A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 4
THE RAIGNE OF KING IOHN.
KING Richard being dead, the right of Succession remained in Arthur, Sonne of Geoffrey Plantagen…t elder Brother to Earle Iohn, but Iohn as thinking the title of Arthur but a Criticisme in State, and not for every ones capacity, at least in common sense not so plaine as his owne, who was the sonne of a King, and the Brother to a King, ascends into the Throne as confidently as if he had no competitor: OnelyOnly Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury went before, and made an Oration in his behalfe, wherein seeking to doe him a courtesie, he did him indeed a wrong; for waiving his Right of Succession, he insisted wholly upon their Right of Election; whereof would follow, that as they brought him in, so they might cast him out; of which errour when he was told, he said, he did it of purpose to make King Iohn the more carefull of his Government, by making him sensible upon what an unsure ground his Regality stood: King Iohn resented it, but seeing it to serve his turne for the present, he tooke it not ill, as knowing that his turne once served, he could afterward be his owne carver of what title he pleased; and so upon Ascension day in the yeare 1199. he was Crowned King at Westminster, with more solemnity then joy; many presaging by their countenances, and more in their mindes, that all would not long be well. It cannot be denyed, but that in morall circumstances Earle Iohn had the advantage of his Nephew Arthur; for he was a Man of yeares fit to Governe, Arthur but a Childe, not above thirteene yeares old; he a Native, at least alwayes bred up in the Kingdome, Arthur a Forrainer, and had never beene here; He well knowne both to the Nobility and the People, Arthur a stranger to both, as one they had never …eene; and besides to these morall advantages, he had now added one from the Politickes, that he had gotten Possession; (of more force in the practicall part then all the former) and withall a greater then all these, if it be true which some write, that his Brother King Richard had assigned him his Successour after his decease. But yet knowing the Title at last would come to be tryed in a Court, where the Sword must be Judge; he imployeth all his endevours to get this Judge to be his friend, and by all meanes possible to strengthen himselfe with Armes; and thereupon going to Chinon and Roan, he seiseth upon the Treasure which his Brother had left in those parts, and with it, gets Friends and Souldiers, the Armour of Armes. And indeed all he could have done himselfe would have done him no good, if he had not had the helpe of able Assistants, who yet assisted him no lesse for their owne ends then for his; and these were chiefly his Mother Queene Eleanor, who knew if her Grand-sonne Arthur should be King, that then his Mother Constantia would rule all; at least during his Minority, and thereby her selfe put from the Stage of all Authority; and the Arch-bishop Hubert, who also knew that if Arthur should come to Raigne, that then the Anjouyn and French should have all the best Offices, and the English wholly be neglected, as it was in the time of King William the Conquerour. And yet a greater Friend then both these, for comming to Roan, he used meanes that Walter the Arch-bishop in the Cathedrall Church with great pompe girt him with the Ducall sword of Normandy, and Crowned him with a Coronet of Golden Roses, he taking his Oath for Faithfull Administration in that Dukedome, and they their Oath for being his Loyall Subjects.
Of his troubles in contestation with his Nephew Arthur.
THough King Iohn had entred upon Normandy, and made that Province sure unto him, yet the Province of Anjou stood firme for Arthur, in observance of their love to his Father their former Prince: which also King Iohn soone after invading, reduceth by Force of Armes to his Obedience. And now Constantia the Mother of Prince Arthur, finding King Iohn too powerfull an adversary, and no likelihood for her party, to be able long to stand out against him without further assistance, conceives it her best way to have recourse to the King of France, and thereupon commits her Sonne Arthur to his Tuition: who seemed to receive him with the tendernesse of a Father, and promiseth to assist him with his uttermost Forces, in the recovery of his Right both in France and England. Here we may observe upon what hinge the affection of the Kings of France was used to turne. For in King Henry the seconds time, King Lewis of France was so great a Friend to his Sonne Richard, that by all meanes he would helpe him to get the kingdome from his Father; Afterward when Richard was King, then Philip King of France, was so great a Friend to Iohn, that by all meanes he would helpe him to get the kingdome from his Brother; and now that Iohn is come to be King, he is presently growne so great a Friend of Arthur, that by all meanes he will helpe him to get the kingdome from his Unkle; and no doubt, if Arthur should ever have come to be King, he would have beene as ready to helpe any other to get the kingdome from him: by which it appeares, that it was not the Persons of the Men they either hated or loved, but that they were alwaies jealous of their growing too great; and indeed this ballancing of States keepes Princes affections alwayes in suspense, and never suffers the Glasse of their Love or Hate, to make a true Reflection. About this time William King of Scots came to London to visit King Iohn, and there did homage to him for his kingdome of Scotland, though some say, but onelyonly for the Counties of Northumberland and Cumberland, but being required ayde against the French, he excused himselfe, saying, he could not doe it without consent of his kingdome, and so returned home.
And now Philip King of France having undertaken the protection of the young Prince Arthur, with a mighty Army enters Normandy, takes many of the best Townes, and pursuing his Victories, enters the Province of Anjou also, and recovers it from King Iohn, which he the yeare before had gotten from Prince Arthur. Upon this King Iohn makes a Journey into Normandy, accusing King Philip for breaking the Truce, which formerly he had made with King Richard for five yeares; but when he should come to make his Accusation good by Armes, he falleth to Treaties, and obtaineth a new Truce for fifty dayes: with which new Truce, Baldwyn Earle of Flanders, who had professed himselfe of that side, was not well pleased; and thereupon commeth to King Iohn to Roan, and entring a new League with him, they there consult how to proceed, when the fifty dayes should be expired. This consultation the King of France understood; and thereupon both sides prepare for warre, but at the end of the Truce, both sides seemed to relent, and divers meetings were had for Treaties of Peace, and in conclusion, King Iohn more desirous of Peace then was for his Honour, agreed to these Conditions; that his Ni…ce Blanch, Daughter of Alphonsus King of Castile by his Sister Eleanor, should marry with Lewis King Philips Sonne, who should have with her in Dower, besides thirty thousand Markes in money, all those Cities, except onelyonly Angiers, which the French before that time had taken, which were many and very great: and his Peace thus made, he returnes into England with great joy, but was not with like joy received of the English Lords, who counted themselves dishonoured, in the dishonourable Conditions he had made; and Baldwyn Earle of Flanders also, when he saw the poore spi…its of King Iohn, to descend to such base Conditions; left his Party, and entring League with the King of France, disposed himselfe for the Holy Warre.
But King Iohn having now gotten a Vacation, and a time of ease, which agreed much better with his nature then Warre, sets his minde wholly upon pleasures; and for maintaining his pleasures, upon seeking after profit, which he pursues by all manner of injustice, under the name of Prerogative; and with such violence, that when his Brother Geoffrey Arch-bishop of Yorke, in the dutifulnesse of a Counsellour, advised him not to take such unlawfull courses, he most unworthily tooke from him all he had, and it was a yeares worke for all the Arch-bishops friends to pacify his anger. In the necke of this injustice, he commits another, he procures a divorce from his Wife Avis, the Daughter of Robert Earle of Glocester, onelyonly for being of kinne to him in the third degree, and by advice of the King of France, marries Isabell Daughter and Heire of the Earle of Angoulesme, Affianced before to Hugh le Brun Earle of March; and shortly after brings her with him into England, where he and she together, are both Crowned at Canterbury. And here the Earles and Barons of the Realme, being all summoned to attend the King into France at Whitsontide following; they all by a generall consent send him word, that unlesse he would restore them their Rights and Liberties, they would doe him no service out of the kingdome. But what it was that made the Lords more violent in pressing their Demands at this time then before, no Writers of these times doe sufficiently deliver: OnelyOnly some of them speake scatteringly of certaine oppressions (besides the generall Grievance for Exactions) lately offered to some of the Lords, one to the Earle of Chester, whom he would have banished, onelyonly for advising him to leave his cruelty and incontinency: Another, a pursuite in Love to a Daughter of Robert Fits-Water, called Maude the Faire, who not consenting to the Kings lust, a messenger was sent to give her poyson in a potched Egge, whereof she dyed: And a third, offered to William de Brawse and his Lady, for a rash word spoken; for when the King sent to have de Brawses Sonne delivered him for a pledge, the Lady answered, We shall doe well indeed to commit our Sonne to his keeping, who kept so well his owne Nephew Prince Arthur. This rash word cost de Brawse his Country, and his Lady and their Son their lives, both of them being famished to death in Prison. For, though these directly were but particular Grievances, yet reflectingly they were generall, what one suffered all might; but whether any of these, or all of these together, were Ingredients to make a Compound of violence in the Lords at this time, or whatsoever was the true cause, this was plainely the effect, that unlesse the King would restore their liberties, they would not follow him out of the kingdome. But notwithstanding this refusall of his Lords, he passeth over with his Queene into Normandy, and from thence to Paris, where the King of France receives them with all complements of Love and amity. But now Hugh Earle of March, resenting the injury done him by King Iohn; in taking away his affianced Wife, joynes with Prince Arthur, and the King of France also, for all his faire shew of amity lately made, joynes with them, as having sometime before marryed his youngest Daughter to Prince Arthur, and these with their Forces joyned, invade first the Turones, and then the Anjovins: of which Province Queene Eleanor the Kings Mother was left Regent, who thereupon betakes her selfe to Mirabell the strongest Towne of those parts, and sends to her Sonne King Iohn, acquainting him with the danger she was in, aud requiring his speedy succour. When in the meane time Prince Arthur takes the City, and in it his Grand-mother Queene Elea…or, whom he used with greater reverence and respect then she expected. But King Iohn at the hearing hereof, was so moved, calling the French King ungratefull and perfidious for succouring Prince Arthur, contrary to his League, that study…ng presently the Art of Revenge, he fell upon a stratagem, of all other the most prudent against an Enemy: For a Surprise in Warre is like to an Apoplexy in the Body, which strikes without giving warning for defence: And this Stratagemme at this time King Iohn put in practise, for travelling night & day with indefatigable labor, he came upon his enemies before they were aware, and setting upon them unprovided, it was rather an execution then a battell; and they who remained unslaine were taken prisoners, amongst whom Prince Arthur him…elfe, who committed presently to the custody of Robert de Veypont in Roan, lived not long after whether it were that attempting to make escape, he fell down from the wals of his Prison, and was drowned in the River Seyne, as some say; or whether it were, that through anguish of minde he fell sicke and dyed, as others say; or whether indeed he w…re made away by King Iohn, as the common fame went; Certaine it is, that he survived his imprisonment but a very few dayes. But though he were gone, yet his sister Eleanor, a preceding Competitor to King Iohn, was still remaining: Her therefore, at this time also King Iohn seiseth upon, and commits her in safe custody to Bristow Castle, where, after she had lived long, she dyed.
Of his Troubles after the death of his Nephew Arthur.
KIng Iohn being now freed from his Competitor, one would thinke he should have ended all his troubles, but like a Hydraes head, they rather multiplyed upon him: For they who had beene so ready to assist Prince Arthur in his life, were now as ready to revenge his death. And first, Constance his Mother comes to King Philip, with open exclamations against King Iohn, accusing him with the murther of her Sonne, and with all the instance of Teares and Intreaties, solicites him to revenge it. Hereupon King Philip summons King Iohn to appeare at a day, and because he appeared not according to the tenure of his Homage, it was decreed against him, that he had forfeited all the property of his Estate in France, and thereupon King Philip with mighty Forces invades his Territories, takes many Townes of principall consequence, while King Iohn lived idle at R…an, no more regarding it then if it had not at all concerned him; and when some of his Lords seemed to marvell what he meant to suffer the French to rob him of such goodly Cities: You say true indeed, (saith he) for it is but Robbery, and within a few dayes you shall see, I will make him to restore them backe with usu…y. In this slighting humour he returnes into England, where he lookes not after the levying of Souldiers, or the raising of an Army, as this case required, but continues his old course for raising of money, accusing sometimes one of his Lords, sometimes another, as … it w…re their fault that he had lost these Townes in France … and upon … made many of them pay great summes of money, which brought … into hatred at home, but into contempt abroad; for the King of … …n…standing his unworthy courses, proceeds more violently in his Invasi…ns …, getting Falai…, Damfr…nt, and all the good Townes of Normandy, but onelyonly Roan, and at last, though R…an was a Towne strongly fortifyed with Walls, and more strongly with the faithfull hearts of the Inhabi…ants, yet finding no hope of succour from King Iohn, it was forced for want of Victuals to submit it selfe to the King of France, whose example all the other Cities followed; and so all Normandy returned to the subjection of the French, after three hundred and sixteene yeares that Roll… the Dane had first possest it. It was now the yeare 1205. and the fourth of King Iohns Raigne, about which time, the two props of his Estate, or rather indeed, the two Bridles of his intemperancy, dyed, his Mother Queene Eleanor, whose vertues had oftentimes qualifyed the vices of her Sonne; and Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury, who repented him at his death of nothing more, then that he had beene an Instrument of bringing him to the Crowne.
And now King Iohn being a Substantive of himselfe, hath a devise in his head to make his subjects as willing to give him money as he was to have it: for knowing the great discontentment they all had for his losses in France; he gives it out, that he would presently rais… an Army, for recovery of those losses, if he might have money to goe about it: whereupon, never was money given with more alacrity; and as soone as he had it, he instantly went to Portesmouth, and there took Shipping before it was possible for his Lords and others to be in readinesse to accompany him; and sayling forward some certaine Leagues into the Sea, upon a sudden he returnes backe againe, and then laies the fault upon his Lords, that had not followed him; and for this backwardnesse of theirs, imposed afterwards great Fines upon them; by which meanes he got money no lesse by pretence of his not going, then he had done before by pretence of his going. About this time died Geoffrey Fits-Peter Justitiar of England, who while he lived kept the King in some awe, in so much, as hearing he was dead, he swore by the feete of God, that now at length he was King of England; and with great rejoycing said to some Lords about him: Now when this man comes into Hell, let him salute the Arch-Bishop Hubert, whom certainely he shall finde there. But Philip, King of France, intending to leave the English nothing on that side the Sea, invadeth Chinon, and takes it; and in it the valiant Captaine Roger Lacie, which had given a period to King Philips victories, had not Guido the husband of Constantia Prince Arthurs Mother revolted to King Iohn; who with his assistance once againe leavies an Army, besiegeth Mount Auban, a Castle thought impregnable, and within fifteene dayes takes it, which Charles the Great could not get with his seven yeares siege: where so great a number of French Lords were taken prisoners, that King Iohn sent a Catalogue of their names into England, for a memoriall of so great a victory. After this, he taketh the strong Towne of Angiers, and utterly defaceth it; for which afterward he was sorry, as being the Towne where he was borne. But now when the two Kings were ready to meete, and to give battell, intercession was made by friends of both sides, and thereupon a Peace concluded for two yeares: and King Iohn returned into England.
King Iohn being returned, performes no lesse worthy acts at home, then he had done in France: for first he invades the Borders of Scotland, and brings Alexander King of Scots to doe him homage; and then understanding many of the Irish to be revolted, he passeth over to Dublin, and reduceth them to his obedience; and then placing Iohn Bishop of Norwich Governour there, he returnes into England; where passing through Wales, he subdueth certaine Rebels there, and takes eight and twenty children of the best Families, for pledges of their future loyalty; but not long after, hearing they grew mutinous and rebelled againe, he was so incensed, that he would not goe to dinner till he had seene those twenty eight children to be all hanged before his face: so inconsiderate a thing is the desire of revenge, that it makes no difference betweene innocency and guiltinesse; though indeed a thing oftentimes must be done for example, which considered in it selfe, would be forborne.
And it was the yeare 1214. and the fourteenth of K. Iohns Raign, when he going to Angiers, strongly repaires it; and the Province of Poictou revolted to him; which Lewis King Philips sonne understanding, comes upon them with a mighty Army, and using much severity upon the Authors of the revolt, takes prisoners, Reynold Earle of Boleigne, and William Earle of Salisbury, with many others of King Iohns Captaines, and defeateth his whole Army: whereof when King Iohn was certified, he grew in a manner desperate, and as a man dejected, makes a new Truce upon any conditions with the King of France, and returnes into England; where he findes a worse businesse ready to entertaine him: for the Lords of the Realme having often required their ancient Rights and Liberties; and finding nothing but delusions, endure no longer to be abused; but meeting at Saint Edmundsbery, they there conferre how they may finde a remedy to redresse this evill; and at la…t concluded to goe to the King themselves in person, and make their Demands; whereof a Charter was produced, that had beene formerly granted in King Henry the firsts time: whereupon comming to the King after Christmas, lying then in the New Temple, and acquainting him with their Demands; he gives them this faire Answer, that within a few dayes he would give them satisfaction; and causeth the Bishops of Canterbury and Ely, with William Marshall, Earle of Glocester, to passe their words for him, that it should be performed. But the King meaning nothing lesse then to doe as he said, fals presently a leavying of Souldiers; which the Lords understanding, they also doe the like; and going to the Bishop of Canterbury, deliver him a Copy of their Demands, and require the Kings Answer. But the Bishop shewing it to the King, and humbly intreating him to give the Lords a satisfactory Answer: he swore a great Oath, they might as well demand the Kingdome, and that he would die before he would yeeld to any such demands. Whereupon the Lords (knowing now what they were to trust to) fall to besiege Northampton, and after that, Redford, which is yeelded to them; and withall they are sent to by the Londoners, to signifie their readinesse to joyne with them. At this time the King was at Windsor providing an Army, but hearing the Londoners were joyned with the Lords, he thought it no good way to proceed by force, but rather by fraud; and thereupon sends to the Lords, that if they would come to him to Windsor, he would grant their demands. The Lords comming thither, but in a Military manner, (for they durst not trust his word) the King saluted them all kindly, and promised to give them satisfaction in all they demanded; and so in a Meadow betweene Windsor and Stanes, called Running-meade, he freely consented to confirme their former Liberties; and was content some grave Personages should be chosen to see it performed. But the next day, when it should be done, he gets him gone to South-hampton, and from thence to the Ile of Wight; where advising with his Councell, what in this case was fittest to be done: It was concluded he should send to the Pope, to acquaint him with this mutiny of the Lords, and to require his help: while the King in the meane time lived skulking up and downe in corners, that no man might know where to find him; or which is worse (as some write) roving about and practising Piracy. And now the Lords beginne to suspect fraud, when shortly after the Kings Messengers, who were Walter and Iohn, Bishops of Worcester and Norwich, returne with the Popes Decree; which was, that the Kings Grant to the Lords should be void: with this Decree, the King after three moneths that he had staied in the Ile of Wight, comming backe to Windsor, acquaints the Lords; but they accusing the Messengers for false informing the Pope, and the Pope also for making a Decree without hearing both sides, betake them to Armes, and sweare by the holy Altar to be revenged for this Iudification and injurious dealing. The King finding the Lords nothing moved with the Popes Decree, sends againe unto him, to acquaint him with it: who mightily incensed to have his Decree so sleighted, adjudgeth them all to be held as enemies of Religion; and gives power to Peter Bishop of Winchester, and to the Abbot of Reading to Excommunicate them. In the meane time the King had sent the Bishop of Worcester, Chancellour of England, and others with his Seale, to hire Souldiers from the parts beyond the Seas; who returned shortly after, bringing along with him out of Poicto… and Glasconie, Savery de Malcon, Geoffrey and Oliver B…t…vile, brothers; & under their conduct so great a rabble, that with these Forces, within halfe a yeare the King had gotten all the Castles of the Barons, to the borders of Scotland. And now he divides his Army, committing part of it to his brother William, Earle of Salisbury, and others, to set upon London; and with the other part he goes himselfe into Yorkshire, where most of the Lords had Possessions, which in most cruell manner he destroyeth with fire and sword. The Lords being thus on all sides distressed, resolve upon a course, neither honourable nor safe; yet such as necessity made seeme both: they send to Philip King of France, requiring him to send over his sonne Lewis to their aide, and promising they would submit themselves to be governed by him, and take him for their Soveraigne. To this motion of the Lords, King Philip was as forward as themselves; which King Iohn understanding, sends againe to the Pope, requiring him to use his authority to stay the King of France from comming. But King Philip, though much regarding the request of the Pope, yet nothing so much as the acquest of England; with all speed provides an Army, and with a fleete of sixe hundred sayle… sends over his sonne Lewis; who passing into England, landeth at Sandwich, whither many of the Lords and others resort unto him; and giving Oaths of Allegeance, joyne themselves with him. King Iohn at this time was at Dover, but not daring to stay there for feare of the enemy, he commits the Castle to Hubert Burgh; and goeth himselfe to Canterbury, and from thence to Winchester in manner of a flight; which Prince Lewis understanding, goeth straight to London, and by a plausible Oration makes that City sure unto him: and thither come to him the King of Scots with an Army of choyce Souldiers, as also the Earles, Warren, Arundel, Salisbury, with many others. And now Prince Lewis passeth all the Countrey over without resistance, but not without infinite outrages committed by his Souldiers, which it was not in him to hinder: and then comming to Norwich, he takes that City easily, but Dover cost him a longer siege, as being defended by the valiant and loyall Captaine Hubert Burgh. In this meane while King Iohn finding his enemies imployed in these difficult sieges; sends about and gathers a rabble of all raskall people to him, and with them runneth over all the Countrey, spoyling and killing in most barbarous manner; and now was the kingdome made the Stage of all miseries of rapine and cruelty: two Armies in it on foote at once, each of them seeking to prey upon the other, and both of them upon the Countrey. But the King comming to Wallpoole in Norfolke, where the Washes were to be passed over, he sendeth one to search where the Foord was passable, and there himselfe with some few passed over, but the multitude, with all the cariages, passing without orde…, they cared not where, were all drowned; with which dysaster, the King through anguish of minde fell into a Feaver, whereof within a few dayes he died. And here was an end of all the troubles of this King: In whom it is observable, that loving his case… so well as he did, he should runne voluntarily into such troubles, especially at home, upon so small occasions as he did; but it should seeme there is no greater hinderance to men for accomplishing their will, then their owne wilfulnesse.
Of his Taxations.
TO speake of his Taxations, it may not unproperly be said that it was but one continued Taxation all his Raigne through; yet to divide it into parts: his first was the Taxation of three shillings upon every Plough-land through the kingdom…, to pay the thirty thousand Markes, for his Neece Blanches Portion; and to mend this Taxation, he seiseth upon all the Temporalties of his brother Geoffrey Arch-bishop of Yorke, for opposing it; and for a continuation, he makes a progresse shortly after into all the North parts, where he exacts great Fines of offenders in his Forests. Very shortly after solicited by the Popes Legate, he grants a Subsidy of the fortieth part of al his subjects Revenues for one year, to succor the Holy Land. Shortly after this, he chargeth his Earls and Barons with the losses he sustained in France; & thereupon Fines them to pay the seventh part of all their goods: neither spared he the Church, or the Commons in this Imposition. Before this year is ended another Lea…y is made at a Parliament in Oxford, wherein is granted two Markes and a halfe of every knights Fee, for Military aide; neither are the Clergy exempted from paying their part: and before another yeare is out, another Imposition is laid of the thirteenth part of all movables and other goods, both of the Clergy and Laity. It may be reckoned amongst his Taxations, that when the Monkes of Canterbury had displeased him about the election of their Arch-bishop, he seised upon all their goods, and converted them to his owne use: and presently after this, upon the like displeasure, he deputes many Bishopricks, Abbeys, and Priories into the hands of Lay-men, and confiscates all their Revenues. To these may be added that he tooke eleven thousand Markes of Silver of the King of Scots for granting him Peace. Adde to these also great summes of money exacted and gathered from the Iewes, among whom there was one that would not be ransomed, till the King caused every day one of his great teeth to be pulled out by the space of seven dayes, and then he was content to give the King tenne thousand Markes of Silver, that no more might be pulled out. Adde to these, that at his returne out of Ireland, he summoned all the Prelates of the kingdome to appeare before him; of whom he extorted for their redemption, the summe of an hundred thousand pounds Sterling. Adde lastly to these, that at his returne out of Wales, he exacts of every knight that attended him not in that expedition, two Markes.
Of his Lawes and Ordinances.
HE was the first that appointed the Formes of Civill Government in London and other Cities, endowing them also with their greatest Franchises. The first that caused Sterling money to be here Coyned; The first that ordained the Honourable Ceremonies in Creation of Earles; The first that setled the Rates and Measures for Wine, Bread, Cloath, and such other necessaries of Commerce… The first that planted English Lawes and Officers in Ireland; The first that enlarged the Royall stile with Lord of Ireland, and both annexed that kingdome, and fastned Wales to the Crowne of England.
Affaires of the Church in his time.
AFter the death of Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury, the Monkes of th… Covent secretly in the night Elected one Reginold their sub-prior to succeed him; and caused him to goe to Rome for confirmation: but afterward doubting how the King would take it, being done without his knowledge, they crave leave of the King to chuse a fit man, the King is content to allow them the Election, but requires himselfe to have the Nomination, and thereupon commends unto …hem Iohn Grey Bishop of Norwich, whom he specially favoured, and accordingly the Monkes Elect him. But the matter being afterward referred to the Pope, which of these two Elections should stand good, after many Allegations of both sides, the Pope to shew himselfe indifferent to both, disallowes them both, and nominates a third man, one Stephen Lancthon, Cardinall of Saint Chrysogone, an Englishman borne, and a man of great learning. The Monkes admit him, but the King opposeth it: and now, as it were, a Prize began to be played between the two Swords, the Spirituall and the Temporall: but he that used the Spirituall Sword, proved so much the better Fencer, that he disarmed the other, and tooke away his temporall Sword from him. It is true, in the first Venue, the King gave the Pope as good as he brought; for as the Pope threatned the King to excommunicate him, and to interdict the kingdome; So the King threatned the Pope to nullifie his Authority, and to banish Clergy men out of the Realme. In the second Venue, as the Pope acted as much as he had threatned; (for he interdicted the …ingdome) So the King performed as much as he had spoken; (for he drove the Monkes ou… of their Cloyster) yet at last when Pand…lphus the Popes Legat came into England, and made appeare to the King in what great d…ngers he stood; First… of the King of France, by Invasion; and then of his owne Subjects, by Rebellion; for both which, there was no other helpe but Reconcilement with the Pope; he so touched him to the quicke, that he made him leave his great words, and fall to asking forgivenesse. So as taking off the Crowne from his head, he laid it downe at Pand…lphus fe…te, to be disposed of, as the Pope should please. And Pandulphus stucke not to …ke up his Crowne, and to keepe it three or foure dayes in his hands before he restored it; and did not then neither, but upon condition that he …nd his Successours sho…ld hold the kingdome of the See of Rome, at the annuall tribute of … thousand Markes. And all those three or foure dayes, in which Pandulphus kept the Crowne, it might be truely said, the kingdome was without a King. And upon this, no doubt it was that Peter an Her…te in a Propheticall Rapture had given out some time before, that by Asc…sion day, there should be no King of England. Which though in some sort it was true, yet in some sort it was not true, and it was in the Prerogative of the King to make his owne interpretation: And so it cost the poore Hermite and his Sonne their lives, and they remaine as a pillar of Salt, to make men take heed of Ludere cum Sanctis; and of playing the Critickes in matters of State.
But by this meanes the kingdome was released of the Interdiction, which had continued sixe yeares, three moneths, and foureteene dayes: During all which time, there was no publique Exercise of Religion; no Churches open; no Ecclesiasticall Sacraments administred… but onelyonly to them that were in danger of death, and baptisme to children; all that dyed were buryed like dogges, in ditches and corners, but onelyonly such as had purchased or procured licence from the Pope.
In this Kings Raigne, Saint Dominicke continued his Preaching ten yeares together, against the Albigenses. Also in his time Saint Francis renounced the world; and when a Priest to whom he offered it, would not take his money, he cast it away… and entred into a Vow of perpetuall Poverty. Also in this Kings time, was held the L…teran Councell, under Pope Innocent the Third, in which was established the Popes power over Princes, and in matters of Faith, Auricular confession, and Transubstantiation.
Of his Irreligion.
I Need not relate a Speech of his, though very unchristian, that having beene a little before reconciled to the Pope, and then taking an overthrow in France, in great anger he cryed out, that nothing had prospered with him since the time he was reconciled to God and the Pope. Nor another speech of his, which though spoken merrily, was in good earnest very irreligious, that being on a time a hunting at the opening of a fat Bucke, he said: See how this Deere hath prospered, and how fat he is, and yet I dare sweare he never heard Masse. It is sufficient to relate one act of his, (if it be true which some write) that being in some distresse, he …ent Thomas Hardington, and Ralph Fits Nichols, knights, in Embassage to Mir… m…malim King of Africke and M…r…cco, with offer of his kingdome to him, upon condition he would come and aide him; and that if he prevailed, he would himselfe become a Mahometan… and renounce the Christian Faith. Though some there be that …ay, All the…e were but false Criminations charged upon him by Monkes that did not love him. But though we believe not these things of him; yet to suffer his kingdome to stand Interdicted so many yeares together, upon so small occasion as he did, was certainely no good signe of Religion in him. Yet one Act he did, wherein he shewed a respect to Religion, by the honour he did to a Religious man: For Hugh Bishop of Lincolne lying very sicke, he not onelyonly went to visit him, but being dead, was one of the three Kings, (the other two were, William King of Scotland … and the King of Southwales) that carryed his Herse upon their shoulders, till they delivered it to the Peeres, and the Peeres afterward to the Arch-bishops and Bishops to carry it in…o the Quire.
Workes of piety done by him, or by others in his time.
YEt did this King leave more Workes of Piety behinde him, then all his Subjects that were in his time. For he Founded the Abbey of Bowley in the New Forest in Hampshire: also an Abbey of blacke Monkes in the City of Winchester, and the Monastery of Farend…n, and the Monastery of Hales Owen in Shropshire: he reedified …odsto… and Wr…xell, and enlarged the Chappell of Knarisborough. Now for his Subjects, onelyonly Richard Prior of Ber…mon…sey builded an House against the wall of the said house of Ber…on…sey, called the Almary or Hospitall of Converts and Children, in honour of Saint Thomas. In this Kings time Saint Mary Overeyes in Southw…ke was begun to be builded, and the Stone Bridge over the Thames, was by the Merchants of London finished. Also Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Founded a Monastery at West Derham in Norfolke, which upon the dissolution came to the family of the Derhams, who hold it to this day.
Of his Lawes and Ordinances.
IN this Kings time, five and thirty of the most substantiall Citizens of London, were chosen out, and called the Counsell of the City, and the King gave the City liberty to alter their Major and Sheriffes every yeare, which before continued during life. He caused the Lawes of England to be executed in Ireland, and money to be Coyned there, according to the weight of English money.
Of his Wives and Children.
KING Iohn lived to have three Wives: His first was Alice Daughter of Hubert Earle of Morton, who left him a Widower without issue. His second was Isabell Daughter and Heire of Robert Earle of Gl…c…ster, by whom no issue neither, divorced from her by reason of Consanguini…y in the third degree. His third Wife was Isabel Daughter and Heire of Aymer Earle of Angoules…e, Affianced before to Hugh le Brun, Earle of March: By this Wife he had two Sonnes, Henry and Richard, and three Daughters, Ioane, Eleanor, and Isabell: Henry succeeded him in the kingdome; Richard was Earle of Cornwall, and Crowned King of the Romans, and had issue Henry and Iohn, that dyed without issue: also Edward Earle of Cornwall, and others. Ioane his eldest Daughter marryed to Alexander the second King of Scots, dyed without issue: Eleanor the second Daughter (marryed to Simon Earle of Leycester) had issue Henry, Simon, Almaricke, Guy, Richard, and Eleanor. Henry slaine without issue. Simon Earle of Bigorre, and ancestour to a Family of the Mountfords in France. Almaricke, first a Priest, after a knight. Guy Earle of Angleria in Italy, and Progenitour of the Mountfords in Thuscany, and of the Earles of the Campo Bacchi in the kingdome of Naples. Richard … remaining privily in England, and changing his name from Mountford to Wellesborne, was ancestour of the Wellesburnes in England. Eleanor borne in England, brought up in France, marryed into Wales, to Prince Lewin a… Griffith. Isabel his youngest Daughter, marryed to the Emperour Fredericke the second, had issue, Henry appointed to be King of Sicilie, and Margaret Wife of Albret Lantgrave of Thurine. She dyed in Childbed, after she had beene Empresse sixe yeares. He had also two naturall Sonnes, Geoffrey Fits Roy, and Richard, that marryed the Daughter and Heire of Fulbert de Dover, (who built Childham Castle) had issue by her, of whom some Families of good account are descended. Also one base Daughter named Ioane, marryed to Lewin Prince of Wales.
Of his Personage and Conditions.
HE was of Stature indifferent tall, and something fat, of a sowre and angry countenance, and concerning his conditions, it may be said, that his Nature and his Fortune did not well agree: For naturally h… loved his e…se, yet his Fortune was to be ever in Action. He won more of his Enemies by surprises then by Battels, which shewes he had more of Lightning in him then of Thunder. He was never so true of his word as when he threatned, because he meant alwayes as cruelly as he spake, not alwayes as gratiously; and he that would have knowne what it was he never meant to performe, must have looked upon his promises. He was neither fit for Prosperity nor Adversity: For Prosperity made him insolent, and Adversity dejected; a meane Fortune would have suited best with him. He was all that he was by Fits: Sometimes doing nothing without deliberation… and sometimes doing all upon a sudden; Sometimes very Religious, and sometimes scarce a Christian. His insatiablenesse of money was not so much as that no man knew what he did with it, gotten with much noyse, but spent in silence. He was but intemperate in his best temper, but when distempered with sicknesse, most of all, as appeared at his last, when being in a Feaver he would needs be eating of raw Peaches, and drinking of sweete Ale. If we looke upon his workes we must needes thinke him a worthy Prince, but if upon his Actions, nothing lesse: For his Workes of Piety were very many, as hath beene shewed before, but as for his Actions, he neither came to the Crowne by Justice, nor held it with Honour, nor left it in Peace. Yet having had many good parts in him, and especially having his Royall posterity continued to this day, we can doe no lesse then honour his memory.
Casualties that happened in his time.
ONe Casualty we might count dysastrous, if it had not had relation to our selves: for Hugh de Bones comming to aide King Iohn with threescore thousand out of Britany and Flanders, by misfortune at Sea were all Drowned, to whom the King had granted Norfolk and Suffolk for the people he brought with him to Inhabit. In this Kings time were great thunders and lightnings, and showers with hailstones as big as Goose-Egges. Fishes of strange shape were taken in England, armed with helmets and shields, and were like unto armed knights, saving that they were farre greater in proportion. About Maidestone in Kent a certaine Monster was found strucken with the Lightning, which Monster had a head like an Asse, a belly like a man, and all other parts farre differing from any other Creature.
Of his death and buriall.
VVHen Prince Lewis of France was come into England, and was received by the Lords and by the Londoners, King Iohn with an Army went into the North parts, and comming to Wallpoole, where he was to passe over the Washes, he sent one to search where the water was passable, and there himselfe with some few passeth over, but the multitude with all his Carriages and Treasure passing without Order, they cared not where, were all Drowned. With the griefe of which dysaster, and perhaps distempered in his body before, he fell into a Feaver and was let blood; but keeping an ill dyet, (as indeed he never kept good) eating greene Peaches, and drinking sweete Ale, he fell into a loosenesse, and grew presently so weake, that there was much adoe to get him to Newarke … where soone after he dyed. Though indeed it be diversly related; Caxton saith, he was poysoned at Swi…sheads Abbey by a Monke of that Covent; the manner and cause this: The King being there, and hearing it spoken how cheape Corne was, should say, he would ere long make it dearer, and make a penny loa…e be sold for a shilling. At this speech the Monke tooke such indignation, that he went and put the poyson of a Toade into a cup of Wine, and brought it to the King, telling him there was such a cup of Wine as he had never drunke in all his life, and therewithall tooke the assay of it himselfe, which made the King to drinke the more boldly of it; but finding himselfe presently very ill upon it, he asked for the Monke, and when it was told him that he was falne downe dead; then (saith the King) God have mercy upon me, I doubted as much. Others say, the poyson was given in a dish of Peares. But the Physitian that dis-bowelled his body, found no signe of poyson in it, and therefore not likely to be true; but howsoever the manner of his death be uncertaine, yet this is certaine, that at this time and place he dyed, on the 19. day of October, in the yeare 1216. when he had Raigned seventeene yeares and sixe moneths; Lived one and fifty: He was buryed, his bowels at Croxton Abbey, his body at Worcester under the High Altar, wrapped in a Monkes Cowle, which the superstition of that time accounted Sacred, and a defensative against all evill Spirits.
Of the prises of things in his time.
NEitheir is this unfit to be recorded in Chronicles, to the end comparison may be made betweene the time past and the present: as in the time of King Henry the second, a Quarter of Whea…e was sold for twelve pence; a Quarter of Beanes or Oates for a groat. Neitheir is the price of Silver it selfe much lesse altered, for an ounce of Silver was then valued but at twenty pence; which is now valued at least at five shillings. Whereof Philosophers must tell the reason, for seeing scarcity makes things deare, why should not plenty make them cheape?
Of Men of speciall Note in his time.
IN Military matters there were many famous men in his time, as Robert Fits-Roger, and Richard Mount-Fitchet, with many others; but chiefely two, whose Acts make them specially memorable: the one was Hubert Burgh, whom K. Iohn had left Governour of Dover Castle, of whom it is related, that when Prince Lewis of France came to take the Towne, and found it difficult to be taken by force; he sent to Hubert, whose brother Thomas he had taken prisoner a little before; that unless… he would surrender the Castle, he should presently see his brother Thomas be put to death with exquisite torments before his eyes: but this threatning moved not Hubert at all, who more regarded his owne loyalty, then his brothers life: then Prince Lewis sent againe, offering him a great summe of money; but neither did this move, but he kept his loyalty as inexpugnable as his Castle. The other was Robert Fits-Water, of whom it is related, that King Iohn being with an Army in France, one of his knights in a great bravery would needs make a challenge to any of the French Campe, that durst encounter him in a Combat, when presently comes forth this Robert Fits-Water; and in the encounter, threw horse and man downe to the ground: whereof when King Iohn heard, By Gods tooth (saith he) he were a King indeed that had such a Champion; whereupon some that stood by, saying to him, He is Sir, a servant of your owne, it is Robert Fits-Water, whom you have banished. Whereupon his sentence of banishment was presently reversed, and the King received him, as he well deserved, into speciall favour. In matter of Literature also there lived many famous men in the Kings Raigne; as Geoffrey Vinesaufe, Simon Fraxinus, alias Ash, Adam Dorensis, Iohn de Oxford, Colman sirnamed The wise… Richard Canonicus, William Peregrine, Alane Tewksbery, Gervasius Dorobernensis, Iohn Hanwill, Nigell Worker, Gilbert Holland, Benet de Peterborough… William Parvus a Monke of Newburgh, Roger Hoveden, Hubert Walter, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Alexander Theologus, Gervasius Tilberiensis, Gyraldus Cambrensis, Iohannes Devonius, Walter Mapis, Radulphus de Diceto, Gilbert Legley, Mauricius Morganius, Iohn de Fordeham, William Leycester, Ioceline Brakeland, Roger of Crowland, Hugh White, alias Candidus, who wrote an History intituled Historia Petroburgensis; Iohn de Saint Omer, Adam Barking, Iohn Gray an Historigrapher, and Bishop of Norwich; Walter of Coventry, Radulphus Niger, and lastly, Simon Thurvay, who for his pride in Learning, but more for his blasphemies against Moses and Christ, became at last so utterly ignorant, that hardly he could read a letter of the booke.