before it, as more entire and better secured from such annoyances. Hence it was, that whilst the Welsh-tongue in the South is so much mingled and corrupted, in North-wales it still retaineth the purity thereof.
The Soil.
It is not so Champion and Levell, and by consequence not so fruitful as England, mostly rising up into Hills and Mountains of a lean and hungry nature, yet so that the ill quality of the ground is recompensed by the good quantity thereof.
A right worshipful Knight in Wales, who had a fair Estate therein, his rents resulting from much Barren-ground, heard an English Gentleman (perchance out of intended opposition) to brag, that he had in England, so much ground worth forty shillings an Acre; you (said he) have ten yards of Velvet, and I have te •… score of Frize, I will not exchange with you. This is generally true of all Wales, that much ground doth make up the Rent, and yet in proportion they may lose nothing thereby, compared to Estates in other Countries.
However there are in Wales most pleasant Meadows along the sides of Rivers, and as the sweetest flesh is said to be nearest the bones, so most delicious valleys a •… e interposed betwixt these Mountains.
But now how much these very Mountains advantage the Natives thereof, in their Health, Strength, Swiftness, Wit, and other natural Perfections, Give me leave to stand by silent▪ whilst a great Master of Language and Reason entertaineth the Reader with this most excellent and pertinent discourse,
Carpenters Geography second Book, chap. 15. pag. 258.
This conceit of Monsieur Bodin, I admit without any great contradiction, were he not over-peremptory in over-much censuring all Mountainous people of Blockishness and Barbarism, against the opinion of Averroes a great Writer; who finding these People nearer Heaven, suspected in them a more Heavenly Nature. Neither want there many reasons drawn from Nature and Experiment to prove Mountainous People more pregnant in Wit, and Gifts of understanding then others inhabiting in low and plain Countries. For however Wit and Valour are many times divided, as we have shewn in the Northern and Southern people, yet were they never so much at variance, but they would sometimes meet. First therefore, what can speak more for the witty temper of the Mountain People, then their clear and subtle Air, being far more purged and rarified, then that in Lower countries. For holding the Vital spirits to be the chiefest Instruments in the Souls Operation, no man can deny but that they sympathize with the Air, especially their chiefest foment. Every man may by experience, find his Intellectuall Operations more Vigorous in a Clear day, and on the contrary most Dull and Heavy, when the Air is any way affected with foggy vapors. What we find in ourselves in the same place at divers seasons, may we much more expect of places diversely affected in Constitution. A second reason, for the proof of our assertion, may be drawn from the Thin and spare Diet, in respect of those others. For people living of Plains have commonly all Commodities in such plenty, that they are subject to surfeiting and luxury, the greatest Enemy and Underminer of all Intellectuall Operations. For a fat Belly commonly begets a gross Head, and a lean Brain: But want and scarcity the Mother of Frugality invites the Mountain-dwellers to a more sparing and wholesome Diet. Neither grows this conveniency only out of the scarcity of Viands; but also out of the Dyet. Birds, Fowls, Beasts, which are bred upon higher places are esteemed of a more Cleanly and wholesome feeding, then others living in Fens and Foggy Places. And how far the Quality of our Dyet prevails in the Alteration of our Organs and Dispositions, every Naturalist will easily resolve us. A third reason may be drawn from the cold Air of these Mountainous Regions, which by an Antiperistasis keeps in and strengthens the Internal heat, the chief instrument in Natural and Vital Operations. For who perceives not his Vital and by consequence his Intellectuall Parts, in cold frosty weather to be more strong, and vigorous, then in hot and soultry seasons, wherein the spirits be d •… faced and weakened? This disparity in the same region, at divers times, in regard of the disposition of the Air, may easily declare the disparity of divers Regions, being in this sort diversely affected. A fourth reason, may be taken from the Custom and Hardness, whereunto such people inure themselves from their infancy; which (as Huartus proves) begets a better temper of the Brain, in regard of the Wit and Understanding; which we happen to find clean otherwise with them, who have accustomed themselves to deliciousness. These reasons perhaps would seem only probable, and of no great moment, were they not strengthened with Foreign and Domestic Observations.
Thus much I thought fit to transcribe out of our Author, un paralleled in his kind, confident that our ensuing work will be a Comment on his Text, or rather, will, by the Induction of several instances, Natives of Wales, be the Proof of the Truth of this his most Judicious assertion.
Natural Commodities,
Silver.
Tully (a better Orator then Historian, yet better Historian then Metallist, affirmeth that Britain affordeth, ne micam auri vel argen •… i, not a grain of gold or silver: understand him what in his age was discovered. Otherwise Wales, and especially Cardiganshire yields ROYAL MINES, where the silver holds standard, and pays with profit for the separation from Lead, and the refining thereof, as by the ensuing particulars will appear.
- 1. Six Mountains there are in Cardigan shire, (pardon British Reader, if I spell them rather after our English Pronunciation, then the Welch Orthography,) viz. Comsomelock, Tallabant, Gadarren, Bromefloid, Geginnon and Cummerrum.
- 2. The Romans first began to mine here, (as appears by their coins found therein,) working in trenches, not above twenty or four and twenty fathom deep, and found plenty of Lead.
- 3. The Danes and Saxons wrought by Sheafts, so they call what is long and narrow; whether mounting into the air, (as Spires of Steeples,) or sinking into the earth, as their Pits here, an hund •… ed fathom deep.
- 4 They found great plenty of Lead, but at last deserted their works, either because the vein of metal failed, or they drowned with the irruption of water.
- 5. Customer Smith, about the latter end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, discovered Silver in Comsomelock, and sent it up to the Tower of London with great expense, to be coined.
- 6. After his death, the design was prosecuted, and more perfected by Sir Hugh Middleton Knight, coining the Silver to his great charge, as his Predecessour, at the Tower.
- 7. After the death of Sir Hugh, Sir Francis Godolphin of Cornwall Knight, and Thomas Bushel Esquire, undertook the work.
- 8. King Charles, for their greater encouragement, and sparing their expense, granted them power of coinage at Aberrusky in that County.
- 9. Thomas Bushel (Sir Francis dying soon after, and Comsom •… lock being deserted) adventured on the other five Mountains.
- 10. Not disheartened, that the first year and half afforded no effectual discovery, at last these Mines yielded one hundred pounds a week, (besides Lead amounting to half as much) coined at Aberrusky aforesaid.
- 11. The pence, groats, shillings, half-crowns, &c. of this Silver, had the Ostrich feathers (the Arms of Wales) for distinction stamped on them.
Then came our Civil Wars, and discomposed all the work, when Mattocks must be turned into Spear •… , and Shovells into Shields, or else probably before this time the project had arrived at a greater perfection.
Here by the way, it is richly worth the observing, how the modern manner of Mining exceedeth what was formerly used. For thirty years since they began at the top of a Mountain, digging directly downwards with their Shafts, which was subject to a double mischief, of damps, and drowning. Besides, vast was the expense before they could come to the bowels of the Mountain, wherein the Oar (if any) was most probably expected.
Since they have gone a more compendious way by Adyts, making their entrance (some five foot and a half high, and perchance as broad,) into the Mountain, at the lowest level therereof, so that all the water they meet with, conveyeth itself away as in a channel, by the declivity of the place. And thus they penetrate the most expeditious way athwart the middle thereof, which bringeth them to the speediest discovery of the metal therein.
But the rarest invention is the supplying of the Miners with fresh air, which is performed by two men's blowing wind by a pair of bellows on the outside of the Adit, into a pipe of lead, daily lengthened as the Mine is made longer, whereby the Candle in the Mine is daily kept burning, and the Diggers recruted constantly with a sufficiency of breath. This invention was the master-piece of Sir Franci •… ▪ Bacon, Lord Ver •… lam, and not only so acknowledged by Thomas Bushel his grateful servant, but also effectually prosecuted by him; a person innated with a public spirit, if he migh •… meet with proportionable encouragement.
And here methinks it were •… tting (Pardon, (reader) a short digression) that rewards should be given to such undertakers, who are the discoverers of profitable projects; and not only to such who exactly hit the mark, but even to those who ingeniously miss it, because their aberrations may be directions to others. And though many tympanies and false conceptions would happen, yet amongst many miscarriages some pregnant▪ wits would happily be delivered of rare inventions▪ especially if the State would be pleased to be their Mid-wife favourably to encourage them.
Lead.
This is found in many places in Wales, but in Carnarvan-shire the best, in many respects. First, because so near the sea, so that they may cast the Oare into the Ship. Metalls elsewhere are digged as out of the Bowells of the Earth, so out of the Bowells of the Land, I mean, so far from any Conveyance by Water, that the expense of the portage swallows much of the profits thereof: which charge is here avoided. Secondly, for the plenty. Lastly, for the purity thereof. Insomuch that there was great probability for a long time that it would have proved a Mine Royal. Which hope was frustrated at last to the great gain of the owners thereof. For a Leaden Mine is a Silvermine to such Subjects as possess it, whilst a Silver-mine is but a Leaden one unto them, from whom the property is taken, as then accruing to the Crown or State, by virtue of its Prerogative.
Goats.
In Latin Capri, à Carpendo, from cropping, (therefore forbidden to be kept in some places, because destructive to young Woods,) are when young, most nimble and frisking, (whence our English to Caper, ) but afterwards put on so great gravity, that an HeGoat is recounted by wise Agur, amongst the four creatures which are comely in going. Yea, if that ornamentall excrement which groweth beneath the chin, be the standard of wisdom, they carry it from Aristotle himself. They are strong above their proportion, and an He-Goat will beat a Ram of equal bigness. Hence it is that in Daniel, the Persian Monarchy is compared to a Ram, and the Macedonian, which subdued the Persian, resembled to a Goat. They can clamber the highest hills, without help of a ladder, delighting in steep and craggy places, seeming rather to hang then stand, as they are feeding.
Their flesh, disguised with good cookery, may deceive a judicious palate, as it did Isaac 's, for venison. Of their skins excellent gloves are made, which may be called our English-Cordovant, soft, supple and stretching, whence the expression of Cheverelconsciences, which will stretch any way for advantage. Course Coverings are made of their shag, God himself not despising the present of Goats-hair, which made the outward case of the Tabernacle. Their milk is accounted cordial against consumptions; yea, their very stench is used for a perfume in Arabia the Happy, where they might surfeit of the sweetness of spices, if not hereby allayed. In a word, Goats are be •… for food, where Sheep cannot be had.
Plenty of these are bred in Wales, especially in Montgomery-shire, which mindeth me of a pleasant passage, during the restraint of the Lady Elizabeth. When she was so strictly watched by Sir Henry Benefield, that none were admitted access unto Her, a Goat was espied by a merry Fellow, (one of the Warders ) walking along with her. Whereupon, taking the Goat on his Shoulders, he in all hast hurried him to Sir Henry, I pray Sir (said he) examine this fellow, whom I found walking with her Grace, but what talk they had I know not, not understanding his Language. He seems to me a stranger, and I believe a Welsh-man by his frieze Coat.
To return to our subject, I am not so knowing in Goats, as either to confirm or confute what Pliny reports, that Adhuc lactantes generant; They 〈◊〉 young ones, whilst they themselves as yet suck their Dams. He addeth, that they are great enemies to the Olive-trees, (which they embarren with licking it) and therefore are never sacrificed to Minerva. Sure I am a true Deity accepted them for his service; as many kids well nigh, as lambs, being offered in the Old Testament.
The Manufactures.
The British generally bearing themselves high on the account of their gentile extraction, have spiri •… which can better comport with designs of sudden danger then long difficulty, and are better pleased in the employing of their valor then their labor. Indeed some souls are over-lovers of liberty, so that they mistake all industry to be degrees of slavery. I doubt not but posterity may see the Welsh Commodities improved by art far more then the present Age doth behold, the English as yet as far excelling the Welsh, as the Dutch exceed the English in Manufactures. But let us instance in such as this Country doth afford,
Frieze.
This is a course kind of Cloath, then which none warmer to be worn in Winter, and the finest sort thereof very fashionable and gentile. Prince Henry had a frieze suit, by which he was known many weeks together, and when a bold Courtier checked him for appearing so often in one Suit, Would (said he) that the Cloath of my Country (being Prince of Wales) would last always. Indeed it will daily grow more into use, especially since the Gentry of the Land being generally much impoverisht, abate much of their gallantry, and lately resigned rich clothes to be worn by those (not whose persons may best become them, but) whose purses can best pay for the price thereof.
Cheese.
This is milk by Art so consolidated, that it will keep uncorrupted for some years. It was anciently (and is still) the Staple food for Armies in their marching, witness when David was sent with Ten Cheeses to recruit the provisions of his Brethren, and when Barzillai with Cheeses (amongst other food) victualled the Army of K. David. Such as are made in this Country are very tender and palatable, and once one merrily (without offense I hope) thus derived the Pedigree thereof;
Foxes are said to be the best Tasters of the fineness of Flesh, Flies of the sweetest Grapes, and Mice of the tenderest Cheese, and the last, (when they could Compass 〈◊〉 in that kind) have given their Verdict for the goodness of the Welch. What should be the reason, that so many people should have such an Antipathie▪ against Cheese (more then any one manner of meat) I leave to the skillful in the Mysteries of Nature to decide.
Metheglen.
Some will have this word of Greek extraction, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , contracted 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . But the British will not so let go their none Countriman MATHEW GLIN, but will have it purum potum Cambricum, wholly of Welsh original: Whencesoever the word is made, the liquor is compounded of water, honey, and other ingredients, being most wholesome for man's body. Pollio Romulus, who was an hundred years old, being asked of Augustus Caesar, by what means especially he had so long preserved his vigor both of mind and body; made answer, Intus mulso, foris oleo, by taking Metheglen inward, and oil outward.
It differeth from Mede, ut vinum à lora, as wine from that weak stuff which is the last running from the grapes pressed before. It is a most generous liquor, as it is made in this Country, in so much that had Mercator, who so highly praised the Mede of Egra, for the best in the world; I say, had he tasted of this Welch Hydromel, he would have confined his commendation to Germany alone, and allowed ours the precedency. Queen Elizabeth, who by the Tudors was of Welch-descent, much loved this Her native liquor, recruiting an annual stock thereof for Her own use, and here take if you please,
The Receit thereof,
First gather a Bushel of Sweet-briar leaves, and a Bushel of Time, half a Bushel of Rosemary, and a Peck of Bay-leaves. Seeth all these (being well washed) in a Furnace of fair water, let them boil the space of half an Hour, or better, and then pour out all the water and herbs into a Vat, and let it stand till it be but milk-warm, then strain the water from the herbs, and take to every six Gallons of water one Gallon of the finest Honey, and put it into the Boorn, and labor it together half an hour, then let it stand two days, stirring it well twice or thrice each day. Then take the Liquor, and boil it anew, and when it doth seeth, skim it as long as there remaineth any dross. When it is clear, put it into the Vat as before, and there let it be cooled. You must then have in readiness a kind of new Ale or Beer, which, as soon as you have emptied, suddenly whelme it upside down, and set it up again, and presently put in the Metheglen, and let it stand three days a working. And then tun it up in Barrells, tying at every Tap-hole, (by a Pack-thread ) a little bag of beaten Cloves and Mace, to the value of an Ounce. It must stand half a year before it be drunk.
The Buildings.
The Holy Spirit complaineth, that great men build Desolate places for themselves; therein taxing their Avarice, Ambition, or both. Avarice, they join House to House, [by Match, Purchase, or Oppression, ] that they may be alone in the Land, that their Covetousness may have Elbow-room to lie down at full length, and wallow itself round about. These love not, because they need not Neighbors, whose numerous Families can subsist of themselves.
Or else their Ambition is therein reproved, singling out Desolate Places for themselves, because scorning to take that Fruitfulness which Nature doth tender, and desireing as it were to be Petty-Creators, enforcing Artificial Fertility on a place where they found none before.
I* well knew, that wealthy Man, who being a great improves of ground, was wont to say, that he would never come into that place which might not be made better: On the same token, that one tartly returned, that then he would never go to Heaven, for that place was at the best. But the truth is, Fertilizing of barren ground may be termed a Charitable Curiosity, employing many poor people therein.
It is confessed that Wales affordeth plenty of barren places, (yielding the benefit of the best Air,) but the Italian humor of building hath not affected (not to say infected ) the British Nation. I say the Italian-humor, who have a merry Proverb, Let him that would be happy for a Day, go to the Barber; for a Week, marry a Wife; for a Month, buy him a New-horse; for a Year, build him a New-house; for all his Life-time, be an Honest-man. But it seems that the Welsh are not tempted to enjoy such short happiness for a years continuance.
For their Buildings, generally they are like those of the old Britain's, neither big nor beautiful, but such as their Ancestors in this Isle formerly lived in, For when Cataracus that valiant British General, (who for nine years resisted here the Romans puissance) after his Captivity and Imprisonment, was enlarged, and carried about to see the Magnificence of Rome, Why do you (said he) fo greedily desire our poor Cottages, whereas you have such stately and magnificent Palaces of your own?
The simplicity of their common building for private persons may be conjectured by the Palaces of their Princes. For Hoelldha Prince of Wales, about the year 800. built a house for his own residence of White-hurdells or Watling, therefore called Ty Gwin, that is, the White-house or Whitehall if you please.
However there are brave buildings in Wales, though not Welsh buildings, many stately Castles, which the English erected therein. And though such of them as survive at this day, may now be beheld as Beauties, they were first intended as bridles to their Country. Otherwise their private houses, are very mean indeed. Probably they have read what Master Camden writes, that the building of great houses was the bane of good house-keeping in England, and therefore they are contented with the worse habitations, as loath to lose their beloved hospitality. The rather, because it hath been observed that such Welsh buildings as conform to the English mode, have their Chimneys though more Convenient, less Charitable, seeing as fewer eyes are offended, fewer bellies are fed, with the smoking thereof.
But though the Lone-houses in Wales, be worse then those in England; their Markettowns generally are built better then ours, the Gentry (it seems) having many of their habitations therein.
The Proverbs.
These are twofold. 1. Such as the English pass on the Welsh. 2. Such as the Welsh make on the English. The latter come not under my cognizance, as being in the British Tongue, to me altogether unknown Besides my friend Master James Howel in a Treatise on that Subject, hath so feasted his Reader, that he hath starved such as shall come after him, for want of New Provisions. As for the former sort of Proverbs, we insist on one or two of them.
His Welsh Blood is up. ]
A double reason may be rendered, why the Welsh are subject to anger. 1. Moral; Give losers leave to speak, and that passionately too. They have lost their land, and we Englishmen have driven their Ancestors out of a fruitful Country, and pend them up in Barren Mountains. 2. Natural; Choler having a Predominancy in their Constitution, which soundeth nothing to their disgrace. Impiger Iracundus, is the beginning of the Character of Achilles himself. Yea, Valour would want an Edge, if Anger were not a Whetstone unto it. And as it is an Increaser of Courage, it is an Attendant •… n Wit, Ingeniosi sunt Cholerici. The best is, the anger of the Welsh doth soon arise, and soon abate, as if it were an Emblem of their Country, up & down, chequered with Elevations and Depressions.
As long as a Welsh pedigree. ]
Men (who are made Heralds in other Countries) are born Heralds in Wales, so naturally are all there inclined to know and keep their descents, which they derive from great antiquity: so, that any Welsh-gentleman (if this be not a Tautology ) can presently clime up, by the stairs of his pedigree, into princely extraction. I confess some English-men make a mock of their long pedigree, (whose own perchance are short enough if well examined,) I cannot but commend their care in preserving the memory of their Ancestors, conformable herein to the custom of the Hebrews. The worst I wish their long pedigree, is broad possessions, that so there may be the better symmetry betwixt their extractions and estates.
Give your horse a Welch-bait. ]
It seems it is the custom of the Welsh travelers, when they have climbed up a hill (whereof plenty in these parts) to rain their horses backward, and stand still a while, taking a prospect (or respect rather) of the Country they have passed. This they call a bait, and (though a Peck of Oats would do the palfrey more good) such a stop doth (though not feed) refresh. Others call this a Scottish-bait, and I believe the horses of both mountainous Countries, eat the same provender, out of the same manger, on the same occasion.
Proceed we now to our Description, and must make use in the first place of a general Catalogue, of such who were undoubtedly Welsh yet we cannot with any certainty refer them to their respective Counties, and no wonder,
- 1. Because they carry not in their Sur names any directions to their nativities, as the ancient English generally (and especially the Clergy) did, till lately, when conquered by the English, some conformed themselves to the English custom.
- 2. Because Wales was anciently divided but into three great Provinces Northwales, Powis, and South-wales, and was not modelled into Shires, according to the modern division, till the reign of K. Henry the eighth.
Of such therefore who succeed herein, though no County of Wales (perchance) can say this man is mine, Wales may avouch all these are ours. Yet I do not despair, but that in due time this my Common may God willing be enclosed, (and fair Inclosures I assure you is an enriching to a Country,) I mean, that having gained better intelligence from some Welsh Antiquaries (whereof that Principality affordeth many) these persons may be Un-general'd, and impaled in their particular Counties.
Princes.
I confess there were many in this Principality, but I crave leave to be excused from giving a list of their nativities. They are so ancient, I know not where to begin, and so many, I know not where to end. Besides, having in the fundamentals of this Book confined Princes to the children of Sovereigns, it is safest for me, not to sally forth, but to intrench myself within the aforesaid restrictions.
Only I cannot but insert the following note found in so Authentic an Author, for the rarity thereof in my apprehension, Camdens Remains, pag. 181.
Strange that having so much Silver digged out, they should have none Coined in their Country, so that Trading was driven on either by the bartery or change of Wares and Commodities, or else by money Imported out of England and other Countries.
Confessors.
WALTER BRUTE was born in Wales, and if any doubt thereof, let them peruse the ensuing protestation, drawn up with his own hand,
Observe herein a double instance of his Humility, that being a Welch-man, (with which Gentleman is reciprocal) and a Scholar graduated in Oxford, contented himself with the plain addition of husbandman.
He was often examined by the aforesaid Bishop, by whom he was much molested and imprisoned, the particulars whereof are in Master Fox most largely related. At last he escaped, not creeping out of the window by any cowardly compliance, but going forth at the door fairly set open for him by Divine Providence. For, he only made such a general subscription, which no Christian man need to decline, in form following:
It seems the Popish Prelates were not as yet perfect in their art of persecution, ( Brute being one of the first who was vexed for Wickliffisme ) so that as yet, they were loose and favorable in their language of Subscription. But soon after they grew so punctual in their expressions, and so particular in penning abjurations and recantations; that the persons to whom they were tendered, must either strangle their consciences with acceptance, or lose their lives for refusal thereof.
NICHOLAS HEREFORD. I have presumptions to persuade myself (though possibly not to prevail with the Reader) to believe him of British extraction. He was bred Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, and a Secular Priest, betwixt whose Profession and Fryery, there was an ancient Antipathy. But our Hereford went higher, to defy most Popish Principles, and maintain
That
- 1. In the Eucharist, after the Consecration of the Elements, Bread and Wine still remained.
- 2. That Bishops and all Clergy-men, ought to be subject to their Respective Princes.
- 3. That Monks and Friars, ought to maintain themselves by their own labor.
- 4. All ought to regle their lives, not by the Popes Decrees, but Word of God.
From these his four Cardinal Positions, many Heretical Opinions were by his Adversaries deduced, (or rather detracted, ) and no wonder they did Wrack his Words, who did desire to torture his Person.
From Oxford he was brought to London, and there with Philip Repington was made to Recant his Opinions publicly at Saint Paul's Cross, 1382. See their several success;
REPINTON like a violent Renegado proved a Persecutor of his Party, for which he was rewarded, first with the Bishopric of Lincoln, then with a Cardinals Cap.
HEREFORD did too much to displease his Conscience, and yet not enough to please his enemies. For the jealousy of Archbishop Arundel persecuted and continued him always a Prisoner.
The same with the later was the success of John Purvey his partner in opinions, whom T. Walden termeth the Lollards Library. But they locked up this Library, that none might have access unto it, keeping him and Hereford in constant durance. I will say nothing in excuse of their Recantation, nor will I revile them for the same: knowing there is more requisite to make one valiant under a Temptation, then only to call him coward who is foiled therewith. Yet I must observe, that such as consult Carnal Councils, to avoid afflictions (getting out by the window of their own plotting, not the door of Divine Providence ) seldom enjoy their own deliverance. In such Cases our Savior's words are always (without the parties Repentance) spiritually and often literally true, He that findeth his life shall lose it. And although we read not that this Hereford was put to death, he lost the life of his life, his liberty and luster, dwindling away in obscurity as to the time and place of his death.
REGINALD PEACOCK was born in Wales, bred in Kings (commonly saith Bale called Orial) Colle •… ge in Oxford, where for his learning and eloquence, he proceeded Doctor in Divinity; Bishop first of Saint Asaph, then of Chichester. For twenty years together he favored •… he opinions of Wycliffe, and wrote many books in defense thereof, until in a Synod held at Lambeth by T. Bourcher Arch-bishop of Canterbury 1457. he was made to recant at Paul's Cross (his books being burnt before his eyes) confuted with seven solid arguments, thus reckoned up, Authoritate, Vi, Art, Fraud, Metu, Terrore & Tyrannide.
Charitable men behold this his Recantation as his suffering, and the act of his enemies: some account it rather a slip then a fall, others a fall, whence afterwards he did arise. It seems, his recanting was little satisfactory to his adversaries, being never restored to his Bishopric, but confin •… d to a poor pension in a mean Monastery, where he died obscurely, though others say, he was privily made away in prison. He is omitted by Pitzeus in his Catalogue of Writers, a presumption, that he apprehended him finally dissenting from the Popish persuasion.
Popes.
I find none bred in this Principality, and the wonder is not great; For before the time of Austin the Monk his coming over into England, Wales acknowledged no Pope, but depended merely on their own Arch-bishop of Carlyon. Yea, afterwards it was some hundreds of years, before they yielded the Pope free and full obedience; besides, the inhabitants of Wales being depressed in their condition, had small accommodations for their travels to Rome, and those at Rome had less list to choose persons of so great distance into the Papasie.
Cardinals.
SERTOR of WALES was so called from his Native Country. By some he is named Fontanerius Valassus, but why, saith Bishop Godwin, Rationem non capio, and I will not hope to understand what he could not. He was bred a Franciscan, and was chosen (very young for that place) their General the nineteenth in succession, Anno Domini 1339. Afterwards he was made Bishop of Massile, then Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, next Patriarch of Grado, and by Pope Innocent the sixth, was made Cardinal, Anno Domini 1361. But being extremely aged, he was so unhappy, that before the Cardinals Cap could come to him, he was gone out of this world. Many Books he wrote of his Lectures, Quodlibets, but chiefly, he is eminent for his Comment on Saint Austin, De civitate Dei. He died at Padua in Italy, and was therein buried in the Church of Saint Anthony.
Prelates.
MARBOD EVANX (I had almost read him Evans a noted name in Wales, ) was born in this Country, and bred in the study of all Liberal Sciences. In his time the Danes woefully harassed the Land, which caused him to ship himfelf over into little Britain in France; the inhabitants whereof may be termed Cosin-Germans to the Welch, as Sons to their younger brethren, much symbolizing with them in manners and language. Here Marbod, though abroad, was at home, (worth is the worlds Countriman) and his deserts preferred him to be Episcopus Redonensis, Bishop of Renes, Praelatus non Elatus, such his humility in his advancement.
We may conclude him a general Scholar by the variety of his works, writing of gems and precious stones, and compounding profit and pleasure together in his book called Carmina Sententiosa, much commended ( Italian praise of British Poetry is a black swan ) by Lilius * Giraldus an Italian in his life's of Poets. We will conclude all with the Character given unto him by Giraldus Cambrensis, Marbodus bonarum literarum magister eruditus colores rhetoricos, & tam verborum quam sententiarum exornationes versibus egregiis declaravit. He flourished 1050.
WALTER de CONSTANTIIS. Who would not conclude him from his Surname born at Constance on the Boden Zee in Switserland? But we have a Constat for his British Nativity. He was preferred first Arch-Deacon of Oxford, then Bishop of Lincoln, then Arch-Bishop of Rohan, by King Richard the first. A man of much merit, besides his fidelity to his Sovereign, whom he attended to Palestine, through many perils by Sea and by Land. 〈◊〉 so much, that there want not those, who will have him named, De Constantiis, from the Expressive Plural, relating to his Constancy to his Master in all conditions.
No doubt he had waited on him in his return through Austria, and shared with him in the miseries of his Captivity, if not formerly remanded into England, to retrench the Tyranny of William Longcampt Bishop of Eli, which he effectually performed. He had afterwards a double Honor, first to interr King Richard at Font-Everard, then to invest K. John with the Principality of Normandy, as being the Prime Prelate therein. His death may be collected about the year 1206.
CADUCANUS a Welsh-man by birth, was a very skillful Divine, and Bishop of Bangor. Leaving his Bishopric he became a Cistercian Monk in Monasterio Durensi sive Dorensi, (which for the present I am unwilling to English.) Here I find two learned Antiquaries, the one the lender, the other the debtor, (I had almost said the one owner the other stealer, ) much divided in their judgments, about this his retrograde motion, from a Bishop to a Monk, the one commending, the other condemning him herein;
It is past my power to comprimise a difference betwixt two so great persons in so great a difference, at so great a distance; only to hold the balance even betwixt them, give me leave to whisper a word or two,
First for Leland, whereas he calleth the Bishopric of Bangor, Optimas fortunas, it was never very rich, and at the present very troublesome; (by reason of the Civil Wars) so that Caducanus turning Monk, in most men's apprehension, did but leave what was little for what was less.
As for John Bale, he himself under King Edward the sixth, was Bishop of Ossory in Ireland, and flying thence in the days of Queen Mary, did not return in the reign of Queen Elizabeth to his See, but contented himself rather with a Canons place in the Church of Canterbury; so that by his own practice, a Bishops place may on some considerations be left, and a Private (though not Superstitious) life lawfully embraced.
The best is, even Bale himself doth confess of this Caducanus, that after •… e turned Monk, Studiorum ejus interea non elanguit successus, He was no less happy, then industrious in his endeavors, writing a book of Sermons, and another called speculum Christiano •… um. He died under the reign of King Henry the third, Anno Domini 1225.
Since the Reformation.
HUGH JOHNES born in Wales, was bred Bachelor of the Laws in the University of Oxford, and made Bishop of Landaff (which See it seems for the poorness thereof, lay Bishopless for three years after the death of Bishop Kitchen, ) May 5. 1566. Memorable no doubt on other accounts, as well as for this, that though this 〈◊〉 be in Wales, he was the first Welch-man, who for the last three hundred years ( viz. since John of Monmouth elected 1296.) was the Bishop thereof. He was buried at Matherne, November 15. 1574.
Doctor......... PHILIPS was a native of Wales, had his education in Oxford, and was afterward preferred to be Episcopus Sodorensis, or Bishop of Man. Out of his zeal for propagating the Gospel, he attained the Manks tongue, and usually preached therein.
Know by the way, Reader, that the King of Spain himself (notwithstanding the vastness of his Dominions,) had not in Europe more distinct languages spoken under his command, then had lately the King of great Britain, seven tongues being used in his Territories, viz.
- 1. English, in England.
- 2. French, in Gersey & Guernzey.
- 3. Cornish, in Cornwall.
- 4. Welch, in Wales.
- 5. Scotch, in Scotland.
- 6. Irish, in Ireland.
- 7. Manks, in the Isle of Man.
This Doctor Philip's undertook the translating of the Bible into the Manks tongue, taking some of the Islanders to his assistance, and namely Sir Hugh Cavoll, Minister of the Gospel, and lately (if not still) 〈◊〉 of Kir-Michael. He perfected the same work in the space of twenty nine years, but prevented by his death, it was never put to press. I know not whether the doing hereof soundeth more to the honor of the dead, or the not Printing thereof since his death, to the shame of the living, seeing surely money might be procured for so general and beneficial a design. Which makes some the less to pity the great pains of the Ministers of the Isle of Man, who by double labor read the Scriptures to the people out of the English in the Manks -tongue. This singularly learned, hospitable, painful and pious Prelate died Anno Dom. 16...
Physicians.
ROBERT RECORDE was born in this Country, ex Claris Parentibus, bred in Oxford, where he proceeded Doctor of Physic. His soul did not live in the Lane of a single science, but traversed the Latitude of Learning, witness his Works
In
- Arithmetic, not so absolute in all numbers, before his time, but that by him it was set forth more Compleat.
- Astrology, he Practical part whereof hath so great an influence upon Physic.
- Geometry, whereof the wrote a Book, called the Path of Geometry, and that easier and nearer then any before.
- Physic, of the Judgments of Urines: and though it be commonly said Urina meretrix, yet his judicious rules have reduced that Harlot to Honesty, and in a great measure fixed the uncertainty thereof.
- Metals, his Sight may seem to have accompanied the Sun-beams into the Bowells of the Earth, piercing into those Penetralls in his discoveries of, and discourses on Gold and Silver, (wherewith I believe him well stored,) Brass, Tin, Lead, and what not?
What shall I speak of his skill in Anatomy, Cosmography, Mu •… ick, whereof he read public Lectures in Oxford?
As for his Religion (say not this is of no Concernment in a Physician ) I conjecture him to be a Protestant. First, because he wrote of Auricular Confession, and de Negotio Eucharistiae, each whereof is a Noli me tangere, for a Romish Lay-man to meddle with, according to Popish principles. Secondly, because so largely commended by Bale. But I dare conclude nothing herein, having not hitherto seen his Treatises in Divinity. He flourished under K. Edward the sixth about the year, 1550.
THOMAS PHAIER was born in Wales, and bred (I believe) first in Oxford, then in London, a general Scholar, and well versed in the Common Law, wherein he wrote a book De natura Brevium, of the Nature of Writs. Strange that he would come after Justice Fitz-herbert, who formerly had written on the same Subject. But probably Phaiers Book (having never seen any who have seen it ) treateth of Writs in the Court of Marches, (whereto Wales was then subjected, and) where the Legal Proceedings may be somewhat different from ours in England.
But the Study of the Law did not fadge well with him, which caused him to change his Copy, and proceed Doctor in Physic. Now (though he made none) he, out of French did translate many useful books. 1. Of the Pestilence, and the cure thereof. 2. Of the Grief of children. 3. Of the Nature of Simples. 4. The Regiment of Nuturall Life. He had also his Diversion, some excursion into Poetry, and translated Virgil his Eneads, Magna Gravitate (saith my Author) which our Modern Wits, will render, with great Dullness, and avouch, that he instead of a Latin Virgil, hath presented us with an English Ennius, such the rudeness of his verse. But who knoweth not, that English Poetry is improved fifty in the Hundred, in this last Century of years? He died, and was buried in London about the year of our Lord 1550.
ALBANE HILL was Britannus by birth. I confess Britannus doth not clearly carry his Nativity for Wales, except it were additioned Cambro-Britannus. But according to our peaceable promise premised, let him pass for this Country-man. The rather, because so many Hills (and Mountains too) therein. He was bred a Doctor of Physic, professing and practicing most beyond the Seas, more famous in Foreign Parts, then in his Native Country. I find two eminent Outlandishmen, viz. Josiah Simler, an Helvetian of Zurich; and Bassianus Landus, an Italian of Placentia, charactering him to be, Medicus Nobilissimus ac optimus, & in omni disciplinarum genere optime versatus, and that he wrote much upon Galen, and the Anatomicall part of Physic, so that we may say with the Poet,
I find no time affixed wherein he flourished, but according to the received Rule, Noscitur e socio, he may from his Contemporaries be collected in full Luster, Anno 1550. and it is remarkable that Wales had three eminent Physicians Writers all in the same Age.
Writers.
Be it premised, that as I should be loath by my lasiness to conceal, so with all my Industry I conceive it impossible to complete their Characters. For as the Venetian Courtesan, after she had put off her lofty attire, and high Chippines, almost pares away herself into nothing; such the slender account given us of these Writers, that after some set forms and Commendations of Course common to all Persons, be first defalked, the remainder will be next to nothing. But it is no fault of me the Cistern if I be empty, whilst my fountain is dry, seeing I spill nothing by the Leakage of my Neglect, but faithfully deliver all the intelligence I find, as followeth:
PETROK was a Welch-Irish-Cornish-Man. He had his birth in Wales, but breeding in Ireland, according to the Mode of that Age, wherein all British sailed over into Ireland, (as the English in after ages did into France, ) there to have their Education in all learned Sciences. Who would have thought to have found Helicon amongst the Bogs, as indeed it was at that Time? Petrok after twenty years reading good Authors there, came over into Cornwall, and fixed himself nigh the Severn Sea, in a small Oratory called Petrok-Stowe, (the station or abiding place of Petrok ) now corruptly Pad-Stowe, where many eminent Scholars were brought up under him. He wrote a book of Solitary life, whereto he was much addicted.
I confess Petrok is somewhat degraded, as entered under the Topic of Writers, who is reputed a Saint, and I remember a handsome Church in Exeter dedicated to his Memory, who flourished Anno 560.
GILDAS the FOURTH, for there were three before him, viz. Gildas Albanius, Gildas Surnam'd Sapiens, (of whom before) Gildas Cambrius, and this our Gildas, who laggeth last in the Teame of his Name-sakes. But the second of these is worth all the rest, (were there four hundred of them) whom I behold as a Sun indeed, shining with the Luster of his own desert, whilst two of the others are but so many Meteors about him, some suspecting them, no realities in Nature, but merely created by men's sight-deception, and the reflection of the Memory of the true Gildas.
This our fourth Gildas is made a Welch-Scotch-Irish-Man, Wales sharing in him two parts of three, viz. his Birth and Death, the largest part of his life belonging to Ireland, where he studied. Many the Books imputed to him of the Wonders and first inhabitants of Britain, of King Arthur and his unknown Sepulehre, so that now we can teach Gildas what he knew not, namely, that King Arthur was certainly buried at Glassenbury. He wrote also of Percevall and Lancelot, who •… I behold as two Knights Combatants, and presume the former most victorious, from the Notation of his Name, Per sevalens, prevailing by himself.
Our Author is charged to be full of Fables, which I can easily believe, for in Ancient History if we will have anything of truth, we must have something of falsehood, and (abating only Holy-writ ) it is as impossible to find Antiquity without Fables, as an old Face without Wrinckles. He flourished Anno Dom. 860.
BLEGABRIDE LANGAURIDE. Philip Comineus observeth, that to have a short Name is a great advantage to a Favorite, because a King may readily remember, and quickly call. him. If so, the writer aforesaid is ill qualified for a Favorite. But let him then pronounce his own Name, for others will not trouble themselves therewith. He attained to be a great Scholar, Doctor of both Laws, and Arch-deacon of the Church of Landaft. He to the honor of his Country, and use of Posterity, translated the laws of Howell the most modest King of Wales, and flourished 914.
SALEPHILAX the BARDE. This Mungrell name seemeth to have in it an Eye or Cast of Greek and Latin, but we are assured of his Welch extraction. In inquiring after his works, my success hath been the same with the painful Thresher of Mill-dew'd wheat, gaining little more then Straw and Chaff. All the grain I can get is this, that he set forth a Genealogy of the Britain's, and flourished about the year 920.
GWALTERUS CALENIUS (may we not English him Walter of Calen? ) was a Cambrian by his Nativity, though preferred to be Arch-deacon of Oxford. He is highly prized for his great learning, by Lealand and others. This was he who took the pains to go over into Britain in France, and thence retrived an Ancient Manuscript of the British Princes, from Brutus to Cadwalader. Nor was his labor more in recovering, then his courtesy in communicating this rarity to Jeffrey of Munmouth, to translate the same into Latin. Nor was this Walter himself idle, continuing the same Chronicle for four hundred years together, until his own time. He flourished Anno Dom. 1120. under King Henry the first.
GUALO BRYTANNUS born in Wales, was from his Infancy a servant to the Muses, and lover of Poetry. That he might enjoy himself the better herein, he retired into a private place, from the noise of all people, and became an Anchorite for his Fancy not Devotion, according to the Poet,
Here his pen fell foul on the Monks, whose covetousness in that age was so great, that of that subject
He wrote also Invectives against their wantonness and impostures, and yet it seems did it with that Cautiousness, that he incurred no danger. Indeed he is commended by John of Sarisbury and others, Quod esset Prudens & Doctus. He flourished Anno Domini 1170. under King Henry the second.
WILLIAM BRETON was born (saith Bale and Pitz. the later alleging one Willot for his Author) in Wales, bred a Franciscan at Grimsby in Lincoln-shire. I will not quarrel his Cambrian extraction, but may safely mind the Reader, that there was an ancient family of the Bretons at Ketton in Rutland next Lincoln-shire, where this William had his education.
But, let this Breton be Brito, (believing the allusion in sound not the worst evidence for his Welch original) sure it is, he was a great Scholar, and deep Divine; the Writer of many books both in Verse and Prose; and of all, his Master-pi •… ce was, an exposition of all the hard words in the Bible, which thus begins,
Such the reputation of his book, that in the controversy betwixt Standish Bishop of Saint A •… aph and Erasmus, [unequal contest] the former appeals to Br •… tons book, about the interpretation of a place of Scripture. This William died at Grimsby, Anno Domini 1356.
UTRED BOLTON was born saith Lealand, ex Transabrinâ Gente. Now though parts of Salop, Worcester and Gloucester-shire, with all Hereford shire be beyond Severn, yet in such doubtful Nativities England giveth up the Cast, rather then to make a Contest to measure it. Troublesome times made him leave his Country and travail to Durham, where he became a Benedictine. He had a rare Natural Happiness, that the Promptness and Pleasantness of his Parts, commended all things that he did or said. This so far ingratiated him with the Abbot of his Convent, that he obtained leave to go to Oxford, to File his Nature the Brighter by learning.
Hither he came in the heat of the difference, betwixt Wycliffe and his Adversaries. Bolton sided with both and with neither, consenting in some things with Wycliffe, dissenting in others, as his conscience directed him.
William Jordan, a Dominican (and Northern Man, ) was so madded hereat, that he he fell foul on Bolton, both with his Writing and Preaching. Bolton angry hereat, expressed himself more openly for Wycliffe, especially in that his smart Book, Pro Veris Monachis, for True Monks, or Monks Indeed, (parallel with Saint Paul's Widows indeed, which were to be honored ) showing what Sanctity and Industry was required of them. Hereat the anger of Jordan did Overflow, endeavoring (and almost effecting) to get Bolton excommunicated for an Heretic. This Learned Man flourished under King Richard the second 1330.
JOHN GWENT was born in Wales, bred a Franciscan in Oxford, till he became Provincial of his Order throughout all Britain. He wrote a Learned Comment on Lombard his Common Places, and is charactered a Person, qui in Penitiore recognitae Prudentiae Cognitione se vel admirabilem ostenderet. Here endeth Lealand his writing of him, and beginneth Bale his railing on him, pretending himself to the truest Touchstone of Spirits, and trying Men thereby. Yet doth he not charge our Gwent, with anything peculiar to him alone, but common to the rest of his Order, telling us (what we knew before) that all Mendicants were acted with an ill Genius, being Sophisters. Cavilers, &c. this Be being no more, guilty then the whole Hive therein. He died at Hereford in the Verge of his Native Country 1348.
JOHN EDE was (saith Bale, ) genere Wallus, by Extraction a Welch man, immediately adding patria Herefordensis, by his Country a Hereford-shire man. We now for quietness sake, resign him up wholly to the former. Yet was he a Person worth contending for, Lealand saith much in little of him, when praising him to be, Vir illustris Famâ, Eraditione & Religion. He wrote several Comments on Aristotle, Peter Lombard, and the Revelalion. He was chief of the Franciscans Convent in Hereford, where he was buried in the reign of King Henry the fourth 1406.
DAVID BOYS. Let not Kent pretend unto him, wherein his Surname is so Ancient and Numerous, our Author assuring us of his British Extraction. He studied in Oxford (saith Lealand ) no less to his own Honor, then the Profit of others, reaping much benefit by his Books. Having his Breeding at Oxford, he had a Bounty for Cambridge, and compassing the writings of John Barningham his Fellow-Carmelite, he got them fairly transcribed in four Volumes, and bestowed them on the Library in Cambridge, where Bale beheld them in his Time. He was very familiar (understand it in a good way) with Eleanor Cobham Dutchess of Gloucester, whence we collect him at least a Parcell-Wickliffite. Of the many books he wrote, fain would I see that Intituled of Double Immortality, whether intending thereby the Immortality of Soul and Body, or of the Memory here and Soul hereafter. I would likewise satisfy myself in his Book about the madness of the Hagarens, whether the Mohammedans be not meant thereby, pretending themselves descended from Sarah, when indeed they are the Issue of the Bondwoman. He was Prefect of the Carmelites in Gloucester, where he died 1450. Let me add, that his Surname is Latined Boethius, and so Wales hath her David Boethius, whom in some respects she may Vie with Hector Boethius of Scotland.
Since the Reformation.
Sir JOHN RHESE alias Ap Ryse Knight, was born in Wales, Noble by his Linage, but more by his Learning. He was well versed in the British Antiquities, and would not leave a Hoof of his Countries Honor behind, which could be brought up, to go along with him. Now so it was, that Polydore Virgil that Proud Italian, bare a Pique to the British, for their Ancient Independency from the Pope. Besides, he could not so easily compass the Welch Records into his clutches, that so he might send them the same way with many English Manuscripts, which he had burnt to ashes. This made him slight the Credit of Welch Authors, whom o •… Sir John was a Zealot to assert, being also a Champion to vindicate the story of King Arthur. Besides, he wrote a Treatise of the Eucharist, and by the good words Bale bestoweth on him, we believe him a Favorour of the Reformation, flourishing under King Edward the sixth 1550.
JOHN GRIFFIN was born in Wales, first bred a Cistercian Friar in Hales-Abbey in Gloucester-shire. After the dissolution of his Convent he became a Painfull and Profitable Preacher. He suited the Pulpit with Sermons for all seasons, having his Conciones Aestivales & Brumales, which he preached in English, and wrote in Latin; flourishing under King Edward the sixth, Anno Domini 1550.
HUGH BROUGHTON was born in Wales, but very nigh unto Shrop-shire. He used to speak much of his Gentility, and of his Arms, which were the Owls, presaging, as he said his Addiction to the study of Greek, because those were the birds of Minerva, and the Embl •… me of Athens. I dare not deny his Gentile Extraction, but it was probable, that his Parents were fallen to great decay, as by the ensuing story will appear.
When Mr. Barnard Gilpin that Apostolic man was going his annual journey to Oxford, from his Living at Houghton in the North, he spied by the way-side a Youth, one while walking, another while running; of whom Mr. Gilpin demanded whence he came, he answered out of Wales, and that he was a going to Oxford with intent to be a Scholar.
Mr. Gilpin perceiving him pregnant in the Latin, and having some smattering in the Greek Tongue, carried him home to Houghton, where being much improved in the Languages, he sent him to Christ's-college in Cambridge. It was not long before his worth preferred him Fellow of the House.
This was that Broughton so famous for his skill in the Hebew, a great Ornament of▪ that University, and who had been a greater, had the heat of his Brain, and Peremptoriness of his Judgment been tempered with more moderation; being ready to quarrel with any who did not presently and perfectly embrace his Opinions. He wrote many books, whereof one called The consent of times, carrieth the general commendation.
As his Industry was very Commendable, so his Ingratitude must be condemned, if it be true what I read; that when Master Gilpin his Mecaenas (by whose care, and on whose cost he was bred, till he was able to breed himself,) grew old, he procured him to be troubled and molested, by Doctor Barns Bishop of Durham, in expectation of his Parsonage, as some shrewdly suspect.
At last he was fixed in the City of London, where he taught many Citizens, and their Apprentices the Hebrew Tongue. He was much flocked after for his Preaching, though his Sermons were generally on Subjects, rather for Curiosity then Edification. I conjecture his death to be about the year of our Lord 1600.
HUGH HOLLAND was born in Wales, and bred first a Scholar in We •… minster, then Fellow in Trinity-college in Cambridge. No bad English, but a most excellent Latin Poet. Indeed, he was addicted to the New-old Religion; New, in comparison of Truth itself; yet Old, because confessed of long continuance. He travailed beyond the Seas, and in Italy (conceiving himself without Ear-reach of the English, ) let fly freely against the Credit of Queen Elizabeth. Hence he went to Jerusalem, though there he was not made, or he would not own himself Knight of the 〈◊〉 . In his return he touched at Constantinople, where Sir Thomas Glover Embassador for King James, called him to an account for his Scandalum Reginae at Rome, and the former over freedom of his tongue, cost him the confinement for a time in Prison. Enlarged at last, returning into England, with his good parts bettered by learning, and great learning increased with experience in travail; he expected presently to be chosen Clerk of the Council at least, but preferment not answering his expectation, he grumbled out the rest of his life in visible discontentment. He made verses in description of the chief Cities in Europe, wrote the Chronicle of Queen Elizabeth's reign, (believe him older and wiser, not railing as formerly,) and a book of the life of Master Camden, all lying hid in private hands, none publicly Printed. This I observe, the rather, to prevent Plagearies, that others may not imp their credit with stolen feathers, and wrongfully with ease pretend to his painful endeavors. He had a competent estate in good Candle-rents in London, and died about 'the beginning of the reign of King Charles.
The Farewell.
To take my Vale of the Worthies of Wales General, I refer the Reader for the rest to a Catalogue of their names, set forth at the end of the Welch Dictionary: Which Catalogue, I was once resolved to Print as an Appendix to this Work; till dissuaded on this Consideration: It being Printed in Welch, in the re-printing whereof, our Best English Correctors would be but bad Welch Corrupters, and make a Mungrel Language, more than departed from Babel, or ever since was anywhere used. And now we proceed to the Particular Shires of Wales▪
ANGLESEY.
ANGLESEY. Let us in the first place congratulate the Restitution of this Island to its ancient Latin Appellation, •… eeing it was in a fair way to forget its own Name of MONA, which some filched from this, and fixed on the Isle of Man, pretending,
- 1. The allusion in sound, betwixt Man and Mona.
- 2. The description thereof in Caesar, placing it in the middle betwixt Ireland and Britain, which position better agreeth to Man than Anglesey.
- 3. The Authorities of many [later] Historians, amongst whom Polydor Virgil, and Hector Booetius.
But Dr. Humphrey Lluyd, in his learned Letter to Ortelius, most clearly demonstrateth this to be the true Mona; and the Reason of Reasons doth evince the truth thereof taken from Tacitus, reporting the Roman foot (under Paulinus ) to have swum over from the continent of Britain, to the Isle of Mona. Now such swimming over (with the Oars only of Arms and Legs) (ten Leagues at least) to Man is utterly impossible, which from Britain to Anglesey (being hardly an Italian mile ) may, (though with much difficulty and danger ) half be performed.
ANGLESEY, that is, the English Island (so called, since conquered by our Countrymen) is surrounded on all sides with the Irish Sea save on the South; where a small Fret (known by the peculiar name of Menai ) sundreth it from the Welsh Continent, having twenty miles in the length, and seventeen in the breadth thereof. May the Inhabitants be like the land they live in; which appears worse than it is, seemingly barren and really fruitful, affording plenty of good Wheat, and to grind it,
Mill-stones.
These in the Greek Gospel are termed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that is, Asses Mill-stones; either because Asses (as Saint Hillary will have it) used to draw them about (before men taught the wind and water to do that work for them) or because the lower Mill-stone was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , an Ass, from the sluggishness thereof as always lying still. Observe an opposition betwixt Artificial and Natural Mills, I mean our mouths: In the former the lower Mill-stone lieth always immovable, whilst in our mouths the upper Jaw always standeth still, and the n •… there applieth itself in constant motion thereunto. Excellent Mill-stones are made in this Island. When in motion, in default of Grist to grind, they will fire one another; so necessary is foreign employment for active spirits, to divert them from home-bred combustions.
The Wonders.
Before we begin on this plentiful Topic, be it premised, that I conceive the Author of that Dystick was too strait laced in his belief, thus expressing himself,
For mine own part I conceive, he that will not believe is unworthy to be believed, and that it is an injury to deny credit to credible persons, attesting as followeth.
There are divers Trees * daily digged out of moist and marish places which are firm and fir for Timber. They are as black within as Ebony, and are used by the Carvers of that Country to Inlay Cupboards and other wooden utensils. These Trees are branched into a double difficulty; first, how they came hither; secondly, how preserved here so long from putrefaction.
Some make the Pedegree of these Trees very ancient, fetching them from Noah's flood▪ then overturned with the force thereof. Others conceive them out down by the Romans when conquering this Island, and shaving away their woods, the Covert of Rebellion.
Others apprehend them felled (or rather falling ) of themselves, their weight meeting with the waterish and failing foundation; and it is more easy for one to confute the conjecture of others, than to substitute a more rational in the room thereof.
But grant this first Knot in these Trees smoothed, how they came hither: a worse Knob remains to be plained; how they are preserved sound so many Ages, seeing moisture is the mother of corruption, and such the ground wherein they are found: Except any will say, there is clammy bituminous substance about them (like those in Lancashire ) which fenceth them from being corrupted. I could add to the wonder; how Haste nuts are found under ground with sound kernels in them; save it is fitter, that the former difficulties be first conjured down, before any new ones be raised up.
Proverbs.
Not because bigger than Wales (as Mothers always are, whilst their Children are infants) being scarce one twentieth part thereof: nor because (as Parents always) ancienter than Wales, which being an Island may be presumed junior to the Continent, as probably made by the interruption of the Sea; but because when other Counties fail, she plentifully feedeth them with provision, and is said to afford Corn enough to sustain all Wales. Nor is she less happy in Cattle than Corn, so that this Mother of Wales is in some sort a Nurse to England. I have seen yearly great droves of fair Beasts, brought thence and sold in Essex itself; so that he who considers how much meat Anglesey spends, will wonder that it spares any; how much it spares that it spends any.
This Historical By-word (for Proverb properly it is none) we will consider; First, in the Original: Secondly, in the Use: Thirdly, in the Abuse thereof. Original. In the reign of King Henry the second, in his many expeditions against Wales, one proved very unsuccessful, wherein divers of his Camp were sent to essay a Passage over Offas ditch at Croggen-Castle. These being prevented by the British, were most of them slain, and their graves hard by are to be discovered at this day.
Use. The English afterwards when having the Welsh at advantage, used to say to them, Crogging, Crogging, as a Provokative to revenge, and dissuasive to give them quarter: As if the Romans on the like occasion should cry to the Carthaginians, Cannae, Cannae.
Abuse. Continuance of time, which assumeth to itself a liberty to pervert words from their primitive sense, in ignorant mouths hath made it a disgraceful Attribute, when the English are pleased to revile the Welsh; though to speak plainly, I conceive not how that word can import a foul disgracing of them, first occasioned by their valiant defeating of us. This By-word (though Croggen-Castle is in Denbigh-shire ) being generally used all over Wales, is therefore placed in this, because the first County thereof.
Prelates.
GUIDO de MONA, was so sir-named from his Birth-place in Anglesey. Some suspect that Filius insulae may be as bad as Filius populi, no place being particularized for his birth: whiles others conceive this sounding to his greater dignity, to be denominated from a whole Island; the Village of his nativity being probably obscure, long and hard to be pronounced. He was afterwards Bishop of Saint David's, and Lord Treasurer of England under King Henry the fourth, who highly hono •… ed him; for when the Parliament moved that no Welsh-man should be a State Officer in England, the King excepted the Bishops, as confident of their faithful service. Indeed T. Wallingham makes this Gui the Author of much trouble, but is the less to be believed therein, because of the known Antipathy betwixt Friars and Secular 〈◊〉 ; the former being as faulty in their lafie speculation, as the other often offending in the practical over-activity. This Bishop died •… nno 1407.
ARTHUR BULKLEY, Bishop of Bangor, was born either in Cheshire, or more probably in this County: But it matters not much had he never been born, who being bred Doctor of the Laws, had either never read, or wholly forgotten, or willfully would not remember the Chapter, De sacrilegio; for he spoiled the Bishopric, and sold the five Bells: being so over-officious, that he would go down to the Sea to see them shipped, which, in my mind, amounted to a second selling of them.
We have an English Proverb of him who maketh a detrimental bargain to himself, That he may put all the gains gotten thereby into his eye, and see nothing the worse. But Bishop Bulkley saw much more the worse by what he had gotten, being himself suddenly deprived of his sight; who had deprived the Tower of Bangor of the tongue thereof. Thus having ended his credit before his days, and his days before his life, and having sat in that See fourteen years, he died 1555.
WILLIAM GLYN▪ D. D. Was bo •… n at 〈◊〉 . in this County, bred in Queens College in Cambridge whereof he was Master, until in the second of Queen Mary he was preferred Bishop of Bangor. An excellent Scholar, and I have been assured by judicious Persons, who have seriously perused the solemn Disputations (printed in Master Fox ) betwixt the Papists and Protestants; that of the former none pressed his Arguments with more strength and less passion than Doctor Glyn: though const •… t to his own, he was not cruel to opposite judgments, as appeareth by the appearing of no persecution in his Diocese, and his mild Nature must be allowed at least Causa socia, or the fellow-cause thereof. He died in the first of Queen Elizabeth, and I have been informed that Jeoffry Glyn his Brother, Doctor of Laws, built and endowed a Free-School at Bangor.
Since the Reformation.
ROULAND MERRICK, Doctor of Laws, was born at Boding án in this County, bred in Oxford, where he became Principal of New Inn-Hall, and afterwards a Dignitary in the Church of Saint David's. Here he with others in the reign of King Edward the sixth, violently prosecuted Robert Farrar his Diocesan, with intention (as they made their boast) to pull him from his Bishopric, and bring him into a premunire, and prevailed so far, that he was impris •… ned.
This Bishop Farrar was afterwards martyred in the reign of Queen Mary. I find not the least appearance, that his former adversaries violented anything against him under that Queen. But it is suspicious that advantage against him (I say not with their will) was grafted on the stock of his former accusation. However it is my judgment that they ought to have been, & I can be so charitable to believe that Dr. Merrick was penitent for his causeless vexing so good a person. Otherwise many more besides myself will proclaim him unworthy to be (who had been a Persecutor of) a Bishop. He was consecrated Bishop of Bangor December 21. in the second of Q •… een Elizabeth, 1559. and sat six years in his See. I have nothing to add, save that he was Father to Sir Gilly Merrick, Knight, who lost his life for engaging with the Earl of Essex, 1600.
LANCELOT BULKLEY was born in this County, of a then right Worshipful (since Honorable) Family, who have a fair habitation (besides others) near Beumaris. He was bred in Brasen nose College in Oxford, and afterwards became, first Arch-Deacon, then Archbishop in Dublin. He was consecrated the third of October, 1619. by Christopher Archbishop of Armagh. Soon after he was made by King James one of his Privy Council in Ireland, where he lived in good reputation, till the day of his death, which happened some ten years since.
Seamen.
MADOC, Son to Owen Gwineth ap Gruffyth ap Conan, and brother to David ap Owen Gwineth, Prince of North Wales, was born probably at Aberfraw in this County (now a mean Town) then the principal Palace of their royal Residence. He made a Seavoyage westward, and by all probability, those names of Cape de Breton in Noruinberg, & Pengwin in part of the northern America, for a white Rock and a white headed bird, according to the British, were relics of this discovery. If so; then let the Genoveses and Spaniards demean themselves as younger Brethren, and get their Portions in Pensions in those parts paid as well as they may, owning us Britons▪ (so may the Welsh and English as an united Nation style themselves) for the Heirs, to whom the solid inheritance of America doth belong, for the first discovery thereof. The truth is, a good Navy with a strong Land-Army therein, will make these probabilities of Madoc, evident Demonstrations, and without these, in cases of this kind, the strongest Arguments are of no validity. This Sea voyage was undertaken by Madoc, about the year 1170.
The Sheriffs.
Expect not my description should conform this Principality to England, in presenting the respective Sheriffs with their Arms. For as to Heraldry, I confess myself Luscum in Anglia, Caecum in Walliâ. Besides, I question, whether out Rules in Blazonry, calculated for the East, will serve on the West of Severne? and suspect that my venial mistakes may meet with mortal anger.
I am also sensible of the prodigious Antiquity of Welsh Pedegrees, so that what Zalmana said of the Israelites slain by him at Tabor, Each of them resembleth the children of a King; all the Gentry here derive themselves from a Prince at least. I quit therefore the Catalogue os Sheriffs to abler Pens, and proceed to.
The Farewell.
I understand there is in this Island a kind of Allumenous Earth, out of which some (fifty years since) began to make Allum and Copperess, until they (to use my Authors phrase) like unflesht Soldiers gave over their enterprise, without further hope, because at first they saw it not answer their over-hasty expectations. If this Project was first founded on rational probability (which I have cause to believe) I desire the seasonable resumption thereof, by Undertakers of as able Brains and Purses, but more patience than the former, as a hopeful fore-runner of better success.
BRECKNOCK-SHIRE.
BRECKNOCK-SHIRE hath Radnor shire on the North, Cardigan and Carmarthen-shires on the West, 〈◊〉 -shire on the South, Hereford and Monmouth-shires on the East the length thereof being adjudged twenty eight, the 〈◊〉 thereof twenty miles.
My Author saith that this County is not greatly to be praised, or disliked of, with which his Character, the Natives thereof have no cause to be well pleased, or much offended. The plain truth is, the fruitfulness of the Valleys therein maketh plentiful amends for the barrenness of the Mountains, and it is high time to give a check to the vulgar error, which falsely reporteth this County the worst in Wiles; let it 〈◊〉 for me to say, this is not it, and which is it, let others determine.
Nor doth it sound a little to the credit of this County, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the chief Town thereof, doth at this present afford the title of an Eartl to James Duke of Ormond, the first that ever received that Digniry. Above four hundred years since, a Daughter of Gilbert and Maud Becket, (and Sister to Tho. Becket ) was by King Henry the second, bestowed in marriage on one Butler an English Gentleman. Him King Henry sent over into Ireland, and (endeavoring to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blood) rewarded him w •… th large lands, so that his posterity were created Earls of Ormond. Now therefore we have cause to congratulate the return of this noble Family i •… to their Native Country of England, and wish unto them the increase of all 〈◊〉 therein.
Natural Commoditi •… s
Otters.
Plenty of these ( Lutrae in Latin) in Brecknock-mere. A Creature that can dig and dive, resident in the two clements of Earth and Water. The 〈◊〉 where he bites, maketh his Teeth to m •… et, and the Otter leaves little distance betwixt them▪ He is as destructive to Fish, as the Woolf to Sheep. See we here, more is required to make fine Flesh than to have fine Feeding, the Flesh of the Otter (from his innate rankness ) being naught, though his Diet be dainty. I have seen a reclaimed Otter, who in a quarter of an hour would present his Master with a brace of Carps.
Otter-Wooll is much used in the making of Beavers. As Physicians have their Succedanea, or Seconds, which well supply the place of such Simples, which the Patient cannot procure, so the Otter is often instead of the Bever, since the BeaverTrade is much wasted in the West Indies, their remnant retiring high into the Country, and being harder to be taken. Yea Otter-wool is likely daily to grow dearer, if Prime Persons of the weaker Sex (which is probable) resume the wearing of Hais.
Brecknock-shire equalling her Neighbors in all General Commodities, exceedeth them in
Wonders,
In the Air. He that relateth Wonders walketh on the edge of an house, if he be not careful of his footing, down falls his credit: this shall make me exact in using my Authors words, informed by credible persons who had experimented it; That their Cloaks, Hats, and Staves cast down from the top of an Hill (called Mounch-denny, or Cadier Arthur) and the North-East Rock thereof, would never fall, but were with the air and wind still returned back, and blown up again; nor would anything descend save a stone, or some metalline substance.
No wonder that these should descend, because (besides the magnetical quality of the Earth) their forcing of their way down is to be imputed to their united and intended gravity. Now though a large cloak is much heavier than a little stone; yet the weight thereof is diffused in several parts, and fluttering above, all of them are supported by the Clouds, which are seen to rack much lower than the top of the Hill. But now, if in the like trial, the like repercussion be not found from the tops of other Mountains in Wales of equal or greater height, we confess ourselves at an absolute loss, and leave it to others to beat about to find a satisfactory answer.
Let me add that waters in Scripture are divided into waters above, and waters under the Firmament: by the former, men generally understand (since the interpretation thereof relating to Coelum Aqueum, is exploded by the judicious) the water engendered in the Clouds. If so, time was, when the waters beneath were higher than the waters above; namely, in Noah's flood, when the waters prevailed fifteen Cubits above the tops of the Mountains.
In the Water.
When the Meer Llynsavathan (lying within two miles of Brecknock ) hath her frozen Ice first broken, it maketh a monstrous noise, to the Astonishment of the hearers, not unlike to Thunder. But till we can give a good cause of the old Thunder, [and the power of his Thunder who can understand? ] we will not adventure on the disquisition of this new one.
In the Earth.
Reader, pardon me a word of Earthquakes in general. Seneca beholds them most terrible, because most unavoidable of all earthly dangers. In other frights [ Tempest, Lightning, Thunder, &c. ] we shelter ourselves in the bowels of the Earth, which here from our safest refuge, become our greatest danger. I have learned from an able * Pen, that the frequency and fearfulness of Earthquakes, gave the first occasion to that passage in the Litany, From sudden death good Lord deliver us.
Now to Wales. The Inhabitants of this County have a constant Tradition, that where now the Meer Llynsavathan spreadeth its waters, stood a fair City, till swallowed up by an Earthquake, which is not improbable. First, because all the Highways of this County do lead thither; and it is not likely that the Loadstone of a bare Lake should attract so much Confluence. Secondly, Ptolemy placeth in this Tract the City Loventrium, which all the care of Master Cambden could not recover by any ruins or report thereof, and therefore likely to be drowned in this Poole. The rather because Levenny is the name of the River r •… nning through it.
Saints.
-
Saint
- KEYNE.
- CANOCH.
- CADOCK.
The first of these was a Woman (here put highest by the courtesy of England; ) the two later, Men, all three Saints, and children to Braghan, King, builder and namer of Brecknock. This King had four and twenty Daughters, a jolly number; and all of them Saints: a greater happiness, though of them all, the name only of Saint Keyne surviveth to posterity. Whether the said King was so fruitful in Sons, and they as happy in Saintship, I do not know, only meeting with these two, Saint Canoch and Saint Cadock, (whereof the later is reported a Martyr ) all flourishing about the year of our Lord 492. and had in high veneration amongst the people of South-Wales.
I know not whether it be worth the reporting, that there is in Cornwall, near the Parish of St. Neots, a Well arched over with the robes of four kinds of Trees, Withy, Oak, Elm, and Ash, dedicated to Saint Keyne aforesaid. The reported virtue of the Water is this, That whether Husband or Wife come first to drink thereof, they get the mastery thereby.
St. CLINTANKE was King of Brecknock, a small Kingdom for an obscure King, though eminent with some for his Sanctity. Now it happened, that a noble Virgin gave it out, that she would never marry any man except the said King, who was so zealous a Christian. Such as commend her good choice, dislike her public profession thereof, which with more Maiden-like modesty, might have been concealed. But, see the sad success thereof. A Pagan Soldier purposely to defeat her desire, killed this King as he was one day a hunting; who, though he lost his life, got the reputation of a Saint, and so we leave him. The rather, because we find no date fixed unto him; so that the Reader may believe him to have lived, even when he thinks best himself.
Prelates.
GILES de BRUSE, born at Brecknock, was Son to William de Bruse Baron of Brecknock, and a prime Peer in his Generation. This Giles became afterwards Bishop of Hereford, and in the Civil Wars sided with the Nobility against King John; on which account he was banished, but at length returned, and recovered the Kings favor. His Paternal Inheritance (by death it seems of his elder Brother) was devolved unto him (being together Bishop and Baron by descent) and from him after his death, transmitted to his Brother Reginald, who married the Daughter of Leoline Prince of Wales. If all this will not recover this Prelate, into our Catalogue of Worthies, then know, that his Effigies on his Tomb in Hereford Church, holdeth a Steeple in his hand, whence it is concluded, that he built the Belfree of that Cathedral, as well he might, having so vast an estate. His death happened Anno 1215.
Since the Reformation.
THOMAS HOWEL was born at Nangamarch in this County, within few miles of Brecknock, bred Fellow of Jesus College in Oxford, and became afterwards a meek man, and most excellent Preacher. His Sermons, like the waters of Siloah, did run softly, gliding on with a smooth stream: So that his matter by a lawful and laudable felony, did st •… all secretly into the hearts of his hearers. King Charles made him the last Bishop of Bristol, being consecrated at Oxford. He died Anno Dom. 1646. leaving many Orphan children behind him.
I have been told, that the honorable City of Bristol hath taken care for their comfortable education, and am loath to pry too much into the truth thereof, lest so good a report should be confuted.
States-Men.
HENRY STAFFORD, Duke of Buckingham. Though Humphrey his Father had a fair Castle at, and large lands about Stafford (whereof he was Earl ) yet his Nativity is most probably placed in this County, where he had Brecknock -Castle, and a Principality about it. This was he, who with both his hands set up Richard the third on the Throne, endeavoring afterwards with his hands and teeth too, to take him down, but in vain.
He was an excellent Spoaks-man, though I cannot believe that his long Oration (to persuade the Londoners to side with the Usurper ) was ever uttered by him in terminis, as it lieth in Sir Thomas Mores History. Thus the Roman Generals provided themselves of Valour, and Livy (as he represented them) stocked them with Eloquence. Yet we may be well assured that this our Duke either did or would have said the same, and he is the Orator who effects that he aimeth at; this Duke being unhappily happy therein.
Soon after not remorse for what he had done, but revenge for what King Richard would not do (denying his desire) put him on the project of unravelling what he had woven before. But his fingers were entangled in the threads of his former Web; the King compassing him into his clutches, betrayed by Humphrey Banister his Servant. The Sheriff seised this Duke in Shropshire, where he was digging a ditch in a Disguise; How well he managed the Mattock and Spade, I know not, this I know, that in a higher sense, He had made a Pit, [to disinherit his Sovereign] and digged it, and is fallen into the Ditch which he had made, being beheaded at Sarisbury without any legal Trial, Anno 1484.
Memorable Persons.
NESTA. Hunger maketh men eat what otherwise they would let alone, not to say, cast away: The cause I confess (wanting matter to furnish out our Description) inviting me to meddle with this Memorable (not Commendable ) Person.
- 1. She was Daughter to Gr •… ffin Prince of Wales.
- 2. Wife to Bernard de Neumarch, a Noble Norman, and Lord by Conquest of this County.
- 3. Mother to Mahel, an hopeful Gentleman, and Sibyl his Sister.
- 4. Harlot to a young man, whose name I neither do, nor desire to know.
It happened, Mahel having got this Stallion into his power, used him very hardly, yet not worse than he deserved. Nesta madded hereat, came in open Court, and on her Oath, before King Henry the second, publicly protested, (no Manna like revenge to malicious minds, not caring to wound their Foes, though through themselves) that Mahel was •… e of Neumarch his Son, but begotten on her in Adultery.
This, if true, spake her dishonesty; if false, her perjury; true or false, her peerless impudency. Hereby she disinherited her Son, and settled a vast Territory on Sibyl her sole Daughter, married afterwards to Milo Earl of Hereford.
The Farewell.
When Mr. Speed in pursuance of his Description of England, passed this County, no fewer than Eight, who had been Bailiffs of Brecknock, gave him courteous entertainment. This doth confirm the Character I have so often heard of the Welsh Hospitality. Thus giving them their due praise on just occasion, I hope, that the British Reader will the better digest it, if he find some passages altogether as true as this, though nothing so pleasing to Him, in our following Farewells.
CARDIGAN-SHIRE.
CARDIGAN-SHIRE is washed on the West with the Irish Sea, and parted from the neighbouring Shires by Rivers, and the Reader will be careful that the similitude of their sounds betray him not to a mistake herein.
- 1. Dovi severing it on the North from Merioneth-shire.
- 2. Tovy on the East from Brecknock-shire.
- 3. Tyvy on the South from Carmarthen and Pembroke-shlre.
My Author saith the form thereof is Horn-like (wider towards the North ) and I may say it hath a Corn •… -Copia therein of all things for man's sustenance, especially if industry be used.
This County, though remotest from England, was soonest reduced to the English Dominion, whilst the Countries interposed maintained their liberty. The reason whereof was this; The English being far more potent in shipping than the Welsh, found it more facile to sails over the Mountains of Water (so the Surges of the Sea are termed by the Poet ) than march over the Mountains of Earth; and by their Fleet invaded and conquered this County in the reign of Rufus; and Henry the first bestowed the same entirely upon Gilbert de Clare.
Natural Commodities.
Bevers.
Plenty of these formerly did breed in the River Tyvy, which (saith Giraldus Cambrensis ) was the only place afforded them in all Britain. A cunning Creature, yet reported by some men more crafty than he is; who relate, that, being hunted, and in danger to be taken, he biteth off his Stones, as useful in Physic (for which only his life was then sought) and so escapeth. Hence some will have him called Castro, à Castrando seipsum: And others add, that having formerly bitten off his