The History of the Worthies of England

Wonders.

Giraldus Cambrensis reporteth a Fountain to be in this County (let he himself find it out and justify it) which conformable to the Sea, ebb •… h and floweth twice in four and twenty hours. But seeing this is a maritime Shire, possibly there may be a more then ordinary communication betwixt it and the Ocean, and then the wonder is not so great.

More credibly it is related, that there are in this Shire, strange subterranean Vaults, conceived the Castles of routed people in the Civil Wars. And no wonder, seeing David first set up in a defensive posture for himself in the Cave of Adullam, so that having no place where he could safely set the sole of his foot above ground, all his present help was under the Earth, and future hope was above the heavens.

Martyrs.

ROBERT FARRAR an English man by bi •… th, but where born unknown, was a prime Martyr of this County. A man not unlearned, but somewhat indiscreet, or rather uncomplying, which procured him much trouble: so that he may be said with Saint Laurence to be broiled on both sides, being persecuted both by Protestants and Papists.

He was preferred to be Bishop of Saint David's, by the Duke of Sommerset, then Lord Protector, who was put to death not long after. Some conceive, that the Patrons fall was the Chaplains greatest guilt, and encouraged his enemies against him. Of these, two were afterwards Bishops in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, viz. Thomas Young Arch. Bishop of York, and Rowland Merrick Bishop of Bangor.

Soldiers.

Sir RICE ap THOMAS was never more than a Knight, yet little less than a Prince in this his Native County. If the Author of Praelia Anglornm may not be believed,

King Henry the seventh will himself witness his worth. To him lately landed at Milford Haven with contemptible forces; this Sir Rice repaired with a considerable accession of choice Soldiers, marching with them to Bosworth field, where he right valiantly behaved himself. That thrifty King according to his cheap course of remuneration (rewarding Gown-men in Orders (by him most employed) with Church Livings, and Sword-men with Honor ) afterwards made Sir Rice Knight of the Order, and well might he give him a Garter, by whose effectual help he had recovered a Crown.

Elmelin in this County was one of his principal seats, whose name and •… ture he altered, building and calling it New-Castle, and I believe it one of the latest Castles in Wales, seeing since that time it hath been fashionable to demolish, not to erect fortified Houses.

As he appeared early, so he continued long in military action, for I find him in the fourth year of King Henry the eighth, conductor of five hundred light horse, at the pompous and expensive fiege of Therouene, where I meet his last mention in our English Chronicles.

WALTER de DEVEREUX son of— Devere •… x and Cicely his Wife (sole sister to Thomas Bourchier last Earl of Ess •… x ) was born in the town of Carmarthen, and by Queen Elizabeth in his Maternall Right created Earl of Essex. One Martially minded, and naturally hating Idleness, the Rust of the Soul.

Though time hath silenced the factions, and only sounded the Facts of Queen Elizabeth's Court, no place had more heart-burnings therein, and it was a great part of God's goodness and her prudence that no more hurt was done thereby. Many maligned our Earl— Tantae ne Animis Aularibus Irae? desirous to thrust him on dangerous designs. Nor need we consult the Oracle of Apollo to discover his chief Adversary, being he was a prime Favorite, who loved the Earls nearest relation better than he loved the Earl himself, whom he put on the project of Ireland.

Yet was not our Walter surprised into that service, seeing Injuria non fit volenti, and being sensible that his room was more welcome to some than his company at Court, he willingly embraced the employment. Articles (the first and last I believe in that kind) are drawn up betwixt the Queen and him, who was to maintain such a proportion of Soldiers on his own Cost, and to have part of the fair Territory of— ClandeBoy in Ulster for the conquering thereof. So much for the Bears skin, now all the craft will be to catch, kill, and fley the Bear himself.

Well, to maintain an Army (though a very little one) is a Sovereigns and no Subjects work, too heavy for the support of any private man's estate, which cost this Earl first the Mortgaging, then the selling out-right his fair Inheritance in Essex. Over he goeth into Ireland with a noble company of Kindred and Friends, supernumerary volunteers above the proportion of Soldiers agreed upon.

Sir William Fitz-Williams Lord Deputy of Ireland hearing of his coming, and suspecting ( Court jealousy riseth very early, or goeth not to bed at all) to be eclipsed by this great Earl, sollicits the Queen to maintain him in the full power of his place, without any diminution; alleging this, much to conduce to the Honor of her Majesty whom he represented. Hereupon it was Ordered, that the Earl should take his Commission from this Lord Deputy, which with much importunity and long attendance, he hardly obtained, and that with no higher Title than Governor of Ulster.

After many impressions (not over successfully) made in Ulster, he was by the Deputy remanded into the South of Ireland, where he spent much time (take much in little in my Authors words as to his general performance) Nullius bono sed magno suo damno. His Friends in the English Court grow few and cold, his Foes many and active; affronts were plentifully poured upon him, on purpose either to drown him in grief, or burn him in his own anger. From Munster he was sent back into Ulster, where he was forbidden to follow his blow, and use a Victory he had gotten: Yea, on a sudden stripped out of his Commission, and reduced to be a Governor of three hundred men: yet his stout Stomach (as true tempered Steele) bowed without breaking, in all these afflictions embracing all changes with the same tenor of const •… cy. P •… y days in Ireland came very thick, moneys out of England very slow; his noble Associates began to withdraw, common men to mutiny, so that the Earl himself was at the last recalled home.

Not long after he was sent over the second time into Ireland with a loftier Title, (the length of the Feather makes not the Head the higher ) of Earl Marshall of Ireland, where he fell into a strange looseness (not without suspicion of Poison) and he died, Anno 1576. His Soul he piously resigned to God, his Lands (much impaired) descended to his Son Robert, but ten years of age. His Body was brought over and buried in Carmarthen the place of his Nativity, and his Widow Lady (to say no more) was soon re-married to Robert Earl of Leicester. Let me add, that he died in the 36▪ year of his age, fatal to his Family, his Father and grand-Father dying in the same, which year Robert Earl of Essex his Son never attained to, and whether it had not been as honorable for his Grand-Child Robert Earl of Essex to have died in the same year of his age, or to have lived longer, let others decide.

Writers.

AMBROSE MERLIN was born at Carmarthen, a City so denominated from his Nativity therein. This I write in conformity to common Tradition (and he who will not errare cum vulgo, must pugnare cum vulgo ) my own judgment remonstrating against the same, finding the City called Mariadunum in Ptolemy, before Merlins Cradle was ever made, if Merlins Cradle was ever made.

His extraction is very incredible, reported to have an Incubus to his Father, pretending to a Pedigree older than Adam, even from the Serpent himself. But a Learned Pen demonstrateth the impossibility of such Conjunctions. And let us not load Satan with groundless sins, whom I believe the Father of lies, but [in a literal sense] no Father of Bastards.

Many are the pretended Prophesies of Merlin, whereof the British have a very high esteem, and I dare say nothing against them; only I humbly tender to this Nations consideration a modest Proverb of their own Country, Namyn Dduw nid oes Dewin; that besides God there is no Diviner. Yet I deny not but the Devil can give a shrewd conjecture; but often the deceiver is deceived. Sure I am Merlins Prophesies have done much mischief, seeing such who pretended skill therein, that they could unfold his meaning (though for my part I believe they must have the Devils key who open the Devils lock ) put Owen Glendower on his Rebellion against King Henry the fourth, persuading him the time was come wherein he should recover the Welsh Principality, which caused the making of those cruel Laws, with Draco's, written in blood against the Welsh, which no tender Englishman can read without regret.

There want not those who maintain Merlin to be a great Chymist, and those we know have a Language peculiar to themselves, so that his seeming Prophesies are not to be expounded historically but naturally, disguising the mysteries of that faculty from vulgar intelligence.

The best Prophesy I meet with in Merlin which hit the mark indeed, is what I find cited out of him by Giraldus Cambrensis.

This was accomplished under King James the sixth, when their Fastnesses (Irish Walls ) were dismantled, and Courts of Civil Justice set up in all the Land. But enough of Merlin, who is reported to have died Anno —

The Farewell.

How this County (with the rest of Wales ) hath preserved its woods in our unhappy Civil Wars is to me unknown; yet if they have been much wasted (which I suspect) I wish that the Pit-Coal, which in some measure it affordeth, may daily be increased for the supply of their fuel.

Wonders.

Giraldus Cambrensis telleth us how there is a Lake in Snowden Hills in this County, which hath a floating Island therein. But it seemeth that it either always swimmeth away from such who endeavor to discover it, or else that this vagrant wearied with long wandering hath at last fixed itself to the Continent. He telleth us also of Monoculous Fishes, though not fully acquainting us how their one eye is disposed. Whether Polyphemus -like in the midst of their head, or only on one side. The truth is, these One-eyed Fishes, are too nimble for any men with two eyes to behold them.

Proverbs.

Craig Eriry or Snow don will yield sufficient Pasture for all the Cattle of Wales put together.]

Some will say this cannot be literally true, except the Cattle of Wales be few, beneath, and Snow-don-hills fruitful above all belief. The best is, the time is not expressed how long these hills will suffice for their pasture. But let us not be so morose, but to understand the meaning of this expression, importing by help of an Hyperbole, the extraordinary fruitfulness of this place.

However, that Pilot is to be pitied, who to shun Scylla doth run on Charibdis, because those rocks were near and a narrow passage betwixt them; whereas the two Rivers of Clude and Conway are twenty miles a sunder, affording men scope enough to escape them; but little or much in such cases are the same with indiscreet persons.

Princes.

EDWARD the Fourth (but first surviving) son of King Edward the First and Queen Eleanor, was born at Carnarvon in this County, April 25. 1284. No Prince ever ascended the English Throne with greater, or used it with less advantage to himself.

First, though his Father had in a manner surprised the W •… lsh to accept him for their Prince, (pleading his royal extraction, birth in Wales, in ability to speak a word of English, and innocence that none could tax him with actual sin. ) Yet I find them not for his Fathers fallacy to think the worse of his Son, sic juvat esse deceptos, and generally they accepted him, as preferring that a Prince should be put with wit, rather than with violence upon them.

In England he succeeded to a wise and victorious Father who happily had hit the expedient to be both beloved and feared by his Subjects, leaving the land in so good a posture for government, that touch the wheel and it would turn in the right tract of its self. But this Edward first estranged himself from his Subjects, and [in effect] subjected himself to a stranger Pierse Gaveston his French Minion, and after his execution to the two Spencers, who though Native English-men, were equally odious to the English for their insolence.

Hence it was that he first lost the love of his Subjects, then of his Queen (the vacuity of whose bed was quickly filled up) then his Crown, then his Life. Never any English Kings case was so pitiful, and his person less pitied, all counting it good reason that he should give entertainment to that woe, which his willfulness had invited home to himself. His violent death happened at Berkley Castle, September. 22. 1327.

Saints.

There is an Island called Berdsey justly reduceable to this County (lying within a mile of the South-West Promontory thereof) wherein the Corps of no fewer than twenty thousand Saints are said to be interred.

Estote vos omnes Sancti; Proud Benhadad boasted that the dust of Samaria did not suffice for handfuls for all the people that followed him. But where would so many thousand Bodies find Graves in so petty an Islet? But I retrench myself, confessing it more facile to find Graves in Berdsey for so many Saints, than Saints for so many Graves.

States=Men.

JOHN WILLIAMS was born at Aber-Conwy in this County, bred Fellow of Saint Johns College in Cambridge, Proctor of the University, Dean of Westminster, Bishop of Lincoln, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and lastly Arch-Bishop of York. In my Church History I have offended his Friends, because I wrote so little in his praise, and distasted his Foes because I said so much in his defense. But I had rather to live under the indignation of others, for relating what may offend, than die under the accusation of my own conscience, for reporting what is untrue. He died on the 25. day of March, 1649.

Prelates since the Reformation.

RICHARD VAUGHAN, born at Nuffrin (or else at Etern ) in this County, was bred Fellow in Saint Johns College in Cambridge, and was afterwards successively Bishop of Bangor, Chester, and lastly of London; a very corpulent man, but spiritually minded; an excellent Preacher, and pious Liver, on whom I find this Epigram, which I will endeavor to English.

Here to justify the observation, Praesul must be taken for a plain Bishop, and primus accounted but from the conversions of the Saxons to Christianity. For, orherwise we find no fewer than sixteen Arch Bishops of London, before that time, and all of the British Nation. He was a most pleasant man in discourse, especially at his Table, maintaining that Truth, At meals be glad, for sin be sad, as indeed he was a mortified man. Let me add, nothing could tempt him to betray the Rights of the Church to sacrilegious Hands, not sparing sharply to reprove some of his own Order on that account. He died March 30. 1607. being very much lamented.

HENRY ROULANDS born in this County, bred in the University of Oxford, was consecrated Bishop of Bangor, Novemb. 12. 1598. We have formerly told how Bishop Bulkley plundered the Tower of Saint Asaph of five fair Bells; now the bounty of this Bishop bought four new ones for the same (the second Edition in Cases of this kind is seldom as large as the first ) whereof the biggest cost an hundred pounds. He also gave to Jesus College in Oxford, means for the maintenance of two Fellows. He died Anno Dom. 1615.

The Farewell.

The Map of this County (as also of Denby and Flint-shire ) in Mr. Speed is not divided (as other Shires in England and Wales ) with Pricks into their several Hundreds, which would have much conduced to the completing thereof, whereof he rendereth this reason, That he could not procure the same (though promised him) out of the Sheriffs Books; fearing lest the riches of their Shire should be further sought into by revealing such particulars. He addeth moreover, This I have observed in all my Survey, that where least is to be had the greatest fears are possessed. I would advise these Counties hereafter to deny no small Civility to a painful Author, holding a Pen in his hand, for fear a drop of his Ink fall upon them; for though juice of Lemmon will fetch such spots out of Linnen, when once printed in a Book they are not so easily got out, but remain to posterity.

Natural Commodities.

Buildings.

The Church of Wrexham is commended for a fair and spacious building, and it is questionable, whether it claimeth more praise for the artificial Tower thereof, or for the

Prelates.

LEOLINE being born in the Marches, he had a double name, to notify him to posterity. One, after the Welsh-mode à Patre, Leoline ap Llewelin ap Yuyr, the other according to the custom of the English Clergy, à Patria, Leoline de Bromfield, a most fruitful tract of ground in this County. Under King Edward the first, Anno 1293. he was consecrated Bishop of Saint Asaph, and deserved right well of that See, by his manifold Benefactions, appropriating some Churches to his Chapter.

As for a portion of Tithes in the Parish of Corwen, appropriated to the Fabric of the Church, he reduced it to its former estate. The first and last instance (for Precedent I dare not call it) which I have met with, of a Church legally appropriated, which reverted to its presentative propriety. Had King Henry the eighth, at the dissolution of Abbeys, followed this example, the Church had been richer by many pounds; the Exchequer not poorer by a penny. I find also, that he asked leave of King Edward the first to make a Will, which may seem very strange, whether it was a Court-complement, or ex gratia cautela, or because Welsh Bishops in that age might not Testamentize without Royal assent. By his Will he bequeathed much of Plate, rich Vests and Books to the Canons of that Church and his Chaplains, dying Anno Dom. 1313.

Writers since the Reformation.

WILLIAM SALESBURY was born in this County, where his family flourisheth at this day. This Gentleman out of a love to his Native language, Amor patriae ration valentior omni, composed a short English and Welsh, Dictionary, first privately presented to, and approved by King Henry the eighth, (being a Tuthar, by his Fathers side of Welsh extraction) and then publicly printed, Anno Dom. 1547.

Some captious spirits will quarrel the usefulness thereof, seeing the Welsh did not want, and the English did not wish a Book of that natnre. But, let them know that it is useful for both Nations; to the English for attaining, to the Welsh for retaining that Language.

Attaining. For being an original Tongue, an Antiquary is lame without it, (which I find by my own defect) to understand the ( few of many ) remaining Monuments of that Nation.

Retaining. That Tongue as well as others by disuse being subject not only to Corrup •… ion, but Oblivion, by the confession of the Natives of that Country. Indeed all Dictionaries of Languages are very useful, Words bringing Matter to the Tongue, and as Plato well observed, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . A Name or Word is an instrument of Instruction, and ushere •… h Knowledge into our Understanding.

However, seeing nothing can be begun and finished at once, Salesbury his Book, (as the first in this kind) did rather essay, than effect the work, and since hath been completed by others. He died about the year, 1560.

Benefactors to the Public since the Reformation.

Sir THOMAS Son of RICHARD EXMEW, was born at Rythin in this County. Being bred in London a Goldsmith, he thrived therein so well, that Anno 1517. he was Lord Mayor thereof, besides other Benefactions in his own Country: and to Saint Mary Magdalene in Milk-street, London, (where he lies buried.) He made the Water Conduit by London-wall at More-gate. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , (so Pindar begins his Poems) Water is a Creature of absolute and common Concernment, without which we should be burnt with the thirst, and buried with the filth of our own bodies.

GABRIEL GOODMAN, Son of Edward Goodman, Esq was born at Rythin in th •… s County, afterwards Doctor of Divinity in Saint Johns College in Cambridge, and Dean of Westminster, where he was fixed for full forty years; though by his own parts and his friends power, he might have been what he would have been in the Church of England. Abigail said of her Husband, Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But it may be said of this worthy Dean, Goodman was his name, and goodness was in his nature, as by the ensuing Testimonies will appear.

• 1. The Bible was translated into Welsh on his cost, as by a note in the Preface thereof doth appear.
• 2. He founded a School-house, with a competent salary in the Town of his Nativity; as also, erected and endowed an Alms-House therein for twelve poor people.
• 3. He repaired the House for the Minister (there called the Warden ) of Rythin, furnishing it with Plate and other Utensils, which were to descend to his Successors.
• 4. He purchased a fair House with Land thereunto at Chiswick in Middlesex, where with his own hands he set a fair Row of Elmes, now grown up to great beauty and height, for a retiring place for the Masters and Scholars at Westminster in the heat of Summer, or any time of Infection. If these Lands at this Day be not so profitably employed, as they were by the Donor piously intended, it is safer to bemoan the sad effect, than accuse the causers thereof.

There needs no other Testimony of his Honesty and Ability, than that our English Nestor, the Lord Treasurer Cecil, made him one of the Executors of his Will, to dispose of great sums to charitable uses; which Trust he most faithfully discharged. He died in the year 1601. and is buried in the Collegiate Church of Westminster, whereof he so well deserved, as of all England, Mr. Cambden performing his Perambulation about it on his expenses.

Sir HUGH MIDDLETON, Son of Richard Middleton was born at Denbigh in this County, and bred in London. This is that worthy Knight, who hath deserved well of London, and in it of all England. If those be recounted amongst David's worthies, who breaking through the Army of the Philistines, fetched water from the Well of Bethlehem, to satisfy the longing of David (founded more on fancy than necessity, ) how meritorious a work did this worthy man perform, who to quench the thirst of thousands in the populous City of London, fetched water on his own cost, more than 24. miles, encountering all the way with an Army of oppositions, grappling with Hills, struggling with Rocks, fighting with Forrests, till in defiance of difficulties he had brought his project to perfection? But, Oh wha •… an injury was it unto him, that a potent Person, and idle Spectator should strike in; (Reader I could heartily wish, it were a falsho •… d what I report) and by his greatness possess a moity of the profit, which the unwearied endeavors of the foresaid Knight had purchased to himself!

The Farewell.

I heartily wish this County may find many like Robert Eari of Leicester (by his bounty much advancing the building of a new Church in Denbigh) who may willingly contribute their Charity for the repairing of all decayed Churches therein. Yea, may it be happy in faithful and able Ministers, that by their pains they may be built up in the Faith of the Lord.

Proverbs.

That is, more then one Yugh-Bow in Chester. Modern use applieth this Proverb to such, who seize on other folks goods (not with intent to steal but) mistaken with the similitude thereof to their own goods. But give me leave to conjecture the original hereof, seeing Cheshire-men have been so famous for Archery.

Princes.

ELIZABETH the seventh Daughter of King Edward the first, and Queen Elenor, was born at Ruthland Castle in this County; a place which some unwarily confound with Rythin Town in Denbigh shire. This Castle was anciently of such receipt, that the King and his Court were lodged therein; yea, a Parliament, or something equivalent, was kept here, or hereabouts; seeing we have the Statutes of Ruthland (on the same token the year erroneously printed in the Statutes of Ruthland ) made in the—year of King Edward the first. This Lady Elizabeth at fourteen years of age was married to John, the first of that name, Earl of Holland, Zealand, &c. And after his death, remarried to Humfre •… Bohune Earl of Hereford and Essex, High Constable of England, by whom he had a numerous issue. She died Anno Dom. 1316. and was buried in the Abby-Church of Saffron Walden in Essex.

Saints.

CONGELLUS or COMGALLUS. I perceive a storm a coming, and must provide a shelter against it. The omitting this Writer will make Wales angry, and the inserting him will make Ireland offended with me, whom a good Antiquary makes the first Abb •… t of Banchor in this County, and a better (though living later) first Abbot of Bangor nigh Nockfergus in Ireland. What is to be done herein? When the Controversy was started, whether the Isle of Man belonged to England or Ireland, it was adjudged to the later, because no venomous Creature will live therein. But this controverted nativity is not capable of that discrimination. Indeed if the difference was betwixt Wales and England my Native Country, concerning Congellus, we would (according to our premised principles) freely resign him, not daring to be so bold with an outlandish Interest: let him stand here so long till better evidence be brought to remove him. For if those be beheld as the worst of Felons, who steal straggling Children in London streets from their Parents, and spirit them over unto foreign Plantations; high also is their robbery, who deprive Countries of their true Natives (as to their Memories after their deaths) and dispose them elsewhere at their pleasures. As for Congellus, it is agreed on all hands, that he was one of a pious life, who wrote learned Epistles, and being aged eighty five years, died Anno Dom. 600.

St. BENO was instructer to Saint Wenefride, committed by her Father to his careful Education; now it happened when the head of the said Wenefride was cut off by Cradocus Son to Alane King of North Wales (for not yielding to his unlawful lust) This Beno miraculously set it on again, she living fifteen years after. But if the tip of his tongue who first told, and the top of his fingers who first wrote this damnable lie, had been cut off, and had they both been sent to attend their cure at the Shrine of Saint Beno, certainly they would have been more wary afterwards, how they reported or recorded such improbable untruths.

ASAPH was born in these parts, of right honorable parentage, and bred at LlanElvy in this County, under Kentigernus (or Mongo ) the Scotch Bishop in that place. Here the said Kentiger •… us had a Convent consisting of 663. Monks, whereof 300. being unlearned (in the nature of Lay-Brethren ) were employed abroad in Husbandry, as many busied about work at home, the rest attended Divine service in the Convent, so divided, that some were always officiating therein. Amongst these Asaph was eminently conspicuous, for piety and learning, in so much, that Kentigernus (being called into his own Country) resigned both his Convent and Cathedral unto him. Here this Bishop demeaned himself with such Sanctity, that Llan-Elvy lost its name, and after his death was called from him, St. Asaph. He was an assiduous Preacher, having this Speech in his mouth, Such who are against the preaching of God's Word, envy man's salvation. Bishop Godwin confesseth himself ignorant of the certain time of his death, though another (not more knowing, but more confident) assigneth the first of May (but with this abatement) about 569. I say not out possibly, a random date may hap to hit the mark.

Here I would be thankful to them, who should expound unto me, that passage in J. Bale, concluding the life of this Saint, with these words,

This neither Pits owneth (ready enough to steal out of Bale, especially to improve what might sound to Papal advantage) nor any other Romanist writing his Life, whom I have seen, so that it seems to me a Note 〈◊〉 scattered. After the death of Saint Asaph, his See stood void above 500. years, until Jeffery of Monmouth was placed therein.

Prelates since the Reformation.

RICHARD PARRY D. D. was born at Ruthin in this County; bred in Christ Church in Oxford▪ whence he was preferred Dean of Bangor, and at last Bishop of Saint Asaph, consecrated Decemb. 30. 1604. Bishop Godwin passeth on him this Complement (take it in the best derivation of the word from Completio mentis ) that he desireth being so near unto him in time and his Studies, to be his equal in other Episcopal Qualities. I crave the Readers leave to forbear any further Character of him. Pictures present buildings, presumed at great distance, very small, whilst such things which are▪ supposed near the eye, are made in a greater proportion. Clean contrary I may sasely write largely on men's lives at far distance, whilst (as I may say) I must make Landskips of those near hand, and touch little on them, who lived in later times. Bishop Parry died Anno Dom. 16. . . .

Soldiers.

OWEN GLENDOWER-WYE was born in his ancient Patrimony of Glendower-Wye in this County, then bred in London a Student in the Common Law, till he became a Courtier, and servant to King Richard the second. After whose death, this Owen being then on the wrong side of preferment, retired to this his Native County, where there arose a difference betwixt him and his neighbor the Lord Gre of Ruthen about a piece of Common, which Owen by force recovered, and killed the Lord Gre.

There wanted not many to spur his posting Ambition, by telling him, that he was the true Heir to all North Wales, and now or never the time to regain it. That the injuries he had already offered the English were above pardon, and no way left to secure himself, but by committing greater. There needeth no Torch to light Tinder, where a Spark will do the deed, and hereupon Owen brake out into open rebellion.

The worst was, being angry with the King, his revenge fell upon God, burning down the fair Cathedrals of Bangor and Saint Asaph. His destructive nature delighted in doing mischief to others, though no good to himself. King Henry the fourth found it more facile by far, to depose King Richard, than subdue this Owen, who had taken Roger Mortimer Earl of March (and next Heir to the Crown) prisoner.

Writers.

ELVODUGUS, surnamed Probus (and no doubt it was true of him, what was said of Probus the Emperor, he was Vir sui nominis ) was a Cambrian by birth, and this Countryman by habitation; for he lived most of his days at Bangor Monachorum, in that age the Cambridge and Oxford of all Britain. He wrote many Books (and particularly a Chronicle of his Nation) which the envy of time hath denied to posterity. He had many eminent men for his Scholars, amongst whom was learned Nenniu •… , commonly called Nennius Elvodugi, assuming his Masters name for his surname, on which account some mistake him for his Father. This Elvoduge flourished Anno 590.

Benefactors to the Public since the Reformation.

RICHARD CLOUGH was born at Denbigh in this County, whence he went to be a Chorister in the City of Chester. Some were so affected with his singing therein, that they were loath he should lose himself in empty air (Church-Music beginning then to be discountenanced) and persuaded, yea, procured his removal to London, where he became an Apprentice to, and afterwards Partner with Sir Thomas Gresham. He lived some years at Antwerp, and afterwards travelled as far as Jerusalem, where he was made a Knight of the Sepulcher, though not owning it after his return under Queen Elizabeth (who disdained her Subjects should accept of such foreign Honor) he afterwards by God's blessing grew very rich; and there want not those, who will avouch that some thousands of pounds were disbursed by him for the building of the Burse or Royal Exchange. Such maintain that it was agreed betwixt him and Sir Thomas Gresham, that the survivor should be chief Heir to both; on which account they say that the Knight carried away the main of the Estate. How much the new Church in Denbigh was beholding to his bounty, I am not as yet certainly in •… ormed. This is true, that he gave the Impropriation of Killken in Flint-shire, worth an hundred pounds per annum to the Free School in Denbigh; and if the same at this day be aliened, I question whether Repentance without Restitution will secure such who are the Causers thereof. He died Anno Dom, 15—

Memorable Persons.

THOMAS ap William, ap Thomas, ap Richard, ap Howel, ap Evan Va •… ghan, &c. Esquire, was born of ancient and worshipful Parentage at Moston in this County. This Gentleman being called at the Pannel of a Jury by the aforesaid names, and many more, was advised by the Judge in the reign of King Henry the eight, for brevity sake to contract his name, who thereupon denominated himself Moston, from the place of his Nativity and ancient Inheritance. This leading Case was precedential to the practice of other Gentry in Wales, who (leaving their Pedigrees at home) carry one surname only abroad with them, whereby much time (especially in Winter when the days are short) is gained for other employment.

The Farewell.

I understand that superstitious pilgrimages do still continue of fond people in this County to the Well of St. Winifred, and will only presume to mind them of a savoury Proverb of their own Nation, Goreu Pererindod Cyrchu offeren Sull, that is, It is the best Pilgrimage to frequent the Divine Duties of the Sabbath. A Pilgrimage it may well be called in Wales, where some Parishes are so large, people go ten miles to Church, and whose pains are employed more acceptable to God, than in longer peregrinations to less porpose.

Wonders.

Giraldus Cambrensis reports that in the Island Barrey (termed so from Baruch an Holy man that was there buried) three miles from the mouth of Taff, there appeareth a chink in a Rock or Cliff, to which if you lay your ear, you may easily discover a noise, not altogether unlike to Smiths at work, one while blowing of the Bellows, another while striking of the Hammer, the grinding of Iron Tools, the hissing of Steel Gads, yea the puffing noise of Fire in a Furnace. I must confess myself at a loss for the reason thereof; for it cannot proceed from the close stealing in of the Sea water (as some have supposed) seeing the same noise continueth even at a low Ebb, when the Sea is departed.

There is also at Newton on the bank of Ogmore west-ward, a Well, the water whereof is so low at the flowing of the Sea in Summer, you can scarce get up a dish full of the same; whereas at the ebb thereof you may easily recover a pail or bucket full. Mr. Cambden doubting of the truth, made his own eyes Witnesses herein, finding it true according to the common relation, adding withal that it is the same (thoughnot so discernible by reason of the accession of much rain water) in Winter.

Civilians.

Sir EDWARD CARNE is here placed with confidence, because assured to be a Welsh-man, and I find his Family flourishing at Wenny in this County. He was bred (I believe in Oxford ) Doctor of the Civil Law, and was Knighted by Charles the fifth, Emperor.

The first public service he eminently appeared in was, when King Henry the eight having intelligence of the Popes intention, shortly to cite him to appear at Rome, either in Person or Proxy, d •… spatched him thither for his Excusator, to remonstrate that his Grace was not bound by Law so to appear.

This he effectually performed, pleading, that the Emperor was so powerful at Rome, that he could not expect Justice; declaring, that unless they desisted, he must appeal thence to the able men in some indifferent Universities; and if this were refused, he protested a nullity in all that they did. A behavior which spake him of no less Valour than Ability.

Queen Mary highly prized him, and no whit the less, for his cordial appearing for King Henry in the matter of her Mothers Divorce, imputing it to the discharge of his C •… edit and Calling, in him who otherwise was a thorough paced Romanist, and whom she employed her Embassador to the Pope.

After her death he still resided at Rome, and by command from Queen Elizabeth, repaired to Pope Paul the fourth, to give him an account, that his Mistress was called to the Crown of England. To whom the Pope returned, That England was a Fee of the Church of Rome, and that she could not succeed as Illegitimate. A str •… nge reply •… o a civil Message, and fitting his mouth with whom it was a usual saying, That he would have no Prince in his Compagnion, but all Subject under his Foot.

Besides, he commanded Sir Edward Carne, to lay down the Office of an Embassador, and under the pain of the greater Excommunication, and confiscation of all his goods, not to go out of the City, but to take on him the Regiment of the English Hospital therein. So that I see not how Queen Elizabeth can be taxed by the Papists for a Schismatic, and willful breach from the Church of Rome, being thrust away thence by the Pope himself, so barbarously treating her Embassador (whilst as yet she had made no alteration in Religion) against the Law of Nations; though I confess, some conceive, that the crafty old Knight was (such his addiction to Popery) well contented with his restraint, wherein he died, 1561.

The Farewell.

I heartily congratulate the return of the Name (and with it of the See) to Landaff in this County. Sure I am, our Civil Wars had deprived it of the better moity of its appellation Land, leaving bare aff, thereunto. I am not Ignorant that Landaff, in British, is the Church by Taff, though that Church I fear will not stand long that hath lost its ground. Happy therefore is it, that now Landaff may be truly termed Landaff, having through God's goodness, (and long may it possess them) regained its ancient Lands and Revenues.

Wonders.

There is a Lake in this County called in British Lhin-tegid, in English Pimble-mear, which may be termed our Leman Lake, having the same work of wonder therein, though set forth by nature in a less Letter. For as Rhodanus running through that French Lake, preserveth his stream by itself (discernible by the discolouration thereof) with the Fishes peculiar thereunto. The same is here observed betwixt the River Dee, and the water of the Lake; so that here is (what some cavil at in the Grammar ) a Conjunction disjunctive. Let Philosophers dispute, what invisible partition incloseth the one severally from the other. I have heard some, by way of similitude, apply it to such, who being casually cast into bad company, lie at such a cautious posture of defense, that they keep their own innocence entire, not maculated with the mixture of their bad manners, as rather being in, than of, their Society.

We must not forget another strange quality of Pimble-mear, viz. It swelleth not with all the Waters, and those very many, which fall therein by the bordering Mountains, whereas a blast of wind will quickly make it mount above the bounds and banks thereof. Like some strange dispositions, not so much incensed with blows, as provoked by words (accounted but wind) into passion.

I know not whether it be worth the relating, what is known for a truth of a Market Town called Dogelthy in this Shire, that

This last I had [mediately] from the mouth of a Judge in his Charge condemning the same.

Saints.

Saint THELIAN was of British extraction, and placed here until with certainty he c •… n be removed to another County. He was bred under Dubritius Bishop of Landaff, by whose Holy care he attained to a competent Learning, and exemplary Sanctity. Great his acquaintance and intimacy with Saint David Bishop of Menevia.

In his days the Picts harrassed his Country, he was much envied for his Holiness, by one of their chief Commanders, who sent two lewd Strumpets, supposing by their tempting tricks to entrap this holy man. These women counterfeiting madness (whereby they might assume the more liberty to themselves of filthy discourse) returned distracted indeed, not having understanding enough to relate the cause of their sad misfortune, which wrought so much upon the first design of their practices, that he received the Faith and was baptized, and ever after had a great veneration and esteem for this our Saint.

He accompanied Saint David to Jerusalem, and returning into his own Country, by his fervent Prayers freed the same from the Plague, wherewith it was then much infested. His death happened February the ninth, about the year of our Lord, 563.

The Farewell.

This County (the inhabitants whereof generally betake themselves to the feeding of Sheep) was much beholding to Ludwall their Prince, who (King Edgar imposing on him as a yearly Tribute, the presenting him with three hundred Wolves) did in a manner free it from Wolves. It is my desire, that seeing that ill natured Creature is at this day totally removed out of it, that the people wholly lay aside all strife and animosities, and give no longer occasion to the Proverb, Homo Homini Lupus.

Natural Commodities.

Proverbs.

In English the Three Sisters, being a common By-word to express the three Rivers of 〈◊〉 , Severn, Rhiddiall, arising all three in this County, out of the South-west side of Plynnillimmon Hill, within few paces one of another, but falling into the Sea more miles asunder; Severn into the Severn Sea, Wye into the Severn, Rhiddiall into the Irish Sea.

The Tradition is, that these three sisters were to run a race, which should be first married to the Ocean, Severn and Wye having a great journey to go, chose their way through soft Meadows, and kept on a Travelers pace; whilst Rhiddiall (presuming on her short Journey) staid before she went out, and then to recover her lost time, runs furiously in a distracted manner, with her mad stream, over all opposition.

The Proverb is appliable to Children of the same Parents, issuing out of the same Womb, but of different dispositions, and embracing several courses of lives in this World, so that their Cradles were not so near, but their Coffins are as far asunder.

That is, Powis is the Paradise of Wales. This Proverb referreth to Teliessen the Author thereof, at what time Powis had far larger bounds than at this day, as containing all the land inter-jacent betwixt Wye and Severn; of the pleasantness whereof we have spoken before.

That is, Fixt thy Pale [with intent to sense out his water] in Severn, Severn will be as before. Appliable to such who undertake projects above their power to perform, or grapple in vain against Nature, which soon returns to its former condition.

Writers.

GEORGE HERBERT was born at Montgomery-Castle, younger Brother to Edward Lord Herbert (of whom immediately) bred Fellow of Trinity College in Cambridge, and Orator of the university, where he made a speech no less learned than the occasion was welcome, of the return of Prince Charles out of Spain.

He was none of the Nobles of T •… koa, who at the building of Jerusalem put not their necks to the work of the Lord; but waving worldly preferment, chose serving at God's Altar before State-employment. So pious his life, that as he was a copy of primitive, he might be a pattern of Sanctity to posterity, to testify his independency on all others, he never mentioned the name of Jesus Christ, but with this addition, My Master. Next God the Word, he loved the Word of God, being heard often to protest, That he would not part with one leaf thereof for the whole world.

Remarkable his conformity to Church-Discipline, whereby he drew the greater part of his Parishioners to accompany him daily in the public celebration of Divine Service. Yet had he (because not desiring) no higher preferment than the Benefice of Bemmerton nigh Salisbury (where he built a fair house for his Successor) and the Prebend of Leighton (founded in the Cathedral of Lincoln ) where he built a fair Church, with the assistance of some few Friends free Offerings. When a Friend on his death bed went about to comfort him with the remembrance thereof, as an especial good work, he returned, It is a good work if sprinkled with the Blood of Christ. But his Church (that unimitable piece of Poetry) may out-last this in structure. His death happened Anno Dom. 163—

EDWARD HERBERT, Son of Richard Herbert, Esquire, and Susan Newport his Wife, was born at Montgomery * Castle in this County, Knighted by King James, who sent him over Embassador into France. Afrerwards King Charles the first created him Baron of Castle Island in Ireland, and some years after Baron of Cheirbury in this Coun •… y; he was a most excellent Artist and rare Linguist, studied both in Books and Men, and himself the Author of two Works most remarkable, viz. A Treatise of 〈◊〉 , written in French, so highly prized beyond the Seas, that (as I am told) it is extant at this day with great Honor in the Popes Vatican.

He married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir William Herbert of Saint Julians in Monmouth-shire, with whom he had a large Inheritance both in England and Ireland. He died in August, Anno Domini 1648. and was buried in Saint Giles in the fields, London, having designed a fair Monument of his own Invention to be set up for him in the Church of Montgomery, according to the Model following;

This Monument hath not hitherto, (by what obstruction I list not to inquire) and I fear will not be finished, which hath invited me the rather to this Description, that it might be erected in Paper when it was intended in Marble.

Memorable Persons.

HAWIS GADARN. She was a Lady of remark, sole Daughter and Heir to Owen ap Graffyth, Prince of that part of Powis called Powis Wenwinwin, which taketh up this whole County. She was justly (as will appear) surnamed Gadarn, that is, the Hardy. I confess Hardy sounds better when applied to men (as Philip the Hardy, a Prince in France) meek and mild, being a more proper Epethite for a woman. Yet some competent hardiness (to comport with troubles) mis-becometh not the weaker Sex; and indeed if she had not been Hawis the Hardy, she had been Hawis the Beggerly. She had four Uncles, her Fathers Brethren, Lhewelyn, John, Griffith Vachan, and David, which uncles became her Cozens, detaining all her inheritance from her. Give (said they) a Girle a little Gold and marry her, God and nature made Land for men to manage.

Hereupon Hawis comes to Court, complains to King Edward the second. The mention of her minds me of the Daughter of Zelophehad, who pleaded so pathetically for her patrimony before Moses and Joshua. The King commiserating her case, consigned his Servant John Charleton (born at Apple in Shropshire ) a vigorous Knight to marry her, creating him in her right B •… ron of Powis.

Thus was he possessed of his Lady, but get her Land as he can, it was bootless to implead her uncles in a Civil Court, Action was the only Action he could have against them, and he so bestirred himself with the assistance of the Kings Forces, that in short time he possessed himself of three of her uncles prisoners, and forced the fourth to a composition. Yea, he not only recovered every foot of his Wives Land, but also got all the L •… nds of her uncles, in default of their issue male to be settled upon her. I wish that all Ladies injured by their potent Relations, may have such Husbands to marry them, and match their adversaries. These things happened about the year of our Lord, 1320.

Know Reader, there were four John Charletons successively Lord's of Powis, which I observe rather, because their Homonymy may not occasion confusion.

JULINES HERRING was born at Flambere-Mayre in this County 1582. His Father returned hence to Coventry, to which he was highly related. Coventry, whose Ancestors (for the space of almost two hundred years) had been in their course chief Officers of that City. Perceiving a pregnancy in their Son, his parents bred him in Sidney College in Cambridge, he becamê afterwards a profitable and painful Preacher at Calk in Derby-shire, in the Town of Shrewsbury▪ and at Rendbury in Cheshire, being one of a pious life, but in his judgment disaffected to the English Church-Discipline.

I could do no less than place him amongst the memorable Persons, otherwise coming under no Topic of mine (as writing no Books to my knowledge) 〈◊〉 hi •… Life written at large by Mr. Samuel Clark.

I say Mr. Clark whose Books of our modern Divines I have perused, as Travelers by the Levitical Law were permitted to pass thorough other men's Vinyards. For they must eat their fill on conditions they put no Grapes up in their Vessels. I have been satisfied with reading his works, and informed myself in Places and Dates of some men's births and deaths. But never did nor will (whatever hath been said of me, or done by others) incorporate any considerable quantity of his Works in my own, detesting such Felony, God having given me (be it spoken with thanks to him, and humility to man) plenty of my own, without being plagiary to any Author whatsoever.

To return to Julines Herring, whose Christian name is very usual in the Country amongst people of quality, in memory of Julius Palmer (in the Marian Days martyred, and) a Native of that City; he being prohibited his preaching here, for his non-Conformity, was called over to Amsterdam, where he continued Preacher to the English Congregation, some years well respected in his place, and died in the year of our Lord, 1644.

The Farewell.

And now being to take our leave of this County, the worst I wish the Inhabi •… ants thereof, is, that their Horses (excellent in their kind, whereof before) may (to use •… he Coun •… -man's expression) Stand well, being secured from all Infectious and pe •… lential Dise •… ses. •… he rather because when God is pleased to strike this Creature (not unfitly termed man's wings, whereby he so swi •… tly flieth from one place to another, for dispatch of his occasions) it is a sad presage, that he is angry with the Riders, and will (without their seasonable Repentance) punish their sins with some exemplary judgment.

Manufactures.

Saints.

Saint AMPHIBALUS a Citizen of Carlion. See the Saints in Hereford shire.

Saint AARON was a wealthy Citizen of Carlion in this County, who for the testimony of the Christian Faith, was martyred under the Tyrant Emperor Dioclesian. By the way we may observe the names of the three first British Martyrs as to their Language.

It seems that the Christian Britons at the Font quitted their Native names as barbarous, and imposed on their Children those of the learned Languages. This Aaron was martyred, Anno Dom. 303.

Saint JULIUS. It is pity to part so fast friends, both being Citizens of Carlion. Yea, they were lovely in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided, both suffering martyrdom together, and therefore like Philip and Jacob one day is assigned to their Memories in the Kalendar.

Nor must I forget how Carlion the place of their abode, though now a small Town, was once a great City stretching so far o •… both sides of the River, that Saint Julians (a house of late of Sir William Herberts ) was sometimes within the City, though now about a mile South-West thereof, being a Church dedicated anciently to the Memory of this Saint Julius.

Cardinals.

GEFFERY of Monmouth is by some very firmly avouched to have been created a Cardinal, but by what Pope, and with what Title uncertain; but my worthy Author justly suspecteth the truth hereof; alleging that Popes in that age advanced few Foreigners at so great a distance to that Title, except their merits to the See of Rome (which appears not to this Jeffery ) were very great. Let me add, that it is improbable so much honor should be done unto him whilst living, who was so solemnly disgraced after his death; whose Books (extant in his life) were afterwards by the Court of Rome publicly prohibited. See him therefore in this Shire under the Title of Writers.

JOHN of Monmouth, so called from the place of his Nativity, D. D. and Canon of Lincoln, was chosen Anno 1296. Bishop of Landaff. The manner whereof was remarkable, for when Robert Kilwarby complained to Pope Celestine, how that Cathedral had been for seven years without a Bishop; (caused either by the troublesomness of those Times, or the exility of revenue thereof) his Holiness remitted his Election wholly to the discretion of this Arch-Bishop, to confer that vacant See on whomsoever he pleased. The Arch-Bishop knowing all eyes intent on his Integrity herein, resolved on a Welsh-man by his birth (as most proper for, and acceptable in the place) and on one of merit for the Function.

Both Qualifications met in this John of Monmouth, as British by his birth and alliance, and Charactered to be Doctus & Pius Theologus. One of his Successors in that Bishopric acknowledgeth that he was Multimodis sedi suae Benefactor, and more particularly, that he procured the Rectory of Newland in the Forest of Dean to be appropriated thereunto. But one Bishop [ Anthony Kitchen by name] more unlanded Landaff in one, than all his Predecessors endowed it in four hundred years. This John dying April 8. 1323. was buried in Saint Mary's Chapel, whose Epitaph in French is hardly legible at this day on his Marble Monument.

WALTER CANTILUPE was Son to William [the elder] Lord Cantilupe, whose prime residence was at Abergavennie in this County. One of high birth, higher preferment (made by King Henry the third, Bishop of Worcester ) and highest spirit. In his time the Popes Legate came into England, and complained of m •… ny Clergy-men, keeping their livings against the Canons, intending either to force such irregular Incumbents into avoidance, (so to make room for the Popes Favorites) or else to compound for their continuance at his arbitrary price. But our Walter would not yield to such extortion. Indeed he was one of a keen nature, and his two-edged spirit did cut on both sides, against

Lying on his death-bed he was touched with true remorse for his disloyalty, and upon his desire obtained absolution. He died February the fifth, 1267. whom I behold as Uncle unto Thomas Cantilupe the Sainted Bishop of Hereford.

Soldiers.

RICHARD de CLARE was born (as from all concentred probabilities may be conjectured) at Strigule-Castle in this County, and had the Title of Earl of Strigule and Pembroke. He was otherwise surnamed Strongbow, from drawing so strong a Bow, and had Brachia projectissima, saith my Author; though I can hardly believe that Reacher, which another writeth of him, that with the palms of his hands he could touch his knees, though he stood up right. More appliable to him is the expression of Tully, Nihil egit levi brachio, being a person of effectual performance.

It happened that Mac Murugh Lord of Leinster, in the year of our Lord 1167. being expelled his Territory for several Tyrannies, by the Lord's of Meth and Conaght, repaired to our King Henry the second, and invited him to invade Ireland. But that politick King, fearing, if failing in success, to forfeit the reputation of his discretion, would not engage in the design, but permitted such Subjects of his, who had a mind Militare propriis stipendiis, to adventure themselves therein.

Amongst these Richard Strongbow was the principal, going over into Ireland with twelve hundred men, too great for an Earls Train, yet too little for a Generals Army, to make a National Invasion; yet so great his success, that in a short time he prossessed himself of the Ports of Leinster and Mounster, with large lands belonging thereunto; insomuch that King Henry grew jealous of his greatness, remanded him home, and commanded him to surrender his acquests into his hands, which done, he received them again by re-grant from the King, save that Henry reserved the City of Dublin for himself.

This Strongbow is he who is commonly called Domitor Hiberniae, The Tamer of Ireland; though the Natives thereof then, and many hundred years after, paid rather •… erbal submission, than real obedience to our English Kings. Yea, some of their great Lord's had both the power and Title of Kings in their respective Territories, witness the Preface in the Commission, whereby King Henry the second made William Fitz. Adelme his Lieutenant of Ireland; Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Regibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, & omnibus fidelibus suis in Hibernia, Salutem. Where Kings are postposed to Bishops, which speaketh them Royolets by their own ambition, and by no solemn inauguration. This Earl Richard died at Dublin 1177. and lieth buried in Trinity Church therein.

Sir ROGER WILLIAMS born of an ancient Family at Penrosse in this County, was first a Soldier of Fortune under Duke D'Alva, and afterwards successfully served Queen Elizabeth, having no fault, save somewhat over-free and forward to fight.

When a Spanish Captain challenged Sir John Norris to fight a single Combat (which was beneath him to accept, because a General ) This Roger undertook the Don. And after they had fought some time (both Armies beholding them) without any hurt, they pledged each other a deep •… raught of Wine, and so friendly departed.

Another time at midnight he assaulted the Camp of the Prince of Parma, nigh Venloe, slew some of the enemies, and pierced to the Tent of the General, as highly blamed by some for rashness, as commended by others for his valor. He bravely defended Slufe, whilst any hope of help.

WILLIAM HERBERT, Earl of Pembroke, with Sir Richard Herbert his Brother, were both undoubtedly born in this County; but whether or no at Ragland Castle, is uncertain. Both valiant men, and as fast Friends to King Edward the fourth, as professed Foes to Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick. They gave the last and clearest evidence hereof in the Battle of Banbury, where we find it reported, that these two leading the Army of the Welsh, with their Poll-Axes, twice made way through the Battle o •… the Northern men (which sided with King Henry the sixth) without any mortal wound.

There passeth a tradition in the Noble Family of the Herberts of Chierbury, that this Sir Richard their Ancestor slew that day one hundred and forty men with his own hands, which if done in charging, some censure as an act of impossibility; if after a rout in an execution, as a deed of cruelty. But others defend both truth and courage therein, as done in passing and repassing through the Army. Indeed Guns were and were not in fashion in that age, used sometimes in sieges, but never in field service; and next the Gun, the Poll-Ax was the mortal Weapon, especially in such a Dead han •… as this Knight had, with which Quot icti, tot occisi. He is reported also to be of a Giants stature, the Peg being extant in Mountgomery Castle, whereon he used to hang his Hat at dinner, which no man of an ordinary height can reach with his hand at this day.

However both these brave brethren, circumvented with the subtlety of their Foes ( Odds at any time may be bet on the side of treachery against valor ) were brought to Banbury, beheaded and buried, the Earl at Tinterne and Sir Richard at Abergaveny in this County.

Writers.

JEFFREY of Monmouth was born in, and named from, Monmouth. He was also called ap Arthur, from his Father, (as I suppose) though others say, because he wrote so much of King Arthur; but by the same propor •… ion Homer may be termed Achillides, and Virgil the Son of Aeneas. Yea, this Jeffrey, by an ancienter title might be surnamed ap Bruit, whose story he asserteth. He translated and compiled the various British Authors into one Volume.

I am not so much moved at William Newbourough, calling this his book Ridicula sigmenta, as that Giraldus Cambrensis his Countryman, and (as I may say) Con-sub-temporary, should term it Fabulosam historiam. Indeed he hath many things from the British. Bards, which though improbable, are not ipso facto untrue. We know Herodotus, nicknamed by some Pater Fabularum, is by others acknowledged to be Pater Historiarum.

The truth is, that both Novelants and Antiquaries must be content with many falsehoods, the one taking Reports at the first rebound, before come to; the other raking them out of the dust, when past their perfection.

Others object, that he is too hyperbolical in praising his own Country: A catching disease, seeing Livy mounts Italy to the skies, and all other Authors respectively; and why should that be mortal in our Monmouth, what is but venial in others? And if he be guilty in Mis-timing of actions, he is not the only Historian without company in that particular.

However on the occasion of the premisses, his book is prohibited by his Holiness, whilst the lying Legend is permitted to be read without control: Thus Rome loves questuosa, non inutilia figmenta, Falshoods whereby she may gain. Some conceive it to be his greatest fault, that he so praiseth the ancient Church in Britain, making it Independent from the See of Rome, before Austin the Monk came hither. One maketh him a Cardinal, which is improbable, whilst it is more certain that he was Bishop of St. Asaph, and flourished Anno 1152.

THOMAS of Monmouth was probably born, certainly bred and brought up in the chief Town of this County. Nor doth it move me to the contrary, because Pits calls him an Englishman, Monmouth in that Age being a Frontier Garrison, peopled with English Inhabitants.

It happened at this time many Jews lived in Norwich, where their habitation was called Abraham's Hall, though therein not practicing the piety of that worthy Patriarch. He, out of conformity to God's command, sacrificed his one and only son; they, contrary to his will in his Word; crucified the child of another, William by name. His Sepulcher was afterwards famed for many miracles, whereof this Thomas wrote an History, and dedicated it to William de Turbes, Bishop of Norwich, though he lived above six score miles from the place of those strange performances: But probably the farther the better, Major e longinquo reverencia, and miracles are safest reported, and soonest believed at some competent distance. He flourished Anno 1160. under King Henry the Second.

Benefactors to the Public.

HENRY PLANTAGENET, first Duke of Lancaster, was born in Monmouth castle, the chief seat of his Barony. He is commonly surnamed de torto collo, or the wryneck, and by others the good Duke of Lancaster, by which name we entitle him, it being fitter to call men from what was to be praised, than what to be p •… tied in them; not from their natural defects, but moral perfections. His bounty commends him to our mention in this place, being head of the Guild of Corpus-Christi in Cambridge, and the first Founder of a College so called in that Universi •… y. Indeed the Land was but little he conferred thereon, but great the countenance of so eminent a person in procuring and settling their Mortmaine. He died in the year of our Lord, 1361. and was buried in the Collegiate Church at Leicester, which he founded. Blanch his only daughter which had issue, was married to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster.

Memorable Persons.

WILLIAM EVANS was born in this County, and may justly be accounted the Giant of our Age for his stature, being full two yards and an half in height: He was Porter to King Charles the First, succeeding Walter Persons in his place, and exceeding him two Inches in height, but far beneath him in an equal proportion of body; for he was not only what the Latins call Compernis, knocking his Knees together, and going out squalling with his feet, but also haulted a little; yet made he a shift to dance in an Antimask at Court, where he drew little Jeffrey the Dwarf out of his pocket, first to the wonder, then to the laughter, of the beholders. He died Anno Dom. 163..

Sheriffs.

This was made a Shire by Act of Parliament in the 27. year of King Henry the Eight, but it seems not solemnly settled till five years after.

The Farewell.

I understand that in January 1607. part of this County which they call the Moore, sustained a great loss by the breaking in of the Severn sea, caused by a violent South-west wind, continuing for three days together: I heartily desire the Inhabitants thereof may for the future be secured from all such dangerous inundations▪ ( water being a good servant but bad master ) by his Providence, who bindeth the sea in a girdle of sands, and saith to the waves thereof, Thus far shall ye go and no further.

Natural Commodities.

Buildings.

For a sacred structure, the Cathedral of Saint David is most eminent, began by Bishop Peter in the reign of King John, and finished by his Successors; though, having never seen it, I can say little thereof. But in one respect, the roof thereof is higher than any in England, and as high as any in Europe, if the ancient absolute & independent jurisdiction thereof be considered, thus stated by an Authentic Author, Episcopy Walliae à Menevensi Antistite sunt consecrati, & ipse similiter ab aliis tanquam suffraganeis est consecratus, nulla penitus alii Ecclesiae facta profession vel subjectione. The generality of which words must be construed to have reference, as well to Rome as to Canterbury; Saint David's acknowledging subjection to neither, till the reign of King Henry the first.

Princes.

HENRY TUTHAR, Son to Edmund Earl of Richmond, and Margaret his Lady, was born at Pembroke in this County, Anno Dom. —In the reign of King Henry the sixth, he was bred a Child at Court, when a young man, he lived an Exile in France, where he so learned to live of a little, that he contracted a habit of frugality, which he did not depose till the day of his death. Having vanquished King Richard the third, in the battle of Bosorsth, and married Elizabeth eldest Daughter to King Edward the fourth, he reigned King of England by the name of Henry the seventh.

He is generally esteemed the wisest of our English Kings, and yet many conceive, that the Lord Bacon writing his life, made him much wiser than he was, picking more prudence out of his actions, than the King himself was privy to therein, and not content to allow him politick, endeavored to make him policy itself.

Yet many thi •… k h •… s judgemen •… 〈◊〉 him, when refusing the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Columbus, for the discovery of America, who might therein have made a secret adven •… e, without any prejudice to the r •… putation of his wisdom. But such his wa •… ss, he would not tamper with costly Cont •… s, though never •… o probable to be gainful; nor would he hazard a hook of Silver to catch a fish of Gold. He was the first King, who secretly sought to aba •… e the formidable greatness (the Parent of many former Rebellions) in the English •… earage, lessening their Dependencies, countena •… cing the Commons, and encouraging the Yeomandry, with provisions against Depopulations. However •… ereby he did not free his Successors from fear, but only exchanged their care, making the Commons (who because more numerous, less manageble) more absolute and able in time to con •… est with Sovereignty.

He survived his Queen, by whom he had the true Title to the Crown, about five years. Some will say, that all that time he was King only by the Courtesie of England, which I am sure he was loath to acknowledge. Others say he held the Crown by Conquest, which his Subjects were as unwilling to confess. But let none dispute how h •… h •… ld, seeing he held it, having Pope, Parliament, Power, Purse, Success, and some shadow of Succession on his side.

His greatest fault was, grinding his Subjects with grievous exactions, he was most magnificent in those Structures he hath left to posterity. Amongst w •… ich, his •… evotion to God is most seen in two Chapels, the one at Cambridge, the other at Westminster; his charity to the poor in the Hospital of the Savoy; his Magnificence to himself in his own Monument of guilded Copper; and his vanity to the World in building a Ship called the Great Harry, of equal cost, saith some, with his Chapel, which asterwards sunk into the Sea, and vanished away in a moment.

He much employed Bishops in his service, finding them honest and able. And here I request the judicious and learned Reader to help me at a dead li •… , being posed with this passage written in his life, by the Lord Verulam.

Now, I humbly conceive, that the First fruits (in the common acception of the word) were in that age paid to the Pope, and would fain be informed, what By-FirstFruits these were, the emolument whereof accrued to the Crown. This politick King at his Palace of Richmond, April 22. 1509. ended his life, and was buried in the Magnificent Chapel aforesaid. On the same token that he ordered by his last Will and Testament, that none save such of the Blood Royal (who should descend from his Loins ) should be buried in that place, straitly forbidding any other of what Degree or Quality soever, to be interred therein. But only the Will of the King of Heaven doth stand inviolable, whilst those of the most Potent earthly Princes are subject to be infringed.

Saints.

JUSTINIAN was a Noble Briton by birth, who with his own inheritance built a Monastery in the Island of Ramsey in this County, where many Monks lived happily under his discipline, until three of them, by the Devils instigation, slew this Justinian, in ha •… red of his sanctity, about the year of Christ, 486. His body was brought with great veneration to Menevia, and there interred by Saint David himself, and since much famed with [supposed] Miracles.

Writers.

GIRALDUS CAMBRENSIS, whose Sir-name, say some, was Fitz-Girald, say others was Barry, and I believe the latter, because he saith so himself in his Book, De vita sua, and was born at Tenby in this County.

He was Nephew to David the second Bishop of St. David's, by whom he was made Arch-Deacon of Brecknock. He was wont to complain, that the English did not love him because his Mother was a Welsh-woman; and the Welsh did hate him because his Father was an English-man; though by his excellent writings he deserved of England well, of Wales better, and of Ireland best of all; making a Topographical description of all three: But acting in the last as a Secretary under King John, with great industry and expense. Yea, he was a great Traveler, as far as Jerusalem itself, and wrote De mirabilibus terrae Sanctae, so that he might be styled Geraldus Anglicus, Hibernicus, Hierosolymitanus, though it was his mind and modesty only to be Cambrensis.

One may justly wonder that having all Dimensions requisite to preferment, his birth, broad acquaintance, deep learning, long life, (living above seventy years) he never attained to any considerable Dignity. Hear how betwixt grief and anger he expresseth himself concerning his ill success at Court;

Indeed for a long time no Preferment was proffered him, above a beggarly Bishopric in Ireland, and at last the See of S. David's was the highest place he attained. Whilest some impute this to

His
• Planet: the malignant influence whereof hath blasted men of the most merit.
• Pride: some men counting it their due for preferment to court them; and that it is enough for them to recive, too much to reach after it.
• Profitableness to be employed in meaner places. Some having gotten an useful Servant, love to wear him out in working, and (as Gardiners keep their hedges close cut, that they may spread the broader) maintain them mean, that they may be the more industrious.

Giraldus himself tells us the true reason that he was ever beheld oculo novercali, because being a Welsh-man by the surer side, and then such the Antipathy of the English, they thought no good could come out of Wales. Sad, that so worthy a man should poenas dare Patriae & Matris suae.

Being at last (as we have said) made Bishop of Saint David's, he went to Rome, and there stickled for an exemption of that his See from Canterbury, whereby he highly offended Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury. But Giraldus after long debates, being rather over-born with Bribes, than over-come in Cause, returned re infecta, died and was buried in his own Cathedral, about the year 1215.

The Farewell.

I know not what better to wish this County, than that the Marle (a great fertilizer of barren ground) which it affordeth, be daily increased, (especially since Corn is in all probability likely to grow scarcer and scarcer;) that their land through God's blessing being put in heart therewith, may plentifully answer the desires of the Husbandman, and hereafter repair the Penury of this, with the Abundance for many succeeding years.

Princes.

HENRY of MONMOUTH, (so called from that well known Town wherein he was born) hath his Character fixed here, because formerly passed over in its proper place, through the posting speed of the Press. He was Son to King Henry the fourth, (by Mary one of the Daughters and Heirs of Humfrey de Bohun Earl of Herefo •… d, and) whom he succeeded on the Throne (being the fifth of that name) and began his reign March 20. Anno 1413.

He cannot be excused from extravagancies in his Youth, seeing the King his Father expelled him his Council, (substituting his younger Brother the Duke of Clarence President in his steed) for the same. Yet as those bodies prove most healthful, which break out in their youth, so was his soul the sounder for venting itself in its younger days: For, no sooner was his Father dead, but he reclaimed himself, and became a glory to his Country, and a constant terror to his Enemies. Yea, he banished all his idle Companions from Court, allowing them a competency for their subsistence.

When the Lord Chief Justice (who had secured him when Prince, for striking him for the commitment of some of his lewd Companions) beg'd his Pardon for the same, he not only forgave him, but rewarded his Justice, for distributing it without fear or partiality.

In his reign a Supplication was preferred, that the Temporal Lands given to pious uses, but abusively spent, might have been seized to the King. This was wisely awarded by Chichley Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, by putting the King on the design of recovering France. Yea, this King by his valor reduced Charles the sixth King of France, to such a condition, that he in a manner resigned his Kingdom into his hand.

And here the French men found him as good (or rather worse) as his promise, which he made to the Dolphin (who sent him a Barrel of Paris Tennis-Balls ) sending such English Balls, that they proved to their great loss.

He died at Boys S. Vincent in France, the last day of August, Anno 1422. and was brought over with great solemnity, and interred in Westminster Abby.

Prelates.

• ELIAS de RADNOR.
• GUILIELMUS de RADNOR.

Ijoyn them together for three Reasons; First, because Natives of the same Town, understand it Old Radnor, the new town of that name being built probably since their decease. Secondly, because Bishops of the same See, Landaff. Thirdly, because eminent, being eminent for Nothing, the names and dates of their deaths (the one May 6. 1240. the other June the 30. 1256.) being all that learned Antiquary and their Successor, Bishop Godwin, could recover of their memories, which dishear •… eth me from •… arther enquiry after them. For, let them never look for a crop, who sow that ground, which so skillful an husband-man thought fit to lie fallow.

The Farewell.

It much affected me (and I believe all others whose hearts are of flesh and blood) what I read in an Author concerning the rigorous laws imposed on the observation of the Welsh. For when Owen Glyndower-dwy (inveigled by some well-skilled in Merlins Prophesies, that the time was come, wherein the Britain's through his assistance should recover their ancient freedom and liberty) raised a Rebellion, making war upon the Earl of March (the Heir apparent both to the Crown of England and Principality of Wales ) King Henry the fourth (enraged at his proceedings) enacted these ensuing Laws.

First, That no Welshman should purchase Lands, or be chosen Citizen or Burgess of any City, Borough, or Market Town, nor be received into any Office of Mayor, Bailiff, Chamberlain, &c. or to be of the Council of any Town, or to bear Armor within any City. Besides that, if any Welsh-man should impeach, or sue an Englishman, It was ordained, he should not be convicted, unless by the judgment of English Justices, verdict of English Burgesses, or by the Inquest of the English Boroughs where the suits lay: Yea, that all English Burgesses who married Welsh Women should be disfranchised of their Liberties. No congregation or Council was permitted to the Welsh-men, but by license of the chief Officers of the same Seig •… ory, and in the presence of the same Officers. That no Victuals should be brought into Walls, unless by the especial license of the King and his Council. That no Welshmen shou •… d have any Castle, Fortress, or House of Defense of his own, or any other m •… ns to keep. That no Welsh-man should be made Justice, Chamberla •… , Chancellor &c. of a Castle, Receivor, Eschetor, &c. nor other Officer or Keeper o •… W Records, & •… nor of the Council of any English Lord. That no English man that in time to come should marry a Welsh-woman be put in any Office in Wales, or in the Marches o •… the same.

Now as I am heartily sorry that ever the Welsh were bound to the observance of so rigorous Laws, so am I truly glad, that at this day they are (to the happiness both of England and Wales ) freed from the same: Yea, I shall constantly pray, that God would be pleased to grant us of the Loins of our Sovereign, one who may be born Prince of the one, and (after the [though late] decease of his Majesty) King of the other.