The History of the Worthies of England

Edward III.

ROGER de PRIDDEAUX.]

My eye cannot be entertained with a more welcome object, then to behold an ancient Name, not only still continuing to, but eminently flourishing in our age. On which account, I cannot but congratulate the happiness of this Family, expecting a daily Accession of Repute from the hopeful branches thereof.

Edward IV.

10 JOHN ARUNDLE, Mil.]

This worthy Knight was forewarned, (by what Calker I wot not,) that he should be slain on the Sands. This made him to shun his house at Efford (alias Ebbing-ford ) as too Maritime, and remove himself to Trerice, his more Inland habitation in this County. But he found it true, fata viam inveniant; for being this year Sheriff, and the Earl of Oxford surprizing Mount Michael (for the House of Lancaster ) he was concerned by his Office, and Command from the King, to endeavor the reducing thereof, and lost his life in a skirmish on the sands thereabouts. Thus it is just with Heaven, to punish men's curiosity in enquiring after, credulity in believing of, and cowardice in fearing at such prognostications.

21 THOMAS GRANVIL.]

Be it entered (by way of caveat ) that there is some difference in the blazoning of the coat of the Granvils or Greenvils. What usually are termed therein Rests, being the Handles of Spears; (most honorable in Tilting to break them nearest thereunto,) are called by some Critics, 〈◊〉 , being the necessary appendants to Organs, convaying wind unto them. If, (as it seemeth) their dubious Form, as represented in the Scutcheon, doth ex aequo answer to both, with me they shall still pass for the Rests of Spears. For though I dare not deny, but the Greenvils might be good Musicians, I am assured they were most valiant Soldiers in all their Generations.

But the merits of this ancient Family are so many and great, that engrossed they would make one County proud, which divided would make two happy. I am therefore resolved equally to part what I have to say thereof, betwixt Cornwall and Devonshire.

Richard III.

The Reader will take notice, that, (as it is in our Catalogue) Richard Duke of Gloucester was High-Sheriff of this County, ad terminum vitae, a strange Precedent, (if it may be said to go before, which hath nothing to follow after, ) seeing for the last two years, he was both King of England and Sheriff of Cornwall. We therefore behold all the following persons unto the first of King Henry the seventh, but as so many Deputies under him, and amongst these we take special notice of

2 JAMES TIRREL, Mil.]

This is he, so infamous in our English Histories, for his activity in murdering the Innocent sons of King Edward the fourth, keeping the Keys of the Tower, and standing himself at the foot of the Stairs, whilst Mr. Forest and J. Dighton, stifled them in their Beds. I behold this Sir James as an Essex-man, though now the prime Officer of this County. For King Richard accounted Cornwall the back door of Rebellion, and therefore made this Knight the Porter thereof. Indeed it is remote from London, and the long sides of this County afford many landing-places, objected to Britain in France, whence the Usurper always feared (and at last felt) an Invasion, and therefore he appointed him Sheriff to secure the County, as obliged unto him, by gratitude for favors received, and guilt for faults committed. This Tirrel was afterwards executed for Treason, in the Tower yard in the beginning of King Henry the seventh.

Henry VII.

12 JOHN BASSET.]

This was a busy year indeed in this County, when the Cornish Commotion began (headed by Flammock a Lawyer, and Michael Joseph a Blacksmith,) at the Town of Bodmin. Let none impute it to the neglect of this Sheriff, that he suppressed them not, seeing (besides that they quickly quitted this County, and went Eastward) it was not the work of Posse Comitatus, but Posse Regni, to encounter them. However, after long-running, (for they marched the breadth of the land, from Cornwall to Kent, before battle was bid them,) they were overtaken, and overcome at Black-heath.

13 PETER EDGCOMBE, Mil.]

The Names of pierce [or Peter ] and Richard, have been (saith my Author) successively varied in this family, for six or seven Descents. Such Chequering of Christian Names serve Heralds instead of Stairs, whereby they ascend with assurance into the Pedigrees of Gentlemen, and I could wish the like alternation of Font-names fashionable in other families. For where the Heirs of an House, are of the same Name, for many generations together, it occasioneth much mistake, and the most cautious, and conscientious Heralds, are guilty of making Incestuous Matches, confounding the Father for the Son, and so reciprocally.

Queen Elizabeth.

4 RICHARD CHAMOND, Esq.]

He received at God's-hand an extraordinary favor of long life, serving in the office of a Justice of Peace almost sixty years. He saw above fifty several Judges of the Western Circuit, was Uncle and Great-uncle to three hundred at least, and saw his youngest child above forty years of age.

19 WILLIAN MOHUN.]

He was descended from the ancient Lord's of Dunster, and Earls of Somerset, of which one received a great Papal privilege, whereof largely in my Church History. I behold him as Grand-father to John Lord Mohun of Oakehampton, (descended by a Coheir from the Courtneys Earls of Devonshire, ) and Great-grand-father to the Right Honorable Warwick Lord Mohun.

29 ANTHONY ROUSE, Esq.]

Give me leave only to transcribe what I find written of him, He employeth himself to a kind, and uninterrupted entertainment of such as visit him, upon his not sparing, inviting, or their own occasions, who (without the self-guilt of an ungrateful wrong) must witness, that his frankness confirmeth their welcome, by whatsoever means, provision, the fuel of Hospitality, can in the best manner supply. He was Father to Francis Rouse, late Provost of Eaton, whose Industry is more commendable then his Judgment in his many Treatises.

King James.

2 FRANCIS GODOLPHIN, Mil.]

Master Carew confesseth in his Survey of this County, that from him he gathered sticks to build that nest, who was assistant unto him in that playing labor, as he termeth it. This ingenious Gentleman entertained a Dutch Mineral-man, and taking light from his experience, built thereon far more profitable conclusions, from his own invention, practicing a more saving way, to make Tinn, of what was rejected for refuse before.

And here the mention of his Ingenuity, minds me how Hereditary Abilities are often entailed on Families, seeing, he was Ancestor unto Sidney Godolphin slain at....... in Devonshire, valiantly fighting for his Lord and Master. His Christian and Sur-name divisim signify much, but how high do they amount in conjunction? There fell wit and valor, never sufficiently to be bemoaned.

10 WILLIAM WREY, Mil.]

He was direct Ancestor to Sir Chichester Wrey Knight and Baronet, who though scarce a Youth in Age, was more then a Man in Valour, in his loyal service. He married Anne one of the Daughters and Co-heirs of Will. Bourchier Earl of Bath, whose son Bourchier Chichester, shall ever have my prayers, that he may answer the nobleness of his Extraction.

12 RICHARD ROBERTS.]

He was afterwards created a Baron, and was Father unto the Right Honorable the Lord Roberts, one of his Majesty's most Honorable Privy Council, lately designed Deputy of Ireland, as a Person of singular ability and integrity.

Natural Commodities.

The Buildings.

This County pretendeth not to the mode of Reformed Architecture, the Vicinity of the Scots causing them to build rather for Strength then State. The Cathedral of Carlisle, may pass for the Emblem of the Militant-Church, Black but Comely, still bearing in the Complexion thereof, the remaining signs of its former burning. Rose-castle, the Bishops best Seat, hath lately the Rose therein withered, and the Prickles in the Ruins thereof only remain.

The houses of the Nobility and Gentry are generally built Castle-wise, and in the time of the Romans, this County (because a Limitary ) did abound with Fortifications, Mr. Cambden taking notice of more Antiquities in Cumberland and Northumberland, then in all England besides.

The Wonders.

Although, if the word, Wonders, be strained up high and hard, this County affordeth none, yet if the sense thereof be somewhat let down, the compass thereof fetcheth in the

So strange the condition of their living, if considered in their Original, Increase, Height, Decay and Ruin.

1. Original, I conceive them the same called Borderers in Mr. Cambden, and charactered by him to be a wild and war-like people, they are called Moss-Troopers, because dwelling in the Mosses, and riding in Troops together. They dwell in the Bounds, or meeting of two Kingdoms, but obey the Laws of neither. They come to Church as seldom as the 29. of February comes into the Calendar.

2. Increase, When England and Scotland were united in Great Britain, they that formerly lived by Hostile incursions, betook themselves to the robbing of their Neighbors. Their Sons are free of the trade by their Fathers Copy, they are like unto Job (not in piety and patience, but) in sudden plenty and poverty, sometimes having Flocks and Heards in the morning, none at night, and perchance many again next day. They may give for their Motto, vivitur ex rapto, stealing from their honest Neighbors, what sometimes they re-gain. They are a nest of Hornets, strike one and stir all of them about your ears. Indeed if they promise safely to conduct a Traveler, they will perform it with the fidelity of a Turkish Janizary, otherwise, woe be to him that falleth into their quarters.

3. Height, Amounting forty years •… ince to some Thousands. These compelled the Vicenage, to purchase their security, by paying a constant rent unto them. When in their greatest height, they had two great Enemies, the Laws of the Land, and the Lord William Howard of Naworth. He sent many of them to Carlisle, to that place, where the Officer always doth his work by day-light. Yet these Moss-Troopers, if possibly they could procure the pardon for a condemned person of their Company, would advance great sums out of their Common stock, who in such a case, cast in their Lots amongst themselves, and all have one purse.

4. Decay, Caused by the wisdom, valor and diligence, of the Right Honorable Charles L. Howard, now Earl of Carlisle, who routed these English-Tories with his Regiment. His severity unto them will not only be excused, but commended by the judicious, who consider, how our great Lawyer doth describe such persons who are solemnly 〈◊〉 .

Bracton. Lib. tertio Tract. 2. Cap. 11.

Ex tunc gerunt Caput Lupinum, ita quod sine judiciali inquisitione rite 〈◊〉 , & secum 〈◊〉 judicium portent, & merito sine L •… ge pereunt, qui secundum Legem vivere recusarunt; Thenceforward [after they are out-law'd] they wear a Woolfs-head, so that they lawfully may be destroyed, without any judicial inquisition, as who carry their own Condemnation about them, and deservedly die without Law, because they refused to live according to Law.

5. Ruin. Such the success of this worthy Lord's severity, that he made a Through Reformation amongst them, and the Ring-leaders being destroyed, the rest are reduced to Legal obedience, and so I trust will continue.

Proverbs.

These are two neighbor hills, the one in this County, the other in Anan-dale in Scotland. If the former be capp'd with clouds and foggy mists, it will not be long before rain falls on the other. It is spoken of such who must expect to sympathize in their sufferings, by reason of the vicinity of their habitation.

The Cumberlanders have found the truth hereof by their sad experience, in our Civil Wars, paying dear for their vicinity with Scotland.

I know not how to reconcile this ryme, with another which I meet with in the same Author,

But in order of an expedient betwixt them, we may observe. First, that every County is given to magnify (not to say altify ) their own things therein. Secondly, that the survey goes according to the guess of men's eyes (as never exactly measured) variable according to several apprehensions. Thirdly, some hills are higher in view, rising almost perpendicularly of a sudden by themselves, whilst the invisible greatness of others is not heeded so much, which mount with the Country about them creeping up insensibly by degrees. Mean time no mention of Plynillymon hill, as being in Wales, and without compare the Monarch of all mountains South of Scotland.

Saints.

Saint H •… REBERT Priest and Confessor may justly be referred to this County. For there is a lake therein ( Bede calleth it Pr •… grande Stagnum ) nigh Keswick made by the River Darwent, wherein three Islands are found, in the least of which this Herebert lead an Eremiticall life. If he travailed hence it was to visit his friend Saint Cuthbert, betwixt whom such Intimacy, that 〈◊〉 telling him how his own death approached, Herebert falling down at his feet, importunately requested him, that they might both pass out of this World together, which by Saint Cuthberts prayers is said to be obtained. Thus as they were loving in their lives, so in their death they were not divided; departing this World the same day and hour, Anno Dom. 688.

Saint ALRIKE born and bred in this County, led an Eremiticall life in a forest near to Carlisle. This man did not more macerate himself with constant fasting, then time since hath consumed his memory, which hath reduced it to nothing more then the scelleton of his name, without any Historical passages to flesh and fill up the same, for I account the report of Saint Goderick, another Hermit, (and present at this man's death) not worth the remembering, viz. that he saw the soul of Alrike ascend to Heaven, as it were in a Sphericall form of a burning wind, but we lissen unto it but as unto wind. He died Anno 1107.

Martyrs.

This County affordeth none in the reign of Queen Mary, whereof accept a double reason. First, the People thereof generally were nuzell'd in Ignorance and Superstition. Secondly, such as favored the Reformation were connived at by Owin Ogelthorp, the courteous Bishop of Carlisle, who Crowed Queen Elizabeth, and who in requittall had a favor for him had he lived any longer. However Cumberland had one Native, who going up to London, first found a Husband and then met with Martyrdom therein, viz.

ELIZABETH FOSTER was born at Graystock in this County, though her Maiden Sur-name be unknown. Travailing to London, she was there married to one John Forster Cutler, of the Parish of Saint Brides in Fleetstreet, and being summoned before Bonner, for not coming to Church, was imprisoned and strictly examined. Being moved by the Bishop to desert her answers, I will not (said she) go from them by God's grace. Hereupon she was condemned, and being fifty five years of age accordingly suffered with six other Martyrs, all in one fire in Smithfield, Jan. 27. 1556.

Prelates.

ROGER WHELPDALE was born in the borders of this County, (so that Westmorland pretends to a share of him) bred in Baliol-college in Oxford, and afterwards became Provost of Queens-college in that University.

Bale ingenuously confesseth, that he cannot find where this Learned man after his long labors in Oxford, led the rest of his life, and Pitz (who seeing with Bales eyes, both are blind or sighted together) is at the same loss. But herein we are able guide our guides, and light a candle to direct them, for he was by King Henry the fifth, preferred Bishop of Carlisle, 1419. he sat three years in that See, and dying at London Feb. 4. 1422. was buried in Saint Paul's.

ROGER LAY •… URN was born of a Noble Family, not living far from Carlisle. A Noble Family indeed, expiring in the days of our Grand-fathers, when Elizabeth sole daughter and heir of Sir Francis Layburn, was married to Thomas Dacre last Baron of Gilsland and Graystock. This Roger was bred Fellow in Pembroke-hall, Doctor of Divinity, and at last was consecrated Bishop of Carlisle, 1503. two years after he solemnly accepted of the Mastership of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge, which I have heard called Episcopale Collegium, not only because it hath bred so many Bishops (for the proportion thereof,) but chiefly because many Prelates have held the Mastership thereof, even until their death. Doctor Layburn died soon after 1509. before he could express his good intentions to his College or Cathedral.

Capitall Judges and Writers on the Law.

Sir RICHARD HUTTON was born at Perith of a Worshipful Family, (his elder Brother was a Knight, ) and bred in Jesus College in Cambridge. He intended his Studies for Divinity, till dissuaded by the importunity of his friends (amongst whom George Earl of Cumberland most eminent,) he became Barrister in Grays-Inn. But in expression of his former affection to Divinity, he seldom (if ever) took Fee of a Clergy-man. Afterwards being Recorder of York, he was Knighted and made Judge of the Common-Pleas. In the Case of Ship-money, though he was against the King, (or rather for the Commons ) yet His Majesty manifested not the least distaste, continuing to call him the Honest Judge.

This person so pious to God, and charitable to his poor Members, was dissolved about the beginning of our National misery. Thus God before he new ploweth up a land, with the furrows of a Civil War, first cutteth down his old crop, and gathereth them like ripe sheaves into his barn. He died at Serjeants-Inn, and was buried at his earnest desire without any Funeral Sermon, (save what his own virtues preached to posterity,) at St. Dunstons in the West on the 27. day of Febr. Anno Dom. 1638.

Sir JOHN BANKS was born at Keswick, of honest parents, who perceiving him judicious and industrious, bestowed good breeding on him in Grays-Inn, in hope he should attain to preferment, wherein they were not deceived. After he was called to the Bar, for some years he solicited suits for others, thereby attaining great practical experience. He afterwards might laugh at them, who then did smile at him, leaving many behind him in learning, whom he found before him in time, until at last he was Knighted by K. Charles, made first his At •… urney, then Chief Justice of the Common-pleas, dying in the midst and heat of our Civil dissensions.

He ordered by his Will (the Copy whereof I have received from my good friend) that his body should be buried under some plain Monument, at the discretion of his Executors, and after an Epitaph mentioning the several places he had held, This Motto to be added,

It must not be forgotten that by his said Will he gave to the value of thirty pounds per annum, with other Emoluments to be bestowed in Pious uses, and chiefly to set up a Manufacture of Course Cottons in the Town of Keswick, which I understand hath good, and is in hopes of better success.

Civilians.

GEORGE PORTER was born at Weery-hall in the Parish of Bolton in this County, of gentile extraction. He was afterward Fellow of Queens-college in Cambridge, Doctor and Professor of Civil-law therein, for above thirty years, so that he might have been made Comes Imperii primi ordinis, according to the constitution of Theodosius the Emperor, allowing that honor to Professors in that faculty, Cum ad viginti annos observatione jugi, ac sedulo docendi labor pervenerint.

He was of a pitiful nature, and we commonly called him (for I had oft the honor to be in his mess,) The Patron of infirmities, whose discourse was always defensive and charitable, either to excuse men's failings, or mitigate their punishments. He was valiant as well as learned, and with his stern looks and long sword, frighted three thieves from setting upon him. He died Anno Domini 163.. and Doctor Collins, (who with Saint Chrysostom was in laudatoriis hyperbolicus, ) Preaching his Funeral Sermon, endeavored to heighten his memory to his soul, mounting it above the skies for his modesty and learning.

Writers.

JOHN CANON. Some will have him so called, because Canon of some Cathedral Church, and if so, there were Hundreds of John Canons besides himself: others, because he was Doctor of Canon Law, which leaves as great a Latitude as the former, for hundreds (with equal right) to justle with him for the same Surname. I have cause to conceive, until I shall be clearly convinced to the contrary, that he was born at Canonsby in this County, By being set by for brevities sake.

Bilious Bale bespattereth him more then any of his Order. Hear how he ranteth, He turned a Minotaur, (I should say Minorite) and with his Thrasonicall Boasting, &c. But I am not bound to believe him, the rather, because Trithemius a Foreign, Judicious and Moderate Writer, giveth him great commendation. Whence I collect that his worth was not like a Candle in the House, only burning at Home in England, but a Torch, blazing abroad beyond the Seas, the University of Paris and other places taking signal notice of his Learning. He flourished under K. Edward the second 1320.

WILLIAM EGREMONT. He hath almost lost his true Surname amongst the various writing thereof. Bale calleth him Egumonde, (though no such place in all England, ) Pits, reduceth it to a Saxon Name, and calleth him Egmund; Leland, (for a reason immediately following) nameth him William of Stamford, but Egremont is the Orthography of his name, from a small Market-town (yet a Barony of the late Earls of Sussex, ) in this Shire where he was born.

Quitting this cold Country, he took his Progress into the South, and fixing himself at Stamford, became an Augustinian Eremite, and proceeded Doctor of Divinity. Going beyond the Seas, he was by the Pope made Episcopus Pissinensi •… , (some poor pitiful Bishopric, so that one would scarce trouble himself to find it out to have the profit there •… f, and therewith held the Suffragane-ship under Henry Beaufort Bishop of Lincoln. Indeed that voluminous Diocese (a full fourth part of England, before Eli, Peterborough and Oxford, were cantoned out of it) required a Co-adjutor. Many are the learned works written by him, and (seeing he is Doubly qualified) I thought fitter to repose him under the Topic of Writers then of Prelates, being confident that he got more credit by his Books, then profit by his Bishopric. He flourished under King Richard the second, anno 1390.

JOHN SKELTON was a younger branch of the Skeltons of Skelton in this County. I crave leave of the Reader, (hitherto not having full instructions, and) preserving the undoubted Title of this County unto him, to defer his character to Norfolk, where he was Beneficed at Diss therein.

Benefactors to the Public.

ROBERT EAGLESFIELD born in this County, was a pious and learned man according to the rate of that age, Chaplain and Confessor to Philippa, Queen to King Ed ward the third. He founded a fair College in Oxford, by the name of Queens-college, for a Provost and twelve Fellows, whom he ordered to sit in the Hall in purpura, and that they should be attended on more Curiali. He appointed that those of Cumberland and Westmorland should be proper for perferment in his Foundation, rendering this reason why he reflected most on those Northern Counties, Propter insolitam vastitatem, & melioris literaturae infrequentiam.

But prevented by death, he finished not his intentions, leaving only to the College the Manor of Renwick in this County, with the impropriation of Burgh under Stanmore, and, which I assure you was considerable, most excellent Statutes.

To show himself both Courtier and Scholar, he ordered that in the Hall they should speak either Latin or French. He bequeathed his College to the honorary Patronage of the Queens of England, and his Sur-name is still extant in this County in persons of quality, but how to him related to me unknown. He died about the year of our Lord 1370.

Memorable Persons.

MAUD the Daughter of Thomas Lord Lucy, Sister and Heir of Anthony Lord Lucy, and Baron of Cokermouth, the Widow of Gilbert Humfrevile, Earl of Angus, was the second Wife of Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland. Who, when she saw that she should die without Issue, gave to Earl Henry her husband, the Castle and Honor of Cokermouth, with many other Manors in Copeland and Westmorland, with condition, that his Issue should bear her Arms of the Lucies, [viz. Gules, three Lucies [or Pikes] Hauriant Argent, ] quartered, with their own Arms of the Percies. And for it levied a Fine, in the Court of King Richard the second.

Hitherto verbatim out of Master Mills. But, by his favor, his words are not sufficiently expressive of the agreement betwixt them. The Earl conditioned, not only to quarter the Arms of the Lucies, (as the Percies now quarter many more besides, viz. Poynings, Fitz-Pain, Brians, &c.) but he also covenanted (as in the words of the Instrument) Deferre quateriatim, To bear them quarterly with his own Arms, incorporated into one Coat in effect. This promise the Percys have bona fide performed, preserving so near a relation between the two Coats, that in a manner, Mutuo se ponunt & auferunt; so that, if Either, Both always appear together.

This Lady is entered amongst Memorable Persons, partly, because of her harmless device, to perpetuate her memory; partly, because of her great affection to her Husband; She but a second, and no wife of his youth, bringing him no children, and having (no doubt) heirs of her own name and blood, though she were barren, would be bountiful to endow that Family with possessions, which she could not enrich with posterity. Say not the Percys profit, was the Lucies loss; for, what saith the Scripture? Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? She died about the year of our Lord 1382.