The History of the Worthies of England

Natural Commodities.

Manufactures.

Buildings.

Chatsworth erected by the magnificent Lady Elizabeth Cavendish Countess of Shrewsbury, is a stately Structure thus described by the Poet,

The Garden on the backside, with an artificial Rock and Wilderness, accomplisheth the place with all pleasure.

Wonders.

God who is truly 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the only Worker of Wonders, hath more manifested his might in this than in any other County in England; such the heaps of Wonders therein, amongst which we take special notice of

Medicinal Waters.

Buxton Well, dedicated to St. Anne, sending forth both cold and warm water, is little less than miraculous in the effects, thus described by our Author.

This Well is also famous for the abode of Mary Queen of Scots thereby, who found much refreshing by the waters thereof.

Princes.

I find no Prince since the Conquest, who saw his first light in this County, probably because our English Kings never made any long residence therein.

Saints.

St. ALKMUND, son to Alred, King of Northumberland slain in a Battle, on the behalf of Ethelmund Vice-Roy of Worcester, pretending to recover Lands against Duke Wolstan, who detained them, was therefore reputed Saint and Martyr. It would pose a good Scholar to clear his Title to the later, who lost his life in a quarrel of civil concernment. On which account in all Battels betwixt Christians, such as are slain on one side, may lay claim to Martyr-ship. However it befriendeth his Memory, that his body translated to Derby, was believed to do miracles, being there with great veneration interred in a Church called Saint Alkmunds (on the right hand) as Passengers (from the South ) go over the Bridge, whither the Northern people made many Pilgrimages, till discomposed by the Reformation. What relation Alkmundsbury a Town in Hantingdonshire hath unto Him, is to me unknown.

Martyrs.

JOAN WAST was a blind Woman in the Town of Derbey, and on that account the object of any man's Alms, rather than the Subject of his cruelty. Besides, she was seemingly a silly Soul, and indeed an Innocent, though no Fool. And what saith our Savior, For judgment am I come into this world, that they which see not might see, and that they which see, might be made blind. This poor Woman had a clear apprehension of God's Truth, for the testimony whereof she was condemned, and burnt at the Stake, by the command of Bishop Baines, who as he began with the Extreams, Mistress Joyce Lewis, one of the best; and this Joan Wast, one of the basest birth in his Diocese: So no doubt (had not Queen Mary died) he would have made his cruelty meet in persons of a middle condition.

Cardinals.

ROGER CURSON was born, saith my Author, ex nobili quodam Anglorum genere, of Worshipful English extraction. Now I find none of his surname out of this County, (except some branches lately thence derived) but in the same, two right ancient Families, one formerly at Croxton (whose heir general in our age was married to the Earl of Dorset ) the other still flourisheth at—in this County; which moves me to make this Roger a Native thereof. Bred he was first a Scholar in Oxford, then a Doctor in Paris, and lastly a Cardinal in Rome, by the Title of Saint Stephen in Mount Celius. When the City of Damiata in Egypt was taken under John Brenn King of Jerusalem, our Cardinal Curson was there accompanying Pelagius the Popes Cardinal: He wrote many Books, and came over into England as the Popes Legate in the reign of King Henry the third. The certain time of his death is unknown.

PHILIP de REPINGDON took, no doubt, his name and birth from Repingdon (commonly contracted and called Repton ) in this County: and I question whether any other in England of the same name. He was bred, and commenced first Bachelor, then Doctor of Divinity, in Oxford, where he became a great Champion and Assertor of the Doctrine of John Wycliffe, which caused him much trouble, and many strict examinations. But, alas, he became like the seed on stony ground, which not having root in itself, endured but for a while, and withered away in persecution: for he solemnly recanted his opinions, Novemb. 24. Anno 1383. And to give the better assurance that he was a true Anti-Wickliffite, from a Professor he became a pers •… cutor, and afterwards was termed Rampington by those poor people, whom he so much molested.

Then preferment flowed in thick and threefold upon him, from a Canon, he became Abbot of Leicester; and Anno 1400. he was made Chancellor of Oxford, 1405. Bishop of Lincoln, 1408. by Pope Gregory the twelfth, he was created Cardinal of Saint Nerius and Achilleius; though that Pope had solemnly sworn he would make no more Cardinals, till the Schism in Rome were ended. The best is, the Pope being Master of the Oath-Office may give himself a Pardon for his own perjury. What moved this Repington willingly to resign his Bishopric 1420. is to me unknown.

Prelates.

WILLIAM GRAY, was son to the Lord Gray of Codnor in this County. He suffered not his Parts to be depressed by his Nobility; but, to make his mind the more proportionable, he endeavored to render himself as able as he was honorable. He studied first in Baliol College in Oxford, then at Ferrara in Italy, where he for a long time heard the Lectures of Guarinus of Verona, that accomplished Scholar. No man was better acquainted with the method of the Court of Rome, which made our King appoint him his Procurator therein. It is hard to say, whether Pope Nicholas the fifth, or our King Henry the sixth, contributed most to his free Election to the Bishopric of Eely; whilst it 〈◊〉 out of doubt, his own deserts concurred most effectually thereunto. He sat in that See twenty four years, and wrote many Books, which the envy of time hath denied to posterity. Bishop Godwin by mistake maketh him Chancellor of England, whereas indeed, he was Lord Treasurer in the ninth of King Edward the fourth, Anno 1469. Let me add, he was the last Clergy-man that ever discharged that Office, until Bishop Juxton in our days was preferred thereunto. He died Aug. 4. 1478. and lies buried between two Marble Pillars in his Church, having bestowed much cost in the reparation of the famous Bellfrie thereof.

States-Men.

Sir JOHN COOKE, younger Brother to Sir Francis Cook was born at Trusley (in the Hundred of Apple tree ) in this County, of ancient and Worshipful Parentage, allied to the best Family in this County. He was bred Fellow of Trinity College in Cambridge, and being chosen Rhetoric Lecturer in the University, grew eminent for his Ingenious and Critical Readings in that School on that Subject: He then travailed beyond the Seas for some years; returning thence rich in foreign Language, Observations, and Experience.

Being first related to Sir Fulk Grivell Lord Brook, he was thence preferred to be Secretary of the Navy, then Master of the Requests, and at last Secretary of State for twenty years together. He was a very zealous Protestant, and did all good Offices for the advancement of true Religion: and died the eighth of September. 1644.

Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.

JOHN STATHOM. He was born in this County, in the Raign of King Henry the sixth, and was a learned man in the Laws, whereof he wrote an Abridgement, much esteemed at this day for the Antiquity thereof. For otherwise, Lawyers behold him (as Soldiers do Bows and Arrows, since the invention of Guns ) rather for sight than service. Yea, a Grandee in that Profession hath informed me, that little of Stathom (if any at all) is Law at this day, so much is the practice thereof altered, whereof the Learned in that faculty will give a satisfactory accompt; though otherwise it may seem strange that reason continuing always, the same Law grounded thereon, should be capable of so great alteration. The first and last time that I opened this Author I lighted on this passage,

But, if this be the fruit of Latin Service, to encourage men in Felony, let ours be read in plain English.

Sir ANTHONY FITZ-HERBERT, Son of Ralph Fitz-Herbert, Esquire, was born at Norbury in this County. He was first the Kings Serjeant at Law, and was afterwards, in the fourteenth of King Henry the eighth, made one of the Justices of the Common Pleas; so continuing until the thirtieth year of the said King, when he died. He wrote the excellent Book De Natura Brevium, with a great and laborious Abridgement of the Laws, and a Kalendar and Index thereunto; Monuments which will longer continue his Memory, than the flat blew Marble stone in Norbury Church under which he lieth interred.

Sea-Men.

Sir HUGH WILLOUGHBY was extracted from a right worthy and ancient stock at Riseley in this County. He was in the last year of the reign of King Edward the sixth employed for the North-East passage, and by the King and Merchants of London, made Captain General of a Fleet for Discovery of Regions, and places unknown.

Their Fleet consisted of three Ships, the Bona Esperanza Admiral, of one hundred and twenty Tun; the Edward Bonaventure (whereof Richard Chancellor Pilot-Major) of one hundred and sixty Tun; and the Good Confidence of ninety Tun. A large Commission was granted unto them, which Commission did not bear date from the year of our Lord, but from the year of the World, 5515. because in their long Voyage they might have occasion to present it to Pagan Princes.

They departed from Debtford, May 10. 1553. and after much foul weather, steered up North-North-East. But on the second day of August a tempest arose, and their ships with the violence of the Wind were much shattered, and the Bonaventure, scattered from the other two ships, which never after saw it again.

Sir Hugh, holding on his course, descried a Land (which for Ice he could not approach) lying from Synam (an Island belonging to the King of Denmark ) one hundred and sixty leagues, being in Latitude seventy two Degrees. This was then called Willoughby-land, as well it might, seeing it had neither then, or since, any Owner or Inhabitant pretending to the propriety thereof.

It appeareth by a Will found in the ship which was the Admiral, in the pocket of a person of quality, how in January 1554. Sir Hugh and most of his Company were then in health, though all soon after froze to death in a River or Haven, called Arzina in Lapland. We are bound in charity to believe them well prepared for death, the rather because they had with them a Minister, Mr. Richard Stafford by name, (one of the twelve Counselors to manage the design) who read constantly every morning and evening the English Service, to those who were in the Admiral, with the Bible and Paraphrases thereon. So that this may be termed, the first reformed Fleet, which had the English Prayers and Preaching therein.

However seeing Nocumenta, Documenta, and, that the Ship-wrecks of some are Seamarks to others; even this Knights miscarriage proved a direction to others. As for the Bonaventure, which answering its name, was only found by losing itself, it returned safe, and performed afterwards most excellent service, in opening the Traffick to Muscovy.

Thus, as the last Dog most commonly catcheth the Hare, which other Dogs have turned and tired before; so such who succeed in dangerous and difficult enterprises, generally reap the benefit of the adventures of those who went before them. As for Sir Hugh and his Company their Discoveries did thaw, though their Bodies were frozen to death; the English the Summer following finding a particular account of all passages of their voyages remaining entire in the Ship wherein they perished.

Lapland hath since been often surrounded (so much as accosts the Sea) by the English, the West part whereof belongeth to the King of Sweden, but the East moity, to the Muscovite. They were generally Heathen, as poor in knowledge as estate, paying their Tribute in Furres, whose little Houses are but great •… oles, wherein generally they live in the ignorance of Money.

Here let me insert a passage (to refresh the Reader after this long and sad story) of a Custom in this barbarous Country, from the mouths of credible Merchants, whose eyes have beheld it. It is death in Lapland to marry a Maid without her Parents or Friends consent. Wherefore if one bear affection to a young Maid, upon the breaking thereof to her friends, the fashion is, that a day is appointed for their friends to meet, to behold the two young parties to run a Race together. The maid is allowed in starting, the advantage of a third part of the race, so that it is impossible, except willing of herself, that she should ever be overtaken. If the Maid overrun her Suitor, the matter is ended, he must never have her, it being penal for the Man again to renew the motion of Marriage. But if the Virgin hath an affection for him, though at the first running hard, to try the truth of his love, she will (without Atalantaes Golden Balls to retard her speed) pretend some casualty, and make a voluntary halt before she cometh to the mark, or end of the race. Thus none are compelled to marry against their own wills; and this is the cause that in this poor Country the married people are richer in their own contentment than in other lands, where so many forced Matches make feigned Love, and cause real unhappiness.

Physicians.

THOMAS LINACER Doctor of Physic, was born in the Town of 〈◊〉 , bred in Oxford, whence, he afterwards travelled beyond the Seas, residing chiefly at Rome and Florence. Returning into England, he brought Languages along with him, and was the first restorer of Learning in our Nation. It is questionable. whether he was a better Latinist or Grecian, a better Grammarian or Physician, a better Scholar or Man for his moral deportment. By his endeavors, Galen speaks better Latin in the Translation, than he did Greek in the Original. The last Volume whereof Linacer promised to dedicate to Arch-Bishop Warham, and excuseth his failing therein by a Latin Letter, which for several reasons I have here exemplified. First, for the quickness of conceit and purity of style therein. Secondly, because never formerly Printed. Thirdly, because there is but one Copy thereof writren with Linacers own hand, prefixed to that numerical Book, which he presented to the said Arch Bishop bestowed by my old Friend Doctor George Ent on the College of Physicians. Lastly, because Doctor Christopher Merrick hath been pleased carefully to compare it with the Original.

No Englishman in that age had so learned Masters, viz. Demetrius, Politian, and Hermolaus Barbarus; so noble Patrons, viz. Laurence Medices Duke of Florence, whilst he was beyond the Seas, King Henry the Seventh and Eighth (to whom he was chief Physician) after his return into England; so high born Scholars, Prince Arthur, with many Lord's Sons his Contemporaries; so learned Friends, Erasmus, Melancthon, Vives, &c.

This Linacer founded two public Lectures in Oxford, and one in Cambridge (dutifully his respect to his Mother, double above his Aunt) for the study of Physic, and that Students of that faculty of both Universities may meet the more conveniently together, he founded the College of Physicians in London.

I much wonder at what I find in good Authors, that Linacer a little before his death turned Priest, and began to study the Scripture, with which he formerly was unacquainted, in so much, that reading the fifth, sixth, and seventh Chapters of Saint Matthew, he vowed, That either this was not the Gospel, or We were not Christians, which speech (though much condemned by the Relater thereof) is capable of a charitable sense, as taxing men's Practice so much different from God's Precepts.

He died Anno Dom. 1524. on the twelfth of October, and lieth buried in Saint Paul's, under a stately Monument built to his Memory by Doctor John Gaius, and a Phenix is erected on the top thereof. Yea, I may call these two Doctors, the two Phenixes of their Profession in our Nation, and justify the expression, seeing the later in some sort sprang of the Ashes of the former, and Gaius came not into general credit till after the decease of Linacer.

Writers.

THOMAS ASHBURNE was born at that well-known Market Town in this County, (and not in Stafford shire, as both Bale and Pits mistake) and became an Augustinian therein; going afterwards to Oxford he was doctorated in Divinity. He was a great Adversary to Wycliffe, and in that Synod wherein his Doctrines were condemned for Heresy, by ten Bishops, twenty Lawyers, and four and forty Divines, our Ashburne made up one of the last number.

Yet once he did some good, or rather diverted much evil. It happened that one Peter Pateshul an Augustinian preaching in London, had some passages in favor of Wycliffe, which so displeased those of his own Order, that they plucked him out of the Pulpit, dragged him into the Covent of Augustine's (near Broadstreet ) intending more violence to his person.

This allarumed the Londoners (amongst whom a considerable party of Wickliffites ) to rescue poor Pateshul, who in their rage had burnt the Covent about the Friers ears, had not our Ashburne with his prayers and tears seasonably interceded. He flourished under King Richard the Second, 1382.

Benefactors to the Public since the Reformation.

ELIZABETH HARDWICK was Daughter to John Hardwick of Hardwick in this County, Esquire. A Lady of an undaunted spirit, and happy in her several Marriages to great persons. First, to Sir William Cavendish, then to Sir William Saintloo, and at last to George Earl of Shrewsbury. She left two sacred (besides civil ) Monuments of her Memory in this County; one that I hope will not [Her Tomb in All-Hallows ] the other, that I am sure cannot be taken away, as registered in the Court of Heaven: Her stately Alms-House for twelve poor people in Derby.

It will not be amiss here to relate a passage which is reported of this Countess. Mary Queen of Scots being committed to the keeping of her husband George Earl of Shrewsbury, the custody of so great a Princess on the Earls cost, was found not only chargeable, but dangerous; the Popish party daily practicing her enlargement. Now it happened that this Countess coming to Court, Queen Elizabeth demanded of her, how the Queen of Scots did. Madam (said she) she cannot do ill, while she is with my Husband, and I begin to grow jealous, they are so great together. The Queen, who disliked any familiarity of that royal Prisoner with so great a Peer, presently ordered her removal thence into the custody of others. This Countess died, Anno Dom. —

There is a Free School in the Town of Derby, built as I understand by that Corporation, and endowed with threescore pounds a year, and I conjecture Mr. R. Fletcher thrice Bailiff of the Town, I say, by his laudatory Epitaph, I conjecture him very instrumental to this Work. I understand also that the said Town hath large Privileges, in so much that L •… ndoners in some cases pay Toal at Derbey, but Derbey men in no case Toal at London. I grudge them not their great Privileges, so long as they employ their public stock to pious uses.

To conclude this Topic, I meet with this memorable passage in one, who continueth the Work of an industrious Author, which I will not, yea must not omit.

I hope that their forwardness hath since provoked many, and that their Charity (to allude to their staple Commodity of this County ) but in the Oar, in the times of our Fathers, hath since been refined to perfection.

The Farewell.

I understand that it is fashionable in this County for Adventurers to begin a Mine with this solemn expression,

By the grace of God understanding good success, otherwise saving Grace is not to be sought for by mining of Earth, but mounting up to Heaven by Faith and Repentance. This their expression I approve, the Earth being the Lord's, and the fullness thereof (both beneath and above ground) belongeth unto him.

I have read, that the Vicars in that Country do receive every tenth Dish of Oar for their due, being obliged thereby to pray heartily for the Miners. Now though no such place or profit belongeth unto me, yet, treating of this subject, I conceive myself bound (if not in Conscience ) in Courtesie, to wish these Work-men a good speed in their lawful endeavors, whilst they only undermine the Earth, and not their Neighbors right by fraudulent practices. May their Lot prove a Prize unto them, that they may gain, at the least no Blank to lose thereby. Particularly, may Divine Providence fecure the Persons of their Laborers from Damps and other casualties, which have happened to many, when the Earth (though cruel to kill ) was courteous to bury them by the same mischance.

Natural Commodities.

Manufactures.

The Buildings.

Bediford Bridge is a stately Structure, and remarkable in many respects.

• 1 It standeth out of and far from any public Road, in a corner of the County, so that Bediford Bridge is truly Bediford Bridge, intended solely for the convenience of that Town.
• 2 It is very long, consisting of twenty four Peares, and yet one William Alford (another Milo ) of Bediford carried on his back for a Wager, four Bushel, Salt-water-measure, all the length thereof.
• 3 It is very high, so that a Barge of sixty Tuns may pass and repass (if taking down her Masts) betwixt the Peares thereof.
• 4 The Foundation is very firmly fixed, and yet it doth (or seem to) shake at the slightest step of a Horse.
• 5 The Builder of so worthy a Work, is not (the more the pity) punctually known.

Yet Tradition (the best Author where no better is to be had) maketh that finished by the Assistance of Sir Theobold Greenvill, the Goldneyes and Oketenets, (Persons of great Power in those parts) Peter Quivill Bishop of Exeter granting Indulgencies to all such as contributed to the forwarding thereof.

As for the Houses of the Gentry in this County, some may a •… tract, none ravish the Beholder, except it be Wenbury the House of the Heales near Plymouth, almost corrival with Greenwich itself, for the pleasant Prospect thereof.

The Wonders.

Not to speak of a River about Lidford, whose stream sinketh so deep, that it is altogether invisible, but supplying to the Eare that it denies to the Eye, so great the noise thereof.

There is in the Parish of North-Taunton (near an House called Bath ) a Pit, but in the Winter a Pool, not maintained by any spring, but the fall of rain water (in Summer commonly dry.) Of this Pool it hath been observed, that before the death or change of any Prince, or some other strange accident of great importance, or any Invasion or Insurrection, (though in an hot and dry season) it will without any rain overflow its Banks, and so continue till it be past that it prognosticated. Be the truth hereof reported to the Vicenage (the most competent Judges thereof) seeing my Author (who finished his Book 1648.) reporteth, that it over-flowed four times within these last thirty years.

Some will be offended at me, if I should omit the Hanging Stone, being one of the Bound Stones which parteth Comb-Martin from the next Parish. It got the name from a Thief, who having stolen a Sheep and tied it about his own neck to carry it on his back, rested himself for a while upon this Stone, which is about a foothigh, until the Sheep struggling , slid over the Stone on the other side, and so strangled the man. Let the Lawyers dispute whether the Sheep in this case was forfeited to the Kings Almoner as a Deo-Dand: It appeareth rather a Providence, then a Casualty, in the just execution of a Malefactor. To these Wonders, I will add, and hazard the Readers displeasure for the same,

Proverbs.

To Devon-shire ground. ]

It is sad when one is made a Proverb by way of derision; but honorable to become proverbial, by way of imitation, as here Devon-shire hath set a Copy of Industry and Ingenuity to all England. To Devon-shire land is to pare off the surface or top-turffe thereof, then lay it together in heaps and burn it, which ashes are a marvelous improvement to battle barren ground. Thus they may be said to Stew the land in its own liquor, to make the same ground to find compost to fatten its self; An Husbandry, which where ever used, retains the name of the place where it was first invented, it being usual to Devonshire land in Dorset-shire, and in other Counties.

A Plymouth Cloak. ]

That is a Cane or a Staff, whereof this the occasion. Many a man of good extraction, coming home from far Voiages, may chance to land here, and being out of sorts, is unable for the present time and place to recruit himself with Cloaths. Here (if not friendly provided) they make the next Wood their Drapers shop, where a Staff cut out, serves them for a covering.

Ho may remove Mort-Stone.

There is a Bay in this County called Mort-Bay, but the Harbor in the entrance thereof is stopped with a huge Rock, called Mort-Stone, and the People merrily say that none can remove it, save such who are Masters of their Wives. If so, wise Socrates himself (with all men who are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , under Covert-feme (as I may say) will never attempt the removal thereof.

Lidford is a little and poor (but ancient) Corporation in this County, with very large privileges, where a Court of the Stanneries was formerly kept. This Libellous Proverb would suggest unto us, as if the Towns-men thereof (generally mean persons) were unable to manage their own Liberties with necessary discretion, administering preposterous and preproperous Justice.

I charitably believe, that some Tinners, justly obnoxious to censure, and deservedly punished (by fine or otherwise) for their misdemeanors, have causelessly traduced the proceedings of that Court, when they could not maintain their own innocence.

Saints.

WENFRIDE BONIFACE was born at C •… editon (corruptly Kirton ) once an Episcopal See in this County, bred a Monk under Abbot Wool •… hard in Exeter. Hence he went to Rome, where Pope Gregory the second (perceiving the ability of his parts) sent him to Germany, for the converting of that stiff-necked Nation. This service he commendably performed, baptising not fewer than a Hundred Thousand in Bavaria, Thuringia, Hassia, Friesland, Soxony, &c.

But here I must depart from Bale, because he departeth (I am sure) from Charity, and I suspect from Verity itself. Charity, who (according to his Bold and Bald A •… ocaliptical Conjectures ) maketh him the Other Beast assending out of the Earth with two Horns. And why so? Because forsooth he was made by the Pope Metropolitan of Mainz, and kept the Church of Colen in Commendam therewith.

Secondly Verity, when saying that he converted men terrore magis quam Doctrinâ, it being utterly incredible; that a single man should terrify so many out of their opinions. And if his words relate to Ecclesiastical Censures (with which Weapons Boniface was well provided) such were in themselves (without God's wonderful improving them on men's consciences) rather ridiculous then formidable to force Pagans from their former persuasions. But if Bale (which is very suspitous) had been better pleased with the Germans continuing in their Pagan Principles, than their conversion to corrupted Christianity; he will find few wise and godly men to join with his judgment therein. Yet do I not advocate for all the Doctrines delivered and Ceremonies imposed by Boniface; beholding him as laying the true Foundation, Jesus Christ, which would last and remain, but building much hay and stubble of Superstition thereon. But he himself afterwards passed a purging fire in this life, killed at Borne in Friesland, with fifty four of his companions, Anno Dom. 755. in the sixty year of his age, after he had spent thirty six years, six months, and six days in his German employment.

WILLIBALD, descended of high Parentage, was born in this County, Nephew to St. Boniface aforesaid, whom he followed in all respects; later in time, lower in parts, less in pains, but profitable in the German Conversion; wherein he may be termed his Uncles Armor-Bearer, attending him many a mile, though absent from him at his death. Herein he was more happy than his Uncle, that being made Bishop of Eystet in Germany, as he lived in honor, so he died in peace, Anno Dom. 781.

Martyrs.

AGNES PIREST or PREST, was the sole Martyr under the Raign of Queen Mary; Wherefore as those Parents which have but one Child, may afford it the better attendance as more at leisure: So seeing by God's goodness, we have but this single Native of this County, yea of this Diocese; we will enlarge ourselves on the Time, Place, and Cause of her suffering.

• 1. Her Christian Name, which Mr. Fox could not learn, we have recovered from another Excellent Author.
• 2. I am informed by the Inhabitants thereabouts, that she lived at Northcott in the Parish of Boynton, in the County of Cornwall, but where born, is unknown.
• 3 She was a simple woman to behold, thick, but little and short in stature; about fifty four years of age.
• 4 She was indicted on Monday the fourth Week in Lent, An. Phil. and Mar. 2 & 3. before W. Stanford Justice of the Assize (the same as I conceive, who wrote on the Pleas of the Crown:) So that we we may observe more legal formality was us •… d about the condemnation of this poor Woman, than any Martyr of far greater degree.
• 5 Her own Husband and Children were her greatest persecutors, from whom she fled, because they would force her to be present at Mass.
• 6 She was presented to James Troublefield Bishop of Exeter, and by him condemned for denying the Sacrament of the Altar.
• 7 After her condemnation she refused to receive any money from well affected people; Saying, She was to go to that City where Money had no mastery.
• 8 She was burnt without the Walls of Exeter, in a place called Sothenhay, in the Moneth of November 1558.

She was the only person in whose persecution Bishop Troublefield did appear; and it is justly conceived that Black-stone his Chancellor was more active than the Bishop, in procuring her death.

Confessors.

This County afforded none either in or before the Raign of Q. Mary; But in our Age it hath produced a most Eminent One, on an account peculiar to himself.

JOHN MOLLE was born in or nigh South-Mollton in this County, bred in France, where he attained to such perfection in that Tongue, that he made a Dictionary thereof for his own use: After his youth spent in some military employments of good trust, he was in his reduced Age made, by Thomas Lord Burgley and President of the North, one of the Examiners in that Court.

Going afterwards Governor to the Lord Ross, he passed the Alps (contrary to his own resolution) prizing his Fidelity to his charge above his own security. No sooner were they arrived at Rome, but the young Lord was courted and feasted, Mr. Molle arrested and imprisoned in the Inquisition. I hus at once did he lose the comfort of his Wife, Children, Friends, own land, and liberty, being kept in most strict restraint. Add to all these vexations, visits of importunate Priests and Jesuits, daily hacking at the Root of his Constancy with their Objections; till finding their Tools to turn edge, at last they left him to his own Conscience.

What saith the Holy Spirit? Revel. 18. 4. Come out of Babylon my Teople. But here alas was he, who would, but could not come thence, detained there in durance for thirty years together: How great his sufferings were, is only known to God, who permitted, his Foes, who inflicted, and himself, who endured them; Seeing no friend was allowed to speak with him alone. He died in the 81. year of his Age, about the year of our Lord 1638.

Cardinals.

WILLIAM COURTNEY was born (probably at Okehampton ) in this County, son to Hugh Courtney Earl of Devon-shire, successively Bishop of Hereford, Winchester and Canterbury; The credit of T. Walsingham an exact Historian (and born before Courtney was buried) maketh me confident, that the Pope made him a Cardinal, and Ciaconius and Onuphrius two Italians, confirm the same; that a Bishop of London (though mistaking his Name, Adam for William ) was at this time rewarded with a Red Hat.

How stoutly he then opposed John of Gaunt (Wycliffe his Patron) in his Church of St. Paul is largely related in my Church History, and I can add nothing thereunto. For if the men of Laconia (whose work was to study concisenesse) punished him severely, for speaking in Three, what might have been said in Two Words; Critics will severely censure me, for such tedious repetition.

Only we may observe; that when Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, his Metropolitical Visitation charged through and through, every Diocese in his own Province, no resistance being of Proof against him, all Opposers giving some trouble to him, but disgrace to themselves; soon suppressed by his high blood, strong brains, full purse, skill in Law, and plenty of powerful friends, in the English and Romish Court. The difficulty which he underwent herein, made the work easy to his Successors ever after. He deceased July 31. Anno Domini 1396.

Prelates.

ROBERT CHICHESTER. Here I had been at a perfectlosse, had I not met with a good Guide to direct me: For I had certainly from his Sirname concluded him born at Chichester in Sussex, according to the Custom of other Clergy-men. But this single swallow (which makes no Summer) had a Flight by himself, retaining his Paternal Name, descended from a Noble and Ancient Family (saith my Author*;) Still flourishing [at Rawleigh ] in this County. He was first Dean of Sarisbury, then Anno 1128. Consecrated Bishop of Exeter; highly commended by many Writers, for his Piety, though the Principal thereof consisted in his Pilgrimages to Rome, and procuring Relics thence. He bestowed much money in building and adorning his Cathedral, and having sat therein two and twenty years, died and was buried 1150, on the South side of the High Altar, nigh a Gentleman of his own Sirname, whose inscribed Arms are the best Directory to this Bishops Monument.

GILBERT FOLIOT was born at Tamerton Foliot in this County, Abbot of Gloucester, (Bale saith Exeter) then successively Bishop of Hereford and London.

He was observed when a Common Brother of his Covent, to inveigh against the Prior; when Prior, against the Abbot; when Abbot, against the pride and laziness of Bishops; but when he himself was Bishop, all was well, and Foliots mouth when full, was silent: Whether because all things do rest quiet in their center, or because Age had abated his juvenile Animosity; or because he found it more facile to find faults in others, then mend them in himself. Indeed, oft times mere Moros •… ness of Nature, usurps the reputation of Zeal, and what is but a bare disgust of men's persons, passeth for dislike of their vices. However our Foliot, the less he had in Satyrs, the more he had of Elegies afterwards, secretly bemoaning the badness of the Age he lived in: Hear a Passe betwixt him and a strange voice,

He finds little favor from our Historians of his Age, because they do generally Becketize; whilst Foliot was all for the King, being a professed Enemy to the (not person, but) pride of that Prelate*. This wise and learned Bishop died Feb. 18. 1187.

ROBERT FOLIOT Arch-Deacon of Oxford, was near Cosen (and therefore is placed Country man ) to Gilbert aforesaid. He was bred first in England, then in France, where he got the Sirname of Robertus Melundinensis, probably from the place of his longest abode. He was first Tutor to Becket, and Becket afterwards was Patron to him, by whose procurement he succeeded his Kinsman in the See of Hereford. He wrote several Books, whereof One of the Sacraments of the Old Law is most remarkable.

Hitherto we have followed Bale with blind obedience, until Bishop Godwin, whom we rather believe, hath opened our eyes in two particulars:

• 1 That Robert de Melune (Bishop also of Hereford ) was a distinct person from our Robert.
• 2 That our Foliot was advanced Bishop after the death of Becket, probably for the affection he bore unto him, not the assistance he received from him. His deah happened Anno 1186. Nor must we forget, there was also one Hugh Foliot ArchDeacon of Shrewsbury, afterwards Bishop of Hereford; of whom nothing remains, but his Name and the date of his Death 1234.

WILLIAM BREWER, was born in this County (or in Somerset-shire ) whereof William his Father was several years Sheriff under King Henry the Second, where we shall insist on the occasion of his Sirname.

Bishop Godwin informeth us, that he was Brother to Sr. William Brewer Knight, if there be not an error therein, seeing Two Brethren surviving their Parents together; both of a Name, are seldom seen in the same Family. He was preferred Bishop of Exeter Anno 1224.

A Great Courtier, and employed in such Embassies proper for a Person of Prime Quality, as when he was sent to conduct Isabel Sister to King Henry the Third, to be married to Frederick the Emperor; whom he afterwards attended to the Holy Land▪ Returning to his See, he set himself wholly to the adorning and enriching thereof, founding a Dean and 24 Prebendaries, allowing the later the Annual Stipend of Four Pounds, which they receive at this day. But I am lately informed that the Dean and Residenciaries of Exeter have since augmented the Salary of all the Prebendaries at large to twenty pounds a year: Which Intelligence if false, they are not injured, if true, they are courteously used. This Bishop died Anno Domini 1244.

WILLIAM de RALEIGH, was born at that well known Town in this County, preferred first Canon of St. Paul's, then successively Bishop of Norwich and Winchester: The last of which cost him much trouble, his Election being stiffly opposed by King Henry the Third, intending a Valentinian (Uncle to the Queen ) for that Bishopric; whom the Monks of Winchester refused; terming him, Vir Sanguinum, A man of Blood.

Whether in that sense wherein David is so termed (and on that account prohibited the building of the Temple) because a Martial Man; or whether only because descended of high blood, whose Descent was all his Desert, so that they ridgidly adhered to the election of Raleigh.

King Henry who seldom used to be angry, and more seldom to swear; sware in his anger, That he would have his will at last, or they should never have Bishop; and how his Conscience came off without Perjury herein, his own Conf •… ssor was best able to satisfy him.

Raleigh had (be •… ides his own merits) two good friends, his Purse and the Pope, the former procuring the later. He presented his Holynesse with six thousa •… d Mark, which effected his Work. Here two persons were at once deceived, the Pope not expecting so great a sum should be tendered him, and Raleigh not suspecting he would take all; but leave at least a morsel for manners. But his hands will take what ever is tendered him, if not too Hot or too Heavy.

Raleigh thus runin debt, could never creep out thereof, though living very privately, and dying very penitently: For when the Priest brought the •… uchrist unto him, lying on his Death-Bed; Raleigh expressing himself in language like to that of John the Baptist : I have need to come to thee, and comest thou to me; would rise out of his Bed to meet him. His death happened Anno Dom. 1249.

RICHARD COURTNEY was one of great linage (allied to the Earl of Devonshire ) and no less Learning (excellently skilled in the Knowledge of both Laws:) So that at the instant suit of K. Henry the Fifth; He was preferred Bishop of Norwich, Anno 1413. His person (the Inn of his Soul, had a fair Sign ) was highly favored by his Prince, and beloved by the people; Yet all this could not prolong his life: So that he died of a flux at the siege of Harflew in Normandy, in the second year of his Consecration, and his Corps brought over, was honourably entombed in Westminster.

J •… AMES CARY, was born in this County, his name still flourishing nt Cockington therein: He was at Rome made Bishop of Lichfield, and travailing thence homewards towards England, did again light on the Pope at Flor •… nce, just at the news of the vacancy of Exeter, and the same See was bestowed on him, the more welcome, because in his Native County. Say not this was a Degradation; For though in our time Lichfield is almost twice as good as Exeter, •… xeter then was almost four times as good as Lichfield. This appeareth by their valuations of their Income into First-Fruits; Exeter paying the Pope six thousand Ducats, whilst Lichfield paid only seventeen hundred at the most. But what ever the value of either or both was, Cary enjoyed neither of them; dying and being buried in Florence. Thus, though one may have two Cups in his hand, yet some intervening accident may so hinder, that he may taste of neither. He died 1419.

JOHN STANBERY, was (saith Bale out of Leland) in Occidentali 〈◊〉 parte natus. But the Western parts, being a wide Parish, thanks to our Author, who hath particularized the place of his Nativity, viz. the Farm of Church-hill, within the Parish of Bratton or Broad-Town in this County, where some of his Name and Kindred remain at this day. He was bred a Carmelite in Oxford, and b •… came genera •… lie as learned as any of his Order, deserving all the dignity which the •… niversity did or could confer upon him. King H •… n. the sixth highly favored and made him the first Provost of Eaton, being much ruled by his advice in ordering that his new Foundation. He was by the King designed Bishop of Norwich, but William de la Poole Duke of Suffolk (See the presumption of a proud Favorite or Minion rather) got it from him for his own Chaplain, and Stanbery was for to stay his stomach on the poor Bishopric of Bangor, till Anno 1453, he was advanced Bishop of Hereford.

Leland doth condemn him for his over compliance with the Pope in all his intolerable taxes, and others commend him as much for his fidelity to his Master King Hen. whom he deserted not in all his adversity; so that this Bishop was taken prisoner in the Battail of Northampton. Say not to this Prelate, as Eliab to David, Why camest thou down hither? with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the Wilderness? I know the pride and the malice of thy heart, for thou art come down to see the Battail; For Stanbery being Confessor to King Henry, he was tied by his Oath to such personal attendance. After long durance in Warwick Castle, he was set at liberty, and dying Anno 1474, was buried in the Convent of Carmelites at Ludlow; where his barbarous and tedious Epitaph (ill suiting with the Author of such learned and pithy Books) is not worth the inserting.

PETER COURTNE •… son to Sir Phillip Courtney, was born at Powderham in this Shire. He was first preferred Arch-Deacon, then Bishop of •… xeter, expending very much money in finishing the North Tower, giving a great (called Peter) Bell thereunto. He was afterwards Anno 1486, translated to Winchester; where he sat five years. It is much one of so Illustrious Birth should have so obscure a Burial, Bishop Godwin con̄fessing that he knew not whereabouts in his Church he lieth interred.