The History of the Worthies of England

States-men.

Sir ARTHUR CHICHESTER Knight, was descended of a right ancient Family, dwelling at Rawley in this County. He spent his youth first in the University, then in the French and Irish Wars; where by his valor he was effectually assistant, first to plough and break up that barbarous Nation by Conquest, and then to sow it with seeds of civility, when by King James made Lord Deputy of Ireland.

Ind ed good Laws and provisions had been made by his Predecessors to that purpose, but alas they were like good lessons set for a Lute out of tune, useless until the Instrument was fitted for them. Wherefore in order to the civilizing of the Irishry, in the first year of his Government he established two new Circuits for Justices of Assize, the one in Connaught, the other in Munster. And whereas the Circuits in former times only encompassed the English Pale (as the Cynosura doth the Pole ) henceforward, like good Planets in their several Spheres, they carried the influence of Justice, round about the Kingdom. Yea, in short time, Ireland was so cleared of Thieves and Capital Offenders, that so many Malefactors have not been found in the Two and Thirty Shires of Ireland, as in Six English Shires in the Western Circuit.

He reduced the Mountains and Glinns on the South of Dublin (formerly thorns in the sides of the English-Pale ) into the County of Wicklowe, and in conformity to the English Custom, many Irish began to cut their Mantles into Cloaks. So observant his eye over the actions of suspected persons; that Tyrone was heard to complain that he could not drink a full carouso of sack, but the State was within few hours advertised thereof.

After he had been continued many years in his Deputy-ship, and deservedly made a Lord, King James recalled him home, and (loath to leave his abilities unimployed) sent him Ambassador to the Emperor, and other German Princes. Being besieged in the City of Mainchine (a place much indebted to his prudence, for seasonable victualling it:) by Count Tilley; he sent him word that it was against the Law of Nations to besiege an Ambassador: Tilley returned, that he took no notice that he was an Ambassador. The Lord Chichester replied to the Messenger; Had my Master sent me with as many hundred men, as he hath sent me on fruitless Messages, your General should have known, that I had been a Soldier, as well as an Ambassador.

King James at his return, entertained him with great commendation, for so well discharging his trust, and he died in as great honor as any English-man of our age, Anno Dom. 162..

Capital Judges.

Sir WILLIAM HERLE Knight, was made by King Edward the Third, Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench, in Hillary Term, the first year of his Raign, and before the Term ended, ( viz. Jan. the 29.) was made Chief Judge of the Common Pleas, by his own free consent, as I have cause to conceive; he standing fair in the Kings favor. For, whereas sixty marks was in that age the annual salary of that place, the King granted him an augmentation of two hundred and forty marks a year, so long as he kept that Office. This was some four years, for I find Sir John Stoner put into his place, in the Fourth of the Kings Raign, yet so, that this Sir William was his Successor the year after, such alterations being usual in that age. I collect him to die in the ninth of King Edward the Third (the mention of him sinking that year) and is placed here; because, if not born at (which is most probable) he was owner of Illfracombe in this County, the Manor whereof was held by his issue till the Raign of King Henry the Seventh; and I understand that a Family of his Name, and I believe of his linage, hath still a Worshipful existence in Cornwall.

Sir JOHN CARY Knight, was born at Cockington in this County, and applying himself to the Study of the Laws, was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer in the tenth year of King Richard the Second. The greatest fault I find charged on him, was Loyalty to his Lord and Master, which, if any dare call a disease: I assure you it is a catching one, among conscientious people. On this honorable account this Judge lost his Office, Goods, and Lands, in the first of King Henry the Fourth; whose losses, not long after providence plentifully repaid to his Posterity; On this occasion. A Knight Errant of Aragon coming into England, and challenging any to tilt with him, was undertaken by Sir Robert Cary, son to Sir John aforesaid; who vanquished the vain glorious Don; So that King Henry the Fifth out of a sympathy of valor, restored all his estate unto him. This Judge died about the year of our Lord 1404.

Sir WILLIAM HANKFORD was born at Amerie in this County (a Manor, which from owners of the same name by their daughter and heir descended to the Hank fords) bred in the study of the Laws, till he became Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, in the first of King Henry the Fifth; which place he adorned with great Learning and Integrity, though doleful the manner of his death; on this occasion:

Coming home discontented from London, he expressed extreme anger (somewhat trespassing on his judicial gravity) against his Keeper; for that (as he said) his Deer were stolen, and charged him to shoot any man in the Park whom he should find there, and stood not being spoken unto, and he would discharge him. The next night being dark, he presents himself, and refusing to stand, the Keeper according to his Injunction, shot and killed him. The stump of the Oak, nigh which this sad accident happened, hath been shewn to some eminent Lawyers riding that Circuit, which are yet alive.

However no violent impression is intimated in this his peaceable Epitaph on his Monument in Amerie Church:

His Figure is portraied kneeling, and out of his mouth in a Label, these two sentences do proceed;

• 1 Miserere mei Deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.
• 2 Beati qui custodiant judicium, & faciunt justitiam omni tempore.

No charitable Reader, for one unadvised act will condemn his Memory, who, when living, was habited with all requisites for a person of his place.

Sir JOHN FORTESCUE was born of a right Ancient and Worthy Family in this County, first fixed at Wimpstone in this Shire; but since prosperously planted in every part thereof. They give for their Motto Forte Scutum Salus Ducum, and it is observable that they attained eminency in what Profession soever they applied themselves.

Sir LEWIS POLLARD of Kings Nimet in this County, Sergeant of the Law, and one of the Justices of the Kings Bench in the time of King Henry the Eighth, was a man of singular knowledge and worth; who by his Lady Elizabeth had,

Eleven Sons, whereof four attained the honor of Knighthood:

• Sir Hugh.
• Sir John of Ford.
• Sir Richard.
• Sir George, who got his honor in the defense of Boleyn.

All the rest, especially John Arch Deacon of Sarum, and Canon of Exeter, were very well advanced.

Eleven Daughters married to the most potent Families in this County, and most of them Knights: So that (what is said of Cork in Ireland, that all the Inhabitants therein are Kin) by this Match almost all the Ancient Gentry in this County are allied.

The Portraiture of Sir Lewis and his Lady, with their two and twenty Children, are set up in a Glass Window at Nimet-Bishop. There is a Tradition continued in this Family; that the Lady glassing the Window in her husbands absence at the term in London; caused one child more then she then had, to be set up, presuming (having had one and twenty already, and usually conceiving at her husbands coming home) she should have another child; which inserted in expectance, came to pass accordingly. This memorable Knight died Anno 1540.

Sir JOHN DODERIDG Knight, was born at...... in this County, bred in Exeter College in Oxford; where he became so general a Scholar, that it is hard to say, whether he was better Artist, Divine, Civil, or Common Lawyer, though he fixed on the last for his public Profession; and became second Justice of the Kings Bench. His soul consisted of two Essentials, Ability and Integrity, holding the Scale of Justice with so steady an hand, that neither love nor lucre, fear or flattery, could bow him on either side.

It was vehemently suspected that in his time, some gave large sums of money, to purchase places of Judicature. And Sir John is famous for the expression, That as old and infirm as he was, he would go to Tyburn on foot to see such a man hanged; that should proffer money for a place of that nature; For certainly those who buy such Offices by whole sale, must sell Justice by retail, to make themselves savers. He was commonly called the Sleeping Judge, because he would sit on the Bench with his eyes shut, which was only a posture of attention, to sequester his sight from distracting objects, the better to lissen to what was alleged and proved. Though he had three Wives successively, out of the respectful Families of Germin, Bamfield, and Culme, yet he left no issue behind him. He kept a Hospital House at Mount-Radford near Exeter, and dying Anno Domini 1628. the thirteenth day of September; (after he had been seventeen years a Judge) in the seventy third year of his age, was interred under a stately Tomb in our Ladys Chapel in Exeter.

To take my leave of the Devonian Lawyers, they in this County seem innated with a Genius to study Law, none in England (Northfolk alone excepted) affording so many; Cornwall indeed hath a Famine, but Devon-shire makes a Feast of such, who by the practice thereof have raised great Estates. Three Sergeants were all made at one Call •… , Sergeant Glanvil [the Elder] Dew, and Harris, of whom it was commonly said (though I can nor care not to appropriate it respectively:)

One Town in this Shire, Tavistock by name, furnisheth the Bar at this present, with a Constellation of Pleaders, wherein the biggest Stars Sergeant Glanvil, who shineth the brighter, for being so long eclipsed; and Sergeant Maynard, the Bench seeming sick with long longing for his sitting thereon. As it is the Honor of this County to breed such able Lawyers; so is it, its happiness, that they have most of their Clients from other Shires, and the many Suits tried of this County, proceed not so much from the Litigiousnesse, as Populousnesse of her Inhabitants.

Soldiers.

Sir RICHARD GREENVIL Knight, lived and was richly landed at Bediford in this County. He was one of the Twelve Peers which accompanied Robert Fitz-Haimon in his expedition against the Welsh; when he overthrew Rhese ap Theodore, Prince of South-Wales, and Justine Lord of Glamorgan; and divided the conquered Country betwixt those his Assistants.

This Sir Richard in my apprehension appears somewhat like the Patriarch Abraham: For he would have none make him rich, but God alone, though in his partage, good land was at Neath, (Nidum a City in Antoninus ) in Glamorgan-shire allotted unto him. Indeed Abraham gave the tenth to God in Melchizedek, and restored the rest to the King of Sodom, the former proprietary thereof. This Knight (according to the Devotion of those darker days) gave all to God, erecting and endowing a Monastery (dedicated to the Virgin Mary ) at Neath, for Cistertians, bestowing all his military Acquests on them for their maintenance, so that this Convent was valued at 150 li. per. annum at the dissolution. Thus having finished and settled this foundation, he returned to his own Patrimony at Bediford in this County, where he lived in great repute, 1100. under the Raign of King William Rufus, (and may seem to have •… ntailed Hereditary Valour on his Name and still flourishing Posterity.

JAMES Lord AUDLEY is challenged by several Counties, (Stafford-shire, Herefordshire, Dorsetshire, &c.) And that with almost equal probability, to be their Native: But my Author, well verst in the Antiquities of this Shire, clearly adjudgeth his birth thereunto: Avouching the Castle of Barstable the place of his principal Mansion and Inhabitance.

This is that Lord Audley, so famous for his valiant service in France, at the Battail of Poitiers, where the Black Prince rewarded him with a yearly Pension of 500 Marks, which presently the Lord Audley gave as freely to his four Esquires; having (as he said) received this Honor by their means. The news of this Largesse being quickly brought to the Prince his Ears, he questioned the Lord, whether he conceived his Gift not worthy his esteem; as beneath his acceptance? To whom the Lord replied, Th •… se Squires have done me long and faithful service, and now especially in this Battail, without whose assistance I being a single man, could have done little. Besides, The fair Estate left meb •… my Ancestors, enableth me freely to serve your Highness; whereas these my men may stand in need of some support; only I crave your pardon for •… giving it away without your license: The Prince highly pleased thereat, praised his Bounty as much as his Valour, and doubled his former Pension into a thousand Marks. This noble Lord by my computation died about the beginning of the Raign of King Richard the Second.

THOMAS STU •… LEY. Were he alive, he would be highly offended to be ranked under any other Topic than that of Princes; whose memory must now be content and thankful too, that we will afford it a place amongst our Soldiers.

He was a younger brother, of an ancient, wealthy, and worshipful Family, nigh Illfracombe in this County, being one of good parts, but valued the less by others; because over-prized by himself. Having prodigally mis-spent his Patrimony, he entered on several projects (the issue general of all decayed estates) and first pitched on the peopleing of Florida, then newly found out in the West Indies. So confident his ambition, that he blushed not to tell Queen Elizabeth, that he preferred rather to be Sovereign of a Mole-hill, than the highest Subject to the greatest King in Christendom; adding moreover, that, he was assured he should be a Prince before his death: I hope (said Queen Elizabeth) I shall hear from you, when you are stated in your Principality: I will write unto you (quoth Stukely.) In what Language? (said the Queen) He returned, In the Style of Princes; To our dear Sister.

His fair project of Florida being blasted for lack of money to pursue it, he went over into Ireland, where he was frustrate of the preferment he expected, and met such Physic, that turned his Feaver into Frensie. For, hereafter resolving treacherously to attempt, what he could not loyally achieve, he went over into Italy.

It is incredible how quickly he wrought himself thorough the notice into the favor, through the Court into the Chamber, yea Closet, yea bosom of Pope Pius Quintus.; so that some wise men thought his Holiness did forfeit a parcel of his infallibility, in giving credit to such a Glorioso, vaunting that with three thousand soldiers he would beat all the English out of Ireland.

The Pope finding it cheaper to fill Stuckleys swelling sails, with aiery Titles, than real Gifts, created him Baron of Ross, Viscount Murrough, Earl of Wexford, Marquess of Lemster, and then furnished this Title-top-heavy General, with eight hundred soldiers paid by the King of Spain for the Irish Expedition.

In passage thereunto Stuckley lands at Portugal, just when Sebastian the King thereof, with two Moorish Kings, were undertaking of a voyage into Africa. Stuckly scorning to attend, is persuaded to accompany them. Some thought he wholly quitted his Irish design, partly because loath to be pent up in an Island (the Continent of Africa affording more elbow-room for his Atchievements) partly because so mutable his mind, he ever loved the last project (as Mothers the youngest child:) best. Others conceive he took this African in order to his Irish design; such his confidence of Conquest, that his Break-fast on the Turks, would the better enable him to dine on the English in Ireland.

Landing in Africa, Stuckley gave counsel, which was safe, seasonable and necessary; namely, that for two or three days they should refresh their land Soldiers▪ whereof some were sick, and some were weak, by reason of their tempestuous passage. This would not be heard, so furious was Don Sebastion to engage; as if he would pluck up the bays of Victory out of the ground, before they were grown up▪ and so in the Battail of Alcaser their Army was wholly defeated: Where Stuckley lost his life.

This Battail was fought Anno 1578. Where Stuckley with his eight hundred men behaved himself most valiantly, till over-powered with multitude.

I hope it will be no offense, next to this Bubble of Emptiness, and Meteor of Ostentation, to place a precious Pearl, and Magazine of secret merit, whom we come to describe.

GEORGE MONCK. Some will say he being (and long may he be) alive; belongs not to your Pen, according to your Premised Rules. But know he is too High to come under the Roof of my Regulations, whose merit may make Laws for me to observe. Besides, it is better that I should be censured, than he not commended. Passe we by his High Birth (whereof hereafter) and •… ard breeding in the Low-Countries, not commencing a Captain per saltum (as many in our Civil Wars ) but proceeding by degrees from a private Soldier, in that Martial University. Passe we also by his Employment in Ireland, and Imprisonment in England for the King; his Sea service against the Dutch; Posting to speak of his last performanc •… , which should I be silent, would speak of it self.

Being made Governor of Scotland, no power or policy of O. C. could fright or flatter him thence. Scotland was his Castle, from the top whereof he •… ook the true prospect of our English affairs. He perceived that since the Martyrdom of King Charles, several sorts of Goverment (like the Sons of Jesse before Samuel ) pafsed before the English People; but neither God nor our Nation had chosen them. He resolved therefore to send for despised David out of a Forreign Field; as well assured that the English Loyalty would never be at rest, till fixed in the center thereof. He secured Scotland in faithful hands, to have all his Foes before his 〈◊〉 , and leave none behind his back.

He entereth England with excellent Foot, but his Horse so lean, that they seemed tired at their first setting forth. The chiefest strength of his Army consisted in the Reputation of the strength thereof, and wise conduct of their General. The Loyal English did rather gaze on, than pray for him, as ignorant of his intentions, and the Apostle observeth that the private man knoweth not how to say Amen to what is spoken in an unknown Language.

Now the scales began to fall down from the eyes of the English Nation (as from Saul, when his sight was received) sensible that they were deluded, with the pretences of Religion and Liberty, into Atheism and Vassallage. They had learnt also from the Soldiers (whom they so long had quartered) to cry out One and All, each Shire setting forth a Remonstrance of their grievances, and refusing farther payment of Taxes.

Lambert cometh forth of London, abounding with more outward advantages than General Monk wanted; Dragon like he breathed out naught but fire and fury, chiefly against the Church and Clergy. But he met with a Saint George, who struck him neither with sword nor spear; but gave his Army a mortal wound, without wounding it. His Soldiers dwindled away, and indeed a private person ( Lambert at last was little more) must have a strong and long hand on his own account to hold an whole Army together.

The Hinder part of the Parliament sitting still at Westminster, plied him with many Messengers and Addresses. He returned an answer neither granting nor denying their desires; giving them hope, too little to trust, yet too much to distrust him. He was an absolute Riddle, and no ploughing with his Heifer to expound him. Indeed had he appeared what he was, he had never been what he is, a Deliverer of his Country. But such must be as dark as midnight, who mean to achieve Actions as bright as Noon-day.

Then was he put on the unwellcome Office to pluck down the Gates of London, though it pleased God that the Odium did not light on him that acted, but those who employed him. Hence forward he sided effectually with the City: I say the City, which if well or ill affected, was then able to make us a happy or unhappy Nation.

Immediately followed that TURN of our TIMES, which all the World with wonder doth behold. But let us not look so long on second causes, as to lose the sight of the Principal, Divine Providence. Christ on the Cross said to his Beloved Disciple behold thy Mother; and said to her behold thy Son: Thus was he pleased effectually to speak to the hearts of the English, Behold your Sovereign, which inspirited them with Loyalty, and a longing desire of his presence; saying likewise to our Gracious Sovereign, Behold thy Subjects, which increased his ardent affection to return; and now, blessed be God, both are met together, to their mutual comfort.

Since the Honors which he first deserved have been conferred upon him, completed with the Title of the Duke of Albemarle, and Master of his Maj •… sties Horse, &c. Nor must it be forgotten that he carried the Scepter, with the Dove thereupon (the Emblem of Peace ) at the Kings Coronation. But abler Pens, will improve these Short Memoires into a large History.

Sea-men.

WILLIAM WILFORD was a Native nigh Plymouth in this County, a valiant and successful Seaman. It happened in the Raign of King Henry the Fourth, that the French out of Britain by a sudden Invasion burnt sixteen hundred Houses in Plymouth, if there be not a mistake in the figures, which I vehemently suspect. Sure it was a most sad desolation, remembered at this day in the division of Plymouth, whereof the one part is called the Britons-side, the other the Old-Town.

But let the French boast their gain, when the Game is ended, which now was but began. This fire enflamed all the English, and especially our Wilford, with desire of revenge. Within a short time he made them to pay besides costs and charges, more than sixfold damages, by taking forty ships on the Coast of Britain's, and burning as many at Penarch; besides many Towns and Villages for six leagues together. I collect the death of this W. Wilford, to be about the beginning of the Raign of King Henry the Fifth▪

Sr. HVMPHREY GILBERT, or Jilbert, or Gislibert, was born at Green-way in this County, the pleasant Seat of his Family for a long continuance. He was famous for his knowledge both by Sea and Land. In the year 1569 he valiantly and fortunately served in Ireland: Afterwards he led nine Companies to the assistance of the Hollanders. In the year 1583 he set forth with five ships to make discoveries in the North of America, where he took Sezin and Possession of New-Found-Land (according to the Ancient Solemn Ceremony of cutting a Turf ) for the Crown of England.

He resolved to adventure himself in his Return in a Vessel of sorty Tun. And with two ships (the only remains of five ) did make for England. In the instant of their winding about (I may confidently report what is generally in this County averred and believed:) A very great Lion, not swimming after the manner of a Beast, with the motion of his feet; nor yet diving sometimes under water, and rising again; (as Porpyces and Dolphins do) but rather gliding on the water with his whole body, except legs in sight, shunned not the ship, nor the Mariners, who presented themselves in view; but turning his head too and fro, yawning and gaping wide, made a horrible roaring. It is conceived no Spectrum or Apparition, but a real fish, seeing we read that such like a Lion, in all lineaments was taken at Sea Anno 1282. and presented to Pope Martin the Fourth.

Instantly a terrible Tempest did arise, and Sir Humphrey said cheerfully to his companions, We are as near Heaven here at Sea as at Land. Nor was it long before his ship sunk into the Sea withal therein, though the other recovered home like Jobs Messengers, to bring the tidings of the destruction of their companions. This sad accident happened 158.

. . . . . . . COCK. I am sorry I cannot add his Christian Name, and more sorry that I cannot certainly avouch his Nativity in this County (though inclined with many motives to believe it) being a Cock of the Game ) indeed. For in the Eighty eight, Solus Cockus Anglus in sua inter medios hosts navicula, cum laude periit. And whereas there was not a noble Family in Spain, but lost either Son. Brother, or Nephew in that Fight; this Cock was the only man of note of the English, who fighting a Volanteer in his own ship, lost his life to save his Queen and Country.

Pity it is his memory should ever be forgotten, and my Pen is sensible of no higher preferment, then, when it may be permitted, to draw the Curtains about those who have died in the bed of Honor.

Sir FRANCIS DRAKE. Having formerly in my Holy State written his life at large, I will forbear any addition; and only present this Tetrastrick, made on his Corps when cast out of the Ship (wherein he died) into the Sea.

He died (as I am informed) unmarried, but there is of his Alliance a Worshipful Family extant in this County, in the condition of a Baronet.

Sir WALTER RAWLEIGH. The sons of Heth said unto Abraham, thou art a great •… rince amongst us, In the choice of our Sepulchers bury thy dead, none shall withhold them from thee. So may we say to the memory of this worthy Knight, repose yourself in this our Catalogue underwhat Topic you please, of States-man, Seaman, Soldier, Learned Wrirer, and what not? His worth unlocks our closest Cabinets, and provides both room and welcome to entertain him.

He was born at Budeley in this County, of an Ancient Family, but decayed in Estate, and he the youngest brother thereof. He was bred in Oriel College in Oxford, and thence coming to Court, found some hopes of the Queens favors reflecting upon him. This made him write in a glass Window, obvious to the Queens eye,

Her Majesty either espying, or being shown it, did under-write,

However he at last climbed up by the stairs of his own 〈◊〉 . But his Introduction into the Court bare an elder date. From this occasion: This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 coming cut of Ireland to the English Court in good habit (his 〈◊〉 being then a considerable part of his estate) found the Queen walking, till meeting with a Plashy place, she seemed to scruple going thereon. Presently Raleigh cast and spread his new Plush Cloak on the ground whereon the Q •… een trod gently, rewarding him afterwards with many Suits, for his so free and seasonable tender of so fair a foot 〈◊〉 . Thus an advantageous admission into the first notice of a Prince, is more than half a degree to 〈◊〉 .

It is reported of the Women in the Balear Islands, that to 〈◊〉 their Sons expert archers; they will not, when children, give them their break-fast before they had hit the mark. Such the dealing of the Queen with this Knight, making him to earn his Honor, and by pain and peril, to purchase what places of credit or profit were bestowed upon him. 〈◊〉 it was true of him, what was said of Cato 〈◊〉 ; That he seemed to be born to that only which he went about: So dexterous was he in all his undertakings, In Court, in Camp, by Sea, by Land, with Sword, with Pen, witness in the last his History of the World; wherein the only default or ( defect rather) that it wanteth one half thereof. Yet had he many enemies (which worth never wanteth) at Court, his cowardly Detractors, of whom Sir Walter was wont to say, If any man accuseth me to my face, I will answer him with my mouth; but my tail is good enough to return an answer to such who 〈◊〉 me behind my ba •… k.

Civilians.

JOHN COWEL was born at Yarnesborow in this County, bred first at Eaton, then in Kings-College in Cambridge. He was Proctor thereof 1586. Doctor of the Law, Master of Trinity Hall, Vice-Chancellor in the year 1603 and 1614, Doctor of the Arches, & Vicar General to Archbishop Bancroft. Though Civil was his Profession, such his skill in Common Law, he was as well able to practice in Westminster Hall as Doctors Commons.

In his time the contest was heightened, betwixt the Civilians and Common Lawyers, Cowell being the Champion of the former, whom King James countenanced as far as he could with conveniency. Indeed great were his abilities, though a grand Oracle of the Common Law, was pleased in derision to call him Doctor Cow-heel; and a Cow-heel (I assure you) well dressed is good meat, that a Cook (when hungry) may lick his fingers after it.

Two chief Monuments he hath left to Posterity, his Book entitled Institutiones 〈◊〉 Anglicani, and his Interprerer of the hard words in the Common-Law. Indeed he had both the essentials of an Interpreter, who was both gnarus and sidus. Many slighted his Book, who used it; it being questionable whether it gave more information or offense. Common Lawyers beheld it as a double trespass, against them; first pedibus ambulando, that a Civillian should walk in a Profession several to themselves; Secondly, that he should pluck up the Pales of the bard terms, wherewith it was enclosed, and lay it open and obvious to common capacities.

But an higher offense was charged upon him, that he made the King to have a double Prerogative, the one limited by Law, the other 〈◊〉 ; which being complained of in Parliament, his Book was called in and condemned. Some other advantages they got against him, the grief whereof (hearts sunk down are not to be boyed up) hastened his death Anno Domini 1611. and he lieth buried in Trinity-Hall Chapel.

ARTHVR DVCK, was born of wealthy parentage at Heavy-tree in this County. He was bred in Oxford, Fellow of All-souls-College, and wrote the life of Arch Bishop Chicheley the Founder thereof, in most elegant Latin. Proceeding Doctor of Law, he became Chancellor of Wells and London, and Master of the 〈◊〉 , designed also Master of the Roles, had not an intervening accident diverted it. One of most smooth Language, but rough speech: So that what the Comedian faith of a fair 〈◊〉 in Mean Apparel, was true of him.

Had there not been a masculine strength in his matter, it had been marred with the disadvantage of his utterance. He died on the Lord's Day, and (in effect) in the Church, about 1648: Leaving a great estate to two Daughters, since married to two of his Name and Kindred.

Writers.

ROGER the CISTERTIAN, Lived (near the place of his birth) at Ford Abbey in this County. Here the judicious Reader will please himself to climb up the two following Mountains of extremes (only with his eye) and then descend into the Vale of Truth, which lieth betwixt them.

I believe that Bilius Bale, would have been sick of the yellow Jaundies, if not venting his choller in such expressions. But to speak impartially, the works of this Roger concerning the Revelations of Elizabeth Abbess of Schonaugh, and the Legend that he wrote of St. Ursula, with her Thousands of Maids killed at Colen, are full (to say no worse) of many fond falsities. He lived mostly in the Low Countries, and flourished 1180 under King Henry the Second.

JOHN de FORD was probably born at, certainly Abbot of Ford in this County; esteemed insignis Theologus in his age; following the foot-steps of his friend and Patron Baldwin, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. He travailed into Forrain parts, which he did not, as too many, weed, but gathered the Flowers; returning stored with good Manners, and stocked with good Learning. He endeavored, that all in his Convent should be like himself, and Ford-Abbey in his time had more Learning therein, than three Convents of the same bigness. He was Confessor to King John, wrote many pious Works, and dying, was buried in his own Convent, without any Funeral Pomp, about the year 1215.

RICHARD FISHAKER or FIZACRE ( Matthew Paris termeth him FISHACLE) was, saith 〈◊〉 , born in Exoniensi Patria, which I english, in Devonshire. He was bred first in Oxford, then in Paris, and became a Dominican Friar: For his Learning and Preaching as highly esteemed as any of that age. He was (saith Learned Leland ) as fast linked in Friendship to Robert Bacon (of whom hereafter) as ever 〈◊〉 to Bacchius, or Thes •… us to Perithous: So that one may say ofthem, there was two friends. This Richard disdaining to survive Robert a •… oresaid, hearing of his death, expired in the same year 1248. and was buried at Oxford.

JOHN CUT- 〈◊〉 was born at the Manor of Gammage in this County, where his Name and Family do continue Owners thereof. Now, because that which is pretty is pleasing, and what is little, may be presumed pretty; we will insert the short (and indeed all the) information we have of him.

I see Baleus non vidit omnia, for Pitzeus, it is no wonder if he be pleased to take no notice of a Writer of an opposite judgment to himself. When we receive, then will we return more Intelligence of this Author.

RICHARD CHICHESTER was not born at Chichester in Sussex, as his Name doth import, but was an extract of that Ancient Family, still flourishing at Raleigh in this County. He became a Monk in Westminster, seldom spending any spare time in vanity; but laying it out in reading Scripture and good History. He wrote a Chronicle from Hengisius the Saxon, to the year of our Lord 1348. done indeed fide Historica. His death happened about the year 1355.

ROBERT PLYMPTON was born in Plypmton in this County, and bred an Augustinian in the Town of his Nativity. He was afterwards preferred Arch-Deacon of Totnesse, conscientiously discharging his place: for perceiving people extremely 〈◊〉 , he was another John the Baptist in his painful preaching repentance unto them, which Sermons he caused to be written; and it is conceived they wrought a very good 〈◊〉 on the Devonians. The time wherein he flourished is not certainly known.

NICHOLAS UPTON was born in this County, of an Ancient Family, still flourishing therein at........... He was bred Doctor in the Canon-Law, and became Canon of Salisbury, Wells and St. Paul's. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, the Me▪ coenas. General of goodness and learning, had him in high esteem, and gave him great rewards: Hereupon Upton, in expression of his gratitude, presented his Patron with a Book (the first in that kind) of Heraldry, and the Rules thereof; a Book since set forth in a fair impression, by Edward Bish Esquire, a Person composed of all worthy accomplishments. He flourished under King Henry the Sixth 1440.

Benefactors to the Public.

PETER BLUNDELL of Tiverton in this County, was a Clothier by his Profession, and through God's Blessing on his Endeavors therein, raised unto himself a fair Estate. Nor was he more painful and industrious in gaining, then Pious and Prudent in disposing thereof; erecting a fair Free-School in the Town of his Nativity: By his Will he bequeathed thereto a competent maintenance (together with conveniency of Lodging) for a Master and Usher. And lest such whose Genius did incline, and Parts furnish them for a further Progress in Learning, should through want of a Comfortable Subsistency be stopped or disheartened, he bestowed two Scholarships and as many Fellowships on Sidney College in Cambridge; carefully providing that the Scholars bred in his School at Tiverton, should be elected into the same. I cannot attain to a certainty in the Time of his Death, though it be thought to have happened about the year 1596.

WILLIAM BURGOIN Esquire must not be forgotten, finding this his Epitaph on his Marble Stone in the Church of Arlington.

He died on the Twelfth day of August in the Morning, 1623. as the Inscription on his said Tomb doth inform us.

Memorable Persons.

HENRY de LA POMERAY lived at, and was Lord of Berry-Pomeray in this County. This Henry taking heart at the imprisonment of Richard the First by Leopaldus Duke of Austria, surprised and expulsed the Monks out of Michaels-Mount in Cornwall, that there he might be a petty Prince by himself. But, being ascertained of his Sovereigns enlargement, and fearing deserved death, to prevent it, he laid violent hands on himself, as Roger Howden doth report.

But the Descendants from this Pomeray make a different relation of this accident; affirming, that, a Serjeant at Arms of the Kings came to his Castle at Berry-Pomeray, and there received kind entertainment for certain days together, and at his departure, was gratified with a liberal reward. In counter-change whereof he then, and no sooner, revealing his long concealed errand, flatly arrested his Host, to make his immediate appearance before the King, to answer a capital crime. Which unexpected, and ill carried Message, the Gentleman took in such despite, that with his Dagger he stabbed the Messenger to the heart.

Then despairing of pardon in so superlative an offense, he abandoned his home, and got himself to his Sister, abiding in the Island of Mount-Michael in Cornwall: Here he bequeathed a large portion of his land to the religious people dwelling there, to pray for the redeeming of his soul; and lastly (that the remainder of his estate might descend to his heir) he caused himself to be let blood unto death.

JOHN de BEIGNY Knight, lived Lord of Ege-Lifford in this County, who having been a great Travailer and Soldier in his youth, retired home, married, and had three Sons in his reduced Age. Of these, the third put himself on Foreign Action, in the War against the Saracens, in Spain; whereof Fame made a large report, to his Fathers great contentm •… nt, which made him the more patiently dispence with his absence. But after that death had bereft him of his two elder Sons, he was often heard to say, Oh that I might but once embrace my Son, I would be contented to die presently. His Son soon after returning unexpectedly, the old man instantly expired with an ecstacy of Joy. An English Father I see can be as passionate as the Italian Mother, which died for Joy, after the return of her Son from the Battail of 〈◊〉 . Thus, if all our random desires should hit the Mark, and if Heaven should always take us at our word, in our wishes; we should be tamed with our Wild prayers granted un •… ous us, and be drowned in the Deluge of our own Passions. This Knight (as I take it) flourished under King Edward the Third.

CHILD, (Whose Christian Name is unknown) was a Gentleman, the last of his Family, being of ancient extraction at Plimstock in this County, and great Possessions. It happened that he hunting in Dart-More, lost both his Company and way in a bitter Snow. Having killed his Horse, he crept into his hot bowels for warm •… h, and wrote this with his blood;

That n •… ght he was frozen to death, and being first found by the Monks of Tav •… stock, they with all possible speed hasted to interre him in their own Abby. His own 〈◊〉 of Plimstock hearing thereof, stood at the Ford of the River to take his Body from them. But they must rise early, yea not sleep at all, who over-reach Monks in matter of profit. For they cast a slight Bridge over the River, whereby they carried over the Corps and interred it. In avowance whereof, the Bridge (a more Premeditate Structure (I believe) in the place of the former Extempore Passage ) is called Guils Bridge to this day. And know Reader, all in the Vicinage will be highly offended with such who either deny or doubt the credit of this common Tradition. And sure it is, that the Abbot of Tavistock got that rich Manor into his Possession. The exact Da •… e of this Childs Death I cannot attain.

• NICHOLAS
• ANDREW

TREMAINE were Twins and younger Sons to Thomas Tremaine of 〈◊〉 in this County Esquire. Had they preceded Hypocrates in time, posterity would have presumed them the sympathising Twins, whereof he maketh so large mention. Such their likeness in all lineaments, they could not be distinguished but by their several habits, which, when they were pleased on private confederacy to exchange for disport, they occasioned more mirthful mistakes, than ever were acted in the Amphitruo of Plautus. They felt like pain though at distance, and without any intelligence given, they equally desired to walk, travail, sit, sleep, eat, drink together, as many credible Gentry of the Vicinage (by relation from their Father) will attest. In this they deferred, that at New-haven in France, the one was a Captain of a Troop, the other but a private Soldier. Here they were both slain 1564, death being pitiful to kill them together, to prevent the lingering languishing of the Surviver.

The Farewell.

I am most credibly informed, that a Rock, lately (so lately that as yet it is not named ) hath been discovered by an Hamburger being Master of a ship, who made the first report thereof (on his own Oath, and the oaths of all in his company) to the Corporation of Seamen at the Trinity-house nigh London. It lieth one league off from the START in Devonshire. It is more then suspicious, that many hundreds have here had their silent Deaths, never landing to relate the cause of their destruction. For it is very dangerous for a Ship that draweth above eleven or twelve foot water, if it should chance to strike upon it at a low water, with an indifferent Sea. It is the more dangerous because: Picked the form thereof, so that if you chance to heave one cast upon it, the next cast shall be no less than fourteen or fifteen fathom water.

I am sorry if the Discoverer hereof met not with a proportionable Reward, understanding that he had made a better Bargain if he had addressed himself first to the Dutch, (most bountiful in such cases) though our Nation be most concerned therein. Let all ships passing thereby be fore-armed because, fore-warned thereof, seeing this Rock can no otherwise be resisted than by avoiding.

EXETER.

EXETER▪ It is of a circular (and therefore most capable) form, sited on the top of an Hill, having an easy assent on every side thereunto. This 〈◊〉 much to the cleanness of this City, Nature being the chief Scavenger thereof, so that the Rain that falleth there falleth thence by the declivity of the place. The Houses stand sidewaies backward into their Yards, and only 〈◊〉 with their Gables towards the Street: the City therefore is greater in content than appearance, being bigger than it presenteth itself to 〈◊〉 through the same.