Medulla Historiae ANGLICANAE.

Being a Comprehensive HISTORY Of the LIVES and REIGNS OF THE MONARCHS OF ENGLAND, From the Time of the Invasion thereof by JƲ ­LIƲS CAESAR, to this present Year 1679.

With an Abstract of the LIVES of the Roman Emperors commanding in BRITAIN, and Habits of the Ancient BRITAINS.

To which is added A LIST of the NAMES of the Ho­nourable the House of COMMONS, now sitting, and His MAJESTIES Most Honourable PRIVY COUN­CIL, &c.

LONDON, Printed for Abel Swalle, and are to be sold by him at the Ʋnicorn, at the West End of S. Pauls. 1679.

Medulla Historiae Anglicanae

Printed for Abell swalle at the vnicorn at y e West End of S t Pauls.

F H. Van Houe. sclp:
[...]
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THE Preface.

IT is as natural to Man to desire Knowledge, as Bo­dily Sustenance; the one being the Food of the Mind, as the other is of the Body: And the Appetites of both being homogenenous to the Prin­ciples from which they proceed; their tendency to their seve­ral Objects, is as eager as the Faculty which produces It, [Page] is active; so that though both flow from the Fountains of one and the same Nature; yet the one resting in a Material Repletion, must be acknow­ledged more limited than the other, which admits of no bounds of Satiety.

But though Knowledge be Mans Natural Desire, and the Similary Nourishment of his better part, the Reasona­able Soul; yet it is not alike sought after by all; nor in the same Degrees and Kind.

Some, whose Constitution has disposed them to a Habit of lasie Sensuality, and others, whom continual Disappoint­ments have baffled into a [Page] Neutrality and Indifference, as to Action, think it suffici­ent for Man to know, either how to live with Pleasure and Epicurean Ease, or to die with Affected Haughti­ness and Stoical Apothy, nei­ther of the Two regarding those Knowledges which de­light Curiosity, or are useful to the Society of Mankind.

Others again, who are al­together refined into Spirit and Contemplation, think their time ill spent, unless they can be able so to anato­mize Nature, as to give the Causes of Things, which ei­ther never did exist but in Appearance; or if they do, [Page] are far more profitably under­stood by their Effects than Principles: And these two ex­treams are the Preternatural Vices of Appetite; the one be­ing the Stupidity and Defect, and the other the Green Sick­ness or Boulivia of the De­sire.

They therefore whom Age, Learning, and Experience, have licentiated to be Physi­cians of the Mind, have ta­ken some Latitude in prescri­bing Diets according to the various Constitutions of rea­sonable Men; allowing those whom a Natural Disposition inclines to the light Food of Contemplation, such Studies [Page] as may nourish their Curiosi­ty with the Airy Idea's of Philosophy and Speculative Mathematicks, and the ni­cer Learning of the Schools; judging that the most proper Nourishment for Sedentary Humours and Volatile Fan­cies, who covet no more, but to know for themselves, and to be guided by others: But to Men of a more Robust and Sociable Habit of Mind; who are desirous both to know and to do good to themselves, and by their quality and conditi­on fitted for a station in the World, when Providence plea­ses to call them to it, they have alwayes diverted more [Page] Active and Ʋseful Learning; such as Practical Mathema­ticks and History, the one for improving the Works and Inventions, and the other, the Conduct and Actions of Men in Society: judging Idleness the Lethargy of the Mind, no wayes to be fed, but to be cured by Discipline and Animadversion.

Now, Though Mathema­ticks, which tend to Opera­tion, be of very great use in an Industrious and Flourish­ing State or Age; both for the glory and profit of a People; yet seeing they require a pe­culiar Talent of Mind to suc­ceed in that Study, they can­not, [Page] nor ought not, be recom­mended to Universal Practice beyond that Mediocrity which renders Gentlemen fit, as in that, so in other parts of Arts and Sciences, to converse with Rational Company (it being impossible for one Man to be Master of all Humane Knowledges) leaving the more laborious prosecution thereof to those whose Genius or Vocation invites them to that Assiduity.

But of History it may be said, that ‘Omne tulit punctum, nam miscuit utile dulci.’

[Page]It is so genuine and famili­ar to Men of all Estates, Age, Quality, Sex, and Conditi­on, so agreeable to the Incli­nation, and suitable to the Humour of All: so delight­ful in the perusing, and profi­table in the retention; afford­ing Content to the Aged, Plea­sure to the Young, and Expe­rience to both: Comfort to the Disconsolate, Refreshment to the Weary, and Ease to dis­composed Minds; solacing the tedious hours of Pensive Watchings; or otherwise charm­ing anxious thoughts, into a sweet and gentle repose; being never out of season [Page] whilst Men have life, and the World a being; that a­mongst the many Elogies it hath received from the Learn­ed Pieces of Ancient and Mo­dern Writers; it may be just­ly accounted rather the Re­creation than the Application of a Studious Man.

It is indeed that Telescope by which we see into distant Ages, and take up the acti­ons of our Fore-fathers with as much evidence as the News of the last Gazette; it is the Mirror that represents the various Transactions of Times past, and shews us the Dress of Antiquity; according to which we may rectifie or ad­just [Page] our present Fashions; it is the Products of gentle and easie Institutions and Laws, which ought to oblige us as much if not more strictly to a conformity, than the Precep­tive Sanctions of Princes; see­ing the Authority of the one does but inculcate our Duty, and the other gives us innu­merable Instances of the seve­veral rewards of Vertue, and Punishments of Vice: It is, in a word, the last Will and Te­stament of our deceased Pro­genitors; which though it does not expresly leave every one of us a particular Legacy, yet it shews us how we may he possessed of their Inheri­tance; [Page] and according as we follow their example, live in Reputation or Ignominy.

In so much that the ruder Ages of the World, who were unacquainted with Letters, and consequently ignorant of refined Sciences, thought Hi­story, next to their Religion, the only useful and proper Stu­dy of Mankind; And judging the forming of the Manners and regulating the Actions of Man to be the chief Duty and Care of Societies, they thought Documents, Precepts, and Laws too weak a Means to work so great effect, without they were confirmed and and strengthened by the Ex­amples [Page] of their Predecessor, to which prone Nature, even amongst the most Barbarous, does willingly render an im­plicite Veneration: And there­fore seeing their Libraries were their Memories, and Words their Charactures, so Songs and rude Rimes were the only Books, whereby their Bards and Druids instructed their Children in the Histories of former Ages, making the Famous Actions of their An­cestours, so much the more the Pattern of their Conduct and Manners, as it was the Sub­ject of their innocent Melo­dy and Mirth: And this Custom is at this day in pra­ctice [Page] amongst the incultivate Heathens of Affrica and A­merica.

But when the kind Heavens was pleased to gratifie the In­dustry of Man with the Inven­tion of Letters; no Subject seemed to the Ancients, so wor­thy of the Prerogative of being transmitted to Posterity, as that of History; And indeed, the most Ancient that can be found of their Writings is of that kind: Whether it was that they knew no immortality, but that of Fame, or found no bet­ter way to provide with securi­ty for their off-spring, in whom they were to live to Posterity, than by handing down to them [Page] the Methods and honest Courses by which some attained to Ho­nour, Wealth, and Command, whilst others by the contrary wayes, lived and died in Ob­scurity, Poverty and Con­tempt.

And the desire of perpetu­ating the Memory, is such a glimmering glance of the Pri­mitive, but offuscated Light of Nature, that some think it a convincing Argument to prove the immortality of the Soul; it being a vain thing for any, but especially a reasonable Be­ing, to desire that, to which it hath no natural capacity: And the rather that the greater and more elevated Souls of all A­ges [Page] have aspired as much to the perpetuating of their Fame, as they have to the pur­chasing of the same; Witness in Ancient times the great A­lexander, who envied no man but Achilles, for the happiness he had in having Homer for his Historiographer: And since him Julius Caesar, who notwithstanding he was tired out with the Fatigues of a con­tinued and difficult War, yet as he thought no man able to do what he had done, so he judged none worthy to perpe­tuate his Memory, and to Write as he Fought, but him­self.

But what Satisfaction soe­ver [Page] dying men may have in the Prospect of a lasting Name, it is certain the living reap great benefit from the Regi­ster of their Actions; for would a Prince have Measures to go­vern, a Subject how to obey, a Statesman how to give Coun­sel, a Judge and Magistrate, how to execute Justice, a Hus­band and Father how to com­mand and cherish, a Wife and Child, how to Love Honour and Obey, and all Conditions of Men, how to perform mu­tual good Offices in every kind of Society, History, and especially the truest and most Ancient of All, the Holy Scripture, is that Repository [Page] from whence they may draw the truest Maximes for all Duties, exemplified with the good or bad Successes of those who have [...]ed or transgres­sed the same [...] thus much in short of History in gene­ral.

But as all Histories are not of the same Nature, so neither are they of the same usefulness and Advantage: Not to men­tion the Ancient Poets, which are good in their way; some are fictitious Romances, which besides the Satisfaction they give the Authors In­venting Head, are of very little, if of any Use, unless it be to teach young Gallants to [Page] strut it in the phrase of He­ro's, and Ladies to repartie like a Play Book: And the Moralities, which we are told, are couched therein, are too frequently applied in Serenades, Love-Letters, and Assignations.

Others are Real Histories, or at least intended to be such; and are either Ancient or Modern, Universal, or Par­ticular; of Kingdoms, or of Private Families, Foreign or Domestick: and are all very profitable, according to the several Qualities and Ca­pacities of the Readers; which is a point that needs no particular Discussion in this place.

[Page]In the writing of Histo­ries, some Authors affect an exactness of recounting Mat­ters with the minutest Cir­cumstances that attend them, and of omitting nothing that can have any place in the Book; which unless it be some conspicuous and famous Transactions, looks liker the Depositions of a Wit­ness in a Trial, or the Bre­viate of a Lawyer at the Bar, than the Annals or Chroni­cles of a Nation; for it is enough for Posterity to know the memorable Actions of a great King, or the At­chievements in a famous Battel; with such circum­stances [Page] as render them most considerable in themselves, and significant to the Reader; though they be not told what kind of Beard the King wore on his Wedding-day, or to whom the Ground belonged, where the Battel was fought.

Many likewise puzzle both themselves and their Readers, with a too nice inquiry into the first Original of Nations, and especially by what new flight of Colonies or trans­migration of People, Islands and Countreys, discontinued from the Continent, became first inhabited; and in this Search, so soon as they trans­gress the bounds of Authen­tick [Page] Records and Monu­ments of Antiquity, the rest is no more History, but the conjectures and probabili­ties of the Authors. It is true, that since we are taught by our Religion, That all Mankind descended from A­dam, and consequently as they increased in number, by new Generations, so they succes­sively inlarged their Habita­tions into remoter Regions, until the Habitable World was possest; it would be very curious for Men to know from what branch of the Stock they are descended, and not with the Ancients, who un­derstood nothing of the Cre­ation, [Page] believe those People, whose Original was unknown, to be Indigenae, that is, start­ed out of the Countrey they inhabited; but that be­ing impossible to be attained to, since the Memory of Man cannot, and Letters were not invented, to preserve the Knowledge of the various Changes and Mutations of Elder Times; we should sa­tisfie our selves (knowing that we are Men) with what we find in received Record con­cerning the Beginnings, Pro­gress, and Changes of King­doms and States, without troubling our selves with our Ancient Relations, who were [Page] not one drop of Blood in kin to William the Conqueror.

The Design therefore of this little Manual of Histo­ry, is not to amuse the Rea­ders with the strange Ro­mances of the First Peopling of this Island, nor to give a List of the Kings who reign­ed here, probably enough, e­ven before Aeneas, or his Son Ascanius; nor yet to burden their Memory with all the les­ser Occurrences, that are fully and at large related in many ample Volumes of this kind; but only to serve as a Remembrancer to those who have already studied the Hi­story of England; that in a [Page] short View they may refresh and rub up their Memories, as to smaller Circumstances, by the general Heads and more remarkable Passages, which they shall here find faithfully digested in a suc­cinct Method, both as to time and place; and for o­thers, whose humour or lei­sure will not permit them to turn over larger Volumes, this small Pocket Book, if carefully and often perused, may acquaint them with as much as is necessary perhaps, for them to know of the State of this Kingdom, in relati­on to times past, for satisfying their own curiosity, and ren­dering [Page] them able to enter­tain others, who want the same advantages of Know­ledge.

This Compend then pre­sents the Reader with what has been most remarkable in the several Changes of Go­vernment that have happen­ed in this Kingdom since the first Invading of the Island by Julius Caesar; tra­cing down the Succession and Lives of the several Emperours, from that time till it was forsaken (because it could not be kept) by the Romans: With the several Races of the British, Saxon, Danish, and Norman Kings, [Page] till the present year of his Majesty Charles the Second, whom God long preserve. It gives likewise an Account of all the Archbishops of Can­terbury, since it was erected into a Metropolitant See: Of all the Mayors and She­riffs of London since their First Creation, till this pre­sent year: It contains likewise a List of the Members of this present Parliament as­sembled in March last 1678/9, with the Names of the Lords and others of His Majesties present Privy Council, the Commissioners of the Trea­sury and Navy: And in a word, enough to let us see, [Page] how by the blessing of God, the prudence of Governors, and the unanimity and loy­alty of the People, this King­dom, though sometimes over­clouded by home-bred Dis­sentions, yet has continued for many Ages to be the En­vy and Terror of its Neigh­bours; abounding in all the Worldly Enjoyments that were fit to be expected from a bountiful God, or to be desi­red by a vertuous People. To conclude, We may expect still the continuance of the same Blessings, unless our sins and wantonness, bring upon us the same or worse Judge­ments [Page] than our Fore­fathers ever felt; and in­stead of a delightful and fruitful Soil, turn our Land into a Barren Wilderness; and give us cause to say with the Poet,

Infelix colium & steriles dominantur avenae. T. N.

MEDƲLLA Historiae Anglicanae.

BRITAIN.

THIS most flourishing Island Britain, is bounded on the South with Normandy and France; on the East, with Germany and Denmark; upon the West, with Ireland, and the Atlantick Ocean; and on the North, with the Deucalidon Seas. The length thereof, from the Lyzard-point Southward in Cornwall, to the Straithy-head in Scotland, containeth 624 miles; the breadth, from the Lands-end in Cornwall in the West, unto the Island Tenet in the East, containeth 340 miles. It is sited under the 9th, and 13th Climates of the Northern temperate Zone; insomuch, that at the Summer Solstice, in the Northern parts of Scotland, there is no Night at all, but only an obscure twilight. A Country it is for Air mild, for Soyl fruitful, and for length of Days pleasant and delightful. In Winter the absence of the Sun is relieved, with the warmth of its invironing Seas; and in Summer the heat is moderated by frequent showers and S [...]a-winds.

[Page 2]O happy Britain (said the old Panegyrist) and more blisful than all other Regions! Na­ture hath inriched thee with all commodities of Heaven and Earth, wherein there is neither extream cold in Winter, nor scorching heat in Summer; wherein there is such abundant plenty of Corn, as may suffice both for Bread and Wine; wherein are Woods without wild-beasts, and the Fields without noisom Serpents: But infinite numbers of Milch-Cattel, and Sheep weighed down with Fleeces; and that which is most comfortable, long Days and lightsom Nights. And as our English Lucan sings,

The fairest Land that from her thrusts the rest,
As if she car'd not for the World beside;
A World within her self with wonders blest.

This Queen of Islands was at the first called Albion, either from Albion Marcoticus who seat­ed himself herein, or ab albis rupibus, from the white Rocks appearing towards the Coasts of France, or from Olbion, signifying rich or hap­py, in regard of its fertility, temperature, and riches. Next, It was called Britain, either from the two British words Pryd and Cain, which signifie Beauty and White, or from the Greek word [...] signifying Mettals, with which it aboundeth, or from the British word Beyth, that is, painted, stained, coloured (the Inhabitants of old using to dye their bo­dies with Woad) to which the Greeks added Tania, (that is, a Region) thence called Britons-Land [Page 3] or Britanie. At last, The Southern and best part of it (from the Angle-Saxons then in­habiting it) was called Angle-Land, now

England, which said part of Britain, is bound­ed on the East with the Germane, on the West with the Irish, on the South with the British Ocean, on the North with the River Tweed, and a Line drawn from it, to the Solway West­ward. The longest day in the Northern part of England is Seventeen hours and near Thirty minutes; and the shortest day in the most Southern part thereof, almost Eight hours long. Englands dimension in length, from Berwick to the Lands-End is 386 miles, in breadth from Sandwich to the Lands-End 279; in compass (by reason of the many Bays and Promontories) about 1300 miles.

England, in the Romans time, was divided into Britania prima, containing the South part of England, Britania secunda containing the We­stern part, now called Wales; and Maxima Cae­sariensis containing the Northern parts beyond Trent. The first of these in the Britains time belonged to the Arch-Bishoprick of London, the 2d. to the Arch-Bishoprick of Glamor­gan. Caerleon, and the 3d. to the Arch-Bishoprick of York.

The Britains, or first Inhabitants of this Island, were derived from the Gauls, as both their Speech, Laws, Customs, and Buildings manifest. The Story of Brute with his Trojans Conquering this Island in A.M. 2887, or when­ever else, seems to be only a Fable of Geofry of Monmouths framing. Amongst the Ancient Britains, none save the better and more civil [Page 4] sort did wear any cloathing. They painted their bare bodies with sundry Pictures, representing all manner of living creatures, flowers, and the heavenly bodies, conceiting, that this made them appear the more terrible to their enemies. About their Wasts and Necks they wore Chains of Iron, supposing them to be a goodly Ornament. The hair of their heads they wore long, which was naturally curled; all other parts they shaved, save the upper-lip. Of all the Provinces, the Kentish were the most civilized persons, by reason of their converse with other Nations in Trafficking and Mer­chandizing. Their buildings were many, and like to those of the old Gauls (French) poor rude Cottages, yet did they give the name of Towns to certain cumbersom Woods, which they fortified with Rampiers and Ditches, whi­ther they made their retreat and resort, to es­chew the invasions of their enemies. The Ro­mans first taught them to build their Houses of Stone.

Their Wives were many, Ten or Twelve a­piece, which they held common among Parents and Brethren; yet was the Issue reputed his on­ly, who first Married the Mother when she was a Maid. The Children they brought up in common amongst them. Their diet was spare and mean, being Barks and Roots of Trees, and Milk, also a kind of food they had no big­ger than a Bean, after the eating of which, for a considerable time they did neither hunger nor thirst. They eat likewise Venison and Fruits. Their usual drink was made of Barley.

[Page]

The Habits of the Ancient Britaines

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[Page] [Page 5]Their Religion was Paganish superstition. They had many Idol-gods, and used mans flesh in their Sacrifices. They had Priests and In­structers, the chief of which were called Dru­ides, who were the sacrificers, discussers and interpreters of Religious matters; they deci­ded also as temporal Judges almost all contro­versies in the civil State, and such as refused to stand to their judgment, they put under their Interdiction, which was accounted the most grievous punishment. These Druides were pri­viledged from the Wars, and all other bur­dens, taxes and payments. Over all the rest of them there was one Primate. The main thing they laboured to perswade men was, That the Soul is immortal. They taught only by word of mouth.

The Merchandizing of the ancient Britains, consisted chiefly in Ivory Boxes, Sheers, Onch­es, Bits and Bridles, Wreaths and Chains, with other conceits made of Glass and Amber. And as their Merchandize was mean, so was their Shipping also, the Keels and Ribs where­of were of light wood covered over with Lea­ther.

Their Coyn was either of Brass, or else Iron-Rings sized at a certain weight, which they u­sed for their Money; but as times grew more civil, and Traffick more frequent, they stamp­ed both Gold and Silver.

Their Armour were Shields and short Spears, in the lower of which Spears was fastned a round Bell of Brass, which at the beginning of a fight they shoke with a great courage, [Page 6] conceiting that such a ratling noise did dismay the enemy. In the beginning of a Battel they fought in Chariots, but when they had wound themselves in amongst their enemies, they fought on foot, upon occasion retiring to their Chariots, which in the mean space that they fought on foot, were drawn all together. They were so expert in managing their Chariot-Horses, that running them forceably down a steep Hill, they could stop and turn them in the mid-way.

Julius Caesar found the Island of Britain, not in a Monarchical estate under one King; but di­vided into several Provinces or petty Kingdoms.

The Names of which Provinces were,

  • 1. Cantii, the Inhabitants of Kent.
  • 2. Regni, Sussex and Surrey.
  • 3. Durothriges, Dorcetshire.
  • 4. Damnonii, Devon and Cornwall.
  • 5. Belgae, Sommerset, Wilts. and Hampshire.
  • 6. Attrebatii, Berkshire.
  • 7. Dobuni, Oxford and Glocestershire.
  • 8. Catieuchlani, Warwick, Bucks, and Bedford.
  • 9. Trinobantes, Hartford, Essex, Middlesex.
  • 10. Iceni, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge.
  • 11. Coritani, Northampton, Lincoln, Leicester, Rutland, Derby, Nottingham.
  • 12. Cornabii, Stafford, Worcester, Cheshire, and Shropshire
  • 13. Brigantes, Parisi, Lancashire, York, Rich­mond, Durham, Westmorland and Cumber­land.
  • 14. Ordovices, Flint, Denbigh, Merioneth, Caernarvan and Montgomery.
  • [Page 7]15. Silures, Hereford, Radnor, Brecknock, Monmouth and Glamorgan.
  • 16. Pembroke, Cardigan, and Caermarden call­ed Dimetae.
  • 17. Ottadini, Northumberland, Teifidale, Twe­dale, Merch and Louthien.
  • 18. Selgovai, Lidesdale, Eusdale, Eskdale, Annandale, and Niddisdale.
  • 19. Novantes, Kile, Carick, Galloway, and Cunningham.
  • 20. Fife, Renfraw, Cluydsdale, Leanox, Strive­ling, Menteth called Damnii.
  • 21. Ciledonii, Gadini, Perth, Stratherne, Al­bin, A [...]gile, and Lorne.
  • 22. Epidii, Cantire.
  • 23. Vicemagi, Murray.
  • 24. Venricones, Mernia, Anguis, Mar.
  • 25. Taezali, Buquhane.
  • 26. Cantae, Creones, Cerontes, Rosse, Souther­land.
  • 27. Carnonacae, Carini, Cornabii, Stratnavern,
  • 28. Simertae, Logi, Caithnes.

The most memorable Kings of the Britains, in the times of the Romans.

COmius King of the Attrebatii.

Cassibelan King of the Trinobaates, who as the most worthy of the Brittish Kings, was cho­sen by general consent to withstand the Roman invasion, which he did with very great prow­ess, twice repulsing their Legions from the British-Shore. His chief City was Verolam, near where St. Albans now standeth.

[Page 8] Cingetorix, Caruil, Taximagul, and Segonax, Kings reigning together in Kent.

Mandubrace a Prince of the Trinobantes, who after that he was beaten out of his Country by Cassibelan, fled unto Caesar into Gallia, and was a great Incendiary against his native Land; perswading Caesar to make a second expedition into Britain.

Cunobeline, the chief City for whose resi­dence was Camalodunum, now called Malden in Essex.

Adminius, Catacratus and Togodumus Sons of Cunobeline, the last whereof made gallant re­sistance against the Romans.

Cogidunus, who received in pure gift at the hands of the Romans certain Cities, over which he peaceably reigned King.

Caractacus, a most renowned Prince of the Silures, who in Nine years resistence waded through many adventures against the Romans, but at last was betrayed and carried to Rome, where being led in Triumph, was for the brave­ness of his Spirit, released of his bonds, and accepted into Claudius Caesars favour.

Venutius a famous King of the Brigantes.

Voadicea, or Boadicea, Queen to Prasutagus, after her Husbands death, receiving incivilitie [...] from the Romans, opposed her self against them, and in one Battel slew Eighty thousand of them Those two strong Cities, Verolamium, and Camalodunum, she took and sacked. Peti­lius Lieutenant of the Ninth Legion she discom­fited, Catus the Procurator she forced to fly beyond the Seas. All feared the Heroick [Page 9] prowess of this Princess; but at length she was vanquished in Battel, when rather than live subject to her foes, she poysoned her self.

Arviragus stoutly withstood Claudius.

Galgacus a right valiant Prince of the Cale­donians in the time of Domitian.

These were the oppugners of the Roman Pow­er for above an hundred years, nor were the Britains then subdued without themselves; for their own divisions made way for the Romans to become their Masters, and to possess their Countrey.

About the year of the Worlds Creation 3913, and before the birth of Christ Fifty four years, the fortunate Romans under the conduct of Julius Caesar first took footing in Britain a­bout Deal; and so welcom was the news of Cae­sars landing in Britain to the Roman Senate, that they decreed unto his honour a general Thanksgiving for Twenty days, which was the first so great honour ever granted; the former greatest Victories having had but five, or at most but ten days assigned them.

Emperors of Rome commanding in Britain.

CAius Julius Caesar was General of the Roman forces in Gallia when he invaded this Island of Britain; in short time after which, JƲLIƲS CAESAR. he as­sumed the Title and Authority of perpetual Dictator, about A.M. 3925 He was very succes­ful in War, and of a most undaunted spirit upon all occasions. In Fifty several Battels by [Page 10] him fought, he always prevailed, one only excepted. Four times was he created Consul, and five times entred Rome in Triumph. Once entring into a Boat in tempestuous weather, and the Waterman afraid to put forth from shore, he thus animated him, Proceed couragiously a­gainst the storms, for thou carriest Caesar, and Cae­sars fortunes. And when he was forewarn'd of the conspiracy made against him in the Senate-house, and disswaded from going thither at that time, he answered, That he had rather dye, than admit fear into his breast: So resolutely go­ing to the place, was by Brutus, Cassius, and other conspirators murdered in the Senate­house, receiving in his Body Twenty three Wounds. He was bald-headed, therefore to cover it, he always wore the Triumphant Law­rel Garland. Some report that the Bathes by the City of Bath were first found out by him; others say by an ancient British King called Bladus. For Twenty years after Caesars com­ing into Britain, the Britains retained their own Kings and Laws, having no Roman praefects over them.

AƲGƲS­TƲS, A.M 3930 OCtavian Augustus Caesar was Julius Caesars Sisters Son, and his adopted and declared Heir In the Fourty second year of his reign the Prince of peace, Jesus Christ, was born, when was universal peace. This wise Emper­ors Motto was, Festina [...]enté. And used to say, That is speedily or soon enough done, that is well enough done; and that to get some small profit with great danger, is like those, [Page 11] that fishing with a golden Hook, hazard more than the Fish is worth. He dyed in the embraces of his Wife Livia, of whom he took this Fare­well, Livia, Nostri conjugii memor, vive, & vale.

CLaudius Tiberius Nero was ordained by Au­gustus for his Successor. TIBERI­ ƲS, A. D. 17. Such an impu­dent Letcher he was, that he caused naked Wo­men and Maidens to bring in, and attend on him at Supper. Such a notorious Drunkard, that caused the people, instead of Claudius Tiberius Nero, to call him Caldus Biberius Mero, a Wine­bibber. In his time the worlds Saviour was crucified, about Five years after which time, the Gospel was planted in Britain, as saith old Gildas. This Emperor as is conjectured, was smothered to death by Caligula.

CAius Caligula. Nephew to Tiberius, CALIGU­LA, A D. 39. was at some times exceeding prodigal, at other times sordidly covetous, always cruel, proud, and libidinous: He would force Rich men to make their Wills, and therein to declare him their Heir, which when they had done, he would presently cause them to be poysoned, scoffing at them, and saying, That when men had once made their Wills, it was fit they should dye. His own Mother he defamed to be incestuously be­got; his Grandmother he poysoned, his Brother Tiberius he murdered, his Three natu­ral Sisters incestuously polluted. He made him­self a god, commanding that men should wor­ship him as such, and ordained his great Horse for his Priest: but as Decius saith, Truly a fit [Page 12] priest for such a god, and a fit god for such a priest. Howbeit, though he would be a god, yet when the true God sent his Thunder, he would cover his eyes with his Hat, and hide himself under the Table. He was so exceeding hairy of bo­dy, that during his regality, it was next to High Treason, but to name a Goat. He often lamented that some rare and unusual disaster happened not in his time, whereby his Reign might be made memorable to posterity. He wish'd that all the people had but one Neck, that so he might have the glory of giving the bravest blow that ever was struck; but himself was murdered receiving Thirty wounds of the Conspirators.

CLAUDI­US, A. D. 43. CLaudius Drusus, the Grandson of Livia, Augustus's Wife, was by the Praetorian Band chosen Emperor contrary to the mind of the Senate, who had determined to reduce the City into her ancient liberty, without admissi­on of any Caesar. He came into Britain, where for his clemency, the Britains erected a Tem­ple and Altar in his name, giving him Divine honour. His first Wife Messalina, besides all her private Lecheries, went often to the com­mon Stews to satiate her Lust; but she for her impudency being put to death, Claudius Mar­ried Julia Agrippina, who to make way for her Son Nero to the Empire, procured the disinhe­riting of Brittanicus the Emperors Son, and by Poyson tempered in a Mushrom, she ended Claudius's days.

[Page 13] DOmitius Nero was elected Emperor by the Soldiers. His own Father he poysoned, NERO, A. D. 56. upon his Mother he first committed incest, then murder; he deflowred the Vestals, slew his Brother Germanicus, and Sister Antonia, his Wives Poppea and Octavia, his Ant Domitia, his Son-in-Law Rufinus, and his famous Tutour Se­neca, with many of the Roman Nobility, and raised the first persecution against the Christi­ans. He set the City of Rome on fire, 1st. Perse­tion. charging the innocent Christians with the fact, and tor­menting them for it. He caused St. Peter and St. Paul to be put to death, the first by crucify­ing, the other by beheading. But this Tyrant was grown so hated, that the Senate adjudged him to be shamefully whipt to death; which he hearing of, run himself upon his own Sword. In the first five years of his Reign he was very compassionate, in so much, as being requested to sign a Writ for the execution of a Malefactor, he said, Would God I had never learnt to Write. In the year of our Redemption, 67, Joseph of A [...]imathea was sent by Philip the Apostle to plant the Gospel in Britain, who laid the foundation of the Christian Faith at a place then called A­valon, afterward Iniswitren, now Glastenbury, where he dyed and was buried. In Nero the progeny of the Caesars ended.

SErgius Sulpitius Galba was elected Emperor by the Soldiers and Senate, GALBA, A. D. 70. who when he had Reigned only Seven Months, was by the procurement of Otho, slain by a Troop of Horse­men.

[Page 14] OTHO, A. D. 71. SAlvius Otho being chosen Emperor, Vitellius a Roman General marcheth against him, and at Brixillium won the day; and to save the shed­ding of Roman Blood, Otho refused to engage any further with him, though much importun'd by his Soldiers to reinforce the Battel; but he thus answered them, ‘To hazard your virtues and valours for one mans estate, I hold it dangerous; and needless it is that my life should be prized at so dear a rate. These Civil Wars Vitellius begun, which for my part I purpose not to continue. And hereby let posterity esteem of Otho, that others have kept the Empire longer; but never any that left it more Valiantly. You for your parts would have dyed for my sake, but I to save your lives do dye voluntarily and unvan­quished: I blame not the gods, nor envy I Vitellius his rising glory; sufficient to me it is, that my House hath touched the highest strain of honour, and my self to be left upon Re­cord, The Soveraign Monarch of the World.’ And thereupon, with a solemn farewel to the whole Army, he went into his Tent, and with his Dagger gave himself his deaths-wound.

VITELLI­ ƲS, A. D. 71. AƲlus Vitellius was so gluttonous and prodi­gal, that Two thousand Dishes of Fish, and Seven thousand of Fowl, were served to his Table at one Supper. In those few Months he reigned he wasted Seven millions, thirty one thousand two hundred and fifty pound Sterling; but was ignominiously slain after the manner of [Page 15] a common Malefactor, when he had reigned only Eight Months and five days.

FLavius Vespasian was chosen Emperor by the Mesian Legions: VESPA­SIAN, A D. 71. He was a great enemy and scourge to the Jews, but a great favourer of Learning, valiant, just, and wise, yet it may be too covetous; for he imposed a Tax upon every Family, according to the quantity of U­rine that was made in it; which his Son Titus blaming him for, as dishonourable to so great an Emperor, he bade Titus smell to the Gold brought for Tribute-Money, asking him what ill favor he found in it? Adding, that the smell of gain is sweet out of any thing. He dyed of a Flux.

TItus Vespasian won the City of Jerusalem. TITƲS, A. D. 81. For his humanity and native goodness he was stiled, The Darling and delight of Mankind. So tender he was of satisfying his People, that his usual saying was, No man ought to go sad from his presence. So inclined to gratifie the poor, that one day being passed from him, without any notable good done for them, in sorrow he said, Perdidimus diem, we have quite lost a day. He was a great enemy to promoters, and ex­torters of penal Laws, whom he caused to be whipt and banished Rome. He would not re­ceive any accusation against those that spake evil of him, saying, So long as I do nothing that deserves reproach. I value not lyes. But his Bro­ther Domitian aspiring after to the Empire, pro­cured this good Emperor to be poysoned.

[Page 16] DOMITI­AN, A.D. 83. FLavius Domitian instead of applying himself to manly exercises, he busied himself com­monly in a private Gallery with catching of Flies, and pricking them through with a Bod­kin. He caused his Statue to be made of Gold, and commanded, that himself should be called God. Upon small surmises he murdred the Se­nators and Nobles. Many new tortures he in­vented. Confiscations and Banishments were favours from him. 2d. Perse­cution. He raised the second Perse­cution against the Christians, Banished St. John into the Isle of Pathmus; but himself was mur­dered, and his dead carkass disgracefully abu­sed, his Scutcheons and Images defaced by or­der of the Senate.

NERVA, A. D. 98. COcceius Nerva recalled the banished Chri­stians, permitting them to enjoy the free profession of their most holy Faith. Now St. John returned from Pathmos to Ephesus. This Emperor dyed in a Cholerick passion, concei­ved against a Senator.

TROJAN, A.D. 100. ULpius Trojan, when he invested any Praetor, in giving him the Sword, he would com­mand him to use it against his own person, if he violated the Law. 3d. Perse­cution. He raised the third perse­cution. The Jews rebelling he put to death in such infinite numbers, that it was accounted the greatest slaughter that ever was made. He dyed of a Flux.

[Page 17] AELius Hadrianus is said to have been of so excellent memory, HADRIA­NUS. A.D. 119. that he never forgot any thing which he either heard or read. The Britains rebelling, he came over and reduced them into obedience, whereupon there was this addition upon his Coyn, The Restorer of Bri­tanie. And to defend the Romans from the in­cursions of the wild Northern Britains, he cau­sed a wall of Stakes, turf and earth, to be made from the river Eden neer Carlile unto the river Tine neer Newcastle, 80 miles in length. Some write, that he only repaired this Wall, and that Agricola Nero's General first made it. He razed Jerusalem even to the ground, built another Ci­ty near where that stood, calling it Aelia, ba­nished the Jews from thence, and upon the gate of the new City looking towards Jerusalem, he caused the picture of a Swine to be set, because that beast is an abomination to the Jews. He prohibited the persecuting of Christians, and was minded to have built a Temple to Christ, but was disswaded from it. He died of a Dropsie.

ANtoninus Pius published an Edict in favour of the Christians, A. PIƲS, A.D. 140. ordaining that if any after that time should be found guilty of mo­lesting them without just occasion, that then the Christian accused should be acquit, and his accuser should suffer that punishment he en­deavoured to procure upon the Christian. He oft said, That he had rather save one subjects life, than kill a thousand enemies. So bounti­ful [Page 18] he was, that thereby he consumed his own private Estate, which his Empress repining at, he said, That when he undertook to be Empe­rour, he then laid aside the interest and pro­prieties of a private person. In further praise of him, it is said, That in his youth he did no­thing rashly, nor in his age negligently. He died of a Fever, aged Seventy.

MARCUS AURELI­LUS. A.D. 162. Fourth Persecut. MArcus Aurelius Antoninus Philosophus, chose to himself for his Associate in the Em­pire Lucius Verus, who raised the fourth Perse­cution, when those two famous Christians Polycarpus Bishop of Smyrna, and Justin Martyr, suffered Martyrdom, the like to which did ma­ny other good Christians. But after nine years bloody Persecution, the Tyrant Lucius was cut off by an Apoplexy. Marcus Aurelius in his Wars against the Quadi, Germans, what with the pestilence raging in his Army, and what by want of water, was sorely distressed, but by the prayers of his Christian Soldiers, such a plenteous shower of rain fell, that therewith, after five days extreamest drought and thirst, the whole Army was refreshed, and his ene­mies on the contrary by Thunder and Light­ning were utterly dispersed and overthrown; whereupon this Emperour both mitigated the Persecution, and named that Legion of the Christians, [...], the Lightning Legi­on. His Son Commodus procured the Physicians to destroy him.

[Page 19] AƲrelius Commodus would sometimes shew himself like Hercules in a Lions skin, COMMO­DUS. A.D. 181. some­times wantonly clad in the habit of an Amazon. He kept three hundred Concubines, and amongst the rest his beloved Martia, whose painted pi­cture he wore on the outside of his garment; but through some displeasure having designed to put her and some other persons to death, they conspired against him, and with poyson, stabs and strangling, murdred him. The news of whose death was most grateful both to the Senate and People, who stiled him, Hostis hu­mani generis, the enemy of mankind. About the beginning of this Emperours reign was the Christian Faith in Britain first professed by publick Authority under King Lucius the first Christian King in the world. At which time Eleutherius then Bishop of Rome, sent Faganus and Damianus to him, K. Lucius. upon whose preaching the Heathenish Flamins and Arch Flamins (twenty eight in number) were converted to so many Bishops Sees, whereof London, York, and Caerleyn upon Ʋs [...]e in Wales were made the Metropolitans of the Province. The first Arch-Bishop of London was Theanus.

PƲblius Helvius Pertinax a petty Tradesmans Son, PERTI­NAX, A.D. 194. was in his old age called to the go­vernment of the Empire by the Senate, but the Praetorian Cohorts (whose licentious lives he restrained) shed his innocent blood when he had reigned little more than a Month.

[Page 20] DIDIUS, A.D. 194. DIdius Julianus a Lawyer by profession, when the Empire was now exposed to sale by the Praetorian Soldiers, obtained the Diadem with larger promises than ever he performed. But Severus warring against him, and the Soldiers remaining unsatisfied of the covenanted pro­mises, and withal hoping to purchase favour with Severus, they slew their Chapman Didius in his Palace, within a few days after that he had assumed the Government.

SEPT. SE­VERUS. A D. 195. SEptimus Severus was by the Syrian Army ele­cted Emperor; and he as soon as he came neer to Rome, gave strict command that the Praetorian Cohorts should attend him disarm­ed, which being done, he vehemently checkt them for their treason against Pertinax, depri­ving them both of the name, honour, and arms of Soldiers, and banished them an hundred miles from Rome; which act of his was highly grateful to the Roman Citizens. This Emperor came over into Britain, where he fought many Battels, but ever with more difficulties to the Romans than Britains. Clodius Albinus the Ro­man. Lieutenant in Britain made opposition a­gainst him, but he subdued him. Hadrians wall he repaired. The Caledonian rebelling he com­manded to be destroyed without exception. But Severus remaining in York (which place after­ward grew to be one of the chiefest for account among the Brigantes (as commonly the stations of the Roman Colonies, were the seed-plots of all our Cities and chief Towns) growing aged [Page 21] and sick, he died Apr. 4. A. D. 212. This Em­peror having layn long sick of the Gout, and one of his Nobles telling him, That he won­dred how he could rule so vast an Empire, be­ing so lame and unwieldy? he answered, That he ruled the Empire with his Brain, Fifth Per­secution. and not with his Feet. He raised the fifth Persecution against the Christians.

BAssianus Caracalla, CARAC. & GETA. A.D. 212. and his brother Septimus Geta, were declared Emperors by old Se­verus their father, and both by him Sirnamed Antoninus (a name then very gracious in the esteem of the Romans.) These Emperors toge­ther with the Empress-Mother Julia transpor­ted the Funeral ashes of the old Emperor in a Golden Urn to Rome, where they solemnly con­secrated him a god; the Ceremony being after this sort performed: His Image being lively pourtraied in manner of a sick man was laid upon an Ivory Bedsted richly furnished in the porch of his Palace. The Princes and Senators sate all on the left side thereof in black array, the Ladies on the right, clothed in white, the Physicians diligently visiting him. When seven days were ended as if then just dead, the prime Nobles carried him in his Ivory-bed to the Forum, where all the Patrician Youth, and no­ble Virgins incompassed him with most doleful Hymns and Ditties. From thence his Image was removed to Mars's field, where a four-square frame of Timber was erected of a very great height and compass, the stories still mounting to the top with sundry ascents, richly beauti­fied [Page 22] with gold, purple ornaments, and Images of great art and price. On the second of which ascents was placed the Emperors bed and statue, with infinite store of most sweet o­dors; the young Nobles riding round about in a kind of dance, others who represented great Princes in their Coaches, and then his Successor first set fire on the Frame, and after him all the people did the like on all sides, till the whole began to be in a flame, which done, an Eagle (secretly inclosed within) was let fly out of the top, the people following its flight with shouts and prayers, supposing that there­with Severus was mounted into Heaven. But in short time after this, Caracalla to gain the sole Soveraignty slew his brother Geta in his Mother Julia's arms, pretending that the innocent youth had sought his death. And because Papi­nianus the famous Civilian would not excuse the Murder in his Pleas at the Bar, he caused him to be slain, with many of the Nobility who fa­voured Geta. Julia his brother Geta's own Mo­ther, and his Mother-in-Law, he took to Wife, reported on this occasion: Julia in his pre­sence either casually or purposely let fall her Vail, thereby discovering her naked breasts and beauty, which he beholding, instantly said, Were it not unlawful, I should not be unwill­ing: to which she replied. That all things were lawful to him who made Laws for others, but was himself subject to none. Whereupon he married her; but a violent death prevented him from enjoying her long, and she hearing of his being murdred poysoned her self.

[Page 23] OPilius Macrinus from obscure Parentage, MACRI­NUS. A.D. 219. by election of the Soldiers obtained the Impe­rial Crown, but enjoyed it but a short time, for young Heliogabalus warring against him, overcame him, and put him to death, with Diadumanus his son.

BAssianus Ant. Heliogabalus the natural son of Caracalla was incredibly luxurious. HELIO­GABA­LUS. A.D. 220. His garments though exceeding costly he would not put on twice. His shooes were set with pearls, seats strewed with musk and amber, his bed co­vered with gold and purple, and adorned with most costly jewels, his vessels (even of basest use) all gold, his lamps burnt with the balms of Arabia and India, his way strewed with the powder of gold and silver, his diet so profuse that at every supper in his Court was usually spent 1000 pounds sterling. At a Feast of the chief Roman Citizens in his Court, he caused all the rooms to be strewed with saffron, saying, That such cattel deserved such litter. Near the Sea he would eat no fish, and in the inland no flesh. He had whole meals made of the tongues of singing birds and peacocks, or of the brains of most costly creatures. At one supper he was served with 600 Ostriches. He built a stew in his Court, wherein himself in the attire of an harlot would make orations to his whores, terming them his fellow-soldiers, and giving them instructions how they should practise with the greatest variety their filthy lust. In Rome he built a Chatter-house for women to meet in, [Page 24] where they might determine of their attires. He brought his Mother Semiamira into the Se­nate, giving her a voice with the Senators. But conscience accusing him, and he fearing the rage of the people for his crimes, therefore he prepared silken halters, golden knives, and built a stately tower, exceeding high, ador­ned with gold and gems, thinking when occa­sion should be, by some of these means to de­stroy himself, having these words oft in his mouth, That howsoever he died, yet his death should be precious in the sight of all men. But he was mistaken, for the Praetorian band drag­ed him and his mother, with acclamations through Rome, saying, That the Bitch and her Whelp must go together: then slew them and threw them into Tyber. And the Senate appro­ving of what was done, decreed that his Name should be blotted out of all Monuments in Rome, and never any Antoninus should again rule the Empire.

ALEX. SEVERUS A.D. 224. AƲrelius Alexander Severus was a great lover of the Liberal Arts, and a great favourer of the Christians, from whom he took to him­self examples of life, and commended their precepts to others. This his kindness to the Christians is thought to have been procured by his mother Mammea, whom Origen instructed, and whom St. Hierom stiles a most holy woman. He was a great observer of justice, and there­fore caused Turinus a Courtier (who had taken money of divers persons, with promise to pro­cure the Emperors favour in their suits) to be [Page 25] put to death by smoke, one in the mean while proclaiming, That he had sold smoke, there­fore with smoke should die. His Roman Soldiers grown far out of order by the ill government of his predecessors, he sought by severe courses to reduce; but they being backt by Maximi­nus (whom he had raised) murder'd him.

CAius, Julius, Verus Maximinus, MAXI­MINƲS. A.D. 237. a Thracian by birth, spent his youth in keeping of cattel, and was of a gigantick stature, being eight foot and an half high by geometrical measure. On his thumb he wore as a Ring, the bracelet which his Wife used to wear on her arm. And according to his limbs, so was his diet; for he daily devoured forty pound weight of flesh, and thereunto did drink six gallons of Wine. For his admirable height he was admitted by Severus into the rank of a common Soldier, and shortly after to be one of his guard, and at last the soldiers elected him Emperor. But a Tyrant he proved, as well to the Roman State in general, as the Christians in special, 6th. Pers. against whom he rai­sed the sixth Persecution. His conditions were so hateful, that the Senate advanced one Gor­dianus to sway the Empire; but he proving un­fortunate in his attempts against him, strangled himself. And Maximinus as he was drawing his forces towards Rome to revenge himself on the Senate, at the siege against Aquileia was slain in his pavilion by his discontented soldiers. The Citizens Wives in the time of this siege cut off the hair of their heads to make bow-strings thereof.

[Page 26] PƲPIE­NƲS and BALBI­NƲS, A.D. 239. PƲpienus Maximus, and Clodius Balbinus, were by the Peers and Princes constituted Empe­perors; the people extolling the Senate for their prudent choice of so wise men, contrary to the rash practice of such, who chose their Governours to fit their own fancies. But the Praetorian soldiers taking this as a reflect upon them, and chiefly because German strangers were brought in to be of the Guard, as if themselves were not to be trusted; therefore turning their spleens against these Emperors, they assaulted them in their chambers, dispoil­ed them of their Imperial Robes, haled them through the City like two Thieves, and lastly slew them, leaving their bodies to despightful ignominy, in A. D. 241. in which year was so great an eclipse of the Sun, that the noon-day thereby became as dark as the midnight.

GORDI­ANƲS, A D. 241. ANtonius Gordianus was by the Senate and Praetorian Band elected Emperor, when he was not yet full sixteen years of age. He caus­ed the Temple of Janus at Rome, which had long stood shut, to be opened; a sure to­ken that Wars were at hand: which with good success he prosecuted against the Persians, Goths, Sarmates, and Germans. He was most no­ble and lovely conditioned, exceeding studious, and addicted unto learning, having in his Li­brary no less than 62000 books. But by his Praefect Philip he was deposed, Philip also usurp­ing the Imperial Government under whom for a time this deposed youth held an ordinary [Page 27] Captains place; but the Usurper judging him­self not secure while Gordianus lived, command­ed him to be slain.

JƲlius Philippus Arabs hath the honour, PHILIP­PƲS, A.D. 246. ac­cording to some, of being the first Empe­ror baptized into the Christian faith, together with his Wife Severa, and Son Philip. Himself and Son were slain by the soldiers. Of his son it is reported, that he was of so admirable composedness, that in all his life he was never seen to laugh.

TRajanus Decius swayed the Empire like a worthy Prince, TRAJA­NƲS, A.D. 253. 7th. Pers. saving his persecuting the Saints of God: for he it was that raised the Seventh Persecution against the Christians. Un­der him suffered Fabianus and Cornelius, Bishops of Rome; St. Lawrence and many other good Christians he put to great tortures; amongst the rest, Origen he caused to be scourged at an Iron-stake, and then lockt his feet in the stocks four paces asunder. But after that he had seen his two sons Decius and Hostilianus slain before his face, himself was swallowed up in a whirl­pool, never having other honour of burial.

TRebonianus Gallus, TREBO­NIANƲS, A.D. 254. whom Decius had ap­pointed Governour of Mysia, and to keep the passages from the invading Goths, through the desire of rule he plotted with the Goths a­gainst the Roman Army, to the ruine of his So­veraign Lord; but thereby he attained the Em­pire he had lusted after, The Christians he ba­nished. [Page 28] At which time so violent a Pestilence commenced, that no Province in the world was exempt from it. He made a dishonourable peace with the Goths, who notwithstanding continu­ed their furies against the Romans, which his General Aemilianus Maurus revenged with a wonderful slaughter; whereby Aemilian grew so famous, and Gallus so contemptible, that the soldiers proclaimed Aemilian Emperor, who slew Gallus and his son both in fight.

AEMILI­ANUS, A. D. 255. JƲlius Aemilianus, an African by birth, of base parentage, was elected Emperor only by the Mysian Army, which election the Italian Bands opposed, in favour of their own Leader Valerianus, whom they sought to promote to the Empire, the Senate also inclining thereto. Therefore the Mysian Soldiers when they un­derstood this, tumultuously murder'd Aemilai­nus, when he had reigned about four months.

VALERI­ANUS, A. D. 255. 8th. Perse. LIcinius Valerianus in the beginning of his reign was very gracious and mild toward the Christians; but afterward (stirred up by an Egyptian Sorcerer) he began the Eighth per­secution with great cruelty. Many were the Martyrs which with horrible tortures he caus­ed to be put to death; but the just revenging hand of God cut him off, by Sapor the savage King of Persia, who in battel took him prison­er, and made his aged back his footstool whilst he mounted his horse, for the space of seven years, and then caused him to be fley'd alive, and salted.

[Page 29] LIcinius Gallienus, GALLIE­NUS, A.D. 268. in whose time the sun was clouded as under sackcloth, not being seen for many days together; also great and fearful earthquakes hapned, which overthrew Cities and other Edifices, shaking the ground so terribly, that vast caves, and hideous gaping bowels of the earth were thereby laid open, and great streams of salt water flowed out from them; the earth roared, and seemed to thunder, when there was no voice heard in the air a­bove. The sea overswelled her banks, and brake into many Continents, drowning coun­treys, cities, and people. And so violent a Pe­stilence raged, that in Rome no less than Five thousand persons dyed thereof in a day. Which said calamities somewhat moving this Emperor to remorse, he stayed the persecutions of the Christians, sending out his edicts in favour of them. The Roman soldiers now in divers pla­ces of the Empire, set up no fewer than Thirty titular Emperors at once. But Gallienus, after that he had suffered the Empire to be rent in pieces, and usurped by many barbarous nations, was murder'd at Millain by three of his princi­pal Captains.

AƲrelius, Flavius Claudius, CLAUDI­US II. A.D. 271. was elected by the soldiers before the Walls of Millain, and with much joy was confirmed Emperor by the Senate in Rome. He slew and took prisoners of the Goths (who had invaded Italy) in one bat­tel three hundred thousand fighting men; two thousand of their ships also, laden with warlike [Page 30] munition, he took; but dyed of a Fever before he had reigned full two years. His Statue of Gold the Senate caused to be set up in the Ca­pitol, and his Target of the same metal to be hung up in the Senate-house.

QUINTI­LIUS, A.D. 272. AƲrelius Quintilius, brother to Claudius, was proclaimed Emperor by the soldiers of his Army, and was confirmed by the Senate: but the soldiers that had followed Claudius, thinking themselves worthy of the first voice in the election, proclaimed Aurelianus for Empe­ror; and Quintilius knowing that he could not stand against him, chose rather by cutting his veins to bleed himself to death, after he had reigned only seventeen days, than to hazard the chance of war, or to return to his private estate.

AURELI­ANUS, A.D. 272. VAlerius Aurelianus subdued the Swevians and Sarmates, and with great valour forced the Germans out of Italy. The Warlike Queen Zenobia he vanquished, and brought her in Tri­umph to Rome. But that which blemishes the lustre of this Prince is, That he raised the Ninth Persecution against the Christians. 9th. Pers. He was slain by his own Servants.

TACITUS, A.D. 279. CLaudius Tacitus, after Eight Months Inter­regnum, with much importunity took up­on him the Government of the Empire; for all seemed now to decline this greatness, they saw it so hazardous. But this Prince reigning about Six Months, yielded to Deaths impar­tial [Page 31] stroke: Whether that was natural or vio­lent is left uncertain.

ANnius Florianus, Brother to Tacitus, FLORIA­NUS, A D. 279. took upon himself the name and authority Im­perial; but hearing the news of Probus his E­lection, he bled himself to death, after he had for a very few days pleas'd himself with only the shadow of Sovereignty.

VAlerius Probus was elected by the Eastern Army, PROBUS, A.D. 280. and had his election confirmed by the Senate, with these additions to his Ti­tle of Augustus, namely▪ The Father of his Country and highest Bishop. His first service after he was Emperor, was in Gallia, against the Germans who had made themselves Lords thereof, where in one Battel continuing Two days, he slew 400000 of them, and recovered out of their hands Seven Cities. He quieted the Provinces of Muscovia, Russia, and Polonia, and likewise Greece, Syria, Arabia, Palestina, and Judea. Whence passing into Persia, he had ho­nourable conditions of Narseus their mighty King: Whereupon issued so universal a peace, that no wars were heard of in all the Provin­ces of the Empire. But this calm lasted but a short time; for the Egyptians, likewise Bonosus and Proclus, rebel against him; all whom he subdued. Other defections and rebellions there were in the Eastern parts, which he prepared vigorously to correct, resolving, as he said, to bring matters to that pass, that the State should want no more soldiers▪ which saying of his, with [Page 32] also his curbing the dissolute manners of the soldiers, did so disgust them, that some of his Army conspired against him, and treacherously murder'd him. After which yet, they erected for him an honourable sepulcher, wherein was engraven this epitaph: ‘Here lyes the Emperor Probus, justly for his good­ness called Probus: Of all the Barbarous Na­tions and Tyrants a Conqueror.’

CARUS, A.D. 286. AƲrelius Carus was chosen by the soldiers, and confirmed by the Senate. The murder­ers of his predecessor Probus he severely punish­ed Carinus his eldest son he made Governour of Britain, and the Western parts, and himself with his younger son Numerianus, prepared for the East against the Persians; but in his journey thitherward, as he lay sick in his bed, a Thun­der-bolt slew him, with many others then with him in his Tent. The terror whereof so disa­nimated his whole Army, that they desisted the intended design against Persia, and Numerianus took his Fathers death so heavily, that with continual weeping his eyes were so weakned, that he could not endure any light. From which disasters, Arrius Aper, in hopes of procuring the Empire to himself, took occasion to work the death of Numerianus.

DIOCLE­SIANUS, and MAX­IMIANUS. A.D. 288. DIoclesianus, who at the first was a common soldier, slew Arrius Aper; which done, he was elected Emperor, and confirmed by the Se­nate. Valerius Maximianus, for his good service [Page 34] in vanquishing the Gauls, who troubled the peace of the Empire, he made his Consort in the Government. These Emperors raised the Tenth Persecution, 10th. Pers. which continued for the term of ten years, so fierce, that within the space of one month Seventeen thousand Chri­stians were put to death, besides infinite num­bers of others cruelly handled, though suffer­ed to escape with their lives. And as in other parts of the Empire, so in Britain, the Churches of the Christians were demolished, and their Bibles burned, and their bodies afflicted. St. Al­ban of the City Verolanium, was beheaded at Holmhurst, now called St. Albans. His Instru­ctor Amphibolus was brought to the same place, and whipped at a stake whereat his entrails were tied; so winding his entrails out of his body, was at last stoned to death. Sundry others were put to death in other places; and in Lich­field so many, that the place became another Golgotha; for which cause that City doth bear for their Seal of Arms, a Field charged with many Martyrs. But the chief cause of these miseries befalling the Christians, was from the Christians themselves: ‘For (saith Eusebius) after that our conversation through too much liberty and licentiousness, was degenerated, and holy discipline corrupted; whiles every one of us did envy, bite, and back-bite each other, waging intestine wars, and piercing one another with opprobrious words; whilst nothing but hypocrisie was in the face, deceit in the heart, and guile on the tongue, where­by mischief was at the full height, then be­gan [Page 34] the heavy hand of God to visit us, &c.’ Howbeit, when God had done using these his Rods of Correction he cast them into the fire. These two Tyrants having renounced the Em­pire, and being again become private men, Dioclesian poysoned himself, and Maximian hanged himself.

CON­STANTI­US CHLORUS. COnstantius Chlorus, and Galerius Maximinus (to whom the two former Emperors had voluntarily resigned up their soveraignties) divided the Empire into two parts, East, and West; Galerius had the Government of the Ea­stern division, and Constantius of the Western. Constantius was wise, valiant, noble, and of a publick spirit, wholly reigning to inrich his Subjects. He would commonly say, That it was more profitable for the state, that the whole wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the Commons hands, than to lye locked up in the Prin­ces Coffers. He was so averse to superfluity, that upon extraordinary occasions, he was forced to borrow Plate of his Friends, to fur­nish his Tables and Cup-boards. But the most excelling vertue was, his countenancing and protecting the late persecuted Christians, ma­king his Court their Sanctuary. And to win­now the chaff from the Wheat, he used Jehu's policy, commanding all his Officers to offer sacrifice to the Idol-gods, pretending to dis­card all such as refused; but on the contrary, those that complied, he rejected with this re­flect, That he who is disloyal to his God, will never be faithful to his Prince. Whilst he served [Page 35] here in Britain under Aurelian, he married He­lena (the Daughter of Calus or Calius a British Prince) who was the worker of his conversi­on, and on whom he begat Constantine the great in Britain. Whilst he swayed the Empire, be­ing here in Britain and lately returned from his expedition against the Picts (which were Nor­thern Britains, who continued to paint them­selves after the Southern parts were brought to more civility) he fell sick at York, his Im­perial seat. At which time his Son Constantine came thither no him, the sight of whom so rejoyced him, that setting himself upright in his Bed, he spake as followeth; It now sufficeth, and death is not fearful, seeing I shall leave my unaccomplished actions to be performed by thee, my Son, in whose person I doubt not but that my memo­rial shall be retained, as in a monument of succeed­ing fame. What I had intended, but by this my fa­tal period leave undone, see thou do it, that is, govern thy Empire with Justice, protect the Innocent, and wipe away all tears from the eyes of the Christi­ans, for therein, above all other things, I have ac­counted my self happy: To thee therefore I leave my Diadem, and their defence, taking my faults with me to the grave, there to be buried in ever­lasting oblivion; but leaving my vertues (if ever I had any) to live and revive in thee. So ending his speech, his life also ended.

Helena his Empress first Walled the City of London, so called from Lhun, or Longh & Dinas, a City of Trees or Ships.

[Page 36] CON­STANTI­US MAG­NUS, A.D. 310. COnstantine the Great, at his first entrance up­on the Empire pursued the relicks of the War, which his Father Constantius had begun against the Caledonians and other Picts. Then he undertook to tame the Tyrant Maxentius; but being doubtful what God he should call upon for aid in this his enterprize, (for as yet he was not fully setled in the Christian Faith, nor Baptized) in his meditation, happening to cast up his eyes Eastward, he beheld in the Heavens the sign of a Cross, or the form of the first Greek Character of the Name of Christ presented to his sight, wherein were Stars (as Letters) so placed, that this sentence in Greek might be read, In hoc vince. This miraculous Sign, promising victory, was so comfortable to Constantine, that with great courage he ad­vanced towards his enemy, bearing before him and his Army, in place of the Imperial Stand­ard, the form of this Vision embroidered with Gold and precious Stones. Maxentius had fra­med a deceitful Bridge over Tyber, near unto Pons Milvius, with intent thereby to intrap Constantine; but the Armies joyning Battel, Maxentius was put to flight, when, through forgetful hast, he took over the same Bridge, which suddenly falling under him, he with many more were drowned, and Constantine re­mained victour. And to the end that he might with the more facility restrain the turbu­lent Persians, he removed the Imperial Seat from Rome into the East, building at Bizantium a most magnificent City, naming it New Rome, [Page 37] and in imitation of the old one, he circulated Seven Hills. Herein was built the Palace of that publick Library, wherein were contained Twenty thousand of the choicest written Books, and in the midst thereof were the Guts of a Dragon, in length 120 foot, on which was admirably written in Letters of Gold, the Iliads of Homer. But this new City quickly lost its name of New Rome; for love to the Founder made it take name from him, that is, Constantinople. To this City Constantine drew his Legions out of Germany, Gallia, and Brita­nie, which much weakned this part of the Empire, and made way for the Picts to infest the more civil parts of this Island. He called the Council of Nice, where himself sate Pre­sident.

He dyed, May 22, 337. whose Body was in­terred at Constantinople, in the Church of the Apostles, which himself had founded.

This Christian Emperor would often kiss the hollow of old Paphnutius eye, which he had lost in the former times of Persecution, for the sake of Christ. He used such reverence and attention to the Word of God Preached, that many times he would stand up all Sermon time, and when some told him that it tended to his disparagement, he answered, That it was in the service of the great God, who is no respecter of persons. He was not Baptized till A. D. 318.

COnstantinus, Constans and Constantius, CON­STANTI­NUS, A.D. 337. were the Three Sons of Constantine the Great, a­mongst whom he divided the Empire. But [Page 38] Constantine the eldest, whose part was Britain, France, Spain, and part of Germany, thinking himself wronged in the division, sought to in­large his own Dominions upon the frontiers of his Brother Constans; but was encountered and slain, when he had held his Territories the term of Three years. Then Constans seized his Dominions, adding them to his own; but he living luxuriously, was slain by one of his Captains, and then Constantius became sole Emperor. In whose time Gratianus the Father of Valentinian the Emperor was general of the Army in Britain, a man so strong of Limb, that no five men could pluck a Rope out of his hand by all their force, whence he was sirnamed Fu­narius, the Roper. Constantius dyed of a Fea­ver declaring Julian his Heir.

JULIAN APO­STATE. A. D. 361. JƲlian the Apostate, was the Brothers Son of Constantine the Great. He was excellently Learned; and in his younger years so in love with the Christian Religion (at least in shew) that he took upon him the Office of a Deacon, Reading in publick to the People the Sacred Scriptures; but by the Rhetorick of Libanius, was seduced to Heathenism, and by degrees became a deadly enemy to the Church of Christ. His temperance was to admiration, both as to his Apparel, Lodging and Dyet. He would often say, that it was the safety of his life, that he never had any War with his Belly And doubtless he was a grand worldly Politician; for sometimes he would side with the Catholicks against the Arrians, which were [Page 39] very numerous; yet still encouraging a di­stance betwixt them, that so they might not hurt him, being united. To the Jews he would make large promises, when he foresaw they might stand him in any stead. Whilst Constan­tius lived, he dissembled his Religion; but he dead, then he set open the Temples of the Pa­gan gods, repaired their Altars, and defaced the Monuments of the Christians. That Bra­zen figure of Christ erected at Coesarea Philippi, he caused to be broken down, instead thereof, placing his own Figure that it might be wor­shipped; but it was suddenly destroyed with Lightning.

The Christians he forbad the publick Schools and study of the Arts and Tongues, jesting a­way the reason of this injustice with scoffs, as he did the rest, saying, ‘That since Plato, A­ristotle and Isocrates adored Mercury and the other gods,’ he held it absurd, that the Chri­stians should learn from their Books, whose Religion they condemned and loathed. When he at any time seized upon the Goods of the Christians, (which he oft-times did upon slight pretences) he would say, he did it that they might enter Heaven with the less difficulty. When he had disabled the Christians of all command, Civil or Martial, he said he did it, because their Gospel taketh from them, potestatem Glad [...], the power of the Sword. If any poor Christian desired the redress of any grievance, he would ansvver That it vvas the duty of their profession to bear injuries. But Julian entring Persia vvith an Army Ten [Page 40] Miles in length, put the Persians to flight, vvhom pursuing, as he lift up his hand in sign of victory, vvas in the very instant struck vvith a Javelin into the lovver lappet of his Liver. From vvhose hand this Javelin came is uncer­tain, some say it vvas from the hand of a fly­ing Persian, others say, from the hand of one of his ovvn Soldiers. Calistus one of his ovvn Guard, that vvrote this Battel in Heroical Verse, affirmeth, that some vvicked Fiend or Devil run him through vvith that Javelin. But be it by vvhomsoever, vvhen the Apostate had pluck'd the Javelin out, he cast it into the Air, uttering this blasphemous speech, At length thou hast overcome me, O Galilean. For so in contempt he used to call Christ.

JOVINI­ANUS. A.D. 363. FLavius Jovinianus a Christian, vvas chosen Emperor by the Army, and because of the distress that his Host vvas in for vvant of pro­vision, he made Peace vvith the Persians for Thirty years, and so left their Country. In his time Blazing-Stars vvere seen at noon­day. And the Statue of Maximianus Caesar let fall the Globe out of its hand, no force mo­ving it. Also horrible sounds and noises vvere heard in the Consistory. These vvere taken for ominous signs of those troublous accidents vvhich befel the Army in their vvay home­vvard from Persia. Jovinian dyed suddenly of the obstructions and stoppings of the Lungs.

[Page 41] FLavius Valentinianus a Christian being elect­ed Emperor, he made Valens, his Brother, VALEN­TINIA­NUS. A.D. 364. his partner with him in the Empire. Into Britain Valentinian sent Theodosius his Lieutenant, vvho recovered this Province out of the hands of their enemies the Picts, Saxons and Scots that had miserably infested it, re-edified the Cities, repairing the Garrison Castles, and fortifying the frontiers, naming Britain Valentia in ho­nour of Valentinian the Emperor. Strange and dreadful vvere the signs, that in the third year of this Emperor happened, as Earth-quakes, Inundations and the like, amongst vvhich St. Hierom reports, That there rained Wool from Heaven so perfect good, that no better grevv upon the Sheep. This Christian Emperor vvas so displeased vvith his Brother Valens an Arian, for persecuting the Orthodox Christians, that he denied to afford him help against the Goths, vvhen they invaded his Dominions in the East, saying, ‘That it vvas an impious thing to strengthen the hands of a man, vvho had spent his days in vvarring against God and his Church.’ He dyed of an Apoplexy, or as some vvrite, of the Plague. And Valens flying from the Goths, vvas in a house near A­drianople burnt to Ashes.

FLavius Gratianus the Son of Valentinian suc­ceeded his Father, GRATIA­NUS and VALEN­TINIAN. to vvhom vvas joyned for Consort in the Empire his Brother Valenti­nian, a Child about four years of Age. Whose advancement (though done vvithout his al­lovvance) [Page 42] he envied not, but regarded his Brother exceedingly, and brought him up with all tenderness, forgetting the wrong offered to himself, and one Mother Severa, for Valentini­ans Mothers sake, whose name was Justina; a Damsel surpassing all other Women so far, that the Empress her self became in love with her, and could not forbear extolling her beauty be­yond compare, in the hearing of the Emperor her Husband, who provoked hereby, took her also to Wife, by whom he had this young Va­lentinian and three Daughters, albeit that his Wife Severa was yet living. In Britain, Cle­mens Maximus descended from Constantine the Great, had so won the affections of the Britains, through his good service done against the Picts and Scots, (which last were those people inha­biting the High-lands of Scotland, and came first out of Ireland, planting themselves on the North-side of Cluid) that they accepted him for their Sovereign; and his Soldiers by con­straint forced him to assume the Imperial Stile, and Purple Robe. And now Maximus hasts in­to Gallia with the chiefest flower and strength of the British Forces, against whom Gratian ad­vanced; but after five days skirmishing, being forsaken of his Soldiers, he was forced to fly. After which, he sent Ambrose Bishop of Milain to sue for peace with Maximus, unto which Maximus seemed to encline; withall causing Letters to be sent, and reports given out to soft spirited Gratian, that his Empress was up­on her journey to visit him, which the inno­cent Emperor credited. And accordingly set [Page 43] forward with joy to meet her, but when he opened the Letter therein hoping to embrace her, was by Captain Andragathius and his Ruf­fians (sent in it on purpose) treacherously murdered near unto Lyons. But Theodosius un­dertaking the Usurper Maximus, vanquished his forces, and slew him and his Son Victor. Howbeit young Valentinian was not in safety; for by the Treason of Captain Arbogastes, and Eugenius a Grammarian he was strangled to death in his bed.

FLavius Theodosius Magnus, THEODO­SIUS MAGNUS. to revenge the the death of the Emperor Valentinian, and also to oppose the proceedings of the Traytor Eugenius, who had usurped a part of the Em­pire, marched with his forces towards the con­fines of Italy, where, at the foot of the Alpes; he found the passages stopt, and his enemies powers far surmounting his, and likewise ha­ving so beset him about, that no victuals could be brought into his Camp, this good Emperor therefore, in this his distress, applied himself with fasting and tears unto the Lord of Hosts, who, to vindicate Theodosius righteous Cause, sent such a violent tempest and raging wind upon the faces of his enemies, that when both Ar­mies were engaged in fight, his adversaries own Darts were driven back upon themselves; whereby he obtained a most glorious Victory. In this Battel the Usurper Eugenius was taken, who whilst he was craving pardon at the Em­perors feet, had his head struck of by the Sol­diers. And Arbogastes escaping by flight, two [Page 44] days after ran himself upon his own Sword.

Theodosius thus delivered, repaired to Mi­lain, where he shortly after sickned unto death, constituting his Son Honorius Emperor of the West, and Arcadius of the East. His Humility and Piety was such, that St. Ambrose Bishop of Millain having forbid his entrance into the Church to communicate with other Christians in their devotions, (because he had rashly punished the Inhabitants of Thessalonica for an offence committed by them) he accordingly submitted to this censure, acknowledging his offence, and for a future prevention of the like rashness, by the advice of St. Ambrose, he En­acted, That Thirty days should pass between the sentence of death, and execution of the Malefactor. He was wont to say, That he ac­counted it a greater honour to be a member of the Church of Christ, than to be head of the Ro­man Empire.

HONORI­US, A. D. 395. HOnorius, because of his Non-age, was by his Father committed to the Government of Stilicho. But this wretch aspiring after ab­solute Sovereignty, first sowed sedition among the Lieutenants of the Provinces, then with disgrace cashier'd those Goths, that had served with good proof of their fidelity above Twen­ty years, since their entertainment by Theodosi­us. These Goths therefore to revenge their wrongs, chose for their Leader a valiant Goth named Alaricus, who shortly proved the scourge of Rome. With him joyned the Van­dales, Alanes, and Swevians, all which, with [Page 45] great fury began to War in Austria, and Hun­gary, increasing their powers with such multi­tudes, that the World was amazed and stood in fear. For unto these resorted Two hundred thousand Goths more, under the conduct of Radagasius their King, who with united Forces over-ran Thracia, Hungary, Austria, Slavonia, and Dalmatia, spoiling all in such manner, that Devils and not men seemed to have pass'd that way. The Roman Empire thus declining, and the Armies in Britain fearing the fury of the Goths, to secure themselves the best way they could, elected an Emperor at home, one Mar­cus their Lieutenant; but he not fitting their humours, they in a short time murdered him. In whose stead they enthroned one Gratian a Bri­tain, whom within four Months they also mur­dered. At the death of him, they elected, for the names sake, one Constantine a common Soldier, and he passing beyond the Seas, was very prosperous for a while. His Imperial seat he placed at Arles, sent Letters excusatory un­to Honorius, pretending that the Soldiers com­pelled him to do what he did, which so pleased the Emperor, that he sent him a Purple Robe. But one Maximinus rising against him, he was taken Prisoner, sent to Rome, and there be­headed. From that time Britain renewed her obedience to Honorius, and Victorinus Lieute­nant here, oft-times repressed the incursions of the Scots and Picts. Howbeit Rome was sore af­flicted, and sacked by the Goths and Vandals. The Emperor Arcadius dyed in peace at Constan­tinople, and his Brother Honorius at Rome.

[Page 46] THEODO­SIUS, and VALEN­TINIAN. 2d. A. D. 423. THeodosius the Son of Arcadius was now Em­peror when the Roman greatness was al­most quite fallen. His Kinsman Valentinian he chose for his associate, making him Emperor of the West. At this time the Britains were sorely distressed by the continual disturbers of their Peace, the Scots and Picts; therefore they sent their Ambassadors to Rome, with their Garments rent, and dust upon their heads, bewailing their most miserable estate, and cra­ving the Emperors aid, who sent a Regiment of Soldiers into Britain under Gallio. Which Captain did some present kindness for them; but in short time was called over with his Legi­on into Gallia, to secure the Countrey about Paris. At his departure he advised the Britains to stand upon their own guard, and for the future to provide for their own safety, and not to depend upon any succours from the Ro­mans, who had their hands full of troubles near home.

Thus after about 500 years that the Romans had swayed in Britain, they took their final farewel of it, burying part of their treasures here in the earth. But during their stay in this Island, they had much dispeopled it of its Natives, having levied as many Compa­nies, Cohorts and Ensigns of Stout Britains from hence for the service of Armenia, Egypt, Illyri­cum their frontier Countries, as from any other of their Provinces whatsoever. Some of these British Soldiers, after they were wearied out in the Wars, had Armorica in France assigned [Page 47] them (by Constantine the Great) for their good service in the Wars, from whom, that Coun­trey of Armorica was called Little-Britain. Hi­ther, in the time of Gratian the Emperor, was Ʋrsula the Daughter of Dinoth, Regent of Cornwall sent, with Eleven thousand Virgins in order to have been Married with their Coun­trey-men; but all of them perished ere they arrived, some being drowned in the Sea by tempest, the remainder put to the Sword by the barbarous Huns and Picts, because they re­fused to yield their chastities to their filthy Lusts.

The Romans made four famous High-ways in England, namely, Ikenild-street, or way, the Foss, Ermin-street, and Watling-street.

About A. D. 400, Pelagius a Britain brought up in the Monastery of Bangor, did much di­sturb the peace of the Church by his heretical Opinions.

SAXONS.

THe Southern or more civilized Britains being now grown very low, and exceedingly weakned (what with the Romans exporting their valiant Countrey-men to serve in forraign Countries, what with their own civil dissen­tions, the Romans forsaking them, and the Ca­lamity of scarcity and Famine) their veteran foes the Scots, Picts and Irish, hereupon take their opportunity so miserably to infest and trouble them, that not longer able to defend and secure themselves, they supplicate aid out of Germany, from the Angles, Jutes, and Sax­ons, then inhabiting Jutland, Holsten, and the Sea-coasts along to the River Rhene. Of these to the number of Nine thousand, under the command of the two Brethren Hengist and Horsa, entered Britain at Ebs-fleet in the Isle of Tenet, about 450 years after the birth of Christ. There they were received with great joy, and saluted with Songs after the accustomed man­ner of the Britains, who appointed them that Island for their habitation. And not long after, Hengist obtained of Vortigern King of the Britains, the property of so much ground, as he could inclose with a Bulls-hide, which cutting into Thongs, he there built the Castle, called from thence Thong-Castle. To which place he invited Vortigern. who there fell in love with Rowena the Daughter, or Neece of [Page 49] Hengist, upon which match Hengist began to grow bold, and to think of making this Island his inheritance. In order to which, he sent for fresh forces to come over to him, which being arrived, they sought and made occasi­ons of quarrels with the Natives, driving the Inhabitants before them from their wonted possessions, every several Captain, accounting that part of the Countrey his own, where he could over-match the Britains, commanding in it as an absolute King: By which means the Land became burdened with Seven of them at the first, at one and the same time: But al­though the Land was divided into Seven several Kingdoms, and each of them bearing a Sove­reign command within his own Limits; yet one of them ever seemed to be supream over the rest.

The Saxon Heptarchy.

THe Kingdom of Kent consisting of that County only, 1. Kent. (which Vortigern had given to Hengist in favour of Rowena) was the first Dominion of the Saxons Seven-headed Kingdom, and began in, or near the year of our Lord 455, continuing 372 years. In it there Ruled Seventeen Kings successively; the first of which was Hengist; and the first Chri­stian King thereof was Ethelbert sirnamed Pren.

The South Saxons Kingdom containing the Counties of Sussex and Surrey, 2 South Saxons. commenced in A. D. 488, continuing 113 years, Ella being [Page 50] the first King, and Ethelwolph the first Christian King thereof.

3. West Saxons.The West Saxons Kingdom containing the Counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somer­set, Wilts, Berks and Hantshire, began in A. D. 519, continuing 300 years; Cherdick being the first King, and Hingils the first Christian King thereof.

4. East Saxons.East Saxons Kingdom containing the Coun­ties of Essex, Middlesex, and part of Hart­fordshire, began in A. D. 527, continuing 281 years, Erchenwin being the first King thereof, and Sebert the first Christian King.

5. North.The Kingdom of Northumberland containing the Counties of York, Durham, Lancaster, West­moreland, Cumberland, and Northumberland, be­gan in A. D, 527, continuing 379 years; Ella and Ida the first Kings thereof, and Edwin the first Christian King.

6. Mercia.The Kingdom of Mercia containing the Counties of Huntingdon, part of Hartfordshire, Northampton, Rutland, Lincoln, Leicester, Der­by and Nottingham, began in A. D. 582, con­tinuing 202 years, Creda being the first King, and Peada first Christian King thereof.

7. East Angles.The Kingdom of the East- Angles containing the Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge, began in A. D. 575, continuing 353 years, Ʋffa being the first King, and Redwald the first Christian King thereof. Its last King was Ed­mond, whom the Danes for his constant profes­sion of the Christian Faith most barbarously slew, at a Village then called Heglisdune, where when the Danes were departed, his head and [Page 51] body were buried, and the Town upon occa­sion thereof called St. Edmunds-bury. After the death of this Edmond, the Kingdom of the East- Angles was possessed by the Danes till such time that Edward sirnamed the Elder expulsed them, and joyned it a Province to the West- Saxons: But the Britains, during the time of the Heptarchy, stood still in defence of their own rightful inheritance, with great disdain, and valorous resistance, as much as in them lay, opposing the Saxon yoke.

The British Princes who contended with the Saxons to maintain their Countries rights, were these chiefly. First,

VOrtigern, at that time King, VORTI­GERN. by the electi­on of the Britains, when the Saxons were first invited into the Land. This Vortigern reigned first Sixteen years, and then deposed for his favours to the Saxons, was retained indurance all the Reign of Vortimer his Son, af­ter whose death he was re-established; but oppressed by the Saxons, and pursued by Au­relius, he fled into Wales, where in a Castle which he built by Merlins directions in the Mountains, he, with his Daughter whom he had taken to Wife, were burnt to Ashes.

VOrtimer for his Fathers abuse of Govern­ment, VORTI­MER. was constituted King of the Britains. He gave unto the Saxons Four famous over­throws, almost to their utter expulsion. After [Page 52] his last Victory over them, British Princes. he caused his Mo­nument to be erected at the entrance into Thanet, whither he had driven the Saxons, even in that same place of the overthrow. Which Monument was sometime called Lapis Tituli, now the Stoner, wherein he command­ed his Body to be buried, to the further ter­rour of the Saxons; that in beholding this his Trophey, their hearts might be daunted at the remembrance of their great overthrow. But Rowena procured his death by Poyson. He re­stored the Christian Religion, then sorely de­cayed, and rebuilt the Churches destroyed by the Pagan Saxons.

AMBRO­SIUS. AƲrelius Ambrosius descended of that Con­stantine, who was elected here, only in hope of his lucky name. He was very suc­cessful against the Saxons; but, as some say, was poysoned by the procurement of Pascentius the youngest Son of Vortigern. Others report that he was slain in the Field by the Saxons, and that the Britains erected that famous Monument called Stone-henge, anciently Chorea Gigantum, over the place where he was slain and buried; though according to the saying of some, Aure­lius Ambrosius caused that Monument of Stone-henge to be erected in memorial of the Massa­cre of 300 of the Nobility of the Britains by the Saxons, who were there buried. He built Ambresbury in Wilts.

[Page 53] ƲTer Pendragon, the Brother of Ambrosius, was in all his Wars against the Saxons most victorious and fortunate. UTER PENDRA­GON. A.D. 497. He was sirna­med Pendragon, either because at his birth there appeared a fiery Comet something resembling a Dragons-head, or because of his Serpentine-wisdom, or from his Royal Banner, wherein was pourtrayed a Dragon with a Golden head. When he had reigned Eighteen years, he dyed of poyson put into a Well, whereof he usually drank.

ARthur, the Son of Pendragon, ARTHUR, A.D. 516. begotten up­on the Lady Igren Dutchess of Cornwall, was Crowned King of Britains at Fifteen years of Age, about A. C. 516. Twelve Battels he fought against the Saxons with great manhood and victory, the last of which was fought at Bath, or Bathen-Hill, where the Britains gave the Saxons a very great overthrow. But Mor­dred a Prince of the Picts, whose Mother was Pendragons Sister, affecting the Crown, upon the pretence of Arthurs reputed Bastardy, gave many attempts against him, and lastly at Cam­balu, now Camelford in Cornwall, encountering King Arthur gave him his deaths-wound, and was himself slain by Arthur in the place. From which place this renowned King was carried to Glastenbury where he dyed of his wounds in A. D. 542, whose body was there buried, and after 600 years was digged up by the command of Henry the 2d. His bones of great bigness, and Skull, wherein was perceived Ten wounds, [Page 54] were found in the Trunk of a Tree; over him was a huge broad Stone, in which a leaden Cross was fastned, and therein this Inscription, Hic jacet, &c. Here lyes King Arthur buryed in the Isle of Avalonia. By him lay his Queen Guenaver, whose tresses of hair finely platted, of a golden colour, seemed perfect and intire, till but being touched they mouldred to dust. These relicks were reburied in the great Church.

CON­STAN­TINE, A.D. 542. COnstantine the Son of Cador Duke of Corn­wall, and Cousin to King Arthur by Mar­riage, and his adopted Heir, was slain by Co­nanus, when he had been King Three years, and was buried at Stonehenge.

CONA­NUS, A.D. 545. AƲrelius Conanus, King Arthur's Nephew, de­tained his Uncle in perpetual Imprison­ment, and slew his two Cousins, because they had more right to the Crown than himself.

VORTI­PORUS, A.D. 578. VOrtiporus in many Battels vanquished the Saxons, and valiantly defended his Sub­jects; but otherwise very wicked.

MALGO, A.D. 581. MAlgo Canonus, in Arms and Dominions, was stronger and greater than any other Bri­tish Potentate, saith Gildas.

CARETI­CUS, A.D. 586. Careticus sowed civil Wars amongst his Sub­jects the Britains, which occasioned them to forsake him, and leave him to the mercy of the Saxons; who pursuing after him, he fled [Page 55] into Cyrencester for safety; but by the device of his pursuers, certain Sparrows being taken, and fire fastned to their feet, were let fly into the City, who lighting among Straw, set it on fire, whence the City was burnt to the ground; but Careticus escaped, and fled for safety unto the Mountains of Wales, where he dyed. From that time forth the Britains lost their whole Kingdom in the East part of the Island, and were confined in the West, by the Rivers Severn and Dee.

CAdwan maintained himself and Subjects in great honour and peace. CADWAN, A D. 635. His first affairs against the Saxons was to revenge the deaths of his Britains, and harmless Monks of Bangor, slain by wild Ethelfrid the mighty King of Nor­thumberland.

The Monastery of Bangor in North- Wales, was situated in the fruitful valley now called the English Mailor, containing within it the quantity of a Mile and an half of ground. This Monastery, as saith Bernard Clarivalentius, was the Mother of all others in the World. Whose Monks distributed themselves into Se­ven portions, every one numbring 300 Souls, and all of them living by the labour of their own hands. Many of these Monks assembled at Chester. Caer-Legion, to assist their Brethren the Britains with their Prayers, against Ethelfrid sirnamed the Wild, King of Northumberland, who with his Pagan Soldiers set upon the Bri­tains, discomfited their host, and put to the Sword Twelve hundred of these Christian Monks.

[Page 56] CAdwallo, or Cadwallin the Son of Cadwin, warred most valiantly against the Saxons, slew the Christian King Edwin of Northumber­land, CADWAL­LO, A. D. 635. with his Son Osfride, in a great and bloody Battel at Heathfield. He dyed in peace, as the British Writers say, and was buried in St. Mar­tins Church in London; his Image great and ter­rible, triumphantly riding on Horseback, being artificially cast in Brass, the Britains placed upon Ludgate, to the further fear and terror of the Saxons.

CADWAL­LADOR, A.D. 685. CAdwallador the Son of Cadwallo, with great valour fought against the Saxons; but his Nobles dissenting and warring among them­selves, did much endamage his very hopeful undertakings. And by the All disposing hand of Providence, so great a dearth befell, that Herbs and Roots were the Commons chiefest sustenance. Mortality and Pestilence likewise raging so sore, and so suddenly, that people in their eating, drinking, walking, and speak­ing, were surprised by death, and in such numbers, that the living were scarce sufficient to bury the dead. Which calamities lasted no less than Eleven years whereby the Land became desolate, insomuch, that the King and many of his British Peers were forced to seek and eat their bread in forain parts. But the destroying Angel by Gods appointment, having sheathed his devouring Sword, Cadwallador was minded to have returned into his native Country, with some aids which he had procured of his Cousin [Page 57] Alan King of Little-Britain; but was forbid by an Angel (as he thought) and command­ed to go to Rome, and there take upon him the habit of Religion; which accordingly he did, and dyed at Rome, where in St. Peters Church he was buried, being the last King of the Bri­tains blood, about A. D. 689.

The most powerful Kings of the Saxon Heptarchy were

HEngist, HENGIST, A.D. 455. who about the 5th year after his arrival in Britain began his Kingdom in Kent, He (as all the Saxon Kings beside) doth derive his original from Prince Woden, and his Wife Fria, by Wechta the eldest of their Seven Sons, being the fifth in Issue from them. His Brother Horsa was slain in Battel by the Britains. According to some himself dyed in peace; others say, that he was slain when he had reigned Thirty four years.

ELla the first King of the South- Saxons, ELLA, A.D. 479. in the Twenty third year of Hengist's Reign, brought a fresh supply of Germans to he relief of his Countreymen; who landing at Shoreham in Sussex, vanquished the Britains in those parts, after which he assumed the name of King of that Province.

CHerdick the first King of the West- Saxons, CHER­DICK, A. D. 485. arrived in the Western parts of this Island, in the Seventh year of Ella's reign; where in [Page 58] his first Battel with the Britains, he slew a migh­ty King of theirs named Natanleod, or Nazaleod. This Battel was fought in Hampshire, near un­to a Brook of Water, which from Cherdick, began to be called Cherdick-ford, where now a Town of the same name standeth; but by con­traction called Charford.

KENRICK. KEnrick the 2d King of the West- Saxons, in­larged his confines upon the territories of the Britains, giving them two great over­throws, the one at Searbury in Wiltshire, the other at Banbury in Oxfordshire.

CHELWIN A.D. 560. CHelwin, or Cheuline, the Son of Kenrick, and 3d King of the West- Saxons, over­came the Britains in many fights; also set him­self to inlarge his own Territories upon his Countrey-mens: For entring Kent, in a set Battel he defeated that Kings forces. He sur­prized the Cities of Glocester, Bath, and Cyren­cester; slew Three of the British Kings, named Coinmagil, Candidan, and Farimnagil: But grown proud through his many victories he tyran­nized over his own Subjects, which moved them to take part with the Britains against him; and at Wodnesbeath, now Wansditch in Wiltshire, they vanquished and put him to flight, for­cing him into Banishment, in which he dy­ed.

[Page 59] EThelbert the 5th King of Kent, ETHEL­BERT, A.D. 561. was Married to Berta the Daughter of Chilperick King of France on these conditions, That the Lady should enjoy the profession of her Christian Faith, and the conversation of Luidhard her learned Bishop. About this time it chanced that Gregory the Great, then Arch-Deacon of Rome, saw certain youths of this Island of Bri­tain, brought to Rome to be sold, concerning whom he enquired, first of what Nation they were, and being answered that they were Angles, Gregory replied, and not without cause are they so named indeed, their resemblance is so Angelical; and fit it is that they be made inheriters with the Angels in Heaven. But of what Province are they in Britain, said he? and being answered of Deira, now great pit­ty it is said he, but that these people should be taken from Dei [...]ira, the wrath of God. And being told that their Kings Name was Ella, he by way of allusion said, That Alelu­jah to the praise of God, should shortly be sung in that Princes Dominions; to which end, when he had attained to be Bishop of Rome, he sent Augustin a Monk, with Fourty others his assistants, which landed in Thanet, about A. D. 596; finding at their coming Seven Bishops in the British Churches. These Roman Christians sent by Gregory, were by King Ethelbert freely permitted to Preach the Gospel, and in his chief City of Canterbury, he allowed them fit places of residence, and to Augustine resigned his own Palace. In this [Page 60] City Austin laid the foundation of that great Church dedicated to the name and service of Christ. Augustine the Monk, and Lau­rentius, A. Bps. of Canterbury. And also at his cost built a most fair Monastery, wherein Eight Kings of Kent, and Ten Arch-Bishops were afterwards interred. But between the Britain Christians and Austin, there was a great difference about the due time for celebrating the Feast of Ea­ster. Easter was kept in Britain after the man­ner of the Eastern Church, on the Fourteenth day after the full Moon, whatsoever day of the week it happened on, and not on Sunday, as we at this day observe it; which made Austin in great displeasure against them, and they to dislike him for his pride. The British Bishops were consecrated by their own Arch-Bishops, and they by their own Suffragans, making no profession of subjection to any other Church. And when Augustine the Monk required of the British Bishops to profess subjection to the See of Rome, Dinothus Abbot of Bangor, made it apparent by divers Arguments that they owed him none; nor did they follow the Rites of Rome. But King Ethelbert being by Augustine converted to the Christian Faith, was the in­strument of converting of Sebert King of the East- Saxons, whom he assisted in the building of St. Pauls, where had stood the Temple of Dia­na, as also the Church of St. Peters at Westmin­ster, then called Thorney, where the Temple of Apollo stood; and himself built the Cathedral Church at Rochester, dedicating it to St. An­drew He brought the Laws of his Countrey into their own Mother-Tongue, and was very [Page 61] forward in advancing the Christian Religion. He dyed in, or near A.D. 616, and was buried at Can­terbury. Augustine the first Arch-Bishop of Can­terbury dyed, during the reign of Ethelbert, & was buried in the Northern Porch of the New Church in Canterbury dedicated to St. Peter and Paul; and Laurentius succeeded him in that Bishoprick.

REdwald 3d King of the East- Angles, RED­WALD, A.D. 616. was Baptized in Kent; but returning into his own Countrey (through the perswasions of his Queen) he returned to his superstitions, and in one and the same Temple, erected an Altar for the service of Christ, and another for his Idols.

EDwin the Great, EDWIN, A D. 624. and 2d King of Northum­berland, subdued all the coasts of Britany, wheresoever any Provinces were inhabited, either by Britains or Saxons; which thing, no King of the English before him had done: And added the Mevian Isles or Hebrides unto his own Dominions. He was converted to the Christian Faith by Paulinus, and Baptized at York in St. Peters Church then built of Wood, which he rebuilt of Stone, making it the Cathedral Church; and Paulinus Arch-Bishop of that See. Church of Lincoln founded by Bp. Paulinus. He suppressed Idolatry, established the Gospel in the Northern parts which daily spread into other Provinces and with such fruit of Peace, that throughout his Domini­ons, a weak Woman with h [...]r new-born babe might have passed without danger or [...]am [...]ge over all the island from State [...]ea [...] [...] And for the conveniency of way-faring me [...] [...] [Page 62] closed clear Springs by the ways sides, Melitus and Justu, A. Bps. of Canterbury. where he placed great Basons of Brass, both to wash and bathe in. But Penda the Mercian King, and Cadwallo the Britain confederated against him, and in fight slew him and his Son Osfryd. His Body was buried at Streanshall, now called Whitby.

OSWALD, A.D. 633. OSwald the 5th King of Deira, the 9th of Bernicia, and 3d of Northumberland, ha­ving received the Christian Faith in Scotland, during his banishment there; at his return took such care for the salvation of his Sub­jects, that he sent into Scotland for Aidan a Christian Bishop, to instruct his Northumbri­ans in the Gospel of Truth. And because the Bishop could not speak their Language, the King himself would interpret his Sermons to the people. Which godly undertaking of the good King and Bishop was so successful, that as is reported, in Seven days space, Fifteen thousand received Baptism. At this time the whole Island flourished with Peace and plenty, and acknowledged their subjection to Oswald, But Penda King of Mercia envying his flourish­ing estate, slew him in Battel, at a place call­ed Maserfield in Shropshire; and then tore his body peace-meal: Whereupon, the said place of his death, is called to this day Oswalds-tree. His dismembred Limbs were first buried in the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolnshire, after­wards removed to Glocester, and buried in the North-side of the upper end of the Quire in the Cathedral Church.

[Page 63]King Oswald being at Dinner on Easter-day, Melitus and Justus, A.B. Cant. one brought him word, that there was a great company of poor people in the Streets which asked Alms of him; whereupon he commanded the Meat prepared for his own Table to be car­ried to them, and brake a Silver Platter to pieces and sent it amongst them.

In the year of Christ 636, Honorius Arch-Bishop of Canterbury first divided England into Parishes. Northumberland was sometime part­ed into two Kingdoms, namely Deira, and Bernicia.

Osway the 4th King of Northumberland, OSWAY, A.D. 643. slew Penda in fight, with the discomfiture of all his Mercian power; and in the same Bat­tel slew Ethelbert King of the East- Angles, who sided with Penda, after which victory he subdu­ed the Mercians, and made the Northern part also wholly subject unto him. He founded the Cathedral Church in Lichfield for a Bishops See, dyed in A. D. 670, and was buried in St. Peters Church in Streanshalch.

VƲlfhere the 6th King of the Mercians, VULF­HERE, A D. 668. slew his two Sons Vulfald and Rufin, because they usually resorted to reverend Chad for the profit of their Souls, and had received at his hands the Sacraments of Baptism. Their martyred bodies, Queen Erminhild their Mo­ther caused to be buried in a Sepulchre of Stone, and thereupon a fair Church to be erected; which by reason of the many Stones brought thither for the foundation, was [Page 64] ever after called Stones; Honorius and Dues­dedit, A.B. Cant. and is now a fair Mar­ket-Town in Staffordshire. But Vulfhere repenting his most inhumane murder, and becoming a Christian, converted his Heathen Temples unto Churches and Monasteries, and finished Medisham, now Peterborough (his brother Pada's foundation) inriching it largely with Lands and possessions. He dyed A. D. 674, and was buried at Peterborough.

ETHEL­RED. EThelred, because of his Nephew Kenreds minority, and disposition to a private life, was accepted of the Mercians for their King. His entrance was with War against the Kentish King Lothair, whose Countrey he miserably destroyed, sparing neither Re­ligious, nor secular place. But at length disquieted in mind, because of his cruelties, to expiate his crimes, he first built a godly Monastry at Beadney in Lincolnshire, then re­signing the Crown to Kenred, became there a Monk himself, living a regular life the term of Twelve years, and dyed Abbot of the place, in A. D. 716. In the 4th year of his Reign a fearful Blazing-Star discover­ed it self, and for three Months together continued rising in the morning, and giving forth a blazing pile, very high, and of a glittering flame.

[Page 65] KEnred the 8th King of Mercia, Theodorus and Ber­tualdus, A. B of Cant. reigned in peace the term of four years; but affect­ing a private retired life, he appointed Chel­red his Cousin to rule in his stead, and accompa­nied with Offa King of East-Saxons, KENRED. and Edwin Bishop of Winchester, he went unto Rome, where himself and Offa became Monks, and there dyed.

CHeldred the 9th King of the Mercians, CHELRED A.D. 709. was all along during his seven years reign engaged in Wars against Inas King of the West-Saxons. Which Inas being in pilgrimage at Rome in A.D. 720, gave a tribute to Rome called Peter-pence, being a peny for every house. At first it was called the Kings Alms; it was also called Rome­scot. Inas built a Colledg at Wells, and a stately Abby at Glastenbury, where formerly the old Cell of Joseph of Arimathea had been. He also built a Castle at Taunton.

King Chelred dyed in A. D. 716, and vvas bu­ried in the Cathedral Church at Lichfield.

EThelbald the 10th King of the Mercians, ETHEL­BALD. spent the most part of his reign in peace, and too much thereof in Luxury; for the vvhich he vvas reproved by Boniface (an English man) Bishop of Mentz: Whose Epistle Redargutory had this influence upon the King, that in sign of repentance, he priviledged the Church from all Tributes to himself, and founded the Abby of Crowland. About which time it was appointed by Arch-Bishop Cuthbert and his Clergy, in a convocation held in his Province, [Page 66] that the Sacred Scriptures should be read in their Monasteries, the Lords Prayer and Creed taught in the English tongue, A. D. 733. In January the Sun suffered so great an Eclipse, that the Earth seemed to be overshadowed, as with Sack-cloth. And A. D. 756, and in De­cember, the Moon being in her full, appeared both dark and bloody; for a Star (though there be none lower than the Moon) seemed to follow her, and to deprive her of light, till it had got before her. But great Ethelbald fight­ing against Cuthred the West Saxon, was tray­terously slain by the procurement of one of his own Captains, near Tanworth, and was buried at Repton in Derbyshire.

OFFA, A.D. 758. OFFA the 11th. King of the Mercians, as is said, was born both lame, deaf, and blind, continuing so unto his mans estate. He was of such stout and daring spirit, that he thought no­thing impossible for him to attain unto. The first that felt his fury were the Kentish men, whose King Alrike he slew in fight with his own hands. From south to north he then marched, and be­yond Humber made havock of all that opposed him. Whence returning in triumph, he van­quished Kenwolph and his West-Saxons, with whom Marmadius King of the Britains, sided. He caused a great ditch to be made between his and the Britains borders, that is, from Basing­wark in Flintshire, and North-Wales, not far from the mouth of Dee, running along the Moun­tains into the South, ending near Bristol at the fall of Wye. The tract whereof in many places [Page 67] is yet seen, being called Clawdh Offa, Tarninus and No­thelmus, A.B. Cant. or Offa's Ditch. The Danes that had invaded England, he forced back to their ships, with the loss of all their booty, and many of their lives. Then making his son Egfryd Partner with him in the Kingdom, he went to Rome, where he made his Kingdom subject to a tribute called Peter-pence, and gave rich gifts to Pope Hadrian for canoni­zing Alban a Saint; in honour of whom at his return he built a Magnifick Monastry over against Verolanium. Also in testimony of his repent­ance for the blood he had shed in his Wars, he gave the tenth part of his goods unto the Church-men and poor. At Bath he built a Mo­nastry, and in Warwick-shire a Church, where the adjoining town from it and him beareth the name Off-Church. He dyed at Offley in A D. 794, and was buried without the town of Bedford, in a Chappel standing upon the bank of Owse, which long since was swallowed up by the same River.

In A D. 755, was Sigebert King of West-Sax­ons slain by a Swineherd; and in A.D. 760, Ken­wolph King of West-Saxons made Wells an Epis­copal See.

EGfryd the son of Offa restored to the Church her ancient priviledges which his Father had deprived her of. EGFKID, A.D. 794. He dyed in the first year of his reign, and was buried in the Abby-Church of St. Albans.

KEnwolph the 13th King of the Mercians, KEN­WOLPH, A.D. 795. was at home a president of peace, religion, and [Page 68] justice, and abroad of temperance, humility, and courtesie. In War stout and victorious, in Peace studious of enriching his subjects. He vanquished the Kentish men, and carried away their King prisoner, detaining him captive, and giving his Kingdom to Cuthred. He built a fair Church at Winchcomb in Glocestershire, where upon the dedication thereof, he led Pren his captive King of Kent, up to the high altar, and there without either his entreaty or any ransom, set him at full liberty. He dyed A. D. 819, and was buried at Winchcomb, where was buried also Kenelm his son, murder'd by his sister Quen­dred.

SAXON MONARCHS.

EGBERT, A.D. 819. EGbert the 18th King of West-Saxons, first warred against the Cornish and Welsh, a remnant of the old Britains, which for four­teen years held side against this King; which so enraged him, that he made it present death for any Britain to pass over Offa's pitch into Eng­land. Their great Caer-legion, now Westchester, he took from them; and at London cast down the Image of their Prince Cadwalle. He subdu­ed Kent, East-Saxons, and East-Angles, also the Mercians, and indeed all upon the North and South of Humber yeilded him obedience. He was crowned at Winchester absolute Monarch of the whole Island in A. D. 819, and caused the South of this Island to be called England. Three several times the Danes landed in Eng­land in his reign, whom he expelled. He dyed in [Page 69] A. D. 836, and was buryed at Winchester. Cuthbert and Brog­mius, A.B. Cant. But his bones were since taken up, and with others bestowed in Chests, set upon the Wall on each side the Quire of the Cathedral, with these verses inscribed:

Hic Rex Egbertus pausat cum Rege Kenulpho, nobis egregia munera uterque tulit. His issue were Ethelwolph and Ethelstan, and one Daughter na­med Egdith, commonly called St. Edith, who was Governess of a Monastry of Ladies at Pol­lesworth in Warwickshire.

EThelwolph was in his youth committed unto the care of Helmestan Bishop of Winchester, ETHEL­WOLPH, 836. and by him unto learned Swithun the Monk. He took such a liking unto the quiet and solitary life (enjoyed only by religious men, all other estates being molested to withstand the intru­ding Danes) that he took upon him the Monk­ish Vow and profession, and was made Deacon; and shortly after upon the death of Helmestan, he was elected, if not consecrated also Bishop of Winchester. But the death of his Father im­mediately following, by the intreaty of the No­bles, and constraint of the Clergy, he was made King, and absolved of his vows by Gregory 4th. His Bishoprick he bestowed on Swithun. This King in great devotion passed to Rome, where he rebuilt the School built by King Offa (late fired) bearing the name of Thomas the holy, con­firmed the grant of Peter-pence; and for his kind entertainment in the Popes Court, he co­venanted to pay a hundred Marks to St. Peter's Church, another to St. Pauls Light, and a third [Page 70] to his Holiness. Lambert & Ethelard, A.B. Cant. In his return through France, he married fair Judith the daughter of Charles the Bald, then Emperor, in honour of whom he ever placed her in his English Court in a Chair of State, with all other Majestical comple­ments of a Queen, contrary to the Law of the West-Saxons formerly made for Ethelburga's of­fence, who by accident had poyson'd her own Husband with the poyson she had prepared for one of his Minions. Which respect of his to his Queen so displeased his Nobles, that they rose in arms against him; but by mediation of Friends the difference was composed on these terms, viz. That the Land should be divided betwixt himself and Son Ethelbald, to whom the better part was allotted. He dyed at Stan­bridg in A.D. 857, and was first buried where he deceased, but afterwards his body was re­moved to the Cathedral of Winchester. He had issue Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Ethelred, Elfred, and one Daughter named Ethelswith. It is said of this King, That by the advice of his Nobles he gave for ever to God and the Church, both the tythe of all goods, and the tenth part of all the Lands of England, free from all secular service, taxations, or impositions whatsoever.

ETHEL­BALD, A.D. 857. EThelbald, or Ethelwald, married Judith his Mother-in-law. Some say, that he mar­ried his own Mother, who was King Ethelwolph's Concubine. But when he had reigned about two years and an half, he dyed in A D. 860. His Body was first buried at Sherbourn in Dorcetshire, (where at that time was the Cathedral Church [Page 71] and Episcopal See) but afterwards was remo­ved to Salisbury.

EThelbert was disquieted by the Danes all the time of his reign. First, ETHEL­BERT, A.D. 860. they spoiled all before them to Winchester, also sacking and spoiling that City; howbeit in their return, the Berkshire men, under the conduct of Osryck Earl of Hampton, met with them, recovered the prey, and slew many of them. The same year also the Danes with the Normans entred Thanet; but these the Kentish men repulsed, and made a great slaughter of them. Ethelbert dyed in A. D. 866, and was buried at Sherbourn.

EThelred was now King of England, ETHEL­RED, A.D. 866. when there arrived on the English Coasts an huge Army of Danes, under the command of those strong and cruel Captains, Inguar and Habba who burnt down the City of York, and therein consumed with fire all those that had fled thi­ther for security: Who entred Mercia, won the City of Nottingham, and therein wintred. Who with fire and sword laid all waste where they came, and spared neither sex nor age, re­ligious or secular. Therefore to avoid their Barbarities, the Nuns of Coldingham deformed themselves by cutting off their upper-lips and noses. King Ethelred in one years time fought no less than nine set-battels with these Danes; and at that battel fought at Essendon, not far from Reading, he obtained a great victory over them. But in a fight at Basing, the King recei­ved his mortal wound, whereof he dyed at [Page 72] Wittington in A. D. 872. Alfredus & Trelolegel­dus, A. B. Cant. He was buried at Win­bourn in Dorcetshire with this Inscription:

In hoc loco quiescit corpus Sancti Ethelredi Re­gis West-Saxonum, Martyris, qui A.D. 872, 23 die April: per manus Ducorum paganorum occubuit.

His Issue were Elfred and Oswald, and one Daughter named Thyre.

ALFRED, A.D. 872. ELfred, or Alfred, the fourth Son of King E­thelwolph, was in his young years and Fa­thers life-time anointed King at Rome by Pope Leo; but after his brother Ethelred's death was crowned at Winchester, and is by some stiled the first absolute Monarch over the English. Within a Months time after his Coronation, he was for­ced into the field against the Danes, whom he fought at Wilton, where he was worsted. Then the Danes constrained the West-Saxons to enter into league with them, then advanced to Lon­don, where they wintred; compelled the Mer­cians to compound with them, banishing Bur­thred their King, placing another in his stead of their own chusing. Their King Halden gained Northumberland, which he bestowed amongst his followers. In A.D. 876, Rollo a noble-man of Denmark came over with a great Army of fresh Forces, making a miserable spoil where he came; but Alfred forced him out of the Land. How­beit the Danes who had already seated them­selves in England, bring the King many times to such extremities, that he was forc'd to hide him­self out of sight, and with such small compa­nies as he had, to live by fishing, fowling, and hunting, having no more of his great Monar­chy [Page 73] left him but Wilt, Somerset, and Hantshire, nor them neither free from the incursions of the Danes. The solitary place of his most residen­cy was an Island in Somersetshire, commonly cal­led Edelingsey, where in poor disguise he was entertained into a Cowherds Cottage. This Cowherd who succoured King Alfred, named Dunwolfus, whom the King after set to learning, and made Bishop of Winchester. Yet in these his distresses he would sometimes disguise him­self in the habit of a common Minstrel, repair­ing to the Danes Camp, and by his excellent skill in Musick and Song, would gain the oppor­tunity of observing as well what their design­ments were, as their security, which he wisely improved. For seeing his time, he gathered what small Forces he could, and on the sudden surprized his careless enemies in their Camp, making a great slaughter of them, to the great terror of others of them in other parts of the Nation, who accounted the King dead long be­fore. Shortly after this, the Devonshire men joyned Battel with King Hubba, whom they slew with a great number of his Danes, near unto a Castle then called Kinwith. The body of Hub­ba was there buried in the field, and thereof called Hublestone. In that fight the English took the Danes much esteemed Banner, called Reafan, wherein a Raven pourtrayed was wrought in Needle-work by the three Sisters of Hubba. And now the English fortunes seemed so advanced, that the Danes sent to the King for Peace which was condescended unto, and Gormon, or Gurthrun their King was Bapti­zed. [Page 74] Alfred being his Godfather, Celnoth and Ethelrad, A. B. Cant. and giving him the name of Athelstone, and withall be­stowing on him in free gift Gormoncester, or Godmonchester near Huntingdon, with the ad­joyning territories. Thirty of the chief Da­nish Nobility were likewise baptized, upon whom King Alfred bestowed many rich gifts. And that the limits of the English might be free from Danish incursions, thus the confines of King Alfreds Kingdom were laid out. His Do­minions were to stretch from the River Tham­isis, and from thence to the Water of Lea, even unto the head of the same water, and so forth streight unto Bedford, and lastly, going along by the River Ouse, to end at Watling-street. But not­withstanding the agreement, the Danes were still unquiet, with whom one Hastings a Noble­man of Norway joyned, bringing a considerable force to their assistance. And in the year of Grace 901, this excellent King dyed much be­wayl'd of his Subjects, whose body was first buried at Winchester, next removed into the Church of the new Monastry; and lastly, his Body, Monument, Church and Monastry, were all removed without the North-gate of the City, since called Hide. He was born at Wanading, now Wantage in Berks, where anci­ently was a Mannor-House of the Kings of England.

London that had been destroyed and burnt by the Danes about A. D. 839, King Alfred repaired and made habitable again in A. D. 886. At Edelingsey he built a Monastry, at Winchester another, at Shaftsbury a Nunnery, [Page 75] where he made his Daughter Ethelgeda Abbess. The day and night consisting of 24 hours, did this vertuous Prince design equally (when State-business would permit such an order) to Three special uses, and them he observed by the burning of a Taper set in his Oratory. Eight hours he spent in contemplation, read­ing and prayers, other eight hours for his re­pose and health, and the other eight in the affairs of State. His Kingdom he likewise di­vided into Shires, Hundreds, and Tithings, for the better administration of Justice, and suppressing of Thieves; whereby he effected so great security to his Subjects, that honest men might travel without injury; and that brace­lets of Gold being hanged in the High-ways, none durst be so bold as to take them away. He ordered all his Subjects possessing two Hides of Land, to bring up their Sons in learning, till Fifteen years of Age at least; saying, That he reputed a man free-born, and yet illiterate, no better than a Beast, a Brainless-body, and very Sot. Nor would he admit any into Office in his Court, unless Learned. His Census or Tri­bute he divided into Six parts; the first part of which he gave to the poor, the 2d to the foun­dation of Churches, 3d to Schollars at Oxford, 4th, to the Lights of the Church, 5th, to his Military men, 6th, to Labourers and Artificers. The best Laws for his Subjects good he rendred into English. The holy Gospel he translated into the Saxon Tongue; and therein the Lords Prayer after this manner,

[Page 76] Faeder ure thu the Earth on Heafenum, si thin nama Gehalgod, to be came thin Rice, Gewurthe thin willa on eorthan swa swa on heafnum, urne ge daeghwanlican hlaf syle us to daeg. And forgyf us ure gyltas swa swa we forgivath urum gyltendum, And ne gelaedde thu us on cosenung, ac Alyse u [...] of yfle. [Si it swa.]

He was a great protector of the Clergy, Widows and Orphans, devout in the service of God. 'Tis also said of him, that he layd the foundation of the Unversity of Oxford, and of that Colledge called

Oxford U­niversity Colledge. Ʋniversity Colledge. Others say that Oxford was built by one Mempritius a British King, and from him was at first named Caer Mempric; Et crevit ibi posteris dielus nobile studium generale, ab inclyta universitate de Greeklade derivatum.

Baliol Colledge was founded by John Baliol King of Scots, in A. D 1263.

Merton Coll. founded by Walter de Merton, Lord Chancellor, and Bishop of Rochester, 1274.

Excester Coll. by Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Excester, and Lord Treasurer, 1316.

Oriel Coll. founded by King Edward the 2d. or by his Almoner Adam Brown, 1327.

Queens Coll. by Robert Eglesfield, Chaplain to Queen Philip Wife of Edward the 3d, 1340.

New Coll. by William of Wickham, Bishop of Winchester, 1379.

Lincoln Coll. first founded by Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, 1420; but finished by [Page 77] Thomas Rotheram, Bishop of the same See.

All-souls founded by Henry Chichely Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, 1437.

Magdalen Coll. by William Waniflet Bishop of Winchester, 1459.

Brazen-Nose Coll. by William Smyth Bishop of Lincoln, 1513; but finished by Richard Sutton.

Corpus Christi Coll. by Richard Fox, Lord Pri­vy Seal, and Bishop of VVinchester, 1516.

Christ-Church begun by Cardinal Wolsey, 1546; and by King Henry the 8th, ordained the Ca­thedral Church of the See of Oxford.

Trinity Coll. first founded by Thomas Hatfield Bishop of Durham, by the name of Durham Coll. 1518; but after its suppression, Sir Tho­mas Pope restored it, and dedicated it to the holy Trinity, 1556.

St. Johns Coll. founded by Henry Chichely A. Bp. of Cant. by the name of Bernards Colledge, 1437; but after its suppression by Henry the 8th, Sir Thomas White Merchant-Taylor of Lon­don, rebuilt it to the honour of St. John Bap­tist, 1557.

Jesus Coll. by Dr. Hugh Price, 1562.

Wadham Coll. founded by Nicholas Wadham of Somersetshire, and Dorothy his Wife, 1613.

Some report that Cambridge was built by Cantabar a Spaniard, Cambridge University. 375 years before the birth of Christ, and that he founded the University there, and brought thither from Athens certain Philosophers, amongst whom An [...]ximander and Anaxagoras. Another Author thus writeth, Oxonii gymnasium instituit Aluredus (Alfred) hortante Neoto viro sanctissimo, unde, à tempore [Page 78] quo Cantabrigia sub Sigeberto, rege orientialium, & Oxonium sub Aluredo condita sunt, semper fu­êre viri in Anglia doctissimi, à quibus Lutetia Fa­risiorum, Papia in Italia originem duxerunt. Can­tabrigiae gymnasium praecessit Oxonio annis 265, nam Sigebert, A. D. 630 Cantabrigiam erexit, & Alured Oxonium, A. D. 895. But as some contend, Cambridge began not to be an Uni­versity. till such time that Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely founded the

Colledge of Peter-house, in A D. 1256.

Clare-Hall, founded by Elizabeth de Burgo Countess of Clare, Widow of John de Burgo Earl of Ʋlster, in A. D. 1347.

Pembroke Hall founded by Mary de St. Paul, Widow of Adomarius de Valentia Earl of Pem­broke, 1347. First named Aula de Valence Ma­ria.

Corpus Christi, commonly called Benet Colledg, was founded by the Alderman, and Brethren of Corpus Christi Guild, and the Brethren of our Lady Guild in Cambridge, 1351.

Trinity Hall was of old time an Hostel or House of study, wherein Students lived at their own charge; but Dr. William Bateman founded it a Colledge, 1353.

Gonvil and Caius Coll. first founded by Ed­mond de Gonvil, Rector of Terrington and Bush­worth in Norfolk, 1353; and was repaired by John Caius Dr. of Physick, 1557.

Kings Coll. by King Henry the 6th. 1441.

Queens Coll. by Margret Andegavensis, Wife to King Henry the 6th, 1441; but finished by Elizabeth Wife to King Edward the 4th 1465

[Page 79] Katherine Hall founded by Robert Woodlark Provost of Kings Colledge, 1475. Plemundus, A.B. Cant.

Jesus Colledge from a desol [...]te Nunnery was converted into a Colledge, by John [...]lcock Bi­shop of Ely 1497.

Christs Colledge founded by Margret Countess of Derby (the Mother of King Henry the 7th.) in the place where the Colledge of Gods-house stood, 1505.

St. Johns Coll. was erected upon the ruines of an ancient Hospital of regular Canons by the said Margret Countess of Derby, 1508.

Magdalen Coll. first an Hall, wherein Monks of divers Monastries studied; but in the year 1542, Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor of Eng­land, founded there a new Colledge in honour of St. Mary Magdalen.

Trinity Coll. founded by King Henry the 8th, in A. D. 1546.

Emmanuel Coll. founded by Sir Walter Mild­may, 1584.

Sidney Sussex Coll. was founded by Frances Countess of Sussex, the Daughter of Sir Willi­am Sydney, A. D. 1598.

EDward sirnamed the Elder, EDWARD, A.D. 901. the eldest Son of Alfred, was Crowned at Kingstone upon Thames. At Wodnesfield near Wolfrune Hampton, he obtained a great victory over the Da [...]es; for two of their Kings were slain, many of their Nobles, and an innumerable company of their commons, which caused him both to be feared and loved. His Sister Elfleda had very hard travel of her first Child, therefore ever [Page 80] after she forbare the nuptial embraces, Athème, A.B. Cant. alledg­ing it to be an over-foolish pleasure, which brought with it so great pains. And listing her self under Mars, she in person assisted her Bro­ther against the Danes, performing many manly feats. King Edward dyed at Farringdon, and was buried in the new Monastry of Winchester, in A. D. 924. His Issue were Ethelstan, Elfred, Elsward, Edwin, Edmund, Edred, and Nine Daughters. He built a Castle at Stafford, in A.D. 914, He like­wise built a Castle at Huntingdon, in A. D. 917, which Henry the 2d afterward demolished, as some say. He also built Hereford, out of the ruines of old Aviconium. Manchester in Lancashire, anci­ently Mancunium, having been destroyed in the Danish Wars, this King caused to be built a­gain; because the Inhabitants had behaved themselves manfully against the Danes.

King Edward the elder, built a new Town over against Nottingham, and made a Bridge over the River betwixt the two Towns.

Ethelstan, A. D. 924. EThelstan was Crowned at Kingstone by A­thelme Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. This Prince by the evil suggestions of his Cup-bear­er, became suspitious of some Treason to be wrought against him by his Brother Edwin, therefore caused him to be put in a small vessel without Tackle, and Oars, and so to be expo­sed to the mercy of the Waters; whence the young Prince overcome with grief, cast him­self headlong into the Sea: whose Ghost the King sought to pacifie by a Seven years volun­tary penance, and building the two Monastries [Page 81] of Middleton and Michelness. He also took revenge on his Cup-bearer by this occasion. On a festival-day as his Cup-bearer was ser­ving, one of his feet hapned to slip; but he recovered himself with the other, and there­upon pleasantly said, You see how one Brother helpeth another. Then the King with grief called to mind the death of his innocent Bro­ther, and forthwith commanded execution to be done upon his Cup-bearer, the procurer thereof. King Ethelstan or Adelstane overcame in fight Godfrey the Danish King of Northumber­land, Constantine King of Scots, and Howell, or Ludwall King of Wales, constraining them to submit unto his pleasure, which done, he pre­sently restored to their former estates, saying, That it was more honour to make a King than to be a King. He enlarged his dominions beyond any of his predecessors and was in the greatest reputation with all foreign Princes, who sought his friendship both by alliance, and rare presents. Hugh King of France, (besides some inestimable Jewels) sent him the Sword of Constantine the Great, in the Hilt whereof; all covered with Gold, was one of the Nails, as 'twas said, which fastned Christ to the Cross. He sent likewise the Spear of Charles the Great, reputed to be the same which pierced the side of our Saviour; also a part of the Cross whereon he suffered and a piece of the Crown of Thorns, with also the Banner of St. Mau­rice. And from Otho the Emperor who had married his Sister, was sent a vessel of preci­ous Stones, artificially made, wherein were [Page 82] Lantskips with Vines, Ulfelinus or Wolstane A.B. Cant. Corn, Men, all seeming so naturally to move, as if they had been re­ally the things themselves. And the King of Norway sent him a famous and rich Ship. Some of these Relicks he gave unto Swithuns Abby in Winchester, and the rest to the Mona­stry in Malmsbury. He beautified the City of Excester, founded St. Germans in Cornwall, St. Petrocus at Bodman, the Priory of Pilton, and enriched every famous Abby in the Land, ei­ther with new-buildings, Jewels, Books, or Revenues, as also he did certain Cities with the Mintage of his Money. Whereof in Lon­don were Eight Houses, at Winchester Six, Lew­is Two, Hastings Two, Hampton Two, Warham Two, Chichester One, Rochester Three, two for the King and one for the Bishop; Canterbu­ry Seven, four for the King, two for the A. Bi­shop, and one for the Abbot. He caused the Holy Bible to be translated into the Saxon Tongue. He dyed at Glocester, called by the Britains Caer-Gloue, i. e. Fair City, in A. D. 940, and was buried at Malmsbury in Wilts, first built by Malmutius a King of the Britains. A­bout this King Ethelstans time (if ever) lived that famous Guy Earl of Warwick.

EDMOND, A.D. 940. EDmond the 5th Son of King Edward, was Crowned at Kingston. He obtained many signal victories over the Danes in divers parts of the Land, recovering out of their hands several Counties and Cities; but at his Mannor of Puckle-kerks in the County of Glocester, whilst he was interposing himself between his [Page 83] Sewer and another to part a fray, he was with a thrust through the body wounded to death in A. D. 946, and was buried at Glastenbury. His Issue was Edwy and Edgar.

EDred was the sixth Son of King Edward, EDRED, A. D. 946. and succeeded his Brother in the Non-age of his Sons. Wolstane Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, for some misdemeanors he committed to cu­stody; but afterwards in reverence to his office discharged him. So devout he was in the Reli­gion of those times, that he suffered his royal body to be chastised at the will and direction of Dunstan Abbot of Glastenbury, unto whose keeping he also committed the greatest part of his treasures and richest Jewels. The stately Abby of Mich at Abingdon, built by King Inas, but destroyed by the Danes, he repaired, and most richly endowed it, confirming the Char­ters with Seals of Gold. St. Germans he or­dained a Bishops See, which there continued, till by Canutus it was annexed to the Bishoprick of Kyrton in Devon, both which Sees were by Edward the Confessor translated to Excester, He dyed in the year of Grace, 955, and was interred in the old Minster or Monastry of Win­chester. His Issue Elfrid and Bertfrid.

EDwy the eldest Son of King Edmond was Crowned at Kingstone, EDWIE, A.D. 955. and on the day of his Coronation, as some Monks say, he in sight of his Nobles as they sate in Councel, abused the body of a great Lady his near Kinswoman, and not long after slew her Husband, that he [Page 84] might the more freely injoy his incestuous pleasure. Otho, A B Cant. A great enemy he was to the Monks Order, expelling them from some of their Monastries, and placing married Priests in their vacancies. Dunstan the St. he expelled the Realm, either for his bold reprehensions of him, or for detaining the Treasure his Uncle had committed to his keeping, or both; but the people having the Monks single life in high veneration, and conceiting Dunstan to be a ve­ry holy man, they turned their affections from him, and sware their fealty to Edgar; for very grief whereof he pined away and dyed, A. D. 959, and was buried in the Church of the New-Abby at Winchester.

EDGAR, A.D. 959. EDgar sirnamed the Peaceable, was Crowned at Kingston by Otho Arch-Bishop of Canter­bury. To rid the Land of Wolves, which then were very plenty, instead of the Tribute impo­sed on the Prince of Wales by King Athelstan, he appointed Luduall Prince of Wales to pay yearly 300 Wolves. His Navy-Royal he imployed in securing the Coasts from Pirates and foreign enemies, wherein himself would sayl every Summer. And in the Winter he would circuit the Countrey, taking an account of the admi­nistration of his Laws, and demeanor of his great men, especially his Judges, whom he would punish severely if he found them to have been guilty of bribery, or partiality, insomuch that there was never less robbery, deceit or op­pression than in the reign of this King. His State was so flourishing in peace and prosperity, that [Page 85] caused divers Kings to bind themselves in League with him. Wars he had none in all his reign, OTHO A.B. Cant. save a little towards the latter end thereof by the Welsh whom he quickly curbed. But that which darkned his glory, was his lasciviousness. For he defloured a certain Nun called Wolfchild, on whom he begat St. Edyth; after her another na­med Ethelflede, on whom he begat his son Ed­ward. And after this, happening to hear a We­stern Dukes Daughter extolled for her beauty, he came to her Fathers house, commanding her to his bed. But her Mother, tender of her ho­nour, instead of her Virgin-daughter, brought her servant-maid in the dark to the King; who well enough pleas'd him that night; though in the morning when he understood the deceit, he checked the Lady, yet entertain'd this Servant for his Concubine, keeping to her bed alone till he married his lawful Wife Elfrida, Duke Ord­garus daughter: The fame of whose excelling-beauty coming to his ear, he employed Earl Ethelwold his Favourite to go to visit her, and if he found her beauty suiting, then to court and secure her for the King. But Etholwold li­ked her so well when he saw her, that he courted her for himself, and at his return to Court pretended to the King that her beauty was far short of what it was famed to be; there­fore besought the King, in respect she was a great Heiress, that he would sollicite her Fa­ther to bestow her upon him to Wife; Which the credulous King did: But the Duke had not been long married with fair Elfrida, ere a fresh commendation of her beauty sounded in the [Page 88] Kings ears: Elsius and Dunstane, A.B. Cant. Whereupon he resolved to make his own eyes the Witnesses, which according­ly he did: And upon sight of her beauty be­came so inamored of her, that taking Ethol­wold at the advantage as they were hunting together, he ran him through with his Jave­lin, then took Elfreda to be his Wife, who was very willing to embrace the honour.

Edgar at the instigation of Dunstane now Archbishop of Canterbury, displaced the mar­ried priests, and possessed their vacancies with Monks of single life. To repress drunkenness which the Danes had brought in, he ordained a size by certain Pins in the Pot, with penalty to any that presumed to drink deeper than the Mark. He dyed A.D. 975, and was buried in the Abby of Glastenbury.

His Issue were, Edward, Edmond, and Ethel­red.

Ordolph the son of Ordgare Earl of Devon­shire, in A. D. 961, built a famous Abby at Tavistoke in Devon. Ethelwald Bishop of Win­chester, about A. D. 963, and in the reign of King Edgar, in a great Famine sold away all the sacred Vessels of his Church for to relieve the poor, saying, That there was no reason that the sensless Temples of God should abound in riches, and lively Temples of the Holy-Ghost to want them.

EDWARD II. 975. EDward, sirnamed the Martyr, was much opposed by his Mother-in-law Queen El­frida, and many of the Nobles, as being illegi­timate; but by the procurement of Dunstane [Page 89] and the Clergy, he was admitted to be King, and was crowned at Kingstone in A.D. 975. The beginning of whose Reign was attended with a miserable barrenness of the ground, and Mur­rain amongst Cattel. A dreadful Comet also appeared. These many men thought to be signs and judgments sent from heaven, for the sins committed against the Married Clergy, who were expulsed from their ancient possessions. In favour of whom, the Duke of Mercia destroy­ed the Monastries in his Province, cast out the Monks, restoring to the Priests and their Wives their ancient revenues. On the contrary, Duke Edelwin in East-Saxia grievously oppressed the married Priests. To put an end therefore to these troubles, and to prevent the dangers that might ensue, the case was referred to be heard in Council at Winchester; where the business was debated so long, till the Monks were in hazard of losing the day. Whereupon it was perswaded to be referred to the Rood, placed where the Council sate; which Oracle (after devout prayers made unto it) thus spake, God forbid it should be so, God forbid it should be so: you judged well once; and to change that again, is not good. Upon which words the married Priests went down the wind. But they disclosing to the people that this was but a trick of the Monks, in placing a man behind the wall, who through a trunk uttered these words in the mouth of the Rood: it was therefore instantly desired, that the case might be once more scanned. Which was granted; and at Cloves in Wiltshire the Pre­lates, Peers, and Commons assembled, where [Page 88] being set in consultation, Ethelgar and Elfrick A.B. Cant. the Chamber-floor being over-pressed with the weight of people, broke, and fell down, hurting many, and kill­ing others; only St. Dunstane by a miracle re­mained without any hurt, the post whereon his Chair stood, standing still firm. This is the sto­ry. And now the secular married Priests were left to take Care without any Cure. But King Edward as he hunted near Corf-Castle, where Elfrida and her son Ethelred resided, either on purpose or by chance parted from his company, and came to the Castle to visit his Brother-in-law; where, as he sate on horse-back at the gate, discoursing with Elfrida and Ethelred, and whilst he was drinking a cup of Wine, a knife was struck into his back by a servant whom Elfrida had appointed thereunto. Whereupon the King, setting spurs to his horse, rode away; but fainting through the loss of much blood, he fell from his horse, and with one foot in the stir­rup was drag'd up and down the woods and grounds, till in the end his body was left dead at Corfe's Gate; and was first buried at War­ham, afterwards removed to the Minster of Shaftsbury. Alfrida his Mother-in-law, sore re­penting the fact, to expiate her guilt, and paci­fy his crying blood (as she thought) founded the Monastries of Almsbury and Worwell, in the last whereof she dyed and was buried.

ETHEL­RED, A.D. 978. EThelred, for his slowness sirnamed The un­ready, was crowned at Kingstone. Upon his Coronation a Cloud was seen through Eng­land, one half like blood, the other half like [Page 89] fire: Ethelgar & Alfrick A.B. Cant And in the third year of his reign the Danes arrived in sundry places of the Land, and did much spoil. And about the same time a great part of London was consumed by fire. He payed tribute 40000 l. yearly (called Dane-gilt) to the Danes. His reign was much molested with Danish Invasions in divers parts of the Land. And so low were the English at that time by the in­truding Danes, that they were forced to till and sow the ground, while the Danes sate idle in their houses, and eat that which they toiled for. Also abusing their Daughters and Wives, and having all at their command, the English for very fear calling them Lord Danes. Hence we call a lazy Lubber a Lurdane. In this the English distressed estate, the King at last sent forth a se­cret Commission into every City within his Do­minions, That upon the Thirteenth day of No­vember they should massacre all the Danes which were amongst them. This Command of the Kings the people put in execution with extreme rigor in A.D. 1002. But to revenge this great destruction of the Danes, Swein King of Den­mark prepared a very great Navy, and arrived in the West of England, and shortly after Canu­tus brought 200 sail of ships well furnished to his assistance. And in A. D. 1016, King Ethel­red dyed, and was buried at St. Pauls.

His Issue were Ethelston, Egbert, Edmond, E­dred, Edwy, Edgar, Edward, Elfred, and four Daughters.

In the year of our Lord 991, was Ipswich in Suffolk sacked by the Danes. And in A. D. 1004, Thetford in Norfolk, anciently called Sitoma­gus, [Page 92] was sack'd by the Danes; Siricus, Elphegus, Livingus, A.B. Cant. for the recovery whereof, Bishop Arfast removed his Episcopal See from Elmham thither. Norwich was fired by the Danes; its Castle was afterward re-edi­fied by Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk.

EDMOND IRONSID. A.D. 1016 EDmond, sirnamed Ironside, the eldest son that Ethelred had living at his death, was crown­ed at Kingstone by Livingus Archbishop of Can­terbury, A. D. 1016. At which time the Danes were so powerful in England, that Canute was accepted King at South-hampton by many of the Clergy and Laity, who sware fealty to him. But the City of London stood most firm for Edmond, and bravely withstood Canute besieging it, till such time that King Edmond came and relieved them. At Penham near Gillingham King Edmond engaged with the Danes, where he put many of them to the sword, and the rest to flight. And not long after, his and the Danish Host met nigh to Shereston in Worcestershire, where the battel was for the first day fought with equal success; but on the next day, when the English were in forwardness and probability of the victory, the Traytor Edrick on purpose disanimated them, by cutting off the head of a dead soldier, put­ting it on his sword point, then crying to the English Host, Fly ye wretches, fly, and get you a­way, for your King is slain; behold, here is his head; seek therefore now to save your own lives. By which means the fight ended on even hands. And the next night following Canute stole away toward London, whom Ironside followed, first raising the siege that Canutus had laid against [Page 93] London, and then marching after him to Brent­wood, where he gave the Danes a great over­throw. Then near unto Oteford in Kent, the two Armies met again, and fought in furious manner, till at last the day fell to the English, who slew Four thousand five hundred men, with the loss but of Six hundred, and put the rest to flight, whom the King had pursued to their ut­ter confusion, had not his brother-in-law Edrick play'd the Traytor again, disswading him from the chase of them, under the pretence of dan­ger of ambushments, and the English soldiers over-weariedness. Whereupon Canute had the opportunity of passing over into Essex, where his scattered Forces rallied, and fresh supplies came in to them. After whom Edmond advan­ced, and at Ashdon by Saffron-Waldon the Armies joined battel, when a bloody slaughter ensued with the hopes of victory on the English side; which the ever-traytorous Edrick perceiving, he withdrew his strength to the Danes, the ene­my thereby regaining the day. Of King Ed­mond's Nobles were slain, Duke Alfred, Duke Goodwin, Duke Athelward, Duke Ethelwin, Earl Ʋrchel, with Cadnoth Bishop of Lincoln, and Wolsey Abbot of Ramsey, and other of the Cler­gy that were come thither to pray for good success to the English. The Memorial of this Battel is still retained by certain small hills there remaining where the dead were buried. From hence King Edmond marched to Glocester with a very small Army, which he there en­creased. After him Canute followed, and at Dearhurst near Severn both Hosts met, and were [Page 92] ready to join battel; When by the motion of a certain Captain, Edmond and Canute under­took by single Combat to end the difference. So entring into a small Island called Alney, adjoin­ing to Glocester, there they valiantly fought, till Canute having received a dangerous wound, and finding Edmond to over-match him in strength, he thus spake to the English King: ‘What necessity should move us, most valiant Prince, that for the obtaining of a Title, vve should thus endanger our lives? Better it were to lay Malice and Weapons aside, and to condescend to a loving Agreement. Let us novv therefore become svvorn Brothers, and divide the Kingdom betvvixt us, and in such league of amity, that each of us may use the others as his ovvn: So shall this Land be peaceably governed, and We jointly assist each others necessity.’

Which vvords ended, they both cast dovvn their Svvords, embrace as friends, vvith the great joy and shouting of both Armies. And according to Canute's proposal, the Kingdom was divided betwixt them; Edmond having that part that lay coasting upon France, Canute the rest. But the Traytor Duke Edrick, with design to work himself further into Canute's favour, procured Edmond to be thrust into the body as he was easing nature. Then cutting off his head, he presented Canute therewith, saying, All hail, thou now sole Monarch of England; for behold here the head of thy Co-partner, which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off. To whom Canute, like a worthy King, replyed, That in re­gard [Page 93] of that service, the bringers own head should be advanced above all the Peers of his Kingdom. A while after performing this his promise, by causing Edrick's head to be cut off, and placed on the highest Gate of London. But some say that King Edmond dyed a natural death at London, when he had reigned seven Months, whose body was buried at Glastenbury.

His Issue were, Edward sirnamed the Out-law (because he lived out of England during the reign of the Danes) and Edmond.

DANES.

CANUTE, A.D. 1017 CANƲTE the Dane, after the death of Ed­mond, seized upon the other half part of the Kingdom, the English Nobles owning him for their rightful King, and swearing allegiance to him. He was crowned at London by Living us Elstane, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, A. D. 1017.

And to establish the Crown more sure to him­self, he banished Edwin (the son of King Ethel­red), who for his melancholy and regardless be­haviour, was called, The King of Churles. He also sent away Edward and Edmond, the sons of Edmond Ironside. Next he espoused Emma the Wi­dow of King Ethelred, and sister to the Duke of Normandy, on this condition, That the issue of her body by him should inherit the English Crown.

Then calling a Parliament of his Peers to Oxford, he there established these Laws follow­ing, viz. That all decent ceremonies tending to the encrease of reverence and devotion in the service of God, should be used as need re­quired. That the Lords Day should be kept holy. That a Clergy killing a Lay-man, or for any other notorious crime, should be deprived both of his Order and Dignity. That a marri­ed woman convict of adultery, should have her nose and ears cut off: And a Widow marrying within the space of twelve months after her [Page 97] Husbands dectase, should lose her Joynture. With many others. He went on pilgrimage to Rome, where he complained against the exces­sive exactions, and vast sums of money extorted by the Pope from the English Archbishops, at such times as they received their Palls from thence. Which the Pope engaged to redress for the future. The greatness and glory of this King was such, that some Court-Parasites sought to perswade him, that he possessed a more than humane power; but he to demonstrate the con­trary (being then at Southampton) caused a Chair to be set on the shore, when the Sea be­gan to flow, then sate himself in it, and in the presence of his many attendants thus spake to the swelling-waves: Thou Sea art part of my do­minion, don't therefore on pain of punishment pre­sume so much as to wet the robes of thy Lord. But the unruly Sea swelling on further and further, first wet his skirts, then thighs; so that the King suddenly started up, and retiring, said, Let the inhabitants of the world know, that the power of Kings is but weak and vain; and that none is worthy the name of King, save He that keepeth Heaven, Earth, and Sea in obedience to his own will. After which time he would never wear his Crown, but therewith crowned the picture of Christ on the Cross at Winchester, which be­came a prize to the Church-men He dyed in A.D. 1035, and was buried at Winchester. His Issue were, Swein, Harold, Hardicanute, and two D [...]ughters.

In Essex he built the Church of Ashdon, where he had the victory of King Edmond. In [Page 96] Norfolk he founded the Abbey of St. Benets and in Suffolk the Monastry of St. Edmond, Egelnoth, A.B. Cant. which Saint he much dreaded. To the Church of Win­chester, besides other rich Jewels, he gave a Cross, worth as much as the Revenue of Eng­land amounted to in one year. And unto Co­ventry they say he gave the Arm of St. Augu­stine, which at Papia cost him an hundred Ta­lents of silver, and one of gold.

HARALD, A.D. 1035 HARALD, for his exceeding swiftness sirnamed Harefoot, the base son of King Canute, in the absence of Hardicanute his Fa­thers son by Queen Emma, was admitted King by the Nobility, and crowned at Oxford by El­nothus Archbishop of Canterbury. Which done, for the better securing of the Crown to him­self, he sought means to gain Edward and Al­fred (the two surviving sons of King Ethelred) into his hands. In order whereunto, he sent to them into Normandy a Letter feigned in their Mo­ther Emma's name, inviting them over into Eng­land for the recovery of their right. But when Prince Alfred was accordingly arrived, Earl Goodwin, who pretended great kindness unto him, betrayed him and his small party brought over with him, into Haralds hands, who at Guil­ford committed them to the slaughter, only re­serving every tenth man either for service or sale. Alfred he sent prisoner into the Isle of Ely, where his eyes being put out, he in short time after dyed through grief and pain. Queen Emma's Goods Harald confiscated, banished her out of the Realm, and oppressed the English [Page 97] people with great payments. He dyed at Ox­ford, Elnothus, A B. Cant. A.D. 1040, and was buried at Westminster.

HArdicanute upon the death of Harold was by the States of the Land, HARDI­CANUTE, A.D. 1030 as well English as Danes, invited over from Denmark to take upon him the government of the Kingdom, which he accordingly did, and was crowned at London by Elnothus Archbishop of Canterbury. The dead body of his half brother King Ha­rold, he caused to be taken up, and to be thrown into the River Thames, which being found by a Fisherman, he buried it in the Churchyard of St. Clements Danes; so called, because the great burial-place of the Danes.

Hardicanute for the maintaining of his Fleet, imposed heavy tributes on the English, inso­much that two of the Collectors thereof, na­med Thurstane and Feader, were slain by the Ci­tizens of Worcester, for which fact their City was burnt, and their Bishop Alfred expulsed the See, till that with money he had purchased his peace. Earl Goodwin presented to this King a Ship whose Stern was of Gold, with Eighty soldiers in her, all uniformly and richly suited: On their heads they all wore gilt Bar­genets; and on their bodies a triple gilt Haber­gion, swords with gilt hilts girded to their wasts, a battel-ax (after the manner of the Danes) on their left shoulders, a target with gilt bosses born in their left hands, a dart in the right hand, and their arms bound about with two bracelets of gold of six ounces weight, But as Hardicanute was revelling and carousing at [Page 98] Lambeth, in a solemn Assembly and Banquet, He suddenly fell down dead. The day of whose death, instead of laments, was annually cele­brated amongst the common people with open pastimes in the streets. Which time (being the eighth of June) is called Hoctide, or Hucxtide, signifying a time of scorn and contempt, which fell upon the Danes by his death. He was bu­ried at Winchester A. D. 1042.

About four years before the Danes first com­ing into England (which was near the year of our Lord 789) showers of blood fell from Heaven, and bloody Crosses were therewith marked upon mens garments. 'Tis said also, that after the Danes had seated themselves in England, whilst the English were drinking, they would stab them, or cut their throats; to pre­vent which, when the English man drank, he requested the next sitters by to be his surety or pledg: Hence our custom of pledging one ano­ther, 'tis said.

SAXONS. Edsine, A.B. Cant.

EDward the Confessor, EDWARD CONF. A.D. 1041 the Son of King Ethel­red and Queen Emma, was born at Islip, and after his Fathers death was for his safety sent unto the Duke of Normandy, his Mothers Brother; but upon the death of Hardicanute, the English Nobility (disdaining all Danish sub­jection) invited Edward to return into England, and to execute the Kingly Office. He was crowned at Winchester by Edsine Archbishop of Canterbury, A.D. 1042.

He remitted that heavy Tribute of Forty thousand pound yearly, gathered by the name of Dane-gilt, which had been pay'd for forty years continuance, out of the Lands of all, the Cler­gy excepted; Because (say our ancient Laws) the King reposed more confidence in the pray­ers of the holy Church, than in the power of Armies. Then from the divers Laws of the Mercians, West-Saxons, Danes, and Northambri­ans, he selected the best, and made them one body certain, and written in Latine. His Reign was more spent in peace, and works of piety, than in wars and blood: Only some slight trou­bles hapned from the Danes, Irish, and Welsh, and also from Earl Goodwin and his sons, who be­ing very powerful and proud, caused some mo­lestations in the State. But the sins of the peo­ple which were then great, procured other Judgments instead of War: For in the month [Page 100] of January there fell a great snow, Robert, A.B. Cant. which co­vered the ground to the midst of March, where­by Cattel and Fowls in abundance perished. And on the next year following, a strange and terri­ble Earthquake hapned, and withal such Light­nings as burnt up the Corn growing in the fields, whereby an excessive Dearth ensued.

This King by the instigation of the Archbi­shop of Canterbury, and Goodwin Earl of Kent, dealt too rigorously with his own Mother, de­priving her of all her Jewels, and other sub­stance, and committing her to safe custody in the Abbey of Werwell. And moreover, put her to undergo that over-hard Law, Ordalium, which was to pass over nine Plowshare-irons red glowing hot bare foot and blindfold. By which tryal she is said to have acquit her self, inso­much that having passed them over before she knew it, cryed and said, O good Lord, when shall I come to the place of my purgation? The King her Son hereupon received her into his favour again. And she in memory of her deliverance from this fiery tryal, gave nine Mannors (ac­cording to the number of the Plow-shares) to the Minster of Winchester (wherein she had that tryal), and adorned the same with many rich ornaments. And the King repenting the wrong he had done her, bestowed on the same place the Isle of Portland. The eauses objected a­gainst Queen Emma, and for which she suffer­ed the loss of her goods, were her marriage with Canute, the Capital enemy of England, and her neglecting to succour Edward and his Bro­ther in their exile. The matter objected against [Page 101] her, for which she underwent the Ordalium, was incontinency of body with Alwin Bishop of Winchester.

Of this King it is storied, that as he lay in his bed in an afternoon with the curtains drawn about him, a certain pilfering Courtier came into his Chamber, where finding the Kings Casket open (which Hugoline his Chamberlain had forgot to shut) he took out as much Coin as he could conveniently carry, and went away. Did the like a second time. Came again the third time; when the King spake to him, and bad him speedily be packing whilst he was well, adding, that if Hugoline should come and take him there, he should not only lose all he had gotten, but also stretch an halter. And when Hugoline came, and missing the money, vvas greatly troubled, the King vvish'd him not to be grieved: for (saith he) the man that had it, hath more need of it than we have. When this de­vout King, lying on his death-bed, perceived, those about him to weep and lament, he said unto them, If ye loved me, ye would not weep, but rejoice, because I go to my Father, with whom I shall receive the joys promised to the faith­ful, not through my Merits, but by the free Mercy of my Saviour, which sheweth mercy on whom he pleaseth. He dyed A. D. 1066, and vvith great laments vvas buried at Westminster. He is said to be the first King that cured that Disease com­monly called the Kings Evil. This King of a little Monastry dedicated to St. Peter at West­minster, made a most beautiful Church and large, and founded St. Margrets Church stand­ing [Page 102] by; and this he did for the discharge of his vowed Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He founded also the Colledg of St. Mary Otery in Devon, and removed the Bishops See from Cridington to Excester.

He married Godith the Daughter of Earl God­win, which Earl took bread and eat it in wit­ness that he was not guilty of the death of Prince Alfred; but as soon as he had received the bread, he vvas choaked at the Table before the King at Windsor.

HAROLD, A. D. 1066 HArold the Son of Earl Goodwin, notwith­standing that Edgar Atheling, the Grand­son of Ironside, vvas the next rightful Heir, yet gained the English Crovvn to himself; Which he set upon his own head, vvithout all ceremony and solemn celebration, none either greatly ap­proving or disapproving his presumption, save only for the omission of the manner and form of Coronation. But novv Harold to gain and retain the love of all, lightned the burthens of Custom and Tribute, that his Predecessors had laid upon the people; was liberal to the Church­men, repaired their Monasteries, nevv-built that at Waltham in Essex: He created young Edgar Earl of Oxford, and held him in special favour. And to all men vvas affable and kind, vvhence he much fastned the hearts of his subjects unto himself. But this tranquil estate vvas quickly disturb'd by the Norman Duke, vvho first sent his Ambassage, claiming right to the Kingdom of England by the promise of King Edward, and his ratifying the same vvith the consent of the [Page 103] State, and by Harolds ovvn oath given to the Duke, for keeping the Kingdom on his behalf; and then (upon Harold's slighting the Ambassie) he made prepapation for gaining of England by force. But ere Duke William vvith his Normans are arrived on the English shore, Harfager King of Denmark invaded the Land (vvith vvhom Tosto the cruel Earl of Northumberland, Harold's Brother joined) against vvhom Harold march­ed, and at a Bridg called Stamford (vvhere he vvas to pass over) one Dane made good, for a time, the Bridg against his vvhole Host, and vvith his Ax slew forty of his men, himself at last being slain vvith a dart. When the English had gain'd the Bridg, and were reduced into their ranks, Harold most boldly set upon the Danes in their Camp, vanquished them, and slew Har­fager and Tosto, with many other persons of note, and gain'd an exceeding rich booty both of gold and silver, then seized on their great Navy.

And now VVilliam the Norman being well fur­nished with a vast Fleet of Ships well man'd, store of money drawn from his people, the Pope's Benediction, who had sent him a conse­crated Banner, an Agnus Dei, and one of the hairs of St. Peter, with a curse to all that should oppose him. Thus prepared, the Duke arriv­ed at Pevensey in Sussex, Sep. 28, where when he came to Land, his foot chanced to slip and he fell into the mud, and all mired his hands; which accident was presently construed for a lucky prefage; For now, said a Captain, O Duke, thou hast taken possession, and holdest of that [Page 104] Land in thine hand, whereof shortly thou shalt be­come King. But the Duke thus landed, he set fire on his Fleet, thereby to cut off all occasi­on or hope from his men of returning. And from Pevensey he marched to Hastings, divulg­ing as he went, the causes of his coming, which was for the obtaining of his Kingdom; it being, as he said, his by donation from Edward; giv­ing withal a severe charge to his soldiers, not to wrong any of their persons who in a short time after were to become his subjects. To Harold he sent his Messenger, demanding the Kingdom and Harold's subjection. But Harold returned him this answer by the same Messenger, That unless he forthwith departed the land, he would make him sensible of the strokes of his just dis­pleasure. And with a brave and undaunted mind the valiant Harold advanced his Forces into Sussex, pitching his Camp within seven miles of his Enemy. When the Armies were come near together, and ready to engage, the Nor­man Duke, to save the effusion of Christian blood, as he said, sent a Monk as a Mediator for peace, with offers to Harold of these conditi­ons, Either wholly to resign the Kingdom to him, or in sight of the Armies to try the quar­rel with him in single combat, or to stand to the arbitrement of the Pope. To whom Ha­rold answered, That it should the next day be tryed with more swords than one. The next day was the Fourteenth of October, which Ha­rold ever accounted fortunate, because his birth­day, and with hopeful affurance desired greatly the approach of the same. His Soldiers like­wise, [Page 105] too confident of victory, Stigand, A.B. Cant. spent the night in revellings, The morning being come, they both marshalled their battels. The Kentish-men Harold placed with their heavy Axes or Hal­berts, in the van (for by ancient custom they had the Front belonging to them): Then the battels joined, both parts bravely fighting; but the Norman perceiving that by true valour he could not vanquish the English, betook him­self to a stratagem, commanding his men to re­treat, yet withal to keep in good order; which the English seeing, supposed that they had fled, and thereupon pursued their enemy so rashly, that they put themselves into disorder. Which opportunity William took hold of, so that fa­cing about, and charging them fiercely when disranked, he made a great slaughter of the English. Yet would not any of the remaining English flye the field, but manfully fought it out, till such time that Harold wounded into the brains with an arrow through the left eye, fell down dead. With Harold dyed his bre­thren Gyrth, and Leoswinc, with most of the Eng­lish Nobility. And of the Soldiers were slain Sixty seven thousand nine hundred seventy and four; some say an Hundred thousand. The Conqueror had three Horses slain under him, yet lost not a drop of blood by the enemy. He won this battel with the loss only of 6013 men. It was fought in Sussex seven miles from Ha­stings, upon Saturday the 14th of October, A. D. 1066. The English after this loss had designed to have made Edgar Atheling King, and to have took the field again against the Conqueror, but [Page 106] the Earls of York-shire and Cheshire, Edwin and Morcar the Queens Brothers, plotting secret­ly to get the Crown to themselves, hinder'd the design.

The Body of King Harold (dispoiled of his Ornaments, and by a base Soldier mangl'd and hack'd in the leg (for which the Conqueror cashiered him for ever), after much search was found among the dead bodies, and by the Eng­lish Nobles conveyed to Waltham in Essex, where it was solemnly and royally interred.

A little before the fight a dreadful Comet ap­peared.

Tosto Earl of Northumberland, in spight to his brother Harold; slew all Harolds servants, and cutting them piece-meal, salted some of their limbs, and cast the rest into Vessels of Meath and Wine, sending his brother word, that he had furnished him with powder'd meat against his return home.

This he did at Horolds house when he was ab­sent.

NORMANS.

William the Conqueror.

WIlliam the Conqueror, A. D. 1066. was the base Son of Robert Duke of Normandy. His Mother Arlotte (a Skinners Daughter) when she was great with him, dreamed that her bowels were extended and dilated all over Normandy and Britain. And as soon as he was born, being laid on the Chamber-floor, with both his hands he took up Rushes, and held them fast therein; which things were taken for presages of his future greatness. He began his Reign October 14, A. D. 1066, and was Crowned De­cember 25 on the same year, by Aldred Arch-Bi­shop of York, the English Bishops and Barons swearing Allegiance to him; and himself ta­king a solemn Oath to defend the rights of the Church, to establish good Laws, and to see justice uprightly administred. After which, he applied himself to secure his new-obtained Kingdom; and the better to assure the South of the Land, he took his way towards Dover, that so he might command the Seas from Enemies arrivage, and over-awe the Kentish a most strong and populous Province. But Stigand Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and Eglesire Abbot of St. Augustines hearing of his coming, they assembled the commons of Kent to oppose him, who about Swancomb kept themselves secret in [Page 108] the Woods, waiting the coming of the Con­queror. All joyntly agreeing (because no way lay open save only a Front) to carry in their hands great branches of Trees, where­with they might keep themselves both from discovery, and if need were impede the pas­sage of the Normans. Which said device took so strange effect, that it daunted King William, even with the sight; who being, as he thought, free from the enemy, was now on the sudden beset on all sides with Woods, some of which he saw to move, and the rest for ought he knew were of the like nature. At length to put him out of all doubt, the Kentish men inclosing his Army about, displayed their Banners, cast down their Boughs, and with Bows bent were prepared for Battel. At which sight the Con­queror stood amazed. To whom Stigand and Eglesine presented themselves, and in behalf of the Kentish men thus spake, ‘Most noble Duke, behold here the Commons of Kent are come forth to meet, and receive you as their So­vereign, requiring your Peace, their own free condition of Estate, and ancient Laws. If these things be denyed, they are here presently to abide the verdict of Battel, be­ing fully resolved rather to dye, than to part with their Laws, or to live servile in bondage.’ The Conqueror in this streight, more wisely than willingly, granted their de­mands. Some of the English this Norman King banished, and most part of every mans estate he seized into his own hands, bestowing the Lands of the Natives amongst his followers. [Page 109] He deprived Monastries, Bishopricks, Lanfrank, A B. Cant. Cities and Corporations of their ancient liberties and priviledges, putting them to redeem them at his own rate. And for default of lacking the weight of a Groat in the payment of 700 Marks by the Monks of Ely, for the restoring to their Abby the ancient possessions, they were con­strained to pay a 1000 Marks more. The Clergy he charged with maintenance for his Wars, bereaved the Religious Houses of their Treasures, Chalices, and rich Shrines; abro­gated for the most part the ancient Laws of the Land, ordaining new in their stead, not so equal or easie to be kept; also causing them to be writ in the Norman Tongue. He ordain­ed the four Law-Terms, whereas before the causes of the Kingdom were determined in every Shire, or by the late Law of King Ed­ward in their Gemote, or Conventicle held monthly in every Hundred. He commanded every English Housholder to put out both Fire and Candle at eight of the Clock at Night. At which hour, in all Cities, Towns and Villa­ges, he caused a Bell to be rung by the Nor­mans, then called Covre-feu, that is, Cover­fire, to prevent nightly meetings. He laid great Subsidies upon the Land. And that the same might amount to his greater benefit, he caused an exact survey to be taken of the whole Kingdom, and of every particular part and Commodity thereof, causing all the people of England to be numbred, their names taken, and what every one might dispend by the year; their substance, Money and Bondmen recorded. [Page 110] How many yokes of Oxen and Plow-lands were in the Realm, and what services they owed him. Which done, he exacted Six Shillings to be paid him for every Hide of Land. The Book thus made of every several survey, by the English was called Doomes-day Book. He per­mitted no English man to bear any office of trust and credit. He dispeopled 36 Parish Towns, laying the Churches and Towns flat with the earth, making thereof a Forest for pleasure, now called New-Forest. To strengthen himself against revolts and rebellions, he fortified such places as he thought most convenient for his purpose, and built the Tower of London, the Castles of York, Lincoln, Nottingham, and Ha­sting. He was the first that brought the Jews to inhabit England. His Son Robert rebelled against him in Normandy, and in sight dismount­ed him; but then knowing his voice, desired his pardon, and remounted him. Odo Bishop of Bayeux and Earl of Kent, his Brother by the Mother, for secretly siding with the King of France, he committed to Prison, not as Bi­shop, but as he was Earl, and seized his Estate. Some of whose Gold ground into powder, was found hidden in the bottom of Rivers. The Conqueror going to War against the King of France, in Normandy fell sick, when keeping his Bed beyond his wont, and the French King hearing that the Disease was in his Belly, scoffingly said of him, Our Cousin William is laid now in Child-bed, Oh what a num­ber of Candles must I offer at his going to Church! surely I think an Hundred thousand will not suffice. [Page 111] Which King William hearing of, said, Well, I trust our Cousin of France shall be at no such cost, but after this my Child-birth, at my going to Church (swearing by the resurrection and brightness of God) I will find him a Thousand Candles, and light them my self. And accor­dingly, not long after, he entred France with a great Army, spoiling all where he came, and setting the City Mauntz on fire: But he came so near the flames, that with the heat of his Harness he gat a sickness (which in­creased, with a leap of his Horse, that burst the inward rim of his belly) cost him his life. He dyed at Roan in Normandy, A. D. 1087. And forsaken of all his Courtiers, his body was left unburied, till that one Har­luims a poor Countrey Knight at his own charge, conveyed it to Caen. Where, when it should have been buried, a certain man in Gods name forbad the interment in that place, which said he, was his and his Ancestors right, taken from them violently by the said Duke. Whereupon they were forced to com­pound with him ere they interr'd the Corps. His Issue were Robert, Richard, William, Henry, and six Daughters. His base Son, named Wil­liam Peverel, was Earl of Nottingham.

By his last Will and Testament, he com­manded all his Treasure to be distributed to Churches, Gods Ministers, and the poor, li­miting to each their several portion. To the Church and Monks of St. Stephens at Caen in Normandy, he gave divers Mannors in England, and great store of Land; yea, and his Crown [Page 112] and Regal Ornaments, which his Son Henry redeemed. To his Son Robert he had before given the Dukedom of Normandy. England he left undisposed, only wish'd his Son William might succeed him in it. And to Henry he gave Five thousand pound, presaging that all his Dominions should become Henries in the end.

He did oft-times exhort his Children to the study of Learning, with this saying, That an unlearned Prince, is but a Crowned Ass. He built a Religious House, called Battel-Abby, in the same place where King Harold was slain, dedicating it to the holy Trinity and St. Martin, That there the Monks might pray for the Souls of Harold and the rest that were slain in that place, endowing it with many great priviledges, and amongst the rest these Two; That if any Murderer, or other Felon, for fear of death fled thither, he should be freed from all punishment: And that it should be lawful for the Abbot of that place to de­liver any Thief or Robber from the Gallows, if he should chance to pass, where any such execution was in hand. At Selby in Yorkshire he founded the Abby of St. Germans, at Ex­cester the Priory of St. Nicholas, and at Caen in Normandy the Monastry of St. Stephens. In his time it was decreed at Rome, That the See of York should be stiled primas Angliae; and the See of Canterbury, Primas totius An­gliae. The setting Seals to Bonds and Wri­tings was now first used in England, there being before only Witnesses to them. Sti­gand [Page 113] Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was deposed by the Conqueror, and dyed in Prison. The Abbot of St. Albans told this King, that the reason why he gained England in one Battel, which the Danes could not do in many, was because the maintenance of Martial men, with a part of the Lands Revenues, was converted to maintain religious men, and to religious uses. In the time of this Kings Reign befell a most fearful Earth-quake, strange burning Feavers very mortal, Murrains causing a great dearth among Cattel, extraordinary Rains, Water floods incredible, which so softned the hills to the foundations, that some of them fell, and over-whelmed the Villages near them. Most of the principal Cities were in­damaged by fire. So great a fire hapned in London, that it consumed Houses and Church­es all the way, from the West-gate, to the East-gate. And 'tis said, that tame and do­mestick Fowls became wild, flying to the Woods.

WILLIAM RƲFƲS.

WIlliam sirnamed Rufus, A. D. 1087. notwithstanding that Robert Curtoise his eldest Brother was living; yet by the mediation and assistance of Lanfrank Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and Wol­stane, he gained the voices of the Councel, and was Crowned, A. D. 1087. But Odo Bishop of Bayeux (to take revenge for his sufferings under [Page 114] the Conqueror) instigated Duke Robert to re­pair into England, and recover his right, which he promised should soon be effected. Now Robert, that Money, the sinews of War, might not be wanting for the carrying on of this de­sign, mortgaged the Province of Constantine to his Brother Henry; and with him many of the English sided. William on the other hand by fairly promising to abolish the over-hard Laws made by his Father, and to take off the Taxes and Imposts, drew the people generally to stand in his defence; by whose aids he regained divers strong holds that the Nobles had seized for Duke Robert. He also besieged Rochester wherein Odo was, from which siege he sent forth his Proclamation throughout the Land, commanding all men to repair thereto, and that whosoever would not, should be reputed a Niding. A word so disgraceful and hateful to the English (signifying a Coward or base-hearted fellow) that made multitudes hast with all speed to that service. Whereupon the Castle was yielded, and Odo banished, and his goods confiscated. But whilst these things were acting, Robert Duke of Normandy Landed at Southampton, and very shortly returned again into his own Territories, upon his Brother Williams promise to pay him Three thousand Marks yearly, and to resign the Kingdom to him, or his Heirs at his death. About this time Lanfrank Arch-Bishop of Canterbury dyed, and the King kept that See vacant above Four years. So did he by many other Ecclesiastical promotions, and set to sale the rights of the [Page 115] Church, preferring those therein that would give the most; and yet his exchequer became never the richer. He was wont to say, That Christs bread is sweet, dainty, and most delicate for Kings. His Brother Roberts Territories in Normandy he invaded, taking divers strong holds and Castles, inforcing Robert to make a Peace with him. After which, these two Bro­thers unite their forces against their Brother Henry. But he fearing after-claps, had strong­ly fortified the Castle of Mount St. Michael in Normandy, wherein they besieged him. In which time of Siege, King Williams life was in great hazard; for some of the besieged sallying forth, William more boldly than wisely rode against them, and a Knight encountring him, slew his Horse under him, and had slain him too, had he not made himself known by his voyce. Whereupon the armed men with great reve­rence took him up, and brought him another Horse, when the King not staying for the stir­rup, sprang into the Saddle, and with angry countenance, demanded who it was that over­threw him, and the Knight as boldly answered and shewed himself who he was. By Lukes face, quoth the King, thou shalt be my Knight, and be inrolled in my Check. with a fee answera­ble to thy worth.

Prince Henry in the time of this siege being sorely distressed for Water, sent to his Brother Robert (knowing him to be of the better tem­per) desiring him, that he might have that permitted him which God had made common. Duke Robert commanded him to be supplied; [Page 116] whereat King William was wroth. Anselme, A.B. Cant. To whom Robert sayd, And dost thou esteem more of water which is every where to be got, than of a Brother, having no more but him and me? In short time after these. Three brethren were reconciled, and in short time after that, the two elder again disagreed. The Peace of England was also disturbed by Malcolme King of Scots; but by the Ambushment of Mowbray Earl of Nor­thumberland, he was slain, with his Son Edward. Then Mowbray grown proud turns Rebel; but was taken and committed to Windsor.

Duke Robert preparing for the Holy Wars, mortgaged his Dukedom to his Brother Willi­am, for the sum of Six thousand six hundred sixty six pounds of Silver; for the making up of which sum, King William made the Religi­ous Houses to ransack their Coffers. Normandy therefore was now the Kings concern to keep as his own, wherefore (a while after) hearing as he sate at meat, that Main a City in Normandy was straitly besieged, and his Subjects sorely distressed, he swore his wonted Oath, By St. Lukes face, that he would not turn his back till he was with them. And thereupon commanded the wall of the House to be broke down, that he might go forth the next way to Sea, leaving order for his Nobles straight-way to follow him. But the Winds being contrary, and Seas raging, his Pilate humbly desired him to stay a while, till the winds and Seas were appeased. To whom the King said, Hast thou ever heard that a King hath been drowned? Therefore hoise up the sails I charge thee, and be gone. Which [Page 117] accordigly being done, the King making such hast, relieved the City before it was expected. Then setling his affairs in that Countrey, he returned into England, where, as he was Hunt­ing in New-Forest, Sir Walter Tyrrel a French Knight, shooting at a Stag, the Arrow glanced against a Tree, and struck the King into the breast, with which he immediately dyed, Aug. 1. A. D. 1100. His body layd in a Col­liers Cart, was drawn with one poor Jade through a very dirty way till the Cart broke, where for a while the Corps was left in the dirt; but afterwards was conveyed to Win­chester, and there buryed in the Cathedral Church. The bones since have been taken up, and laid into a Coffer with the bones of Canu­tus. At Westminster he laid new foundations of a most stately Palace, and finished that stately building, called the great Hall, which he found fault with because no bigger, accounting it scarce worthy the name of a Bed-chamber, in respect of that which he intended to build. He new built the City Carlisle which 200 years before had been spoiled by the Danes, built the Church of St. Saviours in Southwark, and founded an Hospital in York to the Honour of St. Peter.

In this Kings reign the Bishops See was tran­slated from Selsey to Chichester, anciently called Cissancester.

In his Reign happened a most dreadful Earth-quake, vehement Lightning leaving an intolerable stink behind it. An exceeding tempest of Wind, that in London drove down [Page 118] Sixty Houses, blew off the Roof of Bow-Church, with the Beams, Six of which in their fall were driven Twenty three foot deep into the ground (the Streets of the City lying then unpaved.) A Blazing-Star appeared, and o­ther Stars seemed to shoot Darts one against another. The Sea broke over its Banks, drowning an abundance of people; and in Kent overwhelmed the Lands that sometime were Earl Goodwins, which now are called Goodwins Sands, very dangerous for Navigators. A Well of Blood for Fifteen days rose out of the ground at Finchampstead near Abingdon. Pestilence, and Scarcity.

Robert of Glocester hath a pretty passage of King William in these Lines.

As his Chamberlain him brought, as he rose on a day,
A morrow for to wear, a pair of Hose of Say,
He asked what they costned, three Shillings be seid,
Fie a dibles, quoth the King, who sey so vile a deed,
King to wear so vile a Cloth, but it costned more,
Buy a pair for a Mark, or thou shalt ha cory fore.
A worse pair enough, the other swith him brought,
And seyd they costned a Mark, and unneath he them bought.
Aye bel-amy, quoth the King, these were well bought.
In this manner serve me, or ne serve me not.

A. D. 1096, and in the Reign of William Rufus, by reason of the Pestilence then raging, and the oppressions under which the English groaned, the tillage of the earth was neg­lected, [Page 119] whereby ensued great scarcity the year following throughout all England.

HENRY BEAƲCLERK.

HENRY, for his Learning stiled Beauclerk, A.D. 1100 (whilst his brother Robert was busied in the Holy War) promising many good things, was with the general liking of the people crowned at Westminster in A. D. 1100; Whose first bu­siness was the reforming of his own Court and Houshold, for a pattern to his subjects. Next, he restored to the English the use of fire and lights at their own liberty, freed the Church from re­servation of its possessions upon vacancies; made the heirs of the Nobility free to possess their Fathers Lands without redemption from him, engaging the Nobles to do the like by their Tenants. Allowed the Gentry to marry their daughters and kinswomen without his licence, so it were not to his enemy. Ordained that the Widow should enjoy her Joynture, and be at li­berty to marry according to her own liking. That the Mother and next kindred should be Guardians to fatherless children. That Coiners of false money should be punished with the loss of hand and genitals. He also appointed a Measure to the length of his arm, to be a stan­dard of commerce amongst his people. He for­gave all debts to the Crown before his time. And that which did the most content his sub­jects [Page 120] was, Anselme, A.B. Cant. that he revived the Laws of Edward the Confessor. After which, he recall'd Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury, who had been for­ced out of the Realm by Rufus, because he op­posed him for keeping Church-Livings in his hands. And Henry to settle himself the more deeply in the affections of the English, he mar­ried Maud daughter to the King of Scots by Margret Sister to Edgar Atheling. But Duke Robert being returned with greatest honour from the Holy Land, claimed the Kingdom of England as his rightful inheritance; landed an Army at Portsmouth, many of the English flock­ing to him. At length the difference between these two brethren was reconciled on these terms; That Henry should enjoy the Crown during his life, paying to Robert in way of feal­ty three thousand Marks by the year. But this sun-shine of Peace was shortly after withdrawn by the Rebellion of Robert Beliasme Earl of Shrewsbury, who in short time being vanquish­ed, fled into Normandy for shelter. Archbishop Anselme is also said to have disturbed the peace by standing too stifly for the pretended Rights of the Church of Rome, against the Kings real Rights and Prerogative, peremptorily depriv­ing what Prelates he pleased of their promoti­ons, and refusing to consecrate certain Bishops that the King had advanced. Moreover the King and his Brother Robert continued not long in amity, ere Henry invading Normandy, takes his brother in fight, whom he sent prisoner to Cardiff Castle in Wales, where he had the liber­ty to walk in the Kings Meadows, Forests, and [Page 121] Parks; but endeavouring to make his escape, Radulphus, A.B. Cant. he was committed to a stricter durance, and also deprived the sight of both his eyes, and in few years after dyed, and was buried at Glocester, his Brother Henry not long surviving him.

Some troubles arose from the Welsh; but that people the King restrained, chiefly, by placing those Flemings among them, whose Lands the Seas had devoured some years be­fore, and to whom King Rufus had granted that they should seat themselves in Cumber­land. The poor Married Priests, Anselme sad­ly perplexed. And the King imposed heavy Taxes on the people, and reserved vacant Church-promotions to his own use, under pretence of keeping them for the most de­serving. But how unworthily he disposed some of them, may be guessed by that pretty reproof which Guymund his Chaplain gave him. Who on Rogation-Sunday celebrating Service in the Kings Chappel, being to read that Lesson out of St. James, 5.17, it rained not on the earth, by the space of three years and six months, he purposely read, It rained not one, one, one years, and five one months. Which causing laughter or admiration in all that heard him, the King rebuked him for it, de­manding the reason why he read so. Marry, quoth he, I see you bestow your preferments only on such as can read so. Wherewith the King touched, preferred him▪ and in the fu­ture was more cautious whom he raised to preferments in the Church. The estates both [Page 122] spiritual and temporal he caused to assemble at Salisbury, then reforming many abuses, and laying here the first foundation of our High Court of Parliament. About this time Lewis King of France invaded Normandy, whither King Henry passed and vanquished him. But as his Son Prince William was returning after him out of Normandy, he was cast away, and with him an 160 persons of prime note and esteem, none of their bodies being found. The Mariners had had too much Wine be­stowed on them at their putting forth to Sea.

Maud or Matilda the Empress, after the death of the Emperor her Husband, King Henry her Father sent for over into England, where calling a Parliament, he caused Ste­phen his Sisters Son, with his Nobles, to swear Fealty to her, as to his lawful, and now only Heir. But the King sailing again into Nor­mandy, he there after his pleasure of Hunting, made a great repast of Lampreys, upon the eating of which, he fell exceeding sick, and after Seven days sickness dyed, A. D. 1135. at the Town of St. Denis. His Bowels, and Brains, and Eyes were buried at Roan. The Physitian that took out the Brains was poysoned with the stench. His body sliced, powdred with Salt, and wrapped in a Bulls Hide, was con­veyed to Reading, and there buried in the Abby which himself had founded. Besides his lawful Issue William and Maud, he is said to have had Fourteen illegitimate, some say more. He built a magnificent Palace at Wood­stock [Page 123] in Oxfordshire. In a great dearth in his Countries of Anjou and Main, he fed e­very day with sufficient sustenance Ten thousand persons, from the beginning of April, till such time that new Corn was inned. He erected and endowed the Sees of Carlisle and Ely, and the Abbies of Hide, Reading, Cyrencester, and the Priory of Dunstable. His Queen Maud was so devout, that she would go to Church barefoot, and constantly exercise her self in works of Charity, insomuch, that when her Brother Prince David came out of Scotland to visit her, he found her in her Privy-Cham­ber, washing, wiping, and kissing poor peo­ples feet; which he disliking, said, Verily, if the King your Husband knew this, you should never kiss his lips. To which she replied, That the feet of the King of Heaven, are to be preferred before the lips of an earthly King. 'Tis reported that when the King was prepa­ring for his last passage into Normandy, there hapned a fearful Earth-quake, and that out of chinks in the earth arose burning flames which could not be quenched.

In the year 1111, at Dunmow in Essex, the Lady Inga founded a Priory for Black Nuns, which afterwards became an House of Monks. Which Monks, 'tis sayd, did allow a Gammon of Bacon to such married couples, as repented not of their bargain within a year and a day after their Marriage, nor made any Nuptial transgression in word or deed. This they were to make a solemn Oath of.

William Curboill, A.B. Cant.STEPHEN.

A.D. 1135 STEPHEN Earl of Bloys Son to Adelicia Daughter of the Conqueror, was admit­ted King by the workings of his Brother Henry Bishop of Winchester, and Roger Bishop of Sa­rum; but chiefly through the means of Hugh Bigot, who took his Oath that King Henry had on his death-bed (upon some distast taken against his Daughter) disinherited her, and appointed Stephen to succeed him. He was Crowned at Westminster on St. Stephens day, in A. D. 1135, by William Corbell A. B. of Can­terbury, the Prelates swearing to obey him as their King, so long as he should preserve the Churches rights; and the Lay-Barons in like manner swore allegiance to him, so long as he should keep his Covenants to them, and preserve their rights. His right he own­ed to be by election. The Charter contain­ing his peoples Franchises, Liberties and Im­munities, which he bound himself to main­tain, he Sealed at Oxford. Which was, that all Liberties, Customs and Possessions granted to the Church should be firm, and in force; That persons and causes Ecclesiastical, should appertain only to Ecclesiastical jurisdiction. That the vacancies of Churches and Church-mens goods, should be at the sole dispose of the Clergy. That all bad usages in the Land touching Forrests, exactions, &c. should be [Page 125] extirpate, and that the ancient Laws should be restored. Many Castles he either caused, or suffered to be erected in the Land, which he intended for his own security against Maud; but they proved greatly to his own detriment. His entrance was very peaceable; but by little and little civil discords increas­ed to the miserable spoil of the Realm, be­sides the troubles arising from out-parts. Bald­win de Redners first began to break the peace, but him the King soon quieted. Then the Welshmen, who gave a great defeat to the English. Then David King of Scots (set on by some disaffected to Stephen) but in a short time peace was concluded with him. Then the Welsh again make inrodes into the Land, carrying away great spoils. Next David King of Scots enters Northumberland, in the quarrel of the Empress, where his rude Soldiers dealt most barbarously with many of the Inhabi­tants, ripping up the wombs of Women with Child, and tossing their Infants upon the points of their Spears, slaying the Priests at the Altar, and after an inhumane manner dis­membring the slain bodies After this the Peers of the Land conspire against the King, taking themselves to strong-holds: a great cause whereof was, because the King shewed extraordinary favour to William de Ypre and his Flemings, following their counsels, and chiefly relying upon them. When David King of Scots taking opportunities from these in­bred troubles, again entred Northumberland with a great Army, against whom the Nor­thern [Page 126] Lords marched at the command of Thurstan Archbishop of York the Kings Lieu­tenant, who himself being then sick appoint­ed Ralph Bishop of Durham for his General. Which Bishop of Durham in the close of his invective Oration to his Army against the Scots, before the Battel, absolved from punish­ment of sin, all such of his side, that should dye in the fight, whereby the English were made to fight the more desperately; so that in a short time they vanquished the Scots, driving the King of Scots and his Son out of the Field. King Stephen went on also very prosperously against his Barons, winning ma­ny Castles from them. Which done he pro­ceeded against the Scots, with whom in short time a Peace was concluded. But that Ste­phen might be kept imployed, the Empress Maud landed near to Arundel, with but an 140 men. Whom Stephen hasted to meet, but she colouring her designs with the pre­tences of amity and peace, he over-credu­lous, caused her to be honourably conveyed to Bristol, where she remained two Months, and then went to Wallingford; her base Bro­ther, Earl Robert, in the mean time gather­ing aids for her. Wallingford King Stephen besieged, and his Brother the Bishop of Win­chester, invited certain of the Nobles to his palace, where he kept them as Prisoners, till he had gain'd them to resign their Castles to the King. Worcester Earl Robert subdued and spoiled. Nottingham, Ralph Painell burned in favour of the Empress. And she for her bet­ter [Page 127] security took into Lincoln, whither Stephen following her gain'd the City, the Empress making an escape. Shortly after which, Ro­bert Earl of Glocester, with Ranulph Earl of Chester, encountred the King near to Lincoln, where with equal success the fight was main­tained a long time, till at length the Kings Horsemen (not without suspition of Treason) gave back and fled, and shortly after his Foot began also to faint and fly, leaving this va­liant King almost alone, who with his Battel-Axe drove back whole Troops assailing him, maintaining the quarrel against his Foes with an undaunted courage till his Battel-Axe broke; and after that till his Sword flew in pieces. When now weapenless he was struck down, taken, and carried to the Empress at Glocester, from whence he was sent to Bristol. The Empress for a while ruling all, London, after much perswasion, received her with a royal procession; but in short time grew dis­content, because she refused to remit some over-hard Laws made by her Father, and to restore those of King Edward. Many Nobles also repined, as conceiving themselves too much slighted by her. The Bishop of Win­chester who a while before had accursed all that withstood her, now absolves them, un­der pretence that the Barons had kept Faith with her, she not with them. The discon­tented Londoners he solicited in his Brother Stephens behalf. Divers Castles he stored with munition and men. In the mean time Ma­tilda came to Winchester, where sending for [Page 128] the Bishop, (being then the Popes Legate) though he doubted some danger, yet not da­ring to send a flat denyal, returned this e­quivocal answer, Ego parabo me, I will make ready, as though he had meant to follow the Messenger; whereas he addressed himself to work her downfall. For sending for his Brothers Queen, Prince Eustace, the London­ers, and William Ypre, he made strong his par­ty for the King. Himself and friends abiding in the City, and the Empress keeping in the Castle, not daring to adventure forth for a­bout the space of Seven weeks. When, the Bishop to deceive Matilda commanded peace to be proclaimed, and the City Gates to be set open. But the Empress and her Friends, now leaving the Castle to go to some other place, were pursued by the Bishops forces, in which pursuit many of her party were wounded and slain, Earl Robert taken, and others flying into the Nunnery of Warwell, were burned, together with the place. And Winchester City the Bishop caused to be fired, for the Citizens affections to the Empress. The Empress who had escaped to the Castle of the Devizes, and there in hazard to be surprized, caused her self to be put into a Coffin, as though dead, bound fast with Cords, and so as if it had been her dead Corps, she was carried in a Horse-litter to Glocester. King Stephen and Earl Robert being exchanged one for another, the King now pursues Ma­tilda, and in Oxford besieged her, wan the Suburbs thereof, and brought her to that [Page 129] streight, that for her escape in a great Frost and Snow, she was forced (in order to the deceiving of the Centinels eyes) to cloath her self in white Linen Garments, and so on foot to run through Ice and Snow, Ditches and Vallies, till she came to Abingdon, where taking Horse, she got the same night to Wal­lingford Castle. After which many bickerings hapned betwixt the two parties, with vari­able successes to and fro. Sometimes in one part of the Nation Matilda's side prevailed, in another part Stephens, to the great ruine of the whole Realm. However, Stephen to assure the succession to his Son Eustace, called a Councel at London, commanding Theobald Arch­bishop of Canterbury to consecrate his Son King. Which he refusing to do, (and that by the Popes special Mandate) was forced to fly into Normandy, the King seizing upon all his possessions. But Eustace shortly after dying, King Stephen inclined to peace, and was content to adopt Henry Fitz-Empress for his Son and Successour. To whom the Nobles at Oxford did homage as to the un­doubted Heir, and the Prince yielded Stephen the honour of a Father. But King Stephen being afflicted with the Iliack passion, toge­ther with his old Disease the Hemerhoids, gave up the Ghost at Dover, A. D. 1154, and was buried at Feversham in Kent: Though his bo­dy afterward for the Lead-sake, wherein it was wrapped, was cast into the River. He had Issue Balwine, Eustace, William, Maud, Mary, and two natural Sons. His Son Eustace [Page 130] in a rage set fire on the Corn-fields belong­ing to the Abby of Bury, Theobald, A.B. Cant. because the Monks denyed to help him to a sum of Money; but afterwards sitting down to Dinner, at the first morsel of Bread he put into his mouth, he fell into a fit of madness, and in that fit dy­ed. King Stephen erected the Abbies of Cog­shall in Essex, of Farness in Lancashire, the Nunneries at Carew and Higham, an Hospital at York, and Monastry at Feversham. About the beginning of his Reign, a Fire beginning at London-stone, consumed Eastward to Aldgate and Westward to St. Pauls.

HENRY II.

A.D. 1154. HENRY PLANTAGINET the Son of Maud the Empress, and Earl Geofry of Anjou was Crowned at Westminster, by Theobald Arch­bishop of Canterbury. And Henry to settle the Realm in quiet, demolished certain Ca­stles, and fortified others. Some Earls un­duly created, he reduced into a private con­dition, purged the Realm of Foreign Soldiers; chiefly of the Flemings. Chose himself a Councel out of the most eminent persons spiritual and temporal, and restrained the in­solencies of some great personages, which made some of them discontented, especially that arrogant Lord Hugh de Mortimer, who raised a Rebellion. Against whom the King went in person, where in the Siege of Bridge-North [Page 131] he had been shot with an arrow, had not Hubert de St. Clare interposed and took the ar­row into his own bosome. The King having quieted the Rebels, he hasted into France, and there did homage to King Lewis for his French Provinces, setled an accord between himself and Brother Geofry, and at his return into Eng­land entred into amity with Malcolm King of Scots, restoring to him the Earldom of Hun­tingdon. Then he advanced against the Welsh, with whom fighting, his person was in great danger, his Standard-royal cowardly abandon­ed; for the which Henry de Essex Standard-bearer, was afterward accused by Robert de Montford, who in single combat within lists vanquished him at Reading, where the said Es­sex was shorn a Monk: But the King at length overcame the Welsh, and returned with tri­umph into England; after which, himself and his Queen Eleanor were crowned at Worcester, where they both at the Offertory laid their Crowns upon the high Altar, vowing never to wear them after. This now was the third time in which at three several places Westminster, Lincoln, and Worcester, he had been crowned.

Then the King crost the seas into his Duke­dom of Normandy, where he made seizure of some Cities into his hands after his Brother Geofry's death, and setled some affairs, then re­turned. After which, and about the year 1163, began the famous Controversie betwixt the King and his Favourite Be [...]ket, whom in the beginning of his reign he had advanced to be Lord Chancellor, and upon the death of Theo­bald [Page 132] to be Archbishop of Canterbury. Tho. Becket A.B. Cant. Which Archbishoprick Becket at the Council of Tours secretly delivered up to the Pope, and received it again from his hands. But the cause of the dissention betwixt the King and this Bishop, was the remisness and neglect of Becket's curbing the disorders of the Church-men, which then were grown to a dangerous height; complaint having been made to the King of above a hun­dred Murders committed by the Clergy in his reign. Which enormities, besides many others of other kinds, not being punished by Church-censure, the King exceedingly displeased, brought them under the Civil Power, order­ing that Justice should be administred to all a­like without partiality, as well Clergy as Laity; appointing Ministers of Justice through all parts of the Land to that purpose: against which Becket opposed himself, peremptorily defend­ing the pretended Rights of the Clergy, and his See of Canterbury; yea so far, as that he challenged from the Crown the custody of Ro­chester Castle, and other Forts, which the King for securing his state had resumed into his own hands. Hereupon the King assembling his Bi­shops at Westminster, it was there agreed, That none should appeal to the See of Rome in any case without the King's leave. That no Arch­bishop or Bishop upon the Popes summons should go out of the Realm without the Kings license. That no Bishop should excommunicate any holding of the King in chief, or put any of his Officers under interdict, without the Kings license. That Clerks criminous should [Page 133] be tryed before Secular Judges. Unto which Articles the King peremptorily urged Becket to yeild, without any reservation of saving in all things his order and right of the Church. But Becket utterly refused, sending complaints thereupon to the Pope, who very desirous to keep the Kings favour, required the Bishop to yeild unto the King without any salvo's or ex­ceptions. So Becket, though with much relu­ctancy, at length did swear in verbo Sacerdo­tali & de plano, that he would observe the Laws which the King intituled Avitae, of his Grand­father, the like to which did all the other Bi­shops and Nobility. But notwithstanding Becket refused to set his seal to the Instrument wherein these Customs were comprehended, alledging that he did promise it only to do the King some honour in word only, but not with intent to confirm the said Articles. Whereupon the King sent to Pope Alexander the third, thinking by his means to have subjected the Prelate. But he passing it by, the King undertook the case himself, and by his Peers and Bishops, had all Beckets movable Goods condemned to his mer­cy; they also adjudging him guilty of perjury. The Bishops did by the mouth of the Bishop of Chichester, disclaim thenceforward all obedi­ence to him as their Arch-bishop. And the next day, whilst they were consulting further concerning him, the Bishop caused to be sung before him at the Altar, The Princes sit and speak against me, and the ungodly persecute me, &c. and forthwith taking his silver Crosier in his hands, he entred therewith into the Kings [Page 134] presence. But the King enraged at his boldness, commanded his Peers to sit in judgment on him, and they adjudged him as a Traytor and perju­red person to be apprehended and cast into pri­son. To prevent which, Becket fled into Flan­ders, the Pope now openly siding with him, and also Lewis the French King. But Henry to let the Servant of servants know that he was supreme in his own Kingdom, and that he liked not his ta­king part with a subject against his Sovereign Lord, commanded the Sheriffs to attack such as did appeal to the Court of Rome, with the Rela­tions of all such of the English Clergy as were with Becket, and to put them under Sureties; Also to seize their Revenues, Goods and Chat­tels. The King likewise seized all the Archbi­shops Goods and Profits, banished his Kindred, prohibited his being publickly prayed for as Archbishop: Commanded his Justices to ap­prehend and secure all such as should bring a­ny Interdict into England till the Kings pleasure was further known. On the other hand, Becket in France, by special authority from the Pope, excommunicated the Bishop of London, and pro­ceeded so far with others, that there was scarce found in the Kings Chappel such as might per­form the wonted Service. Hereupon the King sends again to the Pope, to send him Legates which might absolve his excommunicate sub­jects, and settle a Peace. But the Popes Le­gates whom he sent, did not effect a reconcilia­tion, by reason of Becket's perversness. Some conjecture, that in contempt of Becket (whose Office it was as Archbishop of Canterbury, to [Page 135] Crown the King) King Henry caused his eldest son Henry to be crowned King of England by Ro­ger Archbishop of York. At whose Coronati­on-feast the Father-King himself carrying up the first dish of Meat, the Archbishop pleasant­ly said to the young King, Rejoyce, my fair Son, for there is no Prince in the world that hath such a Servitor attending at his Table, as you have. To whom the proud young King thus answered, Why wonder you at that? My Father knows that he doth nothing unbeseeming him, forasmuch as he is royal born but on-one side, but Our self are royal born both by Father and Mother. Not long after this, by mediation of some friends, a reconciliation between the King and Becket was effected; and Becket was permitted to have the full use of his Metropolitan See, and all the profits thereof, with the Arrearages. Which he had not long re-possessed, ere he published the Popes Letters, by which Roger Archbishop of York, and Hugh Bishop of Durham were suspended from their Episcopal Function for crowning the yong King in prejudice of the See of Canterbury. And the Bishops of London, Sarum, and Excester, cut off from the Church by Censure; for assisting there­in; whom Becket would not absolve at the young Kings request, but under conditions: Which the old King then in Normandy hearing of, let fall some words, intimating his high displeasure against the Archbishop, and desire to be rid of him. Whereupon Hugh Morvill, Wil­liam Tracie, Hugh Brito, and Richard Fits-Ʋrse, Knights and Courtiers, hasted into England, and murder'd the Archbishop in the Cathedral [Page 136] Church of Canterbury, Richard a Monk, A.B. Cant. as he stood in the Eve­ning-service-time before the Altar. Which done, the Parricides fled, and Thomas was repu­ted for a most Glorious Saint and Martyr, and strange Miracles (beyond my Creed) are re­ported to have been done by this dead Roman-Saint, and his blood. Amongst other Epitaphs made on his death, this was one:

Quis moritur? praesul. Cur? pro grege. Qua­liter? ense.
Quando? Natali. Quis locus? Ara Dei.

But the news of this vile act coming to the ears of the old King, he was exceedingly trou­bled; and to take off the imputation of Guilt from himself, he protested that he would sub­mit himself to the judgment of such Cardinal Legates as the Pope should send to enquire of the fact. And to calm his own perturbations, and avert mens thoughts from the considerati­on of that Tragedy, he undertook the conquest of Ireland, which he effected (being helped for­ward therein by the Civil dissentions then a­mongst the Irish petty Kings). Where having caused a reformation of the Irish Church, and setled affairs therein to his conveniency, he returned into England, and from thence posted into Normandy; where attended for his arrival two Cardinal-Legats (sent at his own request for his purgation concerning Thomas a Becket's death) by whom he was absolved: Having first given oath, that he was no way consent­ing to the fact, and declared his sorrow for ha­ving [Page 137] in his anger, given occasion by rash words for others to do the deed, and inga­ged to perform injoyned penances. The con­ditions of his absolution were, That at his own charge he should maintain 200 Soldiers a whole year, for the defence of the Holy Land, and that he should revoke the Laws which he had made against the priviledges of the See of Rome, and Beckets friends. And now this Cloud thus blown over, another succeeds in its place, For his unnatural Son young King Henry, (by the instigation of his Mother Queen Eleanor) conspired against him, having for his confederates the Kings of France and Scotland, his two Brothers Richard and Geofry, with many of the English Nobles. Against whom the Father with a bleeding heart, for his Sons ungraciousness, prepared himself, and was very successful in Little Bri­tain, where himself was in person; also in England by his faithful Subjects. For Hum­phrey de Bohun High Constable of the Realm, with other Nobles, vanquished Robert Earl of of Leicester and took him Prisoner, which moved Lewis of France to seek a Truce of him for six Months; whereunto King Henry yielded▪ then Ship'd for England ▪ landing at the Port of Hampton. From whence he took his journey towards Canterbury, and being come within about three miles thereof, he went barefooted, the hard stones so cutting his tender feet, that the ground was stained with his blood. And after he came to Can­terbury, and was entred into the Chapter-house [Page 138] of the Monks, Baldwin, A.B. Cant. he most humbly prostra­ted himself on the ground, begged pardon, and by the instancy of his own Petition, was by all the brethren corrected with Rods. The number of lashes which he received on his bare flesh amounted to Fourscore. About this time William King of Scots, that had late­ly entred England, was taken Prisoner, and young King Henry was with storms driven back into France, and his Fleet scattered, shortly after which, Peace was concluded be­twixt his Father and him. But yet again he sought his Fathers ruine, though before he could effect it, he was prevented by the King of Terrors, Death, A. D. 1183. The follow­ing year Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem arrived in England, soliciting the King to un­dertake the holy War in his own person, which by the advice of his Lords, he refused, yet yielded to aid the Cause with Money, and gave them leave to go that were dispo­sed thereto. His Son John, (whom he ex­ceedingly loved, and commonly in jest called Sans terre, without Land) he made Lord of Ireland, assuring unto him also Lands and Rents in England and Normandy. Richard and Geoffery his Sons rebelled again against him: The younger of which in a Turnament at Paris was trod to death under the Horse feet, but the elder lived to the further grief of his Father. For joyning himself with Philip of France, forced his Father out of the City of Mentz (the City where he was born, and loved above all others) which made King [Page 139] Henry to utter these words against him, That since his Son Richard had taken from him that day, the thing which he most loved in the world, he would requite him; for after that day, he would deprive him of that thing, which in him should best please a Child, namely, his heart. And afterwards finding his Son John first in the Catalogue of the Conspirators against him in that action, he bitterly cursed the hour of his birth, laying Gods curse and his upon his Sons, which he would never recall by any perswasions. But coming to Chinon, he there fell desperately sick, and feeling death approach, caused himself to be born into the Church before the Altar, where after humble confession and sorrow for his sins, he yielded up his Soul, A. D. 1189, and was buried at Font-Everard. His Issue were Willi­am, Henry, Richard, Jeffry, Philip, John, Maud, and Eleanor. His base Issue William sir­named Longsper, and Jeffry Archbishop of York. These two by fair Rosamund, and Morgan by another Woman. Rosamund his beloved Con­cubine, was the Daughter of the Lord Clifford, whom to keep safe from the envy of Queen Eleanor, he placed in a Labyrinth, which he built for her at Woodstock, with such wind­ings and turnings, that none could come at her retiring Room, save the King, or whom he instructed. Howbeit the jealous eye of Queen Eleanor found her out by a clew of silk, which Rosamund let fall as she sate to take the Air. For she suddenly fleeing to escape being seen, the end of the silk fastned to her [Page 140] foot, and the clew still unwinding, which the Queen followed till she had found the love­ly Rosamund, whom she so dealt with (giving her Poyson) that she ended her days, whose body was buried at Godstow with this Epitaph upon her Tomb,

Hic jacet in Tumba Rosa mundi, non Rosa munda,
Non redolet, sed olet, quae redolere solet.

King Henry divided England into Circuits, appointing that two of his judges should twice in the year, in each Circuit administer Ju­stice.

In the year 1164 he called an assembly of the States at Clarendon in Wilts, where (a­mongst other matters) it was decreed, That all the Clergy should, bona fide, swear alle­giance to the King, and should appeal but un­to the Archbishop, or from him finally to the King, without particular licence.

In the beginning of his reign, one Nicholas Breakspear an English man was elected Pope, by the name of Adrian the 4th, who in the 5th year of his Popedom was choaked with a Fly. He sent the Lords Prayer (in this man­ner) from Rome, to be taught the English peo­ple.

Ʋre Fadyr in Heaven rich, Thy name be halyed everlich, Thou bring us thy michel bliss, Als hit in Heaven y-doe, Evar in yearth been it also. That holy bread that lasteth ay, Thou send it ous this ilke day, Forgive ous all that we have don. [Page 141] As we forgive uch other mon. Ne let ous fall into no founding, Ac shield ous fro the foul thing. Amen.

In the Isle of Wight it rained blood, the shower continuing for the space of two hours together. A great Earthquake in Ely, Nor­folk, and Suffolk, which made the Bells to ring in the Steeples. At St. Osyths in Essex, was seen a Dragon of marvelous bigness, which by moving burned Houses. Another great Earthquake which overthrew many buil­dings, and amongst the rest, rent in pieces Lincoln Cathedral. At Oreford in Suffolk a certain hairy creature perfectly resembling man in all parts and proportions, was taken out of the Sea by Fishers in a Net, who after he had been kept a while, secretly slipt away into the Sea again.

RICHARD I.

A.D. 1189 RICHARD from his exceeding valour sirnamed Ceur de Lion, was Crowned at Westminster by Baldwin Archbishop of Canter­bury. At which time a great number of the Jews, were in a tumultuous sort, slaughtered by the common people, for which many of them suffered death. The Coronation rights performed, Richard with all speed prepares for his voyage into the Holy-Land, appointing William Longchamp Bishop of Ely his chief Ju­sticiar, and Lord Chancellor, joyning with him Hugh Bishop of Durham for the parts beyond Humber, associating to those Bishops, divers temporal Lords for the defence and preservation of Justice. And with the King of Scots he concluded firm friendship. Which done, with a royal Navy he put out to Sea, and by the way to the Holy-Land, he seized on the Island Cyprus, where he solemnly took to Wife his beloved Lady Berengaria. The Island he committed to the keeping of his own De­puties, permitting the Islanders to injoy all such Laws and Liberties, as they held in the time of Immanuel the Emperor. Furder in his way he conquered a mighty Argosey, called a Dromond, wherein were a-Board a Thou­sand five hundred Saracens (disguised under French-Flags) furnished, besides all other pro­visions, with Fire-works, Barrels or Cages of [Page 143] venomous Serpents, for the use of the Sara­zens at Ptolemais, since called Acon. Of the Sarazens he killed and drowned 1300, and then sailed safely to Acon. Before which lay these Christian Nations, the Genoways and Flo­rentines, Flemings, Almains, Danes, Dutch, Pisans, Friezlanders, Lombards, and the Eng­lish under Hubert Bishop of Sarum. Besides the Knights Templers collected out of all Na­tions, and also the aids of the Asians. The King of France also came to the Siege. Where whilst the Christians lay, Sultan Saladin cut off the heads of 1500 Christian Captives; in revenge whereof, King Richard in sight of Sa­ladines Host, cut off above 2500 of the heads of Turkish Slaves. The Siege before Acon was so well plyed, (notwithstanding sundry dis­sensions betwixt King Richard and Philip King of France, the two competitors of glory in this Siege) that the City of Acon was surren­dred upon Articles. Which done, the French King, envying the English Kings noble exploits, (though contrary to the French mens will) returned into France, having first given Oath to the King of England, that he would well and faithfully keep the Lands and Subjects of King Richard, and neither do damage to them himself, nor suffer others to do it till Richards return. Howbeit whilst Richard was busied in the Holy War, the King of France after his return home, devised how to trouble and endamage his Dominions, but was hindred by his own Nobles▪ In England the Peers [Page 144] and people were much discontented at the in­credible insolencies and intolerable tyrannies of the Chancellor, which though K. Richard heard of, yet kept he himself imployed in the War, wherein he performed many Heroic acts. Within sight of Jerusalem he encountred Sala­dine, slew a great number of his Soldiers, took 3000 Camels, 4000 Horses and Mules, took his Carriage richly laden from Babylon, rescued Joppa, repulsing Saladine from thence. He also assayed to regain Jerusalem; but being in that Enterprize abandoned by the Duke of Bur­gundy, he was perswaded to accept Saladines of­fers for a three years Truce. Which having con­cluded, and setled his affairs in the East, he set sail homeward; where in his passage his ships were scattered by tempest, and driven hither and thither; but he happily gaining the shore, hoped in disguise as a Merchant to have free journeying through Germany. But he being by the way over-free in his expences, became su­spected for another kind of man than a Mer­chant; and near to Vienna was discovered, and imprisoned by the Arch-Duke of Austria, un­der pretence that he was guilty of the death of the Marquess Conrade at Tyre. Then the person of this famous King being thought too great a booty for the Duke, was gained into the Em­perors hands, whose usage towards him was very cruel, and the ransome required for him most unreasonable, being an Hundred thousand Marks sterling to himself, and Fifty thousand more to himself and the Duke, besides other conditions. All which being yeilded unto, and [Page 145] ingagement given for the performance, Hubert, A.B. Cant. after fifteen Months imprisonment, he was set at liberty, to the great joy of many Princes in those parts, and to the unspeakable joy of his own Subjects in general, though not of his brother John, who, with the King of France ('tis said) were some instruments for the procuring of his unhandsome usage. But Ceur de Lyon (escaping the way-layings of the Emperor, who sent to re-take him after his release) safely Landed at Sandwich, whi­ther Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, that had been with him in the Holy-Land, came with a joyful heart to meet him, whom when the K. saw, he dismounted, bowed his knee, then fell upon the earth. In like sort the Bishop lay upon the ground over against him, till at last both of them rising up, ran into each others arms, comforting themselves with mu­tual embraces and weeping for joy. His Bro­ther John, who had been false to him, upon his submission he freely forgave, calmly say­ing unto him, Would that thy fault may so be forgotten of me, as that thy self may keep in memory what thou hast done. And after this the King restored his forfeited possessions to his brother John, who from that time became faithful to him, and did him very noble ser­vices, especially against the French, with whom Richard then warred. In which wars, this John Earl of Morton, and Markadey Cap­tain of the Routs, had made an incursion up to Beauvois, where the Bishop (being also a Peer of the Royal Blood) valiantly fighting, [Page 146] was taken in the skirmish, armed at all points, on whose behalf the Pope wrote somewhat earnestly to K. Richard, to set his very dear Son (for so he called the Bishop) at liberty. The K. in a kind of pleasant earnestness, cau­sed the Habergeon and Curaces of the Bishop to be presented the Pope, with this question, See, whether this be thy Sons Coat or not? Where­upon the Pope replied, That he was neither his Son, nor the Son of the Church, and therefore should be ransomed at the Kings pleasure, because he was rather to be judged a Servitor of Mars, than a Soldier of Christ. In this War with the French, the King amongst other victories ob­tained one of fame; Taking an hundred Knights and Servitors on Horseback, and Footmen without number, Thirty men of Arms, also 200 great Horse, whereof an 140 had Barbs and Caparisons armed with Iron. The King in his own person did most nobly, for with one Spear, he threw to the earth Matthew de Mummerancy, Alan de Rusci, and Fulk de Giservall, and took them. So have we vanquish­ed the King of France at Gysors, howbeit we have not done it, but God and our right by us, said the King in his Letter to the Bishop of Dur­ham. But the fatal accident is at hand, which put an end to this renowned Warrior; for the Viscount of Limoges having found a great hoard of Silver and Gold, sent a great part thereof to King Richard, as chief Lord, with which the King being not contented, came with some forces to the Castle of Ch [...]luz be­longing to the Viscount, where he supposed [Page 147] the riches were: The Garrison of which place offered to yield the same to him, and all there­in, if only their lives and limbs might be sa­ved; but the King would accept of no condi­tions, bidding them to defend themselves as they could, for he would enter by the Sword and hang them all. Whereupon an Arbalaster standing upon the Wall, and seeing his time, charged his Steel-bow with a Square-Arrow, making first his Prayer to God, that he would direct that shot, and deliver the innocency of the besieged from oppression; then discharging it, as the King was taking a view of the Castle, mortally wounded him in the left shoulder, the anguish and peril whereof, was extreamly increased by the unskilfulness of the Chyrur­geon. The Castle by continual assaults was ta­ken, and by the Kings command none left alive, save this too skilful Archer, who neither de­nied, nor excused the fact; but alledged the necessity of his case, and the justice of God in it, for that the King, he said, had slain his Father, and two Brothers with his own hands. Yet did the magnanimous King forgive this Ber­tram de Guidon the fact, gave him an Hundred Shillings, and set him at liberty: but Captain Markadey after the King was dead, took him, flea'd him alive, and then hang'd him. When Ceur de Lyon perceived the certain approach of death, with contrition, confession and par­ticipation of the Sacrament, he prepared him­self for another life, and dyed of his wound, April 6, A D. 1199. And according to his command, his Bowels were buried at Charron [Page 148] amongst the rebellious Poictovins, as those, who had only deserved his worst parts; his heart at Roan, as the City, which for her con­stant loyalty had merited the same; and his Corps were inhumed at Font-Everard, at the feet of his Father, to whom he had sometime been disobedient. In the first year of his Reign he appointed Henry Fitz Alwin to be Major of London, that honourable City having been for­merly governed by Portgraves, or Portreves. He caused Money to be coyned, (held in great request for its purity) by the Easterlings a people of Germany, afterwards current Money, and called Sterling, from the Easterlings. When this King was in France, one Fulk a Priest told him, that he kept three Daughters, which if he did not dismiss, they would procure him Gods wrath. Why, Hypocrite, said the King, all the World knows that I never had Child. Yea, said Fulk, you have Three, and their names are Pride, Covetousness, and Le­chery. Is it so, said the King? You shall see me presently dispose them. The Knights Tem­plers shall have Pride, the White Monks Co­vetousness, and the Clergy Lechery; and there have you my three Daughters bestowed amongst you. Now lived Robin Hood an outlawed Noble, and Little John, who with an Hundred stout fel­lows more, molested all passengers by the way, yet only robbed and made prey of the rich, sel­ling good pennyworths when they had done.

JOHN.

JOHN (though that Arthur his Brother Jeffries Son was living, A. D. 1119. yet) by the assist­ance of his Mother Eleanor and other Noble Friends, was by the great Councel of the Realm admitted King: To whom they then sware only a conditional Fealty, viz. To keep faith and peace to him, if he would render to every of them their rights. He was crowned at West­minster by Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury. His Reign throughout was attended with great troubles: For first, the King of France took up­on him to establish young Arthur in the King­dom; though after a while for his own advan­tage he delivered the Prince into his Uncles hands. Then the King of Scots procured some disturbances; but an accord was shortly made, the two Kings of England and Scotland swearing faithful love to each other upon the Crosier of Archbishop Hubert. Presently after which, these two Kings, with the King of South-Wales, ex­pressed their great humility, by helping to car­ry the Corps of Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, on their shoulders to the place of interment. Then the Clergy disturbed the peace, oppugning the Kings Royal Title to a Benefice, locking the Church-doors against his Praesentee, scorning his Princely Letters, fencing the Church with armed men against his Officers, assailing his [Page 150] Sheriff, moving the Pope to excommunicate all their opposers; yea, caused the King himself to be accused to the Pope for a Tyrant. The whole Cistercian Order denied the payment of a subsidy granted the King. The Canons of Lin­coln refused to accept of him for their Bishop, whom the King had appointed in the place of him deceased. Hubert Archbishop called a Ge­neral Councel in his Province without the Kings permission, and then disdained the Kings prohibition thereof. The Lay-Peers they came in also to act a part, and at a time when the King stood in need of their help against the Poi­ctovins and French, refused to attend the King in his Wars against them. Howbeit King John put forth to Sea, arrived in Normandy, and in battel overthrew his Nephew Arthur, and by valour recovered all the Provinces which had revolted; Prince Arthur, and all the Peers of Poictou, above 200 French Knights and others of command, he took prisoners. Not long after which, young Arthur dyed, not without suspi­tion of violence. Which gave fresh occasion to some of the disaffected Peers to b [...]dy against the King, whom the King of France now cited as his Homager for the Dukedom of Normandy, to appear at a set-day to be tryed by his Peers upon point of Murder and Treason. And King John not appearing at the appointed time, was by the King and Peers of France Disinherited and condemned, and according to the sentence they proceeded against him; and what by the Kings remisness, the treachery of his people, and power of his enemies, he lost a great part [Page 151] of his strongest Towns and Castles in the French Territories. But the Delinquent Peers and Barons King John put to their Fines; and for the carrying on of the Wars against France, had a Subsidy granted him, which moved the people to think hardly of him. The King of France, who had been too succesful of late a­gainst the English, sent a braving Champion o­ver into England to justifie by Duel his proceeds in K. John's French Dominions; with whom John Curcy Earl of Ʋ [...]ster undertook to com­bate. This Curcy was a man of gyant-like limbs and strength, and of some conditions [...]o [...] despicable, had they not been savaged with too much rudeness: Which appeared not only in his wild speeches touching the Kings [...] of his Nephew Arthur; but even th [...]n, [...] the King demanded of him whether he would combat in his quarrel: answered, No, not in thy quarrel, nor for thy sake; yet for the King­doms right I will fight to the death. But this the French Champion never put him to; for hearing of the Earls excessive feeding, and strength answerable thereto, the Monsieur sneak't away into Spain, as asham'd to shew his face again in France. Of Earl Curcy 'tis fur­ther said, That when the two Kings of France and England met together upon a Truce in France, K. Philip having heard of Curcy, and that he was in the English Camp, requested of K. John that he might see some experiment of his so much feared and famed strength. Where­upon an Helmet of excellent proof, full-farced with Mayl, was set upon a Wooden block; [Page 152] when the Earl first lowring round about him with a dreadful aspect, lift up his trusty skeyn, and cleft so deep quite through the steely resist­ance, into the knotty wood, that none there present save himself could draw it out again, which he did with ease. Then being by the Kings asked, Why he frowned so angrily be­fore he struck? answered, That he purposed if he had fail'd of his blow, to have kill'd them all, both Kings, and the other spectators. But for all this famous Champion, K. Philip by de­grees gain'd all in Normandy, even Roan it self. Main, Turain and Poictou, revolted from King John; and Angiers was betrayed: All these los­ses happening through the default of some of the English Peers and Prelates. For when the King was in readiness to take shipping for Nor­mandy, Hubert the Archbishop forbad him pro­ceeding in the voyage; the Peers also again refused to attend him: Wherefore the King put many of his Earls, Barons and Knights, yea, and Clergy-men also, to a grievous pecuniary re­demption; and Huberts Wealth and Possessions (who dyed the same year) the King seized on. This Hubert was suspected of too familiar pra­ctising with the King of France. Upon the death of this Archbishop Hubert, the Monks of Can­terbury made choice of Reginald, their Sub-Prior, in his stead; and the King, after them, of John Gray Bishop of Norwich, a man of great wisdom. But the Pope neglecting both these, re­commended Stephen de Langton to the Monks of Canterbury, and Bishops of that Province, to be presently chosen for their Primate. Which the [Page 153] Monks unwilling, and deferring to do, Stephen Langton, A.B. Cant. alledging that no Canonical Election could be made at Rome, where was no consent neither of King nor Covent: The Pope with choler replied, That he had plenitude of Power over the Church of Canterbury; and moreover, that no consent of Princes used to be expected in Elections where the Pope was. He therefore commanded them under pain of his high curse, to accept him for their Primate; Which all accordingly did (though not without murmurations), save one Elias de Brantford. And to work the King into a compliance hereto, the Pope sent him four Gold Rings with four precious stones, an Eme­rald, Saphire, Ruby, and Topaz; signifying in his Letter sent with them, that the Rings round­ness must remember him of Eternity; the qua­drate number must mind him of Constancy, and the four Cardinal Virtues, Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude. The Golds price, of Wisdom; the Emeralds greeness, of Faith; the Saphires brightness, of Hope; the Rubies redness, of Charity; and the Topaz's clearness, of sanctity of life, But King John for all these fond toys and fine words, when he observed the Popes arbitrariness, the dishonour arising to himself in being frustrated of his choice; the prejudice to his Crown in having a Bishop thrust upon him without Sovereign consent; the hazard to the State in having a French Fa­vourite over the English, with also the Monks disloyalty in yeilding to the Pope's Election: He first of all proscribed the Monks as Traytors; and after that writ Letters to the Pope, where­in [Page 154] he alledged the wrongs done to himself, and made his exceptions against Langton, vowing immutably▪ to stand for his own elect and to dye in defence of the liberties of his Crown, likewise minding the Pope of his great profits he received from England, menacing withall, that if he were crossed in this, he would then stop all from crossing the Seas to Rome. To which Letters of the King, the Pope answered very comminatory, and shortly after, viz. in A. D. 1208. because the King would be King in his own Dominions, this Servus Servorum interdicted the whole Kingdom, under which it lay for the term of six years, and fourteen weeks, without Gods service, or Sacraments, or Christian burial. The Lay-people were tumbled like Dogs into every Ditch. Howbeit the King to be even with the Pope, proscribed the disloyal Clergy, their revenues he confis­cated, their Bishopricks, Abbies and Priories he put into Laymens hands, and every-where they suffered wrong, without ordinary pro­tection of justice. But some of the eminent Clergy detested the Popes savage proceedings, as Philip Bishop of Durham and his Successor. The Bishops of Winchester and Norwich they animated the King to contemn the Papal Curse, and the Cistercian Abbots (neglecting the In­terdict) continued their Divine Service, till the Pope suspended them for their contempt. Moreover, the Pope to revenge himself on the King, Anathematized him by name, which caused many to desert his service; for which he punished them by Fine. Yet at length, the [Page 155] better to secure himself, and State, the King was very desirous to come to an atonement, and assured under his Seal, that Archbishop Langton, with the Bishops and Monks, and others, should be restored both to his favour and their possessions; that Holy Church should have all its Franchises, as in Edward the Con­fessors time: But because he would not make full satisfaction to the Clergy, for all confisca­tions, and other emoluments received of them, the Popes Nuncio's refused a peace with him. And the Pope was so mad, that he absolved all Kings and people, poor and rich, having dependence on him from all fealty and subjecti­on to him; whereupon, Male-contents set themselves to work mischief. The Welsh fall off from the King, wherefore at Nottingham he hangs up their hostages, 28 in number. His Nobles many of them held themselves dischar­ged of their Allegiance▪ so rebel, inviting the French King to their assistance, and promi­sing to settle the English Crown on his head. Stephen Langton and other Bishops, implore the Popes help to support the Church of England, being at the point of ruine. His officious Ho­liness thereupon decrees, That K. John must be deposed, and that he would [...]ppoint one more worthy in his stead. To effectuate which, the Pope sent his Letters to Philip King of France, requiring him to undertake the affair of de­throning the King of England, and for his re­ward, he should have pardon of all his sins, besides the enjoying of the English Crown to him and his heirs for ever. Also transmitting [Page 156] his Letters general, to all Potentates, Soldiers, Men of War of all Nations, to sign themselves with the sign of the Cross, and to follow Phi­lip in this design, assuring all that their assist­ance herein, whether in person or purse, should be no less meritorious, than if they visited our Saviours Sepulcher. The King of France ac­cepts the offer, and makes great preparation for the invading of England, and King John raises a Land-Army, and prepares a Royal Na­vy to withstand him. But ere the French make their attempts, Pandulph the Popes Messenger arrives in England, and so wrought upon the King, what by representing the danger he was in, and what by flattering promises, that King John (not insensible of his desperate estate) sware in all things to submit to the judgment of the Church. And shortly after at the Knight-Templers House in Dover, he surren­dred his Crown into the hands of Pandulph, for the use of the Pope, laying at his feet his Scepter, Robe, Sword and Ring, and sub­scribed to a Charter, whereby he resigned his Kingdom to the Pope: Professing he did it neither through fear or force, but of his own free will, as having no other way to make sa­tisfaction to God and the Church for his of­fence. And that from that time forward he would hold his Crown of the Pope, paying a pension annual of a Thousand Marks, for the Kingdoms of England and Ireland. Pandulph now having got what he came for, hastens into France, there to disswade Philip from proceed­ing against King John, as being become an [Page 157] obedient and reconciled Son to the Church. But Philip, who was of his holy Fathers mind, not caring for K. John's repentance, but his Crown, in great choler professed, That since the Pope himself had so far thrust him on, his Legats suggestions, no nor his threats of excommu­nication, should not withdraw him from his inten­tions. In which resolution, calling his Peers into a consultation, they all approved his de­sign, save Ferdinand Earl of Flanders, who al­ledged, that it was an unreasonable thing to think of invading another mans right; in­forcing this his judgment with so good argu­ments, that thereby many of the Peers were induced to change their opinion. Which so incensed K. Philip, that he drew his Forces against Flanders, commanding his mighty pre­pared Fleet to set forward thitherward. Of the which K. John having speedy intelligence, set forth his Navy, and happily surprized the French Fleet at the Port of Damme (whilst most of the Soldiers were on Land, spoiling the Earls Country) taking 300 Vessels laden with Provisions, Arms, and other costly fraught, and burning and sinking above an 100. And now the King thinking to take the advantage of this Victory, made ready a great Army for the recovery of his hereditary Pro­vinces lost to the French; but when all else was ready, then the Barons denied him their at­tendance, till he was assoyled of his Excom­munication, and that their pristine liberties granted them by Henry the first were restored. Stephen Langton animating them herein; and [Page 158] promising his faithful assistance to them. Here­upon the King makes his appeal to Rome, pre­senting the Pope with rich presents; in answer to which, the Pope sent his Legate the Bishop of Tusculum, who wrought with the King to corroborate the conveyance of his Kingdoms to the Pope; unto which the King yielded. But the Archbishop of Canterbury opposed himself against it, with whom the Peers of the Land joyned, avowing it to be an execrable thing to the whole World. And in a full Parlia­ment it was Enacted, That since the King could not without consent of Parliament bring his Realm and people to such thraldom; therefore if the Pope should in the future attempt any such thing again, with life and livelihood he should be with­stood. The Pope hearing of this, not only conceived exceeding hatred against the Arch­bishop; but sent also his authentick Letters for repealing the Interdict, upon restitution of 1300 Marks more to the Prelates, and that but by equal portions of five years payment. And now the King passed into Poictou which he reduced, thence into Britain, where his Poicto­vins, according to their old custome, proved false to him to his great detriment. The while his Barons they play Rex at home, renewing their confederation, and binding themselves with an Oath at the High Altar at St. Edmonds; bury, That they would pursue the King with Arms, till he should consent to the Charter of Liberties, granted by Henry 1st. So that the King was inforced to return into England, where, when come, they challenged this Char­ter [Page 159] as a part of his Oath made at his Absolu­tion, and shortly after they met together at Stamford with a very numerous Army. Their General was Robert Fitz-Walter, whom they stiled, The Marshal of Gods Army and Holy Church. London invited them to enter the Ci­ty by night, where, when entred, by their threatful Letters, they not only drew most of the Nobles from the King, but had also almost lockt him out of his Royal Seat, insomuch, that he was necessitated by gentle messages, to procure of his factious Barons a place and day of meeting, which was Running-Mead, be­twixt Windsor and Stains, (since called Councel-Mead) whither they came with Armed multi­tudes, out of all the Kingdom, numberless. Where the King perceiving their so great strength, and his own small party, he granted them the utmost of their desires, not only for liberties specified in Magna Charta, and Charta Forestae, but also for a kind of rule in the go­vernment, by 25 selected Peers, to whose command all the other Barons, were also bound by Oath to be obedient. But the King could not long relish this, therefore privately sends to his trustiest friends to fortify and victual their Castles, and himself secretly re­tires into the Isle of Wight. From whence he dispatched Messengers both to the Pope and his foreign friends, to crave the censure of the one, and succours of the other, against such outragious Rebels. In both which his Agents were so sedulous, and friends compassionate, that at Rome by definitive sentence, the Barons [Page 160] Charters were made voyd, the King and Barons accursed, if either of them observed the com­position made at Councel-Mead. And from Flanders, Goscoin, Brabrant, and other parts, such competent aids came in, as incouraged the King, after Three Months secrecy, to shew himself in the face of his Enemies. His Host he divided into two parts; with the one, con­ducted by himself Northward, he every-where subdued his Rebels, as likewise did the Earl of Salisbury Southward. Stephen Langton the Pope suspended for abetting the Barons; and his Brother Simon Langton Archbishop elect of York, had his election made voyd, the Pope constituting in his place Walter Gray, whose Pall cost him no less than 1000 pounds. [The Archiepiscopal Pall is a Pontifical Vestment made of Lambs wooll, as it comes from the Sheeps back, without any other artificial co­lour, and spun by a peculiar order of Nuns, cast into St. Peters Tomb, and adorned with little black Crosses▪ having two Labells hanging down before and behind; which the Archbishops, when going to the Altar, put about their Necks, above their other pontifi­cal Ornaments.] The disloyal Barons were all excommunicated by name, and all their Lands, together with the City of London Inter­dicted. But the lofty Barons held those cen­sures in so high contempt, that they decreed neither themselves nor Citizens of London should observe them, nor the Prelates de­nounce them. And to revive their dying Cause, they resolve on a project for betray­ing [Page 161] the Crown of England unto Lewis the Dau­phin of France, sending their Letters of Alle­giance, confirmed with all the Barons Seals, to implore K. Philips favour for sending his Son, and his Son for the acceptance of the English Crown. To prevent a correspondency herein, the Pope sends his Apostolical Commands to Philip of France, that he should stay his Son from entring upon St. Peters patrimony, with a Curse also on all such, as should assist the excommunicate Barons. To which Philip re­plied, That England was no patrimony of St. Peters, no King, saith he, having power of himself to alienate his Kingdom, K. John especially, who being never lawful King, had no power to dispose thereof; and that it was an error and pernicious example in the Pope, and an itching lust after a new kind of Domination. His Peers swore, That they would spend their blood, rather than suffer that a King should of himself, or with a few flatterers, pass over his Crown, and enthrall his Nobles, especially to the Pope, who should follow St. Peters steps, to win souls, and not to meddle with Wars, and murders of mens bodies. And Prince Lewis declared, That he would chuse rather to be excommunicated by the Pope, than to falsifie his promise to the English Barons. So without more ado, he speedily set forth for England, with his Fleet of 600 Ships, and 80 Boats, which coming to shore in Kent, the Barons joyned forces with him. King John whose Army consisted most of stipendiary For­reigners, thought it best for a time to forbear Battel with Lewis, and not to commit his [Page 162] whole fortunes to the hazard of their sudden defection; therefore drew towards Winchester, Lewis marching forward towards London, ta­king all the strong-holds in his way (excepting Dover Castle, kept by the valiant and faithful Hubert de Burgo.) London received Lewis, the Citizens swearing truth to him, so did the Ba­rons at Westminster, Lewis swearing to them, That he would restore all men their right, and re­cover to the Crown what ever had been lost by K. John. All or most places where the French Prince came submitted to him. At Odiam Ca­stle indeed (wherein were but 13 English men) Lewis and his whole Army, was not only braved 15 days; but also sallying forth upon them, every one took an enemy, surren­dring the Castle at last upon honourable terms. K. John in other parts of the Realm, with a very considerable Host ruined the Barons Ca­stles and possessions. But setting forth from Lyn in Norfolk (where for their faithful ser­vices he bestowed large Franchises, and his own Sword, and a gilt Bowl) with a full reso­lution to give Lewis Battel; as he was passing the Washes, with his Army and Carriages to­wards Lincolnshire, all his Carriages, Trea­sures, and Provision were irrecoverably lost, himself and Army hardly escaping. And now by this time, the Barons were struck with some remorse to see their Native Country by their procurement to be so miserably wasted, and afflicted; and which grieved them the most was, that their faithful services to Lewis, were but slightly regarded by him at present, and were [Page 163] like to be ill repayed in the future; for Viscount De Melun a Noble Frenchman, had on his death bed privately discovered to them, how that Lewis had sworn, That if ever Eng­lands Crown was setled on his head, he would condemn unto perpetual exile all the disloyal Barons, as Traytors to their Sovereign, and ex­tirpate all their kindred. Forty of the Barons therefore presently addressed their Letters of submissive suit to the King, but he was dead before the Messengers came. Some say he dyed of a Flix, some of a Surfeit; but the most re­port, that he dyed of Poyson; for K. John coming, say they, from the Washes to Swin­shed Abby, and there taking notice as he sat at meat, of their too prodigal provision, he swore, That if he lived but half a year longer, he would make one half-peny Loaf as dear as twelve. To prevent which, a Monk pre­sented him with an invenomed Cup, tasting first thereof himself, so becoming the wicked instrument of his own and Sovereigns death, Octob. 19, 1216. He was buried at Worcester. His Issue were Henry, Richard, Joan, Eleanor and Isabel. Base issue, Jeffry Fitz-Roy, Ri­chard, and Jane. He appointed those excel­lent forms of Civil government in the Cities and incorporate Towns of England, endowing them also with their greatest Franchises. He setled the rates and measures for Wine, Bread, Cloth, and such like necessaries of Commerce. He planted English Laws and Officers in Ireland. Now lived one Simon Thurvey, who for his pride in Learning, especially for his blasphemies [Page 164] against Moses and Christ, became so utterly ignorant, that he could hardly read a Letter in the Book.

In or the near the year 1176, London-Bridge was begun to be built of Stone by Peter of Cole-Church Priest, and was finished in A. D. 1209.

Mayors in this Kings time, were these following,

In the 10th year,

  • Henry Fitz Alwin was first Mayor.
  • Peter Duke, Thomas Neal, Sheriffs.

In the 11th year,

  • Idem, Mayor.
  • Peter le Josue, William Blounde, Sheriffs.

In the 12th year,

  • Idem, Mayor.
  • Adam Witley, Stephen le Grass, Sheriffs.

In the 13th year,

  • Idem, Mayor.
  • John Fitz Peter, John Garland, Sheriffs.

In the 14th year,

  • Idem Mayor.
  • Randolph Egland, Constantine Josue, Sheriffs.

In the 15th year,

  • Idem Mayor.
  • Martin Fitz Alice, Peter Bate, Sheriffs.

In the 16th year,

  • Idem Mayor.
  • Solomon Basing, and Hugh Basing, Sheriffs.

In the 17th year,

  • William Hardel Mayot.
  • John Trevers, Andrew Newland, Sheriffs.

HENRY III.

HENRY 3d. at about 10 years of Age was Crowned King, A.D. 1216 the Ninth day after his Father K. John's decease, the Earl of Pem­broke being by common consent of Peers and Prelates constituted Guardian of him during his Non-age. This Noble Earl set out against Lewis, and at Lincolne utterly defeated his Ar­my; which discomfiture was called Lewis Fair, from the great spoil that the Earls Soldiers took from the Lewysians and City of Lincolne. Here the chiefest of the malignant Barons were taken, with about 400 Knights, besides Esquires, and of other sorts innumerable. A great number also of such as escaped out of the Fight, were knockt on the head by the Country people. Likewise about the same time a fresh supply of men and Money coming from France, were scattered, sunk and taken by the English Fleet, the English in the en­gagement using unslaked Lime, which they threw into the faces of the Monsieurs, blinding their sight therewith. Then to give no rest to Lewis his declining fortunes, the Earl of Pem­broke clseloy besieged London with Lewis in it, where he brought the matter to capitulation. The heads whereof were, That Lewis and the Barons should submit to the judgment of the Church, whose censure they had long contemned. That [Page 166] Lewis should depart the Land, Richard Magnus, A.B. Cant. and never return with design to do harm. That he should endeavour with his Father, that all such things that belonged to the English Crown might be restor'd; and that when Lewis himself should be King, he should peaceably part with them. That Lewis should immediately render to K. Henry all holds and places taken in the War; for the performance of all which, Lewis took his Oath. On the other part, the King, Legate, Wallo and the Earl swore, That the King should restore to the Barons and others, all their rights and inheritances, with all their liberties formerly demanded of K. John. That none of the Laity should suffer damage and reproach, for taking part on either side. That Prisoners should be released. This done, Wallo absolved Lewis and his adherents, and Lewis took his leave of England. Yet was not Eng­land quiet long, for William Earl of Aumarl, Foulk de Brent, and Robert de Veipont, with others, committed divers furious Riots, the Church and State being grown into such dis­order, that every man dared to attempt in either, what his own audaciousness should sug­gest. The Welsh they made some stirs. And one Fitz-Arnulph a Citizen of London, attempt­ed to set up Lewis again; for the which, him­self and two others were hanged, and many more had their hands or feet cut off. The Barons they were high, for a confirmation of their Liberties. And Lewis of France, upon the death of his Father, seized Rochel, and the whole Country of Poictou (which belonged to the King of England) into his hands, under [Page 167] pretence, that K. Henry an Homager for Aqui­tain, was not present at his Coronation, nor yet excused his absence by Ambassadors. Whereupon Henry summons a Parliament for Aids to recover his losses, which being grant­ed, he sent over his forces, which discomfited the French. But the King necessitated for more Monies for the carrying on of his design in Gascoign, wrung from the Londoners Five thou­sand Marks above their Fifteenths, alledging that they had to his prejudice given Lewis the like sum. The Clergy also were compelled under pain of Papal censure, to pay the Fif­teenth, not only for their temporal, but also Ecclesiastical Goods: And by advice of Hu­bert de Burgo Chief Justice, the King revoked the Charters of Liberties, which for about two years had been practised through the Realm, pretending his Non-age when granted. Which caused in all a great heart-burning against Hubert. Howbeit, the King was well furnish'd with money and men, which he cau­sed to be transported into Britain, and on the same day in which he set sail from England, himself in person did visit the poor and feeble, dealing large Alms to them, and not refusing to kiss the sick and leprous. But before that the King had opportunity to effect any thing in those parts considerable, the Irish rebelled, constraining him to return, to reduce then in [...]o order. Which when he had done, he advan­ced against the Welsh, whom he also repressed, though not without considerable loss. About this time Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent, was [Page 168] accused by the Bishop of Winchester and others for the committing of many great crimes, and he doubting that he should not have a fair Try­al, retired himself into Essex, whither he was prosecuted by Armed men, and in a Chappel at Burntwood was apprehended; out of which the rude Soldiers hailed him, and sent for a Smith to make Shackles for him; which when the Smith understood that they were for him, fetching a deep sigh, he said, Do with me what you please, and God have mercy on my soul; but as sure as the Lord lives, I will never make Iron-Shackles for him, but will rather dye the worst death that is. For is not this the most Loyal, and Courageous Hubert, who so often hath preserved England from being destroyed by stran­gers, and restored England to England? Let God be judge between him and you, for using him so unjustly and inhumanely, requiting his most excel­lent deserts, with the worst recompence that can be. Notwithstanding all this, Sir Godfrey de Crancomb who commanded the party, bound the Earl, and conveyed him to the Tower of London, where he had not long been, ere the Bishop of London procured his liberty, though shortly after he was again imprisoned. In his place the King elected for his Councellor and Confident, Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Win­chester, who displaced the English Officers, and in their Rooms placed Poictovins and Britons, stuffing the Kings Castles with them, intrusting as it were the treasures, strength and Realm it self in their hands, to the great discontent of the English Peers. Who now confederated [Page 169] against the strangers, and refused upon the Kings summons to appear in Parliament; send­ing this impudent Message to their Soveraign, That if out of hand he removed not the Bishop of Winchester, and strangers out of his Court, they all of them, by the common consent of the Kingdom, would drive him and his wicked Counsellors out of it, and would consult about creating of a new King. Whereupon the King (animated by Winchester) commanded the Earl-Marshal, with all others whom he suspected, to appear at Glocester, where the King was with an Army: Which they refusing to do, the King burnt their Mannors, and gave away their In­heritances to the Poictovins. The Earl-Marshal he contracts strict amity with Leweylyn Prince of Wales, and made great spoil on the possessi­ons of the Kings reputed Seducers. Shrewsbury he sackt and burnt. Gilbert Lord Basset, the Earls great Confederate, set fire on Alkmund­bury, not far from Huntingdon. But the Earl-Marshal having crossed the seas into Ireland, there to recover his Lands taken from him by the fraud of the Bishop of Winchester, was there wounded to death; for whose loss the King, to the wonder of all that saw it, broke forth into tears, affirming, That he had left no Peer about him in the Kingdom. And now the Bishop of Winchester, hated of the people, was command­ed by the King not to meddle any farther in State-matters. And against Peter Rivallis Lord Treasurer, the King was so in raged, that he sware he would pluck out his eyes, were it not for reverence of holy Orders. And by the [Page 170] workings of the Bishops, an accord was effect­ed betwixt the King and his Peers, and the Poi­ctovins were commanded to depart the Realm. Howbeit the Land was not yet eased of its Op­pressors and Oppressions; for the Pope sent o­ver into England three hundred Romans, requi­ring to have the first Benefice that should be­come vacant, to be bestowed on them; requi­ring also great sums of money of the Clergy for maintenance of the Pope's Wars against the Emperor: Which though the Clergy at first opposed, yet were forced to yeild unto it at the last. The Pope himself had a mind to have come hither in his own person, but the King's Councel liked not thereof; alledging, that the Romans Rapines and Simonies had e­nough stained England's purity, though the Pope himself came not personally to spoil and prey upon the Wealth of the Church.

About the year 1240, Richard Earl of Corn­wall, the King's Brother, with the Earls of Pem­broke, Chester, Lincoln, Salisbury, and many o­ther honourable persons, departed for the Holy Land; and in A. D. 1242, the King passed the Seas to recover Poictou, but effected not any thing remarkable, though he expended great store of Treasure. Upon his return into Eng­land he was therefore compelled to be burthen­some to his subjects for recruiting of his ex­hausted Treasure, as well by the levy of Escu­age, as of Loan and otherwise. The Jews in especial manner were made sensible of his wants. Too much of their money, thus rais'd, 'tis said he expended in Entertainments and [Page 171] Shows; though afterward the King reflecting on his former profuseness in gifts and entertain­ments, he shortned the allowances of his hous­hold and entertainments, without any regard to Majesty. And to spare his own charge the more, he invited himself now to this mans house, now to that; but no-where contenting himself with his welcome, unless himself and his Queen, Son Edward, yea, and chief Favou­rites, were presented with costly Gifts. 'Tis said that he was sometime reduced to that penu­ry, that he was forced to live upon the Alms of the Church. This King designed, at least pretended, to go for the Holy Land; when the Parliament granted him large Aids upon this condition, That at this time once for all, he should submit himself to govern by Law, to confirm the Charters of Liberties, or Magna Charta: Against the breakers whereof, a most solemn curse was pronounced. The King swearing to keep all Liberties, upon pain of that execratory sentence, As he was a man, a Christian, a Knight, and a King anointed and crowned. Yet, notwithstanding the Oath and the Curse, the King two or three years after caused the Tenth of all England and Ireland to be collected for his own use and the Popes, the Pope having given the Kingdom of Sicily to his Son Edmond; but the English subjects were first to win it for him. Which the Nobles peremp­torily denied the attempting, there being occa­sion enough for money and men at home, the Welsh having risen in rebellion. Against whom Prince Edward was sent; who, though he [Page 172] wanted not for Courage, St. Edmund of Abing­ [...]n, A. B. Ca [...]t. yet in one field lost 2000 English men, and was beaten out of the field.

In A.D. 1257, was Richard Earl of Corn­wall, the King's Brother, elected King of Ro­mans, and was crowned at Aquisgrane, having paid a large sum of money for the honour. At this time the Earl was reputed to possess so much ready Coin, as would every day for ten years afford him an hundred Marks upon the main stock, besides his Rents and Revenues in Ger­many, and the English Dominions.

And now the King relapsed into his profuse­ness, and favouring of the Poictovins, and o­ther forreigners: The Nobles hereupon came exquisitely armed to the Parliament holden at Oxford, with a resolution to inforce the King and his Aliens to their proposals; Which were, That the King should unfeignedly keep the Charter of Liberties: That such an one should be in place of Justitiar, who would judg all im­partially. That the Forreigners should be ex­pelled the Realm: And that twenty-four per­sons should there be chosen to have the sole ad­ministration of King and State; and yearly ap­pointing of all great Officers. Reserving to the King the Ceremonies of Honour. Binding themselves by Oath to see these things perfor­med; and the King and Prince swearing to ob­serve the ordination of these disloyal Barons, who had by an Edict given out high menacings against all that should resist. The Poictovins were so terrified by these violent proceedings, that they fled into France. The giddy people [Page 173] they joined with the Barons as the Assertors of their Liberties: Boniface, A. B. Cant the Londoners bound them­selves under their publick Seal to assist them in the common Cause: Richard King of Romans the Barons would not suffer to come into Eng­land, but in a private manner, with a very small train; and being landed, they exacted an Oath of him; and upon pain of forfeiting all his Lands in England, bound him to join with them in reforming the State, which they factiously had assumed to do, having appointed Four Knights Commissioners in every shire, to en­quire of all Oppressions, and to certifie the same to them. And the better to strengthen their Cause, Simon Montford Earl of Leicester, Head of the Factionists, with others, passed in­to France, there to transact with the King thereof, as to an indissoluble League. About which time King Henry, for want of Money, or good Counsel, or both, was induced upon no very good terms, for ever to renounce to the King of France all his right to Normandy, Anjou, Tourain, Main, and Poictou. But the fire which had been long in blowing, did now break out into a flame; the King and his Barons ta­king arms against each other. Simon de Mont­ford executes his greatest revenge on the Queens friends, who were aliens; not sparing the King's, who were free-born English-men: Yet at length mutual weariness inclines Henry and his Barons to a peace; and the King is willing that the Statutes of Oxford should be in force; but the Queen was unwilling: Which being known to the Londoners, it put the baser [Page 174] sort into so leud a rage, that she being to shoot the Bridg from the Tower towards Windsor, where Prince Edward was ingarison'd, they with dirt and stones, and villanous words, for­ced her back to the Tower. Howbeit at Lon­don in a Parliament there held, matters were pieced up, though shortly after all was rent again, both sides making fresh preparations for War. King Henry drew towards Oxford, where the rendezvous of his friends and forces was ap­pointed; from which University he dismissed all the Students, being above fifteen thousand, of those only whose names were entred into the Matriculation-book. Whereupon many of them went to the Barons to Northamptor, whither Henry came, and breaking in at the Town-Walls, encountred his Enemies, amongst whom these Students of Oxford had a Banner by themselves, advanced right against the King, and did more annoy him in the fight, than the rest of the Barons Forces: Which the King (who at length prevailed) vowed sharply to revenge; but was disswaded by his Councellors, who told him that those Students were the sons and kindred of the great men of the Land, whom if he punished, even the Nobles that now stood for him, would take arms against him.

The King, encouraged by this success, advan­ceth his Royal Standard toward Nottingham, burning and wasting the Barons Lands where­soever he came. The Barons they sent Let­ters to him, protesting their loyal observance to his person, but all hostility to their enemies [Page 175] who were about him. Rob. Kil­warby. A B. Cant, To which the King re­turned them a full defiance, as to Traytors, professing that he took the wrong of his friends as his own, and their enemies as his. At length the two Armies met, and ingaged in fight, wherein Prince Edward bravely behaved himself, putting the Londoners to flight, pursu­ing them for four miles; but in the mean while, his Father having his horse slain under him, yielded himself prisoner: the King of Romans, and other great Peers were taken, and the whole hope of the day lost on the Kings side. On the next day peace was concluded for the present on condition, That Prince Edward and Henry the King of Romans Son, should also render themselves into the Barons hands. And now by this advantage the factious Lords, gained all the chief Castles of the Kingdom into their power, Montford carrying his Soveraign as his prisoner about the Country (yet with all outward respect and honour) the rather to procure a more quiet surrender of Garrisons. So fortunate may Treason and Re­bellion for a time be, though in the end it commonly speeds as it deserves. To tame these Rebels the Pope sends his Cardinal Legate to Excommunicate them, but they trusting to the temporal sword, made light of the spiri­tual. Howbeit, to the Kings great advantage there hapned so irreconcileable a difference betwixt the two great Earls of Leicester, and Glocester, that the latter forsook the Barons cause, and joyned himself with Roger de Mor­timer, and his associates, to whom not long [Page 176] after Earl Warren, and William de Valence Earl of Pembroke, with other Peers united them­selves, and Prince Edward escaping came in safety to them; the Counties of Hereford, Wor­cester, Salop and Chester coming in to their assistance. When the Prince having a consider­able strength marched against Montford, who hearing of the Princes advance, encamped at Evesham, where Prince Edward inclosed him, compelling him either to fight or yield. The first of which he elected, both Armies joyning battle before the Town of Evesham, where the Earls host was with much slaughter, especially of the Welsh, utterly in the end distressed and discomfited. Symon de Montford being slain in fight, had his head, hands and feet chopt off. The King who had been brought a prisoner into the field, by his friends valour and good hap, was restored to his Liberty. And he pre­sently after this cruel battel called a Parlia­ment at Winchester, by whose approbation he seized into his hands the Charters of London, and other disloyal Towns, disinherited such as were on the Earls side, distributing their estates amongst his well-deserving Subjects. The Le­gate Cardinal Ottabon excommunicated the Bi­shops of London, Winchester, Worcester, and Chichester, for their adhering unto the Earl. And now all things being calm in England, Prince Edward, with many of the Nobles, took the Cross upon them for the Holy-Land. And the King to secure the Nations peace, held a Parliament at Marleborough, where the statutes of Marleborough were enacted. But King Henry [Page 177] having been at Norwich, to punish the Citizens outrage in burning the Priory Church, he, in his return, fell grievously sick at the Abby of St. Edmond in Suffolk, and there died, in A. D. 1272. Whose issue was Edward, Edmond Sir­named Crouchback, Richard, John, William, Henry, Margaret, Beatrice and Katherine. This King laid the first stone, of the new work of the Abby-Church at Westminster. He founded the house of Converts, where such as forsook the Jewish Religion had provisions for mainte­nance. He also erected and endowed a famous Hospital at Oxford, both for the entertainment of Forreigners and Pilgrims, and for relief of such as were diseased. He was so disposed to performing acts of charity, made Leoline Prince of Wales (Montfords confederate) when he was threatned hardly if he would not live at peace, to answer thus, I more fear the Alms deeds of the King, than all the men of war which he hath and his Clergy to boot. King Henry, because Thomas de la Linde killed a white Hart in Blackmore Forest which he much fancied, set a perpetual fine upon the land, which at this day is called White-H [...]-Silver.

In the 17. year of his reign four mock Suns were seen from morning till evening, after which followed so great a Dearth, that people were forced to eat horse-flesh, and barks of Trees, and in London twenty thousand were famished. A, D. 1241. Certain Jews of Nor­wich were hanged for circumcising a Christian Child, and their house called the Thor was de­stroyed▪ A Scholler of Oxford who attempted [Page 178] to kill the King in his chamber at Woodstock, was pulled in pieces by wild Horses. Now arose in England a most monstrous impostor, who pretended himself to be Christ, procuring himself to be wounded in the hands, feet, and side, thinking thereby the more easily to delude the people; his punishment was immuring be­tween two walls, together with an old hag, pretending her self to be the Virgin Mary, there to pine to death.

In this Kings reign flourished in England, the Irrefragable Doctor Alexander de Hales, who was School-Master to the Angelic Dr. Thomas Aquinas. Now also lived Robert Grosthead Bishop of Lincoln called Romanorum Malleus, who writ boldly against the Pope, reproving his arro­gant (to call them no worse) practises.

At Sorbiodunum, or Salisbury, Richard Poor then Bishop of Sarum, built that stately Church, which hath in it as many windows as are days in the year, as many marble-pillars as hours, as many doors as months.

Magna Charta containing the Sum of all the written Laws of England, was ordained in the ninth year of Henry the third.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • William Hardel was Mayor.
  • John Travers, Andrew Newland, Sheriffs.

[Page 179]In his second Year,

  • Robert Serl was Mayor.
  • Thomas Bokerell, Ralph Holyland, Sheriffs.

In his third Year,

  • Robert Serl continued Mayor.
  • Benet Senturer, William Blundivers, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Robert Serl continued Mayor.
  • John Wail, or Veil, Josue le Spicer, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Robert Serl continued Mayor.
  • Richard Wimbledon, John Wail or Veil, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Robert Serl continued Mayor.
  • Richard Renger, John Veil, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Robert Serl continued Mayor.
  • Richard Joyner, Thomas Lambert, Sheriffs.

In his eight Year,

  • Richard Renger was Mayor.
  • William Joyner, Thomas Lambert, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Richard Renger continued Mayor.
  • John Trevers, Andrew Bokerill, Sheriffs.

In his Tenth Year,

  • Richard Renger continued Mayor.
  • John Trevers, Andrew Bokerill, Sheriffs.

In his Eleventh Year,

  • Richard Renger continued Mayor.
  • Roger Duke, Martin Fitz-Williams, Sheriffs.

In his Twelfth Year,

  • Roger Duke was Mayor.
  • [Page 180] Stephen Bokerell, Henry Cocham, Sheriffs.

In his Thirteenth year,

  • Roger Duke continued Mayor.
  • Stephen Bokerell, Henry Cocham, Sheriffs.

In his Fourteenth Year,

  • Roger Duke continued Mayor.
  • William Winchester, Robert Fitz-John, Sheriffs.

In his Fifteenth Year,

  • Roger Duke continued Mayor.
  • Richard Walter, John de Woborn, Sheriffs.

In his Sixteenth Year,

  • Andrew Bokerel was Mayor.
  • Michael of St. Helen, Walter de Enfield, Sheriffs.

In his Seventeenth Year,

  • Andrew Bokerel continued Mayor.
  • Henry de Edmonton, Gerard Bat, Sheriffs.

In his Eighteenth Year,

  • Andrew Bokerel continued Mayor.
  • Simon Fitz-Mary, Roger Blunt, Sheriffs.

In his Ninteenth Year,

  • Andrew Bokerel continued Mayor.
  • Ralph Ashwy, John Norman, Sheriffs.

In his Twentieth Year,

  • Andrew Bokerel continued Mayor.
  • Gerard Bat, Richard or Robert Hardel, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty first Year,

  • Andrew Bokerel continued Mayor.
  • Henry Cobham, Jordan Coventry, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty second Year,

  • Andrew Bokerel continued Mayor.
  • John Tolason, Gervais the Cordwainer, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty third Year,

  • [Page 181] Richard Renger was Mayor.
  • John Codras, John Whilhall, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty fourth Year,

  • William Joyner was Mayor.
  • Raymond Bongy, Ralph Ashwy, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty fifth Year,

  • Gerard Bat was Mayor.
  • John Gisors, Michael Tony, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty sixth Year,

  • Reymond Bongy was Mayor.
  • Thomas Duresm, John Voyl, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty seventh Year,

  • Reymond Bongy continued Mayor.
  • John Fitz-John, Ralph Ashwy, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty eighth Year,

  • Ralph Ashwy was Mayor.
  • Hugh Blunt, Adam Basing, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty ninth Year,

  • Michael Tony was Mayor.
  • Ralph Foster, Nicholas Bat, Sheriffs.

In his Thirtieth Year,

  • John Gisors was Mayor.
  • Robert Cornhill, Adam of Bewley, Sheriffs.

In his Thirty first Year,

  • John Gisors continued Mayor.
  • Simon Fitz-Mary, Lawrence Frowick, Sheriffs.

In his thirty second Year,

  • Peter Fitz-Alwin was Mayor.
  • John Voil, Nicholas Bat, Sheriffs.

In his thirty third Year,

  • Michael Tony was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Fitz-Josue, Geoffry VVinchester, Sheriffs.

[Page 182]In his thirty fourth Year,

  • Roger Fitz-Roger was Mayor.
  • Richard Hardel, John Tolason, Sheriffs.

In his thirty fifth Year,

  • John Gisors was Mayor.
  • Humfrey Bat, VVilliam Fitz-Richard, Sheriffs.

In his thirty sixth Year,

  • Adam Basing was Mayor.
  • Lawrence Frowick, Nicholas Bat, Sheriffs,

In his thirty seventh Year,

  • John Tolason was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Durham, Thomas VVimbourn, Sheriffs.

In his thirty eighth Year,

  • Richard Hardel was Mayor.
  • John Northampton, Richard Pichard, Sheriffs,

In his thirty ninth Year,

  • Richard Hardel continued Mayor.
  • Ralph Ashwy, Robert of Limon, Sheriffs.

In his fortieth Year,

  • Richard Hardel continued Mayor.
  • Stephen Doe, Henry VValmond, Sheriffs.

In his forty first Year,

  • Richard Hardel continued Mayor.
  • Michael Bokerel, John the Minor, Sheriffs.

In his forty second Year,

  • Richard Hardel continued Mayor.
  • Richard Otwel, VVilliam Ashwy, Sheriffs.

In his forty third Year,

  • Richard Hardel continued Mayor.
  • Robert Cornhil, John Adrian, Sheriffs.

In his forty fourth Year,

  • John Gisors was Mayor▪
  • [Page 183] John Adrian, Robert Cornhil, Sheriffs.

In his forty fifth Year,

  • VVilliam Fitz-Richard was Mayor.
  • Adam Browning, Henry Coventry, Sheriffs.

In his forty sixth Year,

  • VVilliam Fitz-Richard continued Mayor.
  • John Northampton, Richard Pichard, Sheriffs.

In his forty seventh Year,

  • Thomas Fitz-Richard was Mayor.
  • John Taylor, Richard VValbroke, Sheriffs.

In his forty eighth Year.

  • Thomas Fitz-Richard continued Mayor.
  • Robert de Mountpeter, Osbert de Suffolk, Sheriffs.

Yet Fabian saith, that from this 48. Year to the end of his Reign, there were no Mayors of London, but only Guardians of the City.

In his forty ninth Year,

  • Thomas Fitz-Thomas Fitz-Richard was Mayor.
  • George Rokesley, Thomas de Detford, Sheriffs.

In his fiftieth Year,

  • Thomas Fitz-Thomas Fitz-Richard, continued Mayor.
  • Edward Blunt, Peter Anger, Sheriffs.

In his fifty first Year,

  • VVilliam Richards was Mayor.
  • John Hind, John VValraven, Sheriffs.

In his fifty second Year,

  • Alen de la Souch was Mayor.
  • John Adrian, Lucas de Batencourt, Sheriffs.

In his fifty third Year,

  • T, VVimbourn, Custos, Sir Stephen Edward.
  • [Page 184] VValter Harvey, VVilliam Duresme, Sheriffs.

In his fifty fourth Year,

  • Hugh Fitz-Ottonis, Custos of London, and Con­stable of the Tower.
  • Thomas Basing, Robert Cornhil, Sheriffs.

To this time the Mayor and Sheriffs had been chosen, but now the King grants the choice of them to the City it self.

In the fifty fifth Year.

  • John Adrian was Mayor.
  • VValter Potter, Philip Taylor, Sheriffs.

In his fifty sixth Year,

  • John Adrian continued Mayor.
  • Gregory Rochesly, Henry VValleis, Sheriffs.

In his fifty seventh Year,

  • Sir VValter Harvey was Mayor.
  • Richard Harris, John de VVodeley, Sheriffs.

EDWARD I.

EDWARD sirnamed Long-shanks at his Father Henrys death, A.D. 1272 was imployed in the holy Wars, wherein he so excellently behaved himself, that he gained the repute of a most valiant Souldier. At Acon an assasinate wound­ed him with a poysoned knife, which wounds his Queen Eleanor daily licked with her Tongue, till therewith the poyson was extracted and the wounds healed; her self receiving no harm thereby. When the news of his Fathers death came to his ears, he grieved much more, than for the death of his Son, who died a little be­fore, saying to the King of Sicily who wondred thereat, that the loss of Sons is but light, be­cause they are multiplied every day, but the death of Parents is irremediable, because they can never be had again. At his arrival in Eng­land he was most joyfully welcomed, and with his dearest Eleanor was Crowned at Westminster, by Robert Kilwarby Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. When for the more royal celebration of the Coronation-feast of so Martial a Prince, there were five hundred great horses let loose, every one to take them for his own, who could. The first matter of remark done by King Ed­ward, after his Coronation, was the subduing of Wales, whose Prince Lewelin, the last Prince of Britains blood, had refused to do him ho­mage; but being slain his head crowned with [Page 186] Ivie, was set upon the Tower of London. In his stead the King created his own son Edward, born at Caernarvon, Prince of Wales. And now Wales being setled in quiet, the King re­paired into France, where he sate in person with the French King in his Parliament at Paris, as a Peer of that Realm, in respect of such lands as he held in those parts, and being re­turned into England he addressed himself to purge his state from the Oppressions under which it groaned. Fifteen thousand of the extorting Jews he banished out of the Land, confiscating their goods. His corrupt Justiciars he displaced and fined, and constrained all his Justices to swear that from that time, they would take no Fee, Pension, or Gift, of any man, except only a breakfast or like present. He also appointed that Justices, Itinerants, should go their several circuits at such certain times of the year. And now the Crown of Scotland by the death of Alexander the third, being destitute of any apparent Heir, by the umpirage of King Edward it was setled on the head of John Baliol, who did homage to Ed­ward (against the minds of the Scots) for the whole Kingdom of Scotland. But shortly after Baliol to regain the affections of his people, combined with the French against the English, wherefore the King advanced against the Scots with a puissant Army, drove the Scots out of the North-parts of England, where they had done much mischief, took Berwick Town and Castle, had Dunbar yielded to him, and after a cruel fight, obtained a victory of great im­portance, [Page 187] took the Castle of Roxbrow, John Peck­ham. A.B. Cant. had Edenbrough rendred to him, so brought Baliol to sue for mercy, which was granted on con­dition, that the Scots should submit to him as their Soveraign. And accordingly the Nobles of Scotland, at a Parliament holden at Berwick, did swear to be true Subjects to Edward for ever after, and hereof a solemn Instrument was there sealed by them. John the late King was sent to the Tower of London, and the custody of Scotland was committed to John de Warren Earl of Surrey and Sussex. Out of Eden­brough Edward took the Crown, Scepter and Cloth of State. Burnt their Records, abrogated their Laws, altered the forms of their Divine service, transplanted their learnedst men unto Oxford. The Marble-chair in the Abby of Schone, wherein the Kings of Scotland were wont to be Crowned, he sent unto Westminster. This is the Chair upon which was ingraven the Famous prophetical Distich.

Ni fallat fatum, Scoti quocunque locatum
Invenient lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem.

That the Scots should reign, wheresoever that chair should be, verified in King James. But King Edward drawn beyond the Seas, by occasion of wars in Gascoign, and for aid of friends in Flanders, one William Walleys Cap­tain of the discontented Scots, put Earl Warren to flight in Scotland, and all the English forces that were with him, taking them at an advan­tage as they were passing over a narrow-bridge [Page 188] near Striveling, where the slaughter of the English was not small. Hugh de Cressingham Treasurer of Scotland, for King Edward was there slain, whose dead body the Scots did fley, dividing his skin amongst them. But King Ed­ward being returned into England, he summon­ed a Parliament to York, giving the Scots a day to appear at it, which they not doing, nor acknowledging that they ought so to do, he entred Scotland with a mighty Army, where when he was near the enemy, as he was put­ting his foot into the stirrup, his horse being affrighted with the sudden shout of the Scotch Army, threw him down, and striking with his heels broke two of the Kings ribs, who never­theless proceeded to battle. Captain Wallis en­couraged his men with this short speech, I have brought you to the King, hop gif ye kun. In this battle, fought at a place called Fawkirk, and English slew of the Scots 70. thousand. After which victory King Edward took sundry places in Scotland, then returned into England, where in Parliament holden at London, and Stamford, he confirmed Magna Charta, and Charta de Foresta, and yielded that there should be no Subsidy, or Taxation levied upon the people; without consent of the Prelates, Peers and people. And for the more ample satis­faction of some then discontented, he left out this Clause in the end of his Grants, Salvo jure Coronae nostrae, Saving the right of our Crown; upon the Popes request he set John late King of Scotland at liberty, who departed into France. And then the King made it his [Page 189] whole affair to finish the annexation of Scotland to the Crown of England, to which end, Rob. Win­chelsey. A. B. Cant. he passed with a dreadful Army into Scotland, where the Scots not being able to withstand him by force of Arms, they procured inhi­bitory Letters from the Pope; but these the King set light by, swearing per sanguinem Dei, that he would not desist. And when the Scots threatned that if he would not desist his hosti­lity, the Pope would take the matter upon him, the King with a disdainful smile answer­ed; Have ye done homage to me as to the chief Lord of the Kingdom of Scotland, and do ye now suppose that I can be terrified with threatning lies, as if (like one that had no power to compel) I would let the right which I have to go out of my hand? Let me hear no more of this, for if I do, I swear by the Lord, I will consume all Scotland from Sea to Sea. To which the Scots replyed, that in defence of Justice, and their Countrys rights, they would shed their blood. Howbeit that the King might not seem altogether to neglect the Court of Rome, he sent the Earl of Lincoln thither in justification of his proceedings, and at the instance of the Pope, he granted Truce to the Scots from All-Saints to Whitsuntide. But the Pope not long satisfied with this, directly op­posed the King in his martial proceeds against that Nation, wherefore the King in a Parlia­ment holden at Lincoln, by the consent of the whole Representative body of the Realm, re­turned a copious defence of his whole pro­ceedings, with protestations first, That he did [Page 190] not exhibite any thing as in form of judgment or tryal of his Cause, Gualter Renold. A. B. Cant. but for satisfaction of his holy Fatherhoods conscience, and not other­wise. And because the Pope required that the King should stand to his decision for matter of Claim, the Earls and Peers (to whom the King wholly referred it) with one mind directly signified, That their King was not to answer in judgment for any rights of the Crown of Eng­land, before any Tribunal under Heaven, and that (by sending Deputies, and Atturneys, to such an end) he should not make the said truth doubtful, because it manifestly tended to the disinherison of the said Crown, which with the help of God, they would resolutely and with all their power maintain against all men. To the which they all (being an 100. Peers) subscribed their Names, Dated at Lincoln, 1301.

The Names of those Worthy Pa­triots, who withstood Papal Usurpation.
  • JOhn Earl Warren,
  • Thomas Earl of Lancaster,
  • Ralph de Monthermer Earl of Glocester and Hereford,
  • Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hartford and Essex,
  • Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk,
  • Guy Earl of Warwick,
  • Richard Earl of Arundel,
  • Adomer de Valence Lord of Monterney,
  • Henry de Lancaster Lord of Monmouth,
  • John de Hastings Lord of Bergevenny,
  • [Page 191] Henry de Percy Lord of Topclife,
  • Edmond de Mortymer Lord of Wigmore,
  • Robert Fitz-Walter Lord of Wodham,
  • John de St. John Lord of Hannake,
  • Hugh de Vere Lord of Swanestampe,
  • William de Breuse Lord of Gower,
  • Robert de Monthault Lord of Hawarden,
  • Robert de Tateshall Lord of Wokeham,
  • Reinold de Grey Lord of Ruthin,
  • Henry de Grey Lord of Codnore,
  • Hugh Bardolph Lord of Wormgay,
  • Robert de Clif­ford Chatellaine of Appleby,
  • Peter de Malowe Lord of Mulgreen,
  • Philip Lord of Kime,
  • Robert Fitz-Roger Lord of Claverings,
  • John de Moham Lord of Dunestar,
  • Almerick de St. Amound Lord of Widehay,
  • William de Ferrers Lord of Groby,
  • Alane de Zouch Lord of Ashby,
  • Theobald de Ver­don Lord of Webberley,
  • Thomas de Furnivall Lord of Schefield,
  • Thomas de Multon Lord of Egremont,
  • William Latimer Lord of Torby,
  • Thomas Lord Berkly,
  • Fowlk Fitz-Warren Lord of Mit­ingham,
  • John Lord Segrave,
  • Edmund de Ein­court Lord of Thurgerton,
  • Peter Corbet Lord Caus,
  • William de Cantelow Lord of Ravensthorpe,
  • John de Beauchamp Lord of Hacke,
  • Roger de Mortimer Lord of Pentethlin,
  • John Fitz-Reinold Lord of Blenleveny,
  • Ralph de Nevil Lord of Raby,
  • Brian Fitz-Allane Lord of Bedale,
  • William Marshal Lord of Hengham,
  • Walter Lord Hun­tercombe,
  • William Martin Lord of Cameis,
  • Henry de Thies Lord of Chilton,
  • Roger le Ware Lord of Isefield,
  • John de Rivers Lord of Angre,
  • John de Lancaster Lord of Grisedale,
  • Robert Fitz-Pain Lord of Lainnier,
  • Henry Tregoze Lord of Garinges,
  • Robert Hipard Lord of Lumford,
  • Wal­ter Lord Faucombridge,
  • John Strange Lord of Cnokin,
  • [Page 192] Robert Strange Lord of Ellesmere,
  • Thomas de Chances Lord of Norton,
  • Walter de Beau­champ Lord of Alecester,
  • Richard Talbot Lord of Eccleswell,
  • John Butetourt Lord of Mendesham,
  • John Engain Lord of Colum,
  • Hugh de Poinz Lord of Comualet,
  • Adam Lord of Wells,
  • Simon Lord Montacute,
  • John Lord Sulle,
  • John de Melles Lord of Candebury,
  • Edmund Baron Stafford,
  • John Lovell Lord of Hackings,
  • Edmond de Hast­ings Lord of Elchunhonokes,
  • Ralph Fitz-William Lord of Grinthorpe,
  • Robert de Scales Lord of Neusells,
  • William Tuchet Lord of Lewenhales,
  • John Abadan Lord of Deverstone,
  • John de Ha­verings Lord of Grafton,
  • Robert la Ward Lord of White-Hall,
  • Nicholas de Segrave Lord of Stowe,
  • Walter de Tey Lord of Stonegrave,
  • John de Lisle Lord of Wodton,
  • Eustace Lord Hacche,
  • Gilbert Peche Lord of Corby,
  • William Painell Lord of Trachington,
  • Roger de Albo Monasberio,
  • Foulk le Strange Lord of Corsham,
  • Henry de Pinkeny Lord of Wedon,
  • John de Hodeleston Lord of Aners,
  • John de Huntingfield Lord of Bradenham,
  • Hugh Fitz-Henry Lord of Ravenswath,
  • John Daleton Lord of Sporle,
  • Nicholas de Carr. Lord of Mulesford,
  • Thomas Lord de la Roche,
  • Walter de Muncie Lord of Thornton,
  • John Lord of King­stone,
  • Robert Hasting the Father Lord of Che­lessey,
  • Ralph Lord Grendon,
  • William Lord Lei­bourne,
  • John de Greystock Lord of Morpath,
  • Matthew Fitz-John Lord of Stockenham,
  • Nicholas de Nevill Lord of Wherlton,
  • and John de Painell Lord of Ateli.

[Page 193] POPE Boniface the eighth, perceiving these high resolutions, and having enough to do with the King of France, left the Scots to look to themselves as well as they could. Over whom King Edward had appointed the valiant Lord Segrave Custos; but notwithstanding his valour the Scots discomfited him, and took him Prisoner, whom Sr. Robert de Neville re­scued, as also the rest of the prisoners without the loss of one man of his own. When the report of this success of the Scots came to Ed­wards ears, he went in person with a great Army, piercing therewith through all Scotland from Roxbrough to Cathness, being about three hundred miles, not an enemy appearing with power to obstruct him, but all either submit­ting to him, or betaking themselves with their Captain Walleys to the Woods and Mountains. King Edward after he had settled affairs in that Nation to his best conveniency, returned to London, whither not long after, Captain Wal­leyes a Knights son having been betray'd, was brought prisoner, and at Westminster for Trea­son, and other crimes, was tryed, found guilty and adjudged to death, which sentence was executed on him, and his quarters set up in divers parts of Scotland. After this mans death generous Bruce (who attained the Crown of Scotland) headed his Country-men the Scots, but was put to flight by Aymery de Valence, and forced into the utmost Isles of Scotland, where for a while he lived in great distress, till see­ing his time he appeared again in an hostile [Page 194] manner in Scotland, John Stratford. A.B. Cant. doing many things above the opinion of his means. This induced mar­tial King Edward to advance towards Scotland, but in his march he fell sick at Carlisle, where (amongst other things given in charge) he commanded his son Edward, that he should be industrious in carrying on his design against the Scots, and that he should carry his skeleton along with him through the Scotish Nation: For, said the King, whilst thou hast my bones with thee, none shall be able to overcome thee. He likewise commanded the Prince on pain of his Curse, not without common con­sent, to repeal Pierce Gaveston, who for abusing the Princes tender years with wicked vanities, by common decree was banished. He charged the Prince too, That he should send his heart into the Holy-Land, accompanyed with an 140. Knights, and their retinues, for whose support he had provided thirty two thousand pounds of Silver. Lastly He charged him, That upon pain of eternal damnation the said monies should not be expended upon any other uses. This Heroick King dyed of a Dysentery at Burgh upon Sands, A. D. 1307. and was buried at Westminster. His Issue were John, Henry, Alphonse, (who dyed before him) Ed­ward, Thomas, Edmond, and ten Daughters. In remembrance of his first wife Queen Ele­anor, who dyed at Herdeby in Lincoln-shire, he erected Crosses between that and Westminster, in all places where her Hearse rested. 'Tis said, that he built Hull in York-shire, which was afterward beautified with fair buildings [Page 195] by Michael de la Pole Earl of Suffolk. In the eighth year of his Reign, he sent out his Writ Quo Warranto, to examine by what Title men held their Lands, which brought him in much money; till John Earl Warren being called to shew his Title, drew out an old rustie Sword, and said, he held his land by that, and by that would hold it till his death. In a Synod holden at Reading, it was Ordained, That no Ecclesiastical person should have more than one Benefice, to which belonged the Cure of Souls. There was executed at London 297 Jews at one time, for defacing the Kings Coyn.

Now flourished Roger Bacon a Franciscan Friar, an excellent Philosopher and Mathema­tician.

Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir VValter Harvey was Mayor.
  • John Horn, Walter Potter, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Henry VValleys was Mayor.
  • Nicholas VVinchester, Henry Coventry, Sheriffs.

[Page 196]In his third Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley was Mayor.
  • Lucus Battencourt, Henry Frowicke, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley continued Mayor.
  • John Horn, Ralph Blunt, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley continued Mayor.
  • Robert de Arar, Ralph L. Fewre, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley continued Mayor.
  • John Adrian, VValter Langley, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley continued Mayor.
  • Robert Basing, William le Meyre, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley continued Mayor.
  • Thomas Box, Ralph Moore, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley continued Mayor.
  • VVilliam Farendon, Nicholas Winchester, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Henry VValeys was Mayor.
  • VVilliam le Meyre, Richard Chigwel, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year,

  • Henry VValeys continued Mayor.
  • Ralph Blunt, Hawkin Betuel, Sheriffs.

In his Twelfth Year,

  • Henry VValleys continued Mayor.
  • Jordan Goodcheap, Martin Box, Sheriffs.

[Page 197]In his thirteenth Year,

  • Gregory Rokesley was Mayor.
  • Stephen Cornehil, Robert Rokesley, Sheriffs.

In his fourteenth Year.

  • Ralph Sandwich was Mayor.
  • Walter Blunt, John VVade, Sheriffs.

In his fifteenth Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • Thomas Cross, VValter Hawteyne, Sheriffs.

In his sixteenth Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • William Hereford, Thomas Stanes, Sheriffs.

In his seventeenth Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • William Betaine, John of Canterbury, Sheriffs.

In his eighteenth Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • Fulk of St. Edmund, Salomon Langford, Sheriffs.

In his nineteenth Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • Thomas Romain, VVilliam de Lyre, Sheriffs.

In his twentieth Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • Ralph Blunt, Hamond Box, Sheriffs.

In his twenty first Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • Elias Russel, Henry Bole, Sheriffs.

In his twenty second Year,

  • Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • Robert Rokesley, Martin Awbery, Sheriffs.

[Page 198]In his twenty third Year,

  • Sir Ralph Sandwich continued Mayor.
  • Henry Box, Richard Gloucester, Sheriffs.

In his twenty fourth Year,

  • Sir John Briton was Mayor,
  • John Dunstable, Adam de Halingbery, Sheriffs.

In his twenty fifth Year,

  • Sir John Briton continued Mayor.
  • Thomas of Suffolk, Adam of Fulham, Sheriffs.

In his twenty sixth Year,

  • Henry Walleys was Mayor.
  • Richard Refham, Thomas Sely, Sheriffs.

In his twenty seventh Year,

  • Elias Russel was Mayor.
  • John Armentor, Henry Fingene, Sheriffs.

In his twenty eight Year,

  • Elias Russel continued Mayor.
  • Lucas de Havering, Richard Champnes, Sheriffs.

In his twenty ninth Year,

  • Sir John Blunt was Mayor.
  • Robert Collor, Peter de Besenho, Sheriffs.

In his thirtieth Year,

  • Sir John Blunt continued Mayor.
  • Hugh Pourte, Simon Paris, Sheriffs.

In his thirty first Year,

  • Sir John Blunt continued Mayor.
  • William Combmartin, John de Burford, Sheriffs.

In his thirty second Year,

  • Sir John Blunt continued Mayor.
  • Roger Paris, John de Lincoln, Sheriffs.

[Page 199]In the thirty third Year,

  • Sir John Blunt continued Mayor.
  • VVilliam Cawson, Reginald Thunderley, Sheriffs.

In his thirty fourth Year,

  • Sir John Blunt, continued Mayor.
  • Geoffry at the Conduit, Simon Billet, Sheriffs.

EDWARD II.

A.D. 1807. EDWARD called Caernarvon after that he had provided for the affairs of Scotland, and had homage done him by many of the Scotish Lords at Dumfres, he next took (unjust) revenge on Walter Langton Bishop of Chester by Imprisoning him, and seizing all his temporal goods and credits; because that in his Father K. Edward's life-time, the Bishop had gravely reproved him for his misdemeanors, and had complained on Pierce Gavestone, whereon ensu­ed young Edward's Imprisonment, and Gave­ston's banishment. Then he sailed into France, where at Bolein, with wonderful magnificence he was married to young Isabel Daughter of Phi­lip the Fair, and at his return for England, brought back with him his beloved Minion Pierce Gaveston, who was a Gentleman stranger brought up with him▪ Which Gaveston the King suffered now to Lord it over the chief No­bles, to fill the Court with Buffoons and Para­sites, and the like pernicious instruments, to wast the wealth of the Kingdom in revellings and riotous courses, to transport riches into foreign parts, bestowing upon him his own Jewels, and Ancestors treasures, and even the Crown it self of his victorious Father. Not sticking to profess, That if it lay in his power, he should succeed him in the Kingdom, being wholly ruled by him. Therefore to repress [Page 201] Gaveston's exorbitances, the Lords in Parlia­ment procured, (though with no good-will of the Kings) that Gaveston Earl of Cornwall should be perpetually banished, they gratify­ing the King with a subsidy of the 20th part of the Subjects goods. Howbeit shortly after, the King contrary to his Oath made unto the Parliament, called Earl Gaveston home out the Ireland, himself meeting him at Flint-Castle, and then bestowing on him to Wife Joan of Acres Countess of Glocester, resolving for this leud mans sake, to put Crown, Life and all in hazard. And now the insolent Earl strives to outgo himself in his former courses, consuming the Kings treasures and means, so that there was not sufficient left for the necessities of the Court; and drawing the King into such de­baucheries, that the Queen conceived her self injured thereby, as well as the Nobles. Where­upon Gaveston is a third time forced out of the Realm, into which he again returned the fol­lowing Christmas, when the King welcomed him as an Angel from Heaven, and forthwith advanced him to be principal Secretary. But the Lords, as well Ecclesiastical as Temporal, resolved by force of Arms utterly to extirpate him, chusing for their Leader in this design Thomas Earl of Lancaster. And at Datkington this infamous Earl Gaveston was surprized by Guy Earl of Warwick, who conveyed him to Warwick-Castle and in a place called Black­low (afterward Gaveshead) caused his head to be cut off, as a subverter of the Laws, and an open Traytor to the Kingdom. Which act [Page 202] caused a lasting hatred in the King to his Nobles, John Offord A.B. Cant. though for the present the Kings displea­sure was allayed by the mediation of the Pre­lates, and especially of Gilbert Earl of Gloce­ster, who stood neutral. But whilst the Eng­lish King minded only his pleasure, undaunted Bruce (now the received King of Scotland) industriously prosecuted his design, for setting his Country at liberty from the English, dri­ving them out of most places of his Realm, and making great spoil in Northumberland. Which awakning K. Edward, he marched with a very great Army against him, though many of the Nobles refused to attend him in this service, because he delayed to ratifie their de­sired Liberties, and provisions for better Go­vernment; so often consented unto by himself. At Bannocksbourn the English and Scotch Armies came in sight each of other, when the enemy left nothing undone that might be for their ad­vantage, digging before their Battalions certain trenches, wherein they stu [...]k sharp Stakes, co­vering them with Hurdles, which miserably af­flicted the English Cavalry falling into them at unawares, thereby procuring to the Scots the greatest victory that ever they had over the English. In this fight K. Edward did gallantly behave himself; nor would he fly, till by the importunity of friends he was thereunto for­ced, for his preservation. Now was slain the Earl of Glocester, the Lord Clifford, with o­ther Lords, and about 700 Knights, Esquires, and m [...]n of Armories; Humphry de Bohun was taken Prisoner, and a great booty the Scots [Page 203] gained; for the English in this expedition had adorned themselves as for a triumph, with all sorts of riches, gold, silver, and the like, in a kind of wanton manner, corresponding to the Prince they followed. In those times, the Scots made such-like scoffing Rhimes as this on the English,

Long Beards heartless, painted Hoods witless,
Gay Coats graceless. makes England thriftless.

This Conquest incouraged the Scots to make inroads into the English Northern Counties where they made great spoil, some of the dis­loyal Englishmen joyning with them. The King nevertheless could not forget his Gaveston, whose body with great pomp he caused to be transferred from Oxford to Kings-Langley in Hartfordshire, himself in person honouring the Exequies▪ Then in Pierce Gavestons place the King advanced into his favour the two Spen­cers▪ Father and Son, whose intolerable inso­lencies and oppressions seemed to exceed those of Gavestons; against whom the Barons did swell with such impatience, that not content with the wast of their Lands, by threats of ci­vil War they procured their Banishment. The Queen who hitherto had been a Mediatrix be­twixt the King and his Lords, having received the denyal of one nights lodging at the Castle of [...]eeds in Kent, which belonged to one of the Barons, whom she perceived to take too much upon them, now turned her Spleen a­gainst them, incensing the King her Husband [Page 204] against them so highly, that King Edward resol­ved to dye in the quarrel, or to bring the facti­ous Lords into a more becoming carriage to­wards him. The judgment given against the Spencers, he procured to be reversed. Some of the Delinquent Lords render'd themselves to the King; others of them were apprehended; amongst whom were the two Roger Mortimers, Father and Son, who were committed to the Tower. Howbeit the Earl of Lancaster in the North, resolved with what forces he could pro­cure, to fight for his security; against whom the King marched, and at Burrowbridg encoun­tred him; where Humphrey de Bohun was slain with a spear from under the bridg; and the Earl of Lancaster, with other principal men, Barons and Knights, to the number of above ninety, were taken by Andrew de Herckly Cap­tain of Carlisle, afterward created Earl of that place. The Earl of Lancaster a few days after was beheaded at Pontfract, the Barons and Knights were drawn, hang'd and quarter'd. The Lord Badlesmere, who refused to let the Queen lodg at Leeds, was executed at Canter­bury. Never did English earth at one time drink so much blood of her Nobles, as at this time in so vile a manner shed. One Earl and Fourteen Lords suffering death, most of them by the halter. But that this Tragedy of the Lords was exploited by others, and not by the Kings free inclinations, appears; for that when some of the Courtiers and Favourites pleaded for the life of one of a mean Family condemned for being engaged in the Rebellion, the King fiercely an­swered, [Page 205] A plague upon you for cursed whisperers, malicious backbiters, wicked Councellors; intreat you so for the life of a most notorious Knave, who would not speak one word for the life of my most near Kinsman, that most noble Knight Earl Thomas? By the soul of God, this fellow shall dye the death he hath deserved. In A. D. 1322. King Edward marched with a mighty Host into Scotland, from whence for want of Victuals he was for­ced in a short time after to return, without the honour of any atchievement, the Scots also fol­lowing him at the heels, and so suddenly assail­ing him, that he was forced to leave his Trea­sure and Furniture for pillage to them. But by reason of the Interdict which the Pope had put the Scots under in favour of the English, a truce was made betwixt the two Nations for thirteen years. Which being confirmed, Edward took his progress through the Counties of York and Lancaster, and Marches of VVales, from whence the late seditions had their nourishments; there punishing many severely. Amongst the rest, he caused Andrew de Herkly to be degraded, hang'd, drawn and quarter'd, for trayterously taking part with the Scots. Whilst these things were acting, young Roger Mortimer having corrupt­ed his Keepers, or potion'd them with a sleepy drink, escaped out of the Tower, getting over into France. The Spencers, Father and Son, one created Earl of VVinchester, the other of Gloce­ster, behaved themselves exceeding lordly, even to the Queen her self, whose maintenance they abridg'd to advance their own wealth. Many Nobles that had been engaged in the Barons [Page 206] quarrel, they put to such excessive rates for pur­chasing the Kings favour again, that utterly im­poverish'd them. Adam Bishop of Hereford, and Henry Bishop of Lincoln, for the same cause they deprived of all their temporalties. But the Queen and discontented Nobles resolve to clear themselves of the Spencers; to which end the Queen procured aids out of Henalt and Germany, and uniting them with the Barons forces, mar­ched against the King, who found but few friends, because of the mortal hatred that the people generally did bear to the Spencers. The Queen lying with her Army at Oxford, caused the whole University to be called together: When in the presence of the Queen, Prince, Roger Mortimer, and other Nobles, the Bishop of Hereford preached to them from that Text, 2 King. 4.19, My head, my head aketh: Deliver­ing to them the reasons of the Queens com­ing with her Army; concluding that an aking and sick Head of a Kingdom was to be taken off, and not to be tampered with by any other Phy­sick. The Londoners stood high for the Queen and Barons, cutting off the Bishop of Excesters head, whom the Queen had left Guardian of London. The Tower they gained into their pos­session, proclaimed John of Eltham Custos of the City and whole Land, set at liberty all pri­soners. The Queen did the like throughout all the Realm; by her order also all banished men were revoked, whereby no small encrease was brought to the Barons Forces. From Oxford the Queen marched to Bristol, which she besieged and took, and therein Hugh Spencer the elder, [Page 207] whom she caused without any form of trial to be cut up alive, and quarter'd, having been first at the clamours of the common people drawn and hang'd in his proper Armories. The un­fortunate King being now forsaken of almost all his English subjects, after much wandering, intrusted himself with the VVelsh (who still lo­ved him) lying hid in the Abby of Neath, till at length after much search he was found out, and with him young le Spencer, Robert Baldock Chancellor, and Simon de Reading, were taken. King Edward was conveyed to Kenelworth Ca­stle, the Lords to Hereford, where the Queen lay with her Host. Spencer and Simon de Reading were condemned to death by VVilliam Trussel, and were both ignominiously hanged. The di­stressed King being now shut up in prison, and without hopes of any redemption, after he had been much solicited, at last yeilded to resign the Crown to his Son Edward; which being grant­ed by the King, the Lords forthwith proceed to the short Ceremonies of his Resignation, chiefly consisting in the surrender of his Crown and Ensigns of Majesty to the use of his Son Prince Edward. Sir VVilliam Trussel thereupon in the behalf of the whole Realm, renounced all ho­mage and allegiance to the Lord Edward of Caernarvon late King, in these words; I William Trussel, in the name of all men of the Land of England, and of all the Parliament Procurator, re­sign to thee Edward the Homage that was made to thee sometime; and from this time forward I defie thee, and deprive thee of all Power-Royal; and I shall never be tendant on thee after this time, A.D. 1327.

[Page 208]His Issue were, Edward, John of Eltham, Joan and Eleanor.

In the fourth year of this Kings Reign, a Ba­ker named John of Stratford, for making bread lesser than the assize, was with a fools-hood, and loaves of bread about his neck, drawn on a Hurdle through the streets of London.

So terrible a famine was in England, that upon St. Lawrence Eve, there was scarce bread to be got for sustentation of the Kings household, so great a mortality likewise accompanying this dearth, that the living were scarce suffi­cient to bury the dead. In the time of scarcity the King set forth an Order, That Wheat should be sold in the Market at eleven shillings the Quarter, a fat Ox stalled or Corn-fed at 24. Shillings, a fat Hog of two years old at three Shillings four pence, a fat Hen for a peny, and 24 Eggs for a peny; but victualls thereby became so scarce in the Markets, that this Order was revoked, and the people left to sell as they could.

Mertons Colledge in Oxford brought forth in this Kings, and his son Edwards reign those four Lights of Learning, namely, Jahn Duns called Scotus the Subtil, who in a fit of the Apoplexy, 'tis said, was buryed alive; Bradwardina the profound; Ocham the Invincible, and Burlie the Perspicuous. And as some say, Baconthorp the Resolute was of the same Colledge.

Now was the Knights-Templars Order uni­versally extinguished.

Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir John Blunt continued Mayor.
  • Nicholas Pigot, Nigellus Drury, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Nicholas Faringdon was Mayor.
  • William Basing, James Butler, Sheriffs.

In his third Year,

  • Thomas Romaine was Mayor.
  • Roger le Palmer, James of St. Edmund, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Richard Reffam was Mayor.
  • Simon Cooper, Peter Blackney, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Sir John Gisors was Mayor.
  • Simon Metwod, Richard Wilford, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Sir John Gisors was Mayor.
  • John Lambin, Adam Lutkin, Sheriffs▪

In his seventh Year,

  • Nicholas Farendon was Mayor.
  • Robert Gurden, Hugh Garton, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Sir John Gisors was Mayor.
  • Stephen Abingdon, Hammond Chickwel, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Stephen de Abingdon was Mayor.
  • Hammond Goodcheap, William Bodeleigh, Sheriffs.

[Page 210]In his tenth Year,

  • John Wingrave was Mayor.
  • William Caston, Ralph Balancer, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year,

  • John Wingrave continued Mayor.
  • John Prior, William Furneaux, Sheriffs.

In his Twelfth Year,

  • John Wingrave continued Mayor.
  • John Pointel, John Dalling, Sheriffs.

In his Thirteenth year,

  • Hammond Chickwel was Mayor.
  • Simon de Abingdon, John Preston, Sheriffs.

In his Fourteenth Year,

  • Nicholas Farendon was Mayor.
  • Renauld at the Conduit, Will. Prodham, Sheriffs.

In his Fifteenth Year,

  • Hammond Chickwel was Mayor.
  • Richard Constantine, Richard de Hackney, Sheriffs.

In his Sixteenth Year,

  • Hammond Chickwel continued Mayor.
  • John Grantham, Richard de Ely, Sheriffs.

In his Seventeenth Year,

  • Nicholas Farendon was Mayor.
  • Adam of Salisbury, John of Oxford, Sheriffs.

In his Eighteenth Year,

  • Hammond Chickwel was Mayor.
  • Benet of Fulham, John Cawston, Sheriffs.

In his Ninteenth Year,

  • Hammond Chickwel continued Mayor.
  • Gilbert Mordon, John Cawston, Sheriffs.

In his Twentieth Year,

  • Richard Britain was Mayor.
  • Richard Rothing, Roger Chauntelere, Sheriffs.

EDWARD III.

EDWARD the third was Crowned King upon Candlemas-day, A. D. 1327. being the eighth day after that his Father had made a resigna­tion of the Crown to him. And now because sundry great persons, with the whole order of Friars Preachers took pity on the old Kings captivity, Mortimer therefore hastned to dis­patch him out of the way, in order to which he procured an Express from the young King (then about 16. Years of age) to remove him from Kenelworth Castle, delivering him into the hands of those ignominious Knights Thomas de Gourney Seniour, and John Mattrevers, who conveying him from Kenelworth to Barkly-Castle, there murdred him, by running a burning spit up into his body, as he was about to disburden nature, September 22. 1327. His body was buryed at Glocester. To animate the bloody Regicides to the commitment of the horrid fact, 'tis said, this ambiguous phrase was invented by Adam de Torleton Bishop of Hereford, and sent to them by Mortimer, Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est. Gourney or Corney and his villanous compani­ons, when they would needs shave the King on his way to Barkley, lest he should be known and rescued, inforced him to sit down on a molehil; and the rascal Barber insulting, told [Page 212] him, That cold water out of the next ditch should serve for his trimming at that time; To whom the sorrowful King answered, Whe­ther you will or no, there shall be warm water, and therewith shed tears plentifully. But young King Edward at his Fathers death was upon the borders of Scotland, where ha­ving invironed the Scots in the woods of Wivi­dale and Stanhope, by the Treason of Mortimer they escaped, and he returned inglorious, after an huge wast of Treasure, and great peril of his own person. For had not his loyal Chap­lain stept in and received the mortal weapon in his own body, the Kings life had been lost. Shortly after this, peace was concluded with the Scots upon dishonourable terms to the English by the procurement of the Mother-Queen, and her Minion Mortimer. Joan the Kings Sister was marryed to David Bruce, the Scots in derision calling her Joan Make-peace. King Edward at the Treaty of Peace sealed Charters to the Scotish Nation, the contents whereof were contrived by his Mother, Roger Mortimer, and Sir James Douglas without the privity of the English Peers. He also delivered to them that famous evidence called the Rag­man-Roll, and likewise quitted them of all his claim to the government of Scotland, withal rendring back certain Jewels taken by the English from the Scots, amongst which was one of special Note, called the Black-Cross of Scotland. In the same year, being the year of our Lord, 1327. dyed Charles the fair King of France, by whose death the Crown of that [Page 213] Kingdom devolved to Edward King of England in right of his Mother Queen Isabel, Tho. Brad­wardin. A. B. Cant. who was daughter to Philip the Fair, and Sister to Lewis Hutin, Philip the Long, and Charles the Fair all Kings of France successively, and all three dying without Issue, the whole right now seeming to be Isabel the only Child of the said Philip that had any Issue. But the French pretending a fundamental Law, or Entail, called the Salique Law, by which no woman was inheritable to France, sought to debar King Edward his right, receiving to the Crown Philip of Valois, whose Father was younger Brother to Philip the Fair, advancing the Bro­thers son, before the Daughters son, not follow­ing the propinquity or descent of blood, but meliority of the Sex. Against the stream of the Queen, and her Lord Mortimers absolute sway, some great persons now stood, amongst whom was the Kings Uncle Edmund Earl of Kent, whose death the Queen and Mortimer shortly procured. Nor was Mortimers fall now far off, for the King beginning to per­ceive his own peril in the others potency, upon good advice therefore surprized Mortimer with the Queen-Mother in Nottingham-Castle, and by a Parliament held at Nottingham, Queen Isabel's Dowry was taken from her, and only a pension of a thousand Pound, per Annum. allowed her. Mortimer was condemned in open Parliament at VVestminster, for causing the young King to make a dishonourable peace with the Scots, from whom he received bribes; [Page 214] For procuring the death of Sr. Edward of Caer­narvon the late King; For over-familiarity with Isabel the Queen-Mother; For polling and robbing the King and Commons of their Trea­sure. He was ignominiously drawn to Tyburn, then called the Elmes, where he was executed on the common Gallows, there hanging two days and nights, 1330. With him there dyed for expiation of the late Kings death, Sr. Simon de Bedford, and John Deverell Esquire. About this time befel great disturbances and divisions in Scotland, occasioned by young Bruce and Baliol, who both pretended right to that Crown, which opportunity King Edward took hold on, conceiving himself not obliged to stand to that contract made in his minority by the pre­dominancy of his mother and Mortimer, the Scots also detaining his Town and Castle of Berwick from him. Wherefore he raises an Army, and with Edward Baliol marcheth to Berwick, which having besieged David Bruce sent a puissant host to the relief thereof, and at Halydon-Hill the English and Scoth Armies joyned battle, where the Scots were vanquished with a lamentable slaughter of them. There dyed Archibald Dougles Earl of Angus and Go­vernour of Scotland; the Earls of Southerland, Carrick and Foss, the three Sons of the Lord Walter Steward and at least fourteen thousand others, with the loss only of one Knight, and ten other English-men. Hereupon Berwick was surrendred to King Edward, and Baliol was accepted to be King of Scotland, and had faith and allegiance sworn unto him by the Scotch [Page 215] Nobles. Simon Islip. A.B. Cant. Which done Baliol repaired to King Edward then at Newcastle upon Tine, where he submitted to Edward the third, as his Father John Baliol had done to Edward the first. After which the King of England assisted this Edward Baliol as his homager, going himself in person divers times for suppressing the Brucean party, which he kept under, till such time that he was ingaged against the French for the obtain­ing of that Kingdom, and the recovery of sundry Towns and places in Goscoigne, injuri­ously with-held from him by the French King. To remedy which wrongs the King of England had addressed his Ambassadors, but in vain; therefore that the World might take notice of his just proceedings, he, in a large Letter directed to the Colledge of Cardinals justi­fies his design upon France to be equal and honest. First, because himself of any Male living was the nearest in blood to the late King Charles his Uncle. Secondly, because the French had refused to put the Cause to civil tryal. Thirdly, for that the process of the twelve Peers in giving the Crown from him when he was under age, was by all Laws void, and frustrate. Fourthly, for that Philip of Valois had invaded Aquitain which belonged to the Crown of England, and detained such places as he had wrongfully gained therein. Fifthly, for that the said Philip had aided the Scots in their rising against him. Edward having done this, he next makes a confederation with the High and Low-Dutch and other Foreigners, then prepared a brave Army, his English Sub­jects [Page 216] contributing liberally for the carrying on of the War. And to make his Coffers the ful­ler, he made bold with the Lombards, and the moveable goods of such Priories in England, as were Cells to Monasteries in France. Thus provided of men and monies King Edward sailed with his Forces to Antwerp, and by the impor­tunity of the Flemings he first assumed the Title, and Armories of the Realm of France, quar­tering the Flower de Lis with the Lyons. And entring France he burnt and spoyled the North-parts thereof up as far as Turwin, then return­ing to Antwerp he there kept his Christmas with his Queen Philip, from whence about Candlemas he set sail for England, where in a Parliament holden at Westminster he obtained liberal aids for supportation of his designed Conquest. In lieu of which, he granted a general large pardon of trespasses and other to him, and confirmed Magna Charta, and Charta de Foresta with some others. Then upon June 23. He shipped from Harwich to Sluce in Flanders, near which place the French lay in wait with a Navy of 400 Ships with intent to intercept him; but Edward having the advan­tage of Wind and Sun, furiously set upon the French Ships, putting the Monsieurs so hard to it, that a great number of them chose to cast themselves into the Sea, rather than to become Prisoners. Thirty thousand of them are con­fessed to have been slain and drowned, and more than half of their Ships were either sunk or taken The loss was so very great on the French side, that least the news thereof might [Page 217] too much afflict the King of France, his Jester disclosed it to him, by often-times repeating this saying in his hearing, Cowardly English-men, Dastardly English-men, Faint-hearted English-men. Why? said the King at length; Because, said the Jester, They durst not leap out of their Ships into the Seas, as our brave French men did. From which saying the King took a hint of the overthrow. After which Famous Sea-victory obtained by the English, puissant King Edward with his Host consisting of near an hundred thousand men, sate down before Tourney, from whence he sent to the French King, whom he saluted only by the name of Philip of Valoys, challenging him to fight with him hand to hand in single Combat; or if that pleased not, then each to bring an hundred men into the Field, and try the event with so small an hazard; or otherwise within ten days to joyn full battel with all their forces near Tourney. To which Philip made no direct answer, alledging that the Letters were not sent to him the King of France, but barely to Philip of Valoys. Nevertheless he brought his Army within sight of the English Host, but by the mediation of Queen Philips Mother, and two Cardinals, a Truce was con­cluded between the two Kings till the Midsumer next following. The main reason inducing King Edward to yield hereunto, was the want of supplies of money, through the fault of his Officers in England, whom he severely punished at his return. And now to weaken great Edwards strengths, the Pope put Flanders under. [Page 218] Interdict, Simon Langham. A B. Cant. as having disloyally left their own Earl, and chief Lord, Philip King of France. And Lewis the Emperor breaking league with the King of England, took part with France; which when King Edward understood, he an­grily said, I will fight with them both. And not long after he was upon the Sea with a very great Fleet, none knowing whither he would steer his Course; but in Normandy he landed, where he took the Populous and Rich City of Caen, and with his dreadful Host, burning and spoiling round about, marched up almost as far as the walls of Paris. Where with his Army, in an enemies Countrey between two Rivers Sein and Some, (the bridges being broke down by the French) Edward designed at a low water, to have passed over a Ford between Albeville and the Sea, whom to intercept the French King had sent thither before him Godner du Foy, with a thousand Horse and six thousand Foot.

Howbeit undaunted Edward entred himself into the Ford, crying, He that loves me let him follow me, as one resolved to pass over, or there to die, the first of which he did; for his Souldiers following him won the passage, putting du Foy to flight. And now King Edward being come near to Cressie in Po [...]thieu, lying between the Rivers of Some and Anthy, he there most vigilantly provided for his defence against King Philip, who was advancing towards him with an Hundred thousand men and upward. When the two Armies were within sight each of other, the King of England after he had called [Page 219] upon God, disposed his Host into three Battels. Simon Langham. A B Cant. To his Son Edward the Black-Prince he gave the ordering of the Van; the second Battel the Earls of Northampton and Arundel commanded; the third himself. And as if he meant to bar­ricado his Army from flying, he caused his Car­riages to be placed in the rear thereof, and Trees to be plashed and felled, to stop up the way behind his Host; commanding withal, that all should forsake their horses, and leave them amongst the Carriages. On the Enemies part, the King of Bohemia and Earl of Alanson had charge of the Vantguard, King Philip was in the main battel, and the Earl of Savoy com­manded the Rear. The sign of battel being given by King Philip, a bloody fight ensued, wherein the Black Prince was very hard beset, therefore his Father was sent for to his rescue; who upon the hillock of a Windmill stood to behold the fight, being in readiness to enter thereinto, when just occasion should invite him. But at that time he refused to go, returning the Messengers with this answer, Let them send no more to me for any adventure that may befall, while my Son is alive; but let him either vanquish or dye; because the honour of this brave day shall be his, if God suffer him to survive. Which he did, and beat the French out of the field. Thereupon King Edward with his untouched Battel advan­ced towards his victorious Son, and most affe­ctionately embracing and kissing him, said, Fair son, God send you perseverance to such prosperous beginnings; you have nobly acquit your self, and are well worthy to have the governance of a King­dom [Page 220] intrusted unto you for your valour. In the field was found the dead bodies of eleven great Princes; and of Barons, Knights, and men of Arms, above fifteen hundred. There was slain the King of Bohemia, King of Majorca, Earl of Alanson, Duke of Lorrain, Duke of Bourbon, Earl of Flanders, Earl of Savoy, the Dolphin of Vi­ennois, Earl of Sancerre and Harecourt, Earls of Aumarl, Nevers, &c. six Earls of Almain, be­sides others of great account, with the Grand Prior of France, and Archbishop of Roan. Of the Commons there fell about thirty thousand. Of the English side not one man of note or ho­nour was slain. A. D. 1346. From the Forrest of Crescie, King Edward marched to Callis, and besieged it. In the time of which siege, the Go­vernour thereof, for the sparing of food, thrust forth of the Town above fifteen hundred of the poor and impotent people, whom this Christian King Edward turned not back, but suffered them freely to pass through his Camp, relieving them gratis with fresh victuals, and giving two pence a piece sterling to each of them. But whilst the King was busied abroad in France, the Scots (in favour of the French) invaded England, advancing as far as Durham, where the English encountring them, overcame them, took David their King prisoner at Nevils Cross by Durham. There lay dead in the field the Earls of Murray and Strathern, the Constable, Marshal, Chamberlain, and Chancellor of Scotland, with many other Nobles. Prisoners taken besides the King, were the Earls of Douglas, Fife, South­erland, Wigton, and Mentieth. In this battel on [Page 221] the English side were many spiritual persons, who for the defence of their Country, made use of carnal Weapons. And as King Edwards friends were successful in England, so were they also in forreign parts: for in Britain Sir Thomas Dag­worth overthrew the Lord Charles of Blois, though he had much the odds of him as to number of men. In Gascoign and those parts, Henry Earl of Derby and Lancaster worsted the Duke of Normandy, took sundry places of great importance; amongst the rest, that considera­ble Town of Brigerac, where he permitted eve­ry soldier to seize any House, and convert all therein to his own profit. Whereupon it hap­ned, that a certain Soldier called Reth, having broke into a House where the Monyers had for safety stowed the Money of that Countrey in great long sacks, he acquainted the Earl there­with, supposing that the Earl intended not so great a treasure for a private share; but the Earl told him, That accordingly as he had at first proclaimed, let the treasure be worth what it would, yet was it all his own. And now after almost a years siege, Callis was delivered to King Edwards mercy. In Little-Britain the Kings Warden thereof Sir VValter de Bendly vanquished the Marshal of France in fight, slew 13 Lords, 140 Knights, 100 Esquires, and took prisoners 9 Lords, besides many Knights, and Esquires. At length after much spoil made upon the French, a peace was concluded on betwixt the two Kings, though it continued not long ere the French broke the agreement. In revenge whereof Edward presently entred [Page 222] France with an Army, Will. Wit­lesy. A. B. Cant. and spoiled it where he came; and after his return into England again, when he heard that John the new King of France, had given to Charles the Daulphin the Dutchy of Aquitain, King Edward bestowed the same upon the Black-Prince, commanding him to defend that right with the sword. The Prince thereupon furnished with a gallant Army, set sail towards France, where he took many Towns and prisoners, advanced into the bosome of France up to the very gates of Burges in Berry; from whence wheeling about to return to his chief City Burdeaux, John King of France encountered him with a great Army, having the odds of six to one; notwithstanding which the victorious Prince of Wales discom­fited the French, took prisoners King John and Philip his youngest son, the Archbishop of Sens, and many great Lords, and about two thousand Knights, Esquires and Gentlemen bearing Armories. And slew in fight about fifty two Lords, and seventeen hundred Knights, Esquires and Gentlemen, with Sir Reginald Camian, who that day bore the Or flamb, or French Ensign; and of the common Soldiers about six thousand. To James Lord Audley, who in this fight received many wounds, the Prince gave 500 Marks Land in fee-simple, which said Land the Lord Audley bestowed on his four Esquires that had continued with him in all the brunt and fury of danger. King Ed­ward the Father, whilst his Son was thus pro­sperously busied in France, proceeded in hostile sort against the Scots, and brought King Baliol [Page 223] at Roxbrough to make a surrender of his Crown to him. Prince Edward after his late victory, marched with joy and triumph to Burdeaux, where having refreshed his wearied soldiers, he took his leave of France, though not of the King thereof; for him he brought with him a Captive to London, whither the Prince was wel­comed with exquisite honour by Henry Picard then Lord Mayor. Which said Picard afterwards at one time feasted at his own charge the King of England, France, Scotland, and Cyprus. King Edward ordered, that eight days should be spent in giving God the glory for the victory; and not long after with a Fleet of One thousand one hundred sail, he passed over from [...]andwich to a fresh invasion; and being come before the walls of Paris, he honoured Four hundred Esquires and Gentlemen with Knighthood. Ample con­ditions were offered by the French unto the K [...]ng of England, to which he would not at present listen; yet at length was perswaded to an ac­cord on these conditions: That Himself and Son Edward should for ever release unto King John and his Heirs the right and claim which they had unto the Crown of France, Dutchy of Normandy, &c. That King John and his Son should for them and their Heirs release unto King Edward and his Heirs the whole Country of Aquitain, Santoin, &c. so the County of Ponthicu, &c. the proper Inheritance of Queen Isabel K Edward's Mother. That King John should pay for his ransom the sum of Thirty hundred thousand Schutes of Gold, every two of which should be six shillings eight pence sterling; with [Page 224] some other conditions. All which were rati­fied with hands, Seals and Oaths at Callis, though by the falshood of the French King this amity continued not many years; for King John by underhand-dealing sought to alienate the hearts of King Edwards forreign subjects from him, and the County of Ponthieu he surprized before King Edward heard thereof. Wherefore the King sent over John Duke of Lancaster, and Humphry de Bohun Earl of Hartford to invade France, who pierced up as far as Roan, and after them the King sent that renowned Captain Sir Robert Knolls, who went on very prospe­rously, till by the instigation of Sir John Men­sterworth and some others (who thought them­selves better than Sir Robert) a division was made in the Army, whereby the English for­tunes were hindred; for the which Menster­worth paid the loss of his head. About the same time also some great Officers of the Kings, as John Duke of Lancaster, the Lord Latimer, and Sir John Sterrie were complained of for fraudulency to the State, and at the re­quest of the Parliament, called The good, were displaced. But that which caused the greatest grief to English-men was the loss of their Martial Prince Edward, who left this life upon Trinity Sunday 1376, about his age 46, and was buryed at Canterbury. Nor did his Martial Father long survive him, for in A. D. 1377. he dyed at Shene in Surrey, and was buryed as Westminster. His Issue were Edward the black Prince, so called from his dreadful valorout Acts, William of Hatfield, Lionel Duke of Cla­rence, [Page 225] John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, Simon Sudbury. A. B, Cant. Ed­mond Earl of Cambridge, and Duke of York, William of Windsor, Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Glocester, Isabel, Joan, Blanch and Margaret. He built Queenborough in Kent in honour of Queen Philip his Wife. He erected a building at Windsor-Castle, whose circumference was six hundred foot, where Knights and men of War were to have their entertainment of Diet at his charge; and begun a magnificent Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which King Henry the eight, and Sir Reginald Bray finished. He is also said to be the Founder of the most Noble Order of the Garter; so intituled, per­haps from the Garter he took up of the Countess of Salisburies, which slipped off in a dance: perhaps for that in a battel wherein he was victorious, Garter was the Word or Signal. But some will have this King to be only the Reviver of this Order, and Richard the first to be the Institutor of it. King Edward confirmed Magna Charta about twelve times. He re­strained the Pope from conferring English Bene­fices on strangers. He invited Cloth-workers to repair hither out of Forreign parts, to whom he granted sundry priviledges. The staple of wools which had been in Flanders he revoked, establishing the same in Westminster, Canterbury, Chichester, Bristol, Lincoln and Hull.

The famous custom of the Kings of England Washing, Feeding and Clothing of as many poor people upon Maundy Thursday as they are years old▪ is referred to the celebration which this King made of his fifth year. His Concub [...]e [Page 226] Alice Pierce was so insolent, Simon Sudbury. A. B. Cant. that she would go into the Courts of Justice, where sitting by the Judges and Doctors, she would proudly perswade or disswade for her most advantage, therefore was complained of in Parliament, and removed from the person of the King. At a Parliament held the thirty seventh of his Reign, the wearing of Gold and Silver, Silks and rich Furs were forbidden to be worn by any but eminent Persons; also the Labourer and Husbandman was limited to the eating of such certain meats. An Act was likewise made, that no common whore should wear any Hood except striped with divers colours, nor Furs, but garments with the wrong side outward. At Stamford in Lincolnshire an University was instituted, but of short continuance.

A blazing-Star appeared, which continued thirty days. Southhampton was burnt by the French. A. D. 1348, It rained from Midsummer till Christmas. A plague all over Christendom, some say, the World; and so raging in Eng­land that scarce the Tenth person of all sorts was left alive▪ In London it was such, that in one years space there was buryed in the Cister­cian, or Charter-House Church-yard above fifty thousand. It began in the year 1348, and con­tinued till the year 1357, and was seconded with murrain of Cattle, and dearth of all things. Now flourished in the University of Oxford that Famous Doctor John Wickliffe, whose followers in those Popish-times, were called Lolards, from Lolium, signifying tares, or hurtful weeds amongst Corn.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Hammond Chickwel was Mayor.
  • Henry Darcy, John Hawton, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • John Grantham was Mayor.
  • Simon Francis, Henry Cobmartin, Sheriffs.

In his third Year,

  • Richard Swanland was Mayor.
  • Richard Lazer, William Gisors, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Sir John Pountney was Mayor.
  • Robert of Ely, Thomas Worwode, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Sir John Pountney continued Mayor.
  • John Mocking, Andrew Aubery, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • John Preston was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Pike, John Husband, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir John Pountney was Mayor.
  • John Hammond, William Hanford, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Reginald at the Conduit was Mayor.
  • John Kingstone, Walter Turk, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Reginald at the Conduit continued Mayor.
  • Walter Mordon, Richard Ʋpton, Sheriffs.

[Page 228]In his tenth Year,

  • Sir John Pountney was Mayor.
  • John Clark, W. Curtes, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year,

  • Henry Darcy was Mayor.
  • Walter Neale, Nicholas Crane, Sheriffs.

In his Twelfth Year,

  • Henry Darcy continued Mayor.
  • William de Pomfret, Hugh Marbler, Sheriffs.

In his Thirteenth year,

  • Andrew Aubery was Mayor.
  • William Thorney, Roger Frosham, Sheriffs.

In his Fourteenth Year,

  • Andrew Aubery continued Mayor.
  • Adam Lucas, Bartholomew Morris, Sheriffs.

In his Fifteenth Year,

  • John of Oxenford was Mayor.
  • Richard de Barking, John de Rokesley, Sheriffs.

In his Sixteenth Year,

  • Simon Francis was Mayor.
  • John Loufkin, Richard Killingbury, Sheriffs.

In his Seventeenth Year,

  • John Hammond was Mayor.
  • John Steward, John Aylesham, Sheriffs.

In his Eighteenth Year,

  • John Hammond continued Mayor.
  • Geoffry Witchingham, Thomas [...]eg, Sheriffs.

In his Ninteenth Year,

  • Richard Lazer was Mayor.
  • Edmund Hemenhall, John of Glocester, Sheriffs.

In his Twentieth Year,

  • Geoffry Witchingham was Mayor.
  • [Page 229] John Croydon, William Clopton, Sheriffs.

In his twenty first Year,

  • Thomas Leggy was Mayor.
  • Adam Brampson, Richard Fas or Bas, Sheriffs.

In his twenty second Year,

  • John Loufkin was Mayor.
  • Henry Bicard, Simon Doleby, Sheriffs.

In his twenty third Year,

  • Walter Turk was Mayor.
  • Adam of Bury, Ralph of Lynne, Sheriffs.

In his twenty fourth Year,

  • Richard Killingbury was Mayor.
  • John Notte, VVilliam of Worcester, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty fifth Year,

  • Andrew Aubery was Mayor.
  • John Wroth, Gilbert of Stenineshorpe, Sheriffs.

In his twenty sixth Year,

  • Adam Francis was Mayor.
  • John Peace, John Stotley, Sheriffs.

In his twenty seventh Year,

  • Adam Francis continued Mayor.
  • William Wold, John Little, Sheriffs.

In his twenty eight Year,

  • Thomas Leggy was Mayor.
  • William Nottingham, Roger Smelt, Sheriffs.

In his twenty ninth Year,

  • Simon Francis was Mayor.
  • Thomas Foster, Thomas Brandon, Sheriffs.

In his thirtieth Year,

  • Henry Picard was Mayor.
  • Richard Nottingham, Thomas Dolsel, Sheriffs.

[Page 230]In his thirty first Year,

  • Sir John Stody was Mayor.
  • Stephen Candish, Bartholomew Frostling, Sheriffs.

In his thirty second Year,

  • John Loufkin was Mayor.
  • John Barnes, John Buris, Sheriffs.

In his thirty third Year,

  • Simon Doulseby was Mayor,
  • Simon of Benington, John of Chichester, Sheriffs.

In his thirty fourth Year,

  • John Wroth was Mayor.
  • John Dennis, Walter Berney, Sheriffs.

In his thirty fifth Year,

  • John Peche was Mayor.
  • William Holbech, James Tame, Sheriffs.

In his thirty sixth Year,

  • Stephen Candish was Mayor.
  • John of St. Albans, James Andrew, Sheriffs.

In his thirty seventh Year,

  • John Not was Mayor.
  • Richard of Croydon, John Hiltoft, Sheriffs.

In his thirty eighth Year.

  • Adam of Bury was Mayor.
  • John de Metford, Simon de Mordan, Sheriffs.

In his thirty ninth Year,

  • John Loufkin was Mayor.
  • John Bukilsworth, John Ireland, Sheriffs.

In his fortieth Year,

  • John Loufkin continued Mayor.
  • John Ward, Thomas of Lee, Sheriffs.

In his forty first Year,

  • James Andrew was Mayor▪
  • [Page 231] John Tarngold, VVilliam Dickman, Sheriffs.

In his forty second Year,

  • Simon Mordan was Mayor.
  • Robert Girdeler, Adam Wimondham, Sheriffs.

In his forty third Year,

  • John Chichester, was Mayor.
  • John Piel, Hugh Holdich, Sheriffs.

In his forty fourth Year,

  • John Barnes was Mayor.
  • William Walworth, Robert Gayton, Sheriffs.

In his forty fifth Year,

  • John Barnes continued Mayor.
  • Adam Staple, Robert Hatfield, Sheriffs.

In his forty sixth Year,

  • John Piel was Mayor.
  • John Philpot, Nicholas Brembar, Sheriffs.

In his forty seventh Year,

  • Adam of Bury was Mayor.
  • John Abery, John Fished, Sheriffs.

In his forty eighth Year,

  • VVilliam VValworth was Mayor.
  • Richard Lions, William Woodhouse, Sheriffs.

In his forty ninth Year,

  • John Ward was Mayor.
  • John Hadley, William Newport, Sheriffs.

In his fiftieth Year,

  • Adam Staple was Mayor.
  • John Northampton, Robert Laund, Sheriffs.

RICHARD II.

RICHARD, the Son of Edward the Black Prince, was crowned King in the eleventh year of his age; but ere the Crown was setled on his head, the French braved it on the Eng­lish coasts, and the Scots set fire on the Tower of Roxbrough; and through want of care in such who had the charge of State-matters in the young Kings behalf, things were declined to a shameful change; and the glorious atchieve­ments of the two late Edwards fell under an eclipse. The North parts of England were grievously afflicted with the stroke of Pesti­lence, and their misery augmented by the in­roads and outrages of the Scots, who had now by surprize gained Berwick, which upon the ninth day after, the Earl of Northumberland re­gained by force. A. D. 1379, a Parliament was held at London, wherein for supply of the Kings wants, it was agreed, That the Commons or poorer sort should be spared, and the burden be wholly laid upon the abler sort. And in the next year following a Parliament was held at Northampton, wherein every one of each sex, a­bove such an age, was charged to pay 12 d. per poll; which, with the hatred born to John Duke of Lancaster, was the cause of a great in­surrection of the Commons and Bond-men, chiefly of Kent, Essex, Surrey, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridg-shire. The principal heads of the [Page 233] said giddy multitude, were VVat Tyler and Jack Straw. The Rebels of Kent embattel'd them­selves upon Black-Heath by Greenwich, from whence they marched to London; where, the common sort generally siding with them, they became Masters of Mis [...]ule. The Priory of St. Johns without Smithfield, they kept burning for about seven days. Savoy-Palace belonging to the Duke, with all the riches therein, they consu­med by fire, in a kind of holy outrage; for they threw one of their fellows into the flames, be­cause he had thrust a piece of stolen Plate into his bosome. They burnt all the Archbi­shops Goods at Lambeth, and defaced all the Writings, Rolls, Records, and Monuments of the Chancery, as having a special hatred to the Lawyers. Simon Tibald Archbishop of Canter­bury, and Chancellor of England, a worthy Pre­late, Sir Robert Hales Lord Prior of St. Johns. and Treasurer of England, they haled out of the Tower, where the King was in person, and be­headed them on Tower-hill with great shout­ings and rejoycings. The number of these re­bellious Reformers under the leading of Jack Straw, and the Idol of Clowns VVat Tyler, were about an Hundred thousand; and at a Sermon made to them by John Ball, there was near twice as many. Their proud Petitions the King granted them (necessity compelling him thereto); after which, a great multitude of them repaired to their several homes. The remaining Rout the King by his Proclamation invited to meet him in Smithfield, where he would satisfie their desires in all respects to the [Page 234] full. William Courtney, A. B. Cant▪ But when they were met in the place ap­pointed, Wat Tyler there in the presence of the King offering to kill Sir John Newton (for not giving him some undue respect) William Wal­worth Lord Mayor thereupon set upon the arch-Traytor with a drawn Weapon, and slew him: Which when the Rebels perceived, they prepa­red to take extream revenge; but the King in­stantly spurring forth his Horse, bade them fol­low him, and he would be their Captain. And whilst they thronged after him into the fields, brave VValworth (the while) hasted into the City, raised a thousand Citizens in armour, and brought them, with VVat Tylers head born be­fore him upon a spear, to the King: Which the rude multitude seeing, some of them fled, and others on their knees begged mercy of the King. Worthy Walworth the King knighted, and bestowed on him an hundred pound lands by the year in fee-simple; and, as some write, the Dagger was now added to the City-arms, in remembrance of the great good service done by the Lord Mayor. Jack Straw at the time of his execution confessed, that these Rebels had designed to murder the King and chief of the Realm, and to have set up petty kings of their own chusing in every shire. The number of re­bels executed in all places, was about Fifteen hundred. These were called the Hurling-times. And now the Nation being setled in quiet, King Richard married the Lady Ann Daughter unto the Emperor Charles the Fourth. John Duke of Lancaster was sent into France, where he con­cluded a Truce with that Nation for six months. [Page 235] But these sun-shine days lasted not long: For besides the annoyances done to England by the Scots at several times, and the French threatning an Invasion, the worst mischief befel at home through the means of discontented and ambiti­ous spirits, who kindled a Civil War. The Laity took offence against the Clergy, because the Archbishop had in Parliament refused to yeild to an unjust proportion of the Tax grant­ed the King, to be laid upon the Clergy. And so far were the Commons and some Lay-Peers offended therewith, that they petitioned the King to take away the Temporalties from Ec­clesiastical persons; which he denied, saying, That he would maintain the English Church in the quality of the same state, or better, in which himself had known it to be when he came to the Crown The displacing of Sir Richard Scrope Chancellor, was displeasing to most men. The reason of his displacing was, because he refused to pass such large gifts un­der the Great Seal, as the King in his youth­ful humour had granted to some Courtiers. Al­so the Kings over-freeness to the Queens Coun­trey-men the Bohemians, discontented many. The ancient Nobles they envied that Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford, was created Marquess of Dub­lin, and Duke of Ireland; and Michael de la Pool a Merchants Son, Earl of Suffolk; and that the King had them in too great favour. These were held for great grievances; nor would the Parliament grant the King any aids against his forreign foes, unless these Lords were removed and degraded. This the King [Page 236] could not well digest, but consulted the Learn­ed in the Law concerning certain Articles of Treason, within the compass of which he might take the popular Lords. And at Notting­ham Robert Trisilian Chief Justitiar, Robert Belk­nap Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, John Holt, Roger Fulthorp, and William Burgh, Justiti­ars; John Lockton the Kings Sergeant at Law: All subscribed to certain Articles of Treason made against the Lords, which afterwards cost them dear. Judg Belknap foresaw the danger; therefore unwillingly consented, saying, There wants but an Hurdle, Horse, and Halter, to carry me where I might suffer the death deserved. For if I had not done this (quoth he) I should have dyed for it; and because I have done it, I deserve death for betraying the Lords.

And now the King and Lords prepare them­selves for the field; the Lords march up to Lon­don with an Army of about Forty thousand men; against whose coming the King, not being able to match their power, shuts himself up in the Tower, whither the factious Lords, Glocester, Derby, Arundel, Warwick and Marshall, send him word, That if he come not quickly to West­minster according to appointment, they would chuse them another King, who both would and should obey the Counsel of the Peers. Hereupon the King, though with no good-will, attends their Lordships pleasure at Westminster, where he yeilded to remove from about his per­son Alexander Neville Archbishop of York, the Bishops of Durham and Chichester, the Lords Zouch and Beaumont, with divers others; and [Page 237] amongst them certain Ladies. Other of his friends were made prisoners. And at the Par­liament which was shortly after, the Judges were arrested as they sate in Judgment, and most of them sent to the Tower. Trisilian that had fled, being apprehended, and brought to the Parliament in the forenoon, had sentence to be drawn to Tyburn in the afternoon, and there to have his throat cut, which was done accordingly. Divers other Knights also were sacrificed to their revenge. The Duke of Ire­land and others had their estates confiscated to the Kings use by Act of Parliament. This while the Scots invaded the North of England under the conduct of Sir William Douglas, whom Henry Hot-spur fighting with hand to hand, slew; but the Earl of Dunbar coming with an ex­cessive number of Scots, took Hot-spur and his brother prisoners.

A. D. 1396, Peace was concluded with the French, the Scots and Spaniards being included therein. And in September, 1397, a Parliament called The Great, (for the extraordinary num­ber of Peers and their retinues which came thereunto) was held at London, wherein the sanctuary of former Laws, and all particular Charters of pardon were taken away from Thomas Duke of Glocester, the Earl of Arundel, and others for their treasonable practises; and all the Justitiars who stood for the King were cleared from dishonour, and such Articles as they had subscribed were publickly ratifyed, and the offenders against them pronounced Traytors. Richard Earl of Arundel was be­headed [Page 238] on Tower-Hill, where at his death he utterly denyed that he was a Traytor in word or deed. The Earl of Warwick confessing him­self a Traytor in open Court, was only bani­shed to the Isle of Man.

The Duke of Glocester (whom, as the peoples darling, it seemed not safe to bring to a pub­lique Tryal) was secretly smothered with pil­lows and feather-beds at Callis. The King at this Parliament created himself Prince of Chester, and to his Escutcheon-Royal added the Armories of Edward the Confessor; his Cousin Henry Earl of Derby he made Duke of Hereford, and advanced the Titles of many other Nobles. Not long after which, Henry Duke of Hereford accused Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk for speaking certain words to the Kings dishonour, which Mowbray constantly denying, it should have come to a combat within Lists, but the King ended the controversy otherwise, by banishing Norfolk for ever, and Hereford first for ten years, then for six only. In the year following the Duke of Lancaster dyed, when the King unjustly seized upon the goods of that mighty Prince his Uncle, and determined to banish for ever his son the Duke of Hereford, now Duke of Lancaster by his Fathers death. But whilst King Richard was in Ireland to qualify a disturbance there, Henry Duke of Lancaster and Hereford lands in England with what forces he had, pretending nothing but the recovery of his inheritance. To him there repaired the Earl of Northumberland, his son Hot-Spur and Earl of Westmoreland, with many others: [Page 239] Multitudes offering their service to him, as pitying his calamity, and exasperated against the King, because to furnish his Irish voyage he had extorted moneys on all hands, and had taken up carriages, victuals, and other neces­saries without any recompence. The Duke of Lancaster with an Army of about sixty thou­sand marched to Bristol, besieged the Castle and took it, and therein two Knights of the Kings Councel, Bushy and Green, whose heads were cut off at the request of the rabble.

The Duke of York whom King Richard had left behind him to govern England, could gain but small assistance against Lancaster, nor could the King at his return into England find many friends, therefore he betook himself to a parly with his enemies; the sum of his demands be­ing, That if himself and eight more whom he should name, might have Honourable al­lowance, with the assurance of a private quiet life, he would resign the Crown. This was promised him: whereupon he put himself into the Duke of Lancasters hands, who conducted him out of the West to London, where he was lodged in the Tower. And now a Parliament is summoned in the Kings name to be held at Westminster, in which Parliament King Richard was charged with the breach of his Corona­tion-Oath in thirty two Articles: His abuse of the publick Treasure, waste of the Crown-Land, loss of Honour abroad; and that at home he was guilty of Falshood, Injustice, Treason against the rights of the Crown, and what not, that ambition and envy could invent [Page 240] against him. Tho. Arun­dell. A. B. Cant. The result whereof was, he re­signed his Crown to the Duke of Lancaster, which resignation the whole body of the Par­liament did particularly accept, saving the most loyal Bishop of Carlisle, A. D. 1399, Sep­temb. 29.

In the very beginning of this Kings reign, one John Philpot a private Citizen of London, at his own charge manned out a Fleet to the Sea, for the guarding of both Land and Sea from the enemy; and was so successful, that within a short space he took fifteen Ships of the Spaniards fraught with Rich Merchan­dize.

By a Tempest were cast away at Sea four Knights, and above a thousand Englishmen in their passage to Little-Britain. In the year 1392, the Londoners were so unkind to the King, that they refused to supply him with the loan but of a thousand pound, and because a certain Lombard offered to lend the same, they abused and almost killed him, for which the King took away their Charter. The year of Christ, 1394, was famous or notable for the deaths of many great Ladies, and amongst the rest of Queen Anne the Kings first wife, whom, it is said, he loved to a kind of madness. In the same year that the King was deposed the Bay or Lawrel Trees withered all over England, and afterwards reflourished; and on the first of January, near Bedford-Town the River where it was deepest, did on the sudden stand still, and so divided it self, that the bottom remained [Page 241] dry for about three miles. Now flourished Sir John Hawkwood, whose Chivalry had made him renowned through the Christian World. Sir Geoffry Chaucer, Poet- Lawreat, now also lived.

Queen Anne wife to King Richard the second, first taught English women to ride on side-sad­dles, when as before that time they rid astride. She also brought in high head attire piked with Horns, and long trained Gowns for Women.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir Nicholas Brember was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Twiford, Andrew Pikeman, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • John Philpot was Mayor.
  • John Boseham, Thomas Cornwallis, Sheriffs.

In his third Year.

  • John Hadly was Mayor.
  • John Helisdon, VVilliam Barra, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • VVilliam VValworth was Mayor.
  • Walter Doget, William Knighthode, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year.

  • John Northampton was Mayor.
  • John Rotu, John Hinde, Sheriffs.

[Page 242]In his sixth Year,

  • John Northampton continued Mayor.
  • Adam Bramme, John Sely, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir Nicholas Brember was Mayor.
  • Simon Winchcome, John Moor, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Sir Nicholas Brember continued Mayor.
  • Nicholas Exton, John French, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Sir Nicholas Brember continued Mayor.
  • John Organ, John Churchman, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Nicholas Exton was Mayor.
  • William Stondon, William More, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year,

  • Nicholas Exton continued Mayor.
  • William Venor, Hugh Falstalf [...], Sheriffs.

In his twelfth Year,

  • Nicholas Twiford was Mayor.
  • Thomas Austen, Adam Carlehul, Sheriffs.

In his thirteenth Year.

  • William Venor was Mayor.
  • John Walcot, John Love, Sheriffs.

In his fourteenth Year,

  • Adam Bamme was Mayor.
  • John Francis, Thomas Vibent, Sheriffs.

In his fifteenth Year,

  • John Hinde was Mayor.
  • John Shadworth, Henry Vamere, Sheriffs.

[Page 243]In his sixteenth Year,

  • William Stondon was Mayor.
  • Gilbert Mafield, Thomas Newington, Sheriffs.

In his seventeenth Year,

  • John Hardley was Mayor.
  • Drew Barintin, Richard Whitington, Sheriffs.

In his eighteenth Year,

  • Sir John Froyshe was Mayor.
  • William Bramston, Thomas Knolls, Sheriffs.

In his nineteenth Year,

  • Sir VVilliam More was Mayor.
  • Roger Ellis, VVilliam Sevenoke, Sheriffs.

In his twentieth Year,

  • Adam Brown was Mayor.
  • Thomas VVilford, VVilliam Parker, Sheriffs.

In his twenty first Year,

  • Sir Richard VVhitington was Mayor.
  • John VVodcock, VVilliam Ascham, Sheriffs.

In his twenty second Year,

  • Sir Drew Barintin was Mayor.
  • John VVade, John VVarner, Sheriffs.

HENRY IV.

A D. 1389 HENRY of Bullingbroke, the son of John Duke of Lancaster, the fourth son of King Edward the third, was Crowned at VVestminster by Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury. His Cousin the late King Richard seem'd so little concern'd for the loss of his Crown, that when it was told him of Bullingbrokes being accepted by Parliament for King in his stead, he only used these words, I look not after such things, but my hope is, that after all this, my Cousin will be my good Lord and friend. But now Henry seated in Richards Throne, used all the best means to retain the hearts of the people that sided with him, and to weaken the opposite party, and withal sent Ambassadors to forreign Princes to justify his unjust proceedings. But the King of France and people of Aquitain, would not allow of his pretences, and the Citizens of Burdeaux openly said, That since the world began there was never a more cruel, unreasonable, nor wicked fact done. That the good Prince was betrayed by faithless men, and that all Law was violated. In England were many that inclined and contrived to set King Richard again upon his rightful Throne, (though to seek a captive Kings deliverance doth commonly hasten his death.) The prin­cipal Conspirators were John Holland Earl of [Page 245] Huntingdon, Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, the Dukes of Surrey, Excester, and Aumarl, John Monticute Earl of Salisbury, Thomas Spencer Earl of Glocester, and the Bishop of Carlile. Their plot was to kill Henry Bullingbroke, and his son Henry; but before the time of intended execu­tion was come, the whole conjuration was discovered. Many attempts the conspirators made to effect the re-establing of Richard, and amongst the rest, they procured one Maudlen King Richards Chaplain to personate his Lord, but this with all the rest of their projects failed. The Towns-men of Cyrencester assayled and took some of the discontented Lords, and then cut off their heads, because some of their followers set fire on Cyrencester, thinking that whilst the Towns-men were busied in quench­ing the fire, they might set their Lords at liber­ty. The Commons in Essex took the Earl of Huntingdon and cut off his head, in revenge of the Duke of Glocesters death, which he had had a hand in. The Lord Spencer the Commons beheaded at Bristol. Some others of them were put to death at Oxford, some at London, where also John Maudlen, the counterfeit Richard (a goodly personage) and one VVillian Ferby were hang'd and quartred. The Bishop of Carlile was by the Kings Clemency saved, after his condemnation. King Richard did not long sur­vive his friends, but at Pontfract Castle was put out of the way by hunger, cold, and great tor­ments, though the Scots have untruly writ, that he escaped out of prison, and led a soli­tary and vertuous life in Scotland, and there [Page 246] dyed and was buryed at the black-Fryars in Sterling. After Richards murder at Pontfract, King Henry caused his dead body to be brought up to London, where in St. Pauls with his face uncovered, he lay for a time exposed to the view of all men; then was his body transported to Langley in Hartfordshire where it lay buried, till Henry the fifth in the first year of his Reign caused the Royal remains of his body to be Translated to VVestminster. That beautiful Picture of a King sitting Crowned in a chair of State at the upper end of the Quire in VVest­minster-Abby, is said to be, of him. And now King Henry to divert the thoughts of the people from his Predecessors Tragedy, prepared a puissant Army and marched with it into Scot­land, where he only did some hurt by wasting the Countrey, and then returned. Shortly after which he advanced against Owen Glendour that had raised a Rebellion in VVales; but Glendour against the Kings coming had withdrawn himself, with his surest friends, into the Fast­nesses of Snowden; wherefore the King only made some spoil in the Country and returned. Many vvere the plots that vvere still made against the King, but the contrivers were dis­covered and put to death, among whom were many Monks. And now Glendour having taken the Lord Mortimer prisoner, with no small slaughter of his Herefordshire-men, the King marched again into Wales, where while he stayed he was in great danger to have perished by sudden storms and rains, the like whereof his people had never seen or felt. The common [Page 247] fame went that Glendour was a Conjurer, and had raised those hideous Th [...]p [...] by [...]lish Arts. In the No [...] [...] forces were more fortunate against the Scotts; for at Hali­don-hill Henry Hot-spur obtained a great victory, taking prisoners the Earls of Douglas, Fife, Angus, Murray and Orkney, the Lords Mont­gomery, Erskin, and Grave, with about eighty Knights, besides Esquires and Gentlemen. And besides what Scots were slain in battel, there were about five hundred of those which fled from the fight drowned in the River Tweed▪ But that Henry might have little joy of his ill-gotten greatness, the Piercies they raised a dangerous Rebellion, wherein indeed they pre­tended a care for the Common-wealths refor­mation, though they really intended the ad­vancement of their own private interests; for it was agreed amongst the conspirators, that the Kingdom should be shared betwixt Mortimer Earl of March, Piercy and Owen Glendour, South England to Mortimer, North England to Piercy, and Wales beyond Severn to Glendour, and Archenbald Earl of Douglas vvas allowed as a sharer to be freed from ransom, and to have Berwick for his ovvn. Thus agreed, they fortify Shrewsbury, vvhither the King advan­ceth vvith his Army, vvhere a terrible battel vvas fought, and therein Hot-spur slain, and his Host vanquished. The Earls of Dunglas, Worcester, Sir Richard Vernon, and Baron Kin­dleton, vvith divers others vvere taken, though not vvithout great danger of the Kings life, and the death of many persons of quality on [Page 248] his side. Henry Hot-spurs body was drawn out of the Grave, Beheaded, and Quartred, and the parts sent to be set up in divers places of the Kingdom. The Earl of Worcester, Vernon and Kindleton were Beheaded. The Earl of Northumberland who was taken by the way as he was bringing Forces out of the North to joyn with those at Shrewsbury, had his life pardoned.

The year following a Parliament was holden at Coventry, called the Lack-learning-Parlia­ment, either for the unlearnedness of the per­sons, or for their malice to learned men: For in order to supply the Kings wants, a Bill was exhibited against the temporalties of the Cler­gy, but by the courage of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Kings care of the Church, their motion was fruitless.

A. D. 1405, another conspiracy was made against King Henry, the chief in which con­spiracy were Thomas Mowbray Earl Marshal, and Richard le Scrope Archbishop of York, who being taken were both Beheaded. But the Pope excommunicated all such that had a hand in putting the Archbishop to death. Another fresh report of King Richards being alive was again spread abroad, when the Earl of Nor­thumberland and Lord Bardolph sought to raise an Army in the North, but were encountred by the Sheriff of York-shire, who after a sharp conflict slew the Earl in the field, and mortally vvounded the Lord Bardolph. The Earls head vvas cut off, and after it had been ignomini­ously carryed through London, vvas fixed on the Bridge.

[Page 249] A. D. 1413, the King fell sick, and as some report, in this his last sickness he caused his Crown to be set on a pillow at his beds-head, when suddenly the pangs of his Apoplexy seized on him so violently, that all supposed him to be dead. At which instant Prince Henry coming in, took away the Crown; but his Father recovering out of his fit, quickly missed it, and understanding who had taken it away, caused his son to be called unto him, of whom he demanded, what he meant to bereave him of that whereunto he had yet no right? The Prince boldly replyed, Long may you live, Sovereign Father, to wear it your self; but all men deeming that you was gone to Inherit another Crown, this being my right I took it as my own, but now do acknowledge it for none of mine. And therewith set the Crown where he found it. O Son, quoth the Father, with what right I got it, God only knovveth, vvho forgive me the sin. But hovvsoever it vvas got, said the Son, I mean to keep it, and defend it (vvhen it shall be mine) vvith my Svvord, as you by the Svvord have obtained it. The King dyed at London, and vvas buried at Canterbury. His Issue vvere Henry, Thomas Duke of Clarence, John Duke of Bedford, Humphrey Duke of Glocester, Blanch and Phi­lippa.

A great Plague befel throughout England, chiefly in London, vvhere vvithin a short space it destroyed thirty thousand. In the ninth year of his reign a Snovv continued December, January, February, and March. The Winter [Page 250] vvas so very sharp and long, that almost all small Birds perished through hunger. A little before the Rebellion of the Piercies vvas a strange Apparition betvveen Bedford and Bick­leswade, vvhere sundry Monsters of divers co­lours in the shapes of armed men, vvere often seen to issue out of the Woods in the morning, vvhich to such as stood far off, seemed to en­counter one another in most terrible manner, but vvhen they drevv near nothing vvas to be found.

Because the number of Lolards, so called, increased, an Act vvas made for the punishing of them by burning.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir Thomas Knolls was Mayor.
  • William Waldren, William Hende, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Sir John Francis was Mayor.
  • John Wakel, William Ebot, Sheriffs,

In his third Year,

  • Sir John Shadworth was Mayor.
  • William Venor, John Fremingham, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • John Walcot was Mayor.
  • Richard Marlow, Robert C [...]ic [...]y, Sheriffs.

[Page 251]In his fifth Year,

  • Sir William Ascham was Mayor.
  • Thomas Falconer, Thomas Pool, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • John Hinde was Mayor.
  • William Louth, Stephen Spilman, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir John Woodcock was Mayor.
  • Henry Barton, William Cromer, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Sir Richard Whittingham vvas Mayor.
  • Nicholas Watton, Geoffry Brooke, Sheriffs▪

In his ninth Year,

  • Sir William Stondon vvas Mayor.
  • Henry Ponfract, Henry Halton, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Sir Drew Barentine was Mayor.
  • Thomas Buck, VVilliam Norton, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year.

  • Richard Marlow vvas Mayor.
  • John Law, VVilliam Chichely, Sheriffs.

In his twelfth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Knolls was Mayor.
  • John Penne, Thomas Pike, Sheriffs.

In his thirteenth Year,

  • Sir Robert Chichely was Mayor.
  • John Rainwel, VVilliam Cotton, Sheriffs.

In his fourteenth Year,

  • VVilliam VValden vvas Mayor.
  • Ralph Lovenham, VVilliam Sevenoke, Sheriffs.

HENRY V.

A. D. 1413 HENRY of Monmouth whilst he was Prince, did many things very incongruous to the greatness of his birth, For he and his wild companions would way-lay and rob his Fathers and his own Receivers. And when one of his servants was arraigned at the Kings Bench bar for felony, this Prince hearing thereof, posted thither, commanding his Fetters to be struck off, and he set at liberty; and when the Judge opposed him therein, commanding him upon his Allegiance to cease from such riot, and keep the Kings peace, he in a rage ascended the Bench, and gave the Judge a blow on the face, who sate still undaunted, and boldly thus spake unto the Prince; ‘Sir, I pray remember your self. This seat which I here possess is not mine but your Fathers, to whom and to his Laws you owe double obedience. If his Highness and his Laws be thus violated by you, who should shew your self obedient to both, who will obey you, when you are a Soveraign, or minister execution to the Laws that you shall make? Wherefore for this default, in your Fathers name, I commit you prisoner to the Kings Bench, until his Ma­jesties pleasure be further known.’ With which words, the Prince abashed stood mute, laid by his weapons, and with obeysance done, went to the Prison.

[Page 253]Whilst the King his Father was crazie, and kept his Chamber, he through the Princes wild extravagances, and set on by some Court-whisperers, began both to withdraw his af­fections, and to fear some violence against his own person from the Prince, which when young Henry understood, in a strange disguise he repaired to his Fathers Court, accom­panied with many persons of Honour. His garment was a Gown of blew Satten wrought full of eye-let-holes, and at every eye-let the needle left hanging with the silk it was worked with. About his Arm he wore a Dogs Collar set full of S's of Gold, the Tirets thereof be­ing most fine Gold. Being come to the Court, he charged his followers to advance no further than the fire in the Hall, whilst himself passed on to his Fathers presence, before whose feet he fell, confessing his youthful faults, and justifying his loyalty to his person; declaring himself to be so far from any disloyal attempt, that if he knew any person of whom his Father stood in any danger, or fear, his hand ac­cording to duty, should be the first to free the King of suspition; yea, saith he, I will most gladly suffer death to ease your perplexed heart; and to that end I have this day prepared my self both by confession, and receiving the blessed Sacrament: Wherefore I humbly be­seech your Grace to free your suspition from all fears conceived against me with this dag­ger, the stab whereof I will willingly receive at your hands, and will clearly forgive my death. At which, the King melting into tears, [Page 254] cast down the naked dagger (which the Prince had put into his hand) and raising his pro­strate Son, Henry Chicheley. A. B. Cant. embraced and kissed him, confessing that his ears had been over-credulous against him, which he promised they should never be in the future.

But notwithstanding this Prince's youthful exploits, yet when he had attained the Crown, to begin a good Government, he began at home, banishing from his Court those unruly youths that had been his consorts, command­ing them either to change their manners, or never to approach within ten miles of his per­son. And chose worthy men for his Council of Estate, advancing his Clergy with Power and dignity. So highly careful was he for the execution of Justice, that himself would every day after dinner for the space of an hour, receive Petitions of the oppressed, and with great equity would redress their wrongs. And so nearly did the death of King Richard touch his heart, that he sent to Rome to be Absolved from that guilt of his Fathers Act. In the first year of his Reign at a Parliament holden at Leicester was a Bill exhibited, wherein com­plaint was made, That the temporal lands given to the Religious houses and spiritual persons for devotion sake, were either super­fluous, or disorderly spent; Whose revenues (if better imployed) would serve for the de­fence of the Land and Honour of the King; For the maintenance of fifteen Earls, 1500 Knights, 6200 Esquires, and 100 Almes-houses for the relief of diseased and impotent [Page 255] people, and unto the Kings Coffers Twenty thousand pounds per Annum. By the Authority of this Parliament, an 110 Priories alien were suppressed, and their possessions given to the King and his successors for ever. But to divert those in Authority from such like proceedings, projects were put into the Kings head for re­covery of France his rightful possession. Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury suggested that King Henry as the true Heir unto his Great-grand-Father Edward the third, was the true Heir to the Crown of France.

As for the Salique-Law alledged against the English claim, he affirmed, that that Text touched only those parts of Germany which lay betwixt the Rivers Elbe and Sala, conquered by Charles the Great, who placing the French there to inhabit, because of the dishonest lives of those German-women, made this Law, In terram Salicam mulieres ne succedant, which the gloss did falsely expound for the whole King­dom of France, whose practise notwithstanding he shewed to be contrary, by many experiences both in King Pepin descended of Blithud daugh­ter to Clothair the first, and by Hugh Capet as Heir to the Lady Lingard daughter to Charle­main; so King Lewis called the Saint; and be­sides, that this exclusion is contrary to the word of God, which alloweth women to succeed in their Fathers inheritance, Numb [...]. 27.

King Henry now sends a summons and de­mand in the first place of his Dutchies of Nor­mandy, Aquitain, Guyon and Anjou; to which [Page 256] the Daulphin of France in derision sent him for a present a Tun of Paris Tennis-Balls; but the King returned for answer, That he would shortly send him London-Balls, which should shake Paris-walls. Whilst the English were making provision against the French, Sir Robert Humfreville gave the Scots a considerable de­feat, which the French understanding, with also the great preparations that Henry of Eng­land was making against them, they sent over Ambassadors, who at Winchester made offer of money and some Territories; also the Princess Katharine to be given in marriage to King Henry, so that he would conclude a peace; but it was answered, That without the delivery of the other Dominions belonging to the Kings Progenitors, no pacification was to be made. And when the Ambassadors had had their an­swer given them, the King sent Antilop his Pursevant at Arms unto Charles King of France with Letters of defiance; next made Queen Joan his Mother-in-Law Regent of the Realm, then drew his Forces to Southampton, com­manding his followers there to attend him on such a day.

The King of France on the other part makes all the preparation he could to defend himself, and to offend the King of England. To Grey a Privy-Councellor, Scroop Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of Cambridge Son of Edmond Duke of York, he sent, 'tis said, a Million of Gold to betray King Henry into his hands, or else to murder him; but their Treason being disco­vered, they received the just reward of Tray­tors.

[Page 257]On the seventh of August, 1414, the King of England with 1500 sail took to the seas, attend­ed with Thirty thousand Soldiers, besides Gun­ners, Enginiers, Artificers, and Labourers, a great number. And the 15 day of the same Month he cast anchor in the mouth of Seyn, a­bout three miles from Harflew; where landing his men, he fell devoutly on his knees, desiring Gods assistance to the gaining of his Right. Then made Proclamation, That on pain of death, Churches, Church-men, Women and Children, should be spared from all violence. And after due encouragement to his followers, he made Harflew the first essay of his Fortunes in France, it being a Port conveniently seated upon the mouth of the River Seyn, and a safe entrance in­to his intended Conquest, as well for the land­ing of men, as to hinder the passage unto Roan and Paris, both which received Traffique by the same River.

This town of Harflew was surrendred to King Henry, Septemb, 22. Into which when he first entred, he passed along the streets bare-footed until he came to the Church of St. Martin, where with great devotion he gave most hum­ble thanks unto Almighty God for that his first atchieved Enterprize. When the King had con­tinued at Harflew about fourteen days he mar­ched with 2000 Horse, and 13000 Foot, through Caux and Eu, towards Callis; in which march the French used all their endeavours to enda­mage him: for besides many skirmishes▪ they broke down the Bridges where he was to pass, plashed the woods, entrenched the ways, stuck [Page 258] stakes in the Fords, and in places of advantage laid store of soldiers to impeach his passage; conveyed all victuals out of the Countreys through which he should go, and at Blanche­tague where he purposed to have passed over the River Some, there the French had fortified a­gainst him; for which cause he marched by Worms, with intent to have passed the River at Port le Remy; but finding that also guarded, he kept along the River to Hargest, the French Ar­my marching on the other side. Therefore he still marched on by the River side, till he came to Bathen-Court, where he got over his feeble▪ and wearied Army, proceeding on his march till he came to Azin, or Agin-Court, which was upon Octob. 24, where the French in a field of advantage purposely chosen, had pitched their Banner-Royal, with an infinite Host, exceeding the English six times in number, some say ten times. King Henry now seeing himself so far engaged and many of his men sick of the flux, 'tis said he offered the surrender of Harflew, and what else he had won, and to make satisfaction for the harms done in France, so as he might have liberty safely to depart for Callis: to which the Constable and Marshal of France were willing; but the young Princes and No­bles refused all conditions of Peace. And assu­ring themselves of victory, they before-hand disposed of the English Prisoners, prepared a Chariot for the captive King, divided the prey, commanded the Bells to be rung in the adja­cent Cities and Towns, and thanks to be given to God that had delivered the Enemy into such [Page 259] a place of advantage: sent to King Henry to know what ransome he would give: sent for King Charles and the Daulphin to come in their persons to the battel, that so they might have the honour of the Victory. And so bold were the French upon their numbers and great strength, that they spent the night before the battel in Feasts, triumphs, and sports; but the English more wisely in preparing themselves for the fight. When morning was come, the French took the field, pressing who should be foremost to this easie (as they thought) Conquest. Against whom (their greatest strength consisting in Horse) King Henry commanded Two hundred strong Bow-men to lodg in a low Meadow, where a deep ditch full of water, might help to secure them from the Horse, and the bushes cover them from sight; having stakes also pre­pared, and shod with iron at both ends, which they were appointed to stick slopewise in the ground▪ and to remove them upon occasion to guard them from the Horse. This done, King Henry ranged his Host, disposing it into three Battels, placing his Bow-men on both sides the Main, where the King rode himself richly ac­coutred, before whom the Royal Standard was born, and many other Banners in Warlike or­der. Both sides being in readiness, they a while stood facing one another. But the King of Eng­land resolving to break his way through his E­nemies to Callis, or else to dye, with a cheerful countenance, and words full of courage, he a­nimated his followers to put forth their utmost powers, that after-ages might know what the [Page 260] Lance, the Axe, the Sword, and the Bow, could do in the hands of the Valiant; and that who­soever desired Riches, Honours, and Rewards, here they were to be had. Which words end­ed, his Army fell prostrate on the ground, and committed themselves to God, every man ta­king into his mouth a piece of earth in remem­brance of his own mortality, or in lieu of the Sacrament: And then rising up, the King with cheerful countenance commanded his Standard to advance forward, saying, Because our injuri­ous enemies do attempt to shut up our way, let us upon them in the name of the most Glorious Trinity, and in the best hour of the whole year. Sir Thomas Erpingham, an old experienced Soldier, with a Warder in his hand, led the way; who when he saw time, threw his Warder up into the air, whereat the whole Army gave a great shout, The French kept still their own ground; which the undaunted English perceiving, they advan­ced towards them, giving another shout; when immediately the Archers laid in the Meadows, darkned the Air with a showr of Arrows, and the English Army fell on with admirable cou­rage, the most of them also for nimbleness be­ing but half cloathed, without hat, and bare-leg'd; so behaving themselves, that the French Vantguard was instantly distressed, and disor­dered into such a confused press, that they were not able to use their Weapons at any advantage. Their Wings which assayed to charge upon the English, were broken, and forced back for safety to their Main Battel, where they bred both fear and confusion. And those French [Page 261] Troops which pursued the Archers (who gave back as if forced to flye) came on with their Horses on the spur upon the jaws of destructi­on: for falling by multitudes on those goring-stakes (left by the Archers on purpose) they were miserably overthrown and panched to death, the English still on all hands hotly pur­suing their advantages. Against whom the Duke of Brabant advanced (hoping by his ex­ample to encourage others) furiously breaking into the English Army, wherein manfully fight­ing he was slain. With the like resolution Duke Alanzon pressed into the English Battalion where King Henry fought, and there had slain Hum­phrey Duke of Glocester, had not the King come in to his rescue, between whom and Alanzon was a hard contest, Alanzon giving the King a slighty wound, and the King at length striking him down to the ground, whom the Soldiers in the heat of fight then slew, contrary to the Kings command. The French Reer-Guard seeing the disaster of their Van and Main Battel, to save themselves, ran away, leaving the English no more work to do. The number of prisoners taken by the English here was very great. But King Henry perceiving fresh troops of the King of Sicils to appear fresh in the field, and the same strong enough without any new rallied forces to encounter with his wearyed Souldiers, to the end therefore that he might not have at once prisoners to guard, and an enemy to fight, contrary to his generous nature, he commanded that every man should kill his prisoner, which was immediately done, cer­tain [Page 262] principal men excepted. Then by his Heralds he commanded those Troops either forthwith to come and fight with him, else to depart the field, either of which if they de­layed he would revenge upon them without mercy. Whereupon they quit the field. When the fight was over and the field won, King Henry fell down upon his knees, and commanded his whole Army to do the same, saying that verse in the Psalm, Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the glory. And demand­ing what was the name of the place, when it was answered him Agincourt, then to all poste­rities following, saith he, shall this battel be called, the battel of Agincourt.

The spoil here taken in Armour, Jewels, and Apparel, was very great. Of the English were slain the Duke of York, the Earl of Suffolk, two Knights, David Gam Esquire, and twenty eight private Souldiers. Of the French were slain four thousand Princes, Nobles, Knights, and Esquires, and ten thousand common Soul­diers. Prisoners of Account taken in the field were Charles Duke of Orleans, John Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Richmond, Louis de Bourbon, Count de Vendosme, the Earl of Eu, Edward de Rouen, with divers others. Just before this battel of Agincourt, when it was reported that the French forces were very numerous, Cap­tain Gam resolutely said, That if there were so many, there were enough to be killed, enough to be taken prisoners, and enough to run away. The next day after this battel Great Henry marched towards Callis, and in the next [Page 263] month following spread sails for England, and on November 23, in Triumph-wise he entred London, where he received the gratulations of his people. The City presented him a thou­sand pound in Gold, and two golden Basons. After some time of refreshing the King called a Parliament to London, which granted him a Subsidy, and a Tenth for the carrying on of his Wars in France, which he graciously accep­ted, though it was too short for the defraying so vast a charge.

Therefore to make it up, the King pawned his Crown to his Uncle Cardinal Beauford for a great Sum of Money, and certain Jewels to the Lord Mayor of London for ten thousand Marks. Then with an Army of 25527, Souldiers, every fourth being an Horse­man, besides a thousand Carpenters and La­bourers. Upon July 28, 1417, he took to the Seas; and August the first, arrived in Normandy to their great terror, many of the Inhabitants for fear flying into Britain. And as soon as on shore to encourage his followers, he dubbed 48▪ Knights, then laid siege against Conquest the strongest Castle in Normandy, which he took August the sixteenth. He took likewise the Castles of Aumbelliers and Lovers, the first of which he gave to his brother Clarence, the second to the Earl of Salisbury, and third to the Earl Marshal. Caen in Normandy the King took by force, giving the pillage thereof a­mongst his Souldiers. Now whilst King Henry was busied in France, the Scots wrought what mischief they could against him at home, [Page 264] entred England in an Hostile manner, bringing with them one whom they pretended to be King Richard the second, laid strait siege against Roxbrough, and Berwick, but upon the report of an Army of English coming against them, they broke up their sieges, and well was he that could first set foot in his own Country. In January the strong Town and Castle of Fal­lors was delivered to the King, after which he divided his Army into several parts under the Conducts of the Dukes of Clarence and Glo­cester, and Earl of Warwick, who took sundry garisons. The King the while besieged Roan, which after about a Twelve-months siege was delivered to him upon Terms, i. e. That the Burgesses should pay unto him three hundred fifty six thousand Crowns of Gold; Should swear faith and loyalty to him and his suc­cessors, &c.

A. D. 1418. Immediately after the surrender of this, sundry other places of Note yielded themselves, wherein King Henry placed Ga­risons. And now France trembling at the Eng­lish successes and their own losses, sought a peace from King Henry, who yielded to a per­sonal conference to be held at Melun, vvhi­ther Charles the French King, his Queen Isabel, the Princess Katharine, Duke of Burgundy, Count of St. Paul, with a thousand Horse, came first; then King Henry, his brothers of Clarence and Glocester attended likewise with a thou­sand Horse, met them. When much conference passed, but nothing was concluded, which did not well please the King of England: wherefore [Page 263] ready to depart, he thus spoke to Burgundy. Cousin, I may not well digest this refusal; but be ye assured, that either I will have your Kings daughter, and all my demands, or else I will banish both you and them out of France. You may speak your pleasure, answered the Duke; but before you shall thrust us out of France, you shall be weary of the enterprize. The Treaty thus broke, Burgundy reconciled himself with the Daulphin, and Henry dis­pleased herewith, prosecuted the War more sharply, set upon Ponthois the last of July, and in few hours gained the Town, wherein great spoils fell to the Souldiers shares. The news of this made King Charles to remove his Court from Paris to Troys in Champagne, whilst Henry went forward with his intended enterprizes, he and his Generals winning many strong-holds. And to make the more way for the English suc­cesses, the Daulphin and his Mother the Queen fell at great variance, when the Queen by the procurement of Burgundy (the King being very infirm) was made Regent of France, whose female authority, and the hatred to her own Son the Daulphin, did not a little prejudice the Crown of France. And to the greater advantage of the English the Daulphin killed the Duke of Burgundy, whereupon the Queen and young Duke of Burgundy perswaded King Charles to disinherit the Daulphin his Son, and to give the Lady Katharine in marriage unto the King of England, which accordingly was done, and a peace was concluded betwixt the two Kings of England and France. The prime [Page 264] Articles of the peace were these, That Charles and Isabel should retain the name of King and Queen, and should hold all their dignities, rents and possessions during their natural lives. That after the death of Charles the present King of France, the Crown and Realm of France, should with all rights and appurte­nances remain unto the King of England, and his Heirs for ever. That because of King Charles his infirmness and incapacity to dispose the affairs of the Realm of France, therefore during his life the government thereof should be and abide to King Henry; so that thence­forth he should govern the Realm, and admit to his Councel and Assistance with the Councel of France, such of the English Nobility as he should think fit, &c.

The Number of Articles were thirty three, which were sworn unto at Troyes, May 30, 1420, the same being proclaimed in London, the 20 of June following. These Articles were concluded betwixt the two Kings in the presence of divers of the chief Nobility both of England and France, homage being sworn unto King Henry, and he proclaimed Regent of France. And on the third of June the marriage of Henry and Katharine was with all pompous solemnity celebrated at Troyes, the Bishop of that See performing the ceremonies. From Troyes the King of England and his Queen rode to Paris, where great entertainment was g [...]ven; and the more to weaken the Daulphins interest, a Parliament of the three Estates was assembled in Paris, where the disinherison of [Page 265] the Daulphin was confirmed. In this Parlia­ment was also the final accord betwixt the two Kings acknowledged by the French King, as made by his free consent and liking, and with advice of the Councel of France; where­upon it was likewise there ratified by the Ge­neral States of that Realm, and sworn unto particularly upon the Holy Evangelists by the French Nobles and Rulers spiritual and secular, who also set their Seals to the Instruments thereof. Which Instruments were sent into England to be kept in the Kings Exchequer at Westminster. Things now setled in France as well as that unsetled time would permit, King Henry leaves the Duke of Clarence to be his Lieutenant there, and hasts for England with his Queen, whom he caused to be Crowned at Westminster in little time after their arrival in England. Then called a Parliament in order to the raising of moneys for the continuing of the Conquest in France; but some men minding more their private interest than the publique, instead of being free thereto to contribute, they petitioned the King to commiserate the poverty of the Commons, which, as they pleaded, were beggered by the Wars: where­fore without further pressing for any aid the King again pawned his Crown to his rich Uncle Cardinal Beauford for twenty thousand pounds, and then returned into France with four thousand Horse and 24 thousand Foot. And time it was, for the Daulphins party was grown considerably strong by Aids sent from Scotland, under the conduct of the Earl of [Page 266] Bucquhanan and Archibald Douglas, who had given a defeat to a party of the English, therein killing the valiant Duke of Clarence, and taking prisoners the Earls of Huntingdon and Somerset, and Thomas Beaufort. After which the Daulphinois had laid siege to Alenzon, and straitned the City of Paris, by withholding provisions from it; but when victorious Henry appeared, the enemy betook them to their strong-holds, many of which he gained in short time.

A. D. 1421, and Decemb. the sixth, whilst King Henry lay before Meaux, news was brought him that his Queen at the Castle of Windsor was delivered of a Son, at which he exceedingly rejoyced, yet said, he liked not the place of her delivery, having before com­manded that she should not be delivered there, and withal predicted that what Henry of Mon­mouth should gain, Henry of Windsor should lose.

A. D. 1422, Queen Katharine passed beyond the Seas to the King into France, and there in the Loure King Henry and his Queen Katharine at the Festival of Pentecost sate in their Royal Robes, with their Imperial Crowns on their heads, and kept there Court with great con­fluence of people. But shortly after, this re­nowned Prince fell sick of a burning Fever and Flux, whereof he dyed, August 31. 1422. His bowels were buried at St. Mauro de Fosses, his body at Westminster, next beneath the Tomb of Edward the Confessor. Upon his Tomb Queen Katharine caused a Royal Picture to be laid, [Page 267] covered all over with Silver-Plate gilt, the head whereof was wholly of massy Silver. All which at the Abbies suppression was sacri­legiously broken off and taken away. His Issue was only Henry of Windsor. Tis said of him▪ That he was a Prince godly in heart, sober in speech, sparing of words, resolute in deeds, provident in Councel, prudent in judgment, modest in countenance, magnani­mous in action, constant in undertaking, a great Alms-giver, devout to Godward, a re­nowned Souldier, fortunate in field, from whence he never returned without Victory. He erected the Monasteries of Bethlem and Briget near unto Richmond, gave Princely gifts to the Church of Westminster and Brother-hood of St. Giles without Cripple-gate-London. He first instituted Garter principal King at Arms, besides other augmentations to the Order of St George.

A. D. 1414, Sigismond the Emperour came into England, desiring to make peace betwixt the two Nations of France and England, but when that could not be effected he entred into a League with the English himself. Sir Roger Acton, Beverly, Murley and some others were strangled and burned for an unlawful meeting in St. Giles-fields. A. D. 1417. Sir John Old­castle, Lord Cob [...]am, was adjudged as a Traytor to the King and Realm, to be drawn through the streets to St. Giles-fields by London, and there to be hang'd and burnt.

Three Popes were now at once mounted into St. Peters Chair, namely Benedict, Gregory and [Page 268] John, therefore for preventions of mischief to the Church by this Schisme, a Councel was held at Constance in Germany, whither King Henry sent nine English Prelates, one of which, to wit, Richard Clifford Bishop of London, was the first nominated by the Councel to be Pope, and he first nominated him that succeeded, which was Otho Collonna, by the name of Martin the fifth. In the third year of this Kings reign, and on Candlemas day, seven Dolphins came up the River Thames, four of which were taken.

An Act made in Parliament holden at Lei­cester, That such who maintained Wickliffes doctrine were Hereticks and Traytors, and to be hanged and burned. By which Law Sir Roger Acton, with divers others, as also the Lord Cobham, were put to death.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Cromar was Mayor.
  • John Sutton, John Michael, Sheriffs▪

In his second Year,

  • Sir Thomas Falconer was Mayor.
  • John Michael, Thomas Allen, Sheriffs.

In his third Year.

  • Sir Nicholas Wotton was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Cambridge, Alan Everard, Sheriffs.

[Page 269]In his fourth Year,

  • Sir Henry Barton was Mayor.
  • Richard Whittington, John Coventry, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Richard Marlow was Mayor.
  • Henry Read, John Gedney, Sheriffs▪

In his sixth Year,

  • VVilliam Sevenoke was Mayor.
  • John Brian, John Barton, John Parvess, Sheriffs▪

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir Richard Whittington was Mayor.
  • Robert Whittington, John Butler, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • William Cambridge was Mayor.
  • John Butler, John Wells, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Sir Robert Chichely was Mayor.
  • Richard Gosseline, William VVeston, Sheriffs.

HENRY VI.

A. D. 1422. HENRY of Windsor, was crowned about the Eighth Month of his age. The guard and custody of this Royal Infant, was commit­ted to Thomas Duke of Excester; the Nurture and Education to his Mother the Queen-Dowa­ger, the Government of England to Humphrey Duke of Glocester, and the Regency of France to John Duke of Bedford. The first disadvan­tage that befel the English Cause after the late King's decease, was the death of Charles the French King, who survived Henry but 53 days; for the imbecilities of this Prince were a strength to the English; on the other side, the Infancy of young Henry was an advantage to young Charles, by them of his party now cal­led King of France, though by the English he was called only King of Berry, because little else was left unto him. Howbeit now he seeks to enlarge his Dominions, having received Aids from Italy and Scotland. And not far from the Town of Vernoil, his and the Regents Forces joined battel, when the English inured to the French Wars, having born the first heat of their enemies encounter, by perseverance utterly broke them, and put them to flight. The Regent himself fought most fiercely, winning unto himself a lasting Honour. On the enemies part was slain the Constable and Lieutenant of [Page 271] France, the Earls of Wigton and Vantadour, with about five thousand others. Prisoners taken, was the Duke of Alanzon himself, with about two hundred others of special account. After this Victory, the Regent besieged Mants in Main, and with Ordnance beat down part of the Walls, whereupon it was yeilded; this be­ing one of the Articles at the surrender (which perhaps might be upon every like occasion) That if any person was found within the City which had been consenting to the murder of John Duke of Burgundy, Father to Philip Duke of Burgoigne, that they should simply be at the Regents mercy.

Some time after this, and not much, Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, with a dreadful puissance, besieged the City of Orleans, and so enforced it, that the inhabitants were willing to articulate, and to yeild themselves to the Duke of Burgundy, then being in his company: but the Earl highly disdaining thereat, said in the English Proverb, I will not beat the bush, and another shall have the bird. Which Prover­bial speech, 'tis said, so offended the Duke, that it wholly alienated his mind from the English, to their great loss in all the French Wars fol­lowing. And now appeared that famous French Shepherdess Joan of Lorrain, about 18 years of age, daughter to James of Arcke. This Maid to comfort Charles of France, presented her self to him at Chinon, bidding him to be of good courage, and constantly affirming, that God had sent her to deliver the Realm of France from the English yoak, and to restore him to the [Page 272] fulness of his Fortunes. Then she armed her self like a man, and required to have that Sword which at that time did hang in Saint Katharines Church of Fierebois in Tourain; and being warlikely arrayed, she gets into Orleans, which did greatly animate the fainting French. From Orleans this Maid of God (for so the French called her) sent a Letter to de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, in words to this effect: King of England, do reason to the King of heaven for his blood-royal; yeild up to the Virgin the keys of all the good Cities which you have forced, &c. I am the chief of this War; wheresoever I encounter your men in France, I will chase them, will they nill they, &c. The Virgin comes from heaven to drive you out of France; be not obstinate, for you shall not hold France of the King of heaven, the Son of St. Mary, but Charles shall enjoy it, the King and lawful heir, to whom God hath given it. He shall enter Paris with a goodly train, &c. Ʋnderstand these news of God and the Virgin; spare innocent blood, leave Orleans at liberty. This Letter was entertained of the English with laughter, and Joan reputed of them no better than a Bedlam, or Inchantress. But be she what she would, yet by her encouragements and conduct the English had Orleans pluckt out of their hopes, and with much loss were driven to raise the siege. In all Adventures Joan was one, and the foremost. At one Sally, she being shot through the arm, said to her followers, Come this is a favour, let vs go on, they cannot escape the hand of God. The English lost at this siege, the Earl of Salisbury, the Lord Moline, the Lord Poynings, Sir Thomas [Page 273] Gargrave; and of all sorts (if you believe the enemy) were slain in such Sallies as the Mar­tial Maid made, 8000, our own Writers say but 600. After the raising of this siege, some Towns were took by the English; but at a Vil­lage called Potay, the French coming upon them before the Archers could fortifie their battels with an empalement of stakes, the English after three hours bloody resistance were put to the worst: The Lords Talbot, Scales, Hungerford, and Sir Thommas Rampstone, were taken prison­ers. Which loss was followed vvith the sud­den revolt of sundry Tovvns. Nor vvas it long ere Charles recovered Aunerre and Rhiemes; in the last of vvhich, according to the Maids di­rection, he vvas solemnly crovvned King of France. Hitherto the Virgin had been very lucky; but coming to the rescue of Champagne, distressed by the English and B [...]rgundians, she vvas taken by a Burgundian Knight, vvho sold her to the English, and they sent her to Roan, vvhere she vvas burnt for Sorcery, Bloodshed, and unnatural use of man-like Apparel and Habiliments, contrary to her Sex. The rumor of vvhose death, and ignominious cause there­of▪ vvas something incommodious to Charles's affairs for a time; and it vvas thought that the coming of young King Henry into France vvould be much more, vvho Decemb. 7.1431, vvas crovvned King of France in Paris, by the Car­dinal of Winchester. At vvhich time such of the French Nobility as vvere present, did their homage to him. The Kings Patents and Grants touching French matters, passed under the seal [Page 274] and stile of Henry King of the French-men and of England. And about this time the English Affairs succeeded pretty fortunately in France. The Earl of Arundel and Lord Talbot carry about victorious arms, and terrifie Main, An­jou, and other places, vvith their successes.

A D. 1435, that famous Patriot and Gene­ral John Duke of Bedford, dyed at Paris. Upon vvhich many Tovvns voluntarily yeilded, and multitudes of the French forsook the English to joyn vvith Charles. And though the English Forces then in France vvere not altogether slothful▪ yet through a fatal security or negli­gence, or both, at home, there vvas not speedy sufficiencies of resistance ministred. Richard Duke of York vvas created Regent of France; but before he arrived there, Paris vvas lost by the treachery of the Citizens, Feb. 27. 1436. And Philip Duke of Burgundy novv in person gives proof of his disaffections to the English, bring­ing his Forces before the Tovvn of Callis; for the relief of vvhich place the Protector Hum­phrey Duke of Glocester passed vvith a great Army; but Burgundy had vvithdravvn his For­ces before the Duke arrived. Hovvbeit the Duke took some revenge on him, by vvasting part of his Dominions; Which done, he vvith honour returned to his Charge in England.

In France the Earl of Warwick vvas very a­ctive driving the Duke of Burgundy's Forces from Crotoy, freeing Albeville from the danger of a Bastile, for tvventy days spoiling the Country of Picardy about Amiens and Artois. The Duke of Somreset, Lords Talbot and VVil­loughby [Page 275] were also busied in other places for the security of what the English had gained. John Stratford. A. B. Cant. But the common enemy the Turk increasing in strengths, Ambassadors were sent from all parts to determine these bloody differences betwixt the Nations of France and England, whereupon a Truce was taken by the two Kings for eighteen months.

A. D. 1444, was King Henry married with Margaret the daughter of Renate Duke of Anjou and Lorrain. In which marriage, say some, begun the mournful Tragedies of our Country: For after this day, the fortune of the World began to decline the King; so that he lost his friends in England, and revenues in France, for shortly all was ruled by the Queen and her Councel, to the great disprofit of the King and his Realm, and to the mauger and oblo­quie of the Queen her self, who had many a wrong and false report made of her.

A. D. 1447, Good Duke Humphreys death was effected. He was much hated by the Queen and her party, as the only man who by his prudence, as also by the Honour and Autho­rity of his birth and place, seemed to impeach that Soveraign Command, which they pre­tended to settle in the King, but meant indeed (as the manner is under soft Princes) to reign themselves in anothers name. Many great Lords were drawn on (at the time of a Par­liament then holden at St. Edmondsbury) to concur for his destruction, not perceiving that thereby they pluckt up the flood-gate, at which the Duke of York should enter. This great [Page 276] Duke being come to attend in this Parliament, was Arrested of High Treason by John Lord Beaumont High Constable of England, the Dukes of Buckingham, Sommerset and others; and to guard him certain of the Kings house­hold were appointed: but it was not long be­fore he was found dead, whose body was shewed to the Lords and Commons, as if he had died of a Palsey or Imposthume. His ser­vants Sir Roger Chamberlain, Richard Middleton, Thomas Herbert, Arthur Tursey Esquires, and Richard Nedham, Gent. were condemned of High Treason, and had this unexampled punishment. They were drawn from the Tower to Tyburn, there hang'd, let down quick, stript naked, mark'd with a knife to be quartred, and then a Charter of Pardon for their lives was shewed by the Marquess of Suffolk. Thomas Wild the Dukes servant also being condemned and par­doned, had for a preamble in his Letters Patents words importing, That he had been one among many other Traytors against the King with Duke Humphrey, who went about, and practised to deliver Eleanor late wife to the Duke out of Prison, for which purpose he had gathered a great power and number of men to come to the Parliament at Bury, there to have contrived the Kings destruction. Such was the end of this great Prince, who by the people of England was thought to be doubly murdered, by detraction and deadly practise. He was not only a true Lover of learned men▪ but himself was also learned and a Father of his Country. And now the whole frame of [Page 277] government seemed to repose it self on the Queen, and such Favourites as the King by her commendations liked.

The affairs of France were neglected. And the Duke of York perceiving the King to be ruled, and not to Rule, began secretly to al­lure his friends of the Nobility, and privily declared to them his Title to the Crown, as likewise he did to certain Governours of Cities and Towns. Which attempt was so politickly and closely carried, that his provision was ready, before his purpose was publick. The very state of things invited this fatal con­spiracy, there being now a milder King than England was worthy of, a Councel out of fa­vour with the people, manifold losses and dishonours abroad, a turbulent and jealous condition of things at home. Of all which the Duke of York made his best use, cherishing the popular discontents, and instead of seeking to redress any evils in the State, he represented them to be worse than they were, thereby to ripen that breach of Loyalty in the hearts of men, which his ambition wrought upon. In France matters went on very unhappily on the English side; For the Duke of Sommerset during the Truce, suffered a Town of Britain to be surprised, denying restitution thereof, che­rished his Souldiers in their riot and disorders. The French therefore making this their exam­ple, surprized Town after Town till they had gained all Normandy, and within few years extorted the Dutchy of Gascoign out of the Eng­lish possession.

[Page 278]In the mean time the Duke of York raised his esteem in England, by his appeasing of a tumult which had hapned in Ireland. And at a Parliament holden at Westminster, many Articles were exhibited by the Lower-House against the Duke of Suffolk, wherein he was charged with evil demeanor, Misprision and Treason, and committed Prisoner to the Tower, from whence he was discharged within a few weeks after.

About this time Adam Molins Bishop of Chi­chester and keeper of the Privy-Seal (a wise and stout man) stood in the Duke of Yorks way to the Crown; therefore he procured him to be slain at Portsmouth by certain Ship-men. And in a Parliament holden at Leicester the Duke of Suffolk, a principal pillar of King Henries safety, was set at again by the Yorkists. They charge that for a crime on him (namely the delivery of Anjou and Main) which themselves had universally in a former Parliament assented unto and ratified. This they prosecuted so effectually, (though unjustly) against him, that he was condemned to be banished for five years; but in his way to banishment he was by some imployed on purpose, taken at Dover-road, where they struck off his head at the side of a Cock-boat: nor was his death much lamented of the people, because he was thought to have been a private actor in the death of the Noble Duke of Glocester. Now the Yorkists having thus rid Suffolk out of the way, think it no unfit time to begin to put their designs in practise; so induce the Com­mons [Page 279] of Kent to make an Insurrection. John Kemp. A. B. Cant. The Cap­tain of the Rebels was a Villain named Jack Cade, whom some by contraries called John A­mend-all. Their demands were, That the Duke of York now in Ireland might be called home; and that he, with some others whom Cade na­med, might be principally used in Council: That those guilty of good Duke Humphrey's death, might receive due punishment. That the Grievances of the people might be redressed. These Kentish Rebels (with whom others from Essex joined) after they had committed some outrages in and about London, as in beheading the Lord Say Treasurer of England, Mr. Cro­mer High Sheriff, plundering many of the Citi­zens, &c. upon the King's Proclamation and assurance of Pardon, returned to their own homes. But Cade afterward attempting to raise new troubles, was slain by Mr. Edan a Kentish Gentleman. The Duke of York finding the hu­mours of the popular body fitted for his pur­pose, came suddenly out of Ireland, and confe­derated with divers Noble-men to take the Crown from Henry's head, and to set it on his own. Howbeit their pretence in taking arms, was only for the reformation of the State, pro­fessing that they meant all honour and obedi­ence to the King; Which King Henry and his Friends, chiefly the Duke of Somerset, could not believe: Therefore an Army was prepa­red, and also advanced against the Yorkists. But before the Armies came to engage in fight, by such that secretly favoured the Duke of York, the King was perswaded to a reconciliation, [Page 280] and that Somerset should be commanded prison­er to his own house. Tho. Bour­chier, A. B. Cant. Which done, and York ha­ving dissolved his Army, he came to the King, making great complaints against Somerset; who hearing thereof, presented himself to the King against his accuser, answering York face to face, and in plain terms accused him of highest Treason, as having conspired to depose the King, and to take the Soveraignty upon him­self. Whereupon York was for a time put un­der restraint, till in St. Pauls Church in London, before the chief of the Nobility, he took a so­lemn oath to be a true, faithful, and obedient subject unto King Henry.

A. D. 1452, John Lord Talbot, first Earl of Shrewsbury of that Family, with an Army was sent to regain Gasgoin. Burdeaux her self yeilded to this great Soldier: Whence he went to relieve Chastilion; but charging the Enemy upon much unequal terms, was there slain in the field, to­gether with his Son the Viscount Lisle.

After which battel, when the flames of inte­stine War began to flash out in England betwixt the two Families of York and Lancaster, the Martial men of England were called home out of France, to maintain the Factions here: At which time a French Captain scoffingly asked an English man, When they would return again into France? To whom the English man feeling­ly and upon a true ground answered, When your sins shall be greater and more grievous in the sight of God than ours are now. A. D. 1453, the Queen was delivered of a Son, who was na­med Edward.

[Page 281] A. D. 1454, the Duke of York in despight of his sacred Oath so publickly taken, raised arms against the King, marching with his for­ces towards London. Against whose coming, King Henry prepared an Army, with which he advanced to St. Albans, where a sharp battel was fought, and the Royal party worsted. On the Kings side were slain the Duke of Somerset, Earls of Northumberland and Stafford, Lord Clifford, with sundry worthy Knights and E­squires. The King himself was shot into the neck with an arrow, taken prisoner, and con­veyed back to London; where, in July immedi­ately following, a Parliament was holden, the precursor whereof was a Blazing-star, which appeared in June, extending its beams to the South. The first popular Act of this Assembly, was to restore the memory of Duke Humphrey to honour, declaring him to have been a true sub­ject to the King and Realm. The next was to free the Yorkists from treason as to their taking up of arms. In this Parliament the Duke of York created himself Protector of England, the Earl of Salisbury his great Confident, was made Lord Chancellor, and the Earl of Warwick (Sa­lisbury's Son) Captain of Callis. They spared as yet to touch King Henry's life, because the people did wonderfully esteem and reverence him for his holiness. But that they (the York­ists) might with the more facility uncrown, and at last kill him, they by degrees workt out his ancient Councellors, and placed of their own creatures in their rooms.

And now the French encouraged by our in­ward [Page 282] divisions, landed at Sandwich Fifteen thousand men, where they did some spoil, then departed. Another part of them burned Foway, and some other towns in Devonshire.

A. D. 1458, the Lords met at London to com­pose all quarrels, bringing with them great troops of armed attendants, which through the great vigilancy and providence of the then Mayor of London, Godfrey Bullein (Queen Ann Bulleins Ancestor) dutifully kept the King's peace. This Meeting of the Lords ended in a Composure, though it continued but a very short time before both sides made preparations for War; and at Blore-Heath they came to bat­tel, which was long and bloody; but at length the worst of the day fell to the Kings side. How­beit not long after, the King put the Yorkists to flight at Ludlow, which town was spoiled to the bare Walls.

In a Parliament holden at Coventry, the Duke of York, Earls of March, Salisbury, Warwick, Rutland, and others, were attainted of High treason, and had their whole Estates confisca­ted. But on July 9 1460, at Northampton was the fatal battel, where Henry's Forces vvere utterly broken and vanquished, through the treachery of the Lord Grey of Ruthen, vvho quit his place, and fled to the Yorkists. The Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Shrewsbury, Viscount Beaumont, Lord Egrimond, Valiant Sir VVilliam Lucy, vvith many others of the Kings Friends, vvere slain; and the King himself fell a prey into his enemies hands, vvho carried him to London, vvhere a Parliament begun Octob. 8. At [Page 283] which Parliament Richard [...] his claim to the Crown, publ [...] [...] [...] gree to them on this sort, nam [...] [...] third son of King [...]dward the third▪ had Issue Philip his daughter, who was married to Ed­mond Mortimer Earl of March, who had Issue Roger Earl of March, who had Issue Edmond Earl of March, Roger, Anne, and Eleanor, which said Edmond, Roger, and Eleanor, died with­out Issue, and Anne the Heir of that House was married to Richard Earl of Cambridge (the son of Edmond Duke of York, fifth son to King Ed­ward the third,) which said Earl of Cambridge had Richard now Duke of York. He also al­ledged, that the descendents of John of Gaunt fourth son and younger brother to Lionel, had hitherto holden the Crown of England unjustly, for that himself the said Richard Plantagenet Duke of York was the lawful Heir, being the son of Richard Earl of Cambridge and Anne aforesaid. Whilss this weighty controversy to whom the Crown of right belonged was under debate, a Crown which hung for an Ornament in the middle of the roof of the Room, where the Knights and Burgesses met to consult, and also the Crown which for like cause stood upon the highest Tower of Dover-Castle, both fell suddenly down, which were vulgarly construed to be of ill-portent to King Henry. The conclusion of the Parliament concerning the Crown was, That Henry should enjoy it during life, and then it should remain to Richard Duke of York, and his Heirs, and King Henries Heirs to be for ever excluded. [Page 284] Whereupon the Duke was proclaimed Heir Apparent. But this while the Queen was gathering forces in the North, resolving if possible to maintain the possession of a Crown, and to secure it for her son. The Duke of York therefore with an Army march­eth against her, and neer unto Wakefield both Hosts join battel, where the Queen at length gained the Victory. The Duke himself with divers men of account were slain in the fight, and the Earl of Salisbury was taken prisoner and beheaded. And now Edward Earl of March the son of Richard Duke of York, takes upon him to maintain the quarrel, and at Mortimers Cross neer Ludlow, he set upon the Queens Army. At which time there appeared three Suns, which suddenly joyned into one. The Battels maintained themselves with great fury, but in the end March obtained the Victory. There were taken Sir Owen Teder or Tudor (Father to Jasper Earl of Pembroke) whom Earl Edward caused to be beheaded, Taken also were, Sir John Scudamor with his two sons, and other persons of Rank.

A. D. 1461. Both Armies met and ingaged in fight at St. Albans, where the Queens side won the day, and recovered the King, whom the Yorkists had brought along with them from London. Howbeit the Londoners stood wholly for the Earl of March (whose presence and carriage made him amiable amongst the people, especially women) and at his return to London from the fight, proclaimed him King of Eng­land.

[Page 285]King Henries Issue was only Edward. He was a Prince free from pride, given much to Prayer; well-read in the Scriptures, Chari­table, so chast and modest, that when certain young women presented themselves before him in a Mask, with their hair loose, and bare breasts laid out, he immediately rose up and departed with these words, Fie, fie for shame, forsooth ye are to blame. He took all injuries, whereof he received plenty, so patiently, that he not only did not seek to revenge them, but gave God thanks that he did send them to pu­nish his sins in this life, that he might escape punishment in the life to come. To a Russian that struck him on the face whilst he was prisoner, he only said, Forsooth, you are to blame to strike me your anointed King. Not long before his death, being demanded why he had so long held the Crown of England unjustly, he replied, my Father was King of England, quietly enjoying the Crown all his Reign; and his Father, my Grandsire was also King of England, and I even a Child in the Cradle, was proclamed and Crowned King without any interruption, and so held it forty years well-neer, all the States doing homage unto me, as to my Ancestors. Therefore I say with King David, My lot is fallen in a fair ground, I have a goodly Heritage: my help is from the Lord which saveth the upright in heart. He founded those Famous Colledges of Eato [...], and Kings Colledge in Cambridge.

[Page 286]In or neer the year of our Lord 1442. was Eleanor Cobham the good Duke Humphries wife, arraigned of Sorcery and Treason, for setting on Bu [...]lingbrooke and Southwell to take away the Kings life by Necromancy. Something of the fact she either confessed, or was proved against her, for the which she was put to solemn and publick penance in London three several days, then was committed to perpetual imprison­ment.

The Art of Printing was first found out in Germany by a Knight called John Guttenberghen, and brought into England by William Caxton a Mercer of London, who first practised the same in the Abby at Westminster, Anno Dom. 1471.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir William Waldren was Mayor.
  • William Eastfield, Robert Tatarfel, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • VVilliam Cromar was Mayor.
  • Nicholas James, Thomas Watford, Sheriffs.

In his third Year,

  • John Michal was Mayor.
  • Simon Seamen, John Bywater, Sheriffs.

[Page 287]In his fourth Year,

  • John Coventry was Mayor.
  • William Mildred, John Brokle, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Sir John Rainwel was Mayor.
  • John Arnal, John Higham, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Sir John Gedney was Mayor.
  • Henry Frowick, Robert Otely, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir Henry Barton vvas Mayor.
  • Thomas Duffhouse, John Abbot, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Sir William Eastfield was Mayor.
  • William Russe, Ralph Holland, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Nicholas Wotton vvas Mayor.
  • Walter Chertsey, Robert Large, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Sir John de Wells was Mayor.
  • John Aderly, Stephen Brown, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year,

  • Sir John Parveis was Mayor.
  • John Olney, John Paddesley, Sheriffs.

In his Twelfth Year,

  • Sir John Brokle was Mayor.
  • Thomas Chalton, John King, Sheriffs.

In his Thirteenth year,

  • Sir Roger Oteley was Mayor.
  • Thomas Barnewel, Simon Eyre, Sheriffs.

[Page 288]In his Fourteenth Year,

  • Sir Henry Frowick was Mayor.
  • Thomas Catworth, Robert Clopton, Sheriffs.

In his Fifteenth Year,

  • Sir John Michael was Mayor.
  • Thomas Morsted, William Gregory, Sheriffs.

In his Sixteenth Year,

  • Sir William Eastfield was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Hales, William Chapman, Sheriffs.

In his Seventeenth, Year,

  • Sir Stephen Brown was Mayor.
  • Hugh Dyker, Nicholas Yowe, Sheriffs.

In his Eighteenth Year,

  • Robert Large was Mayor.
  • Philip Malpas, Robert Marshal, Sheriffs.

In his Ninteenth Year,

  • Sir John Paddesley was Mayor.
  • John Sutton, William Welinhale, Sheriffs.

In his Twentieth Year,

  • Robert Clopton was Mayor.
  • William Combis, Richard Rich, Sheriffs.

In his twenty first Year,

  • John Aderley was Mayor.
  • Thomas Beaumont, Richard Nordon, Sheriffs.

In his twenty second Year,

  • Thomas Catworth was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Wyford, John Norman, Sheriffs.

In his twenty third Year,

  • Sir Henry Frowick was Mayor.
  • Stephen Foster, Hugh W [...]tch, Sheriffs.

[Page 289]In his twenty fourth Year,

  • Sir Simon Eyre was Mayor.
  • John Darby, Godfrey Fielding, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty fifth Year,

  • John Olney was Mayor.
  • Robert Horne, Godfrey Bullen, Sheriffs.

In his twenty sixth Year,

  • Sir John Gedney was Mayor.
  • William Abraham, Thomas Scot, Sheriffs.

In his twenty seventh Year,

  • Sir Stephen Brown vvas Mayor.
  • William Cotlow, William Marrow, Sheriffs.

In his twenty eight Year,

  • Sir Thomas Chalton was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Hulin, Thomas Canning, Sheriffs.

In his twenty ninth Year,

  • Nicholas Wilford was Mayor.
  • John Middleton, VVilliam Deare, Sheriffs.

In his thirtieth Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Gregory was Mayor.
  • Matthew Philip, Christopher Wharton, Sheriffs.

In his thirty first Year,

  • Sir Geoffry Fielding vvas Mayor.
  • Richard Lee, Richard Alley, Sheriffs.

In his thirty second Year,

  • Sir John Norman was Mayor.
  • John Walden, Thomas Cook, Sheriffs.

In his thirty third Year,

  • Sir Stephen Foster vvas Mayor.
  • John Field, VVilliam Taylor, Sheriffs.

[Page 290]In his thirty fourth Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Marrow vvas Mayor,
  • John Young, Thomas Oldgrave, Sheriffs.

In his thirty fifth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Canning was Mayor.
  • John Styward, Ralph Verney, Sheriffs.

In his thirty sixth Year,

  • Sir Godfrey Bullen vvas Mayor.
  • VVilliam Edward, Thomas Reyner, Sheriffs.

In his thirty seventh Year,

  • Sir Thomas Scot was Mayor.
  • Ralph Joceline, Richard Nedham, Sheriffs.

In his thirty eighth Year,

  • Sir William Hulin vvas Mayor.
  • John Plummer, John Stocker, Sheriffs.

In his thirty ninth Year,

  • Sir Richard Lee was Mayor.
  • Richard Flemming, John Lambert, Sheriffs.

EDWARD IV.

EDWARD the fourth, A. D. 1 [...]61 was the eldest son of Richard Duke of York, and began to Reign in the twentieth year of his Age. At which time Henry of Windsor had many friends remaining, who by open Hostility sought to re settle him on the English Throne. The battel at Towton fought on Palm-Sunday 1461, is very memorable, wherein died the Lords Beaumont, Nevill, Willoughby, Wells, Scales, Grey, Dacres, Fitz-Hugh, Beckingham, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen a great number, and in all on both parts 35091, but Henry lost the day.

A. D. 1461, and June 28, was Edward Duke of York and Earl of March Crowned King at Westminster with great solemnity. And in November following was Henry of Windsor and his son Edward by Parliament disinherited of their right or claim to the Crown. The Dukes of Excester and Sommerset, and Earl of Devonshire with an 140 more were Attainted and Disinherited.

Queen Margre [...] the mean while was gaining Aids from France, but they were discomfited by bastard Ogle. Then with the Scots she en­tred Northumberland, took the Castle of Bam­burgh, and passed forward to the Bishoprick of Durham, her forces daily increasing: but these [Page 292] also were defeated by King Edward at Hegely Moor, where Sir Ralph Piercie dying said, I have saved the Bird in my breast, meaning his Oath made to King Henry, in whose cause he lost his life.

At Hexam also were Henries forces defeated, but himself with much difficulty escaped into Scotland. Shortly after which, this unfor­tunate Prince came into England in disguise, but being betrayed, was apprehended in Wad­dington-Hall as he sate at dinner, from whence he was conveyed to London, with his Legs bound to the stirrups, and at London was Ar­rested by the Earl of Warwick, and committed to the Tower.

And now King Edward thinks himself at leisure to marry, yet refuseth all Forreign matches, whereof he had many offered, and takes for his consort an inferior subject, the Relict of his mortal enemy, Sir John Grey slain at the battel of St. Albans on King Henries side. This Lady Elizabeth Gray becoming a suiter unto the King for her Joynture; kind King Edward became a suiter unto her for a nights-Lodging; but she wisely answered him, when he became importunate, That as she did ac­count her self too base to be his Wife, so she did think her self too good to be his Whore. When the King would needs marry this Lady, to the great discontent of his Councel, but especially of his Mother; His Mother alledged many reasons to the contrary, and amongst the rest this, That only her Widow-hood might be sufficient to restrain him, for that [Page 293] it was an high disparagement to a King, to be dishonoured with bigamy in his first marriage. To which the King pleasantly answered, In that she is a Widow, and hath already Children, By Gods blessed Lady I am a Batchelor and have some too, and so each of us hath a proof, that neither of us are like to be barren. And therefore Madam I pray you be content, I trust in God she shall bring you forth a young Prince, that shall please you. And as for the Bigamy, let the Bishop hardly lay it in my way when I come to take Orders, for I understand that it is forbidden to a Priest, but I never wist yet that it was forbidden to a Prince. On May 26. 1465, was this Lady, whom Edward had accepted to be his Queen, Crowned at Westminster with all due Celebrations. Her Father Sir Richard Woodvil was created Lord Rivers, and made High Constable of England. Her son Thomas Grey was created Marquess Dorcet, and her other relations preferred. But this marriage of the Kings did so sorely disgust the Earl of Warwick, who had courted the Duke of Savoys daughter for King Edward, that he turned his affection from him to Henry, contriving all he could King Edwards depo­sition. He wrought upon George Duke of Clarence the Kings brother to favour his de­signments, the Duke being the easier wrought upon, by reason he had before took offence against his brother about his Marriage, and preferring his Wifes kindred. Then did War­wick by his Agents stir up a commotion in the North, one Robert Huldern first heading a rab­ble [Page 294] of about fifteen thousand, and he put to death, Sir John Coniers undertook the leading of them, marching with them towards London; Proclaiming, That King Edward was neither a just Prince to God, nor a profitable Prince to the Common-Wealth. Against these rebels the King sent an Army that ingaged with them not far from Banbury, where the Northern men had gone off with the worst, had not John Clapham Esquire, a servant of Warwicks, dis­played his colours with the white Bear, and from an eminent place cryed a Warwick, a sVVarwick, whereat the VVelshmen, fearing in­deed that VVarwick had been come, betook themselves to flight, leaving their General the Earl of [...]embroke, and his brother in the field, who valiantly fighting were incompassed and taken. The Earl with his brother Sir Richard Herbert were brought to Banbury, where with ten other Gentlemen they lost their heads, Coniers and Clapham being their Judges, 1469.

From hence the Northern men under the conduct of Robin of Riddisdale, hasted to the Kings Mannor of Graffon, where the Queens Father then lay, whom with his son John they suddenly surprised, and at Northampton struck off their heads. The King this while having prepared a mighty Army, marched towards Warwicks company, and at Wolney pitched his Tents, the enemy lying at a little distance, in readiness for battle; but by mediation of friends a peace was intreated. When the King resting secure was by politick Warwick surprized in [Page 295] the dead of the night, and carryed Prisoner to Warwick-Castle, from whence he was by night conveyed to Middleham Castle in York­shire, where under the custody of the Earls Brother George Neville Archbishop of York he was retained; but the Bishop granting him li­berty to ride a Hunting in the Forests and Parks, he fairly made his escape. Warwick hereupon rages, but seeing no remedy, he made use of necessity, and gave forth, that himself so cau­sed it, having power to make Kings and to un­make them. Nor did he and Clarence leave off here, but procured a Rebellion in Lincolnshire, where Sir Robert VVells, an expert Soldier, with Thirty thousand Commons disturbed the Country, and in every place proclaimed King Henry. At Stamford-Wells set upon the Kings forces (not staying for VVarwicks coming) where was performed a most bloody fight, till at length Sir Robert being taken, the Lincoln­shire men, casting away their Coats, all ran away. In regard whereof, this Battel was called, the Battel of Lost-Coat-Field. VVells with many others were put to death, 1470. Upon this defeat Clarence and VVarwick fled in­to France, thinking to take sanctuary at Callis; but there the Lord Vawclear whom VVarwick had substituted his Deputy, denied them admit­tance, bidding them defiance with his great Guns; for which good service King Edward mad Vaw [...]lea [...], himself, Governour of Callis, But though these Lords were rejected here, yet were they with great respect received at the [...]rench Court, K. Lewis furnishing them with [Page 296] aids, which effected, they set sail and landed at Dartmouth: from whence Warwick marched towards London, proclaiming Henry King, and commanding all from sixteen to sixty upon a great penalty to take arms against the Usurper Edward Duke of York.

And incredible it was to see the confluence of them which came armed to him, who a lit­tle before applauded and approved none but King Edward. The Bastard Fawconbridg in the West, and the Earl of Pembroke in Wales, every­where proclaimed King Henry also. And the Lord Montacute, who having mustered 6000 men in the name of King Edward, and brought them forward almost to Nottingham, drew them back again, alledging King Edward's ungrate­fulness to his friends. Every one cryed now, A King Henry, a King Henry; a Warwick, a War­wick; and indeed all so applauded the passage now on foot, that King Edward was forced to flye beyond the seas. His Queen Elizabeth stole out of the Tower, and took sanctuary in West­minster, where on the 4th of November she was delivered of a son, which without all pomp was there also baptized by the name of Edward. O­ther Sanctuaries were also full of Edwards Friends. And now the Kentish men took the op­portunity to rob, spoil, and do much harm a­bout London, and some in London it self; and more would have done, had not the Earl of Warwick come in to the rescue; which encrea­sed his name, that was great enough before. On October 6, the said Earl entred the Tower, wherein King Henry had been detained prisoner [Page 297] almost the space of 9 years, whom he released, and restored to him the title of King, and forthwith conveyed him through London to the Bishops palace, where a pompous Court was kept till the 13 of the same month, on which day Henry went Crowned to St. Pauls, the Earl of Warwick bearing his Train, and Earl of Oxford the Sword, the people crying, God save King Henry. November 26 following, a certain Parliament was begun at Westminster, wherein K. Edward was declared a Traytor to his Coun­try, an Usurper of the Crown, and had all his goods confiscate; the like judgment passed a­gainst his adherents. John Tiptoft Earl of Wor­cester was beheaded. All the Statutes made by K. Edward were revoked. The Crowns of England and France entailed to K. Henry, and his Heirs Male, and for want of such, unto George Duke of Clarence; and the Earl of Warwick was made Governour of the Land in those turbulent times. But K. Edward having received some aids from the Duke of Burgundy, and the pro­mises of more in England, landed at Ravenspur in Yorkshire. At his first arrival, he seemed to lay aside his claim to the Crown, pretending only to his rights as a private person, how­beit, when he had possest himself of York, and got his friends about him, he then marched in an hostile manner till he came near to the City of Warwick, where his Brother Clarence brought in to his assistance 4000 men. And Clarence reconciled to K. Edward, sought to draw in Warwick, to which end, he sent messengers to him to the Town of Warwick where he then lay; [Page 298] but Warwick bade the Messengers go tell the Duke from him, That he had rather be an Earl, and always like himself, than a perjured Duke; and that ere his Oath should be falsified, as the Dukes apparently was, he would lay down his life at his enemies foot, which he doubted not should be bought very dear. This stout resolution made Edward more wary, therefore he hastens for­ward to obtain London, whither when he was come, the Citizens set open their Gates to him. And now peaceable Henry becomes Prisoner again to K. Edward, who hearing of Warwicks advance towards London, draws forth his forces to meet him, taking Henry along with him, and upon Gladmore neer Barnet, on Easterday in the morning the Kings and Earls hosts joyned Battel, the best of the day for a while being Warwicks; but at length through the fogginess and darkness of the Air, the Stars embroidered on the Earl of Oxfords mens Coats, who were in the left wing of the Battel, were mistaken for the Sun which K. Edwards men wore; in which error VVarwicks Battalion lets fly at their own fellows, that were in great forwardness of gaining the victory, and they not knowing the cause of the errour, judged themselves be­trayed; whereupon the Earl of Oxford with 800 men, quit the Field: Which great VVar­wick perceiving, he couragiously animated his men, and furiously rushed into the midst of his enemies battel, so far, that he could not be rescued, where valiantly fighting he was slain. Marquis Montacute making forward to relieve him was also slain, whereby ended that bloody [Page 299] days task. On King Edward's part died the Lord Cromwel, Lord Bourchier, Lord Barnes and Sir John Lisle. On the other part, the Earl of Warwick, and his brother John Nevil Marquis Montacute. On both sides ten thousand, most of which were buried upon the same plain, where afterwards a Chappel was built. In this same year 1471, and within few weeks after this was a battel fought at Tewksbury be­twixt King Edward and the Martial Queen Mar­garet, the defeat hapning to the Queen; On whose side were slain John Lord Sommerset, John Courtney Earl of Devonshire, Sir John Delves, Sir Edward Hampden, Sir Robert Whit­tingham, and Sir John Lewkner, with three hundred others. Amongst them that fled Prince Edward King Henries son was one; him Sir Richard Crofts apprehended, and presented him to the King, whom the King a while beheld with austere countenance, at last demanded of him, How he durst with Banner display'd, so presumptuously disturb his Realm; To which the Prince answered, That what he did was to recover his Fathers Kingdomes and his most rightful inheritance. How darest thou then, added the Prince, which art his subject dis­play thy Colours against him thy Liege-Lord? Which answer so moved King Edward, that he dashed the Prince on the mouth with his Gantlet, and Richard Duke of Glocester with some of the Kings servants, most shamefully murdred him at the Kings feet. His body was buried in the Monastery of the black- Friars at Tewksbury.

[Page 300] Edmond Duke of Sommerset, the Pryor of St. Johns, with many Knights and Esquires were taken forth of Sanctuary and executed at Tewksbury. Queen Margaret in this fatal day of battel took into a religious house, from whence she was taken and committed to sure and strait keeping, in which condition she remained till such time that she was ransomed by her Father Duke Renate. May 20, King Edward entred London, and in few days after the Crookback'd Duke of Glocester stabbed harmless King Henry to the heart. Whose murdred body was on the Ascension-Eve laid in an open Coffin and conveyed to St. Pauls in London, where it rested uncovered one day, and began to bleed afresh, thence it was car­ried to the black Friars Church, where it did bleed as before, then was buried at Chertsey in Surrey, but King Henry the seventh translated it to his Chappel of Windsor.

A. D. 1474, Was an Interview at Piquigny in France, of the two Kings of England and France, where falling into complemental con­ference, Lewis told King Edward that he would one day invite him to Paris, there to court his fair French Ladies, with whom if he commit­ted any sin, Lewis merrily told him that Car­dinal Bourbon should be his Confessor, and to be sure his penance should be the easier, for that Bourbon used to kiss fair Ladies himself. This was no sooner spoken howsoever meant, but Edward was as forward of thanks and ac­ceptance; which King Lewis observing, round­ed Philip Co [...]nes his bosome-servant in the ear, [Page 301] telling him flatly, That he liked not Edwards forwardness to Paris, there had been too many English Princes at that City already. After King Edwards return into England as he was hunting in Arrow-Park belonging to Thomas Burdet Esquire, with the death of much game he slew a white Buck, which the Esquire much fancied, whereupon he wished the Horns in that persons belly that moved the King to kill that Buck. For which words he was accused and condemned of Treason, his words being wrested, that he wish'd the Horns in the Kings belly, and was beheaded at Tyburne.

A. D. 1478. George Duke of Clarence, by the procurement of his brother Richard Duke of Glocester, was accused of Treason and com­mitted to the Tower. His accusation was, That he had caused divers of his servants to inform the people that Mr. Burdet was wrong­fully put to death, That upon purpose to exalt himself and Heirs to the regal dignity, he had most falsely published that the King his brother was a bastard, and therefore not capable to wear the Crown, for which, and the like crimes charged upon him, he was in Parlia­ment Attainted of Treason, and found guilty, and on the eleventh of March 1478, after he had offered his Mass-peny in the Tower, was drowned in a But of Malmsey, whose body was buried at Tukesbury. But the King was after­wards much grieved, that he had consented to his death, and would say when any made suit for the life of a condemned person, O unfor­tunate [Page 302] brother, for whose life no man would make suit.

A. D. 1483, King Edward fell into a dan­gerous and deadly sickness, when calling for his Lords into his sick presence, and raising his faint body on the pillowes, he exhorted and required them all, For the love that they had ever born unto him, for the love that he had ever born unto them, for the love that our Lord beareth unto us all, that from that time forward all griefs forgotten, each of them would love other. Which, saith he, I verily trust you will, If you any thing regard either God or your King, affinity, or kindred, your own Country, or your own safety. Shortly after which words he departed this life, April the ninth, and was buried at VVindsor in the New Chappel, whose foundation himself had laid. 'Tis said of him, that he was just and merciful in peace, sharp and fierce in War, and that never any King was more familiar with his Subjects than he. In the beginning of his raign he used to sit in person certain days together in his Court of Kings-Bench to see justice and equity done. His Issue were Edward, Richard, George who died an infant, Elizabeth, Cicely, Anne, Briget, Mary, Mar­gret and Catharine. His Concubines were Elizabeth Lucy and three others, which were of three several humours as himself would say, One the merryest, which was Shores Wife, another the wiliest, and the third the holiest, for she had wholly devoted her self to his Bed and [Page 303] her Beads. His base Issue were Arthur sirnamed Plantaginet and Elizabeth.

He ordained penal Statutes against excessive pride in apparel, especially against long-piked shoes then worn, which had grown to such an extream, that the Pikes in the toes were turned upwards, and with Silver-chains or Silk-laces tied to the knee. He gave some Cotswold-sheep to Henry of Castile, and John of Arragon, 1465, which hath been accounted one of the greatest prejudices that ever hapned to Eng­land. One VValker a substantial Citizen of London was beheaded in Smithfield, for only saying to his Child, That he would make him Heir of the Crown, meaning his house which had that sign.

In the fallen estate of King Henry many of the Nobles that had took part with Henry were put to fly for their lives into Forraign Coun­tries; and amongst the rest Henry Holland Duke of Excester and Earl of Huntingdon, son to the Lady Elizabeth second daughter of John of Gaunt, and Husband to the sister of King Ed­ward the fourth, was constrained to live in exile in miserable want and penury. For, saith Philip Comines, I once saw the Duke of Excester run on foot, bare-leg'd, after the Duke of Burgundies Coach and Train begging an Alms for Gods-sake; But being known what he was, Burgundy gave him a small pension for his main­tenance.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings time.

In his first Year,

  • Sit Hugh Witch was Mayor.
  • George Ireland, John Lock, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Sir Thomas Cook was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Hampton, Bartholomew James, Sheriffs.

In his third Year.

  • Sir Matthew Philip was Mayor.
  • Robert Basset, Thomas Muschampt, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Sir Ralph Joceline was Mayor.
  • John Tate, John Stones, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Sir Ralph Varney was Mayor.
  • Henry Weaver, VVilliam Constantine, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Sir John Young was Mayor.
  • John Brown, Henry Brice, John Darby, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir Thomas Oldgrave was Mayor.
  • Thomas Stalbrook, Humphrey Heyford, Sheriffs.

[Page 305]In his eighth Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Taylor was Mayor.
  • Simon Smith, William Herriot, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Sir Richard a Lee was Mayor.
  • Richard Gardner, Robert Drope, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Sir John Stackton was Mayor.
  • John Crosby, John VVard, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year.

  • Sir William Edwards was Mayor.
  • John Allen, John Shelley, Sheriffs.

In his twelfth Year,

  • Sir William Hampton was Mayor.
  • John Brown, Thomas Bledlow, Sheriffs.

In his thirteenth Year.

  • Sir John Tate was Mayor.
  • Sir VVilliam Stocker, Robert Belisdon, Sheriffs.

In his fourteenth Year,

  • Sir Robert Drope was Mayor.
  • Edmond Shaa, Thomas Hill, Sheriffs.

In his fifteenth Year,

  • Sir Robert Basset vvas Mayor.
  • Hugh Brice, Robert Colwich, Sheriffs.

In his sixteenth Year,

  • Sir Ralph Joceline was Mayor.
  • Richard Rawson, William Horn, Sheriffs.

In his seventeenth Year,

  • Sir Humfrey Heyford vvas Mayor.
  • Henry Collet, John Stocker, Sheriffs.

[Page 306]In his eighteenth Year,

  • Sir Richard Gardner vvas Mayor.
  • Robert Harding, Robert Bifield, Sheriffs.

In his nineteenth Year,

  • Sir Bartholomew James was Mayor.
  • Thomas Ilam, John Ward, Sheriffs.

In his twentieth Year,

  • Sir John Brown was Mayor.
  • Thomas Daniel, William Bacon, Sheriffs.

In his twenty first Year,

  • Sir William Herriot vvas Mayor.
  • Robert Tate, Rich. Charey, Will. Wiking, Sheriffs.

In his twenty second Year,

  • Sir Edmund Shaa was Mayor.
  • William White, John Matthew, Sheriffs.

EDWARD V.

EDWARD the eldest son of King Edward the 4th, A. D. 1483. being a child but of about twelve years of age when his Father dyed, was com­mitted to the government of his Uncle Sir An­thony Woodville, a right honourable person, with whom were joined other of the Queens friends. But Richard Duke of Glocester was much dis­contented that these should have the keeping of him secure, whom he designed to destroy, that thereby the Crown might become his. This bloody man therefore, the better to effect his wicked purposes, did every-where represent the Queens Kindred to be enemies to the ancient Nobility, and that they would abuse the Kings Name to their undoing. With which, and like suggestions, he wrought upon the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Hastings (that had formerly born no great good-will to the Queens friends) to join with him, utterly to remove from the Kings company all his Mothers friends, under the name of the ancient Nobles enemies. Then the Hypocrite Glocester understanding that the Lords attending the King, purposed to bring the King to London to his Coronation, strongly guarded, he therefore procured the Queen to be brought in mind, That it was not needful, but would be jeopardous for the King to be brought up strong; for that if the Lords [Page 308] of her Kindred should assemble in the Kings Name much people, they should give the Lords of the contrary Faction cause to suspect, that this was not done for the Kings safety, whom no man impugned, but for the destruction of the ancient Nobility, by which means the Na­tion should be brought into an uproar. The Queen thus over-reached, sent such word unto the King and his friends about him; so that they mistrusting no guile, brought the King forwards with a small company, in great haste, but with no good speed: For the Dukes of York and Buckingham at Stony-Stratford, as the King was on his way to London, took him by violence from his Friends, arrested the Lord Richard Grey, Sir Thomas Vaughan, and Sir Richard Hawt, in the Kings presence, and imprisoned Sir Anthony Woodvile, Lord Rivers, in Northampton; whom in short time after, with the Lord Richard and Sir Thomas Vaughan, they sent prisoners into the North. Which done, with much honour and humble reverence they convey the King towards London. But the Queen hearing of these pro­ceedings, in great fright and heaviness she be­wailed her Childs Reign, her friends and her own mishap, cursing the time that ever she dis­swaded the gathering of power about the King; got her self in all haste possible with her young Son Richard, and Daughters, into the Sanctuary, lodging her self and company, in the Abbots place at VVestminster; whither the Archbishop of York went to comfort her, telling her, he hoped that the matter was nothing so bad as she doubted it; and that he was put in good [Page 309] hope, and out of doubt, by a Message sent him from the Lord Hastings (whose faithfulness to the King, he said, none did or had cause to su­spect): Ah wo worth him, quoth the Queen, he is one that laboureth to destroy me and my blood. When the Archbishop was returned home, in the dawning of the day, he might out of his Chamber-window, see all the Thames full of boats, with the Duke of Glocester's servants in them, watching that none should go to san­ctuary, nor none pass unsearched. Great then was the commotion and murmur, as well in o­ther places about, as especially in the City, the people diversly divining upon this dealing; and some Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, either for favour of the Queen, or fear of themselves, as­sembled in sundry companies harnessed. But these commotions and fears were moderated by the Lord Hastings then Lord Chamberlain, who perswaded that the Duke of Glocester was a sure friend to the King, and that the Lord Ri­vers with the others were for matters attempt­ed against the Dukes of Glocester and Bucking­ham, put under arrest; and that the King was bringing up to his Coronation.

May 4th, the King entred the City, and was lodged in the Bishops Palace, where was held a great Council, and the Dukes of Glocester, Buckingham, and all the Lords, vvere svvorn to the King; and the Duke of Glocester vvas chosen to be Protector of the King and his Realm. And novv the Protector, to the end he might finish his designs at once, projecteth to get the young Duke of York out of sanctua­ry, [Page 310] in order to which he pretends that the said Duke only was a fit associate for his brother the King, and that it was dishonourable both for the King and those about his Grace, that the Kings brother should be fain to keep San­ctuary. But because the Duke might not be ta­ken out of Sanctuary by violence, the A. B. of York was therefore imploy'd to perswade with the Queen to yield him up. This the A.B. un­dertook (though perhaps not very willingly) alledging to the Queen the comfort that his society would be to the King his brother, and that it would take off the obloquy of one bro­thers being afraid of the other, which would seem to be by the Dukes being kept in Sanctu­ary. The Queen desirous to keep him where he was, pleaded his infancy, his being vexed with sickness, insomuch that she durst put no earthly person in trust with his keeping but her self on­ly: For though others (said she) haply might do their best to him, yet there was none that knew better than her self how to order him, she having so long kept him; nor was there any more like to cherish him than his own Mo­ther that bare him. And to this her reply she added many biting words against the Protector. Howbeit, in the conclusion finding by the A.B's words that the Protector would fetch her Son out by force, if otherwise he might not be had, she deemed it best to deliver him, which she did to the Bishop and other Lords with him: saying to them, I deliver him, and his brother into your hands to keep, of whom I shal ask them both before God and the world. And to the [Page 311] she said, Farewell, mine own sweet Son, God send you good keeping, let me kiss you once ere you go, for God knows when we shall kiss together again; and therewithal she kissed him, blessed him, turned her back and wept, and so went away, leaving the Child weeping as fast. Then the Lords brought him to the Pro­tector, who took him in his arms, and gave him a Judas kiss.

June the 13, many Lords assembled in the Tower and there sate in Councel, communing concerning the Kings Coronation, for the which Pageants were provided, and whilst they were in consultation in came the Protector about nine of the Clock, saluting them curte­ously and excusing himself that he came so late, saying merrily, I have been a sleeper to day; then after a while departed, and about eleven of the Clock returned thither, but with a wonderful sowr and angry countenance, knit­ting his brows, frowning and fretting and biting his lips, and after some short time said, What are they worthy to have, who imagine and compass my destruction, that am so near of blood to the King, and that am Protector of his Royal Person and Realm? The Lord Hastings answered that they deserved to be punished as hainous Traytors, whatsoever they were, and so said the other Lords. This is, quoth the Protector, yonder Sorceress my bro­thers Wife, meaning the Queen, and that other Witch of her Councel Shores Wife, with their affinity, who by their Sorcery and Witchcraft have wasted my body, and there­with [Page 312] with he pluckt up his doublet sleeve to the el­bow, on his left arm, shewing a wearish, withered arm, and small as it never was other­wise. Whereupon the Lords minds much gave them, that this was but a quarrel.

Howbeit the Lord Chamberlain (who from the death of King Edward had kept Jane Shore) said, certainly my Lord if they have so done they are worthy of great punishment. What, quoth the Protector, Thou servest me with Ifs and with Ands I ween, I tell thee they have so done, and that I will make good on thy body, Traytor. And therewith he rapt on the board with his fist, at which sign given, one without the Chamber cryed out, Treason; Whereupon many men in harness came rushing into the Councel-Chamber, where they seized on the Lord Hastings, vvhom the Lord Pro­tector bad speed, and shrieve him apace, for by St. Paul, said he, I vvill not to dinner till I see thy head off, vvhich accordingly vvas done, for he vvas presently brought forth to the Tovver-green, vvhereupon a long log of Timber his head vvas struck off. Thus ended this honourable man easie to beguiled. Novv the Protector to set some colour upon the mat­ter, after he had dined sent in all haste for many substantial men out of the City into the Tovver, against vvhose coming thither him­self and Buckingham his creature had harnessed themselves in old rusty Briganders, as though some sudden necessity had constrained them to put on such Armour. And being come the Protector told them, that the Lord Chamber­lain [Page 313] Hastings, and others of his conspiracy had contrived suddenly to have destroyed him, and the Duke of Buckingham, there the same day in Councel, of the vvhich Treason he never had knovvledge before ten of the Clock the same Forenoon. And for the further ap­peasing of the peoples minds concerning this Lords death, he caused also the same day an Herald of Arms to proclaim it through the City of London, That the Lord Hastings, vvith divers others had conspired to murder the Lord Protector and Duke of Buckingham sitting in Councel, and after to have taken upon them to rule the King and Realm at their ovvn plea­sures. By and by after this he caused the Sheriff of London to repair to Jane Shores house, and to spoil her of all that she had; then pro­cured the Bishop of London to put her to open penance for her former dalliance vvith his brother King Edward, and as 'tis said, he pro­hibited any from relieving her extream vvants. The Protector had also so contrived it vvith his Cabal, that the same day and about the same hour in vvhich the Lord Chamberlain vvas beheaded at the Tovver, those Lords taken from the King at Stony-stratford and Northampton should be beheaded at Pontfract. Which ac­cordingly vvas done, in the presence and by the order of Sir Richard Radcliffe, vvho at their execution would not permit them to speak or declare their innocency. And novv the vvay thus prepared Glocester hastens for his ovvn Coronation, instead of setting the Crovvn on his Nephevvs head, Edmund Sha [Page 314] the Mayor of London he vvins to his side. And the Mayors brother Dr. Sha (by the direction of the Protector and his Councel) upon Sun­day June 19th, at Pauls-Cross, declared to the people that King Edward the fourth vvas never lavvfully married to the Queen, and therefore his Children vvere Bastards. Moreover that neither King Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence vvere reckoned (by those that vvere of secrecy in the household) for the Duke of Yorks Children; but, saith he, as for the very Noble Prince the Lord Protector, he is the Fathers ovvn Picture, his ovvn countenance. At the time of the uttering of these vvords (according to the plot laid before-hand) the Protector should have come in, to the end that those vvords just meeting vvith his presence, the people might have been the more affected vvith them; but vvhether by the slovvness of the Protector in coming, or the Doctors too much speed, the Protector came not till these words were over: Nevertheless when the Dr. spyed his Lordship coming at last, he abrupt­ly broke off from the matter he was upon, to repeat the former vvords, This is the very Noble Prince, &c. But the people vvere so far from crying, King Richard (as it vvas hoped they vvould) that they stood as if they had been vvithout sense, they vvere so amuzed at his shameful Harangue. And the poor Parson vvhen he had done got him home, and there consumed and pined to death in fevv days after. The Theme of his preachment vvas, Bastard-slips shall never take deep root. On [Page 315] the Tuesday follovving Henry Duke of Bucking­ham made an oration to the Lord Mayor, Al­dermen and Commons in the Guildhall of Lon­don, wherein he aspersed King Edward the fourth as a Tyrant, his Children as Bastards; endeavoured to prove the Protector to be the only true Heir to the Crown, perswading the Citizens that they should therefore joyn with the Nobility in Petitioning the Protector to take the Government of the Realm upon him, according to his very right and just Title. The next day the Mayor, Aldermen and chief Com­moners of the City resorted unto the Protector to Baynards-Castle; whither also repaired Buck­ingham and other Nobles with many Knights and Gentlemen. When they were met toge­ther Buckingham desired the Protectors pardon and licence to acquaint his Grace with the intent of their coming, (as though he had not known it before) which in short was to beseech him to take the Crown and Government of the Realm upon him. At which words the Protector began to look angerly, withal denying to yield thereto. Whereupon his Privado Buckingham threatned, saying, That if he would not, they would find out some other man that should, for they were resolved that King Edwards Li­neage should no longer Raign over them, and then Richard was pleased to accept the Crown as his just right, the people thereat shouting and crying, King Richard, King Richard.

RICHARD III.

RICHARD the Third, Son of Richard Duke of York, was born with all his teeth, and hair to his shoulders. This his mon­strous birth foreshewing his monstrous condi­tions and proceedings. June 22. he was by the Nobility and Citizens of London elected King of England, and afterward by Act of Parliament was confirmed. On June 25 he took his seat in the Kings-bench Court, and there pronounced pardon of all offences committed against him. On July 4 he came to the Tower, where he Created Estates, ordained the Knights of the Bath, set at liberty the A.B. of York, and Lord Stanley; and July 6 was anointed and Crowned at Westminster. But this Usurper well knowing that whilst his young Nephews were living the Crown would not stand firm on his head, he therefore imploys Sir James Tirrel, a man of an aspiring spirit, to procure these Childrens destruction; which accordingly he did. For about midnight Miles Forest, and John Dighton, Tirrell's bloody instruments, came into the Chamber where the young King and his Bro­ther lay, and suddenly wrapt them up in the Bed-clothes, keeping by force the Feather-bed and Pillows hard upon their mouths, that they were therein smothered to death. This villany done, Sir James caused the Murderers [Page 317] to bury their Bodies at the stairs-foot, some­what deep in the ground under a great heap of stones; though afterward K. Richard caused them to be taken up, inclosed in Lead, and to be cast into a place called the Black-deeps at the Thames mouth. But the justice of God pur­sued the Murderers, for Forest rotted away piece-meal, Tirrell died for Treason under Henry 7, and Dighton lived and died a vaga­bond beyond the Seas. And the Usurper after this detestable fact, never had quiet in his mind, never thought himself secure; but when he went abroad his eyes still whirled about, his body privily fenced, his hand ever on his Dagger, his sleep interrupted with fearful dreams, sometimes suddenly starting up, leap­ing out of his bed and running about the Chamber. Immediately also after this Murder began the Conspiracy betwixt the Duke of Buckingham and divers other Gentlemen against the Murderer. The occasion of Buckinghams falling off from Richard is diversly reported: some say, it was because the King would not grant him the Duke of Hereford's lands, to the which he pretended himself the rightful heir; others impute it to the Dukes high-mindedness, that he could not bear the glory of another. Himself said the occasion was the murder of the two Children. But be the occasion what it would, yet this is most sure that this enmity of the Dukes to the King proved of good conse­quence to the rightful heirs to the Crown. For hereupon the Duke left the Court, retiring to his own house of Brecknock, where he had in [Page 318] his custody that true friend to K. Edward's Po­sterity, John Morton Bishop of Ely, who by his wisdom abused the Dukes pride to his own de­liverance, the Dukes destruction, and benefit of such to whom the Crown of right apper­tained. When the Duke was at first become alienated from the King, and come to his own house, he solicited the Bishop his Prisoner to speak his mind freely to him in matters of state; but the Bishop refused, thus answering him, ‘In good faith my Lord, I love not much to talk with Princes, as a thing not all out of peril, although the words be without fault; forasmuch as it shall not be taken as the par­ty meant it, but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And ever I think on Aesops tale, that when the Lion had proclaimed that on pain of death there should no horned beast abide in the Wood; one that had in his fore­head a bunch of flesh, fled away a great pace. The Fox that saw him run so fast asked him, Whither he made all that haste, he answered, In faith I neither wot nor care, so I were once hence, because of this Proclamation of hor­ned beasts. What fool (quoth the Fox) thou mayest well enough abide, the Lion meant not thee, for it is no horn on thy head. No marry, quoth he, that wote I well enough; but what and if he call it an horn, where am I then?’ But though the Bishop at the first de­clined talking of State-matters with the Duke, yet afterward when by often discoursing with the Duke, and other circumstances, he found him to be of a proud stomach, and emulated [Page 319] the Kings greatness, he would speak his mind frankly enough to him, rendring the Usurper as odious as was possible, by alledging his un­naturalness to his own Mother, in charging her with defiling the Marriage-bed, his unnatural­ness to his own Brothers and Nephews, in say­ing they were bastards, his murdering his Ne­phews, and other enormities. Then to tickle the Dukes own ambition, the Bishop would commend him to be a person of such rare ver­tues that he merited to wear the Crown him­self, inviting him for Gods sake and his Coun­tries sake to take the Government upon him­self, or otherwise to devise some means how the Realm might be rid of the Tyrant, and brought under some good Governour. When the Duke had pondered a while upon this and the like discourse of the Bishops, he acquain­ted the Bishop, That his resolutions were to advance Henry Earl of Richmond to the Crown, and that the said Earl of Richmond heir of the House of Lancaster, should marry the Lady Elizabeth eldest Daughter of Edward the fourth, by which Marriage the Hous [...]s of York and Lancaster should be united into one. All which to effect, the Duke and Bishop first made the Mothers of Elizabeth and Henry privy hereunto, and imployed divers trusty instruments to inte­rest the Nobles and Gentry in the design. Then the Bishop left Brecknock in disguise, and sailed into Flanders, where he did Earl Henry emi­nent services. Many great persons combined to dethrone the Usurper, which he having know­ledg of, sent his loving Letters to the Duke of [Page 320] Buckingham, whom he understood to be head of the Complotters, requesting him most earnest­ly to come to the Court, for he was in great want of his wise counsel. But the Duke mi­strusting his smooth words, excused himself that he was sickly and not well able to travel. The King therefore sent his commands to him, and threats withal, if he refused to give atten­dance; unto which the Duke sent his resolute answer, That he would not come to his mortal enemy; and immediately prepared War a­gainst him. Then Thomas Marquess Dorset came out of Sanctuary, and also gathered a band of men in the North, Sir Edward Courtney and his Brother the Bishop of Excester raised another Army in Devonshire and Cornwall, and in Kent Sir Richard Guilford and other Gentlemen raised a party, all which was done in a moment. But the Usurper marching with his Host against the Dukes forces, which were most Welsh, they for want of pay and other provision brake up their Camp, and left the Duke to shift for himself; which when the Confederates understood they also dispersed themselves. The Duke of Buck­ingham in disguise repaired for security unto a servants of his near Shrewsbury, named Hum­phry Banister, but the King by Proclamation promising great rewards to him that should de­tect the Duke, that wretch Banister for the hope of gain betrayed his Master the Duke. Who with a guard of men was conveyed to Salisbury, where without arraignment or judgment the Duke lost his head. Howbeit the Traytor Bani­ster did not only lose his promised reward, but [Page 321] also received just punishments from Heaven; for his eldest son fell mad, and so died in a Hogstie, his second son became deformed and lame in his limbs, his third son was drowned in a small puddle of water, his eldest daughter was struck with a foul Leprosie, and himself being of extream age was found guilty of murder, but saved by his Clergy. Divers of the Earl of Richmond's party were put to death, and so jea­lous was the King now of his ill-gotten great­ness, that he stored the Sea-coasts with ar­mies of men, furnished the Ports with store of munition, and made all things ready to pre­vent Earl Henry's arrival; caused a Parliament to be assembled at Westminster, wherein the said Earl, and all such as had fled the Land in his behalf were attainted, and were made enemies to their native Country, their Goods confis­cate, their Lands and possessions condemned to the Kings use. Moreover the Usurper sent his Agents laden with Gold and many gay promises to the Duke of Britain, offering what not if he would either send Earl Henry into England, or commit him there into Prison; but the Duke himself lying extream sick, his Trea­surer Peter Landose corrupted with Gold, had betrayed the Earl into Richard's hands, had not the Earl had timely notice of it, and pre­vented it by a speedy escape unto the French-Court, where he received great favours Dr. Richard Fox then a Student in Paris was eminent­ly serviceable to the Earl in that Nation. And the Duke of Britain, when he understood the treachery of Landose, was highly displeased, [Page 322] and continued a favourer of the Earl and his Cause. But all these things with many more were against K. Richard, which he very well foresaw, though he knew not well how to re­medy: yet that he might make his Title and interest as good as he could, he devised to marry with his Neece the Princess Elizabeth; but his Queen Anne stood in his way to this for the present, though not long, for she fell into the remorseless hands of death, but whe­ther a natural or violent is not well known. After which Richard courts the Lady Elizabeth, his own Brothers daughter, though in vain, for she detested him. Howbeit when Henry heard of Richards attempts herein, and not knowing what time through flattery and per­swasions from some persons might do upon the young Princess her good nature, he hastned for England, setting sail from Harfleet with about 200 men, August 15, and arrived at Milford-Haven the seventh day following, from vvhence he advanced tovvards Shrewsbury. On his way to which place there met him Sir Rice ap Tho­mas, a man of great command in VVales, with a great body of men to side in his quarrel, which Earl Henry afterwards requited by ma­king this his first Alder Governour of VVales: From Shrewsbury the Earl marched to Newport, where Sir Gilbert Talbot met him with two thousand men from the Earl of Shrewsbury. Thence he passed to Litchfield where he was honourably received. But when the Usurper understood that the Earl daily increased in strengths, and that he was advanced so far, [Page 323] without any opposition, from his Court at Nottingham, he set forth his Host to meet the Earl, which he did near unto Market-Bosworth in Leicestershire. His Vant-guard he disposed of a marvellous length, to strike the more terror into the hearts of his foes, the leading where­of was committed to John Duke of Norfolk. His own Battalion was furnished with the best approved men of War. When he had ordered his army for fight, he animated his followers to behave themselves valiantly; alledging to them, that it was against a company of Runna­gates, Thieves, Outlaws, Traytors, beggar­ly Britains, and faint-hearted French-men, that they were to fight, who would oppress and spoil them of their Lands, Wives and Chil­dren; that these their enemies were such Co­wards, that they would fly faster from them than the silly Hart before the Hound; that the Earl of Richmond Captain of the rebellion was but a Welsh Milk-sop. For their love to him their Prince, their zeal to their native Coun­try, he wished them that day to shew their English valour, assuring them that for his part he would either triumph in a glorious victory, or die in the quarrel with immortal fame. Now S. George for us, and us for victory, saith he; Haste therefore forward, and remember this, that I am he that with high advancement will prefer the valiant and hardy, and with severe torture will punish the dastard and cowardly run-away. The Earl of Richmond's forefront was commanded by the Earl of Oxford, the right wing by Sir Gilbert Talbot, the left by Sir [Page 324] John Savage, the main Battel by the Earl him­self, and his Uncle Jasper. When the Earl had ordered his small Host, consisting of about 5000 men, he rode from rank to rank, and wing to wing, encouraging his followers to fight: al­ledging the justness of their quarrel, which God would bless; assuring them that for so good a cause as to free the Land of a Monster, a Tyrant, a Murderer, he would that day rather become a dead carrion upon the ground, than a Carpet-prisoner kept alive for reproach. Ad­vance therefore forward, saith he, like true-hearted English-men, display your Banner in defence of your Country; get the day and be Conquerors, lose the day and be villains. God and St. George give us a happy success. Then immediately a fierce Battel commenced, and was manfully continued on either part. At length the King having intelligence that Earl Henry was but slenderly accompanied with men of Arms, he therefore with his Spear in the Rest ran violently towards the Earl, in which rage at the first brunt he bare down and over­threw the Earls Standard, slew Sir William Bran­don the bearer thereof, next encountred Sir John Cheiny whom he threw to the ground, thereby making an open passage to the Earl himself. In which very instant when the Earl was like to be distressed, the Lord Stanley sent in aids of fresh Soldiers (under the leading of Sir William Stanley) which were raised as he pretended for Richard, but intended them when he should see his time for Richmond's service. These entred the fight with such courage that [Page 325] they put the Usurpers forces to flight; when the Usurper closing his Helmet said to such that brought him a swift horse for his escape, This day shall finish all Battels, or else I will finish my life. So thrusting into the throng of his ene­mies, he manfully fighting died in the place, A. D. 1485, Aug. 22. There died with him that day the Duke of Norfolk, the Lord Ferrers of Chartley, Sir Richard Ratcliff, Sir Robert Braken­bury. The number of both parts slain in the field were 4000, Sir William Catesby with two other persons of quality were taken, and two days after were beheaded at Leicester. Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey, the Duke of Norfolks son and heir being then also taken prisoner, the Earl of Richmond demanded of him how he durst bear Arms in behalf of that Tyrant Richard? to which he answered, He was my Crowned King, and if the Parliamentary au­thority of England set the Crown upon a stock, I vvill fight for that stock. And as I fought then for him, I will fight for you when you are estab­lished by the said Authority. King Richard's Crown which was taken amongst the spoils of the field, the Lord Stanley Earl of Derby set up­on Earl Henries head. The slain body of the Usurper all tugg'd and torn, stark naked was trussed behind Blanch St. Lieger a Pursevant at Arms, like a Hog or Calf, the head and arms hanging on one side of the Horse, and his legs on the other, after which manner it was brought to Leicester, where it was buried in the Grey-Friers Church. The stone-Chest wherein his Corps lay, was at length made a [Page 326] drinking trough for horses at a common Inn. His body, if you will credit tradition herein, was born out of the City and contemptuously bestowed under Bowbridge.

His Issue was Edward dead before himself. He founded a Colledg at Middleham beyond York, and a Collegiate Chantry in London, called our Lady of Barking. He endowed Queens-Colledg in Cambridg with 500 Marks of yearly revenue. He disforested the great field of Whichwood that King Edward his brother had inclosed for his Game, and made some good Laws; and when divers Shires of England offered him benevo­lence, he refused, saying, I had rather have your hearts than your money. This scoffing Rhime was divulged in contempt of the Usur­per Richard, and his three principal Creatures:

The Cat, the Rat, and Lovell the Dog,
Rule all England under the Hog.

The Cat and Rat meant of Catesby and Ratcliff, the Dog of Lovell, that creature belonging to the Lord Lovell's Arms, and the Hog of K. Rich. whose cognisance it was. But William Colling­bourn Esquire who had been Sheriff of Wiltshire and Devonshire, was upon Tower-hill executed with all extremity as Author thereof.

Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Time.

In his first year,

  • VVilliam Billesdon was Mayor.
  • Thomas Newland, VViliam Martin, Sheriffs.

In his second year,

  • Thomas Hill was Mayor:
  • Richard Chester; and he dying, Ralph Astry,
  • Thomas Britain, Sheriffs.

HENRY VII.

A D. 1485 Aug. 22. HENRY Earl of Richmond was Son to Margaret Countess of Richmond and Der­by, daughter to John Duke of Sommerset, son to John Earl of Sommerset, son to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster fourth son of Edward the third.

October 30th, A. D. 1485, was Henry Crown­ed at Westminster. Then the better to secure his estate he shut up the Earl of Warwick, the only son and Heir of George Duke of Clarence, in the Tower of London. Then instituted a guard for his person, consisting of a number of choice Archers, with allotment of Fees and Maintenance under a peculiar Captain, by the name of Yeomen of the Guard for him and his Successors. November the seventh was a Par­liament assembled at VVestminster, at the sitting whereof Richard the late Usurper was attain­ted, and with him many of the Nobility and Gentry. Free pardon was also given to all such (saving the persons excepted by name) as should presently submit themselves to the Kings mercy. Reversed also were all former Acts hurtful either to the King or his Friends, and the Crown was established upon the King and his Heirs for ever. Next the King assumed into his Councel those two renowned Agents in advancing his fortunes, John Morton and Richard Fox.

[Page 329] A. D. 1486, John Mor­ton. A.B. Cant. and January the eighteenth he married the Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth, to the utter abolis­ment of all Hostilities between the two Houses or York and Lancaster. But there wanted not some male-contents who assayed to disturb these serene days; for the Lord Lovell one of the late Usurpers Creatures, with Sir Humphrey Staf­ford and his brother assembled forces against the King, which upon but the news of an Army coming against them dispersed them­selves. Sir Humphrey was taken out of Sanctuary and executed at Tyburn.

When this storm was over, the White Rose or York faction raised another, procuring one Lambert Symnel to personate one of King Ed­wards sons. Which puppet Lambert was con­veyed into Ireland where the Irish adhered to him, and in Christ-Church in Dublin Crowned him King of England. And into Ireland the Dutchess Dowager of Burgundy, sister to Edward the fourth sent this Impostor two thou­sand Souldiers under the conduct of Collonel Swart. These with Irish and some English joyned to them, landed in Lancashire at the Pile of Fowdray; thence they took their march through York-shire, so towards Newark, every­where as they came proclaiming their new King. Not far from Newark and near to a little village called Stoke, the King with his Army encountred them, where the fight continued doubtful for about three hours, but at last the victory fell to King Henry. On Lamberts part were slain the Earl of Lincoln, the Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas [Page 330] Broughton, Colonel Swart and Maurice Fitz-Thomas with four thousand Souldiers. On the Kings side fell not any man of Honour, but almost half his vant-guard was slain, so that the Garland was dipt in blood. Amongst the prisoners that were taken was the counterfeit King, who had been a Scholler in Oxford, and his Tutor Richard Simon a Priest. Lambert con­fessed his parents to be mean persons, and of a mean Calling. Him the King condemned to his kitchin or scullery, at length promoted him to be one of his Falconers, in which estate he continued till his death. Sim. Subtle, or Richard Simon was condemned to a dungeon and perpetual shackles.

Stoken-field battle was fought, A D. 1487, June 16, being Saturday, A day of the week observed to have been lucky to this Prince Henry; who sent his Royal standard to our Ladies Church of VValsingham in Norfolk, there to remain as a Monument of this his Victory, and gratitude for it. And now the King dis­patcheth his Agents into Scotland, there to settle amity with James the third, and to prevent the retreat and protection that his enemies had found therein. Shortly after which some dis­contented persons in York-shire rose in Arms, under pretence that they were oppressed in their Tax or Subsidy; but some of these Rebels were routed by the Earl of Surrey, who took their Leader John a- Chamber prisoner, and upon the hearing of the Kings approach, the rest of them under the leading of Sir John Egremond dispersed themselves, John a Chamber [Page 331] with some others of the chief of the Rebels were executed at York. The Kings affairs being setled in a present peaceable estate at home, he was next ingaged in a War with France; For the carrying on of which, his Subjects did largely contribute, chiefly the City of Lon­don, out of which he received for his furniture in that voyage almost ten thousand pounds from the Commoners, and two hundred pounds besides from every Alderman. And this wise King knowing how great a strength that rich City was to him, humoured the Citizens ex­ceedingly. Himself did not only become one amongst them, causing himself to be entred a Brother of the Merchant-Taylors Company, but also wore the habit at a publick Feast, and sate as Master of the Company.

A. D. 1492, Octob. the sixth, King Henry with his Host landed at Callis, from whence with his whole forces he marched towards Boloigne, which when he had besieged, Articles of peace were concluded betwixt him and the King of France. For King Henry before his going out of England had been dealt with on the French Kings behalf to accept of conditions, but would not enter into any Treaty with him, till he was in the field, and that with such a puissance, as vvas likely enough to force his ovvn condi­tions. When Henry had to his advantage setled his transmarine affairs he returned for England, vvhere he vvas not to remain long in quiet, For the Dutchess of Burgundy had provided another counterfeit King, a youth of a Princely personage, called Peter VVarbeck [Page 332] the son of a converted Jew. This her crea­ture Peter, or as some called him Perkin and Peterkin, under the name and Title of Richard Plantaginet, second son of King Edward the fourth, had great honour given him by the King of France. And divers persons of emi­nency in England were so deluded, that they believed him to be the true Richard, and there­upon sought to advance him to the Crown, which cost some of them the price of their heads, as the Lord Fitz-VValter, Sir Simon Montford, Sir William Stanley Lord Chamber­lain that gained the Victory for King Henry at Bosworth-field. These with more were put to death for favouring of Perkin. The King also for the further prevention of dangers, caused the coasts of England to be strongly guarded, sent a new Lord Chancellor into Ireland, Henry Denny a Monk of Langton-Abby, and Sir Ed­ward Poynings with some forces, whose greatest care and diligence was to punish such as before time had given any assistance to the Mock-king, and to restrain such as were likely to do so in time to come. The Earl of Kildare falling under suspition, Poynings sent prisoner into England, where the King did graciously hear and admit his defences, and returned him with Honour, and continuation of authority. The Irish had formerly exhibited many Articles against this Earl, the last of which was; Finally, all Ireland cannot rule this Earl, Then, quoth the King, shall this Earl rule all Ireland, constituting him Lord-Deputy thereof. But Perkin having gained private assistance from [Page 333] the French King, and Maximilian, to strengthen yet his enterprize, he repairs into Scotland unto James the fourth, (having special recommen­dations from the King of France, and Dutchess of Burgundy) who gave him most courteous entertainment. The rare impudency of the youth, and that connexion which his darings had with other Princes, drew this King into an errour concerning him. When he was first brought to the presence of the King of Scots, with a right Princely gracefulness he declared to the said King, That Edward the fourth leav­ing two sons Edward and Richard both very young, their unnatural Uncle Richard to ob­tain the Crown purposed the murder of them both; but the instruments of his cruelty ha­ving murdred his elder brother the young King, were moved with pity to spare his life, and that thus saved by the mercy of God, he was privately conveyed beyond the Seas (the world supposing that himself also had been murdred.) And that Henry Teuder Earl of Richmond, after he had by subtle and foul means obtained the Crown, he then wrought all means and ways to procure the final destruction of him the rightful Heir to the English Diadem. That his said mortal enemy Henry hath not only falsely surmised him to be a feigned person, giving him Nick-names, so abusing the World; but that also to deprive him of his right, he had offered large Sums of Mony to corrupt the Princes with whom he had been retained, and had imploy'd his servants to murder him. That every man of reason might well understand [Page 334] that the said Henry needed not to have taken these courses against him had he been a feigned person. That the truth of his manifest cause had moved the King of France, and Dutchess of Burgundy his most Dear Ant, to yield him their assistence. That now, because the Kings of Scotland were wont to support them, who were spoiled and bereft of the said Kingdom of Eng­land, and for that he, the said King James had given clear signs that he was of the like Noble quality and temper with his Ancestors, he so distressed a Prince came to put himself into his hands, desiring his aid to recover his Realms, promising faithfully, that when his Kingdoms were regained, he would gratefully do him all the pleasure that should lie in his utmost power.

The King of Scots was so influenced with this Impostors words, amiable person, Prince­ly deportment, recommendations of Princes; his aids from the Irish, and assured hope of aid, in England, that he honourably received him, as if he had been the very Richard Duke of York, and gave his consent that this pretended Duke should marry the Lady Katharine Gourdon daughter to the Earl of Huntly, which accor­dingly he did, and also prepared to invade England in his quarrel, although there wanted not them, who with many arguments advised this King to repute him for no other than a Cheat.

King Henry that he might be prepared for the Scots, called a Parliament which granted a Tax to be gathered of six score thousand [Page 335] pounds, the Levy of which mony kindled a dangerous fire in England; For when the Kings Collectors came amongst the Cornish-men to receive their proportion of the Tax, they tumultuously assembled under the leading of one Thomas Flammock a Lawyer, and Michael Joseph a Black-Smith of Bodnam. Which Captains led their rout towards Kent, and at Wells James Tuchet Lord Audley joyned with them. From Wells they proceeded to Black-Heath, where the Kings forces defeated them without much labour; fifteen hundred of the Rebels were taken, and the takers had their prisoners goods granted them.

James Lord Audley was led from New-gate to Tower-hill, in a Coat of his own Armories painted on a Paper reverst and torn, where he was executed. Flammock and the Smith were quartred. Memorably strange was the comfort that the Smith cheered himself withall, as he was drawing to his execution, to wit, That yet he hoped that by this means, his Name and Memory should be everlasting.

The Kings care was now to order the War against Scotland, whither he sent the Earl of Surrey with an Army to invade the Scotch bor­ders, as they had lately done the English. The Earl pursued the revenge with great vehe­mency, but in short time, by the King of Spains mediation, a Truce was concluded betwixt the two Nations: One Article of which Truce was, That Perkin should be no longer fostered in Scotland. Whereupon he withdraws into [...]re­land, whither the Cornish-men sent to him, in­viting [Page 336] him amongst them, promising that at his arrival they would venture their lives and for­tunes for him, as hoping that under his go­vernment they should be eased of their Taxes. Perkin accepting their invitation landed at Whitsand-Bay in Cornwall, after whose arrival some thousands of people resorted to him.

When King Henry heard of his landing, and making head against him, he smiled, saying, Loe we are again provoked by this Prince of Rake-hells; but lest my people should through ignorance be drawn into destruction, let us seek to take this Perkin by the easiest way we can. He therefore assembled his forces, and sent out his Spies to observe the track and hopes of Prince Peterkin, who had now besieged the loyal City of Excester, which would neither yield to his fine promises, nor his threats and violence, but valiantly withstood him, till they were relieved by Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire and other good subjects, that forced the Rebels away from before the City. Which Rebels now understanding what great prepara­tions were made against them, began many of them to drop away from their new King, and Perkin himself secretly fled, and took Sanctuary at Beaulieu in New-forest, out of which San­ctuary, upon the Kings offer of life to him, and oblivion of his crimes, he gladly came forth, and put himself into the Kings hands, by whose order he was conveyed to London, where the King by curious and often examina­tion of him, came to the full knowledg of that his heart desired. The ch [...]ef matter of [Page 337] which confession, the King caused to be pub­lished in Print.

But the imaginary King Perkin indeavouring to make an escape, from such that had the charge of him (after the undergoing of some publique shame for that attempt) was com­mitted to the Tower, where he by his insinua­tions and promises had corrupted his keepers to set himself and the Earl of Warwick at large, (to which design of escaping, the poor Earl is said to have consented.) Perkin for this con­spiracy had his Tryal at Westminster, and was condemned, and being drawn to Tyburn had the sentence of death executed upon him. At the Gallows Perkin did read his own confes­sion, therein owning himself to have been born in the Town of Tourney in Flanders, of such parents, whom he named, and that being come into Ireland to see the Country, he was there wrought upon to personate Richard Duke of York, &c. Thus died (If I be not deceived) a deceiver, A. D. 1499.

The Earl of VVarwick was publickly ar­raigned for minding to have escaped out of the Tower, and consequently to deprive King Henry of his Crown and Dignity, and to usurp the Title and Soveraign Office, all which streined charge the Earl by false friends ('tis said) was perswaded to confess. So lost his head upon Tower-hill, and was buried at Bisham by his Ancestors. Thus died the last Heir Male of the blood and Sirname of Plantaginet. It is said, That in the eyes of the Castil [...]a [...]s (who had secretly agreed with King Henry to match their [Page 338] Princess Katharine with Prince Arthur) there could be no sure ground of succession whilst the Earl of VVarwick lived. Tho. Lang­ton. A. B. Cant. And the said Lady Katharine, when the Divorce was after­ward prosecute against her, by her Husband King Henry the eight, is reported to have said, That it was the hand of God, for that to clear the way to the Marriage, that innocent Earl of VVarwick was put to unworthy death.

A. D. 1506, Edmund de la Pole Earl of Suffolk wilfully slew a common person in his fury, for the which King Henry caused him to be arraigned; the fact he was perswaded to confess, and had pardon. But the Earl as a Prince of the blood (his mother being sister to Edward the fourth) held himself disgraced, by having been seen at the Kings-Bench-Bar a Prisoner, therefore in discontent fled to his Aunt the Dutchess of Burgundy; but within a while after he returned into England, and the year following (his spirit not yet being laid) fled again, after he had first complotted to disturb the Kings peace. Whereupon King Henry applied himself to his wonted Art, for learning the secrets of his enemies, imployed Sir Robert Curson to feign himself a friend to Pole, thereby to get himself into his bosome for the finding out of his secret designs and correspondents M [...]ny great persons for Poles c [...]use were committed to prison; some were put to dea [...]h as Sir James Terrel, and Sir John VV [...]d [...]am, who lost their heads on Tower-hill, and three other persons who were executed in other places. And the more to disanimate [Page 339] de la Poles complices and favourers, King Henry had procured from Pope Alexander the sixth, an Excommunication, and curse against Pole, Sir Robert Curson and five other persons by spe­cial name, and generally all others that should aid the Earl against the King. Sir Robert Curson was named on purpose to make de la Pole se­cure of him. Neither did the King leave here, for he so prevailed with the Pope, as he de­creed by Bull, That no person should after­ward have priviledge of Sanctuary, who had once taken the same, and came forth again, and that if any Sanctuary-man, should after­ward commit any murder, robbery, sacriledge, treason, &c. He should by lay force be drawn thence to suffer due punishment And now Suffolk perceiving himself stript of all future hope of endamaging the King, he put himself into the grace and protection of Philip King of Spain, with whom he remained in banishment, till King Philip was driven by tempest into England, at which time King Henry prevailed with him to deliver Pole into his hards upon promise that he would spare his life. And accordingly at Philips return home Pole was sent in England, and then committed to the Tower. King Henry thus secured of this ha­zard, bestowed his ages care on gathering of mony, though by some such ways as seem­ed none of the justest.

Empson and Dudley two Lawyers, were his instruments for the bringing in of mony to fill his Exchequer. These called the richer sort of Subjects into question for the breach of old [Page 340] penal Laws, Henry Dean and William Warham. A. Bps. Cant. long before discontinued and for­gotten. The courses they took in the execu­tion of their imployment, was for one of them to outlaw persons privately, and then to seize their estates, forcing them to chargeable com­positions with the King, and heavy bribes to themselves.

Another detestable practise of theirs, was to have false Jurors and Ring-leaders of false Jurors, who would never give in any verdict against their Patrons Empson and Dudley, inso­much that if any stood out in Law these sons of Belial squared the destiny of their causes. By these means many honest and worthy Sub­jects were rigorously fined, imprisoned or o­therwise afflicted. But the King falling sick of a consuming disease, by the means of good Counsel, he inclined to grant to all men ge­neral Pardons, certain only excepted, and ordained that all such monys should be re­stored as had been unjustly levyed by his Of­ficers. He died A. D. 1509, April 22.

His Issue, Arthur, dead before himself, Henry, Edmond, Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary. His daugh­ter Margaret was married to James the fourth King of Scotland, and after his death unto Archibald Dougles Earl of Angues, to whom she bare Margaret, who married Matthew Ste­ward Earl of Lenox, and had by him Henry Lord Dernly who married Mary Queen of Scots by whom he had King James the sixth.

King Henry left at his death, 1800000 l. in ready mony. He founded the Hospital of the Savoy, founded six religious houses for Fran­ciscan-Friers, [Page 341] built the Palace of Richmond where he died, and that Chappel at Westminster called by his name, where he was buried. He exceedingly Honoured that devout King Henry the sixth, whom he laboured to have had canonized for a Saint, but Pope Julio held that Honour at too dear a Rate. His Mother-in-Law, Queen to Edward the fourth, he deprived of her Estate, and confined to the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southwark: one cause pretended for it, was, for that she had yielded up her daughter into the hand of the Usurper Richard, contrary to her faith given to them who were in the plot for bringing in of Henry. A. D. 1498, A Cordwainers son was hanged at St. Thomas Waterings, for assuming the name and Title of the Earl of Warwick thereby to raise disturbances.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings time.

In his first Year,

  • Sir Hugh Brice was Mayor.
  • John Tate, John Swan, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Sir Henry Collet vvas Mayor.
  • John Percival, Hugh Clopton, Sheriffs.

[Page 342]In his third Year,

  • William Horn was Mayor.
  • John Eenkel, William Remington, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Robert Tate was Mayor.
  • William Isaac, Ralph Tinley, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • VVilliam White was Mayor.
  • William Capel, John Brook, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • John Matthew was Mayor.
  • Henry Cote, or Coot, Robert Revel, and he dying,
  • Hugh Pembarton, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Hugh Clopton was Mayor.
  • Thomas Wood, VVilliam Brown, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Sir William Martin was Mayor.
  • William Purchase, William Walbeck, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Ralph Austry vvas Mayor.
  • Robert Fabian, John Winget, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Richard Chawrie was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Alwin, John Warner, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year,

  • Sir Henry Collet was Mayor.
  • Thomas Kneesworth, Henry Sommer, Sheriffs.

[Page 343]In his Twelfth Year,

  • John Tate was Mayor.
  • John Shaa, Richard Hedon, Sheriffs.

In his Thirteenth year,

  • William Purchase was Mayor.
  • Bartholomew Rede, Thomas Windew, or Windou [...], Sheriffs.

In his fourteenth Year,

  • Sir John Percivel was Mayor.
  • Thomas Bradbury, Stephen Gennings, Sheriffs.

In his fifteenth Year,

  • Nicholas Aldmine was Mayor.
  • James Wilford, Thomas or Richard Brond, Sheriffs.

In his sixteenth Year,

  • William Rennington was Mayor.
  • John Hawes, William Steed, Sheriffs.

In his seventeenth Year,

  • Sir John Shaa was Mayor.
  • Lawrence Aylmer, Henry Hede, Sheriffs.

HENRY VIII.

A. D. 1509. HENRY the Eighth was born at Green­wich, June 22. 1491. His youth was so trained up in literature that he was accounted the most learned Prince of Christendom. In A. D. 1509, and June 25, he was Crowned at Westminster, together with his Queen Katharine, the Relict of his brother Arthur, by William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury. His Coun­sellors he chose of the gravest Divines and wisest Nobility, with whom he not only often sate to the great increase of his politick expe­rience, but would also yield his authority to their wisedomes.

Empson and Dudley he caused to be impri­soned, then to be brought to their Tryal, and at last to lose their heads. To regain the ancient Rights of England he first sent his He­rald Clarencieux into France, roughly demand­ing the Dutchies of Normandy, Guyen, Main, and Anjou, and with them the Crown of France: Then sent certain Nobles before him thither, and afterward followed himself pitching down his Tents before Terwin; Where he raised his Royal Standard of the Red-Dragon, and begirt the City with a strait Siege. To which place Maxmili [...]n the Emperour repaired, and to the great Honour of Henry entred into his pay, wearing the Cross of Saint George, with a [Page 345] Rose (the Kings-Badge) as his faithful Souldier. The French attempting to relieve the Town with Victuals and men, were so encountred by King Henry, that many of their chiefest Captains were taken prisoners, and six of their stand­ards won, and the rest of the Monsieurs for safe­guard of life so posted away, that this conflict was called the battel of Spurs, shortly after which the Town yielded unto the King. Then was the siege removed to Tournay, which in short time was also surrendred to the King, with ten thousand pounds sterling for the Citi­zens redemption, Who to the number of 80000, then took their Oaths to become his true Subjects, 1513. The safe keeping of this City the King committed to Sir Edward Poy­nings Knight of the Garter, and Ordained Thomas Wolsey Bishop of Tournay.

Whilst King Henry was busy in France, his Lieutenant. Thomas Earl of Surrey marched a­gainst the Scots who were entred into Northum­berland, and at Flodden the Armies engaged in fight, and the English won the day. In this battel King James of Scotland was slain▪ one Archbishop, two Bishops, two Abbots, twelve Earls, seventeen Lords, Knights and Gentle­men a great number, in all about eight thou­sand were slain, and almost as many taken Prisoners in A. D. 1513. Sep. 9.

A. D. 1514, by the procurement of Pope Leo a peace was concluded betwixt the Kings of France and England, immediatly after which, Mary the sister of King Henry was Honourably conducted into France, where a [...] Albeville, [Page 346] October the ninth, she was married unto old King Lewis, who died eighty two days after the Marriage.

A. D. 1517, by reason of the great con­course of strangers at London, to the hindrance of trade, and their insolency towards the English, the youth and vulgar sort of Citizens, upon May-day assaulted these strangers, doing much harm to their houses, substance, and some of their persons, for which riotous of­fence John Lincolne the instigator thereof was hanged, and four hundred men and youths, with eleven women were led in ropes along the City in their Shirts, with halters about their necks to Westminster, where the King par­doned their offence to the great rejoycing of the Londoners.

A. D. 1519, was the City of Tourney deli­vered back to the French on these conditions, That they should pay to King Henry six hundred thousand Crowns in twelve years; That the Daulphin should marry the Lady Mary, King Henries young daughter, which marriage if it hapned not to take effect at the years of con­sent, then Tourney should be re-delivered to the English; That Cardinal Wolsey should have a thousand Marks paid him yearly for the re­venues of the said Bishoprick.

A. D. 1521, Edward Bohun or Stafford Duke of Buckingham was beheaded on Tower-hill, for imagining to destroy the King, and to enjoy the Crown himself. Wolsey was the Dukes grand adversary, because that the Duke had sometime spoken certain words to his dis­grace. [Page 347] About this time the Pope sent his Legats about to incite the Christian Princes to attempt the recovery of the holy-Land, sending Car­dinal Campeius on this errand into England. Which Cardinal and his company being come to London, as they passed through Cheap-side, the sumpture- Mules cast their Carriages and Coffers on the ground, out of which, the lids flying open, fell old breeches, boots and broken shoes, torn stockings, tattered rags, old iron and horse shoes, broken meat, mar­row bones, roasted eggs, and crusts of bread, with such-like treasure.

About A. D. 1521, the Emperour Charles passing toward Spain landed at Dover, where the King met him, and conducted him in great state to London, lodging him in his new Palace in the Black-Friars, then feasted him at Windsor; and in such bands of amity the Emperor and King Henry seemed to be link'd, that in London this sentence was set up in the Guild-hall, over the dore of the Councel-Chamber, Carolus, Henricus vivant, Defensor uterque, Henricus fidei, Carolus Ecclesiae. The reason of which Titles Defender of the Faith and Church was, For that Charles the Emperour had directed forth a solemn Writ of Out-lawry against Dr. Martin Luther, who had then given a great blow to the Triple Crown; and King Henry had wrote a Book against the said Luther, for the which the Pope gave the Title of Defender of the Church to the Emperour, and Defender of the Faith to the King, and for the same cause he sent King Henry a consecrated Rose.

[Page 348]A new variance hapning again betwixt the Kingdoms of France and England, the King as­sembled a Parliament at the Black-Friers in London, which granted him half of the yearly revenues of all Spiritual livings to be paid for five years continuance, and the tenth part of all temporal substance to carry on the Wars against France and Scotland. When the King being furnished with mony sent a great Army into France under the conduct of Charles Bran­don Duke of Suffolk, who had married Mary, the Kings Sister, Queen Dowager of France. This valiant Commander first besieged and won Bell-Castle, then took the Castle of Bonguard, Braie, Roie, Lihome, Mondedier, and Boghan; which done he returned. King Henry was so inraged against the Scots, that he took from all those inhabiting England, all their goods, sending them into their Country on foot, with white Crosses sowed upon their uppermost gar­ments. But Margaret Queen of Scots solli­citing her brother Henry for a peace, the dif­ference betwixt the two Nations was for a while reconciled.

About A. D. 1525, arose great troubles in Ireland, the wild Irish casting off all obedience and killing many of the Kings English Subjects. Girald Fitz-Girald Earl of Kildare was sent prisoner into England, for that the Earl of Ossery had accused him of many misdemeanors; as, That he connived at the Earl of Desmonds escape, whom he should have attached by or­der from the King; That he grew over-familiar with the Irish, and that he put to death the [Page 349] Kings best subjects. When the Earl was brought to London he was committed to the Tower by the Cardinals means, who did not love him. In the Tower he expected death daily, but with such couragious resolution, that being at slide-groat with the Lieutenant when the Mandate was brought for his Execution on the morrow morning, and seeing the Lieutenant struck into a sudden sadness, he said unto him; By St Bride Lieutenant, there is some mad game in that Scroll, but fall how it will, this throw is for a huddle. And when the worst was told him, he said, I pray thee Lieutenant do no more but assuredly learn from the Kings own mouth, whether his Highness be witting of this or not. Whereupon the Lieutenant loving the Earl well, went to the King, and shewed him the Warrant, which the King seeing, controlled the sawciness of the Priest (for so he then called the Cardinal) and gave the Lieutenant his Signet for a nullity of the Warrant, so the Earl was delivered from the death threatned, and not long after from his imprisonment.

About or in A. D. 1528, King Henry began to call into Question the lawfulness of his mar­riage with his Queen Katharine, who was daughter to Ferdinand King of Spain, and had been married to Prince Arthur (eldest son of Henry the seventh) when he was about fifteen years of age, but he dying ere he had been married twelve months, King Henry his brother by the advice of his Councel took this Princess Katharine to Wife in few days after his Fathers death, and enjoyed her nuptial society near [Page 350] twenty years, in which time she had born him two sons, both dying in their infancy, and one daughter named Mary, afterward Queen. But now, he said, his Conscience was much dissatisfied, doubting it might not be lawful for him to have his brothers Wife, notwithstand­ing he had had a dispensation from the Pope for it; therefore first he refused his Queens bed, and having moved the doubt to his own Di­vines, he next sent for the opinion of most of the Universities of Europe, which concluded against it, and signified so much under most of their common Seals. He also sent Agents unto Rome, with an humble request to the Pope, that an indifferent Judge might be sent to determine this weighty affair.

Whereupon Cardinal Campeius was sent over into England, with whom Cardinal Wolsey was joyned in Commission. These Cardinals had a place ordained them in the Black-Friers in London, for the keeping of their Court of Judicature. To which Court the King and Queen were summoned to appear personally, which accordingly they did, having several seats prepared for them. When the Court was sate, the Cryer called King Henry to appear, who forthwith answered, Here; Then was the Queen called, who made no answer at all, but presently rose up, and going to the King fell on her knees at his feet, and in the audience of the people, said unto him, ‘Sir, I desire you to take some pity upon me, and do me Justice, and right; I am a poor woman, a stranger born out of your Dominions, ha­ving [Page 351] here no indifferent Councel, and less assurance of friendship. Alas! Wherein have I offended, or what cause of displeasure have I given you, that you thus intend to put me away? I take God to my Judge I have been to you a true and humble Wife, ever con­formable to your will and pleasure, never gain-saying any thing wherein you took de­light. Without all grudge or discontented countenance I have loved all them that loved you, howsoever their affections have been towards me. I have born you Children, and been your Wife now this twenty years. Of my Virginity and Marriage-bed I make God and your own Conscience the Judge, and if it otherwise be proved, I am content to be put from you with shame. The King your Father in his time for wisdom was known to be a second Solomon, and Ferdinand of Spain my Father accounted the wisest amongst their Kings, could they in this Match be so far over-seen, or are there now wiser and more learned men than at that time were? Surely it seems wonderful to me that my marriage after twenty years should be thus called in Question with new invention against me, who never intended but honesty. Alas, Sir I see that I am wronged, having no Counsel to speak for me but such as are your Sub­jects, and cannot be indifferent upon my part; therefore I most humbly beseech you, even in charity to stay this course, until I may have advice and Councel from Spain; if not, your Graces pleasure be done.’ Then rising [Page 352] and making low obeisance to the King, she de­parted the Court; and though the Crier called her to come into the Court as she was going away, yet she went on, bidding her Attendant to go forward, and saying to him, This is no indifferent Court for me. When the King per­ceived that she was departed, he presently spake thus unto the Assembly: I will, quoth he, in her absence declare before you all, that she hath been to me a most true, obedient and comfortable Wife, endued with all vertuous qualities and conditions according to her birth, and in lowliness equals any of baser sort. Which said, Cardinal Wolsey humbly requested the King, that he would be pleased to declare before that honourable Assembly, whether he had been the cause of this his in­tended Divorce, wherewith he was charged in the opinions of the people? Whereupon the King said, My Lord Cardinal I can well excuse you in this, and rather affirm, that you have been against me in attempting it thus far. Then by and by the Court was adjourned till May 28 following, which time being come the Kings learned Council alledged many reasons and likelihoods to prove that Prince Arthur had nuptial knowledg of Lady Catherines body, as their being both of years capable to ex­pleat the Act, he above fifteen, she above se­venteen, and both laid in one bed almost five months together, &c.

From day to day the Pleas proceeded, but nothing was concluded touching the Divorce, therefore the King sent the two Cardinals to [Page 353] perswade with the Queen to put the whole matter to himself, which he said would be far better and more honourable for her, than to stand to the trial of the Law These Legats ac­cordingly repairing to her, she from among her maids at work came presently forth of an inner room to them, having a skein of white thread about her neck to whom she said, Alack my Lords, I am very sorry to make you attend upon me. What is your will? Madam, quoth Wolsey, We are come in good will to know your Graces mind in this great matter of your Marriage, and to give you our advice with the best service we can. The Queen thanking them said, That by order of holy Church, she was espoused to the King as his true Wife, and in that point she would abide till the Court of Rome (which was privy to the beginning) had made thereof a final determination and end. The King then hopeless of his Queens consent, hasted his Lawyers to forward the Divorce, which daily they did; but when the day ap­pointed was come for the final determination of the matter in question, then Cardinal Campei­us reserved it for the Pope himself to conclude. Which so enraged the Duke of Suffolk that with a stern countenance he said, It was never merry in England since we have had any Cardi­nals amongst us. And Cardinal Wolsey, though he sought to excuse himself herein as not ha­ving sufficient authority, yet did he fall under the Kings high displeasure. The first step of this great Prelates fall was his dislike of the Kings affection unto Anne Bullen, a Gentlewoman [Page 354] nothing favourable to his Pontifical pomp, nor no great follower of the Ceremonies of those times of Popery, which moved the Cardinal to write unto the Pope to defer the judgment of Divorce till he had wrought the Kings mind in another mould. Which was not done so se­cretly but it came to the Kings ear, and proved to his ruin. For first the Broad-seal was taken from him, and some of his Bishopricks, his house and furniture seized upon, and shortly after he was suddenly arrested by the Earl of Northumberland at Cawood-castle, (for arrogant words against the King, importing a desire of revenge) from whence he was conveyed to­wards London, in which journey at Leicester-Abbey he ended his life, by taking an over-great quantity of a Confection to break wind from off his stomack. So ended this haughty Cardinal, who was born at Ipswich, his father a good honest Butcher, himself a good Philoso­pher and Orator. His education in his youth was at Magdalen Colledg in Oxford; his first Preferment was from the Lord Marquess of Dorset, who bestowed a Benefice upon him. Then Sir John Naphant preferred him to King Henry the Seventh, which King, having urgent business with Maximilian the Emperour, he sent this his Chaplain to him post, who posted a­gain back before he was thought to be there, and withal concluded some points forgot in his directions, to the high content of his Sove­raign, for the which he bestowed on him the Deanry of Lincoln, after which he was prefer­red to be the Kings Almoner, then one of his [Page 355] Council, then Bishop of Tourney, then Bishop of Lincoln, then A.B. of York, whereby he be­came as it were three Bishops at once; then was made Priest, Cardinal, and Legat de La­tere, then Lord Chancellor, and Bishop of Winchester, and in commendam the Abbey of St. Albans was bestowed upon him. And with them the Cardinal held in farm the Episcopal Sees of Bath and Wells, Worcester and Hereford enjoyed by strangers incumbents not residing in the Realm. This Prelate raised to this greatness was attended with so many officers and ser­vants as is incredible. And being Ambassador to the Emperour at Brussels, he was there waited upon by many English Nobles, and served at the Table by his Servitors on their knees. Insatiable he was to get, but Princely in be­stowing, lofty to his enemies, and not easily reconciled, which hastned his fall when he began. The grudges against this Cardinal were not only for the especial favour he stood in with the King, and great stroke he bare at the Council-table, but for his intolerable pillings, who to patch up his pride in the rai­sing of his new Colledges at Oxford and Ipswich, suppressed forty Monasteries of good fame, converting all their goods and moveables to his own use. As also that he emptied the land of twelve-score thousand pounds, inforced by him from the King, which he employed to re­lieve and ransome the Pope then in Prison, to the great impoverishing of his Majesties Cof­fers. And lastly his so intolerable pride, as no less than 1200 Horse for his retinue, eighty [Page 356] Wagons for his Carriage, Tho. Cran­mer. A. B. Cant. and sixty Mules for Sumpture-horses attended him into France, when he went thither Ambassador; but, Sic transit gloria mundi. A prodigal and merry conceited Nobleman having lately sold a Man­nor of an hundred Tenements, came ruffling into the Court in a new suit: saying, Am not I a mighty man that bear an hundred Houses on my back? Which Cardinal Wolsey hearing, said, You might have better imployed it in pay­ing your debts. Truth my Lord, said the Noble­man, you say well, for my Father owed my Master your Father three half-pence for a Calves-head, hold, here is two-pence for it. But now whilst the matter of the Kings Marri­age hung in suspence the space of two years, it hapned that Dr. Cranmer said, That the Kings cause would easily be determined by the Law of God, which the King hearing of put the Doctor upon the work, who thereupon penned a Treatise, therein proving by Scriptures, General Councils, ancient and modern Wri­ters, that the Bishop of Rome had no authority to dispense with the Word of God, so as con­trary thereunto to grant liberty for a man to marry his brothers Wife. This he presented to the King, which when the King had well read, he demanded of the Doctor if he would abide by what he had writ? That I will, said he, by Gods Grace, even before the Pope himself, if your Majesty shall so appoint. Marry, quoth the King, to him you shall go. And according­ly the King sent Thomas Bullen Earl of Wiltshire, Dr. Cranmer, and other Divines to the Pope, [Page 357] who was then at Bonony. But when the day of audience was come, and Cranmer prepared to defend what he had writ, on the sudden all was interrupted by an unmannerly Spaniel of the Earls, which seeing the Servus Servorum put forth his foot to be kiss'd, caught his great Toe in his mouth, 'tis said. But be it so or not, yet this is sure, that there was no conclusion of the matter made by the Pope; therefore K. Henry resolved to cut the Gordian-knot him­self without more ado; and withal began to call in question what authority the Pope had in his Dominions, which being afterward deba­ted in Parliament, an Act passed against his usurped authority or supremacy, and all per­sons were prohibited from appealing or ma­king any payments to Rome, and the Kings Marriage with Queen Catharine dissolved, and that from thenceforth she should be called only Princess Dowager. The Parliament made it appear that in forty years last past then, the Court of Rome had received from this King­dom 160000 pounds for Investitures of Bishops.

Whilst the Divorce was under debate one Elizabeth Barton (commonly called the holy Maid of Kent) made a Votaress in Canterbury, was taught by Bocking a Monk to counterfeit many Trances, and in the same to utter many pious expressions to the rebuke of sin, under which she was heard the more freely against the Doctrine of Luther, and the Scriptures translation then desired by many. Also gi­ving forth from God and his Saints, by sun­dry [Page 358] pretended revelations, That if the King proceeded in his Divorce and second marriage, he should not reign in his Realm one month after, nor rest in his favour one hour. But the imposturisme being detected, she and seven of her complices were executed at Tyburn, for Treason, and others of them fined and im­prisoned.

A. D. 1533, and November the fourteenth was King Henry married with Anne Bullen daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen Earl of Wilt­shire, and June the first she was Crowned at Westminster, and on September the seventh fol­lowing she bare into the World that most ex­cellent Princess Elizabeth, A. D. 1534.

And A. D. 1535, January 29, She was again delivered of a Child but that was dead: Nor had the Queen her self long to live, for she was accused of Incest, and adultery with her own brother George Lord Rochford, who was beheaded for this fact on Tower-hill. And May the 19, 1536, this Queen was brought upon a Scaffold erected on the Green within the Tower, where in the presence of many Noblemen, the Lord Mayor and others, she said, ‘Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the Law and by the Law I am judged to death, and therefore I will speak nothing against it: I come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak any thing of that I am ac­cused of, and condemned for. As for mine own offences God knoweth them, and unto God I remit them, beseeching him to have mercy upon my Soul, and if any person will [Page 359] meddle in my cause, I desire them to judge the best. And so I take my leave of the World, and of you all, and do heartily beseech you to pray for me, and I beseech Jesus save my Soveraign and Master the King long to live and raign over you, the most Godliest, Nob­lest and Gentlest Prince that is.’ These words she uttered with a smiling countenance, which done she kneeled down, and with a fervent spirit said, To Jesus Christ I commend my Soul, Lord Jesus receive my Soul. And repeating those words very oft, suddenly with the sword the Executioner severed her head and body, which were buried in the Quire of the Chappel of the Tower. Tis said, that the Lord Rochford the Queens brother coming to her beds-side to sollicite a suit, leaned thereupon to whisper her in the ear, which the spials gave forth that he did so to kiss the Queen. Most probable it is that the crimes which this Queen was charged withal were matters contrived by Po­pish instruments, because she gave great incou­ragements unto many, more publickly and with boldness to profess the reformed religion, and procured a toleration for the Protestant Di­vines. Moreover that this Queens death was rather sought for than merited by her, seems also very probable, because that the next day after her dea [...]h, the King was married unto the Lady Jane Seymour, daughter of John Seymour Knight.

About this time began to flourish Thomas Cromwell a Black-Smiths son of Putney, whom King Henry first raised to be Master of his Jewel-house, [Page 360] then Baron of Okeham, then Earl of Essex, then Lord great Chamberlain, and last­ly ordained him Vicar-General over the Spiri­tuality. This great Cromwell procured it to be enacted in Parliament, That the Lords Prayer, Creed and ten Commandments should be read in the English Tongue. Other matters also tending to reform the English Church from the Roman corruptions, were attempted by Crom­well, which did not at all please the Monks and their party. The Lincoln-shire men began a commotion under the leading of one Mackarell a Monk, who named himself Captain Cobler. A Copy of their grievances they sent to the King, some of which were, The suppression of many religious houses, whereby the service of God, they said, was minished. The Kings taking into his Councel men of Low-birth, who sought their own lucre. That there were divers Bishops lately preferred that had sub­verted the faith of Christ. That by reason of their loss of Sheep and Cattle, they were not able to pay the Quindecim, or Tax granted to the King, &c. But these Rioters the King soon pacified with good words.

In whose steads others rose up immediately, for forty thousand rusticks assembled in York­shire, furnished with horse, armour and ar­tillery. Their pretence was Religion, and defence of holy Church. Their Banners were painted with the five wounds of Christ, the Chalice, Cake and other Romish inventions. This their Rebellion they termed the holy Pil­grimage. Their General of foot was one [Page 361] James Diamond, a poor Fisher-man, stiled the Earl of Poverty, their chief Leader was Mr. Robert Aske, a man it seems of terror: For when Lancaster Herald at Arms was sent to him to declare the Kings message, this Aske, did so terribly bluster forth his answers, that the Herald fell before him on his knees, excusing himself to be but a Messenger. Many persons of great note were parties in this insurrection. And to draw the more in to side with them, Aske and his complices set forth in writing these scandalous untruths against the King.

First, That no infant should be permitted to receive the blessed Sacrament of Baptisme, bot onles an trybet to be payd to the King.

Secondly, That no man under twenty pound lands shall eyte no brede made of Wheat, ner Capon, Chekyn, Gois, ner Pig, bot onles to pay a trybet to the King.

Thirdly, That for every Ploghe-land the King will have en trybet, with other extreme urgent causes, and heartily, Fare ye well. Their oath wherein they bound themselves in this league, was the preservation of the Kings person, and Issue; the purifying of Nobility and expulsing all villain blood, and evil Coun­sellors; not for envy to any to enter into their pilgrimage, or any private commodity, but for the Common-weal, the restitution of the Church, and suppression of Heresy and Hereticks. But a great force being drawn against them, they dispersed themselves, upon promise of pardon and redress in their just complaints. Yet notwithstanding this the Kings clemency, [Page 362] some of the chief of these actors ingaged them­selves again in a new insurrection in short time after this, for which offence they suffered death. Of Ecclesiastical persons were put to death, four Abbots, two Priors, three Monks, seven Priests, also Captain Mackarel; and of tem­poral persons were executed Robert Aske, the Lord Dacres, Sir Robert Constable, Sir Francis Bigod, Palmer, Percie, Hamilton, Tempest and Lumley.

These stirs being stinted a Commission came forth to purge the Churches of Idols, and to suppress the Monastries to the Kings use, grant­ed him by Parliament. When down went the Rood of Boxely in Kent, commonly called the Rood of Grace, which was made with divers vices to bow down and lift up it self, to shake and stir both head, hands and feet, to rowl the eyes, move the lips and to bend the brows, thereby to cheat silly Souls. So likewise the Images of our Lady of Walsingham and Ipswich, set with Jewels and Gems, also divers other both of England and Wales were brought to London, and many of them burnt before the Lord Cromwel at Clelsey, A. D. 1538.

Then down went the Monasteries to the num­ber of about 645, besides 90 Colledges, and of Chantries and free Chappels 2374. Al­most all these were born down in those boistrous times to the worlds amazement. Amongst the Shrines that of Thomas a Becket was defaced, whose meanest part was pure Gold, garnished with many precious Stones; the chiefest of which, was a rich Gem of France offered by [Page 363] King Lewis, who asked and obtained of this prime Saint, (believe it who list) That no passenger betwixt Dover and White-sand should perish by Ship-wrack. But instead of these impertinencies, the holy Bible was commanded to be read in English in the Churches, and Register-Books of Weddings, Christnings and Burials to be kept in every of them. If we will credit tradition, shameful villanies were too frequently prepetrated by the Monasticks, as Whoredoms, Incests, Sodomy, and Murders. Many infants bones, the products of their wan­tonness, were found in many of their religious houses. The Monasteries thus dissolved and the revenues thereof converted to secular uses, King Henry hereby ran in great obloquy of many forreign Princes and Potentates, but especially of the Pope. Yea, and homeborn subjects disliking hereof by secret working sought to deprive King Henry, and to elevate Reg [...]nald Pole to the regal dignity, for the which treason Henry Courtney Marquess of Ex­cester, the Lord Montacute and Sir Edward Neville, were beheaded on Tower-hill.

A. D. 1540, and January the sixth was King Henry married unto the Lady Anne, Sister to the Duke of Cleve, but he refrained her bed, for the dislike he had to her person; and she good Lady, no other cause alledged, was divorced by Parliament the June following, when it was also enacted, That she should no longer be cal­led Queen.

In this Parliament was Cromwell Attainted for setting at liberty certain persons committed [Page 364] for misprision of Treason, and Heresy; for fa­vouring and maintaining the Translation of heretical Books (so called) into English; for countenancing and supporting heretical Teach­ers; for being an heretick himself, and for having spoken great words for the upholding his said religion, to wit, That the King him­self should not change it if he would. The cause why the King fell into dislike of him, and consequently of his ruin, was, because he stood in the defence of the Lady Anne of Cleve, and spake not all well of the Lady Katharine Ho­ward, whom the King was minded and did take to Wife. Which distast of the Kings against him, his enemy Stephen Gardner Bishop of Win­chester did improve to Cromwells destruction, who was beheaded on Tower-hill, and with him the Lord Hungerford of Heitesbury for bug­gery.

Margaret Countess of Salisbury daughter of George Duke of Clarence, and Mother of Car­dinal Reginald Pole, being neither Arraigned nor Tryed, but condemned by Parliament as Cromwell had been, was beheaded. And the Lord Leonard Grey about the same time lost his head for Treason. And the next day after his death, Thomas Fines Lord Dacres of the South died at Tyburn for killing a man in a fray. Nor was the Sword sheathed until the heads of Queen Katharine Howard, and the Lady Jane Rochford were struck off; the former for Adul­tery, the other for concealment, as was al­ledged. The parties offending with Katharine Howard, were Francis Dereham and Thomas Cul­pepper, [Page 365] Dereham before she was Queen and Culpepper after, who both were executed at Tyburn, Decemb. the tenth; and on Febru. the twelfth following Mrs Katharine Howard (for so in the Act of her Attainder she is called) who had been Queen for the space of a year and half, with the Lady Jane widow of the Lord Rochford, were brought unto the Tower-hill, where in lamentable passions they suffered death. This Queen protested after her condem­nation to Dr. White her last Confessor, that she was guiltless, having never so abused her So­veraigns bed.

But as these in case of Treason, so others in matter of Conscience were put to death, by force of the Statutes made under this King. Whereof one was the renouncing the Popes supremacy, and owning the King for supream head of the Church in his own Dominions; this concerned the Papists. The other was the six Articles, this concerned the Protestants. Which six bloody Articles were,

First, That after the words of Consecration there is no other substance consisting in the bread and wine, besides the substance of Christ, God and man.

Secondly, That the Communion in both kinds was not necessary to Salvation, the flesh only in form of bread being sufficient to the Laity.

Thirdly, That Priests might not marry by the Law of God.

Fourthly, That the vows of chastity ought by Gods law to be observed.

[Page 366]Fifthly, That private Masses were necessary for the people, and agreeable to the Law of God.

Sixthly, That auricular Confession was ex­pedient to be retained in the Church of God. For offending against the former Law of ab­juring the Popes Supremacy, &c. was John Fisher Bishop of Rochester put to death, and Sir Thomas More Lord Chancellor, so merry conceited a person that he could not forbear his jests though bloody death stared him in the face: For when on the Scaffold the Executioner desired his forgiveness, he replied, I forgive thee, but I promise thee thou wilt get no hon­our by [...]utting off my head, my neck is so short. And when he was to lay his neck on the block he stro [...]kt out his white beard, and said to the Heads-man, I pray let me lay it over the block, lest you should cut it off; For though you have a Warrant to cut off my head, you have none to cut off my Beard. Besides these two there were put to death for the same cause many Abbots, Priors and Friars. For oppugning the six Articles and asserting Gospel-truths did many Christians of the reformed Religion suffer death in the flames. Amongst the rest Dr. Robert Barns was one, and Mrs. Anne Askue a person of rare wit and elegant beauty, who when she had been twice tormented upon the Rack to the disjoynting of her bones, then gave her body to the flames for Christs sake. And the life of Queen Katharine Parre was hard laid for by Stephen Gardner, but through her wisdom and prudent carriage towards the King, it was preserved;

[Page 367]About A. D. 1545, was a match concluded to be made betwixt Prince Edward King Henrie's son, and the young Princess of Scotland, the Scotch Nobility approving thereof, and in a Parliament of the three estates the match was confirmed in England, the like also in Scotland: but Cardinal Beton Archbishop of St. Andrews, fearing lest hereby Scotland should also change the Church-Orders, and the French likewise not liking the union, means was therefore wrought to break the said intended marriage of the two young Heirs, whence wars insued, and the English invaded Scotland, spoiled Leith, burnt Edenbrough, and wasted the Country for seven miles about, set fire upon Haddington and Dunbar, then returned. And because the French refused the performance of certain Covenants, King Henry made war also upon that Nation, and in short time won the strong Town of Bul­loigne. Then the French King with intent to balance the loss of Bolloign invaded the Isle of Wight, and Sea-coasts of Sussex, though it proved to the loss of many of his Captains, and thousands of his Souldiers.

A. D. 1546, the Reingrave came with a great force to victual a Fort built near to Bul­loigne, which the Earl of Surrey sought to prevent him from, but was discomfited, with the loss of many brave mens lives. Shortly after which, by the mediation of the Emp [...]ror, and other Christian Potentates peace was con­cluded betwixt France and England.

A. D. 1547, and January the twenty eighth King Henry yielded to deaths impartial stroke, [Page 368] whose body with great solemnity was buried at Windsor. In his Will he ordained (howso­ever Titles had been made invalid in Parlia­ments) That his three Children should succeed each other, for want of other Issue. One thousand Marks he commanded should be given to the poor; and to twelve poor Knights at Windsor each of them twelve-pence a day for ever, every year a long Gown of white cloth, the Garter to be embroidred upon the breast, and therein the Cross of St. George, and a Mantle of red cloth to be worn thereupon. His Wives were Katharine his brothers Relict, Anne Bullen, Jane Seymore, Anne of Cleve, Katharine Howard Neece to the Duke of Nor­folk, and Katharine Parre the daughter of Sir Thomas Parre of Kendal. His Issue Henry which lived not full two months, another son not named, and Mary, these by Katharine of Spain, Elizabeth, and a son still-born by Anne Bullen; Edward by Jane Seymour. His natural Issue Henry Fitz-Roy.

After the dissolution of the religious Houses, he erected the Bishopricks of Westminster, Chester, Oxford, Peterborough, Bristol and Glo­cester, and also erected the Cathedral Churches of Canterbury, Winchester, Worcester, Chester, Peterborough, Ely, Glocester, Bristol, Carlile, Durham, Rochester and Norwich. In all which he founded a Dean, with a certain number of Prebendaries. The Colledge of Christ-Church in Oxford begun by Cardinal Wolsey, he or­dained to be the Cathedral of this Bishops See.

[Page 369]Many died of the sweating sickness in Eng­land, especially about London. In the twenty third year of his raign Richard Rice a Cook was boiled to death in Smith-field for poysoning divers persons. In the thirty seventh of his raign the Stews on the Bank-side in Southwark were put down by the Kings appointment.

A. D. 1546, William Foxly continued sleeping fourteen days and fifteen nights, and could not by any means be awakened during that time; yet when he did awake he was in very good temper, as though he had slept but one night, and lived forty years after.

King Henry by Act of Parliament assumed the Stile and Title of King of Ireland, former Kings of England bearing only the stile of Lords thereof. 'Tis said that now, Turkey, Carp, Hops, Pickarel and Beer, came into Eng­land all in a Year.

Mayors and Sheriffs of Londen in this Kings Time.

In his first Year,

  • Thomas Bradbury was Mayor for the part of the year, Sir VVilliam Capel for the rest.
  • George Monox, John Doget, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Sir Henry Kebble was Mayor.
  • John Milborne, John Rest, Sheriffs.

[Page 370]In his third Year,

  • Sir Roger Acheley was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Shelton, Thomas Mersine, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Sir William Copinger was Mayor for part of the year, Sir Richard Haddon for the rest.
  • Robert Holdernes or Alderns, Robert Fenrother, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Sir William Brown was Mayor.
  • John Dawes, John Bruges, Roger Bosford, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Sir George Monox vvas Mayor.
  • James Yarford, John Munday, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir William Butler vvas Mayor.
  • Henry Warley, Richard Gray, William Baily, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Sir John Rest was Mayor.
  • Thomas Seymour, John or Richard Thurston, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Exmewe was Mayor.
  • Thomas Baldrie, Ralph, or Richard Simons, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Mersine was Mayor.
  • John Allen, James Spencer, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year,

  • Sir James Yarford was Mayor.
  • John Wilkinson, Nicholas Patrick, Sheriffs.

[Page 371]In his twelfth Year,

  • Sir John Burg vvas Mayor.
  • John Skevington, John Kyme, alias Keble, Sheriffs.

In his thirteenth Year,

  • Sir John Milborn was Mayor.
  • John Breton, or Britain, Thomas Pargitor, Sheriffs.

In his fourteenth Year,

  • Sir John Mundy vvas Mayor,
  • John Rudston, John Champneis, Sheriffs.

In his fifteenth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Baldrie was Mayor.
  • Michael English, Nicholas Jennings, Sheriffs.

In his sixteenth Year,

  • Sir William Bailey vvas Mayor.
  • Ralph Dodmere, VVilliam Roche, Sheriffs.

In his seventeenth Year,

  • Sir John Allen was Mayor.
  • John Caunton, or Calton, Christopher Askaw, Sheriffs.

In his eighteenth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Seymour vvas Mayor.
  • Stephen Peacock, Nicholas Lambert, Sheriffs.

In his nineteenth Year,

  • Sir James Spencer was Mayor.
  • John Hardy, William Hollis, Sheriffs.

In his twentieth Year,

  • Sir John Rudston vvas Mayor.
  • Ralph Warren, John Long, Sheriffs.

In his twenty first Year,

  • Sir Ralph Dodmer was Mayor.
  • Michael Dormer, Walter Champion, Sheriffs.

[Page 372]In his twenty second Year,

  • Sir Thomas Pargiter was Mayor.
  • William Dantesey, or Dancy, Richard Champion, Sheriffs.

In his twenty third Year,

  • Sir Nicholas Lambert was Mayor.
  • Richard Gresham, Edward Altham, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty fourth Year,

  • Sir Stephen Peacock was Mayor.
  • Richard Reynolds, John Martin, Nicholas Pinchon, John Priest, Sheriffs.

In his twenty fifth Year,

  • Sir Christopher Askew vvas Mayor.
  • William Forman, Thomas Kitson, Sheriffs.

In his twenty sixth Year,

  • Sir John Champneis was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Leveson, William Denham, Sheriffs.

In his twenty seventh Year,

  • Sir John Allen was Mayor.
  • Humfrey Monmouth, John Cotes, Sheriffs.

In his Twenty eighth Year,

  • Sir Ralph Warren was Mayor.
  • Robert or Richard Paget, William Bowyer, Sheriffs.

In his twenty ninth Year,

  • Sir Richard Gresham was Mayor.
  • John Gresham, Thomas Lewin, Sheriffs.

In his thirtieth Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Forman was Mayor.
  • William Wilkinson, Nicholas Gibson, Sheriffs.

In his thirty first Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Hollys was Mayor.
  • Thomas Ferrer, Thomas Huntlow, Sheriffs.

[Page 373]In his thirty second Year,

  • Sir William Roche was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Laxstone, Martin Bows, Sheriffs.

In his thirty third Year,

  • Sir Michael Dormer was Mayor.
  • Rowland Hill, Henry Suckley, Sheriffs.

In his thirty fourth Year,

  • Sir John Cotes was Mayor.
  • Henry Hobberthorn, Henry Amcoats, Sheriffs.

In his thirty fifth Year,

  • Sir William Bowyer was Mayor.
  • John Tholouse, Richard Dobbes, Sheriffs.

In his thirty sixth Year,

  • Sir William Laxton was Mayor.
  • John Wilford, Andrew Jud, Sheriffs.

In his thirty seventh Year,

  • Sir Martin Bows was Mayor.
  • George Barne, Ralph Allen, or Alley, Sheriffs.

In his thirty eighth Year,

  • Sir Henry Hobberthorn was Mayor.
  • Richard Jarveis, Thomas Curteis, Sheriffs.

EDWARD VI.

A. D. 1547. EDward the Sixth was born (but not with­out the death of his Mother) A.D. 1537, Octob. 12.

A. D. 1547, and Febr. 20. he was Crowned at Westminster. At which time when three Swords were delivered to him, as King of En­gland, France and Ireland, he said, There was yet another Sword to be delivered him, name­ly, the sacred Bible, which is, said he, the sword of the Spirit, without which we are nothing, neither can do any thing. His Mothers brother, Edward Lord Seymour Earl of Hartford, and Duke of Somerset was by the consent of the Nobles made Protector over his Minority, and the Realms. In short time after the Kings Coro­nation, the Lord Protector and Council sought to effect the Marriage betwixt the young King and the young Queen of Scotland, as it had been formerly agreed on by both Nations; but this the Scots refused to yield unto, wherefore the Protector led an army into Scotland, and at a place called Edmondstone-edg near to Muscle­brough fought the Scots and vanquished them, following the chase of them almost five miles, wherein the Lord Fleming with sundry men of note were slain, and 10000 of the Soldiers; and about a 1000 were taken Prisoners, the chief whereof were the Earl of Huntly, the [Page 375] Lords Yester, Hobby, and Hamilton, the Lord Weems, and a brother of the Earl of Cassills. Lieth the English sacked and set on fire, took the Island St. Colmes, Broughticrag, Rocksbrough, Humes Castle, and others, insomuch that many Gentlemen in Tividale and the Meres came to the Protector, and entred into terms and conditions of peace with him. After the Pro­tectors return a Parliament was assembled at London, wherein the six Articles were repealed, those Colledges and Chappels that King Henry had left were given the King, and the Churches ordred to be purged of all Images. And ac­cordingly Commissioners were appointed, who first began at St. Pauls in London, and thence proceeded throughout England and Wales. But this reformation occasioned great commotions, which began in the West. A Priest stabbed one Mr. Body a Commissioner to the heart, for plucking down certain Images; and this fact of his was so favoured by the Cornish and De­vonshire Rusticks, that ten thousand of them rose in Arms, heading themselves under Mr. Humphrey Arundel, six other Gentlemen, and eight Priests. These rebells besieged the City of Excester and sore distressed it, yet did the Citizens loyally hold out against them; for which the King did enlarge their Liberties, and gave unto their City the Mannor of Exilond. At last the rebells agree upon Articles to be sent the King, therein requiring to have Mass celebrated as in time past it had been. To have holy bread and holy water in remem­brance of Christs body and blood. To have the [Page 376] six Articles again in force, &c. To these and the rest of their demands the King sent an an­swer, Therein pitying their ignorance, re­proving their sawciness, and withal a general pardon to as many as would desist in time, con­cluding thus: We for our part seek no longer to live than to be a Father to our people, and as God hath made us your King, so hath he commanded you obedience; by whose great Majesty we swear, you shall feel the same power in our Sword, which how mighty it is, no subject knoweth, how puissant it is no private man can judg, and how mortal no En­glish heart can think. Therefore embrace our mer­cy whilst it is offered, lest the blood spilt by your means cry vengeance from the earth, and be heard in the ears of the Lord of Heaven. Notwithstan­ding all this, the rebells still persisted in their Traiterous attempts; the King therefore sent an army against them, which put them to flight at Honiton, then worsted them at Excester, where the rebells lay siege, and lastly upon Clift-heath destroyed the greatest part of them; their consecrated Host, Crucifix, Crosses, con­secrated Banners, holy bread and holy water (which the rebells had brought into the field, thinking by vertue of them to have made all sure on their side) were all trampled into the dirt. Arundel, Winsland, Holmes and Bury, four rebell-Captains were taken and executed at London. Others also of their partakers were executed by Martial Law, amongst whom was Boyer the Mayor of Bodmin in Cornwall. Nigh to which Town dwelt a Miller that had been a busie-fellow in the rebellion, but he knowing [Page 377] his own danger, willed his man to take the name of Master if any enquired after him. To this Millers house Sir Anthony Kingstone, Mar­shall of the Field came, where calling for the Master the officious man in his name very bodi­ly presented himself, whom Sir Anthony straight commanded to the Gallows; and when the poor fellow seeing the danger he was in chan­ged his note, confessing himself to be but the man, Sir Anthony said, Well, thou canst never do thy Master better service than to hang for him, causing him to be trussed up on the next tree. Other commotions arose in other parts of the Realm; but the most dangerous was that in Norfolk headed by Robert Ket a Tanner of Wimonham, who took upon him to be the Kings Deputy, giving out Warrants in the Kings name for what he pleased. His Tribunal-seat was in an old Tree, where sate the jolly Tan­ner accompanied with his Counsellors and Assistants being two chosen men out of every hundred of the rout. Hither came the com­plaints of the Camp, and from hence Commis­sions were issued out to plunder Ships and Gen­tlemens houses of Armour and Artillery; so that this Tree was termed the Oak of Reforma­tion. Whence likewise sometimes Sermons were delivered, and once by the Reverend Dr. Parker, for which his life was endangered, his Sermon was so displeasing to the Rabble. To pacifie these rebells the King caused his gene­ral pardon to be proclaimed by an Herald at Arms. Notwithstanding which they still pro­ceeded in their rebellion, and made themselves [Page 378] Masters of the City of Norwich. The King there­for sent William Parre Marquess of Northamp­ton against them, but him they over-powered. Then the Lord Dudley Earl of Warwick was im­ployed against them, who with small resist­ance gained the Market-place of Norwich, where he caused sixty rebells, whom he had ta­ken, immediately to be executed by Martial Law. The main body of the rebells entrenched themselves at the foot of the Hill called Dussin-dale, partly upon vain Prophesies given forth amongst them by Wisards, That Hob, Dic and Hie, (meaning the Clowns) should with their clubs fill up the valley of Dussin-dale with dead bodies. On August 27, the Earl prepared for fight, the rebells likewise set themselves in or­der, placing in their fore-rank all the Gentle­men whom they had taken prisoners coupled in Irons. Upon the rebells Captain Drury with his own Band and the Almains charged coura­giously, and opened their Battel, to the setting at liberty of the captive Gentlemen, and the Earls light Horsemen came so valiantly on that the rebells gave back and fled, and with the foremost their Captain Ket. The chase held three miles and more with the slaughter of 3500 rebells. The rest of the rebells that kept about the Ordnance, by the Generals perswa­sions and promise of pardon, cast away their Weapons, and with one voice cried, God save King Edward. The next day following Ket was apprehended in a Barn where he had hid him­self, and shortly after was hanged in Chains upon the Castle of Norwich; William Ket his [Page 379] brother was hang'd upon the high Steeple of Wimonham, and nine other of them were hang'd upon the Oak of Reformation. This Rebellion was at the first broacht under the pretence of throwing open the Inclosures, which the King by Proclamation had commanded to be done, though it was neglected. These disturbances being setled, others were made in the North by Thomas Dale a Parish Clark, William Ombler a Yeoman, and one Stevenson the Post of Seymour. Their pretences were to restore the Church her rights, and to disburthen the Land of Grievan­ces; giving out that the Pope was the man, that K. Edward was an intruder, if not a meer Heretick, that the Church had power of both the Swords. When these fellows were increa­sed to the number of about 3000, the Kings pardon being sent to them, they most of them departed to their own homes; but Ombler and Dale with four others were executed at York, Septemb. 21, 1549. And as the Commons dis­quieted the Country, so did some Lords and Ladies disquiet the Court. The Protector's brother Thomas Seymour Baron of Sudley, High Admiral of England, had married Queen Ka­tharine Parre, which Lady contending for place with the Protector's Dutchess, occasioned the haughty Dutchess ('tis said) to procure the Lord Sudley's ruin. Which Lord was accused to have designed the getting of the Kings per­son into his custody, and Government of the Realm; for the which (with some smaller mat­ters charged upon him) he was condemned by Act of Parliament and by his brother the Pro­tector's [Page 380] Warrant was beheaded on Tower-hill, March 20. But the Brothers being now dis­joined, who might have supported each other had they lived together in brotherly love, the Protector himself is marked out for destructi­on. Divers Lords article against the Duke, ac­cusing him, That he had animated the rebells in their rebellion: That he was a sower of sedition amongst the Nobles: That he had a­gainst Law erected a Court of Requests in his own house, inforcing divers of the Kings Sub­jects thither to answer for their free-holds, &c. And so close and cunningly they prosecuted the matter against him, that they got him into the Tower, Octob. 12, 1549, but the King pro­cured his liberty immediately, though not his former Authority. In the mean space that the Protector was under these troubles, the Scots recovered the places that the English had gain­ed from them. The French also attempted to gain the Fort of Bulloinberg by surprize, unto which enterprize 7000 men were chosen, who secretly marched in the night with Ladders and furniture meet for the design, and approa­ched within a quarter of a Mile of the Fort; but one Carter an English man, a soldier a­mongst them, understanding what was inten­ded, hastily and privately made from his Com­pany, and gave the Alarm to his Countrymen in the Fort; whereupon Sir Nicholas Arnalt the Governour made such preparations against the French mens coming, that at their approach he repulsed them with so great a slaughter, that fifteen Wagons went away laden with dead bo­dies [Page 381] of the French. After this the French assaul­ted the Isles of Garnsey and Jersey, but were beaten off with the lost of a thousand men. Howbeit the French King gave not over till he had recovered by surrender Bulloinberg, and the Town of Bulloin, which last he purchased at a high price.

A. D. 1550, that mortal disease called the sweating-sickness raged extreamly through England, whereof died the two Sons of Charles Brandon, both of them Dukes of Suf­folk successively, besides an infinite number in their best strength. And, which is wonderful, this disease followed only English men in foreign Countries, no other people being infected thereby. And to fill up the dolours of these doleful times, the good Duke of Sommerset was again by the over-reachings of the Earl of Warwick, (lately created Duke of Northumber­land) and other his emulators, committed pri­soner, and not long after put to death. For the Duke of Sommerset giving ear to such false friends as sought his ruin, privily armed him­self, and so went to the Council-Table, his flatterers having put him in fear of some sud­den attempt intended against him. But at the Council-Table his bosom being opened, and the Armour found, he was forthwith appre­hended as intending the death of some Coun­sellor, and sent to the Tower, Octob. 16, 1551, and in December following he was condemned of Felony, as seeking the death of some of the Kings Counsellors, and on Febr. 22 of the same year, he was brought to the Scaffold on Tower-hill, [Page 382] where he thus spake to the people: Dearly beloved Friends, I am brought hither to suffer death, albeit I never offended against the King, either in word or deed, and have always been as true and faithful to this Realm as any man hath been. But forasmuch as I am by Law condemned to die, I do acknowledg my self as well as others to be subject thereunto. Wherefore to testifie my obedience which I owe unto the Laws, I am come hither to suffer death; whereunto I willingly offer my self, with most hearty thanks unto God, that hath given me this time of repentance, who might through sud­den death have taken away my life, that I neither should have acknowledged him nor my self. When having uttered these words with others exhor­tatory, That the people would continue con­stant in the Gospel, suddenly there was heard a great noise, whereby the assembly was struck into great fear, which noise was made by some of the Trainband-Hamlets coming hurrying on the Tower-hill. This stir being ceased, another presently insued, for the people seeing Sir An­thony Brown ride towards the Scaffold, they vio­lently ran and crowded together thitherward, supposing he had brought a pardon from the King, and with a sudden shout, cried a pardon, a pardon, God save the King. But these in­terruptions over, the Duke proceeded in his speech; requesting the people to join in prayer with him for the King, exhorting them unto obedience to him and his Council. Which done, asking every man forgiveness, and de­claring that he freely forgave every man; he meekly submitted his head to the Axe. Whose [Page 383] death the people were much grieved for, spea­king very bitterly against the Duke of Nor­thumberland, and the good King sorely mourned because of it, which likely did much increase his Consumptive distemper that brought him to his end. Whilst he lay in his weakness he was over-wrought to disinherit his two sisters Mary and Elizabeth, and to ordain by Will for his Successor to Englands Diadem Guilford Dudley's Wife, Jane the elder Daughter of the Duke of Suffolk, whose Mother the Lady Fran­ces, was the Daughter of Mary Queen of France, and Charles Branden Duke of Suffolk. Unto this Will of King Edward all his Coun­cil, the Bishops and all the Judges, saving Sir John Hallis, subscribed. When the King drew towards his last breath, he prayed as follow­eth: Lord God deliver me out of this miserable life, and take me among thy chosen, howbeit not my will, but thy will be done. Lord, I commit my spirit to thee. O Lord, thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee, yet for thy Chosen sake if it be thy will, send me life and health that I may truly serve thee. O my Lord, bless thy people and save thine inheritance. O Lord God, save thy cho­sen people of England. O my Lord God, defend this Realm from Papistry, and maintain thy true Reli­gion, that I and my people may praise thy holy Name, for thy Son Jesus Christs sake. So turning his face and seeing some by him, he said, I thought you had not been so nigh. Yes, said Dr. Owen, we heard you speak to your self. Then said the King, I was praying to God. O I am faint, Lord have mercy upon me, and receive my Spirit. [Page 384] And in so saying he yielded up the Ghost, July 6, 1553. And was interred in the Chap­pel of St. Peters at Westminster. He was a Prince very well learned in the Latin and Greek Tongues, also in the French, Spanish and Italian, adorned with the skill of Logick, Natural Philosophy, Musick and Astronomy. Of such observation and memory that he could tell and recite all the Ports, Havens and Creeks belonging to England, Scotland and France, what coming in there was, how the Tide ser­ved in every of them, what burden of Ship, and what wind best served the coming into them. Of all his Nobles, chief Gentry and Ma­gistrates he took special notice of their hospi­tality, and religious conventions. He was very sparing of his Subjects blood though re­bells, or hereticks. When Joan Butcher was to be burnt for heresie, all his Council could not move him to sign the Warrant for her executi­on, till Dr. Cranmer A. B. laboured with him therein; to whom the King said, What my Lord, will you have me send her quick to hell? And taking the Pen he used this speeeh, I will lay all the charge hereof upon Cranmer before God. So zealous he was for the reformed Re­ligion, and against Popery, that he thrust out all the Roman fopperies out of the Churches; and superstitions out of the English Church; nor would he permit his sister Mary to have Mass said in her house, though the Emperour Charles made suit for it in her behalf. So cha­ritable that he conferred on the City of London Christs-Hospital, and St. Thomas-Hospital for the [Page 385] relief of the Impotent, fatherless Children, and wounded Soldiers, and Bridewell for vaga­bond and idle persons; and so circumspect as to himself and publick, that he kept a Journal-Book written with his own hand, how all things proceeded with him and the state, even from the first day of his raign unto his death.

The Mayors and Sheriffs of London in this Kings Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir John Gresham was Mayor.
  • Thomas White, Robert Chertsey, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Henry Amcoats was Mayor.
  • William Lock, Sir John Ayleph, Sheriffs.

In his third Year,

  • Sir Rowland Hill was Mayor.
  • John Yorke, Richard Turk, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Sir Andrew Jud was Mayor.
  • Augustine Hinde, John Lion, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Sir Richard Dobbes was Mayor.
  • John Lambert, John Cowper, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Sir George Barne was Mayor.
  • William Garret, or Gerard, John Mainard, Sheriffs.

Queen MARY.

A.D. 1553 PIOƲS King Edward having exchanged this wretched life for an happy, the Councel in the first place perswaded the Lord Mayor, and certain of the Aldermen of London to take their Oathes to be faithful to the Lady Jane Grey; then caused the said Lady Jane to be proclaimed in London Queen of England. But when Queen Mary heard the news of her brothers death, and the Councels proceeds, by her Letters she required the Councel as they tendred her displeasure, and their own safeties, to proclaim her Queen and Governour of the Land. Unto which Letters the Lords forth­with answered, That by good Warrant of Ancient Laws of the Realm, besides the last Will of King Edward the right was in the Lady Jane to govern England, unto whom therefore and none other they must yield subjection. They also remembred the Queen of the unlaw­ful marriage and divorce of her Mother, of her own illegitimation, desiring her to forbear any furder claim, and to submit her self to the Queen Jane now her Soveraign. Which Let­ters sent to Queen Mary were subscribed by Thomas Canterbury Archbishop, Thomas Ely Chancellor, Henry Suffolk Duke, The Duke of Northumberland, Marquess of Winchester, &c. Upon the receipt of the Letters the Queen re­moved [Page 387] from Keningal to Fremingham-Castle, unto whom the Suffolk-men first resorted, of­fering their service with condition that they might still embrace the Gospel, in the same manner that King Edward had established it. To which she then condescended, though after­ward being petitioned to perform her promise herein, she both punished the Writer, and answered, that they should one day well know, that they being but members should not direct her their head.

July the twelfth the Earl of Oxford and other Lords came in to the Queens assistance, and proclaimed her at Norwich, and July the four­teenth the Duke of Northumberland with an Army set forth off London towards Norwich; but few or none of the people bade this ambi­tious Duke God-speed, which himself took notice of as he marched out of London with his Army.

But whilst Northumberland was on his way, the Lord Windsor and other Gentlemen raised the Commons of Buckingham-shire for Queen Mary; so Sir John Williams, and Sir Leonard Chamberlain of Oxford-shire, and Sir Thomas Tresham in Northampton-shire. And at London the Tide turned and Queen Mary was there proclaimed, and many of the Lords deserted the Duke, in­somuch that the Duke himself, thinking it the easiest to swim with the stream, even fairly in the Market-place at Cambridge proclaimed Mary Queen of England, throwing up his Cap in token of joy. The way thus made free, Queen Mary repaired to London and there set [Page 388] at liberty Edmond Bonner imprisoned in her bro­thers time, restoring him to the See of London, which Dr. Ridley had possessed, and made him a prisoner. Other Protestant Bishops she re­moved, placing Papists in their steads. Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury she com­mitted to the Tower, and Stephen Gardner she made Lord Chancellor. And to assure her estate the better the Duke of Northumberland was Arraigned and condemned, and brought upon the Scaffold on Tower-hill to suffer death. Where this Duke having promise of life if he would recant the reformed Religion, did so, and withall exhorted the people to follow the Romish way, though when he had so done the executioner made him shorter by the head; with him suffered Sir John Gates, and Sir Thomas Palmer August 22.

A few days after which the Queen was Crowned at Westminster, by Stephen Gardner Bishop of Winchester. And October 18th be­gan a Parliament, wherein that Act was re­pealed which was made in Edward the 6th's time, intituled, An Act for the uniformity of Com­mon Prayer and Administration of the Sacra­ments.

Then came all the Popish trinkets into fashion again, the Mass-Book, Crucifixes, Agnus Dei's, Reliques, with all the Idols and Abominations. And the temporising Priests were forced to forgoe their Wives, though not to live ho­nestly: For, as Mr. Heywood merrily said to the Queen concerning these men, when she told him that the Priests must no longer have their [Page 389] Wives; Your grace then must allow them Lem­mons, for the Clergy cannot live without sawce.

A. D. 1553, was the Lady Jane Grey and her Husband Arraigned and condemned at the Guild-hall in London, and February 12th, her Husband Gilford Dudley 4th son to the Duke of Northumberland, was had to the Tower-hill, where with prayers and great signs of repen­tance he ended his life. Whose body all bloody laid in a Cart, together with the head wrapt in a cloth, was brought into the Ch [...]ppel of the Tower, even in the sight of this sorrowful Lady his Wife, who was now to mount the Scaffold raised upon the Green within the [...]ower, whither being ascended, she with a cheerful countenance spake unto the spectators, decla­ring that her offence was only in consenting unto others, That she never sought that great­ness; Then desired the people to bear her wit­ness, that she died a true Christian woman, and looked to be saved by no other means, but only by the mercy of God in the blood of Christ Jesus his only son; confessed that when she did know the word of God, she neglected it, and loved the world and her self, and that therefore this plague and punishment justly hapned to her for her sins. Lastly, desired the people to pray for her whilst she lived. Then kneeling down said in English the 51, Psalm, which done, she stood up and gave her Book to Mr. Bridges Lieutenant of the Tower; then by the help of her two Gentlewomen made her self ready for the Block, and commending [Page 390] her spirit into the hands of the Lord Jesus, her head was severed from the body. Thus ended the life of this most ingenious and ver­tuous Lady, ruined by the Ambition of her own, especially Husbands Father.

On the 23 of the same month, her Father Henry Duke of Suffolk, for a second offence, the promoting an insurrection to hinder the Queens marriage with Philip of Spain, was beheaded on the Tower-hill. And A. D. 1554, April 23, was his Brother the Lord Thomas Grey beheaded in the same place. Against this fore­said match with Spain many combinations were made, and many persons in divers places of the Realm were up in Arms. And amongst the rest Sir Thomas Wiat with the Kentishmen, against whom the Duke of Nurfolk was sent, but many of his followers forsook him and joyned with Wiat. Then Wiat advanced to Dartford, and from thence to Deepford by Greenwich, at whose approach so nigh the City, the fears were there so great, that the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and most of the Citizens were in armour, and the Serjeants and Lawyers in Westminster in the Hillary-Term pleading their Causes in harness. The Queen to make the City sure on her side, came unto the Guild-hall, where she made an Oration to the Citizens, therein acquainting them, That though the Rebels pretence was to resist the marriage with Spain, yet that their intention was against her Religion. That they arrogantly demanded the possession of her per­son, the keeping of the Tower, the placing and displacing of her Councellors. She also [Page 391] therein alledged her right to the Crown, pro­fessed her intire love and affection to her sub­jects, promised them in the word of a Queen, that if it should not probably appear before the Nobility and Commons in Parliament, that her designed marriage with Prince Philip would be for the profit of the Nation, she would ab­stain from it. Wherefore, saith she, good Subjects pluck up your hearts and like true men, stand fast with your lawful Prince against these Rebels, both Ours and Yours, and fear them not, for I assure you I do not. Against these Rebels the Earl of Pembroke was made General, and a hundred pound lands by the year was promised to be given to him and his Heirs for ever; that should bring Wiat either alive or dead.

Howbeit Wiat with fourteen Ensigns, and about five thousand men advanced to South­wark, where he made Proclamation, That no Souldier should take any thing without due payment Southwark he fortified, planting divers great Guns therein. And London was fortified against him, and the draw-bridge cut down. Wherefore when Wiat perceived that he could have no access into the City that way, he in the night marched round about by King­stone, thinking that way to have surprized the City on the sudden; but staying to remount a great Gun, that was dismounted by the way, by that means he could not reach the City so soon as he had expected, nor till his coming was discovered and preparations on that side the City made against him.

[Page 392] Cardinal Reginald Pole. A.B. Cant.The Earl of Pembroke possessed himself of St. James's, which Wiat at his coming perceiv­ing marched a little aside towards Charing-Cross. At Charing-Cross the Lord Chamberlain and Sir John Gage stood to resist Wiat, but the Kentish-men rushing violently into the Streets, forced their opposites into the gates of White-Hall, where was a great distraction within, and no other voice heard than Treason, Trea­son. Mean while Wiat with such small company as he had with him hasted to Ludgate, where he knocked to have entrance, but was debar'd. In the interim those his followers that had turned to White-Hall were dispersed, about twenty of which dirty, bemired Rebels were slain in the conflict, and no other cry heard on the contrary part, but, Down with the daggle-Tails.

Wiat returning from Ludgate sate down upon a stall against Bell-Savage-Inne, where he mused a while, then retired towards the Court, and was not opposed till he came to Temple-Bar; where began some Bickering, but Clarencieux King at Arms coming to him perswaded him to submit to the Queens mercy. To whom Sir Thomas Wiat said, If I must yield I will yield to a Gentleman, and yielded himself to Cla­rencieux. Then was he mounted behind Sir Maurice Berkley, and so carried to the Court, and in the after-noon to the Tower. About fifty of his fellow Rebels were hanged in Lon­don, and four hundred more were led through the City with Halters about their necks to Westminster, where they were all pardoned by the Queen.

[Page 393] A. D. 1554, and April 11th, Sir Thomas Wiat was beheaded on Tower-hill, where at his death he warned the people to beware how they took any thing in hand against the higher Po­wers, and excused the Lady Elizabeth, and the Lord Courtney of having any hand in his Re­bellion. Alexander Bret and twenty two Kent­ish persons more were executed, in divers parts of that County. These Commotions were the occasions of great troubles to the Lady Elizabeth, for the great difference in judgment that was betwixt her sister the Queen and her, caused the Queen to suspect that she was a principal mover in them. Wherefore the good Princess was in all haste sent for from her Man­nor of Ashbridge, where she then lay sick, and was committed prisoner to the Tower of London, at her first coming being kept a close prisoner under locks and bolts; but at length the Lord Shandois obtained liberty, for her to walk in the Queens Chamber and in the garden. About May 19th, she was removed to Woodstock where her liberty was not much inlarged. In this her confinement, as she sate looking out of the win­dow, she hap'd to see a maid milking in the Park, and merrily singing over her pail, which struck this pensive prisoner into a deep muse, preferring the Maids fortunes above her own, and heartily wishing that her self was a Milk-maid. Perhaps this might be the place, where Stephen Gardner (with intent to insnare her life) caused her to be examined, what she thought of those words of Christ, Hoc est corpus meum, [Page 394] This is my body. To which after some pause the Princess thus warily, and as wittily an­swered,

Christ was the word that spake it,
He took the bread and brake it;
And what the word did make it,
That I believe and take it.

A. D. 1554, and April 16th, a disputation began concerning Transubstantiation betwixt certain learned men of the Popish perswasion, and Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, Nicholas Ridley late Bishop of London, and old Father Latimer sometime Bishop of Worcester of the Reformed Religion; which dispute en­ded on the 20th, of the same month, and a year and six months after the aforenamed Bishops gave Testimony to the truth in the flames, in the Town-ditch of Oxford.

A. D. 1554, and July 25th, was the marriage betwixt Philip of Spain, and Mary Queen of England with great State solemnized, and their Titles by Garter King at Arms, solemnly pro­claimed with these following stiles, Philip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queen of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem and Ireland, Defenders of the Faith, Princes of Spain and Sicily, Arch-Dukes of Austrich, Dukes of Milain, Burgundy and Brabrant, Counts of Haspurg, Flanders and Tyrol. In the November next following this marriage, the Queen was reported to be with Child, for joy whereof Te Deum was commanded solemnly to be sung, [Page 395] and processions and prayers were made for her safe delivery.

The Queen took her Chamber, the Court was full of Midwives, all due provisions made against the good hour. And so certain it was taken to be, that some were punished, but for questioning the contrary, and the Parliament Enacted, That if God should take away Queen Mary, this their young Master coming into the world should succeed, and that King Philip should be Protector during the Princes mino­rity. Howbeit though they had this confidence to trust Philip with the government of England, if such a case should happen; yet had Philip little confidence in the English, first, because they would have hindred the marriage betwixt him and the Queen, and then because a Noble­man had given his counsel to cut off the Lady Elizabeths head, whence he assured himself, that those so bad-minded to their natural Princess, could not be well-minded to him a stranger. A great friend 'tis said, King Philip was to the said Princess Elizabeth, nor would he cease solliciting his Queen till he had gained her some freedom from her close restraint. But now the expected time of Queen Maries deliverance being come, a rumour was spread that a Prince was born, for joy whereof the Bells were rung, Bon-fires flamed, processions were made, and some in their Sermons fondly described the beauty of this young Prince. Notwithstanding at last it proved no such mat­ter. Some said, this rumour was spread in policy, and that the Queen to have put the [Page 396] Lady Elizabeth besides the Crown, would have mothered another bodies Child; but King Philip scorn'd to Father it. Others said, that the Queen miscarried; others, that she had a Tympany.

A. D. 1557, the Queen to take part with the Spaniard and Pope proclaimed Wars against France, and King Philip crossed the Seas into Flanders. After whom his Queen sent a thou­sand Horsemen, four thousand Foot, and two thousand Pioneers under the conduct of the Earl of Pembroke, who came with his forces before the Town of St Quintins, (at that time be­sieged by the Dukes of Savoy and Brunswick) and in short time by their manly courage forced the Town to yield, for joy whereof great Triumphs were made in England, which lasted not long: For this success made the English too secure, insomuch that through neglect of sea­sonable and fitting supplies the Town of Callis was forced to yield to the French, upon but indifferent Terms on the English part. Thus the Town of Callis won by the victorious King Edward the third, and that by no less than eleven months siege, was now in the compass of eight days besieged, and regained, and that in the depth of Winter, it being surrendred on January 17th, 1557. And in the same month and year were also the strong Forts of Guises and Hames taken by the French, whereby all the English footing was lost in France. This loss, with the absence of King Philip, who did not passionately love his consort the Queen, is thought to have hastned the death of Queen [Page 397] Mary. She was heard to say, That the loss of Callis was written in her heart, and might therein be read when her body should be open­ed. She died of a burning Fever, Novemb. 17th, 1558, and was buried at Westminster. The Church-possessions which this Queen had in her hands, she freely resigned with this saying, That she set more by the Salvation of her own Soul, than she did by ten Kingdoms. Though she was of no bad natural temper, yet through a blind zeal, she dealt so rigidly and cruelly against those called Sacramentarians, the Pro­testants, that in less than four years space she caused to be put to death of them 277. In Smithfield and other parts of the Land were consumed of them in the flames for Christs-sake, 5 Bishops, 21 Ministers, 8 Gentlemen, 48 Artificers, 100 Husbandmen, Servants, and Labourers, 26 Wives, 20 Widows, 9 Virgins, 2 Boys, and 2 Infants, one of them whipt to death by bloody Bonner; and the other spring­ing out of its mothers womb, as she burned at the stake, was thrown again into the fire. Sixty four more were persecuted for their pro­fession of the true Christian Doctrin, whereof 7 were whipped, 16 perished in prisons, and were buried in dunghills, and many lay in cap­tivity condemned till the coming in of Queen Elizabeth, and many fled the Realm in those Scorching times, amongst whom was Katharine Dutchess of Suffolk, the last Wife of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk. Pray God of his great mercy defend England from the Religion and cruelties of Antichristian Rome.

[Page 398]On the self-same day that Queen Mary died, died also Cardinal Pole Archbishop of Canter­bury and was buried at Canterbury.

In the raign of this Queen extream dearths raged, also Quartain Agues, of which many old people died, especially Clergy-men. At a little Town about a mile, and Eastward from Nottingham a Tempest of thunder did great harm, beat down many Houses, forced the Bells out of the Steeple, carrying them to the outside of the Church-yard, and some Webs of Lead four hundred foot into the field. A Child by the violence of it was taken out of a mans arms and carried a hundred foot. Five or six men besides the Child were slain by it. Some Hail-stones fell that were fifteen Inches about.

Mayors and Sheriffs of London in her Raign.

In her first Year,

  • Sir Thomas White was Mayor.
  • Thomas Offley, William Hewet, Sheriffs.

In her second Year,

  • Sir John Lyon was Mayor.
  • David Woodroffe, William Chester, Sheriffs.

[Page 399]In her third Year,

  • Sir William Garret or Gerrard was Mayor.
  • Thomas Lee, or Leigh, John Machel, Sheriffs.

In her fourth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Offley was Mayor.
  • William Harper, John VVhite, Sheriffs.

In her fifth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Curteis was Mayor.
  • Richard Mallory, James Altham, Sheriffs.

In her sixth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Lee, or Leigh was Mayor.
  • John Halsey, Richard Champion, Sheriffs.

ELIZABETH.

A. D. 1558.QUeen Elizabeth the Restorer and Defender of tne publick profession of the Aposto­lical Religion in England, begun her Reign A. D. 1558, Novemb. 17. Upon the death of her sister Queen Mary, she removed to the Charter-house of London, and from thence was royally attended through the City unto the Tower. In which Triumphal state as she passed through the streets of London, when the Book of God was presented to her at the little Conduit in Cheapside, she received it with both her hands, and kissing it, laid it to her breast, saying, That the same had been her chiefest delight, and should be the Rule by which she meant to frame her Government. January 15 was the Crown-Imperial set on her head by Dr. Oglethorp Bishop of Carlile. Shortly after which a Parliament sate, wherein the Title of the Supremacy was restored to the Crown, with the Tenths and First fruits of all Ecclesiastical Livings, and the Book of Common-Prayer (set forth in Edward the sixths time) was rati­fied, as also those Acts repealed which were Enacted in Queen Maries time in favour of the Romish, and against the Reformed Religion. During this Parliament a Petition was made unto her Majesty to move her unto Marriage, in hope of royal Issue from her. To which she [Page 401] replied, That she best liked a Virgins life; but that if it hapned that her affection should change, her choice should be only of such an one as should be as careful as any of themselves for the publick good. As for her Issue, she said, if she should have any it might grow out of kind, and prove ungracious; and therefore to leave behind her a more lasting and grateful remembrance, she held it sufficient, that a Marble-stone should declare to posterities, that she a Queen had reigned, lived and died a Virgin. This Maiden-Queen the better to se­cure her self against the Bishop of Rome, who sought to disable her Title by the calumny of Illegitimation, entred into a league with some Princes of Germany. This done, she claimed the restitution of Callis as her right, having been lawfully granted and assured by the French themselves unto the Crown of England. But the English Queen was not more desirous to have Callis than the French was unwilling to part with it; howbeit at length it was thus concluded, That Callis should remain French the term of eight years, and then to return to the English, else the French to pay 500000 Crowns, which they never performed though the agreement was sealed and sworn unto. Next, her Highness proceeds to purge the Clergy of England, ordering the Oath of Su­premacy and other Articles to be tendred them, which many refusing were forthwith deprived of their Ecclesiastical Benefices and Promotions. Then went forth Commissioners to suppress those Monasteries restored by Queen [Page 402] Mary, Matthew Parker, A. B. Cant. and to cast out all Images set up in Churches; and after the reducing of Church-matters into order, this happy Queen brought her Coyns into fine and pure Sterling, debasing of Copper-coins, causing likewise great store of Munition, Armour and Powder to be brought into the Land, and laid up in readi­ness against a time of need.

A. D. 1562, Her Majesty sent Ayds into France to support the Reformed Religion there. These with great joy were received into the Towns of Newhaven, Roan and Deep; but within the space of twelve moneths they were forced back into England, bringing thence ma­ny sick Soldiers, which dangerously infected the Nation with a long continuing Plague.

About the year 1564, the Irish sought to shroud themselves from their obedience unto Queen Elizabeth, under the shelter of Shan O-Neal, a man cruel by nature, and claiming an Hereditary right to the Province of Ʋlster, as the O-Neals formerly had done to all Ireland. Against this rebel so great preparations were made, that he terrified therewith came over into England, and on his knees begged the Queens pardon, which she granted him. How­beit not long after he rebelled, but at length was slain by some of his own Countrymen.

A. D. 1567, so great civil dissensions were in Scotland, that outrages were not only com­mitted upon the best Subjects, but even upon the King and Queen themselves; him they bar­barously murdred, and forced her to leave Scotland. Which unhappy Queen having em­barqued [Page 403] her self for France, Edward Grindal, A. B. Cant. hoping there to find many friends, was by cross winds drove upon the English Coasts, from whence she might not return, but was detained Prisoner in England.

A. D. 1568, by the working Instruments of the old Doctor at Rome, there were discontents bred and nourished in some great persons of England, as the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland, Leonard Dacres, Nevill, &c. who had in readiness certain English Priests, Morton and others, with Bulls and Instruments of Ab­solution, Reconciliation, and Oaths to be taken to the Pope. These Romish rebels raised forces, and with Banner displayed entred Burrowbridge, old Morton being their Ensign-bearer, in whose Colours was painted the Cross and five wounds of Christ. But at the approach of her Maje­sties Forces, the Captains of the rebells fled into Scotland, and their followers were taken without any resistance. Of these Traytors were put to death at Durham by Martial Law, an Al­derman, a Priest, sixty-six Constables, besides others of them in other places about.

A. D. 1570, Leonard Dacres of Harlsey re­newed the rebellion, and had amongst his fol­lowers many Women-soldiers; but upon a Moor nigh unto Naworth the Lord Hunsdon dis­persed them in fight.

August 22d of this year, was the Earl of Northumberland beheaded at York, where in his last speech he avowed the Popes Supre­macy, denied that subjection was due to the Queen, affirmed the Realm to be in a Schism, [Page 404] and that obedient subjects were no better than Hereticks. For you must know that Pope Pius the fifth had by his Bull dated 1569 deprived the Queen of her Kingdoms, absolved her subjects of all subjection to her, and pronoun­ced all that yielded her obedience accursed. Which Bull was privately hung upon the Bi­shop of London's Palace-gate at the West-end of St. Pauls. And such influence it had upon the spirits of many persons disaffected to the Reformed Religion, that they sought by divers means to work the Queens destruction. Many were the projects and devices to ruin the Church and Queen, but by the good provi­dence of Almighty God, the projectors were defeated in their purposes, and suffered deser­ved punishment. In Norfolk John Throgmorton, Brook, Redman and others sought to raise a commotion, for the which they suffered death. Dr. Story executed for his treason 1571. John Sommervil instigated by one Hall a Seminary Priest, to murther the Queen, was executed. John Payn imployed to murther her as she took her recreation abroad, was executed; so was Edmond Champion a Seminary Priest also execu­ted. Francis Throgmorton for endeavouring to procure an Invasion, was executed. William Parry, who purposed to have murdred the Queen, was executed. Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland, being privy to the Plots of Throgmorton for the bringing in of foreign powers, was committed to the Tower, where to save the Hangman a labour, he shot himself to the heart. Thomas Howard being too busie [Page 405] in some Popish designs was also put to death. John Whit­gift. A B. Cant. Other Popish Traytors were likewise deserved­ly executed, whose names, facts and places, and times of execution for brevities sake are omitted.

A. D. 1572, Novemb. 18, appeared a strange Star or Comet Northward, in the Constellation of Cassiopeia, not much less than the Planet Venus, never changing place, fixed far above the Moons Orb, the like to which never did appear since the beginning of the world, that we read of, saving that at the Birth of Christ.

A. D. 1573, was built at London the Royal-Exchange (so named by her Majesty) whose founder was Sir Thomas Gresham.

A. D. 1576, Sir Martin Frobusher sailed into the Northeast Seas, far further than any man before him had done, giving to those parts the name of Queen Elizabeths Foreland.

A. D. 1577, and Novemb. 15, Capt. Drake set sail from Plimouth, and in three years wan­ting twelve days he encompassed the Earth, landing again in England on Novemb. 3, 1580. In America in the Country which he named Nova Albion the King thereof presented unto him his Network Crown of many coloured fea­thers, and therewith resigned his Scepter of Government unto his dispose. The people there so admired the English men, that they sacrificed to them as to their gods. At his departure from thence he reared a Monument to witness her Majesties right to that Province, as being free­ly given to her Deputy both by King and peo­ple. The little Ship called the Pelican where­in [Page 406] this admirable Voyage was performed, was at her Majesties command laid up in the Dock by Deepford, as a Monument of Englands fame, and Captain Drake was honoured with Knight­hood.

A. D. 1581, was the motion renewed for a Marriage betwixt Francis Valois Duke of Anjou, and Queen Elizabeth; and so effectually was the suit moved, and acceptably heard of her Highness, that the Monsieur came over in per­son, though to the little liking of many of the English Nobles, and to the great discontent of the Commons, as was made known by a Book written against it, which cost William Stubs the Inditer thereof the loss of his right hand.

About A. D. 1583, the Pope and King of Spain sent supplies to the Irish rebells, under the command of Thomas Stukely an English fu­gitive, whom the Pope had stiled Marquess of Ireland. These landing in Ireland raised their consecrated Banner, built their Fort Del Ore; but the Lord Grey of Wilton, Lord Deputy quickly put most of them to the sword.

A. D. 1585, after several suits made unto the Queen by the distressed States of the Netherlands, and their Grievances recom­mended to her by the King of France, with promise of his own assistance; her Majesty was graciously pleased to undertake their protection, sending to their assistance Sir John Norrice, with 5000 Foot, and a thousand Horse, all retained at her Highness pay du­ring those Wars against Spain, which month­ly [Page 407] amounted to 12526 l. Sterling. For which moneys so disbursed the Towns of Flushing and Brill, with two Sconces, and the Castle of Ramekins in Holland, were delivered to the Queens use in pledg, until the money was repaid. The considerations moving her Majesty to assist [...]he United Provinces, were; The de­fence of the Reformed Religion, because of the bloody Inquisition, that without respect had persecuted her subjects; Because the King of Spain had sent forces into Ireland; and lastly to prevent her enemy the Spaniard from being so nigh a neighbour to her.

A. D. 1587, and Febr. 7, was Mary Queen of Scotland, King James's Mother beheaded at Fo­theringhay Castle, to the great discontent, 'tis said, of Queen Elizabeth, who committed Se­cretary Davison to the Tower thereupon, and never admitted him more to his place, because of his forwardness in promoting the death of that Roman-Catholick Queen. But what is a­bove us is nothing to us. The matters for which she was condemned in the Star-chamber Court at Westminster, were her pretending title to the Crown of England, her being privy to certain Treasons of Anthony Babington, and o­thers tending to the hurt and death of the Royal person of Queen Elizabeth. This she ab­solutely denied, affirming, that she never at­tempted any thing against the Queens person; though for her own delivery out of prison, she confessed she did make some attempts. Babing­ton with thirteen other Traytors were exe­cuted.

[Page 408] A. D. 1588, Henry third King of France, who ever honoured Queen Elizabeth, and not the least because of her Religion, sent speedy and secret notice unto her of the Spaniards inten­tions to invade her Realm of England. Against whose coming the Queen caused her Trained-bands to be in readiness, Tilbury in Essex was the place for her Camp, whereunto were ap­pointed to march 15000 Horse, and 22000 Foot. And for her special Guard out of the several Counties of the West, East, and South parts of England, were selected 2352 Horsemen, and 34050 Footmen. The Queen her self was Ge­neralissimo, and Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester Lieutenant-General.

A. D. 1588, and May 19, the Armado, or invincible Navy of the Spaniards (as they ter­med it) loosed Anchor from Lisbon, and on July 20 it passed by Plimouth towards Callis, hoping about those coasts to have met with the Prince of Parma, but in their way the En­glish Fleet changed some bullets with them. July 21 the two Fleets fought within Musket-shot, when the English Admiral Lord Charles Howard fell most hotly on the Spaniards Vice-Admiral. In this fight they well perceived how that their great unweildy Ships were unfit for service in those narrow Seas, the English smal­ler Ships being too nimble for them, as well in respect of saving themselves as in annoying the Spanish.

July 22, Sir Francis Drake Vice-Admiral took one of their great Gallions, wherein was Don Pedro de Valdez, with divers other Noble­men. [Page 409] The Soldiers had the spoil of this Ship, in which was 55000 Duckets of Gold.

July 23 the Spaniards came right against Portland, when the sorest fight was performed, and the English gained a great Venetian Ship, with other lesser ones.

July 24, the fight was only betwixt the four great Galleasses, and some of the English Ships.

July 25, the Spaniards came aaginst the Isle of Wight, where was a terrible Encounter, till at length the English so battered the Spanish tall Ships, that they were forced to secure them­selves in an Half-moon posture.

July 28, as the Spanish Fleet lay at Anchor within sight of Callis, the English sent in amongst them eight Fire-ships filled with Gun-powder, pitch, brimstone, and other combustible mat­ter, their Ordnance charged with bullets, stones, chains, and the like. These being drove with wind and tide unto the Spanish Fleet, and then taking fire, such a sudden roaring clap was given, that the Spaniards affrighted, in the dead of the night, were struck into an hor­rible fear lest all their Ships should be fierd by these, wherefore in great haste they cut their cables, hoised their sails, and drove at ran­dom into the Seas.

July 29. ranging themselves in order they approached overagainst Greveling, where the English again getting the wind of them, dis­charged upon them from morning till night, to the confusion of divers of the Spanish Ships. The Hollanders with thirty-five of their Ships watched the coasts about Dunkirk, [Page 410] to prevent the Duke of Parma from having any intercourse there.

July 30, the Spanish Dons having gotten more Sea-room for their huge-bodied bulks, spread their sails, and made away as fast as wind and water would permit them, fear­ing the small fleet and forces of the English, whereas had they known but the want of Powder that was on the English side, they would sure have stood longer to their tack­lings. The English Admiral followed now the Vincible Armado towards Norway, and the Spaniards for the saving of their fresh-water cast all their Mules and Horses over board. The Duke of Medina their Admiral when he at last arrived in Spain, was depri­ved of all his Authority, and other ways disgraced. Many of the Spanish Ships in their flight perished through tempest upon the Irish Seas, others were driven into the Chanel of England, where part of them were taken by the English, others by the Rochellers, and some arrived at Newhaven. Of 134 Ships which had set sail from Lisbon only 53 re­turned into Spain. Of the four Galleasses of Naples but one, and of the ninety-one Gal­lions and great Hulks from divers Provin­ces only thirty-three returned. Of the four Gallies of Portugal but one. In brief, there was missing of their whole Fleet eighty one Vessels, and of the 30000 Soldiers, 13500 and odd. Of Prisoners taken in England, Ireland, and Low-countries were 2000 and upwards. So that it appears there was small virtue in the [Page 411] Popes Crusado, wherein he published a safe Pass-port for his Spaniards to enter England. The English Fleet was betwixt fourscore and a hundred sail. Captains therein were the Lords Howard and Sheffield, Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, Sir Walter Rawleigh, Sir Mar­tin Frobisher, &c. For this Deliverance the 19 of November was appointed a day of Thanks­giving: Blessed be the Lord who gave us not a prey into their teeth, &c. Psal. 124.

Octogesimus octavus, mirabilis annus.
Clade Papistarum, faustus ubique piis. Dr. Fulk.

The Thunder-clap of this Armado being thus over, and the Invincible become Vincible, the Queen determined to assist Don Antonio the expulsed King of Portugal, for the re­gaining of his Kingdom, to which end a Fleet was sent out under the conduct of Sir Fran­cis Drake, and Sir John Norris for the land-service was General. These landing in a Bay of Galicia near to the Groin, took the Base-town by surprize, which they found well-victualled and stored with Wine, to the damage of the English, who taking too im­moderately of it, so inflamed and infected their blood, that it caused great sickness and mortality in the whole Army. After some conflicts with the High-town, they fired the Base-town or suburbs, and put again to Sea; and when some struglings with the Winds were over, they recovered the Burlings. In which passage Robert Earl of Essex with his [Page 412] Brother Mr. Walter Deureux, accompanied with other gallant men came Voluntiers to the Fleet, which landing in Portugal won the Town and Castle of Peniche. Then the English Army marched over-land to Lisbon, where a strong sally was made upon the English, but the Earl of Essex chased them back to their very gates. And the mean while Admiral Drake with his Fleet were come to Cascais, and possessed the Town with­out any resistance, and during the stay there, the English took threescore Hulks from the Spaniards laden with Corn, Masts, Cables, Copper and Wax.

About A. D. 1591, Queen Elizabeth sent Ayds into France in the behalf of Henry IV, whom the Popish party would not admit to the Crown of France, though his absolute right, because he leaned to the Reformed Re­ligion, nor was he admitted till he had ta­ken Oath to defend the Roman faith against all oppugners.

A. D. 1596, and June the first, did Charles Lord Howard, and the Earl of Essex, with a gallant Fleet begin their Voyage for Cadiz, which in a short time after their coming to it, was surrendred to them. The spoil there­of was given to the English soldiers, the wearing clothes of the inhabitants only ex­cepted, and the Citizens upon the payment of an 120000 Duckets for their ransome had their liberty. The Spanish Fleet which lay in the Harbour valued at twelve Millions of Duckets was fired by the Admirals command, [Page 413] to the end it might not become a prize to the English. The Town the English burnt, and spoiled the Island, then set sail towards Favo a Town in Algarva where the English landed, forraged the Country for about three leagues, burnt the Town Lotha and then re­turned for England. But the wrongs which had been offered by the Spaniards seeming far greater to the English, than was yet the ju­stice upon them, and the wise Queen holding it best to keep the Spanish King employed at home, the Earl of Essex was therefore Com­missioned with a well-furnished Fleet to sail for the Azores Islands. Which Fleet upon Septemb. 15. 1597, fell with the Isles of Flores, Evernes, Fyall and Pike, all which submitted to the Earl. Then he sailed for St. Michaels, where Sir Walter Rawleigh kept the Seas with the Ships, whilst Essex landed and sacked the rich Town Villa Franca; but the Winters storms approaching the Earl returned home, bringing with him a Brazil-ship of War, with three other prizes, valued at 400000 Duckets. The Pope and Spaniard though they had hitherto been frustrated in all their mischievous designments against the Queen and Church of England; yet still they hoped that by one treacherous means or other they might at length effect the ruin of both, though praised be God the ruin proved to their own vile instruments. Patrick Cullen hired to murther the Queen, was executed at Tyburn. Philip Earl of Arundel, and Sir John Perat were both condemned for high [Page 414] Treason, but died by course of nature. Rode­rick Lopez a Spaniard, one of the Queens Phy­sitians, undertaking to poyson her, was with his two complices executed at Tyburn. Edmund York, and Richard VVilliams, hired by one Holt an English-Jesuite, were executed for their Treasons. Edward Squire was executed for impoysoning the pommel of the Queens saddle, and pommels of the Earl of Essex his Chair, though by Gods providence the poyson effected not what was intended by it.

One VVallpoll a Jesuite animated him to the fact, by alledging that he might do it without much danger of his life; but though he should lose his life for it, yet he should be assured that in exchange of this transitory one, he should enjoy the estate of a glorious Saint in Heaven. So meritorious it seems it is, to murder Catho­lique Princes, so they be not Roman-Catholick ones. But besides all these Romish-Agents there was the Irish Tir-Oen, who used his greatest en­deavours to divert subjection from the English Crown, against whom that Martial Knight Sir John Norris was sent General, who after he had brought Tir-Oen to a submission (though as it after proved, but a feigned one) ended his days. The Irish Rebelling again the Earl of Essex was sent thither, where in the Province of Munster he became terrible to those wild Irish-Rebels, chasing them before him into the woods, though with more expence of time and loss of men, than was well liked by some statists in England, Then the Earl advanced into Leinster-Province against the O- Coners, and O- Moils. [Page 415] Then made towards Ʋlster where he entred into Parley with Tyrone. But her Majesty being in­formed (likely by some that envyed the Earls being so highly in her favour) that the Spring, Summer, and Autumn were spent without service upon the Arch-Traytor Tyr-Oen, that her men were diminished and large sums of mony consumed without the Earls doing that he was sent for; That without her Highness order he entred into Parley with the Rebels. Hereupon her Majesty sent sharp Letters, unto the Earl, upon the receipt whereof, in discon­tent he hasted into England, well hoping to pacify the Queens displeasure; but after a short verbal welcom from the Queen he was com­manded to his chamber, and soon after com­mitted to the custody of the Lord Keeper, 1599. In the Earls stead Charles Blount Lord Montjoy was sent into Ireland, who held Tyr-Oen very hard, and forced him to withdraw into his old lurking places. But to strengthen the Irish part, the King of Spain sent into Ireland two thousand old trained Spanish Souldiers, with certain fugitive, Irish under the command of Don d'Aquila, who strait after his arrival pub­lished a writing, wherein he stiled himself Master-General and Captain of the Catholique King in the Wars of God, for preserving the faith in Ireland. Unto these two thousand Spaniards more were shortly sent under the con­duct of Alohons O- Campo; but Alphonso had not long nested in Ireland ere himself and three of his Captains were taken, and twelve hun­dred of his Spaniards were slain.

[Page 416]And at the siege of Kingsale the Spaniards made suit to the Lord General for a peace, which was yielded unto; whereupon the Span­iards departed, and the Irish submitted them­selves to the merciful Queen.

The Earl of Essex who had been committed to the keeping of the Lord Keeper, was by her Majesties clemency quit of that durance, and only commanded to his own house; but the Earl of a daring spirit, and exasperated by his Martial followers, likewise presuming upon the Queens high respect towards him, resolved by force and violence to have personal con­ference with the Queen, and to remove from about her, such as he deemed his ene­mies. To effect which many of his favourers assembled at his house, as well Noble-men and Knights, as Captains and other Officers; but this being understood by the Statists, they made it known to her Majesty, who thereupon sent four of her Honourable Counsellors to the Earl to offer him Justice, and to command the As­sembly to depart. These Counsellors accor­dingly went to the Earl to Essex-house, where they did their message to the Earl, and com­manded his followers whom they saw about him to lay down their weapons and depart, but the Earl leaving these Councellors under custody in his own house, with his attendants in tumultuous manner made into London, his followers crying through the streets, that the said Earl of Essex should have been murdred by Cobham, Cecill, and Rawleigh.

[Page 417]Howbeit instead of finding that friendship in London which they expected, the Earl was pro­claimed Traytor in divers places thereof. Wherefore the Earl made haste back, and for­tified his own house in the Strand; but after some little resistance yielded himself to the Lord Admiral, and the same night was sent prisoner to the Tower. And upon February the nineteenth the Earls of Essex, and South­hampton were Arraigned and condemned at Westminster, and on February 25, 1600, the Earl of Essex suffred death on the Green within the Tower, whose dying speech was to this effect, That his punishment was just, his sins innu­merable, his last sin for which he died, a great, crying bloody and infectious sin, that had drawn others for love to him, to offend God, their Soveraign, and the World. He prayed God to forgive his sins, and her Majesty and the state to forgive him. Prayed for them, thank­ed God that he was never Atheist in denying the Scriptures, nor Papist in trusting to his own merits for Salvation, but in the merits of Christ Jesus his Saviour. Prayed the people to joyn with him in prayer, that his Soul might be lifted up by faith above all earthly things, desired forgiveness of all the World, as he from his heart forgave all men.

His head was with three strokes severed from the body, and his death generally lamented. For Accessories and Abettors in the offence were executed first Captain Lee, and after him Sir Gilliam Merrick and Henry Cuff, a learned man, were executed at Tyburn, and on Tower-hill were [Page 418] beheaded Sir Charles Davors, and Sir Christopher Blunt. But as the death of this Noble person was much bewayled of the Subjects, so was it likewise of her Majesty, who would oft times shew passions of her grief for his death, even until her own death, which to the great sor­row of her people befel on the 24 of March, 1602. Her body was buried in Henry the se­venths Chappel at VVestminster, where her Successor King James erected her a Princely Monument, Memoriae Sacrum, &c. She was 'tis said,

Spains rod, Romes ruin, Netherlands relief,
Earths joy, Englands gem, worlds wonder, Natures chief.

In her Raign were executed in England of Jesuites and Seminary-Priests, for sowing sedi­tion and plotting Treason the number of sixty seven, and fifty three more of them were banished.

A. D. 1571, and February the seventeenth at Kingstone near Marlech in Hereford-shire, the ground opened, and certain Rocks, with a piece of ground removed and went forward the space of four days. It removed it self be­twixt six of the Clock in the evening, and seven the next morning forty paces, carrying great Trees and sheep-coats, some with flocks of sheep in them. It overthrew Rinnastone-Chappel, also two high-ways were removed nigh an hundred yards with Trees and Hedges. The ground thus carried being in all twenty six [Page 419] Acres, and where tillage-ground was, there pasture is left in place, and where pasture there tillage.

A. D. 1578, Mark Scaliot a Black-smith of London made a Lock of Iron, Steel and Brass of a eleven several pieces, and a pipe-Key, all which weighed but one grain of Gold. He also made a Chain of Gold of forty three links, which Chain being fastned to the Lock and Key, and put about a flea's neck, the flea drew them with ease. Chain, Key, Lock and Flea weigh­ [...]d but one grain and an half.

A. D. 1580, In the Marishes of Dainsey in Essex was so infinite a number of Mice, that they almost covered the whole Marsh, and so tainted the grass with their venemous teeth, that the Cattle grazing thereon were infected with the Murrain and died. And by no art could men destroy these Mice, but at length Owles in abundance, to the great admira­tion of the Country, came and devoured them.

In or nigh the Year of our Lord, 1591, was VVilliam Hacket a hot-headed Sectarist Ar­raigned, and found guilty of having spoken many Seditious and Trayterous words, &c. For the which he was brought from New-gate in London to a gibbet in Cheapside, and there executed. Divers persons called Brownists were executed in several places of England for sow­ing sedition, namely Henry Barrow and John Greenwood, one Penrie a VVelch-man, Elias Thacker and John Copping.

[Page 420] A. D. 1600, and August the fifth did James the sixth King of Scotland narrowly escape a grand Conspiracy, practised by the Earl of Gowry and his brother.

A. D. 1586, that mirrour of men for Let­ters and Arms Sir Philip Sidney died of a wound received at Zutphen-fight in Guelderland.

Mayors and Sheriffs of London in her Reign.

In her first Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Hewet was Mayor.
  • Thomas Lodge, Roger Martin, Sheriffs.

In her second Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Chester was Mayor.
  • Christopher Draper, Thomas Roe, Sheriffs.

In her third Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Harper was Mayor.
  • Alexander Avenon, Humphrey Baskervile, Sheriffs.

In her fourth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Lodge was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Allen, Richard Chamberlain, Sheriffs.

In her fifth Year,

  • Sir John VVhite was Mayor.
  • Edward Banks, Rowland Heyward, Sheriffs.

[Page 421]In her sixth Year,

  • Sir Richard Mallory was Mayor.
  • Edward Jackman, Lionel Ducket, Sheriffs.

In her seventh Year,

  • Sir Richard Champion was Mayor.
  • John Rivers, James Hawes, Sheriffs.

In her eighth Year,

  • Sir Christopher Draper was Mayor.
  • Richard Lambert, Amb. Nicholas, John Langley, Sheriffs.

In her ninth Year,

  • Sir Roger Martin was Mayor.
  • Thomas Ramsey, John Bond, Sheriffs.

In her tenth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Roe was Mayor.
  • John Oliph, Robert Harding, James Bacon, Sheriffs.

In her eleventh Year,

  • Sir Alexander Avenon was Mayor.
  • Henry Beecher, VVilliam Dane, Sheriffs.

In her twelfth Year,

  • Sir Rowland Hayward was Mayor.
  • Francis Barneham, VVilliam Boxe, Sheriffs.

In her thirteenth Year,

  • Sir VVilliam Allen was Mayor.
  • Henry Milles, Johr Branch, Sheriffs.

In her fourteenth Year,

  • Sir Lionel Ducket was Mayor.
  • Richard Pipe, Nicholas VVoodrosse, Sheriffs.

[Page 422]In her fifteenth Year,

  • Sir John Rivers was Mayor.
  • James Harvey, Thomas Pulloccel or Pullison, Sheriffs.

In her sixteenth Year,

  • Sir James Hawes was Mayor.
  • Thomas Blancke, Anthony Gamage, Sheriffs.

In her seventeenth Year,

  • Sir Ambrose Nicholas was Mayor.
  • Edward Osborne, VVolstane Dixie, Sheriffs.

In her eighteenth Year,

  • Sir John Langley was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Kempton, George Barne, Sheriffs.

In her nineteenth Year;

  • Sir Thomas Ramsey was Mayor.
  • Nicholas Backhouse, Francis Bowyer, Sheriffs.

In her twentieth Year,

  • Sir Richard Pipe was Mayor.
  • George Bond, Thomas Starkie, Sheriffs.

In her one and twentieth Year,

  • Sir Nicholas VVoodroffe was Mayor.
  • Martin Calthorp, John Hart, Sheriffs.

In her two and twentieth Year,

  • Sir John Branch was Mayor.
  • Ralph VVoodcock, John Allot; Sheriffs.

In her three and twentieth Year,

  • Sir James Harvey was Mayor:
  • Richard Martin, William Webbe, Sheriffs.

[Page 423]In her four and twentieth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Blancke was Mayor.
  • William Roe, John Haydon deceased, Cuthbert, Buckle succeeded, Sheriffs.

In her five and twentieth Year,

  • Sir Edward Osbourne was Mayor.
  • William Mashaw, John Spencer, Sheriffs.

In her six and twentieth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Pulioccell was Mayor.
  • Stephen Slaney, Henry Billingsley, Sheriffs.

In her seven and twentieth Year,

  • Sir Wolstone Dixie vvas Mayor.
  • Anthony Ratcliffe, Henry Pranel, Sheriffs.

In her eight and twentieth Year,

  • Sir George Barne was Mayor.
  • George House, William Elkin, Sheriffs.

In her nine and twentieth Year,

  • Sir George Bond was Mayor.
  • Thomas Skinner, John Catcher, Sheriffs.

In her thirtieth Year,

  • Sir Martin Calthorp served one part,
  • Sir Richard Martin the other.
  • Hugh Offley, Richard Saltonstall, Sheriffs.

In her one and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir John Hart was Mayor.
  • Richard Gurney, Stephen Some, Sheriffs.

In her two and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir John Allot served one part,
  • [Page 424]Sir Rowland Heyward the other,
  • Nicholas Mosley, Robert Brook, Sheriffs.

In her three and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir William Webbe was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Rider, Benet or Benedict Barnham, Sheriffs.

In her four and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir William Roe was Mayor.
  • John Garret or Gerrard, Robert Taylor, Sheriffs.

In her five and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir Cuthbert Buckle served one part,
  • Sir Richard Martin the other.
  • Paul Banning, Peter Haughton, Sheriffs.

In her six and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir John Spencer was Mayor.
  • Robert Lee, Thomas Bennet, Sheriffs.

In her seven and thirteth Year,

  • Sir Stephen Slaney was Mayor.
  • Thomas Lowe, Leonard Halliday, Sheriffs.

In her eight and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Skinner served one part,
  • Sir Henry Billingsley the other.
  • John Wats, Richard Godard, Sheriffs.

In her nine and thirtieth Year,

  • Sir Richard Saltonstall was Mayor.
  • Henry Roe, John More, Sheriffs.

In her fortieth Year,

  • Sir Stephen Some was Mayor.
  • Edward Holmedon, Robert Hampson, Sheriffs.

[Page 425]In her one and fortieth Year,

  • Sir Nicholas Mosley was Mayor.
  • Humphrey Walde, Roger Clerk, Sheriffs.

In her two and fortieth Year,

  • Sir William Rider was Mayor.
  • Thomas Smith, Thomas Cambel, VVilliam Craven, Sheriffs.

In her three and fortieth Year,

  • Sir John Garret, or Gerrard, was Mayor.
  • Henry Anderson, William Glover, Sheriffs.

In her four and fortieth Year,

  • Sir Robert Lee was Mayor.
  • James Pemberton, John Swinerton, Sheriffs.

JAMES.

A. D. 1602KING James his Title to the Crown of England sprung from Henry the seventh, whose Issue [...] the Male, failing in the late de­ceased Queen Elizabeth, the off-spring of Mar­garet his eldest daughter was the next Heir, which Lady Margaret being married unto James the fourth King of Scotland by him had Issue James the fifth, whose only daughter and Child Queen Mary was the Mother of King James the sixth of that name that had swayed the Scepter in Scotland. Which learned Prince when he heard of the death of Queen Elizabeth, set for­ward out of Scotland, and was with great joy received of all his English Subjects in his way to London; and at his approach unto that ho­nourable City, the Lord Mayor, and Alder­men, with five hundred choice Citizens, all in Chains of Gold and well-mounted, met his Majesty, and with all solemn observance at­tended him unto the Charter-house. Then pre­parations were made for his Coronation, but before the day appointed thereunto, a Pro­clamation came forth, that no Citizen should presume to approch the Court, the City having buried in one week above one thousand of the plague. And yet a greater plague than this was intended against England about the Kings coming in, had not God in his mercy pre­vented [Page 427] it, For Pope Clement the eighth having sent unto Henry Garnet Superior of the Jesuites in England two Bulls, therein prohibiting any to be admitted to the Crown, unless he would first tolerate the Romish Religion, and by all his best endeavours advance that Catholique cause; Hereupon the Popes creatures, to do their un­holy Father the best service they could, com­bined with some (whom private discontents had discomposed) to surprise the Kings person and Prince Henry, intending to retain them prisoners in the Tower, or if they could not gain the Tower then to carry them to Dover-Castle, and there to keep them till they had brought the King to their own terms, and compleated their designs. The persons accused for this Conspiracy were Henry Brook, Lord Cobham, Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Walter Rawleigh, Sir Griffin Markham, Sir Edward Par­ham, George Brook, and Bartholomew Brooksby Esquires, Anthony Copley Gentleman, Watson and Clark Priests.

A. D. 1603, and July 21, King James and Queen Anne were Crowned at Westminster by John Whitguift Archbishop of Canterbury, and when the Coronation was over the Conspira­tors were conveyed to Winchester, (where the Term was then kept, because of the plague at London) and there had their Tryal, and were all condemned by their Jury, save Sir Edward Parham: Howbeit only three of them were ex­ecuted, namely, Watson, Clark, and George Brook. This business thus Transacted for the safety of King and Kingdom, his Majesty to [Page 428] gratify the Puritan or Presbyterian party, (that had petitioned for a reformation in the English Church) commanded an Assembly of selected Divines to appear in his Royal presence at Hampton-Court, whither the summoned ac­cordingly repaired. Persons summoned to maintain the cause of the Church of England were the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishops of London, Durham, Winchester, &c.

Persons for the reformation of the Church were Dr. Reynolds, and Dr. Sparks of Oxford, Mr. Knewstubs and Mr. Chaderton of Cambridge. At this conference his Majesty notably vindi­cated the Church of England: see the con­ference at Hampton-Court Printed, 1604. After an indeavour of setling Church-peace, the King commanded a new Translation of the holy Scriptures, which was accordingly done.

A. D. 1604, and August the nineteenth was peace proclaimed betwixt the two Nations of Spain and England. And the King to joyn the Na­tions of England and Scotland into an happy unity, caused himself by Proclamation to be stiled King of Great Britain. A Proclamation also came forth commanding all Jesuites and Semi­nary Priests out of the Land; but these under-miners of Church and State, mean not to leave England so, but design to stay and triumph in its ruins, purposing by one fatal-blow to de­stroy the King, the Prince, the Peers both temporal and Spiritual, the Knights, and Bur­gesses of Parliament.

And the Traytors intent, when that damnable villany should be effected was, to surprize the [Page 429] Queen, and remainder of the Kings Issue, Richard Bancroft. A. B. Cant. to bring in forreign powers and to alter Religion. Sir Edward Baynham an Attainted person was sent to the Pope to acquaint him with the de­signed Gun-powder-Treason, and Thomas Winter brought with him out of Flanders, Guy Fawks as a fit Executioner of their hellish project. The Conspirators resolved among themselves, that it was lawful for case of Conscience to destroy the innocent with the nocent, and this by the Authority and judgment of Garnet him­self.

Then they took Oath of secresy, swearing by the blessed Trinity, and the Sacrament they then were about to receive, never to disclose directly or indirectly, by word or circumstance, this their Plot in hand, nor any of them to desist from the Execution thereof, until the rest of the Conspirators should give leave. This done, Mr. Thomas Piercy hired an house next adjoyning to the Parliament-House, pre­tending it to be for his Lodgings, and Guy Fawks, who changed his name into Johnson, was to be his man, and to have the keeping of the Keys of the House. Decemb. 11th, 1604, the Traytors entred into their work of darkness, beginning their Mine, and by Christmas-Eve they had brought their work under an entry unto the wall of the Parliament-House, under-propping all still as they under-mined. The wall which was very hard and nine-foot thick with great labour they wrought half-way tho­row; but then it hapning that a Cellar was to be let, which was under the Parliament-House, [Page 430] they ceased their under-mining, and Thomas Piercy hired the Cellar for the laying in of his Winter-fuel wood and coal. But instead of these, they stored it with thirty six Barrels of Gun-Powder, upon which they laid bars of Iron, logs of Timber, massie stones, Iron-crows, pick-Axes, with the rest of their under-mining Tools, and, to cover all, store of Billets and Fa­gots: So that now all was in readiness against the next meeting of the Parliament. The secular Traytors had hitherto done their parts, nor were the Jesuitical Priests wanting on their parts in doing their utmost. Their Masses and Sacrifices they usually concluded with prayers for their brethrens good success, supplicating their God to prosper their pains who laboured in his cause day and night, and that Heresy might vanish away like smoke, and their me­mory perish with a crack, like the ruin and fall of a broken House: But through the goodness of the God of Heaven these Romish-Saints were taken, in the snare that they had laid for the just. They wrought their own destruction; For upon Thursday in the evening ten days be­fore the Parliament were to convene, a Letter directed to the Lord Mont-Eagle, was delivered to a Foot-man of his in the street, by an un­known person, with a charge to deliver it into his Lords own hand. This Letter, without date or subscription of name, somewhat un­legible and of strange contents, perplexed the Lord; he hastes therefore to White-hall there to impart it to the Lord Cecil Earl of Salisbury principal Secretary, who shewed it to the Lord [Page 431] Chamberlain and other Lords, and then con­veyed it to the King. The Letter was as fol­loweth.

My Lord, Out of the love I bear to some of your Friends, I have a care of your preservation. There­fore I would advise you, as you tender your life to devise some excuse to shift your attendance at this Parliament. For God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time, and think not slightly of this advertisement, but retire your self into the Country, where you may expect the event in safety. For though there be no appearance of any stir, yet I say, you shall perceive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet they shall not see who hurts them. This counsel is not to be contemned, because it may do you good, and can do you no harm, for the danger is past, so soon as you have burnt the Letter. And I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of it, to whose holy protection I commend you.

His Majesty after he had read this Letter, first paused a while; then reading it again, de­livered his judgment upon it; That he appre­hended by these words of receiving a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet should not see who hurt them; That a sudden danger by blast of Gun-powder should be intended by some base Villain in a corner, no Insurrection, Re­bellion, or desperate attempt appearing. And therefore he wished that the Rooms under the Parliament-House might be throughly search­ed, which accordingly was done Novemb. 4th. about midnight, at which time Sir Thomas Kne­vet went to search those under Rooms; Where [Page 432] at the entrance into the Cellar he found Guy Fawks at so unseasonable a time, cloaked and booted, whom he apprehended, then entring the Cellar he found therein under the Billets thirty six Barrels of Powder; and when he came to search the Traytor Fawks, he found about him a dark Lanthorne, three matches and other instruments for blowing up of the Powder. And the Villain no whit daunted, instantly con­fessed himself guilty; but so far from repen­tance, That he vowed, if he had been found within the Room, he would have blown up himself and them all.

And when he was brought before the Lords of the Council, he lamented nothing so much, as that the deed had not been done, saying, That the Devil and not God, was the disco­verer of the Plot. But the news of the Plots discovery coming to the ears of Catesby, Piercy, Rookwood, the Wrights, and Thomas Winter, they posted into Warwick-shire to other of their as­sociates, who now began an open Rebellion, pretending that all the Catholiques throats were appointed to be cut. And after that they had hovered about a while, they fled to Holbeth in Hereford-shire, whither they were pursued, and where John Wright and Christopher Wright Gen­tlemen making opposition were slain, and Thomas Piercy and Ro [...]ert Catesby Esquires fighting back to back were both of them slain with one bul­let, others were there taken.

A.D. 1605, and January 27th, Sir Everard Digby Knight, Tho. Winter, Rob. Winter, Ambrose Rookwood, John Grant, Gentlemen, Robert Keys, Thomas [Page 433] Bates, and Guydo Fawks were tryed, found guilty and condemned, and on Thursday following Digby, Grant, Bates and Robert Winter were hang'd and quartred at the West-end of Saint Pauls, and on Friday the rest were executed in the Parliament-yard at Westminster. In memory of this great deliverance, the fifth of November (being the day appointed for the execution of this Hellish Plot) was by Authority of Par­liament Enacted to be observed a day of Thanks­giving.

A. D. 1606, March 28th, was Henry Garnet Provincial of the English Jesuites arraigned for concealing the foresaid Treason, and on May the third was executed at the West-end of Pauls. At his death confessing his fault, asking forgiveness, and exhorting all Catholiques never to attempt any Treason against the King or State, as a thing which God would never prosper.

A. D. 1607, was an Insurrection in Northamp­ton, Warwick, and Leicester-shires, about the throwing down of Inclosures. At first the rout was without any particular head, but at length one John Reynolds undertook to be their Captain, affirming to the company, that in his great Pouch hanging by his side, he had sufficient to defend them against all opposers; though after­wards being apprehended, and his Pouch searched, there was nothing found in it but a piece of green Cheese.

June 12th, King James was entred a brother of the Cloth-workers, when also many Lords and Gentleman were made free of the same Company.

[Page 434] A. D. 1608, George Jervis a Seminary Priest, and Thomas Garnet a Jesuit were executed at Tyburn, the last of which had pardon offered him, if he would take the Oath of Supremacy; but the Traytor would hang rather.

About this time were many famous English Pirates, some of whom denied their faith and turned Turks, living in great state at Tunis, as Captain Ward, Bishop, Sir Francis Verney and Glanvil. Nineteen of the Pirates were taken, and hanged at Wapping.

A. D. 1609, was the New-Exchange built, the King naming it Britains-Burse. In the same year the King by Proclamation prohibited all foreign Nations from fishing on any of the coasts of England, Scotland, Ireland, or the Isles adjacent, without special License from his Commissioners. In this year also the King ac­cording to an ancient custom had aid of his Subjects through England, for making his eldest son Prince Henry Knight.

A. D. 1610, June 4th, all Roman Priests, Jesuits and Seminaries, as being the Incendiaries of disturbances, were commanded to depart the Realm. Then the Oath of Allegiance was ministred to all sorts of people.

His Majesty caused to be built the goodliest Ship of War that had ever been built in England, being of the burthen of 1400 Tun, and carrying 64 pieces of Ordinance, Prince Henry named it the Prince.

A. D. 1612, The Corps of Mary late Queen of Scotland, the Kings Mother, was translated from Peterborough to the Chappel-Royal at [Page 435] Westminster. On November the sixth following Prince Henry died of a malignant Fever, which reigned that year in most parts of the Land. Some said that he died by poisoned grapes which he eat; others, by Gloves of a poisoned perfume given him for a present: but be his death by what means it would, certain it is, that he was infinitely beloved of the people, as one that had given great hopes of proving a wise and Martial Prince.

February 14th, the marriage of the Prince Palatine of the Rhyne with the Princess Eli­zabeth was solemnized in the Chappel at White-Hall. She was attired all in white, having a rich Crown of Gold upon her head; her hair hanging down at length, curiously beset with Pearls, and precious Stones; her train sup­ported by 12 young Ladies all in white. In this same year, the City of London, having be­fore had the Province of Ʋlster granted them by the King for a plantation, sent thither about three hundred persons of all sorts of Handy-crafts-men, chiefly to inhabit the Cities of London-derry and Coleraign. And for the ad­vancing of this or the like plantation in Ire­land, the King about this time began a new Order of Knights called Baronets, which Or­der he stinted within the number only of two hundred; and as the Issue should fail, the Order to cease. About this time also an exemplar punishment was imposed upon Sir Peckshall Brockas, which was to stand at Pauls-Cross in a white sheet, holding a wand in his hand, he having been formerly convicted before the [Page 436] High-Commissioners, for many notorious adul­teries with divers Women.

About A. D. 1614, Mr. Hugh Middleton Ci­tizen and Goldsmith of London, with infinite cost and labour brought the New-river to the City of London, from the two great springs of Chadwel and Amwel in Hartfordshire. And a­bout the same time was the Moor-Fields by London converted from deep stinking ditches, and noisom Common-shores, to pleasant sweet Walks.

A. D. 1615, Smithfield which was before a rude dirty place, was paved all over, and the middle part thereof railed in.

September 27th, the Lady Arbella the Kings Cousin-German died. She had sometime be­fore, without the Kings privity, secretly mar­ried the Earl of Hartfords younger Son, for which they were both committed to the Tower.

Sir Edward Cook the famous Lawyer, upon some displeasure was discharged from being Lord Chief Justice.

In this year was a divorce made betwixt Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, and his Countess, for his Insufficiency, and she left free to marry any other. After which divorce Robert Carre Earl of Sommerset took her to Wife. But Sir Thomas Overbury the Earls special friend having disswaded the match, and perhaps laid some imputation on the Ladies fame, according to desert, did by this means so incense these Lovers against him, that they first made means to have the said ingenious Gentleman commit­ted [Page 437] to the Tower, and then by their instruments to have him poisoned; some say, by a Tansey sent him to eat; some, by a Clister ministred to him. For which fact Sir Gervas Elwes then Lieutenant of the Tower, and Mrs. Turner, with others, were put to death. The Earl and his Countess were also arraigned and condemned, but had a lease of their lives granted them for ninety-nine years, yet so as after never to see the Kings face more. This made way for the advancement of Mr. George Villers; for this great favourite the Lord Carre being upon this occasion laid aside, the said Mr. Villers was ac­cepted in his stead. Whom the King first of all Knighted and made Gentleman of his Bedcham­ber, soon after Viscount and Master of his Horse, a while after Earl of Buckingham, then Marquess of Buckingham and Lord High Admi­ral, and lastly Duke of Buckingham. A person, 'tis said, he was of delicate composure of body, and of excellent natural parts, and one that was very mindful of his Relations and Kin­dred, most of whom he procured to be ad­vanced.

A. D. 1618, Sir Walter Rawleigh, who had lived a condemned man many years in the Tower of London, now to procure some liberty, propounded to the King a project for the fetch­ing of Gold from a Mine in Guyana, and that without any wrong to the King of Spain. This the King condescended unto, and Sir Walter set forward in his Voyage; but when after a real, or only a shew of search no treasure could be found▪ he fell upon St. Thome belonging to [Page 438] the King of Spain, George Abbot. A B. Cant which he plundred and burnt, then returned, though to his ruin. For though Sir Walter sought to excuse his spoiling of St. Thome, by alledging that the Spaniards had first assaulted him; and moreover, that he could not come at the Mine without first win­ning of that Town; yet did the Spanish Lieger Gundamo [...]e so aggravate this his fact, and pre­vailed so with the King, who preferred the publick peace, before the life of a man already condemned, that he gave way to have the sen­tence of his former condemnation executed upon him. And accordingly this man famous for Letters and Arms was beheaded in the Par­liament-yard at Westminster.

In this Year 1618, and March the second, Queen Anne died at Hampton-Court, and was buried at Westminster. The November prece­ding her death a famous Comet or Blazing-Star appeared.

A. D. 1620, July the seventeenth, Bernard Calvert of Andover, rode from St. Georges Church in Southwark to Dover, from thence passed by Barge to Callis in France, and from thenee returned back to St. Georges Church the same day. This his journey he performed be­twixt the hours of three in the morning and eight in the afternoon.

A.D. 1621, Sir Francis Michel a Justice of the Peace of Middlesex, was sentenced by Parlia­ment to Ride with his face to the Horse-tail through the City of London, for practising sundry abuses in setting up new Ale-houses, and exacting monies contrary to the Law. This [Page 439] sentence was executed upon him. Sir Francis Bacon Viscount St. Albans, Lord Chancellor of England, was for bribery (but it was his ser­vants that were bribed) put out of his place, and committed to the Tower for some days.

A. D. 1621, the Count Palatine of the Rhine was elected King of Bohemia by the States of that Kingdom; but immediately after, the Emperor with great forces assaulted him in Prague, drove him, with his Wife and Children from thence, and deprived him of his Patrimony the Pala­tinate. Prince Charles about this time by great Gundamores perswasion, was sent into Spain in order to the gaining of the Infanta to Wife, it being suggested that by that match with Spain, a re-settlement of the Prince Palatine in his Patrimony might have been procured. But when the Prince was arrived in Spain, though he found Royal entertainment in the Court, yet was he suffered to have little acquaintance with the Infanta, insomuch that in all his eight months stay in Spain, he never spake with her but twice, and that before company, with certain limitations also what he should speak to her. Some thought that a difference betwixt the Duke of Buckingham (then with the Prince) and Count Olivares the King of Spains great Favourite, was no small obstruction to the match. Others thought that the King of Spain never intended any such thing, but meant only by this Treaty to spin out time till he had compassed some designs in the Low-Countries and Palatinate. But howsoever it was, Gunda­more made some good improvement of the [Page 440] Treaty to himself; for he perswaded some Eng­lish Ladies of the certainty of the match, and they gave him good Sums of money to be put in such or such an Office when the Spanish Princess should come to the English Court. King James at last wearied with delaies, if not angred with the delusion, sent for the Prince to return, which accordingly he did; and not long after, this Treaty of marriage with Spain was utterly ended, and the King made prepara­tions both of men and money to recover the Palatinate, and sent to Treat of a marriage with France.

A. D. 1525, and March 27th, this Politick and Peaceable Monarch King James died of an Ague at Theobalds, and was buried at Westmin­ster with great solemnity, and greater lamen­tations of his Subjects. His Issue were Henry, Charles, Elizabeth; And Mary and Sophia who both died young.

Two obstinate Arian-Hereticks Bartholomew Legat, and Edward Wightman were burnt, the first in Smithfield, the other at Lichfield. George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury being on hun­ting, as he shot at a Deer, his Arrow by mis­chance glanced and killed a man, but he was cleared; yet out of a Religious tenderness, he kept the day of the year on which the mis­chance hapned, with a solemn fast all his life after.

The murder of one VVaters murdered by his Wife, was discovered by a dream. One of the said VVaters neighbours dreamed that VVa­ters was strangled and buried in such a certain [Page 441] dunghill, which upon search was found true, and the Wife was burned for the fact.

A. D. 1606, Virginia was planted with an English Colony. It was first discovered A. D. 1584, by Sir VValter Rawleigh, who is said to have first brought that charming weed Tobacco into England. The Bermudas and New-England were also made English Plantations. King James for a sum of money quit the Cautionary Towns, Brill, &c.

A. D. 1612, A blazing Star was seen stream­ing toward the West; infinite slaughters and devastations following both in Germany and other places.

Mayors and Sheriffs of London in his Reign.

In his first Year,

  • Sir Thomas Bennet was Mayor.
  • Sir William Rumney, Sir Thomas Middleton, Sheriffs.

In his second Year,

  • Sir Thomas Low was Mayor.
  • Sir Thomas Hayes, Sir Roger Jones, Sheriffs.

[Page 442]In his third Year,

  • Sir Leonard Hollyday was Mayor.
  • Sir Clement Scudamor, Sir John Jolles, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year,

  • Sir John VVats was Mayor.
  • William VValthall, John Leman, Sheriffs.

In his fifth Year,

  • Sir Henry Row was Mayor.
  • Geoffrey Elwes, Nicholas Style, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year,

  • Sir Humphrey VVeld vvas Mayor.
  • George Bolles, Richard Farrington, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year,

  • Sir Thomas Cambell vvas Mayor.
  • Sebastian Harvey, William Cockaine, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year,

  • Sir William Craven vvas Mayor.
  • Richard Pyat, Francis Jones, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year,

  • Sir James Pemberton was Mayor.
  • Edward Barkham, John Smiths, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year,

  • Sir John Swinnerton vvas Mayor,
  • Edward Rotheram, Alexander Prescot, Sheriffs.

[Page 443]In his eleventh Year,

  • Sir Thomas Middleton vvas Mayor.
  • Thomas Bennet, Henry Jaye, Sheriffs.

In his twelfth Year,

  • Sir Thomas Hayes was Mayor.
  • Peter Proby, Martin Lumley, Sheriffs.

In his thirteenth Year,

  • Sir John Jolles was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Goare, John Goare, Sheriffs.

In his fourteenth Year,

  • Sir John Leman was Mayor.
  • Allen Cotten, Cuthbert Hacket, Sheriffs.

In his fifteenth Year,

  • Sir George Bolles vvas Mayor.
  • William Holyday, Robert Johnson, Sheriffs.

In his sixteenth Year,

  • Sir Sebastian Harvey was Mayor.
  • Richard Hearne, Hugh Hamersley, Sheriffs.

In his seventeenth Year,

  • Sir William Cockaine vvas Mayor.
  • Richard Deane, James Cambell, Sheriffs.

In his eighteenth Year,

  • Sir Francis Jones was Mayor.
  • Edward Allen, Robert Ducie, Sheriffs.

In his nineteenth Year,

  • Sir Edward Barkham was Mayor.
  • George Whitemore, Nicholas Rainton, Sheriffs.

[Page 444]In his twentieth Year,

  • Sir Peter Proby was Mayor.
  • John Hodges, Sir Humphrey Hantford, Sheriffs.

In his one and twentieth Year,

  • Sir Martin Lumley was Mayor.
  • Ralph Freeman, Thomas Mounson, Sheriffs.

In his two and twentieth Year,

  • Sir John Goare was Mayor.
  • Rowland Heilin, Robert Parkhurst, Sheriffs.

CHARLES I.

CHARLES the First was born at Dunfer­ling in Scotland on November the nine­teenth, A. D. 1600, A. D. 1625. but in so much weakness that his Baptisme was hastned. In the second year of his age he was created Duke of Albany, Marquess of Ormond, Earl of Ross, and Baron of Ardmonack.

In the fourth year of his age he was brought to the English Court, and made Knight of the Bath, and invested with the Title of Duke of York. In his eleventh year he was made Knight of the Garter, and in his twelfth year Duke of Cornwal. In his sixteenth year he was crea­ted Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester and Flint, the revenues thereof being assigned to main­tain his Court. In his nineteenth year he per­formed a Justing at White-hall, wherein he ac­quitted himself with a bravery equal to his dignity.

A. D. 1622, he was sent into Spain there to contract a marriage with the Infanta, whither he was to pass incognito through France, ac­companyed only with the Marquess of Buck­ingham, Mr. Endymion Porter, and Mr. Francis Cottington. But this attempt of King James in sending him to the Court of Spain, raised the censures of the World upon him, as being too forgetful of the inhospitality of Princes [Page 446] to each other, when they have been found in an others Dominions. And this none other daring to mind the King of, his Jester Archee did it after this manner: He came to exchange Caps with the King; why so, said King James? because said Archee, thou hast sent the Prince into Spain, from whence he is never like to re­turn. But said the King, what wilt thou say when thou seest him come back again? Marry, saith the Jester, I will take off the fools Cap which I now put upon thy head for sending him thither, and put it on the King of Spains for letting him return.

When the Prince was returned from Spain, a Wife was sought for him from France, by a marriage with Henrietta Maria the daughter of King Henry the fourth. The love of whom the Prince had received by the eye, and she of him by the ear, For having formerly received im­pressions from the reports of his gallantry, when she was told of his passing through Paris, she answered, That if he went to Spain for a Wife, he might have had one nearer home, and saved himself a great part of that labour. Prince Charles after the celebrating of his Fa­thers Funerals, whereat himself was chief Mourner, he next hastned the coming over of his dearest Consort the Princess Henrietta Maria, whom the Duke of Chevereux had in his name espoused at the Church of Nostredame in Paris; and he receiving her at Dover, the next day after Trinity-Sunday at Canterbury began the Nuptial embraces.

[Page 447] A. D. 1625, and June the eighteenth, a Par­liament was assembled, at the opening of which the King acquainted them with the ne­cessities of supplies for the War with Spain, which themselves importunately had ingaged his Father in, and made it as hereditary to him as the Crown. But through the practises of some unquiet persons of that Parliament, two petitions one respecting Religion, the other redress of grievances, were brought into de­bate, both formed in King James his time, which delayed the succours and increased the necessities; Yet at length the Parliament grant­ed two Subsidies. Which done, and divers Acts passed, the Parliament was adjourned till August, and their Convention to be at Oxford, by reason of the plague then raging in London. When the Parliament was met again according to the time appointed, there were high and furious debates of grievances, as, That evil Councels guided the King; That the Treasury was misimployed, with reflections on the Duke of Buckinghams miscarriages. The Commons consulting to divest the Duke of his Admiral­ship, and to demand an account of those pub­lick moneys wherewith he had been intrusted. The King hereupon dissolved the Parliament. And the infection decreasing at London, his Majesty was Crowned at Westminster, February the second, And February the sixth, another Par­liament was begun, wherein the Commons voted the King four Subsidies. But some of the Members highly taxed the Duke of Buckingham, and Articles were carryed up against him to [Page 448] the Lords House, for his ill management of the Admiralty, his ingrossing Offices, preferring his kindred to places unfit for them, making sale of places of Judicature, and his Mother and Father-in-Law's fostering of Popish Recu­sants.

These leading Commoners were Mr. Cook, Dr. Turner, Sir Dudley Digges, Sir John Elliot, and Sir William Walter. And to make the Faction more sport, the Duke and Earl of Bristol did mutually impeach each other. But his Majesty to put a stop to these contrasts, dissolved the Parliament June 18, 1626, before the Bill for the Subsidies was passed. Therefore the King by the advice of his Council took care to provide money some other ways hence followed the levying of Customes and Imposts upon all such Merchandizes as were imported and ex­ported. Then compositions to be made with Recusants for the Leases of their lands and tenements, for forfeitures due since the tenth year of King James. Also Privy-Seals were issued out, and Benevolence proposed, &c. The several Maritime Counties and Port-Towns were ordered by the Council to set out Ships for the guarding of the Sea-Coasts, against the attempts of Spain and Flanders, which they very unwillingly, if at all yielded unto. A Royal Fleet was also preparing to be set out, designed for Barbary, as was given out. But at last as the most expeditious way for raising of money, a general Loan was resolved upon, and Commissioners forthwith appointed for the pur­pose; which grand Assesment of the Loan, met [Page 449] with much opposition from people of all sorts and degrees, upon which divers Gentlemen were committed prisoners, and George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury, refusing to License a Book in behalf of the Loan, was suspended for a time from his Archiepiscopal jurisdiction; and Dr. Williams Bishop of Lincoln for speaking some words concerning the Loan in disadvan­tage of the King, fell into some disfavour; and Sir Randolph Crew for being backward to pro­mote it, was displaced from his Office of Lord Chief Justice.

A. D. 1627, His Majesty being now sued by the French Protestants of Rochel for his pro­tection, and because the King of France had seized on the English Merchants goods in the river of Burdeaux, therefore sent the Duke of Buckingham to attach the Isle of Rhee, which had now submitted to the English valour, had not the Duke managed that War more with the Gayeties of a Courtier, than the Arts of a Souldier. In this expedition many brave English-men lost their lives, from which when the Duke was returned, those poor remains of his Army, most of them Irish and Scots, were billeted in divers villages of England, to the great discontent of the Country. This Epedi­tion being so unhappy, and the miseries of Rochel making them importunate for the Kings assistance, he therefore summoned a Parlia­ment to meet March 17th, 1627, He also pas­sed a Commission under the great Seal to levy monies throughout the Nation by impositions in nature of Excise.

[Page 450]When the Parliament were met at their pre­fixed time, there was forthwith presented to the House of Commons a certain Paper, called a Speech without-dores. Wherein was laid open the miscarriages of many persons in places of Trust, with several sorts of National grie­vances. The first matter that the Parliament took into their consideration, was the grie­vances of the Country, and the first grievance they debated was the Case of those Gentlemen, who having refused the Loan, were notwith­standing their Habeas Corpus committed to pri­son. This business took up a long debate and earnest, which was chiefly managed by Sir Francis Seymour, Sir Thomas Wentworth, Sir Benjamin Rudyard, Sir Edward Cook, and Sir Robert Philips. Next the House proceeded to the drawing up of a Petition against Recusants, to which Petition the King gave a satisfactory answer. Then after the granting of the King five Subsidies, they took into debate the Peti­tion of Right, wherein they prayed his Most Excellent Majesty,

First, That no man hereafter be compelled to make or yield any Gift, Loan, Benevolence, Tax, or such like charge, without common consent by Act of Parliament; and that none be called to make answer, or to take such Oath, or to give attendance, or be confined, or otherwise molested concerning the same.

Secondly, That no Free-man be taken and imprisoned, or be disseized of his freedom or liberty, or his free-customes, or be out-lawed, [Page 451] or exiled, but by the lawful judgment of his Peers, or by the Laws of the Land.

Thirdly, That the Souldiers and Mariners now billeted in divers Counties, might be re­moved, and the people not be burdened so in the future.

Fourthly, That the late Commissions for proceeding by Martial-Law might be revoked and annulled, and that hereafter no Commission of like nature might be issued forth. To all which the King at last yielded his consent; sending this answer to the Parliament, Soit droit fait comme il est desirèe. And to the peoples further satisfaction, his Majesty received into his favour the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Earls of Essex, Lincoln, Warwick, Bristol, and the Lord Say.

The Parliament next resume their accusation of the Duke of Buckingham, against whom they drew up another Remonstrance, the like they did against Bishop Neal, and Bishop Laud, and at last were about to take away the Kings right to Tonnage and Poundage; whereupon the King adjourned them till October 20th, and af­terwa [...]d by Proclamation till the 20th of Janu­ary following.

About this time Dr. Lamb a favourite of the Dukes, and supposed Necromancer, was killed in London by the rout of the people, who hated him both for his own sake and the Dukes, A. D. 1628, During the last Session a Fleet of fifty sail was sent to the relief of Rochel, but was repelled with much loss. Then another ex­pedition was agreed on, and a more formidable [Page 452] Fleet was prepared; but as the Duke of Buck­ingham was at Portsmouth, hastning his prepara­tions for Sea, he was suddenly stab'd by Lieu­tenant Felton, who after his apprehension be­ing demanded what invited him to the bloody fact, boldly answered, That he killed him for the Cause of God and his Country. The mur­derer was hang'd at Tyburn, his body sent to Portsmouth, where without the Town it was hanged up in Chains.

In the Dukes place the Earl of Lindsey an excellent Souldier was sent for the aid of Rochel, who after some valiant yet fruitless attempts returned into England, and the Ro­chellers to the obedience of the French King. And within a short time after peace was con­cluded betwixt France and England.

January 20th, the Parliament assembled again, when they prepared a Bill against Tonnage and Poundage, and the Commons made a Protestation amongst themselves, That who­soever should seek to introduce Popery or Ar­minianisme, or other opinions disagreeing from the true and Orthodox Church, should be re­puted a Capital enemy to the Commonwealth, That whosoever should counsel or advise the taking or levying the Subsidies of Tonnage or Poundage, not being granted in Parliament, or should be an Actor or Instrument therein, should likewise be reputed an enemy to the Commonwealth; or whosoever should volun­tarily pay the same not being granted by Par­liament, should be reputed a betrayer of the Liberties, and an enemy of the Common­wealth. [Page 453] Hereupon his Majesty presently dis­solved the Parliament. After which he called to question certain refractory Members at the Council Table; Namely, Sir John Elliot, Sir Miles Hobard, Mr. Denzill Hollis, Sir Peter Hayman, Sir John Barrington, Mr. Selden, Mr. Stroud, Mr. Coriton, Mr. Long, Mr. Valentine, and Mr. Kirton, who were all commited to Prison. But by the dissolving of the Parlia­ment 1629, the Popular odium was in a high measure stirred up against the great Ministers of State, as was manifested by certain in­vective Libels published against Bishop Laud, and the Lord Treasurer Weston.

This Year a peace was concluded with Spain.

A. D. 1630, and May 29, was Prince Charles born, and about noon of the same day was a Star seen in the Firmament.

In this Year was the old Prerogative-Statute for Knighthood put in execution, whereby those who had estates of 40 l. per. Annum, were summoned to appear to receive Knight­hood, and upon default to be fined; by which means one hundred thousand pounds was brought into the Exchequer. Sir Thomas Went­worth was now made Viscount Wentworth and Lord President of the North.

A. D. 1632, his Majesty recalled the Lords Justices out of Ireland, who then had the Government thereof, and in their stead sent thither the Lord Wentworth, as Lord De­puty.

[Page 454]The King recommended to the Nobility and Gentry, the raising amongst themselves a large contribution, towards the reparation of St. Pauls Church in London; which motion was so far entertained, that a considerable sum was gathered, and the work had a fair progress.

A. D. 1633, and May 13, the King took a Journey into Scotland there to be Crowned, and it was but time for him so to do; for not long before this, he had received a Letter from a Scotch Lord, wherein was this expres­sion, That shou'd he longer defer his coming to be Crowned, the people might perhaps be inclined to make choice of a new King. As soon as the Coronation-Rites were accomplished, the King summoned a Parliament, and past an Act for the ratification of all those Laws that King James had made in that Nation, for the better regulation of that Church, both as to the Government and Worship of it. Which Act too many sinister persons opposed, because it savoured of establishing Episcopacy.

October the 13, was James Duke of York born, the Book for tolerating sports on the Lords day, first published by King James, was now ratified, which greatly distasted the Puritani­cal party, and many Episcoparians also.

A. D. 1634, the English Coasts being in­fested with Pickeroons, Turks and Dunkirk-Pirates, and the Fishing usurped by the Hol­landers, on the Kings Dominions, in the nar­row Seas, and the Kings Exchequer not being able to furnish out a Fleet sufficient for the repressing these Incroachers, his Majesty here­upon [Page 455] consults his Attorney-General Noy what might be done herein; Wil. Laud A. B. Cant. Noy acquaints him with ancient Presidents of raising a Tax upon the Nation, for setting forth a Fleet in case of danger, and assures him of the Legality of the way in proceeding by Writs to that effect; which Counsel being imbraced, there were Writs directed to the several Counties, for such a contribution, as might in the whole build, furnish, and maintain 47. Ships for the safety of the Kingdom: but this Tax was by many disrellished, and censured as a breach of the civil liberties, and to be against Law, because not laid by Parliament, and Mr. John Hambden and others refused to pay this Ship-money, standing it to a Tryal of Law; against whom several of the Judges, to whom the King had referred the Cause, gave Judgment, Hutton and Crook excepted.

The Pirates were curb'd by the Kings Fleet, and the Hollanders reduced to a precarious use of the English Seas.

A. D. 1637. Mr. Prynne, Dr. Bastwick, and Mr. Burton, a Lawyer, Physitian and Divine, for writing against Episcopacy and Bishops were sentenced to pay 5000 l. to the King, to lose their ears in the Pillory, which they did, and then were sent into banishment, or remote confinement. Dr. Williams Bishop of Lincolne was fined, and suspended from his Offices and Benefits, and imprisoned, for underhandly fo­menting Popular disaffections, and venting some dishonourable speeches concerning the King.

[Page 456] July 13, while the Dean in his Sacerdotal habiliments was reading a new composed Li­turgy, in St. Giles Church at Edenburgh, the common People both Men and Women flung cudgels, stones, stools, or any thing that came next hand, at him; and after that was done, re-inforced their assaults upon the Bishops then present. Nor was it the rabble only, that were disaffected to the Church-Liturgy and Discipline, but persons of all degrees and orders, who mutually obliged themselves, and the Scottish Nation, in a Hellish Covenant to extirpate Episcopacy, and to defend each other against all persons. To reduce this People to a more peaceful practice, the King sent Marquess Hamilton as his Commissioner; but there were new seeds of discontents and war dayly sown: so that to pacific the discontents of the Scots, his Majesty at length gave order for revoking the Liturgy, the High-Commission, the Book of Canons, and the five Articles of Perth made by King James, also granted that a general assembly of the Kirk should be holden at Glascow, Novem. 21. 1638. and a Parlia­ment at Edenburgh, 15 of May 1639.

When the Assembly were met, they fell to declare against Bishops, to excomunicate them and their adherents, and to abolish Episcopacy; and the Covenanters were also so daring, that they seized upon the Kings Revenue, surprized his Forts and Castles, and at last put themselves in Arms. Cardinal Richlieu of France height­ning them, 'tis said, in their factious proceeds, by promising them assistance from the French King.

[Page 457]King Charles now well perceiving that his Clemency to the Scots, was converted to his own prejudice, raises therefore a gallant Army, with which he marches within two miles of Berwick, within sight of the Rebel Scots; but they Petitioning for a pacification, the King yielded thereunto.

A. D. 1639, and June 17, the King disbanded his Army, expecting that the Scots would have done the like, according to the Articles of ac­cord; but the Covenanters instead of keeping those Articles, retained their Officers in pay, changed the old form of holding Parliaments, invaded the Prerogatives of the Crown, and solicited the French King for an aid of men and money. His Majesty hereupon calls a Parlia­ment in England to sit, April 13, 1640. and another in Ireland. The Irish Parliament grant­ed money to raise and pay 8000 men in Arms, and to furnish them with ammunition; but the English Parliament were not so free in granting supplies against the Scots, although the King promised them for ever to quit his claim of Ship-money, and give satisfaction to their just demands, if now they would supply him. When his Majesty sent old Sir Henry Vane unto them to demand six subsidies, he either purposely or accidentally (the first is rather thought) named twelve, which put the Commons into such a heat, that they were about to remonstrate against the War with Scotland. Whereupon the King was forced to dissolve the Parliament, May the 5. 1640. Howbeit he continued the Convocation of the [Page 458] Clergy, which granted him four shillings in the pound for all their Ecclesiastical promo­tions. Soon after this, a tumult was stirr'd up at the Bishop of Canterbury's; insomuch that a great number of Apprentices and vulgar persons assaulted his house at Lambeth; some of whom being apprehended and imprisoned, were by their Companions rescued out of Prison; for which, one of the Ringleaders was hang'd and quartered.

Now whilst these things were acting at home, the turbulent Scots had entred England, and defeated a part of the Kings Army, before the whole could be imbodied, and had gained Newcastle and Durham. And no sooner was his Majesty come to his Army in the North, but there followed him from some English Lords a Petition conformable to the Scotch Remonstrance, which they called the intentions of the Army, (viz.) not to lay down Arms till the reformed Religion (meaning Scotch Presbytery) was setled in both Nations; and the causers and abetters of their present trou­bles were brought to publick Justice, and that in Parliament. The King therefore summons the Lords to appear at York, September the 24, 1640. who accordingly met, where it was determined that a Parliament should be called to meet November the third following; then a Treaty was agreed upon betwixt the English and Scotch, for the ceasing of all Acts of Hosti­lity; and one of the Articles was, That the contribution of 850 l. per diem, should be rai­sed out of the English Northern Counties, to [Page 459] maintain the Scotch Army during the Treaty, and till peace was secured.

The fatal long Parliament began November the third; which day, as 'tis said, was looked upon by the Archbishop of Canterbury as an unlucky day for meeting of Parliaments in re­ference to Church-affairs, having proved so in the time of King Henry the eighth: whereupon he advised the King to put off their setting to another day; which his Majesty inclined not unto, but at their meeting acquainted them, that he was resolved to put himself wholly upon his English Subjects; that he would satisfie all their just grievances; then commended to their care, the chasing out of the sawcy Scots, ma­king provisions for his own Army, and relieving the oppressed Northern Counties. But the Parliament, instead of complying with their Soveraign in his just proposals, they first set upon purging their house of such whom they thought wou'd not comply with their designs, finding fault either with their elections, or else making them criminals in some publick grievance; then setled Committees for grievan­ces, and receiving Petitions; voted down Mo­nopolies, impeached the Lord Wentworth Earl of Strafford of High-Treason, and committed him to the black Rod; committed Archbishop Laud likewise to the black Rod, and ten weeks after voted him guilty of High-Treason, and sent him to the Tower. In the mean while Prynn, Burton, and Bastwick, were freed from their confinement, and conducted into London in great State and Triumph.

[Page 460]Alderman Pennington with some hundreds attending him, presented the Commons with a Petition from the Citizens of London against the present Church-government. Divers Peti­tions from other places came before them of the like nature. And now the Parliament well perceiving their own strength and interest, drew up a bill for Triennial-Parliaments; wherein the power of calling that great Council of the Nation, was upon refusal of the King and neglect of others, devolved upon Constables. This the King through their importunities granted unto them. February the 16 the Par­liament voted, That no Bishop should have any vote in Parliament, nor any Judicial power in the Star-Chamber-Court, nor have any sway in Temporal affairs; and that no Clergy-man should be in Commission of Peace. And after about five months from their sitting, the Earl of Strafford Lord Deputy of Ireland was brought to his Tryal, in Westminster Hall, before the Lords as his Judges. The King, Queen, and Prince, setting behind a curtain in an adjoyning Gallery; and round about the Court stood the Commons his accusers, and the Witnesses against him were English and Scotch Anti-Episcoparians and Irish Papists, his charge con­sisted of 28 Articles; to all which the Earl answered with such firm reasons, that he could not be found guilty of Treason, either in particulars, or in the whole. The Parliament therefore resolved (for right or wrong this wise man must fall) to proceed against him by Bill of Attainder, and upon April the 19 by making [Page 461] a Law after the fact, vote him guilty of High-Treason, yet withal add a caution for the se­curity of themselves, that it should not be drawn into a president. Which vote of theirs passed not without a long debate and conten­tion, and 59 of the Members honestly dissented from the vote, whose names were afterwards posted and marked for the fury of the Rabble. In the bill of Attainder, the Earl was charged for endeavouring to subvert the ancient Funda­mental Laws and Government of the Realms, and for exercising a tyranous and exorbitant power over the liberties and estates of his Majesties Subjects; and for having by his own authority commanded the laying and assessing of Soldiers upon his Majesties Subjects in Ireland. And also for that upon the dissolution of the last Parliament, he did slander the House of Commons to his Majesty, and did advise his Majesty that he was loosed and absolved from rules of Government, and that he had an Army in Ireland which he might imploy to reduce the Kingdom. And that the said Earl had been an Incendiary of the Wars betwixt England and Scotland, &c.

May the first his Majesty called both Houses together, and told them, that he had been present at the hearing of the great Cause, and that in his Conscience positively he could not condemn the Earl of Treason, and yet could not clear him of misdemeanours, but hoped a way might be found out to satisfie Justice and their fears, without oppressing his Con­science.

[Page 642] May the second the Prince of Orange was Married to the Princess Mary at Whitehall.

May the third there came a seditious Rabble of about 5 or 6000 of the dregs of the People, armed with staves, cudgels, and other instru­ments of outrage, to the Parliament-dores, clamouring, Justice, Justice; and posted upon the gate of Westminster a Catalogue of names of those that would have acquitted the Earl, whom they stiled Straffordians. Then at the dores of the House of Peers, they affronted some of the Lords, especially the Bishops, at their pas­sing in and out; after this they forced open the dores of the Abby-Church, where they broke down the Organs, spoiled the Vestments and Ornaments of Worship. From thence they hurried to the Court, and there most Impu­dently and Traiterously cried out, That they would have Straffords head, or a better; up­braiding the King himself (who perswaded them as they passed by, to a modest care of their own private affairs) with an unfitness to Reign; and when some Justices of the Peace, according to their Office, endeavoured to sup­press those tumults, by imprisoning some of the Leaders of them; they themselves were imprisoned by the command of the Commons upon pretext of an injury offered to the Liber­ties of the Subject; one of which was, (as they then dictated) that every one might safely Petition the Parliament; howbeit afterwards they acted quite contrary to such whose Peti­tions were too honest to please them. But notwithstanding these tumultuous inforcements, [Page 463] his Majesty would not sign the Bill of Attainder till he had consulted both with the Judges, as to matter of Law, and the Bishops as to matter of Conscience. When the Judges told his Majesty, that in point of Law (according to the Oath made by Sir Henry Vane of the Earls advice to raise horse to awe this Nation) the Earl was guilty of Treason; 'tis said an eminent Bishop did answer the King, that he had a Conscience as a private man, and as a publick; and though by his private Conscience he could not yield to the Earls death, yet by his publick (considering the present state of things) he might.

May the 10. With much reluctancy the King signed a Commission to some Lords to pass that Bill of Attainder, and another of ill con­sequence also, which was for continuation of the Parliament during the pleasure of the two Houses.

May the 12, 1641, was the Earl of Strafford strongly guarded to the Tower-Hill, and there with courage beseeming a Christian, he suffered the severing of his Head from his body. The death of which great and able Minister of State, did so terrifie the other Mi­nisters of State, that many of them made a voluntary resignation of their Offices. At the request of the house of Commons, the King for peace-fake, relinquished his claim to Ton­nage and Poundage, and yielded to sign the Bills for taking away of the High-Commission and Star-Chamber Courts.

A. D. 1641, and October the 12, the [Page 464] Natives or wild Irish began a most bloody Re­bellion throughout the whole Kingdom of Ire­land, on a suddein invading the unprovided English that were scattered amongst them, despoiling them of their goods, and massacring 200000 of them, without any respect of sex, age, kindred, or friendship, making them as so many sacrifices to their bloody superstition, the Popish Religion. The chief heads of this Rebellion and Massacre, (besides the Priests) were Sir Phelim O-Neal, Turbough O-Neal his Bro­ther, Rowry Mac-Guire, Philip O-Rely, Moelmurry, O-Rely, Sir Conno Mac-Gennis, Mac-Brian and Mac-Mahon. His Majesty then in Scotland having intelligence of the dismal fate of the English in Ireland, sent post to the Parliament of England to have them send reliefs thither; but differences still heightning betwixt the King and his Parliament, succours were not sea­sonably sent, by which the Rebels much strengthened themselves, At the Kings return from Scotland, the Parliament presented him with a Petition for taking away the votes of Bishops in the House of Lords, and the Cere­monies of the Church, and for the removing of evil Councellors from about him. Their grand Remonstrance they also presented him, wherein were reckoned up the offences of the Courtiers, the unpleasing resolves of some Judges, the neglects or rigours of some Mini­sters of State, the undigested Sermons of some Preachers, the Positions of some Divines in the Schools; unpleasing accidents they therein represented as designs of Tyranny; and those [Page 465] things which had been reformed, were yet mentioned as burthens. To this Remonstrance his Majesty answered, That he thought he had given satisfaction to his Peoples fears and jea­lousies concerning Religion, Liberty and Civil Interests, by the Bills he had past this Parlia­ment; desiring that misunderstandings might be removed on either side, and that the bleed­ing condition of Ireland might perswade them to unity, for the relief of that unhappy King­dom. But this modest answer of his Majesties did not at all satisfie the factious. The Ap­prentices and Rabble in great numbers and much confusion resorted again to Westminster; some crying out against Bishops and Liturgy of the Church; others boldly menacing, that the Militia should be taken out of the Kings hands. Affronting the Bishops at their passing in and out of the Lords House; and before Whitehall behaving themselves very insolently. His Majesty hereupon took a Guard of such Gentlemen as offered their service for his safe­ty; but the factious made use of this to raise the rage and jealousie of the whole City against the King; for at midnight there were outcries made in the streets, that all people should rise to their defence, for the King and his Papists were coming to fire the City, and to cut their throats in their beds. The King therefore not always to incourage these indignities with his patience, resolved by a course of Justice to punish the Authors and Countenancers of these seditious practices, so commanded his Attorney General to accuse five Members of the Lower [Page 466] House of High-Treason, and one of the House of Peers. He also sent some Officers to Seal up their Trunks and Cabinets in their several Lodgings, and to secure their persons. To this the Commons voted, That all those persons were enemies to the Commonwealth that should obey the King in any of his commands concern­ing them; and that it was lawful for any person to assist the said members. And because the King came into the House of Commons, and there demanded to have the five Members de­livered up to him (though he left his guard of Pensioners, and Lords and Gentlemen with­out upon the stairs) the Commons voted this proceeding of the Kings, a breach of the pri­viledg of Parliament; and withal published a Declaration, That whosoever should arrest any Member of Parliament by warrant from the King only, was guilty of the breach of Parliamentary priviledges; and likewise that all they who attended the King, when he came to demand the five Members (then hid in the City) were guilty of a Trayterous design against King and Parliament. The Londoners they came thronging to Westminster in a tumultuous sort, to Petition for the impeached Members, behaving themselves very rudely towards the Bishops. And such increase and numbers of the heady common people assembled in a tu­multuous manner about White-Hall and West­minster, that the King justly mistrusting some danger from them, withdrew himself, with the Queen and their Children, to Windsor. The next day after which, the five Members were [Page 467] Triumphantly guarded from London to West­minster by water. Strange reports were these times given out concerning dangers from the King; how that Troops of Papists were ga­thered about Kingston upon Thames, under the command of Colonel Lunsford, who was Chara­ractered to be of so monstrous an Appetite, that he would eat Children, and other like false and ridiculous stories. Petitions were presented the Parliament, requiring that neither the Bishops nor Popish Lords should continue to vote amongst the Peers▪ Women also presented a Petition to the like purpose. The House of Commons Petitioned his Majesty that they might have the Tower, and London-Militia put into their hands; which he denyed to grant: yet did they place Major General Skippon over that Militia.

The King in hopes to stay the fury of the faction, consented to almost all that they de­sired. Howbeit, notwithstanding all his gra­cious condescentions, endeavours were still used to create an hatred of his Majesty. Mr. John Pym publickly charged Him with a conni­vence at least, if not with contrivance of the Irish Rebellion; and when the King required satisfaction for the calumny, the Commons justified Pyms speech to be the sense of their House. And now the breach, through bad mens practices, growing still wider and wider, betwixt his Majesty and his two Houses of Par­liament, His Majesty resolved to withdraw into the North, there to abide till he saw what issue this storm would have; taking with him [Page 468] the Prince, and Duke of York. The Queen he had afore sent with the Princess of Orange into Holland.

When the King was departed, the Parliament made preparations both by Land and Sea, upon pretext of great dangers at home, and more prodigious terrors from abroad; pretending, that by intelligence from Paris, Rome, and Ve­nice, they were assured of great designs to overthrow the Parliament, together with the Protestant Religion, and strange unheard-of Plots, they said, were made to murder the most eminent Patriots.

A. D. 1642, and April the 23, the King attended with his guard, consisting for the most part of Lords and Gentlemen only, would have entred into his Town of Hull, but Sir John Hotham insolently shut the gates against him, and kept him out; whereupon the King pro­claimed him Traytor, and complained to the Parliament of this indignity; but they justified Hothams act, and authorized him to strengthen the Garison of Hull. In short time after this, Englands miseries commenced by an intestine War. A little before which, were strange sights seen in the Air in many parts of England, as Musquetiers, harnessed-men, and horse-men, moving in Battel-array, and assaulting one the other in divers furious postures. The King and the two Houses now began to make all the speediest warlike preparations to defend them­selves; and offend each other, but the two Houses had a great advantage of his Majesty, both in respect of moneys, and the speedy [Page 469] raising of Men, and also Arms and Ammunition for war of all sorts, through their having the City of London on their side, the Citizens whereof were very free in parting with their Plate upon the publick faith; and their Wives were so zealous for the good Cause (as that of the two Houses was then miscalled) that they gave their very Bodkins and Thimbles towards the maintaining of it, and were for­ward to have Husbands and Children to ven­ture their lives in this Rebellion.

On August 22. 1642, did his Majesty set up his Standard-Royal at Nottingham. His General was the Valiant Earl of Lindsey, the Parlia­ments General was Robert Devereux Earl of Essex and their Admiral the Earl of War­wick. The first blood that was spilt in this unhappy war, was near unto Hull, whither some forces of the Kings forces were drawn, upon whom Sir John Hotham and Sir John Meldram sallied, taking some, and killing others.

September the ninth. 1642, the Earls of Essex set forth with his Army out of London, and October the 23 the Caveliers, (so called) which were the Kings party, and the Roundheads (so called from the custom of the Puritans cut­ting their hair short to their ears) which were the Parliaments party, met between Keinton and Edghill in Warwick-shire, and there ingaged in fight, which was acted with such fury, that near 6000 were slain upon the place. The King had so much the better of the day as to keep the Field. Persons of remark slain on his Majesties side, were the Earl of Lindsey, and Sir Edward Varney Standard-bearer; but Mr. [Page 470] John Smith immediately recovered the Standard, for which service he was Knighted in the Field. On the Parliaments part were slain the Lord St. John of Bletso, and Colonel Essex. From this fight at Edg-hill the King marched to Ban­bury, which was surrendred to him; then entred Oxford triumphantly, and having secured that place, he advanced toward London, and at Brant­ford fell upon two Regiments of his Enemies, taking about 500 Prisoners. The Parliament to encrease their Numbers, declared that all Apprentices that would list themselves in their service for the Publick Cause, should be secured from the injury of their Masters, and their time to go on toward their freedom; by which means multitudes of Youth forsook their Ma­sters to fight for the Parliament. They also invited their Brethren the Scots (as they call'd them) to come into England to their aid. And to animate the people to take up Arms for the Parliament, some busie Clergy-men made great (not good) use of that sacred Text in their Pulpits, Curse ye Meroz, &c. Judges the 5.23. But, blessed are the Peace makers, saith the Prince of peace. About the beginning of March, Commissioners were appointed to treat at Ox­ford in order to a rcconcilation; but the Par­liaments proposals were so out of reason, that the treaty proved fruitless.

A. D. 1643, in the beginning of the Spring, the Queen returned into England, bringing with her considerable supplies of Men, Money, and Ammunition out of France; and that year his Majesty became Master of the North and West, [Page 471] some few Garisons excepted. July the 5th Sir Ralph Hopton with his Cavaliers, routed Sir William Waller at Lansdown near Bath; and July the 15th. he again defeated him at Round­way-hill by the Devizes, killing many hundreds in the place, and taking many more Prisoners. Bristol and Exeter were yielded unto those two Martial Princes, Rupert and Maurice, Sons of Fredrick Prince Palatine of the Rhine, and Elizabeth his Wife, Sister to King Charles the first. Gloucester the King besieged with a brave Army; and the besieged under the command of Colonel Edward Massey defended themselves with great bravery, till the Earl of Essex came with an Army and raised the Siege. From this Siege the two Armies marched within few miles each of the other without any engage­ment, (save a little skirmish by Alborne-Chace) till they came to Newbury, where a sore Battel was fought. On the Kings part were slain the Earls of Carnarvon, and Sunderland, and the Learned Lord Faulkland; Essex lost many of his Officers.

January the 22, those loyal Members of Par­liament who dissented from them at Westmin­ster, met at Oxford by the Kings Summons; of these, besides the Prince and Duke of York, the Lord Keeper Littleton, Treasurer Cottington, Duke of Richmond, and Marquess of Hartford, there were nineteen Earls, and as many Lords, and one hundred and seventeen Knights and Gentlemen. Other Loyal Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, Members of Parliament, were at this time imployed in the Kings service in di­vers places of the Nation.

[Page 472]In this month and year the Scotch Army un­der the Conduct of the Earl of Leven entred England for the Parliament, being about 18000 foot and 2000 horse.

About this time was Loyal Newark besieged by Sir John Meldram; but by Prince Ruperts coming it was relieved, and the Parlimenta­rians forced to march away after great losses, on such conditions as the Prince would grant them.

This year upon a cessation of Arms in Ire­land, some forces came over to the Kings assi­stance.

This year also that Rebellious thing called a Parliament at Westminster, and their Adherents, and some to save themselves from punishment; took the Scottish Solemn League and Covenant, with hands lifted up to the most high God, swearing to endeavour the preservation of the reformed Religion, the extirpation of Popery and Prelacy, to preserve the Rights and privi­ledges of Parliament, and liberties of the King­dom, and to defend and preserve the Kings Ma­jesties person, and Authority, &c. All the Parliaments pretence in raising Arms, was re­formation, for the defence of the Kings person, to rescue him from his evil Council, and to make him a glorious King; which at length they did, when they deprived him of his na­tural life.

A. D. 1644, Sir William Waller defeated Sir Ralph Hopton about Brandon Heath. The Lord Fairfax and his Son, Sir Thomas, took divers of the Kings Garisons in the North. Prince [Page 473] Rupert raised the Siege of Latham-house. June the 29, the Kings forces gave a great defeat to Wallers Army at Cropredy-bridge. And pre­sently after this, the King drove the Earl of Essex up into Cornwall; but the Earl deserted his Army, passing by water to Plymouth; and his horse taking the advantage of a dark night, escaped, leaving the Foot to shift how they could, who capitulated for their lives, leaving their Arms, Cannon, Amunition, and Baggage, to the Kings disposal. Then Ilferdcomb, Barn­stable, and Saltash yielded to the King, who now victoriously marched towards London.

July the third was a great fight at Maston-Moor, where the Parliament obtained a very considerable Victory. And October the 27th, Essex, Waller and the Earl of Manchester met the King as he came out of the West, at Newbury, where a sharp Battle was fought, and the Kings part forced out of the field.

In November, Mac-Mahon an Irish Rebel was hang'd and quartered at Tyburn. And December 23d. Sir Alexander Carew was beheaded on Tower-hill, for attempting to give up the Island of Plymouth to the Kings forces.

January the first, Hotham the Son, and January the second, Hotham the Father, were beheaded on Tower-hill, for designing to betray Hull to the Royalists, and for other treacheries.

January the 10th, William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury was brought to the Scaffold on Tower-hill, where he preached his last Sermon, taking for his Text, Heb. 12. Vers. 2 So yield­ed his neck to the stroak of the Executioner. [Page 474] The charge against him was, endeavouring to subvert the Laws, Religion, and Priviledges of Parliament.

January the 30th, by his Majesties procure­ment a Treaty was held at Ʋxbridge, where the Parliaments demands were, That Episcopacy might be extirpated, that Presbytery might be establisht, and that the King should yield up the Militia solely into the Parliaments dispose; which were such unreasonable de­mands, that the King could not yield to them.

February the 20th, the Lord Mac-Guire, ano­ther of the grand Irish Rebels, was executed at Tyburn.

About this time was the Parliaments Army new-moduled. The Earl of Essex and the other Commanders who were Parliament-men ( Oliver Cromwel was excepted) were by the self-denying ordinance (lately made) to attend in Parliament, in whose steads other and more active persons were appointed. Sir Thomas Fairfax was constituted Captain-General, Oliver Cromwel, (then the Sectaries Darling) was made Lieutenant-General, Henry Ireton Commissary-General, &c. After which model the Kings affairs of the Nation began fatally to decline.

A. D. 1645, His Majesty drew his Army out of Oxford, in order to relieve his Nothern Counties, and Garisons; but after he had stormed and taken Leicester, in his way, he was called back to secure Oxford, which the Par­liament Army threatned with a Siege. This [Page 475] while Sir Thomas Fairfax had intercepted a Let­ter of the Lord Gorings to the King, wherein that Loyal Subject had desired of his Majesty to forbear engaging with the Enemy till he could be joyned with him. Hereupon Fairfax left his Siege afore Oxford, and made directly towards the King with a purpose to fight him, before that addition of strength should come in. And at a place near Naesby in Northampton­shire, both Armies met on Saturday, June 14th. 1645. His Majesty commanded the main body, Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice the right wing, Sir Marmaduke Langdale the left, the Lord Ashly the right-hand reserve, and Sir George Lisle the left. Of the Parliament Army Fairfax and Skippon had the ordering of the main battel, Cromwel the right wing, and Ireton the left. Prince Rupert charged that wing commanded by Ireton so home, that he dis­ordered it, taking Ireton Prisoner; and for a while he followed the Parlimentarians towards Naesby; but in the interim Cromwel worsted the Kings right wing, and then came into Fairfax his assistance, who together charged upon the Kings main body; and they no longer able to stand it out, retreated out of the Field, leaving a compleat Victory to the disloyal party, who pursued them within two miles of Leicester, killing in their way many Women that had followed the Cavaliers Camp. On the Par­liaments side were wounded and slain above 1000, On the Kings side were slain 20 Knights, Colonels and Officers of note: and 600 private Soldiers; and of Prisoners were taken six [Page 476] Colonels, 8 Lieutenant-Colonels, 18 Majors, 70 Captains, with many other Officers, 4500 common Soldiers, 13 of the Kings houshold-servants, 12 Pieces of Ordinance, 8000 Arms, 40 Barrels of Powder, 200 Carriages, store of rich pillage, 3000 Horses, the Kings Standard, one of his Coaches, His Cabinet of Letters, which the Parliament caused to be made pub­lick.

April the 16th, Leicester was yielded up to Sir Thomas Fairfax, which accomplished; he marched into the West to relieve Taunton then besieged by the Royal party. At Langport he discomfitted the Lord Gorings forces, taking 1400 Prisoners. Then Bridgwater and Bath yielded to him. Then he besieged Sherbourn Castle, and sent Cromwel to suppress the Wilts, and Dorsetshire Club-men, associated about Shaftsbury, which he did, killing some, taking others, and dispersing the rest. These Club-men declared themselves Nutrals, pretending only to secure their own proprieties. August the 15th, Sherbourn Castle was surrendred upon promise of Quarter.

At Rowton-heath, near Chester, Colonel Poyns worsted his Majesties forces.

In York-shire, Collonel Robert Lilburn routed the Royalists commanded by the Lord Digby, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale. Collonel Birch and Collonel Morgan by a stratagem took Here­ford for the Parliament. At Boveytracy Oliver Cromwel surprised the Lord Wentworth, took three Regiments, dispersing two others. Fairfax took Dartmouth, defeated the Lord Hopton at [Page 477] Torrington, and immediately after blocks him up at Truro, inforcing him to disband his Army. March 21, Jacob Lord Ashly was routed at Stow in the Wold, by Sir William Brereton, and Co­lonel Morgan. The Loyal Lord himself was taken Prisoner, with 1500 others. Many of the Kings Garisons fell this year into the hands of the Parlamentarians; as Bristol, the De­vizes, Winchester-Castle, Basing-House, Laycock-House, Berkly-Castle, Chepstow, Westchester, Belvoir-Castle, Latham-House, Monmouth and Welbeck House, &c.

A. D. 1646, All Caveliers were commanded to depart the City of London betwixt the 30, of March, and April the 6th; and now his Ma­jesty was reduced into a very low Condition. His forces beaten out of the field in all places, and his Garisons surrendred and taken dayly, as St. Michaels-Mount, Ruthen-Castle, Wood­stock, Excester, and Barnstable; and General Fairfax approaching to besiege Oxford, the King upon thoughts of providing for himself, went in a disguise to the Scotch Camp that was then before Newark, May the fourth the Scotch Officers engaging to secure both him and as many of his party as should seek for shelter with them, and to stand to him with their lives and fortunes. But upon his Majesties departure from Oxford, divers of the Noble-men as they had been deserted by the King, yielded them­selves to Fairfax. And June the 24th, the most Loyal University and City of Oxford was sur­rendred upon Honourable Terms by Sir Thomas Glenham. After which a number of the Kings [Page 478] Garisons yielded to the Parliament, as Ban­bury, Ludlow, Borstal, Carnarvan, Lichfield, Worcester, Wallingford, Gothridge, Ragland, Pen­dennis, and Newark by the Kings order was delivered up; and the Lord Montross in Scotland, and Lord Ormond in Ireland, by the Kings com­mand desisted their Hostilities. After the sur­render of Newark, the Scotch Army marched back towards their own Country as far as New­castle upon Tine, where when they were come, they tendred their Covenant to the King, pre­tending that unless he would take that, they durst not bring him into Scotland. This the King refused not, if they would first satisfy those scruples concerning Church-Government which lay upon his Conscience, which to effect, Mr. Alexander Henderson a Minister, the Oracle of the Kirk, was imployed to converse with him. His Majesties parts were so great, and Cause so good, that made all Mr. Hendersons attempts succesless. See the Printed papers of their Disputations.

Whilst these things were acting at Newcastle, the bargain was struck at London betwixt the Parliament and Scotch Commissiones; and for 200000 l. the Scots delivered the King up to the English Parliament. Yet to mask their perfidy, the Scots added this caution, That there should be no attempt made upon the Kings person, but being entertained at one of his own Palaces, he should be there treated with upon propositions from both Nations, which should be speedily sent unto him.

[Page 479] February the 6th, the Scots left Newcastle and marched homeward, and two days after the King set forward with the Parliaments Commis­sioners for Holmby, attended with 900 Horse. And now the Parliament, because they wanted others to quarrel withall, fell to quarrel a­mongst themselves, dividing into two parties, Presbyterians and Independents, with Anabaptists and the other Sectarists. The Presbiterians were then powerful in the House, but the other in the Army, and were a subtle and resolute peo­ple. The former of these parties seeing them­selves in danger of being supplanted by the o­ther, voted in Parliament, to have part of the Army disbanded, another part of it sent over into Ireland towards the reducing that Coun­trey, and the remainder to be disposed into se­veral places of England to keep the Royallists in awe. This put the Army into a heat, who to make their part sure, sent a party of Horse, commanded by Cornet Joyce, to seize upon the Kings person, and to bring him from Holmby in­to their own quarters, which was done, June the 3d, 1647: From Holmby they conveyed His Majesty to Childersley, and thence to New-mar­ket, the Grandees of the Army pretending to him, how they were grieved for his imprison­ment and sufferings, professing they would never part with their Arms, till they had made his way to his Throne, (but it must be a Throne in Heaven). And the more to palliate their evil meanings, they permitted him the service of his own Chaplains, (which he had been denied at Holmby) the commerce of Letters with the [Page 480] Queen, the visits of his own party, and atten­dance of his Courtiers. The Parliament vo­ted, that the General should be required to de­liver the King to their Commissioners, who were to bring him to Richmond, to the end that pro­positions of peace might be speedily presented him. Hereupon the Army drew up Articles a­gainst Eleven of the Members of the Commons House, namely, Mr. Denzill Hollis, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir William Lewis, Sir John Clotworthy, Sir William Waller, Sir John Maynard, Collonel Massey, Collonel Long, Collonel Harley, Mr. Glyn, and Mr. Anthony Nichols. Nor would the Army be satisfied till the House was purged of these Members. Which being done, the Army-party became something prevalent, who voted that the London-Militia should be taken out of the hands of the City, and transferred to others better affected to the Army: and that it should be Treason to seek for Subscriptions to Petitions. Hereupon great multitudes of Apprentices and others in a tumultuous sort resorted to the Par­liament House, and there kept the Speaker in his Chair till this vote was past; That the King should come to London to treat, and that the City should have the ordering of their own Mi­litia. Fairfax understanding this, hasts with his Army to London, and at Hounslow was met by the Speaker, and such of the Members as sided with the Army, who complained of the violence that was offered them. In the mean while the Citizens and Presbyterian part of the Parlia­ment, made some preparations to oppose the Army; but upon the Generals approach to the [Page 481] City, the Gates were thrown open, and the Army marched in Triumph through the City, seized upon the Tower, dismantled the Fortifi­cations, imprisoned the Mayor, and divers of the chief Citizens, and committed some Noble­men to the black Rod.

In September, the Members at Westminster sent propositions to His Majesty then at Hampton-Court, which were the same in substance with those formerly offered, as for the abolishing Episcopacy, the Parliament to have the disposal of all great Offices of Trust.

About this time the Parliament voted, That 6000 Foot and 2400 Horse and Dragoons should be sent into Ireland, and 18000 Foot and 7200 Horse, and 1000 Dragoons should be kept up as a standing Army for England, the rest of the Soldiers to be disbanded. The Army also for the better carrying on of their designs, about the same time elected out of every Regiment a certain number of Soldiers to meet and consult, by the name of Adjutators.

November the 6th, the Scotch Commissioners sent a Letter to the Speaker of the Lower House, that the King might be admitted to a Personal-Treaty, at least, that the Army might not re­move him him from Hampton-Court; but some of the Army-Officers having informed His Ma­jesty (on design to have him the surer at their dispose) that his person was in some hazard from the Adjutators and Levellers, he therefore with Three of His most trusty Attendants, Sir John Berkley, Mr. Ashburnham, and Collonel Legg, in the dark and tempestuous night of November [Page 482] the 11th escaped from Hampton-Court, and after some wandring committed himself to Colonel Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight, who conveyed him to Carisbrook-Castle, the very pit, 'tis said, that His enemies had designed for him; for it was rumour'd above a fortnight be­fore, in the Army, that the King should be in the Isle of Wight: And the very night he depart­ed from Hampton-Court, the Centinels were with­drawn from their usual standings, on purpose to facilitate his escape thence.

From Carisbrook-Castle His Majesty wrote a Letter to the Parliament, wherein he professed, he could not, either as a King or Christian con­sent to the abolishing of Episcopacy, be­cause he esteemed it to be Apostolical, and at his Coronation was sworn to maintain it; yet he was willing Presbitery should be setled for three years, and that a free debate should be had by such a number of Divines, about the settlement of Church-Government for the fu­ture. And was willing also that the Parliament should dispose of the Militia, and should have the choice of his Privy Council by grant of Pattent from him during his reign: withall ear­nestly solliciting them to pity the languishing condition of the Kingdom, and to come to a Personal treaty with him. After three days de­bate, the Parliament sent four Bills unto His Ma­jesty to be signed by him, but so derogating they were from his Royalty, that the Scotch Commissioners declared against them, and the King refused the signing of them. The Parlia­ment thereupon voted, That no more Addresses should be made to the King.

[Page 483]In the mean while Colonel Hammond had dis­missed the Kings Servants, and used him more severely than formerly, which occasioned Capt. Burleigh to beat up the Drum for the Kings ser­vice and freedom in the Isle of Wight; but he was soon apprehended, and afterward exe­cuted.

A. D. 1648, The Parliament voted that all they who would not submit to the Power (meaning their usurped authority) should be expelled the University, and that all the Colledg-Rents should be paid to the Visitors by them ap­pointed.

April the 9th and 10th, The London-Boys made an Insurrection, seized the Magazine at Leaden-Hall, crying out for God and King Charles, but were quietted by Fairfax. Poyer, Langhorne, Powel, and Sir John Owen took up Arms for the King in Wales, but Colonel Lang­horne and Powel were defeated by Colonel Hor­ton, and Sir John Owen by Major General Mir­ton, and Pembroke-Castle kept by Colonel Poyer, was yielded to that Arch-Traytor Cromwell, July 13. Powel, Poyer and Langhorn afterwards cast Lots for their lives; and the lot falling up­on Poyer he was shot to death.

April the 20th, The Duke of York disguised in womans apparrel, escaped from St. James's, and and past into Holland. Many were the Petitions that now were presented the Parliament for a Personal-treaty, and for disbanding the Army. But the Surry-Petitioners by the command of the Army-Officers, and Parliament-men, were as­saulted at the Parliament-doors, and some of [Page 484] them were kill'd, some wounded, and most of them plundred by the Soldiers. And now the Kentish men to the number of 10000 took up Arms for the King, and embodyed themselves at Maidstone, where they made a gallant resistance against General Fairfax for the space of six hours; but his Veteran Soldiers at last prevail­ed, taking many of them, and eight pieces of ordnance. June the 2d, The old Lord Goring, Earl of Norwich, with 500 men, cross'd into Essex and got into Colchester, whither the Countrey people flockt unto him, also a party from Lon­don, and the Lords Capel and Loughbrough out of Hartfordshire.

The Earl of Holland also headed a Royal par­ty at Kingstone upon Thames; but after a short, yet smart fight, his party was dispersed, the Lord Francis Villers was slain, and many Prison­ers of Note were taken, July the 7th, and short­ly after the Earl of Holland himself was appre­hended.

The Parliament of Scotland sent into England an Army under Duke Hamilton in order to reco­ver the Kings liberty, and to re-establish him on his Throne; but August the 17th, at Preston in Lancashire, this Scotch-Army of near a 21000 was totally routed by Oliver Cromwell. 'Tis said in this days fight and the pursuit, the Eng­lish took more Prisoners than their own Army amounted unto, and that was about 12000. The Parliament lost here that daring Martialist Collonel Francis Thornhaigh. Shortly after the Battel Duke Hamilton was taken Prisoner; and Cromwell to improve this success, followed the [Page 485] scattered parties into Scotland, where when he was come, there repaired to him the Earls of Arguile, Lowden, Leven, and other of the Scotch Covenanting-Nobility, who contracted with him for subduing the common Enemy, meaning the Loyal party.

Colchester, that had endured a tedious siege, and was now brought to such scarcity of pro­vision, that they had not Horse-flesh enough to serve them one day longer (and on it they had lived almost a Fortnight) August the 27th yiel­ded upon Articles, The private Soldiers to de­part with life, the Commanders to remain at the Generals dispose, and the City to raise 14000 l. to save it from Plunder. Prisoners of quality taken here, were the Lords Goring, Capel & Loughbrough, eleven Knights, twelve Colonels, eight Lieutenant-Colonels, nine Majors, thirty Captains, and sixty-five Gentlemen. Three of the Knights were presently condemned by a Council of War, two of whom, namely Sir Charles Lucas, and Sir George Lisle, were shot to death, dying as they had lived, with great courage.

But whilst these things were managed by the Army, the Parliament was busied with Petiti­ons from London, and other places for a Perso­nal Treaty. The Parliament therefore contrary to the humours of some of their factious Mem­bers, repealed those Votes they had formerly made for no more Addresses to the King, and both Houses voted a Treaty to be with the King in honour, freedom and safety. And September the 18th. the Treaty began at Newport in the Isle [Page 686] of Wight, where his Majesty condescended so far unto the Parliaments demands, (which were the same in substance with those formerly made) that both Houses came to this resolve, That the Kings Concessions were a sufficient ground for peace. But this did exceedingly inrage the factious Members and Commanders of the Ar­my, who now resolved to seize the King into their own hands and dispose, which they did, removing him out of the Isle of Wight, and making him Prisoner in Hurst-Castle.

November the 30th. the Army then fell to purging the Parliament, apprehending forty Members thereof, that were persons of the most known integrity, and highest resolution, denying admission to 150 more; and suffering none to enter the House, save such whom they knew would serve their designs. Which Army-Members revived those Votes of no more Ad­dresses to the King; the Votes for a Treaty with the King, and of the satisfactoriness of his Concessions, they razed out of the Journal-book. And then proceeded to vote, That the supreme authority of the Nation resided in themselves; That to raise Arms against the Peoples Representatives, or the Parliament, was High-treason; That the King himself took Arms against the Parliament, and so was guilty of the blood-shed throughout the Civil-war. And therefore this fag-end of a Parliament was resolved to have his Majesty brought to his Trial, in order thereto giving their commands for his bringing up to London; and January the 19th, he was accordingly brought to St. James's. [Page 487] When the factious Members whom the Army had licensed to sit, proceeded to constitute a Court for the Trial of the King, giving it the specious name of the High Court of Justice; which said Court they impowred to convene, hear, judg, and execute Charles Stuart King of England. These proceedings the House of Lords detested, so did the Parliament of Scotland, the Judges of the Land affirmed it to be contrary to the known Laws and Customs of England, for the King to be brought to Trial; and the Pres­byterian Ministers did both publickly and pri­vately disswade them from this horrid action, though all in vain. And the more to animate the Kings Judges in their illegal proceedings, that Pulpit-Jester Hugh Peters preached before them on that Text, Psal. 149.8, To bind their Kings in chains, &c. such honour have all his Saints; when he assured them, that they were the Saints there meant, often in his prophane Sermon calling them the Saint Judges; and pro­fessed, that he had for a certain found upon a strict scrutiny, that there were in the Army 5000 Saints, no less holy than those that now conversed in Heaven with God Almighty. Af­terwards kneeling in his Pulpit, weeping and lifting up his hands, he earnestly beg'd them in the name of the People of England, that they would execute justice upon that wretch Charles, and would not let Benhadad escape in safety, &c.

January the 20th. his Majesty was brought be­fore the High Court of Justice in Westminster-Hall, where he boldly and chearfully took the Seat prepared for him, and the Charg [...] was re [...]d [Page 488] against him with all those reproachful terms of Tyrant, Traytor, and Murderer, and implead­ed in the name of all the People of England. But General Fairfax his Lady from a Scaffold adjoining, cried with a loud voice, That not half the People of England were guilty of that crime, but that 'twas by means of that Traytor Cromwell that this wickedness was done. The King alledged to the Court that he could not make his defence, unless they first produced their Authority for the trial of him their King, which they not being able to do, (except that of the Sword) remanded him to the place of his captivity.

January the 22d. the High Court of Justice met again, when the King being brought to the Bar, Solicitor Cook required that he might be put upon it, either to give in his positive an­swer, or else that the charge against him upon his refusal to plead, might be taken for confessed. The substance of which Charge was, That he the said Charles Stuart King of England had been the Occasion, Author and Contriver of the Wars, and therein was guilty of all the Treasons, Murders, Rapines, Burnings, Spoils, Desola [...]io [...]s, damage and mischief to this Na­tion, acted or committed in the Wars, or occa­sioned thereby. To the Charge, President Bradshaw required the Kings answer; but his Majesty firmly persisting in the disowning of their Authority, and offering to give reasons why he could not own their Court, the Court was adjourned to the next day.

[Page 489] January the 23d. the King was again brought before his fictitious Judges, when he was again press'd to give in his reasons why he could not own their Authority; alledging, that to own this new Court was against the Priviledges of the People, and the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom: whereupon the President commanded the Clerk to record the default, and the Guard to take back the Prisoner, which was accor­dingly done.

January the 27th. his Majesty was again brought to the Bar, where he still refused to own their illegal Court, but said he had some matters conducing to the good of the People, which he desired to have liberty to speak before the Members of both Houses, which the Court would by no means yield unto, but commanded the Clerk to read the Sentence against him, which was, That whereas the Commons of Eng­land in Parliament assembled, have appointed them a High Court of Justice for the Trying of Charles Stuart King of England, before whom he had been three times convened, and at the first time a Charge of High Treason, and other crimes and misdemea­nors was read in behalf of England, &c. To which Charge the said Charles Stuart refused several times to answer, &c. for all which Treasons and crimes mentioned in the Charge, this Court doth adjudg the said Charles Stuart as a Tyrant, Traytor, Murderer, and publick enemy, to be put to death, by severing his Head from his Body. This Sen­tence being read, the Members of the Court ap­proved it by holding up their hands. His Maje­sty offered to speak after the Sentence, which [Page 490] Bradshaw would not suffer him to do, but com­manded him to be taken away; when in his passing along, the Soldiers reviled him with many irreverent taunts, blew their stinking To­bacco into his face, which they knew to be very distasteful to him, and one or two more barba­rous than the rest, spit in his face, the good King wiping it off again, and saying, My Sa­viour suffered far more than this for me. And when the rude Soldiers, instructed by their Com­manders, cried out, Justice, Justice, Executi­on, Execution; this pious King pitied their blindness, saying, Poor souls! for a piece of money they would do as much for their Commanders. Such as pull'd off their Hats, or bowed to him, as he was carrying back to his imprisonment, the Soldiers beat with their fists and weapons, and knocked down one dead, but for saying, God be merciful unto him.

January the 28th. this right Christian King was guarded from Whitehall to St. James's, where Dr. Juxon Bishop of London preached before him on these words. In the day when God shall judg the secrets of all men by Jesus Christ, accor­ding to my Gospel, Rom. 2.16.

January the 29th. the Lady Elizabeth and Duke of Gloucester being admitted to take their last Farewell of their condemned Father; his Maje­sty after he had given his blessing to the Princess Elizabeth, bad her tell her Brother James when­ever she should see him, that 'twas his Fathers last desire, That he should no more look upon Charles as his Eldest Brother only, but be obedient to him as his Soveraign, and that they should love [Page 491] one the other, and forgive their Fathers enemies. He also bad her to read Bishop Andrews Sermons, Hooker 's Ecclesiastical Policy, and Bishop Laud against Fisher, which would ground her against Popery; wished her not to grieve for him, for he should die a glorious death, it being for the Laws and Liberties of the Land, and for maintaining the Protestant Religion. Bad her tell her Mother, That his thoughts had never strayed from her, and that his love should be the same unto the last. Then gave her his Blessing, bidding her to send his Bles­sing to the rest of her Brothers and Sisters, and commendations to all his friends. To the Duke of Gloucester he said, He heard the Army intended to make him King, but that he told him he must not ac­cept so long as his two Elder Brothers were living, commanded him to fear the Lord, and he would pro­vide for him.

Tuesday January the 30th. in the morning, the Bishop of London read Divine Service in his Majesties presence, when the 27th. Chapter of St. Mathew's Gospel, the History of our Savi­ours Crucifixion fell out to be the second Lesson. After Morning-prayer, the King received the Sacrament, and performed private Devotions in preparation to his Passion; which being end­ed, about Ten of the Clock this most Christian King was brought from St. James's to Whitehall by a Regiment of Foot, and a private Guard of Partizans, the Bishop on one hand of him, and Colonel Thomlinson (who had the charge of him) on the other, both bare headed. His Ma­jesty walked very fast, and bad them go faster: thus saying, That he now went before them to strive [Page 492] for an Heavenly Crown with less solicitude, than he had often encouraged his Soldiers to fight for an Earthly Diadem. Being come into the Cabinet-Chamber in Whitehall, where he used to lodg, he there pass'd the time for near two hours in his Devotion, about Twelve he eat a bit of bread, and drank a glass of Clarret; and towards One, Col. Hacker with other Officers and Soldiers brought him through the Banquetting-house, and through a Window of that upon a Scaffold which was hung with Black. Divers Compa­nies of Foot, and Troops of Horse were placed on each side of the Street, which hindred the approach of the very numerous spectators; therefore the King directed his Speech chiefly to Col. Thomlinson, therein declaring his inno­cency, how that he began not the War with his two Houses of Parliament, calling God to witness that he never intended to incroach upon their priviledges, but they began upon him; and that he believed that ill instruments be­twixt him and them had been the cause of all the bloodshed. Then acknowledged Gods Judg­ments to be just upon himself in suffering an un­just sentence to pass upon him, for that he had suffered an unjust sentence to be executed upon another (meaning upon the Earl of Strafford.) Then declared himself to be a good Christian, having forgiven all the World, and even those in particular, who ever they were, that had been the chief causers of his death; desiring God to forgive them, and that they might re­pent of that great sin; praying with St. Stephen, that this might not be laid to their charge; and [Page 493] wished they might take the right way for the peace of the Kingdom, which was, he said, by giving God his due in regulating rightly his Church according to the Scriptures. By giving the King his due, being directed by the Laws of the Land. By giving the people their due, in having Government under those Laws, by which their lives and goods might be most their own, and not be subject to an Arbitrary power; for the opposing of which, said he, it is, that I am brought to the Scaffold: for if said he, I would have given way to an Arbitrary power, or way to have all Laws changed according to the power of the Sword, I need not to have come here; and therefore I tell you (and pray God it be not laid to your charge) that I am the Martyr of the People. Then he declared he died a Christian according to the Profession of the Church of England, as he found it left him by his Father. After this he discoursed with the Bishop, to whom he gave his George to be sent to the Prince; then preparing himself for the Block, he said, I have a good cause, and a graci­ous God on my side, I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown, where is no disturbance, no disturbance in the world. Then having said a few words to himself, as he stood with hands and eyes lift up, he laid his neck upon the Block, and after a short pause, stretching forth his hands, the Vizarded Executioner at one blow severed his Royal Head from his Body. Whose blood was taken up by several persons for dif­ferent ends, by some as Trophies of their Vil­lany, by others as [...]licks of a Martyr. His [Page 494] Corps embalmed and wrapped in Lead, was con­veyed to Windsor by some of his Servants. And February the 9th. 1648. was there Interred in the Chappel-Royal, by the Duke of Richmond, Marquess of Hartford, Earls of Southampton and Lindsey, and the Bishop of London.

A Prince he was very temperate, chaste, hum­ble, affectionate to his People, eloquent, not­withstanding some small hesitation in his utter­ance; exceeding in fortitude and patience; most devout in, and constant to his Religion. His Issue were, first Charles-James, who died almost as soon as born; Charles the Second whom God preserve: James Duke of York, Henry Duke of Gloucester born July 8th. 1640, Mary born the 4th. of November 1631, Elizabeth born the 28 of December 1635, Anne born March the 7th. 1636, Katharine Henrietta Maria born June the 16th. 1644, In his troubles he composed an ex­cellent Book intituled, Eikon Basilicon; he had begun the repairing of St. Paul's at London; he built that famous Ship called the Royal Sove­raign, whose burden was 1636 Tuns, her length 127 foot, her breadth within the Planks 46 foot, her depth from the breadth 19 foot, car­rying 100 piece of Ordinances wanting four; her Lanthorn so large that ten men might stand in it; her building cost Eighty thousand pounds.

An. Dom. 1625, was a great Plague at London, whereof died within the Bills of Mortality 41313.

A. D. 1632, and February the 11th. happened a great Fire on London-Bridg.

[Page 495]1635, Thomas Parre died, being aged 152 years, and was buried in the Abby-Church at West­minster.

The Names of the Regicides who sate when Judgment was for murdring the King, were Ser­jeant John Bradshaw President of the Court, Oliver Cromwell, Henry Ireton, Thomas Lord Grey of Groby, John Danvers, Hardress Waller, Tho­mas Maleverer, John Bourchier, William Coun­stable, Michael Livesey, Gregory Norton, Knights: John Lisle, William Say, William Hechingham, John Blakestone, Gilbert Millington, Cornelius Holland, John Carew, Miles Corbet, Francis Allen, Peregrin Pelham, Humphrey Edwards, Gregory Clement, Thomas Wogan, Thomas Scot, William Cawley, Anthony Stapely, Nicholas Love, Augu­stine Garland, John Dixwell, Simon Mayne, Da­niel Blagrave, Esquires, Valentine Walton, Thomas Harrison, Edward Whaley, Thomas Pride, Isaac Ewer, Henry Marten, William Purefoy, John Berk­stead, Edmund Ludlow, John Hutchinson, Robert Tichburn, Owen Roe, Robert Lilburn, Adrian Scrope, Richard Dean, John Okey, John Hewson, William Goffe, John Jones, John Moor, John Alured, Henry Smith, Edmund Harvey, John Venne, John Downes, Thomas Horton, Thomas Hammond, George Fleetwood, James Temple, Thomas Wait, Colonels: Isaac Pennington, and Thomas Andrews Aldermen of London: Vincent Potter, and Peter Temple: Officers belonging to the High Court of Injustice, were Dr. Dorislaus, Ask, William Steel (who excused himself by sickness) John Cook Solicitor, Dendy Mace-bearer, Broughton, and Phelps Clerks, Isaac King Crier, Woolfred, [Page 496] Pain, Radley, Powell, Hull, Messengers and Door-keepers, forty of these men of blood. The Warrant for the Kings Execution was directed to Colonel Francis Hacker, Colonel Huncks, and Lieutenant Colonel Phayre, to see it done. But who can stretch forth his hand against the Lords Anointed and be guiltless? Sam. 26.9. My Son, saith the wise man, Fear thou the Lord and the King, and meddle not with them that are given to change, for their calamity shall rise suddenly.

Mayors and Sheriffs of London in his Reign.

In his first year 1625.

  • Sir Allen Cotton was Mayor.
  • Thomas Westraw, Ellis Crisp, died.
  • Jo. Pool, and Christopher Cletherow, after Sheriffs.

In his second year 1626.

  • Sir Cuthbert Hacket was Mayor.
  • Edward Bromfeild, Richard Fenn, Sheriffs.

In his third Year 1627.

  • Sir Hugh Hamersley was Mayor.
  • Maurice Abbot, Henry Garraway, Sheriffs.

In his fourth Year 1628.

  • Sir Richard Dean was Mayor.
  • Rowland Backhouse, William Acton Knight and Ba­ronet, Sheriffs.

[Page 497]In his fifth Year 1629.

  • Sir James Cambell was Mayor.
  • Humphrey Smith, Edmund Wright, Sheriffs.

In his sixth Year 1630.

  • Sir Robert Ducie, Barr. vvas Mayor.
  • Arthur Abdy, Robert Cambell, Sheriffs.

In his seventh Year 1631.

  • Sir George Whitmore vvas Mayor.
  • Samuel Cranmore, Henry Prat, Sheriffs.

In his eighth Year 1632.

  • Sir Nicholas Raynton vvas Mayor.
  • Hugh Perry, Henry Andrews, Sheriffs.

In his ninth Year 1633.

  • Sir Ralph Freeman, and Sir Tho. Moulston, Mayor.
  • Gilbert Harrison, Richard Gurney, Sheriffs.

In his tenth Year 1634.

  • Sir Robert Parkhurst was Mayor.
  • John Heylord, John Cordell, Sheriffs.

In his eleventh Year 1635.

  • Sir Christopher Cletherow vvas Mayor.
  • Thomas Soame, John Gayer, Sheriffs.

In his twelfth Year 1636.

  • Sir Edward Bromfeild was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Abell. John Garrat, Sheriffs.

In his thirteenth Year 1637.

  • Sir Richard Fenn was Mayor.
  • Thomas Atkin, Edward Rudge. Sheriffs.

[Page 498]In his fourteenth Year 1638.

  • Sir Maurice Abot was Mayor.
  • Isaac Pennington, John VVollaston, Sheriffs.

In his fifteenth Year 1639.

  • Sir Henry Garraway was Mayor.
  • Thomas Adams, John VVarner, Sheriffs.

In his sixteenth Year 1640▪

  • Sir Edmund VVright vvas Mayor.
  • John Towse, Abraham Reynardson, Sheriffs.

In his seventeenth Year 1641.

  • Sir Richard Gurney was Mayor.
  • George Garret, George Clarke, Sheriffs.

In his eighteenth Year 1642.

  • Isaac Pennington vvas Mayor.
  • John Langham, Thomas Andrews, Sheriffs.

In his nineteenth Year 1643.

  • Sir John VVollaston was Mayor.
  • John Fowke, James Bunce, Sheriffs.

In his twentieth Year 1644.

  • Thamas Atkin was Mayor.
  • VVilliam Gibbs, Richard Chambers, Sheriffs.

In his one and twentieth Year 1645.

  • Thomas Adams was Mayor.
  • John Kendrick, Thomas Foot, Sheriffs.

In his two and twentieth Year.

  • Sir John Gayer was Mayor.
  • Thomas Cullam, Simon Edmonds, Sheriffs.

In his three and twentieth Year 1647.

  • Sir John VVarner was Mayor.
  • Samuel Avery, John Bide, Sheriffs.

[Page 499]In his four and twentieth Year 1648.

  • Sir Abraham Reynardson was Mayor.
  • Thomas Vyner, Richard Brown, Sheriffs.

Thomas Andrews Mayor, in room of Reynard­son, sent to the Tower.

CHARLES the Second.

A. D. 1648 JAnuary the 30th, Charles the Second was then in Holland when his Father King Charles the First was murdered; and that tayl of a Parlia­ment sitting at Westminster were resolved instead of admitting him the lawful Heir unto the Go­vernment of England, to assume it unto them­selves. To which end, they first set forth a Pro­clamation, That no person whatsoever should presume to proclaim or any way to promote Charles Stuart Son of Charles Stuart, late King of England, or any other person, to be King or chief Magistrate of these Kingdoms, but he that should attempt any such thing should be ad­judged a Traytor. After this they voted the House of Lords to be useless and dangerous, and Kingly Government to be unnecessary and burthensome, and therefore they abolished both. Howbeit the Marquess of Ormond caused his Majesty to be publickly proclaimed King in Ire­land, and the Scotch Parliament did the like in Scotland. But the Members at Westminster having a Victorious Army on their side, proceeded to establish their Projects, caused all publick Wri­tings to be issued out in the name of the Keepers of the Liberties of England by Authority of Parliament; ordering a new great Seal to be made with the Cross and Harp on one side, and this Inscription, The great Seal of England; on the other side the picture of the House of Com­mons, with this Inscription, In the first year of [Page 501] freedom by Gods blessing restored 1648. And after­ward they appointed that all moneys to be coyned, should be stamped with the Cross and Harp on one side, and the Cross on the other, with this Motto, The Commonwealth of England, God with us. And instead of the Oaths of Supre­macy and Allegiance, they imposed an Engage­ment upon the people, To be true and faithful to the Commonwealth, as it was then establish­ed without King or House of Lords. A Council of State they constituted by the name of the Keepers of the Liberties of England, consisting of forty persons, who were to have the execu­tive part of the Government. Thus was Eng­lands ancient Government soon changed by about 50 persons who stiled themselves a Parlia­ment, and the Representative body of England. The maxim upon which they grounded these their alterations, and all other their illegal pro­ceeds, was this, That all power and authority is originally in the people; and that they were the peoples Representative. When this Junto had made such a module of Government, they erected another High Court of Injustice for the trial of Duke Hamilton, as Earl of Cambridge, of the Earls of Holland and Norwich, the Lord Capel, and Sir John Owen, all which were con­demned to die for engaging in their Soveraign's cause; but the Earl of Norwich and Sir John Owen were reprieved, the other three were be­headed in the Palace-yard at Westminster, March the 9th The ever loyal Lord Capel in his speech on the Scaffold declared, that he died against the Justice of the known Laws of the Land, and [Page 502] for no other cause than his asserting the Fifth Commandment; prayed heartily for the King, for his restoration, long life and prosperity; shutting up his Speech with a profession of his cheerfulness in forgiving his Enemies. Other good Subjects they put to death in other places of the Nation, Lieutenant Colonel Morris, Mr. Beaumont a Minister, Major Monday and Cornet Blackburn. And many were the loyal persons that were now proscribed, and had their Estates confiscated, as the Marquess of Newcastle, Earl of Bristol, the Lords Cottington, Widdrington, Culpepper, Byron, Sir Edward Hide, Sir Philip Musgrave, Sir Marmaduke Langdale, Sir Richard Greenvill, with others. And all that had been in actual Arms for the King, or other service, were forced to compound for their Estates if they had any, to the great impoverishing of the Royal party.

A. D. 1649, and April the 7th, The Members at Westminster, for the better supply of their Army, and taking away of free-quarter, passed an Act for the levying of 90000 l. a Month upon England for six months. Then took into consideration the sale of Dean and Chapters Lands.

May the 15th, divers Troops of the Army for mutinying were surprised by Fairfax at Bur­ford, where some few of the Ringleaders were shot to death, and the rest disbanded. There were of that party a people called Levellers, who in those times of distraction would have all things in the Common-wealth ordered accor­ding to their wild humours; and yet all their [Page 503] cry was for the Liberties of free-born English men.

About this time Dr. Dorislaus, whom the dis­loyal Members had sent over as their Agent into Holland, was there slain by Colonel Whitford a Scotch man; and not long after one Ascham ano­ther of their Agents sent into Spain, was there slain by one Sparks.

May the 30th, in the City of London, England was proclaimed a Free-State. And June the 13th the House ordered that no ceremony should be used to the Kings Children, the Duke of Glo­cester and Lady Elizabeth then in the Junto's cu­stody.

In Ireland the Kings Lieutenant the Marquess of Ormond in order to promote the Kings cause there, concluded a peace with the Irish, and June the 22d he besieged the City of Dublin; but August the 2d Colonel Michael Jones with his whole strength, being betwixt 8 and 9000, sallied out upon the besiegers who were 19000 Horse and Foot, and routed them totally, slew of them about 3000, took Prisoners 2517, took all the Marquess's train of Artillery and Amu­nition, and a very rich booty in the Camp. August the 16th, Oliver Cromwell landed with his forces at Dublin, and after a short stay there, marched with great expedition against Tredagh, or Drogedah, where Sir Arthur Ashton was Go­vernor; the defendants of that Town did brave­ly behave themselves, howbeit Oliver gained it by storm, giving strict order to his Soldiers, that they should afford quarter neither to Man, Woman, or Child, but should kill all. He vow­ed [Page 504] to one of his Commanders, That he would sa­crifice their bodies to the souls of the English men they had formerly murdered. Next Oliver besieged Wexford, which through the treachery of one Strafford, was yielded: And shortly after this, many engarisoned places were reduced, by Oli­vers forces. The Plantation of Virginia, that had refused subjection to the new Republick of England, was forced to a conformity by Sir George Ayscoughs Fleet.

October 23, Mr. John Lilbourn, the Leader of the Levelling party, one that had wit enough, but of a thwarting, turbulent spirit, was tryed at Guildhall in London, for writing against the Members at Westminster and their Council of State; but he so well pleaded his case, and had so lucky a Jury, that he was quit in despight of his Judges.

About this time Prince Rupert, the King's Ad­miral, was distrest and put to his shifts by the Junto's Fleet, losing most of his Ships, with his Brother Prince Maurice, who was then cast a­way.

A. D. 1650. In the beginning of this year, the truly Loyal and Magnanimous Marquess of Momross was defeated in Scotland by Major Ge­neral Straughorn; the Marquess himself by quit­ting his Horse, and shifting himself into an or­dinary, Highlanders habit, made a shift to e­scape for the present; his standard was taken, in which was pourtrayed the Head of King Charles the first lying a bleeding, and severed from the body, with this Motto, Judg and revenge my cause, O Lord. The Marquess after some days [Page 505] wandring about in by-places, came to the Laird of Astons House, a person whom the Marquess had done several kindnesses for; but this false Scot, whether for fear or lucre, betrayed this distressed Peer into the hands of his Enemy Da­vid Lesley, who sent him to the City of Eden­brough, where the common Hangman met him at the Towns end, and first pulled off his Hat, then forced him into a Cart which had a high Chair placed in it, in which the Marquess was seated, that thereby he might be the more ob­noxious to the scorns of the vulgar. But his noble soul was not at all dismayed, for God he said, did all the while most comfortably mani­fest his presence to him, and furnished him with courage to overlook the reproaches of men, and to behold him for whose cause he suffered.

After the sentence of Parliament was passed for the bereaving him of his life, he expressed to them how much he was beholden to them for the honour they had conferred on him; For, said he, I account it greater honour to have my head stand on the Prison-gate for my loyalty to my King, than to have my Picture placed in his Bed­chamber; and I wish I had flesh enough, not only to be set up in four Cities, but to have a piece of it sent to every City in Christendom, for a testimony of my loyalty to my King and Country.

May the 31st, he was brought to the place of his Execution, where being mounted on a Scaf­fold, he told the people, That God doth some­times suffer a just man to perish in his righte­ousness, and a wicked man to prosper in his wickedness; prayed God to forgive his enemies, [Page 506] for he did; declared that what he had done in that kingdom, was in obedience to the most just commands of his Sovereign. That he esteemed the late King lived a Saint, and dyed a Martyr, praying God he might so end as he had done. That he believed never people could be more happy, than they might in His present Majesty. Gave God thanks that he went to Heavens Throne with joy, though death looked upon him in its most ugly shape. Then desired their charity and prayers, concluding thus: I leave my soul to God, my service to my Prince, my good will to my Friends, and my name and cha­rity to you all. Then having prayed a while, he received from the Executioner a cord, where­at hung a Declaration of his fact, to hang a­bout his neck, which accordingly he hung there, saying, that he thought himself not more ho­noured by the Garter, than by that Cord and Paper: adding, That if they had any more dis­honour to put upon him, he was ready to accept it. And then with a chearful countenance he submitted himself to the execution of the sen­tence, to be hang'd on a Gallows Thirty foot high, for the space of three hours. Which be­ing done, he was taken down, and had his head cut off, which was fixed on Edenborough Talbooth; his quarters were sent to be set up in several pla­ces, and the rest of his mortal part buried under the Gallows.

This may serve for a tast of the rebellious and diabolical spirit of that malicious Consistory. When this noble Lord first heard of the murther of King Charles the first, 'tis said, that with the [...]oint of his Sword he wrote:

[Page 507]
Great, Good, and Just! could I but rate
My griefs, and thy too rigid fate,
I'de weep the world to such a strain,
That it should deluge once again.
But thy loud-tongu'd blood demands supplies
More from Briareus hands, than Argus eyes,
I'le therefore sing thy obsequies with Trum­pet sounds,
And write thy Epitaph with blood and wounds.

Shortly after the death of this Peer an agree­ment was concluded betwixt the King and the Scots at Breda, from whence the King went to the Hague, and took Shipping for Scotland; and at the Spey in the North of that Countrey, he safely arrived; hereupon the Members at West­minster fearing lest the Scots should invade them, resolved to invade Scotland, and to make that the seat of War: in order to which, they sent for their Idol Cromwell out of Ireland, whom at his coming to London they made their Capt. General, for Thomas Lord Fairfax laid down his Commission, as not willing to engage against his Presbyterian Brethren the Scots.

June the 28th, this new Capt. General Oliver, advanced with his Army towards Scotland. Au­gust the 10th, King Charles the first's Statue in the Royal Exchange, by order of the Westminster-Members, was defaced, (the Head being broken off) and this Inscription set over, Exit Tyran­nus ultimus Anno libertatis Angliae restitute primo, Anno 1648, January the 30th. And about the [Page 508] same time were the Kings Arms ordered to be erazed in all publick places; and in lieu of them the States-Arms (being St. Georges Cross and the Harp) were set up in Courts of Judi­cature.

August the 22d. was Col. Eusebius Andrews Beheaded on Towerhill for receiving a Commissi­on from His Majesty. In Scotland the English Ar­my under Oliver having made themselves masters of some Garisons, on September the first march­ed to Dunbar, whither the Scotch Army follow­ed them, and pent them up on a neck of Land not a mile and a half from Sea to Sea; great were the streights of the English Army at this time; many of the Souldiers being sick and disabled, and the whole Army shut up as it were in a pound; but these extremities instead of disheartning them, set the greater edge to their courages, and resolved they were on September the third 1650, either to force their way through their enemies, or nobly to dye in the attempt: to which end a party was sent to gain Coopers Peth-pass from the Scots; which being effected, the whole English Army charged, and after about an hours hot ingagement the Scots Horse were routed, and thereupon the foot threw down their Arms, and made the best use they could of their Legs. In the Scots Army was this day near 16000 Foot, and 6000 Horse, whereof 4000 were slain, and near 10000 taken Prisoners. The English Army were not above 7500 Foot and 3500 Horse, besides disabled men. There was taken from the Scots in this fight 27 field Pieces, 10000 Arms, many [Page 509] Prisoners of note, and near 200 Horse and Foot-Colours, which were afterwards hung up as Trophies in Westminster-hall.

September the 8th. the virtuous Princess Eliza­beth died in her Confinement at Carisbrook Castle in the Isle of Wight. And in August following, the Prince of Orange died at the Hague in Hol­land; and sometime after this, the mock-Parlia­ment to free England of the Royal blood, sent the Duke of Gloucester to Heidleburgh, ordering him an allowance of 1500 l. per Annum.

October the 8th. some Cavaliers took Arms in Norfolk, for which about twenty of them were Executed.

December the 24th the strong Castle of Eden­brough was yielded into the English hands, though not without suspition of some treachery.

January the first, to begin the New-year, the Scots Crowned His Majesty at Scoon in Scotland, after he had conceded to some Kirk-conditions. A little before this time there were three differ­ent parties in Scotland: David Lesley and his Ar­my were for King and Kirk, the Marquess of Montross and his Followers were for the King without the Kirk: and Colonel Kerre and Straughan were for the Kirk without the King. Col. Kerries party was routed and himself ta­ken Prisoner by Col. Lambert; and Straughan and Swinton deserted the Kirk, complying with the English, for which the Kirk Excommunicated them.

March the 4th. Sir Henry Hide was Beheaded before the Royal Exchange, because being the Kings Leiger at Constantinople, he had opposed [Page 510] Bendish who was sent thither by the States of England.

A. D. 1651, and March the 29th. was Captain Brown Bushel, an expert Seaman, Beheaded under the Scaffold on Tower-hill, for taking part with his Soveraign.

In Ireland the Deputy thereof, Ireton, was very successful against the Marquess of Ormond, the Lord Inchequin, Marquess Clancard, Earl of Castlehaven, and other the Kings friends, taking many Garisons from them; the like did Oliver in Scotland from the Kings friends there.

Howbeit His Majesty hoping that now at length England might be favourable to his just Cause, he advances into England by the way of Carlile with about 16000 men, bending his course by a swift march for the West of Eng­land; though it was hoped by his friends he would have directed his course for London. But August the 23, the King with his Army entred the City of Worcester, and Cromwel with all hast marched after him, by the way joyning with Fleetwood, Desbrough, the Lord Grey of Groby, Lambert, Harrison, and the Militia-forces of several Counties; so that his Army when he was come to Worcester, could not amount to fewer then 80000 men. In Lancashire the Earl of Derby had raised for the King near 1500 Horse and Foot, against whom Colonel Lilbourn marched, and routed them, taking many persons of quality; the Earl of Derby himself with much ado escaped to the King at Worcester, where on that twice fatal, but once Lucky day, September the 3d, his Majesty being [Page 511] surrounded by his Enemies, resolved to sally upon them with his whole force; which ac­cordingly he did, and at the first made the disloyal party retire somewhat disorderly the King himself performing the part of a Valiant Souldier at the head of his Horse. But at length his Army being overpowered by the numerous fresh supplies of his enemies, His Majesties side was put to the worst, his Horse flying amain towards the North, and his Foot into Worcester, whither they were followed at the heels by their Victors, who entred the City with them, which they plundred, killing and taking most of the Scots Prisoners; those Horse that fled were pursued, and great part of them taken, and the poor stragling Scots were either made Prisoners, or killed by the Country People. The number of the Kings party slain, were judged to be about 3000, and of Prisoners taken in the whole near 10000; amongst whom were Duke Hamilton, the Earls of Shrewsbury, Derby, Cleveland, Lauderdaile, Rotho, Carnwath, and Kelly, the Lord Synclare, Sir John Pack­ington, Sir Charles Cunningham, Sir Ralph Clare, Major General Piscotty, Major General Mount­gomery, Colonel Graves, Mr. Fanshaw the Kings Secretary, the Adjutant General. Marshal Ge­neral, General of the Ordnance, together with five Colonels of Horse, 13 of Foot, 17 Lieutenant Colonels, 19 Majors, 109 Cap­tains; there was also taken 158 Colours, the Kings standard, Coach and Horses, Coller of SS, and Star-Cloak, with other things of great value; His Majesty through the good provi­dence [Page 512] of God escaped the hands of his enemies, wandring about England in disguise for six weeks; at length being transported from a Creek near Shoram in Sussex to Freccam near Haure de Grace in France, although his foes made the strictest search for him possible, with­all menacing those that should conceal him, and promising high rewards to those that should discover him.

A little before this fight at Worcester, divers persons, many of them Presbyterian Ministers, were seized on for holding correspondence with Charles Stuart, (none might, as they loved their lives and estates, call him King) and on August the 22, were two of them, namely Mr. Christo­pher Love Minister, and Mr. Gibbons, beheaded on Tower-hill.

The common Prisoners, Scots and English, taken at Worcester, were sent up to London; and that they might no further trouble the States of England, they were transported into Foreign Plantations.

October the 15th, the Earl of Derby was beheaded, and Sir Timothy Fetherstonhaugh dyed the same death also, for the same crime, viz. for honouring the King. In short time after the fight of Worcester, the Mock-Parliament had the welcome news of reducing the Isle of Man, the Barbadoes, the Isle of Jersey, and Cornet Castle in Guernsey; but a little to allay their transport, they had the unwelcome news of the death of their Admiral Popham, and Ireton their Deputy of Ireland; this last dyed of the plague [Page 513] under the Walls of Limirick, but was buryed in great State in Westminster-Abby.

All was now in a calm at home, and Scotland and Ireland both almost subjected to the Eng­lish States; they therefore in this leisure-time judg it seasonable to vindicate themselves on the Ʋnited Netherlands, for the affronts done to their Ambassadors Oliver St. John, and Walter Strickland, in Holland, and their incroaching on the English merchants trade, and slighting the English States, who proffered strict amity and alliance.

Hereupon they prohibited the importing any Foreign Comodities except upon English bot­toms, or such as were of the Country whence the goods came, beginning withal to stand high upon the claim of dues, and reparations for the prejudice done the English in their Tra­ding; and when no satisfaction would be given, but the Dutch grew rather more Lordly, cal­ling into question the English Soveraignty in the narrow Seas, and refusing to give the English the honour of the FLAG, the States of England resolved to beat them into better man­ners. And in the Year of our Lord, 1652, on May the 19th, was the first Sea-fight between the States of England and the Netherlands, the fight continued about four hours, till the night parted them; without much cause of boasting on either part; that which was, the English had a right to. But shortly after this, Admiral Blake took twelve Dutch men of War.

August the 16th, Sir George Ayscough with a squadron of seven Ships, charged through and [Page 514] through the Dutch Fleet, consisting of sixty men of War, in which Encounter Captain Pack was slain.

September the fifth, as the French Fleet (who took part with the Dutch) were going to the re­lief of Dunkirk, most of them were taken by General Blake; and about the conclusion of the same month, the Dutch were bang'd to pur­pose by Blake, at a place called the Kentish-Knock, and were pursued by the English into their very Harbor. But in the beginning of Winter, Blake was worsted by the Dutch in the Downs, losing the Garland, Bonadventure, and two Merchantmen. Upon the 18, 19, and 20th. days of February, the two Fleets fought again, when the Dutch were forced to fly, the English taking fifty-two of their Merchant-men they had in Convoy, and nine men of War.

A. D. 1653, and April the 20th, Oliver Crom­well took upon him to put a period to the fit­ting of those long winded-Members at Westmin­ster, objecting to them when he came to dis­place them, That they delayed, if not utterly neglected the redressing of publick Grievances; that they designed their own interest, and per­petuating themselves; therefore they were to sit there no longer. Instead of these Members turned out of doors, Oliver and his Officers con­stituted a Council of State to rule the Common­wealth, though they resolved to rule the Coun­cil of State.

June the 2d the English and Dutch Fleets en­gaged again in Fight, when at the very first shot made by the Dutch, General Richard Dean was [Page 515] slain. June the 3d the Fleets joined again, and the dispute was very hot and bloody, till at length the Dutch tacked about, and made haste to their own Coasts. Of the Dutch were taken Prisoners six Captains, 1350 others, Eleven men of War were taken, and two Hoys, six of their best Ships were sunk, and two blown up. Of the English were slain besides Admiral Dean, one Captain, and a hundred and twenty others, but not one Ship lost or disabled.

Cromwell this while, with some of the leading Officers of the Army, had made choice of cer­tain persons, not above 150 for the three Na­tions, who were to have the Legislative power, and to be stiled a Parliament. These Parliament-Gentlemen and Soldiers of the new-fashioned Election, met July the 4th. at Westminster, where they chose Mr. Rouse for their Speaker; but not agreeing amongst themselves (for about sixty of them contested hard for the taking away of Tythes from the Ministers as Antichristian) they fairly re-delivered their power into Oliver's hands, December the twelfth, after they had En­acted a Law, That Justices of the Peace and not Ministers should join persons together in sacred Wedlock.

But while this cunning thing called a Parlia­ment, was doing little, or little to the purpose, the active Dutch were again put forth to Sea with about 120 Men of War, and before the Texel were Encountred by the English, July 29th, the Fight was vigorously maintained on both parts, till the Dutch Admiral Van Trump, fighting in the midst of the English Fleet, was with a [Page 516] Musket-shot shot into the left-Pap, and slain out­right, whereby the rest of their Fleet was so discouraged, that they made to the Texel as speedily as they could. The Dutch in this Fight lost 30 Men of War, and about 1200 of their Men were taken. The English had slain on their part, Graves, Owen, Chapman, Newman, Taylor, Crisp, Cox and Peacock, Captains, and 400 common Seamen. The Ship named the Oak was fired, and two or three disabled. For this emi­nent piece of service, the little Parliament or­dered that Chains of Gold should be presented to the Admirals Blake, and Col. George Monk, Vice-Admiral Pen, and Rear-Admiral Lawson; and that other Chains likewise should be pre­sented to divers Flag-Captains, and Medals of Silver to the Officers of the Fleet.

But to return to Oliver, who after his patcht Junto had dissolved themselves, called a Coun­cil of Officers, with some others of his Crea­tures, to consult about the settlement of a Go­vernment, and these at length, after great pre­tences of seeking Gods mind herein, concluded to have a single person again to be the head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging. And was accordingly in­stalled with much formality and ceremony, in the Chancery-Court at Westminster, before the Judges, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of Lon­don, with the chief Officers of the Army, on December the 16th. Immediately after which, all publick Writings changed their stile from that of the Keepers of the Liberties of England, to [Page 517] that of Oliver Lord Protector of England, &c. And the City of London to manifest their good liking of this Government and Governour (at least to make shew of it) invited the Protector to a magnificent Feast at Grocers-Hall on Febr. 8. and Oliver to gratifie them for this favour, Knighted Thomas Viner then Lord Mayor.

Aspiring Cromwell having thus obtained the Supream Authority, in short time yielded to a peace with the Dutch, who had been brought exceeding low with the War with England.

A. D. 1654. and in the Month of May, upon an accusation of a Plot to destroy the Protector, seize the Tower, raise an Army, and bring in the King, there were divers Royalists apprehen­ded and committed to prison, three of whom were condemned by an High Court of Injustice, and two of them Executed, namely Col. John Gerrard who was Beheaded on Towerhill, and Mr. Vowel who was hang'd at Charing-cross; on the same day with Col. Gerrard was Beheaded Don Pantaleon Sa, Brother to the Portugal Em­bassador, for a Riot made in the New Exchange; but death was so terrible to this person, that his heart was nigh quite dead within him be­fore his neck came to the Block.

September the third, a pretended Parliament met at Westminster, where after they had heard their Master Oliver's Speech, and chose William Lenthall for their Speaker, they debated, Whe­ther the Legislative power should be in a single person and a Parliament, or in a Parliament on­ly. The Protector's faction were for the former; those called the Commonwealth-party, that [Page 518] were for a Democratical Government, were for the latter; one declaring, That as God had made him an Instrument in cutting down Tyranny in one person, so now he would not endure to see the Nations Liberties shackled by another, whose right to the Government could be mea­sured out no other way than by the length of his Sword. But when these things were reported to the Usurper Oliver, he hasted from Whitehall to Westminster, and there declares to his Parlia­ment, that he would have them to take notice of this, That the same Government made him a Protector, as made them a Parliament: That as they were intrusted with some things, so was he with others: That there were certain Funda­mentals which could not be altered: as, That the Government should be in a single person and Parliament: That Parliament's should not be perpetual: That in Religious matters there should be liberty of Conscience, &c. And then he enjoined them to sign this Recognition of the Government, viz. I do hereby promise and engage to be true and faithful to the Lord Protector and Com­monwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and shall not (according to the tenour of the Inden­ture, whereby I am returned to serve in Parliament) propose or give my consent to alter the Government as 'tis setled in one person and a Parliament. The subscription to this was refused by several Mem­bers; the rest who subscribed it were permitted to sit till January the 24th, 1654, at which time Oliver dissolved them, because they delayed to settle him in the Government.

December the 19th. Pen and Venables with a [Page 519] Fleet of thirty Ships, wherein were three thou­sand forces, put to Sea, and in April following arrived at Hispaniola, and came within sight of that Golden Town Sancta Domingo, upon which their first and chief enterprize was designed; but through the excessive heat of the Clime, want of fresh-water, and some other discourage­ments, great numbers of the Soldiers perished, and that design was fruitless; therefore they set sail for the Island Jamaica; where being ar­rived, they were there so successful, as in short time to possess themselves of the chief Town called Ottranto, bringing the whole Island into subjection.

In England the Royal party were busie to take down the Protector's Greatness; but the Plot was discovered before it was ripe for execution, and many of the Conspirators in several places seized on by the Olivarians. At Salisbury, March the 11th. a party of about 200 Cavaliers were in Arms, but were dispersed, and some of their chief Leaders taken, as Mr. Grove, Lieutenant Colonel Penruddock, Major Dean, Jones, &c. Others there were in Arms about Shrewsbury, Sherwood-Forest in Northumberland, and another party in York-shire, where Sir Henry Slingsby was taken: Lieutenant Colonel Penruddock, and Mr. Grove, were beheaded at Salisbury, and some others of them were hang'd.

A. D. 1655. about the beginning of this year Admiral Blake with his Fleet performed a da­ring piece of service at Tunis, where demand­ing from the Dye or Governour of Tunis repa­ration for the losses the English sustained from [Page 520] Turkish Pirates, and having a scornful answer returned, he boldly press'd upon their Ships lying under the Castle of Goletta, and there burnt nine Ships with but the loss of 25 men; in the mean time plying continued Broadsides upon the Castle within Musket-shot of it.

In England the Protector constituted a new kind of Officers called Major-Generals, who were each of them (being eleven in number) in their several limits assigned them to supervise the actions of the poor Royalists, and to deci­mate their Estates, and indeed to do what they listed; but these after they had tyranized a while, were laid aside.

February the 16th. did the Spaniard at Dunkirk declare open War against England, and imme­diately thereupon was a Peace concluded be­twixt France and England, one of the Articles of which was. That the King of France should ex­clude Charles Stuart (King of England) and all his Relations and Adherents out of his Domini­ons, and accordingly the Duke of York was Complemented to depart France by such a time; nor was his Retinue to stay after him; had his Majesty himself been there, he must have expect­ed the same dealing.

February the 21. died that Learned Prelate Dr. Ʋsher A. B. of Armagh, and was buried in Westminster Abby.

A. D. 1656, To begin this year well for for­tunate Oliver, some of his Fleet under the Admi­rals Blake and Mountague, not far from Cades or Cales, set upon a Fleet of eight Spaniards, one of which they sunk, two burnt, one run ashore, [Page 521] and two the English took, one whereof had a great quantity of Plate and Cochenel in her, the other laden chiefly with Hides.

September the 17th. another of Oliver's Parlia­ments assembled at Westminster, where before they were admitted to enter the House, they must severally engage not to act any thing pre­judicial to the present Government; whereup­on some of them returned home, the rest en­tring the House, chose Sir Thomas Widdrington their Speaker, and set themselves to act suitably to Oliver's wishes, passing an Act for renouncing and disannulling the title of Charles Stuart unto the Government of the Nations of England, Scotland and Ireland, &c. and making it to be treason against the Protector, as it formerly had been against the Kings person; then ordain­ed moneys to be raised in the three Nations for paying the Armies. And ordered a years rent to be paid the Protector for every House built upon a new foundation within ten miles of the City of London.

Yet notwithstanding the provision made to secure the Protector's person, there were divers attempts made to kill him, and a printed pa­per was published, intituled, Killing no Mur­ther. One Miles Sindercomb formerly a Soldier in the Army, had determined to shoot, or by one means or other to rid the world of him; but his design being betrayed, he was condemned to be hang'd and quartered; to prevent which he pro­cured his own death, 'tis said, by snuffing up a poysonous powder into his head; wherefore as a self-murderer he was drag'd at a Horses-tail [Page 522] from the Tower to Towerhill, where being turned naked into a hole, a stake spiked with iron was driven through him.

A. D. 1657. This year commenced with a Conspiracy of Fifth-Monarchists to have pull'd down Oliver; but the Plot was discovered, and the Projectors apprehended; the chief of whom was Major General Harrison, Vice-Ad­miral Lawson, Col. Rich, Major Danvers, and Captain Venner; their Standard which they had in readiness, had pourtraied in it a Lion couchant Gules in a field Argent, with this Motto, Who shall rouze him?

April the 20th, Admiral Blake performed another notable exploit, for at Sancta Cruz in Teneriffa, the chief Island of the Canaries, and belonging to the Spaniards, he fired and sunk 16 great Ships, among which was the Admiral, Vice-Admiral, and Rear-Admiral, and two or three Gallions; the Spaniards besides the loss of their whole Fleet, had many hundreds of men slain on the shore; yet in this notable Action, the English had but 48 men slain, and 120 wounded; the Protector to gratifie the Admiral for this his brave service, sent him a Diamond Ring worth 500 l, and Captain Richard Strainer who led the first squadron, was at his coming into England for this and his other good service at Cadiz, honoured with Knighthood.

And now the Parliament, who had been long debating concerning the setling of his Highness, at last present him with a certain thing called, The humble Petition and Advice, desiring him [Page 523] to take the government of the three Nations upon him, with the stile of King; which stile he refused, as foreseeing this would disgust the Sectarists generally; therefore contented himself with the Power Royal, and his old stile of Lord Protector, which the Parliament confirmed. And June the 26th, his Highness was with great State and Magnificence installed in his Office of Protector in Westminster-hall; where the Speaker in the name of the Parlia­ment, presented him with a Robe of Purple-Velvet, lined with Ermine, a Sword, a large Bible richly gilt and bossed, and a Scepter of Gold. And when the Speaker, Earl of War­wick, and Sir Bulstrode Whitlock had vested Oliver, then the Speaker administred the Oath to him in these following words: I do in the presence and by the name of Almighty God, pro­mise and swear that to the utmost of my power, I will uphold and maintain the true reformed Pro­testant Religion, in the purity thereof, as it is contained in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and encourage the profession and pro­fessors thereof, and that to the utmost of my power, I will endeavor as chief Magistrate of these three Nations, the maintenance and preservation of the peace and safety, and just Rights and Priviledges of the People thereof, and shall in all things ac­cording to my best knowledge and power, govern the People according to Law. This Oath being taken by him, he was immediately proclaimed Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England, &c. And that done, some Souldiers and others cryed, God save the Lord Protector. [Page 524] Oliver thus established in his mightiness by Parliment, he falls to fashion his family after the manner of a Kings Court, hath his Yeomen of the Guard in their livery of gray Cloath, welted with black Velvet; over whom com­manded Walter Strickland; His Lord Keeper was Nathaniel Fines; and Lord Chamberlain, Sir Gilbert Pickering, &c. And the better to streng­then himself at home, and to raise his Family into esteem, he gave his eldest Son a Command in the Army, his younger Son he made Lord Deputy of Ireland; his two younger Daughters that were not yet disposed of in marriage, he matched the elder of them with Mr. Robert Rich the Earl of Warwicks Grandson, and the youngest with a person of great Honour. And that he might be as King-like as possible, and withal check the Commons in Parliment, he constituted an Upper House of Parliament in­stead of the House of Lords, 62 in number. most of them his own creatures; amongst whom were Colonel Hewson, one by trade next kin to a Cobler; and Colonel Pride, formerly a Brewers servant; who before this had been made two of his knights errants. And to honour his Mushrooms, he elected to set in his Upper House some few Noble men, as the Earl of Warwick, &c.

February the 20th, the Parliment that had been adjourned, now reassembled; but because they admitted those Members to sit with them, who at first refused to subscribe to Olivers In­struments; and because they questioned the Protectors power in erecting his Upper House, [Page 525] (which in contempt they called the other House) Oliver hereupon sent for them to his Upper House Bar, where he made a large speech to them, and in conclusion told them, That it did concern as well the peace and tranquility of the Nation, as his own interest, to terminate that Parliament, and therefore he did at this time put an end to their sitting, February the fourth.

A. D. 1658. This Year began with a dis­covery of a most horrible Plot, as Oliver called it, and indeed he had an excellent Art for the discovery of Plots, having his mer­cenary trepans and instruments of falshood, who counterfeiting themselves forward Royal­lists, thereby insinuated themselves into the Counsel of the Kings friends, and then be­trayed them. And the King himself was troubled with one of these false Creatures about his own person; for Captain Manning, one of his Secretaries Clerks, was taken in the very act of receiving Letters from Thurloe Olivers Secretary, for the which he was in­stantly Shot to death. But the Loyal Confe­derates in the late discovered Plot, were divers of them apprehended, as Dr. Hewit, Colonel Edward Ashton, Mr. Mordant, the Earl of Peter­boroughs Brother, and others, who were in­dicted of High Treason for endeavouring to levy War against his Highness and the Go­vernment, and to promote Charles Stuart to the Government of these Nations, and for holding correspondency with the said Charles Stuart. Mr. Mordant was acquitted; but Dr. Hewit, [Page 526] and Sir Henry Slingsby were beheaded on Tower-hill June the eighth, though many endeavours were used by divers persons of quality, and Ministers, for the saving of their lives, espe­cially the Doctors; Colonel Ashton and others were hang'd and quartered in London.

Near about this time there came up the Thames, as far as Greenwich, a Whale of a very great length and bigness.

June the 25th, the Town of Dunkirk was sur­rendred by the Spaniards to the French, who im­mediately resigned it to the English forces, which had been the main instrument in gaining it; this resignation was made according to former Ar­ticles agreed upon between the King of France and Lord Protector of England.

But whilst the English were rejoicing abroad, Oliver had occasion of sorrow at home; for his most dearly beloved Daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Claypole, on August the eighth departed this Life, whose body was interred in the Royal Chappel at Westminster. Tis said of this Gen­tlewoman, that she was much troubled at the harsh usage of the Royal party, and that upon her knees she beg'd of her Father to save Dr. Hewits life; but his hard heart would not yield thereto, though he loved this Daughter so passionately, that he never injoyed himself after her death; but growing pensive and melan­choly, in short time was seized with a Tertian ague, which ended his life at VVhite-hall, on September the third. He was born in the Town of Huntingdon, and descended from a worship­ful family of the Cromwels, alias VVilliams; his [Page 527] Mother was the Daughter of Sir Richard Stew­ard, and his wife Elizabeth the Daughter of Sir James Bourchier; He was of a very mar­tial Spirit, and of excellent conduct, and attended with very good success in his at­tempts. Nor was he a Souldier only, but also a very good Orator and deep Politician; and so great a Dissembler, that he could shed Cro­codillian tears at pleasure, when those would at any time advantage him among the Religious; an high pretender he was to Religion, though, as his actions manifested, it was only thereby to obtain his ambitious ends; so impiously resolute for the effecting his designments, that he valued not the violation of the most solemn promises, or sacred Oaths; nor the shedding of any, though the blood of the Lords anointed. Yet was this Man courted or feared by most of the Princes in Europe; and the Kings of France and Sweden were entred into so strict a League with him, as had he lived, might have troubled good part of the world.

In Olivers stead, Richard Cromwell his eldest Son, whom he had appointed his Successor, was proclaimed Protector. Shortly after which, several Addresses, protesting both love and obedience to Richards Highness, were presented from the Armies of the three Nations, from the London-Ministers, from divers Counties, Cities, and chief Towns of England. And the Foreign Ambassadors then in England pre­tended to lament with Mr. Richard for the death of his Father; desired the continuance of that League and Amity, which was granted, [Page 528] and maintained by his late Highness Oliver Lord Protector.

November the 23, were the Funerals of Oliver Solemnized (after his Herse had lain in the greatest State some weeks in Somerset-House) at a vast charge, and in greater Pomp than had formerly been used for the greatest English Kings; his Corps had been privately interr'd many days before in the Chappel-Royal of Henry the Seventh, at Westminster. But the vast expences of those Funerals were never discharged; but those Tradesmen who had hopes of gaining the most by it, sat down the greatest losers at last. As soon at the Funeral-rites of this old Fox Oliver were ac­complished, his Son Richard proceeded to the carrying on of matters of publick concern­ment.

The first of which was the sending a Naval-supply to the King of Sweden, for the aiding him against the King of Denmark. The next of any moment was the calling of a Parliament to convene January the 27th, at Westminster; where when they were met, they chose for their Speaker, Mr Challoner Chute; and the Members severally took the Oath, not to alter the form of Government. Which done, they went to purge out those Members who had born Arms for the King; then after many debates it was at length resolved, that the House of Com­mons would transact with the persons of the other House, as a House of Parliament, during the present Parliament: but with this proviso, That it was not intended thereby to exclude such Peers as have been faithful to the Parlia­ment, [Page 529] from their priviledg of being duly summoned to be Members of that House.

Then they took into their consideration, the Cases of divers persons who had been impri­soned in the time of Oliver; Major General Overton, and others of the Common-wealth party they released. The Duke of Buckingham was also freed out of Windsor-Castle, upon his Father-in-Law the Lord Fairfax's giving 20000 l. security, that he should not seek by any means to promote the interest of Charles Stuart. Next, after long and tedious debates, they yielded that the Members, who had been returned to serve for Scotland and Ireland, should continue to set amongst them as Members for that present Parliament. They likewise proceeded to draw up a bill, which should be entituled, An Act of Recognition of his High­ness his right and title to be Protector, and chief Magistrate of the Common-wealth of England, &c. But this was never perfected.

A. D. 1659, The Army now grew jealous of his Highness, complaining of his company that he kept; how that divers of them were no better than Cavaliers; censuring his Re­ligion also; giving out, that Godliness was discouraged by him; that he rather favoured those of loose principles, than the zealous professors of the Gospel.

April the 6th, General Charles Fleetwood presented the Protector a Representation from the Officers of the Army, wherein they com­plained, That they who had born the brunt of the War, were now despised, and like to be laid aside; That the Cavaliers held dangerous [Page 530] meetings in and about London, That lists of the names of such who were the Tryers of the old King, were Printed in red Letters, and scattered about, as if they were men appointed for destruction: That the famous actions of the long Parliament, and his late Highness, in and since 1648, were traduced and vilified. There­fore they desired that his Highness would be pleased to represent these things to the Par­liament, and procure their remedies. The Army also began to grow jealous also of the Parliament, as if they were too favourable to the Royal party, and joyned with the Protector to bring the Officers of the Army into sub­jection. Thereupon the General-Council of Officers, held many meetings and consultations, which the Parliament hearing of, voted that there should be no meeting nor General Coun­cil of Officers, without consent and by order of his Highness the Lord Protector: And that no person should have any command in the Army, who should refuse to subscribe that he will not disturb the free meetings in Parlia­ment, or their freedom in their debates and counsels. These votes the Protector sent to the Officers of the Army, which they valued not at all, but on the contrary resolved, that the Parliament should be dissolved. And in order thereunto Desbrough with other chief Officers, went to the Protector and forced him to sign a Commission for the Parliaments dis­solution; and accordingly the Parliament was dissolved. Which being effected, their next work was to put a period to the Protectors power, by restoring that remnant of the Long [Page 531] Parliament, which his Father had turned out; to which end the Officers of the Army invited those Members of Parliament, who continued sitting till April the 20th, 1653. and promised them that they would be ready in their places to yield them their utmost assistance, that they might set and act in safety. These Members ac­cepted their invitation, and accordingly took their places in Parliament, May the seventh; and upon notice that these were again housed, divers of those that were secluded in 1648, attempted to have taken their places, but were repulsed.

Then these Members caused the Protectors Great Seal to be broken, and voted their own old Seal up again. Then sent to the Protector for an acknowledgment from him of his sub­mission to their government; and accordingly on May the twenty-fifth he made his resignation and submission; declaring in writing, That though in respect to the particular engagements that lay upon him, he could not be active in making a change in the Government of these Nations; yet through the goodness of God, he would freely acquiesce in its being made; and that he held himself ingaged, as (with other men) he expected Protection from the present Government; so to demean himself with all peaceableness under it, and to procure to the utmost of his power, that all in whom he had interest should do the same. In short time after this, Henry Cromwel came over, and yielded up the Lieutenancy of Ireland unto the Members sitting at Westminster; who appointed five Commissioners for the Government of that [Page 532] Kingdom. General Monck in Scotland con­formed himself to their directions; and Colonel Lockhart, Governour of Dunkirk, likewise sub­mitted to their Authority.

Then this Junto commanded all such as had been in Arms for the King, to depart twenty Miles from London; passed an Act for setling of the Militia in the respective Counties of England and Wales. Ordered a whole years Assessment at 35000 l. a month on England, 6000 l. the month on Scotland, and 9000 l. on Ireland, to be paid into the Treasury before the eleventh of August next following. Ordered the immediate sale of White-Hall, Hampton-Court, and Sommerset-House, towards payment of the Armies Arrears. To their quondam Protector they were so friendly, as to protect him from all arrests; and withal to promise the payment of all his debts (for his Fathers Funeral and other occasions), which amount­ed to 29640 l. but this they never performed.

The while these things were in agitation, the Kings friends were very busie in promoting his interest, by engaging as many as they could for his service in all places of England; and so successful was the Kings Commissioners, that great part of the Nobility and Gentry of England and Wales, were interested by them in the Kings quarrel; and a day was fixed in July for their appearing in Arms; the first rising was to be chiefly of such as had never engaged on the Kings side in the late Wars, thereby to draw the Army unto a more faint opposition. Sir George Booth, Sir Thomas Mid­dleton, and some other of the old Parliamen­tarians, [Page 533] raised a party in Cheshire, Flintshire, and Lancashire, to the number of about three or four thousand men; who declared for a Free Parliament, and the due rights and privi­ledges of the Nation, against that Phanatick and unlawful power which now usurped do­minion over them. But Major General Lambert marching speedily against them, and encoun­tring them, his old Souldiers without much bloodshed totally routed them near unto Nant­wich; August the 17th. Colonel Charles White raised a small party in Nottingham and Derby-Shires: other inconsiderable parties were raised in other parts, but dispersed them­selves again; for the Rulers at Westminster, having met with some hint of this designed rising, had so ordered their standing-Army and Militia-forces in most places of the Land, that no considerable parties of the Kings friends, could have opportunity to get into a Body.

After the defeat of Sir George Booth's For­ces, the Members at Westminster prepared an Act for sequestring of the Estates of such per­sons as were engaged in this rising; and in to­ken of their favour and gratitude, they order'd Lambert a thousand pound for his good ser­vice, which he presently distributed amongst his Soldiers, thereby to engage them the more firmly to his designs: for though himself and other Grandees of the Army carried fair with the Junto, yet were they not well pleased with them, because since their last sitting they had somewhat lessened the Armies power, in giving order to their Speaker William Lenthall to issue [Page 534] out Commissions for Commanders, which had been done afore by the General; and had withal reserved the chief command of the Army to themselves, without any Captain Ge­neral. Therefore now whilst they were flustred with their late Victory, they drew up their Propositions to be presented to the Parliament, which they entituled, The humble Petition and Proposal of the Army under the Right Honourable the Lord Lambert, in the late Northern expediti­on; therein desiring that the Army might be com­manded by Fleetwood as chief General, by Lam­bert as the next superior General, &c. This was sent up to London from Lambert's Army, to be presented to the Parliament. But Sir Arthur Haslerigg being made acquainted with it be­fore it was delivered, immediately informed his fellow-Members thereof, alledging that it was a matter of most dangerous conse­quence. The Junto hereupon passed a Vote, That the having of more general Officers, was a thing needless, chargeable and danger­ous. But the Army-Officers of Lambert's par­ty still-prosecuting their intentions of gain­ing the whole ordering of the Army into their own hands, the Junto thereupon passed this Act, That it should be Treason in all per­sons whatsoever, to raise, levy, or collect mo­neys without consent of Parliament; designing hereby to bring the Army into subjection, because otherwise they could have no main­tenance; they likewise ordered that Lam­bert, Desbrough, Kelsey, Berry, Ashfield, Cobbet, Packer, Barrow and Creed, should be discom­missionated, and that others should enjoy their [Page 535] commands. They also ordered the Govern­ment of the Army to be in Seven Commissi­oners in whom the power should jointly re­side; these were Fleetwood, Monk, Ludlow, Wal­ton, Morley, Overton, and Haslerigg. But Lambert and his Complices were resolved to try a tug with the Junto who should be Masters; and to that end they engaged divers Companies and Regiments about London to side with them; and the Junto drew two Regi­ments to Westminster to take part with them; but when these two parties had stood at Westminster in a hostile sort, almost a whole day, facing each other, and sometimes ready to fall to it in good earnest; towards the evening the two parties fairly agreed to draw off to their respective quarters. And the next day, and forward, Lambert took care to guard the Parliament-doors that none of the Members might enter into the House. And now the Junto being once more laid a­side, Lambert's party made choice of Lieute­nant General Fleetwood to be Captain Gene­ral of the Army; Lambert (who 'tis thought aspired to Soveraignty) to be Major Gene­ral, and Desbrough to be Commissary Gene­ral. They framed likewise a new Govern­ment, on October the 26th. nominating Twenty-three persons to have the management of publick affairs, whom they would have to be called a Committee of Safety. Their names were, Bulstrode Whitlock, Edmund Ludlow, Sir Henry Vane, Sir James Harrington, Sir Archi­bald Johnson, General Fleetwood, General John Lambert, Colonel Desbrough, Colonel Sydan­ham, [Page 536] Major Saloway, Colonel Berry, Mr. Law­rence, Colonel Thompson, Colonel Hewson, Colonel Lilburn, John Ireton Lord Maior, Al­derman Robert Tichburn, Walter Strickland, Cornelius Holland, William Steel, Clerk, Bennet, Brandrith. Thus was miserable England sub­jected to the Arbitrary power of an Army, to have what Lords and Laws they pleased. But the time of its liberty approached, the principal instrument whereof was General George Monk, who pretending to a re-settle­ment of the Junto, and not to be able to see the Nation so inslaved by Lambert and his factious party, drew his Army out of Scot­land, having first changed some of his Officers. The Committee of Safety exceedingly courted this General to comply with them, and when that would not do, Lambert drew his Army into the North, with design to impede Ge­neral Monk's march to London, but all their projects availed nothing with the General. And to help forward his Majesties interest, and the Nations deliverance, the City of London grew very discontented and surly a­gainst the Army; the Fleet, that declared for the Junto; likewise many of Lambert's party withdrew themselves from him, and the Coun­try in general was full of discontents and murmurings; insomuch that the Committee of Safety perceived themselves to be in a very unsafe and kind of desolate condition; and therefore with great submission they sent for the Speaker, desiring him with the rest of his follow-Members to return to the exercise of their trust; which accordingly they did [Page 537] on December the twenty-sixth, and Colonel Lambert finding that all now went bad on his side, privately slipt away from his Soldiers (then about Newcastle upon Tine) and they returned to their obedience to the Junto; who upon their resettlement, Discommissiona­ted Lambert, with divers Colonels and Com­manders of the Army; published a Declarati­on for a Commonwealth, without a single Person or House of Lords, for preservation of the Laws, upholding of the Ministry, the University and Tythes (all which had lately been in great danger) for maintaining liberty of Conscience. General Monk in the mean time advanced with his new-modelled Army towards London, all the way being caressed by the Gentry of the several Counties as he passed along, with all testimonies of affection, and petition for the restoring of the Secluded Members, and procuring of a Free Parliament, Commissioners were sent to him from the City of London, with the like request for a Free Parliament; but the General wisely conceal­ed his inclinations and intentions, pretending strong resolutions to be faithful to those Mem­bers sitting at Westminster; and yet carried him­self with so much evenness, that the City and Country had hopes he would stand their friend, as the Junto could see but little cause to misdoubt his real good meaning to­wards them, howbeit to make him the surer on their side, they ordered him and his heirs a 1000 l. per Annum.

February the third, General Monk came to London with his Army he had drawn out of [Page 538] Scotland; the Army which had been quartered there, having marched out the night before by the Junto's command, though not without dis­content, and some disorder and mutiny: The next day his Excellency was conducted to the Parliament-House, where he received thanks from the Members for his good service; after which he acquainted them with the numer­ous Addresses he had received from the Coun­ties for the admission of the secluded Members, and a Free Parliament; minding them also of the danger themselves and Nation would be in, if the Fanatick party should be continued in Ci­vil or Military power. But the General's Speech was not well liked of by Mr. Tho. Scot, and some other of the Members. And the City of London, with whom they thought his Excellency too gracious, gave them greater cause of discon­tent; for the Common Council was now resol­ved to pay no more Taxes, till such time that the House was filled up with equal Representa­tives. Hereupon the Junto resolved to punish the City; and to make the General instrument in it, ordering him to seize upon eleven of the most active of the Common-Council, and commit them to the Tower, and also to pull down, and break the Posts, Chains, Gates, and Portculli­ces of the City; which he put in execution ac­cordingly on February the ninth, though not with any pleasure to himself, but of necessity, that so the House might not take any occasion from his disputing their commands to vacate his Commission, and put him out of capacity to ac­complish the blessed end he designed. Howbeit this action of the Generals did exceedingly amuse [Page 539] the loyal-hearted Citizens, and other good Sub­jects, and made them almost quite to give over the good hopes they had formerly had of him: But his Excellency, to put them out of all doubt concerning his intentions, bravely resolved to put an end to the Junto's power. And in or­der thereto, the very next morning he sent a Letter to the House, therein complaining, that they gave too much countenance to Lambert, Vane, and several others that engaged with the late Committee of Safety; that they had too much favoured a Petition lately delivered by one Praise, God Barebone, and other Fanaticks; and then concludes with a prefixed day, before which they should issue out Writs for a New Parliament, that so they might terminate their sitting, and come to a dissolution. The Junto receiving the Generals Letter, dissemble their resentment of it, and order him the Thanks of the House for his faithful service in securing the City; yet the very same day, that they might limit his power, they past an Act for the Government of the Army by five Commissioners, he to be one of them, the other their own Creatures. The General hearing hereof, with all convenient speed drew his Army together, and marched to Westminster, where he gave the Secluded Members re-admission into the Parlia-House, February the 21, to the great grief of the Rump-Parliament, (for so the Junto was now called in scorn and contempt) and to the excee­ding joy both of City and Country. And now the Parliament vote General Monk to be Cap­tain General of all the Forces in the three Nati­ons; constitute a new Council of State; set at [Page 540] liberty Sir George Booth, and such of his party as were Prisoners, also all such as had been im­prisoned for petitioning for a Free Parliament; caused the Rump Militia, consisting most of Se­ctaries, to be disbanded; made such Acts as might the best conduce to the settlement of the Nation; as, for the taking away all places of trust and power out of the hands of the Sectarian party; also voted a Full and Free Parliament to be cho­sen and to sit at Westminster, April the 25th. This Parliament was called Free, yet (as in all the Protectors Parliaments) no Loyalist that had been in actual Arms for the King, was capable of being elected for a Parliament-man.

March 17, the Long Parliament dissolved them­selves, leaving a Council of State to govern till the next Parliament should assemble. But in the interim, that the Parliament was busied for the recovering the peace and freedom of the Nation, some malecontents were very active for sowing the seeds of division in the Army, especially in that part which had been for the Committee of Safety; yet by the care and prudence of General Monk (who displaced most of the Fanatick Offi­cers) their designs were frustrated. Lambert, after the dissolution of the Parliament, attempted to involve the Nation again in a Civil War; but Col. Richard Ingoldsby dispersed his small force; and took him prisoner.

A.D. 1660, Apr. 20, the Free Parliament assembled at Westminster; on May 1. voted, That according to the ancient and fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, Charles the II. is the lawful and un­doubtful King of these Nations. Transcendent was the joy all over England, which issued from [Page 541] this good news. His Majesty from his Court then at Breda, had sent his Letters to both Houses of Parliament, to General Monk, and to the City; to Admiral Montague, and the Officers of the Fleet, with also a Declaration to all his loving Subjects, the substance whereof was, That he did grant a free and general pardon to all his Subjects that should within forty days lay hold upon his grace and favour, excepting such per­sons as should be excepted by Parliament. That he would shew all possible Indulgement to ten­der Consciences. And such as differ in matter of Religion, so they did not disturb the peace of the Kingdom, that he would preserve them free from injury in their lives and estates; and that all things relating to sales and purchases, (for there had been more lands bought and sold in the late usurping times, than what the right owners (loyal Subjects) had consented to, should be determined in Parliament: That he would take care for the full satisfaction of the arrears of the Soldiery under the command of General Monk, and that they should be received into his service, upon as good pay and conditions as at that present they enjoyed. The Parliament considering that his Majesty had for many years been deprived of his Revenues, and therefore could not but be in want of money, they there­fore ordered that the sum of 5000 l. should be sent him for a present; 10000 l. to the Duke of York, and 5000 l. to the Duke of Gloucester. The City of London likewise to testifie their gratitude to his Majesty, sent him 10000 l. and to his two Brothers a 1000 l. apiece, and 300 l. they pre­sented to the Lord Mordant, and Sir John Green­vil, [Page 542] who brought them his Majesties Letters, to buy each of them a Ring; and the Parliament for the same reason gave 500 l. to Sir John Green­vil to purchase a Jewel.

May 8. by order of Parliament, Charles the II. was at London with very great solemnity pro­claimed, The most Potent, Mighty and undoubted King of England, Scotland, &c. at which time the Acclamations of the people were wonder­ful great, and their joys such, that they could not find ways to express them. May 22. his Ex­cellency G. Monk set forth of London in order to meet his Majesty; and May 23. his Majesty with his Brothers set sail for England from the Hague, and on Friday landed at Dover, where the loyal General received the King. About 2 miles from Dover his Majesty forsook his Coach, and took Horse, his Brothers riding on his right hand, and the General on his left; after whom the Duke of Buckingham, and many other Noblemen & Gen­tlemen followed in gallant Equipage. For the ex­cellent service that G. M. had done for the King, and his Kingdoms his Majesty was pleased to dig­nifie him with the honour of being Knight of the Garter, Master of his Horse, Duke of Albemarle, Earl of Torrington, Baron Monk of Potheridg, &c. Chief General of all his Land-forces in the three Kingdoms, and one of his Privy Council, May the 29th, His Majesty made his Triumphal Cavalcade through the City of London, whither he was welcomed with all the expressions of Joy possible. And being come to White-hall, he there in his Presence-Chamber offered the Sacrifice of Peace and Thanksgiving, unto Almighty God for his wonderful reffauration. Then applied [Page 543] himself to the ordering of his Court, and ap­pointed the chief Officers of State; His High­ness James Duke of York he invested with the Office of Lord High Admiral. Sir Edward Hide (whose Daughter the Duke of York married) he constituted Lord Chancellour. The Earl of Manchester, Lord Chamberlain. The Lord Worths­ley, Earl of Southampton, Lord High Treasurer. Sir Edward Nicholas, and Sir William Morrice, chief Secretaries of State, &c. And others who had been constantly Loyal to him, or had per­formed any eminent good service for him, he advanced to places of High trust and dignity in the Court and Commonwealth. But be­cause the persons were numerous that had in an extraordinary sort been serviceable in pro­moting the Kings interest, and his Majesty had no other way to express at present his gracious acceptance thereof to many of them, he there­fore honoured their name and family by con­ferring on them according to their merit the Ti­tles of Duke, Earl, Viscount, Baron, Knight. Jun. 6. the Parliament set forth a Proclamation, where­in it was declared, That all such of the late Kings Judges as would not render themselves within so many days to their mercy, should be excepted out of the general pardon then prepa­ring; whereupon 20 of the Regicides came out of their coverts, and presenting themselves to the Speaker of the House of Commons, were com­mitted to custody. In August following, the long expected Act of Indempnity was passed, by which all that had been any ways engaged against the King were pardoned, save the Regicides and a very few others; and amongst those there were three [Page 544] who were freed in respect of life, liberty, and estate, because they had given evident signs of their hearty sorrow for that crying sin. It was also Enacted that the 30. of January should to all Posterities be observed a day of Humiliation for that great wickedness of murdering Gods Vice­gerent the King. Also, that May 29. should in all succeeding ages be observed a day of Thanks­giving for the Kings peaceable Restauration to the actual possession and exercise of his Legal authority over his Subjects. An Act for Pole-money was likewise passed, and an Act for en­abling Soldiers of the Army to exercise Trades in any Corporation, that thereby they might be in a capacity of living honestly and comforta­bly after their disbanding.

September the thirteenth, That hopeful Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester departed this life; and on the same day the Parlia­ment was adjourned to the sixth of November following.

In October, Major General Harrison, Mr. John Carew, and other of the Regicides, were ar­raigned at the old Bayly in London, where they were all found guilty and condemned to die the death due to Traytors. Of the Regicides now condemned, were hang'd and quartered at Charing-Cross, Harrison, Carew, Cook, Peters, Scot, Scroop, Jones, and Clement; and at Tyburn Hacker was hanged; and Axtel, a busie pro­moter of the Kings death was hanged and quartered. All save Hugh Peters, dyed very resolutely. The persons whose names follow, had the favour to be reprieved after Condem­nation, because they delivered themselves to [Page 545] the Parliaments mercy upon their Proclama­tion, Hardres Waller, Wait, Tichburn, Marten, Pennington, Row, Holland, Downs, Garland, Temple, Millington, Hevingham, Lilburn, Fleet­wood, Smith, Meyn, and Hulet. This last was accused to be one of those two which in a Frock and Vizard assisted in the horrid execu­tion of the King; but because the evidence against him seemed to the Judges not sufficiently clear, he had his reprieve.

December the 24th, Mary the Princess of Orange dyed at White-Hall, and on the 29th of the same month was buryed at VVestminster; and the Parliament on the same day dissolved. At the dissolution whereof, the King gave His Royal consent to these Acts, amongst many others, viz. An Act for granting to the Kings Majesty 400000 l. by Assessment of 70000 l. per mensem for six months, for disbanding the Army, and paying the Navy. And an Act of Attainder, which was made to attaint the Judges and other Actors in the murder of the late King; Cromwell, Ireton, Bradshaw, Pride, and all the rest of the Regicides deceased, are adjudged to be convicted, and attainted of High Treason to all intents and purposes, as if they and every of them respectively had been attainted in their life-time. And all per­sons fled for that Treason, that is to say; John Lisle, VVilliam Say, John Berkstead, Valen­tine VValton, Edward VVhaley, Edmund Ludlow, Sir Michael Levesey, John Okey, John Hewson, VVilliam Goff, Thomas Challoner, VVilliam Cawley, Miles Corbet, Nicholas Low, John Dixwell, Daniel Blagrave, Andrew Broughton, Edward [Page 546] Dendy, and every of them, stand and be ad­judged convicted of High Treason, &c.

After his Majesty had given his Royal assent to the Acts presented him, he made a Speech to both Houses, wherein he used these memorable expressions, That this Parliament should be called to all posterity, The Healing and the Blessed Parliament.

In the beginning of January Following, whilst his Majesty was accompanying his Royal Mother, and Sister Henrietta Maria, part of their Journey to France, an inconsiderable number of the fifth Monarchists raised a great distur­bance in London, killing some of the City-watch, and two nights with great desperateness opposing the Trained-bands and other force, till at length divers of them being wounded, and others slain, the rest, that could, made their escape. And in a few days after, was Captain Vennor, and twelve more of them, executed in Coleman-street over against their meeting-house, and other parts of London.

January the thirtieth, were the dead bodies of those infamous Traytors, Cromwell, Ireton, Bradshaw, (all buried at VVestminster) taken out of their Coffins, and drawn upon Hurdles to Tyburn; they were hang'd by the neck for some hours, then had their heads chopt off, which were perched upon VVestminster-hall; and their bodies thrown into a hole under the Gallows.

This Year of Jubilee were the lands of the Kings Loyal Subjects restored to them that had been unjustly taken from them, by the late Usurper; the Bishops, Deans, and Chapters [Page 547] lands were likewise restored to the use of these Church-men.

A. D. 1661. The entrance of this Year was made famous by the magnificent Coronation of King Charles the Second, who was Crowned at VVestminster on St. Georges day, by the hands of Dr. Juxon Archbishop of Canterbury. May the eighth, according to His Majesties summons, the Parliament met at VVestminster, and elected Sir Edward Turnor for their Speaker.

May the twentieth, by order of Parliament was the Scots Solemn League and Covenant, that had been imposed on the Kings Subjects without his consent, burnt in London by the hand of the common Hangman. May the 27th, James Marquess of Argile for his former disloyal and treasonable practices, was beheaded at the City of Edenbrough in Scotland. November the 26, John James a Fifth-monarchist, was drawn, hanged and quartered at London, for speaking certain Treasonable words.

January the 27th, the Lord Mounson, Sir Henry Mildmay, and Mr. Wallop, three instru­ments in procuring the death of the late King, were shamefully drawn upon Hurdles from Newgate to Tyburn, and from thence back again.

February the eighth, hapned a most violent Wind, the like to which had not been known in the memory of any then living; it did very much harm in many parts of the Nation, by tearing up of Fruit and Timber-Trees, and ruining Houses. This year the Book of Common-Prayer was restored to the Church, and con­firmed by Act of Parliament.

[Page 548] A. D. 1662, and April the 19th, three of the Regicides, namely, Berkstead, Okey, and Corbet, were drawn upon Hurdles from the Tower to Tyburn, and there hang'd and quartered.

May the 14. Katharine the Infanta of Portugal, arrived at Portsmouth, where she was married to Charles the Second King of England, Scot­land, &c.

May the 19th. at the Prorogation of the Par­liament, was the Bill for Hearth-money signed.

In the beginning of June was Sir Henry Vane, and Lambert, tryed at the Kings-Bench Bar, for formerly disturbing the peace of the Na­tion, &c. and were found guilty of Treason, and condemned; and on June the 14th, was Sir Henry Vane beheaded on Tower-hill; but through his Majesties Clemency, Lambert had his life respited. On St. Bartholomew day did many Ecclesiastical persons relinquish their benefices, rather than conform to the Church-discipline: and declare their unfeigned assent and consent to all and every thing contained and prescribed in and by the Book of Common-Prayer: and subscribe the following acknowledgment, Viz, ‘I do declare, that it is not lawful upon any pretence whatsoever, to take Arms against the King; and that I do abhor that Traiterous position of taking Arms by his Authority against his Person, or against those that are Com­missionated by him, &c. That I will conform to the Liturgy of the Church of England, as it is now established by Law. And I do declare, that I hold there lies no obligation on me, or any other person, from the Oath, com­monly [Page 549] called the Solemn League and Covenant, to endeavour any change and alteration of Government, eitheir in Church or State; and that the same was in it self an unlawful Oath, and imposed upon the Subjects of this King­dom against the known Laws and Liberties thereof.’

A. D. 1663. and May the 31, dyed that reverend Prelate Dr. Juxon Archbishop of Can­terbury: into whose See the Learned Dr. Sheldon, Bishop of London, was Translated.

A. D. 1664, Numerous complaints being made unto the Parliament of the many injuries and depredations done by the Dutch to the English Nation; they freely declared that they would with their lives and fortunes assist his Majesty to the redressing of his Subjects wrongs, and to the curbing again of that ungrateful people. In order to which, great preparations were made to furnish out a gallant Fleet, and War was proclaimed against the Ʋnited Netherlands. And that nothing might be wanting to further this great undertaking, the House of Commons voted His Majesty a supply of Two Millions five hundred thousand pounds to be raised in three Years time. And to hasten the Naval preparations, the City of London lent him Ma­jesty 100000 l.

December the 24th, a Blazing-Star appeared, and two others shortly after darted down their malign influences upon London, and other places in England.

March the 7th, the London Frigat, as she was coming up to Lee, was fired; to supply which [Page 550] loss, the City of London speedily built another; this his Majesty was pleased to name the Loyal London.

A. D. 1665, and in the month of May, began that transending Plague in London, whereof dyed in little more than a years space, near 100000 persons; many other places of England were sorely visited at this time with that dread­ful Judgment of God, the Pestilence.

June the 3d. was that eminent Victory ob­tained upon the Dutch Fleet.

October the 3d. The Parliament met at Oxford, by reason of the infection at London.

A. D. 1666, and in the month of June, was the second great Fight betwixt His Majesties Naval Forces and the Dutch, which took up part of the 1, 2, 3, and 4. days of the said month. July the 2d. was the 3d. great Fight, wherein the Duke of Albemarle through the great number of his enemies Ships, was very hardly tasked, till Prince Rupert with a squa­dron came in to his aid unlooked for; but then the Dutch were soon sent home. In this War the Dutch were assisted by the French.

CHARLES II.

UPon the Second of September, a­bout two of the Clock in the Morning, began that dreadful Fire in London, which lasted till Thursday following, the Sixth of the same Moneth: It began in the House of one Fariner a Baker in Pudding-lane near the Bridge, and spread it self in length (besides breadth) from the Tower of Lon­don, to St. Dunstans Church near Temple-bar in Fleet-street; by which, according to the Computation of Surveyors, were consumed 373 Acres of Building, within the Walls of London, and 63 Acres 3 Roods without the Walls; 87 Parish Churches, 6 Consecrated Chappels, the Royal Exchange, the Guild-hall of the City; with many stately Halls belonging to several Companies; and according to the best accompt, Thirteen thousand two hundred Houses. The total of the loss su­stained by these devouring Flames, was valued to be Nine millions and nine hun­dred thousand pounds Sterling. That the hand of God (for the punishment of the sins of this City and Nation) was visible [Page 2] in this Fire, no man will deny; but whe­ther carelesness or design, were the immedi­ate occasions of it, is variously believed and discoursed of. As it happened in the time of a War with the French and Dutch, so many at that time did conclude it to be a treacherous Act of one, or both of these People; especially seeing one Hubert a crazy-brain'd melanchollick French Man, confessed he did the Fact, by putting a Fire-ball into the House of the Baker where it began; and was therefore hang'd at Tyburn. But of late one Mr. Oats, of whom more particular mention shall be made hereafter, lays the guilt of this merciless Action on a knot of Jesuits, Friers, and Irish men, in all to the number of 80 or thereabouts; who having laid the project long before, could not con­veniently put it in execution till this un­lucky time.

This fatal Accident, the fore-runner of many more of the same kind, that hap­pened in His Majesties Dominions after­wards, gave the King a sad opportunity of exercising His Compassion and Care towards many distressed and distracted Families, who then lodged in the open Fields, under the Canopy of Heaven: His Majesty therefore not only issued out Proclamations to Justices of the Peace for causing Provisions to be sent into the Markets, and ordered His Sea-stores to [Page 3] be opened for a present supply of Bread in Ship-bisket; but likewise past a De­claration for preventing such lamentable Accidents for the future, That none should offer to re-build until necessary measures were appointed for rendring the New Structures more secure and lasting.

The Parliament met on the 18th of September, and having given the King Supplies for carrying on of the War, pas­sed an Act for establishing a Judicature, to take Cognisance of, and determine all, differences that might arise among Parties, concerning burnt or demollished Houses. A new Model of Building was appointed, and the Parliament was prorogued till the 10th of October following.

The Court seldom escapes free, when Combustions rage in the City, nor did it at this time, for by carelesness in using of a Candle, a Fire taking in the Horse-guard at White-hall, a great part of that Building was burnt down; but by the spe­cial care of His Majesty and His Guards, its progress was quickly stopt.

His Majesty at this time meeting with bad usage from many hands, in order to a redress, published several Proclamati­ons; one for prohibiting the Importation of Canary Wines, and all Commerce with those Parts; another to the same effect [Page 4] with France, and all the French Kings Dominions; a third upon the humble Ad­dress of the Lords and Commons in Par­liament, for banishing the Kingdom all Priests and Jesuits, and a fourth for open War with Denmark.

The City now ashamed to lie longer smuthered under ashes, was by Sir Jonas Moore, upon his Conformity to the Scant­ling and Model of Building, appointed by the Committee, first rowsed in Fleet-street, from which beginning it grew so hastily towards a perfection, that in a few years it out did all its ancient Splendour and Glory, and appeared again far more beautiful than by its fall it had been de­solate and abject; no less a wonder than the suddenness of its overthrow.

Scotland at this time shared likewise in Combustions, though occasioned by a Fire of another nature; for a seditious Zeal having inspired some male-contents with revenge against Sir James Turner for exe­cuting (too vigorously as they pretended) the Laws against them, they committed an insolent Riot upon his Person, and hardly forbore the cutting of him in pieces. This Tumult was at first raised by a small inconsiderable Rabble, but in a short time they encreased to a body of 1600 men, who marching streight towards Edenbourgh, were encountred and defeated by His Ma­jesties [Page 5] Forces, commanded by Lieute­ant General Dalyell and Major General Drammond. Many of the Rebels were slain, more taken, whereof the Ring-leaders were executed, and the rest either pro­scribed or otherways punished by Law.

The Convention of Estates of Scotland meeting in January after 1666/7, for composing of the affairs of that King­dom, and for preventing both intestine and foreign dangers that might threaten it, resolved to put the Countrey into a po­sture of defence, and for maintaining of such Forces as were necessary for his Majesties Service, assessed the Kingdom in an Impo­sition of 6000 l. per moneth.

About the later end of this year, the Lord Willoughby set out from Barbadoes with a considerabe well-man'd Fleet, with de­sign to annoy the French and Dutch Plan­tations in the West Indies; but by a violent Hurricane his Fleet was dispersed, and himself with many more cast away.

The Swedes having the year before of­fered a Mediation for a Peace between the King of England and the States of the Ʋnited Provinces, Anno 1667. prevailed this year with the King to condescend thereunto, and to accept of Breda for the place of Treaty.

The Dutch in the mean time are busie in making preparations for continuing the [Page 6] War, upon a fair and approved Maxime of State, That with an Enemy it is surest treating with sword in hand. The King of England not ignorant of their doings, re­solved to make them spend the Summer in needless expences of War, and onely keep himself upon his Guard.

The English therefore having but a small Fleet abroad, the Dutch put to Sea betimes, and about the later end of April made an attempt on Burnt-Island in Scot­land; but were beaten off with loss.

Their next attempt was upon the Fort of Sheerness, which being a place of small Force, was (after a short but stout re­sistance) abandoned by Sir Edward Sprague; and so the mouth of that narrow River was left open. After this they assaulted and were beaten off from Languard Fort, en­gaged a squadron of the English, with a squadron of theirs, and were worsted; shewed themselves before Portsmouth, and made some slight attempts in Devonshire and Cornwall; and after De Ruyter, their Admiral, had been civilly complemented by the Earl of Bath in the West, and had received Advice of the Conclusion of the Peace, they sailed back for Holland.

This Peace was concluded at Breda, the Twenty first of June; the Ratifications interchanged the Fourteenth of August, and [Page 7] proclaimed afterward in London, thee Twenty fourth of the same moneth.

This year died the Earl of Southamp­pton, Lord high Treasurer of England, which place the King thought fit to supply by Commissioners (viz.) the Duke of Albe­marle, the Lord Ashley Cooper, since Earl of Shaftsbury, Sir Thomas Clifford, Sir Wil­liam Coventry, and Sir John Duncomb.

The Parliament was to have met in July, but was prorogued till the Tenth of Octo­ber; in which Session several Acts were passed, amongst others, one for banishing and disabling the Earl of Clarendon; the Parliament then adjourned till February.

In America, Sir John Harman with a squadron of English Ships, attacqued a squadron of French in their Ports with so good success, that he burnt their Admiral, and six or seaven of their best Ships; all the rest but two being sunk, either by the Enemy or the English Shot, and that with very small loss of men, or damage to his Ships.

The King to encourage the re-building of the City this year, was pleased auspi­ciously to lay the first Stone himself in the Foundation of the Royal-Exchange; as short­ly after his Royal Highness laid a Founda­tion Stone for a second Pillar thereof.

[Page 8]About the beginning of February, the Parliament, according to their Adjourn­ment, met; and upon their humble Peti­tion to His Majesty, procured a Procla­mation to be emitted, for enforcing the Laws against Conventicles, and for pre­serving the Peace of the Nation against un­lawful Assemblies.

This moneth was proclaimed the Peace with Spain, which had been (much to the advantage of Commerce) concluded in May last.

About the end of March, in Easter week, some licencious idle Persons, pretending former custom, took the liberty to pull down some Houses of bad repute about the Suburbs of London.: Though the Pren­tices bore the blame of this Riot, yet o­thers were found guilty; whereof four being apprehended, were convicted and executed, and two of their Heads set upon London Bridge.

In May the King passed some Bills in the House of Lords, whereof one was for raising an Imposition on Wines and other Liquors; and the Parliament was ad­journed till the 11th of August following.

In June News was brought to London of the burning of the Bridge Town in Bar­badoes, [Page 9] where besides the loss of most of the Houses, the Magazine, to the great prejudice of the publick, as well as of pri­vate Persons, was blown up.

The Duke of York in September near to Dover, took the usual Oath of Warden of the Cinque Ports.

The Parliament that was to have met in August, was by Proclamation Prorogued till the Tenth of November ensuing, and the Duke of Monmouth, upon the resignation of the Lord Gerrard, was made Captain of his Ma­jesties Life-Guards of Horse.

Sir Thomas Allen made Peace this year with the Algerines; and the Parliament which met at the appointed time, and ad­journed till March, were in December, by Proclamation, prorogued till the Tenth of October following.

About the middle of January 1668/9, the Dutchess of York was brought to Bed of a Daughter, christened by the Name of Henrietta, by the Archbishop of Canter­bury; the Duke of Ormond assisting as God-father, the Marchioness of Dorchester and Countess of Devonshire, having the Honour of being God-mothers.

In March 1668/9, the Prince of Tuscany, in pursuance of his Travels, came to visit England, where being honourably received and magnificently treated by His Majesty, [Page 10] and several Persons of Quality of the King­dom, he departed for Holland in his way homeward.

Anno 1669.The beginning of this year the Earl of Carlisle was sent Embassadour Extraordi­nary to Sweden. As he was at Copenhagen, on his way, he received a Letter from the King of England, in answer to an o­bliging Letter of the King of Denmark, to be delivered to that King. This Letter was so acceptable to the Dane, that upon the Embassadours instance, he dispatched Orders to all his Ports and Mercantile Towns, especially in Norway, for resto­ring the English to their former Freedoms and Priviledges in Trading.

Being arrived in Sweden, he presented the King with the George worn by the Knights of the Garter; and was after­ward, as His Majesties Proxie, solemnly installed in the Order at Windsor.

This year was the stately new Theatre of Oxford, the noble Gift of Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, according to the intent of the Donor, put into the Possession of that University: And upon his Graces declining the Chancellourship, the Duke of Ormond was installed Chancellour of the University of Oxford.

Whilst the King was taking his Diver­tisement with the Duke of York, in the New Forrest in Hampshire, they both re­ceived an Express of the death of their [Page 11] Mother, the Queen Dowager of England, who died at Columbee the last of August, and was buried in St. Denis in November following.

About this time arrived at Dublin the Lord Roberts, as Lord Deputy of Ireland.

The Exchange of London ever since the Fire, had been kept at Gresham Colledge in Bishopsgate-street, till now, to the great satisfaction of the City, the Merchants re­turned to the Royal Exchange in Corn-hill; a Fabrick as far exceeding the old one in Beauty and Structure, as the City re­built does that which was destroyed.

At the day of October prefixed, the Par­liament met, to whom the King, amongst other things in his Speech, proposed the uniting of England and Scotland into one Kingdom; this Project in the Sequel had no better issue, than another set on foot by King James for the same purpose. The Parliament having sate above a month, and done but very little, were prorogued till the 24th of February following.

The Parliament of Scotland sate at Eden­bourgh at the same time that the Parlia­ment of England did at Westminster; in the which the Earl of Lauderdale repre­sented His Majesty as His Commissioner. In this Session of Parliament, amongst many other Acts, that of asserting his Majesties Supremacy in all Causes and [Page 12] over all Persons, Civil and Ecclesiastical, passed A necessary Act for securing the Rights of Monarchy against popular and unwarrantable Innovations; and a duty, which had it not been forgotten, or tram­pled upon in these later times, might (with Gods Blessing) have preserved both Na­tions from scandalous and fatal conse­quences.

A splendid and magnificent Embassie was this year sent to Taffelette, Empe­rour of Morocco, in the Person of Mr. Henry Howard, since Duke of Norfolk; which by reason of the troubles of that Countrey, and the inability of the Em­peror to secure a safe conduct to a Per­son of that quality, proved of small con­sequences; and the Embassadour returned without seeing the Emperour, or perform­ing his Embassie.

The later end of this year died the Duke of Albemarle, his Dutchess not many days surviving him. The King as a mark of gratitude to the deceased Duke, sent his Son, the present Duke, his Fathers Garter, continued to him many of his Honours and Preferments; and sent him word, that he himself would take care of his Fa­thers Funeral.

The Parliament met again at the ap­pointed time; and the King among other [Page 13] things, re-minded them of the project of Union between the two Kingdoms.

This year, in the beginning of April, Anno 1670, the King having passed some Bills, the Parliament was adjourned to the 24th of October: Amongst others, was an Act for authorizing such Commissioners as His Majesty should be pleased to nominate for treating with the Scottish Commissioners about the projected Union; who being nominated, and having afterwards met with those sent from Scotland, many Con­ferences were held; but insuperable dif­ficulties appearing in the matter, it was wholly laid aside.

At this time, the Lord John Berkley ar­rived in Dublin, and was invested Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

The Princess of Orleans made now her last visit to her two Brothers, the King of England and Duke of York, at Dover; and upon her return, which was shortly after, took her journey out of this World: for to the great grief and surprize of the Court of England, she died suddenly.

Captain Beach being in the Straits with four English Frigots, met a squadron of seven Algier Men of War, full of Men; gave them Battel, and after a short dispute, forced them all ashore; where two of [Page 14] them were burnt by themselves, and the rest by the English: most of their Men were lost, and 250 Christian Captives set at liberty.

In October, The Parliament met again, according to their Adjournment, and then was the Peace between England and Spain beyond the Line, concluded and ratified.

The Prince of Orange came this year into England, and having visited both U­niversities, after a short stay he returned.

During this Session of Parliament, the Lords and Commons having humbly re­presented to His Majesty, their fears and jealousies of the growth of Popery; the King by Proclamation commanded all Jesuits, and English, Irish, and Scottish Priests, and all others that had taken Orders from the See of Rome, except such as were to wait upon the Queen and Fo­reign Embassadors, to depart the King­dom, upon pain of having the Laws and Statutes of the Realm put in execution a­gainst them.

Anno 1671.In the beginning of this year, died at St. James's, her Royal Highness Anne, Dutchess of York, Daughter to the Earl of Clarendon; and was shortly after privately buried at Westminster.

[Page 15]The Parliament still sate, and amongst others, having past an Act for an addition to the Kings Revenue, by an Imposition on proceedings at Law; by an humble Address they Petitioned His Majesty, that he would be pleased by his Royal Ex­ample to encourage the wearing of the Manufactures of his own Kingdome, and to discountenance the use of Foreign; to which the King having graciously con­descended, they were Prorogued till the 16th of April next ensuing,

In June, Sir Edward Sprague, Admiral for the King in the Mediterranean Sea, burnt and took under the very Guns of the Ca­stle of Bugia, nine of the best men of War of Algier. This News so incensed that people, that in a tumultuary manner they cut off the Head of their King, the Aga having done the like to their Ge­neral, and forced their New created King to make a Peace much to the ad­vantage of England.

The Parliament was again Prorogued from the 16th of April following to the 30th of October, 1672.

This Year his Majesty was pleased to Honour the City of London with his Presence at the Lord Mayors Feast, being the first, that since the Fire was kept in [Page 16] their Guild-hall, after it was advantage­ously repaired.

The King having long concealed his Just displeasure against the Dutch, and his resentments of their unworthy deal­ings towards him, intends now an open War with the Ʋnited Provinces. In or­der thereunto, in January, 1671/2 his Ma­jesty declared, that seing his Neighbours were making great preparations, both by Sea and Land, he looked upon himself as obliged to put himself into such a Posture, as might best secure his Govern­ment and People: And that seeing Money, which was absolutely necessary for that end, was wanting, he was unavoidably forced, (which otherwise he would not have done,) to put a Stop to the Pay­ment of all Moneys brought in, or to be brought in, to his Exchequer for the space of one whole Year.

In the mean time, Sir George Downing, his Majesties Embassadour in Holland, Presses the States hard with the Business of the Flag; but finding his Demands shifted of with Delays, and his Negotia­tion like to prove successess, he return­ed back in a short time to England; where he was committed to the Tower, for not having punctually obeyed his Instructions.

[Page 17]In March 1671/2, there was War decla­red by the King of Great Britain, the Dutch by this allarmed, and by the pro­ceedings and preparations of the French King, which they knew tended to a rup­ture with them, fortified themselves with all diligence as well by Forces at home as Allies abroad, and made the Prince of Orange their Captain General at Land, and Admiral at Sea, for the ensuing Years actions.

This Year the beautiful Escurial in Spain, one of the most Magnificent buildings in Europe, and reckoned one of the Won­ders of the World, was consumed by fire. Besides the many Varieties that here were lost, the Famous Library perished; a loss hardly ever again to be repai­red.

The French King being now joyned with the English in War against the Dutch, Anno 1672. in the beginning of this year marches at the head of his Main Army, towards the Frontiers of the Netherlands, and sends his Fleet to joyn the English.

In May both Fleets were joyned at Sea, under the Command of His Royal Highness the Duke of York making all together about 160 Sail. They had had often sight of the Dutch, but no Engagement till the 28th of [Page 18] this Month, and then in Southwold Bay a sharp Fight began about five of the Clock in the Morning, and was obsti­nately maintained on both sides till Night, the Dutch then bore away, and the Duke stood after them, keeping within sight of their Lights all Night. In this Engage­ment died the Earl of Sandwich, Captain Digby in the Henry, Sir John Cox hard by the Duke in the Prince, Sir Frescheville Hollis, and Monsieur de la Rabiner, the French Rear Admiral. Several other Of­ficers were slain and wounded, about Se­ven hundred common Seamen lost, and as many wounded; the Royal James burnt, and the Katherine taken, but by her own men rescued again. On the Dutch side were killed Admiral Van Ghent and Cap­tain Brakhel. Their great Ships were sadly shattered, two sunk; one taken, and one burnt; many others were missing, whereof no account could be given, and a great many of their common Seamen killed and wounded. The French at the same time, to increase their loss, took several of their Towns and Forts by Land.

Next day after this Engagement, in the Afternoon, The Duke of York put twice out his bloody Flag upon sight of the Dutch; but was as often prevented from Engaging them by thick Fogs and Mists, which gave the Duch opportunity to re­treat; and so no more considerable Action at Sea was performed this year.

[Page 19]The States being thus pressed (in all probality) above the strength of so small a Republick; having the French on the one side, the Bishop of Munster on the o­ther, by Land, and the English by Sea, to deal with, were not able to repress the Tumults and Insolencies of the exa­sperated People. The Burghers of Dort in a tumultuary manner, got the Prince of Orange created Statholder, which was afterward confirmed by the States. And at the Hague, not long after, a masterless Rabble hall'd out of Prison the Ruart van Putten, and his Brother De Witt, who had been condemned to lose their Dignities and be banished, for some Designs against the Prince, and barbarously murthered them, dragging their Bodies through the Streets, hanging them on the Gallows by the Heels, and afterward inhumanely tearing and cutting them to picces.

The Parliament of England which was to have met in October, was prorogued till the Fourth of February following.

This year was the Earl of Essex sent into Ireland, to succeed to the Lord John Berkley, as Lieutenant of that Kingdom. The Lord Keeper of England, Bridgeman, now aged and infirm, having resigned his place, the Earl of Shaftsbury was made Chancellour of England, and Thomas Lord Clifford Lord High Treasurer.

[Page 20]Toward the beginning of December, the Duke of Richmond, who had been this year sent Embassadour Extraordinary into Sweden, died in his Calesche, as he was upon his return to Elsenore, from being a­board of the Yarmouth Frigat. No other reason could be given for the suddenness of his death, but the extream coldness of that piercing Air, to which his Body was not accustomed.

The time of Prorogation being expired, the Parliament met again; and upon the removal of Sir Edward Turnor, their Speaker, to be Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer, Sir Job Charleton was made Speaker; but he shortly after falling Sick, Edward Sey­mour Esq succeeded. This Session of Par­liament voted the King a supply of 18 months Assessement, not exceeding 70000 l. a Month; but began to be dissatisfied with the Kings indulgence and toleration to Phanaticks, though his Majesty by a gra­cious Answer to an Address of theirs, en­deavoured to remove that scruple.

Anno 1673.About the later end of March, an Act for a general and free pardon past in Par­liament; and then both Houses adjourned till the 20th of October following.

One James Piercy, upon the death of the Earl of Northumberland, in whom the male race of that ancient Family expired, came [Page 21] into England, laid claim to the Title and Estate, and thereupon petitioned the Par­liament; but his Petition was rejected, and himself looked upon as an Imposter.

The Island of Tobago was this year taken by the English from the Dutch, in ex­change whereof, the Dutch took St. Helena from the English; which might have pro­ved of very bad consequence to the English East-India Trade; had it not been re-taken by Captain Monday, with three Dutch East-India Merchant Men besides, which fully paid the charges of its reprisal. For this good service Captain Monday was Knighted.

The Dutch this year were first at Sea, and attempted a vain project, of stopping up those narrow Channels that give entry to the River of Thames. Prince Rupert, who commanded the English Fleet, put out to encounter them; but they retreat­ing to their own Shoar, the Prince stood to the West-ward, that he might joyn the French and part of the English Fleets. This being shortly after done, the whole Fleet made toward the coast of Holland; and the Prince finding them before Schon­velt, secured by their Banks and the shal­lowness of the Water, on the 28th of May detached a Squadron of Thirty five small Frigots to provoke them to an Engage­ment: The Dutch, contrary to expecta­tion, [Page 22] came forth in good order and en­gaged. The French and English emulous for honour, fought with extraordinary eagerness, and somewhat entangled each other; but at length, after a sharp di­spute, the magnanimous Prince forced the Enemy to run, and followed them as far as the Sands and Water did permit, till Night put an end to the conflict; and the Dutch regained their former station. The English lost but a few common Sea­men, and not one Ship. Captains were slain, Fowles, Finch, Tempest, and Woor­den. On the Dutch side were killed Vice Admiral Schram, Rear Admiral Ʋlugh and six Captains more. They lost consi­derably in Men, but onely one Ship called the Deventer.

On the fourth of June happened ano­ther Engagement, wherein no great Ex­ecution was done on either side, it be­ing managed at great distance, and most part in the night time.

And that the Series of this years War­like Actions, may be continued without interruption, on the Tenth of August, both Fleets met again at Sea, and gave the last stroke to this War. The Dutch being about the Goree, got the Wind of the English, and bore briskly down upon them, the Fight was obstinate and bloody on both sides, especially between Sir Ed­ward [Page 23] Sprague and van Tromp; but the French making as if they stood off for the Wind, did it in reallity, that they might have the conveniency of being Spectators. Prince Rupert and de Ruyter, who had been engaged together all day, finding themselves at distance from their respective Squadrons, stood back again to their assistance; and de Ruyter design­ing to have cut off the blew Squadron from the rest of the Fleet, was so smart­ly charged by the Prince, that he was fain to give way; so that had the French made use of their Wind they had, the Dutch had certainly sustained far greater loss then they did, and not so easily drawn off by favour of the Night. In this Engagement Sir Edward Sprague, as he was shifting from one Ship to another, had his long Boat by a Random Shot shivered to pieces under him, and so to the grief and regret of all that knew him, was drowned; his Ship strangely disabled, was by his valiant Second, the Earl of Ossory, brought off. Captain Neve was slain, Reeves and Heywood died of their Wounds, and Martel only of the French was killed. The loss of common Seamen was not very great on the English side. The Dutch lost two Flag Officers, several Captains, and about a 1000 common Seamen.

About the middle of June, the Lord Clifford resigned his Treasurers Staff, and [Page 24] Sir Thomas Osborn, created Viscount Osborn of Dumblain in Scotland, and afterwards Earl of Danby in England, was made Lord High Treasurer.

The Parliament, according to their last Adjournment, meeting in October, were prorogued till the 27th of the same month; then meeting again, they were prorogued till the 7th of January following.

Soon after the King issued out His Pro­clamation, requiring all Judges and Ju­stices of the Peace, effectually to prose­cute the Laws against all Papists and Po­pish Recusants.

About the later end of November, his Royal Highness the Duke of York, was married to the Princess of Modena.

Though the Preparations for War went on vigorously, both on the English and Dutch sides, yet overtures of Peace were still set on foot; and His Majesty conde­scended to a Treaty at Cologne, which took no effect. The Dutch in the mean time thought it not fit to desist; but by another way of Negotiation, that is to say, by in­tercourse of Letters, they at length prevailed so far, as to receive a con­descending Letter from the King of England in February 1673/4, which was shortly after followed by a conclusion [Page 25] of the Peace by them so much desired.

Peace being now concluded, Anno 1674. this year affords no great Transactions of impor­tance; the Consultations of Government being chiefly directed to the preservation of quietness and unity at home; in order to which His Majesty emitted several Pro­clamations against Papists and Jesuits.

The Duke of Monmouth upon resignation of the Duke of Buckingham, was chosen Chancellour of the University of Cam­bridge, The Earl of St. Albans giving up the Staff of Lord Chamberlain of His Ma­jesties Houshold, his place was given to the Earl of Arlington, to whom Sir Joseph Williamson succeeded as Principal Secretary of State.

Upon the 22th of September, His Ma­jesty by Proclamation prorogued the Par­liament, which was to have met the 10th of November, till the 13th of April ensuing.

His Majesty having been pleased to ac­cept of the Freedom of the City of Lon­don, was in December, by Sir Robert Vynor, Lord Mayor, in Name of the City, pre­sented with the Copy of his Freedom; in a large square Box of Massie Gold, the Seal appended, being in a Box of Gold, set all over with large Diamonds.

[Page 26]About the beginning of January 1674/5, her Royal Highness was brought to Bed of a Daughter, Christened at St. James's by the Bishop of Durham, by the Name of Katharina Laura; the Duke of Monmouth being Godfather, and the Lady Mary and Lady Anne Godmothers.

Anno 1675.The Parliament, according to their last Prorogation, met on the 13th of April; but having sate till a week in June, and a difference arising between the two Houses, concerning an Appeal made by one Sherley to the Lords, His Majesty upon the 9th of June prorogued them till the 13th of October following.

There happened this year a dangerous Plot carried on with great secrecy by the Blacks of Barbadoes against the English, which upon the very nick of being put in execution, was detected, and the Conspi­rators punished.

The Natives of New-England, under the command of King Philip Hegamore, rose likewise against the English, and did them considerable damage; but were in a short time curbed from their insolencies, and driven to their skulking holes

In September, most part of the Town of Northampton was by a dreadful Fire [Page 27] burnt down, nothing left standing except a few Houses in the out-skirts of the Town.

The Parliament met again at the pre­fixed time, but the former difference be­tween the Houses being revived, they were upon the 22th of November prorogued again till the 15th of February 1676.

In the French Army, this year the Cham­pion of France, the renowned Marshal Turenne, as he was viewing a Pass main­tained by the Germans, fell by a Cannon Shot, fired by a Battery raised by Mon­tecucully, the Imperial General; to the great grief of his Master the French King.

On the Fifth of March 1675/6, Sir John Narborough concluded an honourable Peace, and of great advantage to the Trade of this Nation, with the Government of Tri­poly.

The French last Campagne lost their fa­mous Mareschal Turenne; Anno 1676. and the Dutch Marine Expeditions are this year ushered in with a fate as unlucky to the States: for their Darling, Admiral De Ruyter, on the twenty ninth of April, died of his Wounds, which he had received some days before in an Engagement with the French, in the Bay of Augusta, on the Coast of Sicily.

[Page 28]But to return home, The first thing we meet with this year, of note, is a dread­ful Fire which happened the 26th of May in the Burrough of Southwark: It began about four in the Morning, and continued all day and part of the night; and not­withstanding the indefatigable pains and diligence of his Grace the Duke of Mon­mouth, of the Earl of Craven, and Lord Mayor, yet about 600 Houses were burnt and blown up by this sad accident.

His Majesty, for securing Trading to and from his Ports, which was much di­sturbed by the insolency of Dutch, Spanish, and French Privateers, amongst whom the War still continued; on the second of June caused a Proclamation to be pub­lished, declaring all Ships of what party soever, that should put into any of his Ports, to be under his protect on during their stay there; commanding His publick Officers, and all other His Majesties Sub­jects, to use their best endeavours to hin­der the roving of any private Men of War so near his Coasts, as might give appre­hensions to Merchant Men; That if a Man of War of one party, and one or more Merchant Men of another, should come into His Majesties Ports, the Mer­chant Men should have the priviledge to sail out two Tides before the Man of War. That none of his Seamen should presume [Page 29] to enter and list themselves on board of any Foreign Man of War, or any Ship de­signed for Traffick or the Fishing Trade, without His Majesties leave first obtained: with several other Rules relating to the securing of Trade, and His Majesties So­vereignty in these Seas; in pursuance of which Proclamation several Privateers were stopt and detained in many of the Ports of this Kingdom.

August 20th, her Royal Highness was brought to Bed of a Daughter, Christened by the Name of Isabella; the Lord High Treasurer being Godfather, and the Dutch­ess of Monmouth and Countess of Peterbo­rough Godmothers.

October 26th, His Majesty passed an Or­der in Council, That none of His Sub­jects, except the Queens Domestick Ser­vants, should repair to her Majesties Chappel, or to the Houses or Chappels of any Foreign Embassadors or Agents, there to hear Mass, or English Sermons, upon pain of having the Laws severely executed against them; and His Majesty appointed Messengers of the Chamber, and other Officers, to wait without at the Houses of Foreign Embassadors and Agents, and to take notice of such of His Subjects as should come out of the said Chappels from Religious Worship, and bring them or their Names to the Council Board. The Prin­cipal [Page 30] Secretaries of State, were by His Ma­jesty likewise required, to repair to the said Embassadors and Agents, and in His Majesties Name acquaint them with His Royal Pleasure in executing His Laws, that they might have no Cause to com­plain of disrespect offered to their Cha­racter, or of any purpose of infringing their Priviledges.

February 15th 1676/7, the Parliament, pur­suant to their last Prorogation, met at West­minster.

Anno 1677. April 16th, His Majesty in His Royal Robes, with the usual Solemnities came into the House of Lords, whither the House of Commons being called, several Bills were passed; amongst others, an Act for raising the sum of Five hundred eighty four thousand nine hundred seventy eight pounds, two shillings and two pence half peny, for the speedy building of thirty Ships of War: another for an additional Excise up­on Beer, Ale, and other Liquors, for three years; and a third for erecting a Ju­dicature to determine differences touching Houses burnt and demollished by the late dreadful Fire in Southwark; and then both Houses adjourned till the 21th of May following.

This Month the Duke of Newcastle and Earl of Danby, Lord high Treasurer of Eng­land, [Page 31] were installed Knights of the Garter at Windsor.

May 21th, Both Houses, according to their last Adjournment, met again at West­minster, His Majesty having before by Pro­clamation required all the Members to be present, in order to the debating of Mat­ters of great importance. In this Session the House of Commons made an Address to His Majesty, that he would be plea­sed for the security of the Nation, and repressing the growing greatness of France, to enter into some Leagues proposed by them in their Address; to which on the 28th of the same month, he gave them His Answer at the Banquetting House; which Answer being made publick in Print, we shall refer you to the Answer it self. His Majesty farther told them, that it was His pleasure the House should be Adjourned to the 16th of July following: and that if he intended they should sit again before Winter, he would give them notice by His Proclamation. Accordingly both Houses were adjourned till the 16th of July ensuing.

July 16th, both Houses met again, pur­suant to their last Adjournment, and forth­with Adjourned again, according to His Majesties Direction, till the third of De­cember following.

August the fourth, His Grace the Duke [Page 32] of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, began his Journey for that Kingdom.

And now His Majesty thinking it fit to put a stop to the French Victorious Pro­ceedings in Flanders, bethought himself of entering into Alliances with some Princes and States abroad, and began to raise Forces for that purpose; of whom the year following will afford more matter of Dis­course.

October the ninth, The Prince of Orange landed at Harwich, and went from thence directly to Neir-Market, in His Majesties Coaches, that attended His Highness there.

The 26th of the same month, His Ma­jesty issued out a Proclamation for the Ad­journment of the Parliament, from the third of December till the fourth of April ensuing.

Sunday, November the fourth, The Mar­riage between her Highness the Lady Mary, and his Highness the Prince of O­range, was privately celebrated at St. James's, by the Bishop of London, in the Presence of His Majesty, their Royal High­nesses, and some of the chiefest of the No­bility: And on Wednesday following Her Royal Highness was brought to Bed of a Son, who was Christened by the Name of Charles, but died in December following.

[Page 33] November the 11th, About nine a Clock in the Morning their Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Orange, parted from White­hall, in order to their imbarking in the Yachts appointed to transport their High­nesses to Holland; His Majesty and His Royal Highness having accompanied them to Erith, where their Highnesses went on Board.

The two Houses of Parliament meeting on the third of December, in order to the Adjourning of themselves, according to the Kings Proclamation, received a Message from His Majesty, That upon weighty Consideration His Majesty thought fit to meet them sooner; and that therefore His Majesties Pleasure was, they should Ad­journ to the 15th of January following, which was accordingly done.

This month was the celebrated Town of Stetin in Pomerania surrendred to the Elector of Brandenburgh by the Swedes; a Town which having so couragiously main­tained so long and bloody a Siege, to the admiration of all, and shame of some of its Neighbours, deserves an honourable mention in the Histories and Annals of all Europe.

The Parliament, pursuant to their last Adjournment, having met at Westminster, [Page 34] received an Intimation from the King, That His Majesty had matters of very great Importance to communicate to both Houses, in order to the satisfaction of their late Addresses for the preservation of Flanders; but matters not being then ripe enough, it was His Majesties Pleasure they should be Adjourned till the twenty eighth of the same month; and accordingly they were Adjourned.

At the prefixed time they met again, and the King in a gracious Speech ac­quainted both Houses to this purpose, That according to His Promise to them, that He would do somewhat for their satisfaction before they met again, he had made Alli­ances with Holland for the preservation of Flanders, which if seconded by plentiful Sup­plies from them, and due Care from the Spai­niards for their own Preservation, might be able by Arms to restore such an honourable Peace to Christendom, as might not be in the power of one Prince alone to disturb; which he had endeavoured to do by a fair Treaty: That He had married His Niece to the Prince of Orange, and so engaged him­self to maintain his Interest: and having laid before them the expences He had been at, and what an actual War would needs require, with very pressing considerations, His Ma­jesty demanded of them answerable Supplies.

March, the 20th 1677/8, Amongst other Bills in Parliament, there passed an Act for [Page 35] raising Money by Poll and otherways, to enable His Majesty to enter into an Actual War against the French King; with a Prohibition of all French Commodities.

Many of the Forces raised by His Ma­jesty since September last, Anno 1678. being already in Flanders, and more going over daily, His Majesty, that he might put himself in a posture of acting by Sea as well as Land, caused a Proclamation to be published the beginning of this year, strictly charging all Seaman, His Subjects, who had lifted themselves in the service of Foreign Prin­ces or States, forthwith to with draw and return home; and that none for the future should presume without permission from His Majesty, to engage in any such service.

About this time at Bruges in Flanders, happened a great Disorder, occasioned by a rude Action of a Burgher, who in time of a Procession, struck a Dutch Captain with a lighted Torch over the Face, because he did not uncover himself so soon as the Townsman would have had him; this oc­casioned presently the drawing of many Swords; and the English being falsly ac­cused of the Tumult, some Soldiers were killed in the Streets; but by the care of the Magistrates and Officers, the Stir be­ing quieted, and the truth of the matter discovered, the Magistrates of the Town imprisoned and punished some of the Au­thors [Page 36] of the Tumult; and to satisfie their trouble at the accident, treated the Eng­lish Officers and Soldiers, and published a Placaet in their Justification, charging all Persons to use the said Soldiers with all kindness and civility.

On Saturday, April the 13th, A Wo­man of Swansey was brought to Bed of a dead Female Child, which had two per­fect Heads and Necks upon one Body, with all the parts of each Head exact, and the Members of the Body perfect.

May the 13th, His Majesty being come into the House of Lords with the usual So­lemnities, and the House of Commons be­ing sent for, His Majesty was pleased to give His Royal Assent to several private Acts, and then commanded the Lord Chancellour to prorogue the Parliament till the twenty third of this moneth; and accordingly the Parliament was prorogued.

The Parliament, pursuant to the last Pro­rogation, having met the 23d. of May, and continued sitting till the Fifteenth of July following; His Majesty that day in His Robes, came into the House of Lords, and there gave His Royal Assent to se­veral Acts; amongst which, to one for raising Money for Disbanding of the Army, a great part of which was now in Flanders, another for granting an Additional Duty to His Majesty upon Wines for three [Page 37] years; a third for burying in Woollen; and a fourth for the relief and discharge of poor distressed Prisoners for Debt. Af­ter which the Lord Chancellour, by His Majesties Command, acquainted the two Houses, That His Majesty had thought fit in the present Conjuncture of Affairs, to prorogue them to the first of August fol­lowing; and so to keep them in call by short Prorogations; His Majesty not know­ing how soon He might have need of their farther Service and Assistance; but that His Majesties intention was, they should not meet till towards Winter, unless there were occasion for their Assembling sooner, of which he would give them timely no­tice by Proclamation: And accordingly the Parliament was prorogued till the first day of August.

In pursuance of this Prorogation, the Parliament met at Westminster the first day of August, and were then by Commission Prorogued till the 29th of the same Month; at which time his Majesty being willing they should meer, and continue Sitting for the dispatch of weighty Af­fairs, did issue out a Proclamation, requi­ring all the Members to give their Atten­dance at Westminster the said day. But the face of Affairs abroad being much al­tered by the conclusion of the Peace be­twixt the French King, and the States of the Ʋnited Provinces, which was Signed [Page 38] at Nimeguen the First of August; his Ma­jesty thought fit likewise to change his resolution: And therefore by Proclamati­on declared, that both Houses should be Prorogued from the 29th of August, till the first of October following; and after­ward by another Proclamation to the one and twentieth of the same Month, at which time his Majesty required a full Meeting of the Members, in order to their Sitting for the dispatch of weighty Mat­ters; which indeed happened to be of greater concern than was imagined.

The Prince of Orange was now march­ed with his Army to the Relief of Mons, at this time Blockt up by the French un­der the Command of the Duke of Lux­embourg, before he had the News of the Peace: And his Highness, accompanied with the Duke of Monmouth, about the beginning of August, being advanced near the Enemies Camp at St. Denis, bravely attacqued it, and after a long and brisk dispute forcing the French to dislodge, possessed himself of their Ground. The Prince and Duke of Monmouth were in great danger in this Engagement, but both came off without any hurt, the Earl of Ossory commanded his Majesties Subjects that were in the States Service, who gained not the least share in the Honour of this Day's Action, though ma­ny Gallant Men perished in the Attempt.

[Page 39]In September came to light, a Design which had been doubtless long contriving in the blackest Cell of Darkness: A Plot that amazed most Men, allarmed all, and gave work enough since to his Majesty, Parliament, and Judges of the Land; but seeing it is not as yet so fully diclosed, (at least to the Publick) as may suffici­ently warrant an authentick Relation thereof to Posterity, no man can expect much to be said on't in this Abridgement; which intends only to point at the most remarkable Occurrences of the English Hi­story, and is proposed rather as an Index than Chronicle to the Reader.

The matter then was briefly thus. One Mr. Titus Oats having received his Edu­cation and Orders in the Church of Eng­land, some Years ago, went over the Seas into Flanders, and afterward into Spain, ingratiating himself among the Je­suits by such means and to such purpo­ses as are set down in his Depositions lately made Publick; upon his Return, soon after, this Gentleman, advises with one Doctor Tongue, about the Disco­very of what he had learn'd abroad, and so these two went together to Sir Edmond­bury Godfrey, one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace, whom Mr. Oats informed of a Plot hatched by Jesuits, Priests, and others of the same Roman-Catholick [Page 40] Perswasion, against the Person and Life of his Majesty, the best of Kings, and the Sub­version of the Protestant Religion, and Government of the Kingdom. And for confirmation of what he said, discovered many persons of several Qualities, who were ingaged in the Design; some as In­struments for assassinating his Majesty, and others for carrying on the remaining part of the work, by Arms, Forreign As­sistances, and such other Expedients, as they Judged necessary for the Success of their Enterprise His Majesty and the Council being acquainted with this, Orders were given out for the apprehending and com­mitting to custody of many persons; of whom some have since suffered, some died in Prison, and many more are still in Cu­stody. To enumerate all, would be more tedious than necessary in this Manual; and to name but a few, would be inju­rious either to those mentioned, or to the Publick, in omitting of others who stand accused of the same combination: we shall therefore speak only of those who have been since brought to publick Tryal, and leave it to Time, and the Care of our Governours, to make Publick the rest.

Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, who had taken, and given in to the Council, the Deposi­tions of the Evidence, was on Saturday the Twelfth of October, missing from his [Page 41] House, and no News could be heard of him till Thursday following; at which time he was found dead in a Ditch by Primrose-hill, with a Sword thrust through his Bo­dy, but nothing, except his Pocket Book, taken from him. This Murder was con­cluded by all Men to be an Act of Re­venge, or some spightful Malice, and not of unlawful desire of Lucre; seeing his Money and Rings, which were no inconsiderable Prize, were left with him: And therefore His Majesty being returned from New-Market, caused a Proclamation to be Published the 20th of October, for the Discovery of this Inhumane Murder; pro­mising a Reward of Five Hundred Pounds to any that should discover the Murde­rers, or any of them; and if the Discove­rer proved to be one of the Malefactors, not only his Pardon, but likewise the pro­mised Sum.

After the Parliament, according to the last Prorogation, had met the 21th of Octo­ber, which was their last Session; the King being informed that some who could give information of the Manner and Cir­cumstances of the Murder of Sir Edmond­bury Godfrey, did forbear to do it out of fear to their Persons from the Murderers Friends; His Majesty emitted another Proclamation, promising on the word of a King, not only the said Reward of Five Hundred Pounds, but such Care for the [Page 42] Security of the Discoverer, as he should in reason propose.

These two Proclamations at length in­spired courage into William Bedlow, former­ly a Servant to the Lord Bellasis, to make a Discovery of this Murder, which he and one Praunce a Silver Smith in Princes street, that confessed himself to have been in the Fact, made out afterwards against three of those that were Guilty, the rest having Fled. And according to his Majesties Promise, Mr. Bedlow (as Mr. Oats had been before) was allowed Guards for his Se­curity and Accommodation and Subsistence at his Majesties Charge in Whitehall.

The King and Parliament being surpri­zed at the strangeness of this mischievous Plot, betook themselves to the most pro­bable ways of discovering the same, and preventing the fatal Effects thereof; and therefore in the first place, upon the hum­ble Petition of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, his Majesty caused a Pro­clamation to be published for a general Fast throughout the whole Kingdom, to be observed on Wednesday the Thirteenth of November, for imploring the mercy and and protection of Almighty God to his Majesties Royal Person, and in him to all his Loyal Subjects; and to pray that God would bring to light more and more all sceret machinations against his Majesty and [Page 43] the whole Kingdom. This day of Hu­miliation was accordingly observed throughout all England, and a form of Prayer by his Majesties Command com­posed and published for that purpose.

In the next place, His Majesty caused several Proclamations, and Orders of Council to be published for the Discove­ring and Disabling of Popish Recusants: The First of the 30th of October, commanding all Popish Recusants, or so re­puted, to depart from the Cities of Lon­don and Westminster, and all other places within ten Miles of the same, was second­ed by an Order of Council, on the second of November, wherein his Majesty promi­sed a reward of Twenty Pounds, to those that should Discover any Officer or Soul­dier of his Majesties Guards, who having formerly taken the Oaths of Allegiance, Supremacy, and the Test, had since been perverted, or should hereafter be perver­ted to the Romish Religion.

The Ninth of November, his Majesty came in his Robes into the House of Lords; whither the Commons being cal­led, his Majesty made a Gracious Speech, thanking, both Houses for the Care they shewed for the safety and preservation of his Person, promising the like on his part for them, and offering his ready Assent to the passing into Laws all such Bills as [Page 44] might secure their Religion, not only during his own Reign, but also in the Reign of His Successors; provided they did not impeach the right of Succession in the true Line, nor restrain the power and just rights of His Majesty or His Prote­stant Successors.

Shortly after His Majesty issued out seve­ral Proclamations, as one for confining all Popish Recusants within five miles of their respective dwellings; another for appre­hending some persons therein named, who were accused of the hellish Plot; and a third, promising a present reward of twenty pounds to any that should discover and cause to be apprehended, any Popish Priest or Jesuit, except those that were privi­ledged by the Law of the Land or that of Nations, as serving the Queen or Fo­reign Ministers.

November 21, One William Staley a Goldsmith, being indicted at the Kings Bench Bar of High Treason, for Treasona­ble words against His Majesties Life, was convicted and condemned to be drawn hanged, and quartered; which sentence was on the 26th of the same month executed at Tyburn.

November 27th, Edward Coleman Esq who on Friday before had been arraigned at the Kings Bench Bar for High Treason, [Page 45] in conspiring the Death of the King, sub­verting His Government, and extirpating the true Protestant Religion, came to his Tryal, and being upon full evidence con­victed, had Sentence pronounced against him next morning to be drawn, hang'd, and quartered; which was accordingly ex­ecuted on the third of December following; he being the first that suffered for the Plot, whereof many besides himself were, and stand still accused.

November 28th, His Majesty at the hum­ble request of the Lords Spiritual and Tem­poral, assembled in Parliament, was plea­sed by Proclamation to declare, That if a­ny Person or Persons should before the twenty fifth day of December following, make any further discovery of the horrid Design against His Majesties Sacred Person and Government; he, or they so discovering, should not onely have the reward of two hundred pounds for every such discovery upon due proof thereof, but if guilty of the said Design, or otherwise of concealing it, they should have His Majesties Pardon.

November 30th, His Majesty in the House of Lords, gave His Royal Assent to an Act for the more effectual preserving the Kings Person and Government, by disa­bling Papists from sitting in either House of Parliament; and in December following put out a Proclamation for disarming and securing all Popish Recusants, or justly so suspected.

[Page 46] December 30th, His Majesty present in the House of Lords, was pleased to Pro­rogue the Parliament till the fourth of Fe­bruary following; which was afterward by Proclamation January 25th dissolved, and a new Parliament summoned to meet the sixth of March 1678/9.

January 17th 1678/9, William Ireland a Jesuit, Thomas Pickering a Lay-brother of the Benedictin Monks, and John Grove an Ale-house-keeper, were arraigned and con­victed at the Old Bailey, for having con­spired the destruction of His Majesties Roy­al Person, the subversion of the Government, and extirpation of the Protestant Religion. The chief evidence against them were Mr. Oats, Mr. Bedlow, and one who had been a Serving Maid to Grove; they had Sentence pronounced against them to be drawn, hang'd, and quartered; and accordingly January 24th, Ireland and Grove suffered at Tyburn, Pickering lying still reprieved in New-gate. His Majesties Forces that were recalled from Flanders, began this month first to come over again.

Monday the 10th of February 1678/9, Ro­bert Green, Henry Berry, and Lawrence Hill, three of the murderers of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, were brought to their Tryal at the Kings Bench Bar, for the said murder; the main evidence against them were the a­bove-named [Page 47] Bedlow and Praunce, the first declaring that he had seen the dead Body, and the other confessing he had had a hand in the murder; which was briefly thus committed: Praunce, with the aforesaid Green, Berry and Hill, and some others, ha­ving laid their design before, and several times dogg'd Sir Edmondbury Godfrey; on Satur­day night, the twelfth of October finding him in the Strand, as he was returning home; upon a plausible pretext of keeping the peace between two Gentlemen that were (as they made him believe) a quarrelling; wheadled him into Somerset-house, and there with a twisted Hankerchief clapt about his Neck, some of them strangled him, whilst Praunce and Berry watched at the Gates. His dead Body they lodged in Somerset-house till Wednesday following, and then carried it out in a Sedan as far as Sohoe, where they mounted the same on a Horse, and so conveyed it to the Ditch, leaving it there barbarously pierced through with a Sword: Ʋpon this evidence they were found guilty, condemned and executed.

At this time, Sir Joseph Williamson have­ing resigned the Seals of Secretary of State into his Majesties hands, the Right Honou­rable, Robert Earle of Sunderland, was in his place made one of the Principal Secretaries of State, and accordingly took place at the Council Board.

The time of the Sitting of the New [Page 48] Parliament drawing near, his Majesty, that he might remove all Jealousies from the minds of his Subjects, thought fit to com­mand his Royal Highness the Duke of York, to absent himself; who with his Dutchess, in o­bedience of his Majesties Commands, on the third of March took leave of his Majesty, in order to their going beyond Sea, where now they are at Bruxelles in Flanders.

Thursday March the sixth the lately Sum­moned Parliament met at Westminster. The King thinking it fit to wave the Solemnity of Riding used at the Opening of the Parlia­ments of England, went in his Royal Barge to the House by Water; and there in a gra­cious Speech, which was enlarged by the Lord Chancelour; His Majesty told both Houses what he expected, and the Coun­trey stood in need of, from their unanimous and wise Deliberations.

And now that the Joynt and Healing Councils of his Gracious Majesty and this present Parliament may so effectually ope­rate in composing the Divisions, uniting the Minds, and settling the Peace of the People of this Nation, as may afford many Volumes of Noble Acts, at present to be transmited to grateful Posterity, no other ways than by hearty Wishes; it is and ought to be the fer­vent Prayer of all who truely fear God, ho­nour their King, and desire the Wellfare and Prosperity of his Kingdoms.

Mayors and Sheriffs of LONDON, to the 31th Year of His Reign.

In his First Year, 1649.

  • Thomas Foot, was Mayor.
  • Christopher Pack, Rowland Wilson died in the Year. John Dethick, Sheriffs.

In his 2d. Year, 1650.

  • Thomas Andrews, was Mayor.
  • Robert Tichborn, Richard Chiverton, Sheriffs.

In his 3d. Year, 1651.

  • John Kendrick, was Mayor.
  • Andrew Richards, John Ireton, Sheriffs.

In his 4th. Year, 1652.

  • John Fowke, was Mayor.
  • Stephen Eastwick, William Ʋnderwood Sheriffs.

In his 5th. Year, 1653.

  • Thomas Vynor, was Mayor.
  • James Phillips, Walter Bigge, Sheriffs.

In his 6th. Year, 1654.

  • Christopher Pack, was Mayor.
  • Edmund Sleigh, Thomas Aleyn, Sheriffs.

In his 7th Year, 1655.

  • John Dethick, was Mayor.
  • William Thompson, John Frederick, Sheriffs.

[Page 50]In his 8th Year, 1656.

  • Robert Tichburn, was Mayor.
  • Tempest Milner, Nathanial Temms, Sheriffs.

In his 9th Year, 1657.

  • Richard Chiverton, was Mayor.
  • John Robinson, Thomas Chandler, died in the Year, Richard King, Sheriffs.

In his 10th. Year, 1658.

  • John Ireton, was Mayor.
  • Anthony Bateman, John Lawrence, Sheriffs.

In his 11th Year, and part of the 12th 1660.

  • Sir Thomas Aleyn, Baronet, was Mayor.
  • Francis Warner, William Love, Sheriffs.

In his 12th. Year, and part of the 13th. 1661.

  • Sir Richard Brown, Baronet, was Mayor.
  • Sir William Boulton, Sir William Peake, Sheriffs.

In his 13th. Year, and part of the 14th. 1662.

  • Sir John Frederick, was Mayor.
  • Francis Menill, Samuel Starling, Sheriffs.

In his 14th. Year, and part of the 15th. 1663.

  • Sir John Robinson, was Mayor.
  • Sir Thomas Bludworth, Sir William Turner Sheriffs.

In his 15th Year, and part of the 16th 1664.

  • Sir Anthony Bateman was Mayor.
  • Sir Richard Ford, Sir Richard Rives Sheriffs.

[Page 51]In his [...] of the 17th 1665.

  • Sir John [...] [...]ayor.
  • Sir George W [...] [...] Charles Doe, Sheriffs.

In his 17th Year and part of the 18th 1666.

  • Sir Thomas Bludworth was Mayor.
  • Sir Robert Hanson, Sir William Hooker, Sheriffs.

In his 18th Year, and part of the 20th 1667.

  • Sir William Boulton, was Mayor.
  • Sir Robert Vinor, Sir Joseph Sheldon, Sheriffs.

In his 18th Year, and part of the 20th 1668.

  • Sir William Peak, was Mayor.
  • Sir Dennis Gauden, Sir Thomas Davis, Sheriffs.

In his 20th Year, and part of the 21th 1669.

  • Sir VVilliam Turner, was Mayor.
  • John Forth Esq Sir Francis Chaplain, Sheriffs.

In his 21th Year, and part of the 22th 1670.

  • Sir Samuel Starling, was Mayor.
  • Sir John Smith, Sir James Edwards, Sheriffs.

In his 22th Year, and part of the 23th 1671.

  • Sir Richard Ford, was Mayor.
  • Samuel Forth, Patience VVard, Sheriffs.

In his 23th Year, and part of the 24th 1672.

  • Sir George VVaterman, was Mayor.
  • Sir Jonathan Daws died in the Year, Sheriffs.
  • Sir Robert Claiton, Sir John Moore, Sheriffs.

[Page 52]In his 24th Year, and part of the 25th 1673.

  • Sir Robert Hanson, was Mayor.
  • Sir William Pritchard, Sir James Smith Sheriffs.

In his 25th Year, and part of the 26th 1674.

  • Sir VVilliam Hooker, was Mayor.
  • Sir Henry Tulse, Sir Robert Jeffry, Sheriffs.

In his 26th Year, and part of the 27th 1675

  • Sir Robert Vynor was Mayor.
  • Sir Nathaniel Hern, Sir John Lethieulier, Sheriffs.

In his 27th Year, and part of the 28th 1676.

  • Sir Joseph Sheldon, was Mayor.
  • Sir Thomas Gold, Sir John Shorter, Sheriffs.

In his 28th Year, and part of the 29th 1677.

  • Sir Thomas Davis, was Mayor.
  • Sir John Peak, Sir Thomas Stamp, Sheriffs.

In his 29th Year, and part of the 30th 1678.

  • Sir Francis Chaplain, was Mayor.
  • Sir VVilliam Royston, Sir Thomas Beckford, Sheriffs.

In his 30th Year, and part of the 31th 1679.

  • Sir James Edwards, was Mayor.
  • Sir William How, Sir John Chapmau, Sheriffs.

A LIST Of the Names of the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Ba­rons of the Cinque-Ports, that are Returned to serve in the Parliament of Eng­land, begun the sixth of March, 1678/9.

Bedfordshire.
  • William Lord Russel.
  • Sir Humphrey Munnox Bar.
Town of Bedford.
  • Pawlet St. John, Esq
  • Sir William Franklin, Kt.
Berks.
  • Sir Humphrey Forster Bar.
  • William Barker Esq
Borough of New Windsor.
  • [Page 54]Ralph Winwood, Esq
  • John Starkey, Esq
Borough of Reading.
  • John Blagrave Esq
  • Nathan Knight Esq
Borough of Wallingford.
  • John Stone Esq
  • Scory Barker Esq
Borough of Abington.
  • Sir John Stonehouse Bar.
Bucks.
  • Thomas Wharton, Esq
  • John Hampden, Esq
Town of Bucks.
  • Edward Viscount Latimer.
  • Sir Peter Tyrril, Bar.
Borough of Chipping Wiccomb.
  • Sir John Borlase, Bar.
  • Thomas Lewes, Esq
Borough of Aylesbury.
  • Sir Thomas Lee, Bar.
  • Sir Richard Ingolsby Kt. of the Bath.
Borough of Agmondesham.
  • [Page 55]Sir William Drake, Kt.
  • Sir Roger Hill, Kt.
Borough of Wendover.
  • Richard Hampden, Esq
  • Edward Backwel, Esq
Borough of great Marlow.
  • Sir Humphrey Winch, Bar.
  • John Borlase Esq
Cambridge.
  • Gerrard Russel, Esq
  • Edward Partherich, Esq
Ʋniversity of Cambridge.
  • Sir Thomas Exton, Kt.
  • James Vernon, Esq
Town of Cambridge.
  • William Lord Allington
  • Sir Thomas Chichely, Kt.
Chester.
  • Henry Booth, Esq
  • Sir Phillip Egerton, Kt.
City of Chester.
  • William Williams, Esq
  • Sir Thomas Grosvenor, Bar.
Cornwall.
  • [Page 56]Francis Roberts, Esq
  • Sir Richard Edgcomb, Kt. of the Bath.
Borough of Dunhivid, alias, Lan­ceston.
  • Bernard Greenvill, Esq
  • Sir Charles Harbord, Kt.
Borough of Leskard.
  • John Buller, Esq
  • John Connock, Esq
Borough of Lestwithiel.
  • Sir John Carew, Bar.
  • Walter Kendall, Esq
Borough of Truro.
  • William Boscawen, Esq
  • Edward Boscawen, Esq
Borough of Bodmyn.
  • Hender Roberts, Esq
  • Nicholas Glyn, Esq
Borough of Helston.
  • Sir William Godolphin, Bar.
  • Sir Viell Vivian.
Borough of Saltash.
  • Bernard Greenvil, Esq
  • Nicholas Courtenay, Esq
Borough of Gamelford.
Borough of Port Pigham, alias, Westlow.
  • John Trelawney, Mayor of Westlow, Esq
  • John Trelawney, Senior, Esq
Borough of Cram pound.
  • Sir Joseph Tredenham, Kt.
  • Charles Trevanniam, Esq
Borough of Eastlow.
  • Sir Jonathan Trelawney, Bar.
  • Henry Seymour, Esq
Borough of Penryn.
  • Francis Trefusis, Esq
  • Sir Robert Southwell, Kt.
Borough of Tregoney.
  • Hugh Boscawen, Esq
  • John Tanner, Esq
Borough of Bossiney.
  • William Coriton, Esq
  • John Tregegle, Esq
Borough of St. Ives.
  • Edward Noseworthy, Senior, Esq
  • Edward Noseworthy, Junior, Esq
Borough of Fowey.
  • [Page 58]Jonathan Rashley, Esq
  • John Trefry, Esq
Borough of St. Germains.
  • Daniel Elliot, Esq
  • Richard Elliot, Esq
Borough of St. Michel.
  • Sir John St. Aubin, Bar.
  • Walter Vincent, Esq
Borough of Newport.
  • John Coryton, Esq
  • Ambrose Manaton, Esq
Borough of St. Mawes.
  • Sidney Godolphin, Esq
  • Henry Seymour, Junior, Esq
Borough of Kellington.
  • Sir John Coryton, Bar.
  • Samuel Roles, Esq
Cumberland.
  • Sir John Lowther of White-haven, Bar.
  • Richard Lamplugh, Esq
City of Carlile.
  • Sir Philip Howard, Kt.
  • Sir Christopher Musgrave, Kt.
Borough of Cockermouth.
  • [Page 59]Sir Richard Grahme, Bar.
  • Orlando Gee, Esq
Derby.
  • William Lord Cavendish.
  • William Sacheverell, Esq
Town of Derby.
  • Anchetill Gray, Esq
  • George Vernon, Esq
Devonshire.
  • Edward Seymour, Esq
  • Sir William Courtenay, Bar.
City of Exeter.
  • William Glyde, Esq
  • Malachy Pine, Esq
Borough of Totnes.
  • Sir Edward Seymour, Bar.
  • John Kelland, Jun. Esq
Borough of Plymouth.
  • Sir John Maynard, Kt. His Majesties Serjeant at Law.
  • John Spark, Esq
Town and Borough of Oke-hampton.
  • [Page 60]Sir Arthur Harris, Bar.
  • Josias Calmady, Jun. Esq
Borough of Barnstaple.
  • Sir Hugh Acland, Bar.
  • John Basset, Esq
Borough of Plympton.
  • George Treby, Esq
  • Richard Hillersdon, Esq
Borough of Honiton.
  • Sir Walter Younge, Bar.
  • Sir Thomas Put, Bar.
Borough of Tavistock.
  • Sir Francis Drake, Bar.
  • Edward Russel, Esq
Borough of Ashburton.
  • Thomas Raynel, Esq
  • William Stawell, Esq
Borough of Clifton Dartmouth, and Hardnes.
  • John Upton, Esq
  • Sir Nathaniel Hern, Kt.
Borough of Beeralston.
  • Sir William Bastard, Kt.
  • Sir John Trevors, Kt.
Borough of Tiverton.
  • Samuel Foot, Esq
  • Sir Henry Ford, Kt.
Dorsetshire.
  • [Page 61]Thomas Strangeways, Esq
  • Thomas Freake, Esq
Town of Pool.
  • Thomas Chafin, Esq
  • Henry Trenchard, Esq
Borough of Dorchester.
  • Sir Francis Hollis, Kt. and Bar.
  • Nicholas Gould, Merch.
Borough of Lyme Regis.
  • Sir George Strode, one of his Majesties Serjeant at Law.
  • Henry Henley, Esq
Borough of Waymouth.
  • Anthony Lord Ashley.
  • Sir John Coventry, Kt. of the Bath.
Borough of Melcomb Regis.
  • Thomas Brown, Esq
  • Michael Harvey, Esq
Borough of Bridport.
  • Wadham Strangeways, Esq
  • John Every, Esq
Borough of Shaftson, alias Shaftsbury.
  • Henry Whitaker, Esq
  • Thomas Bennet, Esq
Borough of Wareham.
  • [Page 62]Thomas Erle, Esq
  • George Savage, Esq
Borough of Corfe Castle.
  • Sir Nathaniel Napper.
  • John Tregonwell, Esq
Durham.
  • Sir Robert Eden, Bar.
  • John Tempest, Esq
City of Durham.
  • Sir Ralph Cole, Bar.
  • William Tempest, Esq
Essex.
  • Sir Eliab Harvey, Kt.
  • Henry Mildmay, Esq
Borough of Colchester.
  • Sir Harbottle Grimstone. Bar.
  • Sir Walter Clarges, Bar.
Borough of Malden.
  • Sir William Wiseman, Kt. and Bar.
  • Sir John Bramston, Kt. of the Bath.
Borough of Harwich.
  • Sir Anthony Dean, Kt.
  • Samuel Pepys, Esq
Gloucestershire.
  • [Page 63]Sir John Guyse, Bar.
  • Sir Ralph Dutton, Bar.
City of Gloucester.
  • Evan Seys, Serjeant at Law.
  • William Cook, Esq
Borough of Cirencester.
  • Sir Robert Atkins, Jun. Kt.
  • Henry Powle, Esq
Borough of Tukesbury.
  • Sir Henry Capell, Kt. of the Bath.
  • Sir Francis Russel, Bar.
Herefordshire.
  • John Viscount Scudamore.
  • Sir Herbert Crofts, Bar.
City of Hereford.
  • Bridstock Hartford, Esq
  • Paul Foley, Esq
Borough of Lempster.
  • James Pits, Esq
  • John Dutton Colt, Esq
Borough of Weobly.
  • William Gregory, Serjeant at Law,
  • John Birch, Esq
Hertfordshire.
Borough of St. Albans.
  • Thomas Pope Blount, Esq
  • John Gape, Gent.
Borough of Hertford.
  • Sir Thomas Byde, Kt.
  • Sir Charles Caesar, Kt.
Huntingdonshire.
  • Ralph Mountague, Esq
  • Robert Apreece, Esq
Borough of Huntingdon.
  • Sydney Wortley, alias Mountague, Esq
  • Sir Nicholas Pedley, Kt.
Kent.
  • Sir Vere Fane, Kt. of the Bath.
  • Edward Dering, Esq
City of Canterbury.
  • Edward Hales, Esq
  • William Jacob, D. of Physick.
City of Rochester.
  • [Page 65]Sir John Banks, Bar.
  • Sir Richard Head, Bar.
Borough of Maidstone.
  • Sir John Tufton, Kt. and Bar.
  • Sir John Darel, Kt.
Borough of Queenborough.
  • James Herbert, Esq
  • Sir Edward Hales, Bar.
Lancaster.
  • Charles Gerrard, Esq
  • Peter Bold, Esq
Borough of Lancaster.
  • Richard Kirkby, Esq
  • Richard Harrison, Esq
Borough or Town of Preston in Amoun­derness.
  • Sir Robert Car, Kt. and Bar.
  • Edward Rigby, Serjeant at Law.
Borough of Newton.
  • Sir John Chicheley, Kt.
  • Andrew Fountain, Esq
Borough of Wigon.
  • Charles Earl of Ancram.
  • Roger Bradshaw, Esq
Borough of Clithero.
  • [Page 66]Sir Ralph Ashton, Bar.
  • Sir Thomas Stringer, Serjeant at Law.
Borough of Liverpool.
  • Ruishen Wentworth, Esq
  • John Dubois, Merchant.
Leicester.
  • Sir John Forstop.
  • Bennet Lord Sherrard.
Town of Leicester.
  • John Gray, Esq
  • Sir Henry Beaumont, Bar.
Lincoln.
  • George Visc. Castleton.
  • Sir Robert Car, Kt. and Bar.
City of Lincoln.
  • Sir Thomas Meers, Kt.
  • Henry Monson, Esq
Borough of Boston.
  • Sir Anthony Irby, Kt.
  • Sir William Ellis, Kt. Serjeant at Law.
Borough of Great Grimsby.
  • William Broxolme, Esq
  • George Pelham, Esq
Town of Stamford.
  • [Page 67]Sir Richard Cust, Bar.
  • William Hyde, Esq
Borough of Grantham.
  • Sir William Ellis, Bar.
  • Sir John Newton, Bar.
Middlesex.
  • Sir William Roberts, Bar.
  • Sir Robert Peyton, Kt.
City of Westminster.
  • Sir Stephen Fox, Kt.
  • Sir William Pultenay, Kt.
LONDON.
  • Sir Robert Clayton, Kt.
  • Sir Thomas Player, Kt.
  • William Love, Esq
  • Thomas Pilkington, Esq
Monmouth.
  • Charles Somerset Lord Herbert of Rag­land.
  • William Morgan, Esq
Borough of Monmouth.
  • Sir Trevor Williams, Bar.
Norfolk.
  • [Page 68]Sir John Hubbart, Kt.
  • Sir Nevil Catlyne, Kt.
City of Norwich.
  • William Paston, Esq
  • Augustine Briggs, Esq
Town of Lynn Regis.
  • John Turner, Esq
  • Simon Taylor, Gent.
Town of Great Yarmouth.
  • Sir William Coventry, Kt.
  • Richard Huntington, Esq
Borough of Thetford.
  • Sir Joseph Williamson, Kt.
  • William Harbord, Esq
Borough of Castlerising.
  • Sir Robert Howard, Kt.
  • James Hoste, Esq
Northampton.
  • Sir Roger Norwich. Bar.
  • John Parkhurst, Esq
City of Peterborough.
  • William Lord Fitzwilliams.
  • Francis St. Johns, Esq
Town of Northampton.
  • [Page 69]Sir Hugh Cholmley, Bar.
  • Sir William Farmer. Bar.
Town of Brackley.
  • Sir Thomas Crew, Kt.
  • William Lisle, Esq
Borough of Higham Ferrers.
  • Sir Rice Rud, Bar.
Northumberland.
  • Sir John Fenwick, Bar.
  • Sir Ralph Dalavell, Bar.
Town of New-Castle upon Tine.
  • Sir William Blacket, Bar.
  • Sir Francis Anderson, Kt.
Borough of Morpeth.
  • Edward Lord Morpeth.
  • Sir George Downing, Kt. and Bar.
Town of Berwick upon Tweed.
  • Ralph Gray, Esq
  • John Rushworth, Esq
Nottingham.
  • Sir Scroop How, Kt.
  • John White, Esq
Town of Nottingham.
  • [Page 70]Robert Pierrepont, Esq
  • Richard Slater, Esq
Borough of Eastretford.
  • Sir William Hickman, Bar.
  • Sir Edward Nevile, Kt. and Bar.
Borough of Newark.
  • Robert Lord Deincourt.
  • Sir Robert Markham, Bar.
Oxon.
  • Sir Edward Norris, Kt.
  • Sir John Cope, Bar.
Ʋniversity of Oxon.
  • Heneage Finch, Esq His Majesties So­licitor General.
  • John Edisbury Dr. of Laws.
City of Oxon.
  • William Wright, Esq
  • Broom Whorwood, Esq
Borough of New-Woodstock.
  • Sir Littleton Osbaldeston, Bar.
  • Nicholas Baynton, Esq
Borough of Bandbury.
  • Sir John Holman, Bar.
Rutland.
  • [Page 71]Philip Sherrard, Esq
  • Sir Thomas Mackworth, Bar.
Salop.
  • Richard Newport, Esq
  • Sir Vincent Corbet, Bar.
Town of Salop.
  • Sir Richard Corbet, Bar.
  • Edward Kinnaston, Esq
Borough of Bruges, alias Bridgenorth.
  • Sir Thomas Whitmore, Kt. of the Bath.
  • Sir William Whitmore, Bar.
Borough of Ludlow.
  • Francis Charlton, Esq
  • Somerset Fox, Esq
Borough of Great Wenlock.
  • Sir John Wild, Kt.
  • William Forrester, Esq
Town of Bishops Castle.
  • Edmund Waring, Esq
  • William Oakely, Esq
Somerset.
  • [Page 72]Sir Hugh Smith, Kt. of the Bath, and Bar.
  • Sir John Sydenhan, Bar.
City of Bristol.
  • Sir Robert Cann, Kt. and Bar.
  • Sir John Knight, Kt.
City of Bath.
  • Sir William Basset, Kt.
  • Sir George Speke, Bar.
City of Wells.
  • Edward Berkly, Esq
  • William Coward, Esq
Borough of Taunton.
  • Sir William Portman, Bar. and Kt. of the Bath.
  • John Trenchard, Esq
Borough of Bridgewater.
  • Ralph Stawel, Esq
  • Sir Haswel Tynt, Bar.
  • Sir Francis Role, Kt.
Borough of Minehead.
  • Francis Lutterel, Esq
  • Sir John Mallet, Kt.
Borough of Ilcester.
  • [Page 73]William Strode, Esq
  • John Speke, Esq
Borough of Milhorneport.
  • John Hunt, Esq
  • William Lacy, Jun. Esq
Southampton.
  • Edward Noel, Esq
  • Richard Norton, Esq
City of Winchester.
  • James Lord Annesly.
  • Sir John Clobery, Kt.
Town of Southampton.
  • Thomas Knowlys, Esq
  • Benjamen Newland, Merch.
Town of Portsmouth.
  • George Leg, Esq
  • Sir John Kempthorn, Kt.
Borough of Yarmouth.
  • Sir Richard Mason, Kt.
  • Thomas Lucy, Esq
Borough of Peters-Field.
  • [Page 74]Sir John Norton, Bar.
  • Leonard Bilson, Esq
Borough of Newport, alias Medona.
  • Sir Robert Holms, Kt.
  • Sir Robert Dillington, Bar.
Borough of Stockbridge.
  • Henry Whitehead, Esq
  • Oliver St. John, Esq
Borough of Newton.
  • Sir John Holmes, Kt.
  • John Churchill, Esq
Borough of Christ Church.
  • Sir. Thomas Clargis, Kt.
  • Henry Tulse, Esq
Borough of Whit-Church.
  • Richard Ayliffe, Esq
  • Henry Wallop, Esq
Borough of Limington.
  • John Button, Esq
  • Bartholomew Bunkley, Esq
Town of Andover.
  • Francis Pawlet, Esq
  • William Withers, Esq
Staffordshire.
  • [Page 75]Sir Walter Baggott, Bar.
  • Sir John Bowyer, Bar.
City of Litchfield.
  • Sir Henry Littleton, Bar.
  • Michael Biddulph, Esq
Borough of Stafford.
  • Waller Chetwind, Esq
  • Sir Thomas Armstrong, Kt.
Borough of New-Castle under Line.
  • Sir Thomas Bellot, Bar.
  • William Leveston Gower, Esq
Borough of Tamworth.
  • Thomas Thynne, Esq
  • John Swynfen, Esq
Suffolk.
  • Sir Jervase Elwes, Bar.
  • Sir Samuel Barnardiston, Bar.
Borough of Ipswich.
  • Gilbert Linfield, Esq
  • John Wright, Esq
Borough of Dunwich.
  • Sir Philip Skippon, Kt.
  • Thomas Allen, Esq
Borough of Orford.
  • [Page 76]Lionel Lord Huntingtower.
  • Sir John Duke, Bar.
Borough of Alborough.
  • Sir Richard Haddock, Kt.
  • Henry Johnson, Esq
Borough of Sudbury.
  • Sir Robert Cordell, Bar.
  • Jervase Elwes, Esq
Borough of Eye.
  • Sir Charles Gaudey, Kt. and Bar.
  • Sir Robert Reves, Bar.
Borough of Saint Edmundsbury.
  • Sir Thomas Harvey, Kt.
  • Thomas Jermin, Esq
Surrey.
  • Arthur Onslow, Esq
  • George Evelyn of Wotton, Esq
Borough of Southwark.
  • Sir Richard How, Kt.
  • Peter Rich, Esq
Borough of Blechingly.
  • George Evelyn of Nutfield, Esq
  • Edward Harvey, Esq
Borough of Ryegate.
Borough of Guilford.
  • Richard Onslow, Esq
  • Thomas Dalmahoy, Esq
Borough of Gatton.
  • Sir Nicholas Carew, Kt.
  • Thomas Turgis, Esq
Borough of Haslemere.
  • Sir William More, Bar.
  • James Gresham, Esq
Sussex.
  • Sir John Pelham, Bar.
  • John Lewkener, Esq
City of Chichester.
  • Richard May, Esq
  • John Braman, Esq
Borough of Horsham.
  • Anthony Eversfield, Esq
  • John Mitchell, Esq
Borough of Midhurst.
  • Sir William Morley, Kt. of the Bath.
  • John Alford, Esq
Borough of Lewes.
  • [Page 78]William Morley, Esq
  • Edward Bridger, Esq
Borough of New Shoreham.
  • Robert Fag, Esq
  • John Cheale, Esq
Borough of Bramber.
  • Henry Goring, Esq
  • Nicholas Eversfield, Esq
Borough of Steyning.
  • Sir John Fagg, Bar.
  • Sir Henry Goring, Bar.
Borough of East-Grimstead.
  • Thomas Pelham, Esq
  • Sir Thomas Littleton, Kt.
Borough of Arundel.
  • William Garraway, Esq
  • James Butler, Esq
Warwickshire.
  • Sir Edward Boughton, Bar.
  • Robert Burdet, Esq
City of Coventry.
  • Richard Hopkins, Esq
  • Robert Beak, Esq
Borough of Warwick.
  • [Page 79]Sir Henry Puckering, Bar.
  • Sir John Clopton, Kt.
Westmerland.
  • Sir John Lowther of Lowther, Kt.
  • Allen Bellingham, Esq
Borough of Apulby.
  • Richard Tufton, Esq
  • Anthony Lowther, Esq
Wiltshire.
  • Sir Richard Grubbam How, Knight and Baronet.
  • Thomas Thinn, of Long Leat, Esq
City of New Sarum.
  • Sir Thomas Mompesson, Kt.
  • Alexander Thiftlethwait, Esq
Borough of Wilton.
  • Thomas Herbert, Esq
  • Thomas Penruddock, Esq
Borough of Downton.
  • Maurice Bockland, Esq
  • Sir Joseph Ash, Bar.
Borough of Hindon.
  • Richard How, Esq
  • [Page 80]Thomas Lambert, Esq
Borough of Westbury.
  • Richard Lewis, Esq
  • William Trenchard, Esq
Borough of Hetsbury.
  • William Ash, Esq
  • Edward Ash, Esq
Borough of Calne.
  • Sir George Hungerford, Kt.
  • Walter Norborn, Esq
Borough of the Devizes.
  • Sir Walter Ernley, Bar.
  • Sir Edward Baynton, Kt. of the Bath.
Borough of Chippenham.
  • Sir Edward Hungerford, Kt. of the Bath.
  • Sir John Talbot, Kt.
Borough of Malmesbury.
  • Sir William Estcourt, Bar.
  • Sir James Long, Bar.
Borough of Cricklade.
  • Hungerford Dunce, Esq
  • Edmund Web, Esq
Borough of Great Bedwyn.
  • Francis Stonehouse, Esq
  • John Dean, Esq
Borough of Lugdersal.
  • [Page 81]Thomas Neal, Esq
  • John Smith, Jun. Esq
Borough of Old Sarum.
  • Eliab Harvey, Esq
  • John Young, Esq
Borough of Wooton Basset.
  • Lawrence Hyde, Esq
  • John Pleydall, Esq
Borough of Marlborough.
  • Thomas Bennet, Esq
  • Edward Goddard, Esq
Worcestershire.
  • Samuel Sandys, Esq
  • Thomas Foley, Esq
City of Worcester.
  • Thomas Street, one of his Majesties Ser­jeants at Law.
  • Sir Francis Winnington, Kt.
Borough of Droitwich.
  • Henry Coventry, Esq Principal Secreta­ry of State.
  • Samuel Sandys, Jun. Esq
Borough of Evesham.
  • [Page 82]Sir James Rushout, Bar.
  • Henry Parker, Esq
Borough of Bewdey.
  • Philip Foley, Esq
Yorkshire.
  • Charles Lord Clifford.
  • Henry Lord Fairfax.
City of York.
  • Sir John Hewley, Kt.
  • Sir Henry Thompson, Kt.
Town of Kingston upon Hull.
  • Lemuell Kingdone, Esq
  • William Ramsden, Esq
Borough of Knaresborough.
  • Sir Thomas Slingby, Bar.
  • William Stockdale, Esq
Borough of Scaresborough.
  • William Thompson, Esq
  • Francis Thompson, Esq
Borough of Rippon.
  • Sir Edmund Jennings, Kt.
  • Richard Stern, Esq
Borough of Richmond.
  • [Page 83]Thomas Craddock, Esq
  • Humphrey Warton, Esq
Borough of Heyden.
  • Sir Hugh Bethell, Kt.
  • Henry Guy, Esq
Borough of Burrowbrigg.
  • Sir Thomas Malleverer, Bar.
  • Sir Henry Gooderick, Kt. and Bar.
Borough of Malton.
  • William Palmes, Esq
  • Sir Watkinson Payler, Bar.
Borough of Thirske.
  • Sir William Frankland, Bar.
  • Nich. Sanderson, Esq
Borough of Alborough.
  • Sir John Reresby, Bar.
  • Henry Arthington, Esq
Borough of Beverly.
  • Sir John Hotham, Bar.
  • Michael Warton, Esq
Borough of North-Allerton.
  • Sir Gilbert Gerrard, Bar.
  • Sir Henry Calverly, Kt.
Borough of Pontefract.
  • [Page 84]Sir John Dawney, Kt.
  • Sir Patience Ward, Kt.

BARONS Of the CINQUE-PORTS.

Port of Hastings.
  • Sir Robert Parker, Bar.
  • John Ashburnham, Esq
Town of Winchelsey.
  • Creswell Draper, Esq
  • Thomas Austin, Esq
Town of Rye.
  • Sir John Robinson, Kt. and Bar.
  • Thomas Frewen, Esq
Port of new Rumney.
  • Sir Charles Sedley, Bar.
  • Paul Barret, Esq
Port of Hyeth.
  • Sir Edward Dering, Bar.
  • Julius Deeds, Esq
Port of Dover.
  • [Page 85]William Stokes, Esq
  • Thomas Papillon, Esq
  • John Strode, Esq
Port of Sandwich.
  • John Thurburn, Esq
  • Sir Ja. Oxenden, Kt. and Bar.
Port of Seaford.
  • Sir William Thomas, Bar.
  • Herbert Stapley, Esq

WALES.

Anglesey.
  • Henry Bulkeley, Esq
Town of Bewmarris.
  • Richard Bulkeley, Esq
Brecon.
  • Richard Williams, Esq
Town of Brecon.
  • Thomas Mansel, Esq
  • John Jefferies, Esq,
Cardigan.
Town of Cardigan.
  • Hector Philips, Esq
Carmarthen.
  • John Lord Vaughan, Kt. of the Bath.
Town of Carmarthen.
  • Altham Vaughan, Esq
Carnervon.
  • Thomas Bulkeley of Dinas, Esq
Town of Carnervon.
  • Thomas Mostin of Glotheth, Esq
Denbigh.
  • Sir Thomas Middleton, Bar.
Town of Denbigh.
  • Sir John Salisbury, Bar.
Flint.
  • Mutton Davies, Esq
Town of Flint.
Glamorgan.
  • Bussy Mansel, Esq
Town of Cardiffe.
  • Sir Robert Thomas, Bar.
Merieneth.
  • Sir John Wynne, Kt. and Bar.
Pembroke.
  • Sir Hugh Owen, Bar.
Town of Pembroke.
  • Arthur Owen, Esq
Town of Haverfordwest.
  • William Wogan, Esq
Montgomery.
  • Edward Vaughan, Esq
Town of Montgomery.
  • Matthew Price, Esq
  • Edward Loyd, Esq
Radnor.
Town of Radnor.
  • Deerham, Esq

HIS MAJESTY'S Most Honourable PRIVY COUNCIL.

  • HIS Highness Prince Rupert.
  • William Lord Archbishop of Canter­bury.
  • Heneage Lord Finch Lord Chancellor of England.
  • Anthony Earl of Shaftsbury Lord Presi­dent of the Council.
  • Arthur Earl of Anglesey, Lord Privy Seal.
  • James Duke of Monmouth, Master of the Horse.
  • John Duke of Lauderdale, Secretary of State for Scotland.
  • James Duke of Ormond Lord Steward of the Houshold.
  • Charles Lord Marquess of Winchester.
  • [Page 90] Henry Lord Marquess of Worcester.
  • Henry Earl of Arlington, Lord Cham­berlain of the Houshold.
  • James Earl of Salisbury.
  • John Earl of Bridgwater.
  • Robert Earl of Sunderland, one of His Ma­jesties Principal Secretaries of State.
  • Arthur Earl of Essex, first Lord Commis­sioner of the Treasury.
  • John Earl of Bath Groom of the Stole.
  • Thomas Lord Viscount Falconberg.
  • George Lord Viscount Hallifax.
  • Henry Lord Bishop of London.
  • John Lord Roberts.
  • Denzill Lord Hollis.
  • William Lord Russel.
  • William Lord Cavendish.
  • Henry Coventry Esq one of His Majesties Principal Secretaries of State.
  • Sir Francis North Knight, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.
  • Sir Henry Capel Knight of the Bath, first Commissioner of the Admiralty.
  • Sir John Ernly Knight, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
  • Sir Thomas Chicheley Knight, Master of the Ordnance.
  • [Page 91]Sir William Temple Baronet.
  • Edward Seymour Esq
  • Henry Powle Esq
Commissioners for the Trea­sury.
  • ARthur Earl of Essex.
  • Lawrence Hide, Esq
  • Sir Edward Deering.
  • Sidney Godolphin.
  • Sir John Ernly Chancellor of the Ex­chequer.
  • Secretary to the Treasury, Henry Guy Esquire.
Commissioners for the Execu­tion of the Office of Lord High Admiral of England.
  • SIr Henry Capell, Knight of the Bath.
  • Daniel Finch, Esquire.
Baronets.
  • [Page 92] Sir Thomas Lee,
  • Sir Humphrey Winch,
  • Sir Thomas Meers,
Esquires.
  • Edward Vaughan, &
  • Edward Hales,
FINIS.

BOOKS sold by Abell Swalle at the Sign of the Ʋnicorn at the West-end of St. Pauls.

Folio's.
  • PLutarch's Lives in English.
  • Sir Rich. Baker's Chronicle, 1679.
  • Mr. Joseph Mead's Works.
  • Mr. Abr. Cowley's Poems.
  • Hugonis Grotii, Opera omnia Theo­logica, 4. Vol. 1679.
  • Episcopii Op. Vol. 1.
  • Suarez de Legibus.
Quarto's.
  • Cluverii Geographia in figuris.
  • Zelidaura Queen of Tartaria.
  • [Page]A Dramatick Romance, written in spanish by the command of the King of Spain, made English. 1679
Octavo.
  • A Conference between Dr. Stilling-fleet, and Dr. Burnet, with Cole­man, 1679.
  • Sermons on several Occasions. By John Tillotson, D. D. Dean of Canterbury.
  • Scriptural Catechism, or the Duty of Man laid down in express words of Scripture.
  • A Discourse concerning the Bles­sedness of the Righteous, by Mr. How, M. A.
  • Tou's Le's Devoires de T'homme' on La Practique devertus Chre'ti­ames.
  • [Page]Dict. Dutch.
  • Grammer.
  • Festan 's French Grammer.
  • A Discourse concerning the Period of Humane Life.
Twelves.
  • French Bible.
  • French Testament, Psalms.
  • French Common-Prayer.

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