A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 12

A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government · Regnal history 12

p. 139THE REIGNE OF KING HENRY THE SEVENTH.

HENRY Earle of Richmond, borne in Pembrooke-Castle, sonne to Edmund Earle of Richmond, by his wife Margaret, sole daughter of Iohn Duke of Somerset, which Iohn was sonne of Iohn Earle of Somerset, sonne of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, by his third wife Katherine Swinford; and by this descent, Heire of the House of Lancaster: having wonne the Battell at Bosworth, against King Richard; is by publick acclamations saluted King of England, on the 22 day of August, in the yeere 1485. and this was his first Title. And now to take away a Root of danger; before his departure from Leicester, he sent Sir Robert Willoug…by to the Castle of Sheriffehaton in the County of Yorke, for Edward Plantage…et Earle of Warwick, sonne and heire to George Duke of Clarence, being then of the age of fifteen yeeres, whom King Richard had there kept a prisoner all his time; who was thence conveyed to London, and shut up in the Tower to be kept in safe custodie. In the same Castle also, King Richard had left residing the Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward the Fourth: and her now King Henry appoints honorably attended to be brought up to London, and to be delivered to the Queene her mother. This done, he tooke his journey towards London; where at his approaching neere the City, Thomas Hill the Major, Thomas Brittaine and Richard Chester Sheriffs, with other principall Citizens, met him at Shore-ditch, and in great state brought him to the Cathedrall Church of St. Paul, where he offered three Standards: in the one was the Image of St. George; in another was a red fiery Dragon, beaten upon white and greene Sarcenet; in the third was painted a dun Cow, upon yellow Tarterne. After Prayers said, he departed to the Bishops Palace, and there sojourned a season: And in the time of his stay here, he advised with his Councell, and appointed a day for solemnizing his mariage with the Lady Elizabeth: before which time notwithstanding, he went by water to Westminster, and was there with great solemnity Anointed and Crowned King of England, by the whole consent as well of the Commons as of the Nobility, by the name of Henry the Seventh, on the thirtieth day of October, in the yeere 1485: and this was his second Title. And even this was revealed to Cadwalloder last King of the Britaines, seven …u…dred ninety and seven yeeres past; That his off-spring should Raigne and b…a…e Dominion in this Realme againe.

p. 140On the seventeenth day of November following, he called his High Court of Parliament; where, at the first sitting, two scruples appea…ed: One concerning t…e Burgesses; for that many had been returned Burgesses and knights of Shires, who by a Parliament in king Richards time, stood Attainted still: and it was thought incong…uous, for men to make Law…, who were themselves out-lawed: For remedy whereof, an Act was presently passed for their restoring; and then they were admitted to sit in the House. The other concerning the King himselfe, who had been Attainted by king Richard: but for this, It was resolv…d by all the Judges in the Ch…quer Chamber, that the possession of the Crowne takes away all defects; yet for Honours sake, all Records of hi… Attainder were taken off the File. And so these scruples thus removed, the Parliament b…ga…; wherein were Attainted, first Richard late Duke of Glocester, calling himselfe Richard the Third: Then, his Assistants at the Battell of Bosworth: Iohn late Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earle of Surrey, Francis Viscount Lovell, Walter Devereux late Lord Ferrers, Iohn Lord Zouch, Rober… Harington, Richard Cha…leto… Richar… Rat…liffe… William Ber…ley of Weley, Robert Middleton, Iames Haringto… …obert Br…c…enb…y, T…omas Pilkington, Wal…er Ho…ton, William Catesby, Roger W…ke, William Sapco…e, Humfry Stafford, William Clerke of Wenlock, Geoffry St. Germaine, Richard Watkins, Herauld at Armes, Richard Revell, Thomas Pul…er, Iohn Welsh, Iohn Ken…all l…te Secretary to the late king Richard, Iohn Buck, Andrew Rat, and William Brampton of Burford. But notwithstanding this Attainder, divers of the persons aforesaid, were afterwards not only by King Hen…y pardoned, but restored also to their lands and livings. As likewise he caused Proclamation to be made, that whosoever would submit themselves, and take Oath to be true subjects, should have their Pardon: whereupon many came out of Sanctuaries and other places; who submitting themselves, were received to mercy.

And now King Henry con…idering that …aena & Praemio Respublica contine…uy; after Punishing for Offence…, he proceeds to Rewarding for Service: and first, Iasper Earle of Pembrooke his Unkle, he created Duke of Bedford: Thomas Lord Stanley he created Earle of Darb…: the Lord Chendow of Britaine, his speciall friend, he made Earle of Bathe: Sir Giles Dauben…y was made Lord Dawbeney: Sir Robert Willoughby was made Lord Brooke: and Edward Stafford eldest sonne to Henry late Duke of Buckingham, he restored to his Dignity and Possessions. Besides, in this Parliament, an Act was made, for se…ing the Crowne upon the person of king Henry and the heires of his Body successively for ever. And then with all speed he sent and redeemed the Marquesse Dorset, and Sir Iohn Bourchier, whom he had left Hostages in France for money: and called home Morton Bishop of Ely, and Richard Fox; making Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, and Fox Lord Keeper of the Privy S…ole, and Bishop of Winchester. Besides these, he made also of his Privy Counsell, Iasper Duke of Bedford, Iohn Earle of Oxford, Thomas Stanley Earle of Darby, Iohn Bishop of Ely, Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlaine of his Houshold; Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke, Lord Steward of his Houshold; Giles Lord Dawbeny; Iohn Lord Dyn…m, after made Lord Treasurer of England; Sir Reginold Bray, Sir Iohn Cheyny, Sir Richard Guildford, Sir Richard Tunstall, Sir Richard Edgecombe, Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Edmund P…ynings, Sir Iohn Risley, with some other.

These things thus done: as well in performance of his Oath, as to make his Crown sit the surer on his head; on the eighteenth day of Ianuary, he proceeded to the solemnizing his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth; which gave him a third title: And indeed this conjunction made a wreath of three so indissoluble, that no age since hath ever questioned it: and it is fixt upon a Tree planted so happily by the waters side, and hath at this day so many flourishing branches, that there is good hope it will continue as long as the world continues.

And now whether King Henry doubted any suddaine attempt upon his person, or whether he did it to follow the example of France: in the very beginning of his reigne, he ordained a band of tall personable men to be attending upon him, which was called the Kings guard; which no King before, and all Kings since, have alwaies used: But though he provided a guard for defence of his own body; yet for the bod… p. 141of his people he could provide none; for at this time a sicknesse (of the symp…e called the sweating sicknesse) seized so violently upon them, that within a …ort time many thousands perished; particularly in London, two Majors successive…y and six Aldermen within eight dayes dyed: and for this: sicknesse no Physick aff…ded any cure; till at last, this remedy was found: if a man were taken with the sweat in the day time, that then he should presently lye downe in his cloathes, and so lye still the whole foure and twenty houres: if he were taken in the night, then …e should not rise out of his bed for the space of foure and twenty houres; not provoking sweat, nor yet eating or drinking at all, at least but very moderately. In … sicknes there was one good circumstance; that though it were violent, yet it lasted not long: for beginning about the one and twentieth of September, it cleered …p before the end of October following.

And now all things being set in good order in the South parts there ariseth a little s…o…me in the North, but was soon dispersed. For King Henry making a journey in…o the North parts, to shew himselfe there where he had not yet been; and where … respect to King Richard might have left some opposites: at his comming to Li…colne was certified that the Lord Lovell and Humfry Stafford were gone out of S…nctuary in Colchester; but whither, no man knew. The King therefore not much regarding it, went forward to York; and being come thither, it was then plainly told him, that the Lord Lovell with a strong power was at hand, and would presently invade the City. This made the King in a great streight; for neither had he any Army r…dy; no… if he had men, had he any weapons or Munition …or them. Yet in this streight, he commanded the Duke of Bedford with three thousand men to …et out ag…nst him, but so ill armed, that their armours for the most part were but of tanned l…ther; who being come neere the Campe of the Rebels, caused Proclamation to be made, that whosoever would submit themselves as loyall Subjects, should have their Pardons, and be received into grace: which Proclamation so prevailed, that i… made the Lord Lovell secretly in the night to flye away; and then the Army left without a head, submitted themselves to the Kings mercy. The Lord Lovell fled into Lancashire; and there for a time lurked with Sir Thomas Broughton, a man powerfull in those parts. Humfry Stafford took Sanctuary in a village called Culnh…m two miles from Abington: but the Sanctuary being judged by the Justices of the Kings Bench, to be no lawfull defence for Traytors; he was taken from thence by force, and convayed to the Tower, afterward to Tyburne, and there hanged. His brother Thomas was pardo…ed, because it was thought, he was drawn in by his brother Humfry.

In this yeere, Iohn Persivall the Major of London's Carver, waiting at his Table, was chosen one of the Sheriffs of London, only by Sir Iohn Collet's, then Major, drinking to him in a cup of Wine, (as the custome is, to drinke to him whom he li…t to name Sheriffe) and forthwith the said Persivall sate downe at the Majors Table, …nd covered his head, and was afterward Major himselfe.

At this time a mean instrument attemped a great worke; by which we may see, how farre imagination may out-goe reason: One Richard Symond a Priest, a man of base birth though some learning; had a scholler of baser birth, the Sonne of a Shoemaker, (some say a Baker) named Lambert Symnell; but of a pregnant wit, and comely personage: Him he gives out to be Edward Earle of Warwicke, lately (as was sayd) escaped out of prison; Both of them being of like yeers and stature: with this Scholler of his, he sailes into Ireland; and so sets forth the matter: that not only the Lord Thomas Fitz-Gerard Earle of Kildare, and Deputy of Ireland; but many other of the Nobilty gave credit to his words; and as those that affected the house of Yorke, were ready to take his part; and even already saluted the young Symnell King. Withall they sent into Flanders to the Lady Margaret, sister to the late King Edward, and widdow of …harles Duke of Burgoigne, requiring ayde and assistance from her. This Lady being of the house of Yorke, bore an inward grudge ag…inst King Henry, being of the house of Lancaster; and …herefore though she well understood it was but a coloured matter, yet was willing to take advantage of it: and p. 142thereupon promised her assistance. King Henry being advertised of these things, advised with his Counsell; by whom it was agreed, that two things presently should be do…e. First, to grant … Pardon to any that would submit themselves, for any offence whatsoever, though it were for High Treason; the next, that the Earle of Warwicke should be openly shewed abroad in the City, and other publike places; whereby, the report spread abroad of his being in Irel…nd, might appeare plainly to be false. Withall, the Queen Elizabeth, widdow of King Edward the fourth, and Mother to the present Queen, was adjudged to forfeit all her Lands and Possessions, and to live confined in the Abbey of Bermondsey in Southwarke; where in grea… pensivenes, within a few yeers she died. But for what cause this severity was used against this Queen, is not altogether certaine: To say, (as was commonly said) that it was for rendring her selfe and her daughters into the hands of king Rich…rd, were manifest injustice, to punish her for doing a thing out of feare, which else she should have been compelled to doe by force: and to say (as some also have said) that it was for giving aide underhand to Perki…, were a manifest unlikelihood, tha… she should aide a Counterfeit against her own Sonne in Law: we must therefore content our selves with knowing the bare colourable pretext, and leave the true reason as a secret of State. But this shewing abroad of the true Earle of Warwicke, though it satisfied some, yet not all: for some gave out that it was but a trick of the King, and not the true Warwicke. At least the Earle of Lincolne, sonne to Iohn de l… Poole Duke of Suffolke, and Elizabeth sister to king Edward the fourth, would not omit to take the advantage, though he knew that Symnell was but a Counterfeit. And thereupon, assoone as …he Parliament was dissolved, he fled secretly into Fl…nders, to his Aunt the Lady Margaret D…tchesse of Burgoigne; between whom it was concluded, that he and the Lord L…vell should goe into Ireland, and there attend upon the Counterfeit Warwicke, and honour him as king… and with the power of the Irishmen bring him into England: but it was concluded withall, that if their actions succeeded… then the Counterfei… Warwicke should be deposed, and the true be delivered out of prison, and anoynted King. And to this purpose, the Earle of Lincol…, by the aide of the Lady Margaret, had gotten together two thousand Almaines, with one Martin Swart a valiant and expert Captaine to be their leader. With this power, the Earle sayled into Ireland, and at the City of Dublin, caused young Lambert the Counterfeit Warwicke, in most solemne manner, first to be Proclaimed, and after to be Crowned king of E…gland: and then with a great number of beggerly and unarmed Irishmen, under the Conduct of the Lord Thomas Gerardine Earle of Kild…re, they sayled into England, and landed at a place called the Pile of Fowdray, not farre from Lancaster; hoping there by the meanes of Sir Thomas Broughton, a powerfull man in that Country, to have their Army both furnished and increased. King Henry hearing that the Earle of Lincolne was landed at Lancaster, assembled a great Army, Conducted by the Duke of Bedford, and the Earle of Oxford; and with these he marched to Nottingham, and there by a little wood called Bowres, he pitched his field; whither there came unto him, the Lord George Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury, …he Lord Strange, Sir Iohn Cheyney, and divers other Knights and Gentlemen. In which mean time, the Earle of Lincolne being entred into Yorkeshire, passed quietly on his journy, without doing spoile or hurt unto any; trusting thereby to have won the people to come to his aide: but when he perceived few or none to resort unto him, he then determined to venture a battell with the Army he had already; and thereupon tooke his way from Yorke to Newarke upon Trent. King Henry understanding which way he took, came the night before the battell to Newarke; and going three miles further, neer to a little Village called Stoke, there waited the approach of the Earle of Lincolne; So the next day they joyned battell; where after a long fight, of at the least three houres; though the Almaines, and specially their Captaine Martin Swart behaved themselves most valiantly; yet their Ir…sh, being in a manner but naked men, were at last overthrown, foure thousand slaine, and the rest put …o fl…ght; but not one of their Cap…aines; for the Earle of Lincolne, the Lord L…vell, Sir Thomas Broughton, Martin Swart, and the Lord Gerardine were all found dead in the p. 143very place where they had stood fighting; that though they lost the battell, yet they wonne the reputation of hardy and stout souldiers. OnelyOnly of the Lord Lovell, some report, that attempting to save himselfe by flight; in passing over the river of Trent, was drowned. On the kings part, though some were slaine, yet not any m…n of note. This battell was fought on a Saturday (observed as alwayes fortunate to king Henry) being the sixteenth of Iune, in the second year of king Henries reigne. The young Lambert, and his Master Simond the Priest, were both taken; and both had their lives saved: Lambert, because but a Childe; S…mond, bec…use a Priest: yet Symo…d was kept in prison, Lambert was taken into the kings kitchin, to turn the spit in the turne of his fortune, and at last made one of the kings Fau…kners.

In the beginning of his third yeer, king Henry having been in Yorkeshire, to settle the m…ndes of that people: about the midst of August, came to Newcastle upon Tine, and from thence sent Ambassadours into Scotland, Richard Fox lately before made Bishop of Exceter, and Sir Richard Edgecombe Comptroller of his House, to conclude a Peace or Truce with Iames king of Scots: A Peace, by reason of the peoples backwardnes, could not be obtained: but a Truce was concluded for the term of seven yeers; with a promise from the king, that it should be renued before the first seven yeers should be expired.

At this time, Ambassadours came from the king of France … to king Henry; who declared, that their Master king Charles was now at warre with Francis Duke of Britai…e, for that he succoured the Duke of Orleance and other Rebels against the Realme of France; and therefore requested, that for the old familiarity that had been between them, he would either a…ist him, or not assist the Duke, but stand Ne…ter. King He…ry answered, that having received courte…ies from them both, he would doe his uttermost endeavour to make them friends: and to that end, as soon as the French Ambassadours were departed, he sent Christopher Vrswick his Chaplain over into France; who should first goe to the French king, and after to the Duke of Britaine, to mediate a Peace between them.

In the time of Vrswicks Ambassage, king Henry caused his Wife the Lady Elizabeth to be Crowned Queen, on Sai…t Katherines day in November, with all solemnity; and at the same time delivered the Lord Thomas Marquesse Dorset out of the Tower, and received him againe into his former favour.

Vrswick travelled between the two Princes, to procure a Peace; but they, though making a shew to incline to Peace, yet prepared for warre, and offers on neither side would be accepted. In which time, Edward Lord Wood…ile Uncle to the Queen, made suite to the king, for leave to goe over with a power of men, in aide of the Duke of Britaine; which su…e, though the king denied, yet the Lord Woodvile would venture it; and with a power of …oure hundred able men, got secretly over, and joyned with the Britaines against the French. This the French king took ill at king Henries hand; but being informed that it was against the kings will, he seemed sati…fied: and a Peace was concluded between Fr…e and England, to endure for twelve months. But in conclusion, king Henry finding that the French king dealt not r…ally with him, but only held him on with pretences… he called his high Court of Parliamen…, requiring their advice what was fit to be done: where it was con…uded, that the Duke of Britaine should be aided; and to that end great …ummes of money were by Parliament granted. This Determination of the Parliament, king Henry signifies to the French king, hoping, it would have wrought him to some terms of Peace… But the king of France little regarding it, proceeded on in his violent cour…es against the Britaines; so as at last, on …he eight and twentieth day of Iuly, the Britaines gave battell to the French, neer to a Town called …; having apparelled seventeen hundred of the Britai…, in Co… with …ed …rosse… after the English fashion, to make the Frenchmen believe …hey were all English, although in …eed they had no more English than the foure hundred of the Lord Woodvile. But no… withstanding this device, the Victory fell to the French; so that all the Englishmen almost were slaine, with the Lord Woodvile himselfe; besides six thousand Britaines … The Duke of Orleance and the Prince of Orange, who were there on the Britain…s p. 144part, were taken Prisoners. The French lost twelve hundred men; and amongst other… that valiant Italian Captaine Iames G…le…t.

This news being brought into England, caused king H…y to make haste to send forth his Army: and thereupon, the Lord Brooke, with Sir Iohn Cheyny, Sir Iohn Middleton, Sir Ralph Hilton, Sir Richard Corbet, Sir Thomas Leighton, Sir Richard Lacon, & Sir Edmund Cor…all, are sent over with all speed into Britaine; having with them eight thousand men, to aide the Duke of Britaine against the French. But while this warre was thus set forward, the Duke of Britaine died; leaving in effect, one only Daughter, the Lady A…e (for the other being the younger, died soon after) and then the chiefe Rulers of Britaine falling at dissention amongst themselves, little regarded the defence of the Country: whereupon the English returned home, within five moneths after their setting forth: and the French king getting the upper hand of the Britaines, and marying the Lady Anne sole daughter of the Duke of Britaine, incorporated that Dutchy to the Crown of France.

In the last Parliament, a Subsidie was granted, for the furnishing out an Army into Britaine; and it was agreed, that every man should be taxed after the rate of his substance, to pay the tenth penny of his goods: which Taxe the most part of Yorkeshire and the Bishoprick of Durh… refused to pay: whereof the Collectours complained to He…ry E. of Northumberland, President of the North parts. The E. signifies it to the King; and the K. commands him to levy the same, by distresse or otherwise (without sparing of any) as he should think most meet. The rude multitude, hearing of this Command from the King, with great violence set upon the Earle, by the exciting of a simple fellow named Iohn a Chamber; and alledging all the fault to be in the Earle, as chiefe authour of the Taxe; they cruelly murthered both him and divers of his houshold servants. And to make good their seditious fact, they assembled a great number, and made one Sir Iohn Egremond their Captaine: Declaring, that in defence of their liberties, they would bid the King battell. In this bravery they stood, as long as none opposed them: but when Thomas Earle of Surry appeared with an Army, though they skirmished a while, yet they were soon discomfited, and their Ring-leader Iohn a Chamber was taken, and at Yorke on a Gibbet set upon a square paire of Gallows, like an arch Traytour was hanged, and many of his Complices on a lower Gallows; the innocent people for the most part Pardoned. But Sir Iohn Egremond fled into Flanders, to the Lady Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundie; the common and sure refuge for all Rebels against King Henry. After this, the king appointed Sir Richard Tu…st…ll to gather the Subsidie, and would not spare the paiment of a penny. This year, notwithstanding this Taxe, the king borrowed of every Alderman of London two hundred pounds, and of the Chamber nine thousand eighty two pounds seventeen shillings and foure pence, which was paid again at the time with great thankfulnesse; which he did at a time he needed no…, to the end perhaps he might doe it another time, when he needed.

At this time, Iames the third, king of Scotland, having by some errors of Government incurred the hatred of his Nobility and people; laboured with king Henry, as also with the Pope, and the king of France, to make an Accord between him and his people, who had compelled Prince Iames his Sonne, to be the Titular head of those Armes which they assumed against him. The kings accordingly interposed their mediations by Ambassadours; but could receive no other but this outragious answer, That there was no talking of Peace, unlesse he would resigne his Crowne. Which answer the kings protested against, declaring by their Ambassadors, that they thought it a common injury done to themselves, and that the Example was not sufferable, for Subjects to lift their hands against their Soveraigne. Hereupon it came to a Battell, at B…nnocks-borne by Strivelin: where king Iames, rashly beginning the fight, before his whole Forces were come, was (notwithstanding the contrary commandement of the Prince his sonne) slaine in the Mill of that field, whither he fled, after the Battell ended.

About this time, a Difference fell out which grew to a Warre, between the Emperour Frederick, and some Townes of his in Flanders, especially Gaunt and Bruges: p. 145In this warre, the Lord Ravenstein a principall person about Maximilian, not onelyonly forsooke the Emperour and his sonne Maximilian his Lord, (corrupted as was thought from France) but made himselfe head of the popular party, seizing upon the Towns of Ipre and Sluce: and not this onelyonly, but forthwith sent to the Lord de Cordes Governour for the French king in Picardie, to ayde him against some Towns in Flanders: To which the Lord de Cordes, willing of any occasion to set foot in Flanders, was easily drawne. But king Henry not liking to have the French so neere his English pale, sent over the Lord Morley with a thousand men, who should joyne with the L. Dawbeney then Deputy of Callice, to resist them. Amongst other acts by them performed, this was chiefe; That the Lord Dawbeney, with the Lord Morley, Sir Iames Tyrrell Captaine of Guisn…s, Sir Henry Willoughby, Sir Gilbert Talbot, and Sir Humfry Talbot Marshall of Callice, and others to the number of two thousand, issued secretly one night out of Callice, and came to Newport, and from thence to Dix…e; where the Lord Dawbeney commanded all men to send back their hors…s: wh…ch the Lord Morley onelyonly refusing to doe, was cause that he onelyonly of all the Captaines was sl…ine with a Gun: for the rest, after their arrowes discharged, fell prostrate to the ground; by which meanes the Enemies Ordnance overshot them, k…lling onelyonly the Lord Morley that was on horse-back. Here they slew of the Enemy, to the number of eight thousand; of the English part was slaine the Lord Morley, and not above a hundred more. This Victory so enriched the English, that they who went forth in cloath, came home in silke; and they who went out on foot, returned back on horse-back. Upon this Defeat, the Lord de Cordes lying at Ypre with twenty thousand men, and thinking to be revenged, besieged the Town of Newport; and so strongly assaulted it, that one day his men entred, and set up his Banner upon a Tower of the Towne: when suddenly a Barke arriving with onelyonly fourescore …resh English archers, so terrified them, thinking their number to be farre greater, that the French were glad to leave their Banner behinde them, and give over the assault; and the night following, the Lord de Cordes (who so much longed for Callice, that he would commonly say, he could be content to lie seven yeeres in Hell, so that Callice were in the poss…ssion of the French) brake up his siege, and returned to Helding with as much shame, as the English to Callice with honour.

A little before this t…me, Francis Duke of Britaine dying, left onelyonly one daughter, the Lady Anne, affianced to Maximilian King of the Romans; and in so solemne a manner, that she taking upon her to be the Bride, and being laid in her bed, was contented to permit Maximilians Deputy, in presence of many Noble witnesses, as well men as women, to put his legge, stript naked to the knee, between the spousall sheets; accounting that Ceremony to amount to a Consummation. The King of France likewise had been contracted to the Lady Margaret daughter to the foresaid Maximilian, and had received her to that end: Yet all this notwithstanding, out of a violent desire to joyne the Dutchy of Britaine to the Crowne of Fr…ce, he disanulled and made void both the Contracts. But to the end he might doe it without opposition of the King of England, he sent Ambassadors, the Lord Francis of L…zemburg, Charles Marignane, and Robert Gaguine, to King Henry; partly to conclude a Peace, but chiefly to procure king He…ries good will to make voyd the foresaid contracts: to which though king Henry was not willing to give consent, yet he consented willingly to have a Treaty for Peace: and to that end, sent over Tho…as Earle of Ormond, and Thomas Goldenston Prior of Christs Church in Canterbury, to the French King about it. But during this Treaty, and before conditions of Peace could be agreed on, the French King had gotten into his poss…ssion the Lady Anne of Britaine, and solemnly maried her. Which under-hand dealing so incensed King Henry, that he presently called his High Court of Parliament, and there declared the just cause he had of War with France, desiring their Benevolence towards the charge thereof; which was as readily granted as desired, and great summes of money were soon collected.

In the yeere 1491, being the sixth yeere of the Kings Reigne, on the sixth of April, the Nobility of the Realme assembled in the Cathedrall Church of St. Paul p. 146in London; where also was the Major and Aldermen, and principall Citizens in their liveries: to whom D. Morton Lord Chancellour made an Oration; declaring from his owne letters, that the King of Spaine had wonne the great and rich City and Country of Granado from the Moores, which had been in their possession above seven hundred yeeres: and having in places of their superstition, built Churches to the honour of Christ, was thereupon intituled the Catholick King. For joy whereof, Te De…m was sung with great solemnity.

In the monethmonth of May was holden a solemne Justing, at the kings Palace of Shee…e, now called Richmond, which continued the space of a monethmonth; sometimes within the Palace, and sometimes without, upon the green before the gate; in which Justs, Sir Iames Parker running against a Gentleman named Hugh Vaughan, by reason of a faulty Helmet, was strucken into the mouth at the first course; so that his tongue was borne to the hinder part of his head, in such sort that he dyed presently upon the place.

And now Maximilian having received back his daughter from the king of France, was so displeased, that he presently sent an Ambassadour, one Iames Contibald to king Henry, requiring him to take his part in a warre against the French king; towards which he promised to provide ten thousand men, with pay for two years: king Henry consented to it; and having p…ovided himselfe of a puissant Army, on the sixth day of October, sayled to Callice; but sending his Almoner Christopher …rswi…ke, and Sir Iohn Resley to Maximilian, requiring his promised forces; they found him altogether unprovided of either men or money: which brought king Henry into a great streight what he should doe: To proceede in the warre with his own forces alone, would be …ull of hazard; To return home without doing any thing, would bring an imputation upon him amongst his Subjects; as though he had used the pretence of war, but as a trick to get money: at last, he resolved to doe something; and thereupon, went and besieged Boloigne, having in his Army of chiefe Lords, Iasper Duke of Bedford, his Lieutenant Generall, Thomas Marquesse Dorset, the Earles of Arundell, Oxford, Suffolke, Shrewsbury, Darby, Ke…t, Devonshire and Ormond, sundry Barons, as D…wbeney, Aburgayny, De la Ware, Zouch, Hastings, Cobham and others. During his siege of Boloigne, (in which there were but few slaine, and no man of note, but Sir Iohn Savage, who riding to take view at what place the town might best be assaulted, was set upon by certaine French men, and by them slaine) King Henry was secretly dealt with by the Lord Cordes Governour of Heynault, on the king of France's behalf, to accept of certaine conditions of Peace. Who thereupon sent Richard Fox Bishop of Exceter, and Giles Lord Dawbeney to conclude them; which amongst other Articles were, That king Henry without quitting his claime to France, should for a Peace to continue during the two kings lives, receive in present of Charles king of France, for his charges in that warre, seven hundred forty and five thousand Dockets, which in English money amounts to one hundred eighty six thousand two hundred and fifty pounds; and five and twenty thousand crowns yeerly, towards the expenses he had been at before in aiding the Britaines; which (by the English, called Tribute) was duly paid, during all the Kings Reigne, and also to king Henry his Sonne afterward, longer then it could continue upon any computation of charges. There were also assigned by the French king unto all king Henries principall Counsellours, great pensions, besides rich gifts for the present. Which whether the king did permit, to save his own purse from Rewards, or to communicate the envy of a businesse that was displeasing to his people, was diversly interpreted: for certainly, the King had no great fancy to own this Peace; and therefore a little before it was concluded, he had underhand procured some of his best Captaines and Men of Warre, to advise him to a Peace under their hands, in an earnest manner, in the nature of a Supplication, that he might have it shew for justifying himselfe, and to give some allay to the discontentments of many, who had sold and engaged their Estates, upon the hopes of the warre. After the Peace thus concluded, he went to Callice, where he stayed some time, and the seventeenth of December following came to Westminster, where he kept his Christmasse.

p. 147Soon after his return, he elected into the order of the Garter, Alpho…sus Duke of Calabri…, Sonne and Heire to Ferdinand King of Naples: to whom Christopher Vrswicke the kings Almoner, was sent to Naples to carry it; which as soon as Alphonsus had received, he apparelled himselfe presently in the Habit, before a great assembly, indeed to shew what favour he was in with the king of England.

There had been disturbance in the Realme before, by a Counterfeit Sonne of the Duke of Clarence; but that device had two maine imperfections: One, that the true Sonne of the Duke was for…h-comming, and to be shewed openly for convincing the false; the other, that though the counterfeit had been the true, yet he could have laid no claim to the Crown, as long as any Daughters of King Edward the fourth were living: Now therefore a device is found, by which those imperfections were both of them amended: for now a Counterfeit was set on foot, who pretended to be Richard the younger Sonne of king Edward the fourth; so that neither any other could be produced to convince him of being false, nor any Daughters of King Edward could hinder his Right for claiming the Crown. This device was first forged by Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundie; a woman that could never be quiet in her minde, as long as king Henry was quiet in his kingdome; and by this device she hoped, if not to put him cleane out of his seat, yet foulely at least to disturbe him in it; and this was the purpose of the Pl…t: but by what instrument it was acted, by what abe…tours fomented, and what issue the device had, are wor…hy all to be related. The Dutchesse having formerly given out, that Richard the younger Sonne of king Edward, was not murthred, but in compassion spared, and sent secretly a way to seek his fortune; and having after long search gotten at last a fit Boy to personate a Prince; keeps him seretly a good time with her; in which time she so throughly instructed him in all Circumstances, and he afterward put them so gracefully in practice, that even those who had seen and known the young Prince while he lived, could hardly perceive but that this was he. It is true, though he were not King Edwards Sonne, yet he was his Godsonne; and might perhaps have in him some base blood of the house of Yorke. This Perkin Warbeck, (for so was the youths name, called Perkin, as a diminutive of Peter) when he so perfectly had learned his lesson, that he was fit to come upon the Stage; she sent him into Portingall, that comming from a strange Country, it might be thought, he had been driven to wander from one Country to another, for safeguard of his life, at least that she of all other might not be suspected. From Portingal she caused him to passe into Ireland, where the house of Yorke was specially respected, in regard of the great love which Richard Duke of Yorke, Father of King Edward the fourth, had wonne amongst them: by reason whereof, this Perkin as esteemed his Grand-childe, was well entertained by them, and held in great estimation. He had not been long in Ireland, when the French king sent for him; for being at that time at variance with King Henry, hee thought he might make good use of Perkin, as a pretender against King Henry for the Crown. Perkin being come to Paris, was entertained in a Princely fashion; and for his more honour, had a guard assigned him, over which the Lord Congreshall was Captaine. He had not been long at Paris, when there resorted to him Sir George Nevill bastard, Sir Iohn Taylour, Richard Robinson, and about a hundred other English: Amongst the rest, one Stephen Fryon, that had been King Henries Secretary for the French Tongue; but discontented, fled, and became a chiefe Instrument in all Perkins proceedings. But this float of Perkins lasted not long; for as soon as Peace was concluded between the two Kings; the King of France dismissed Perkin and would keep him no longer. Then passed he secretly to his first foundresse, the Lady Margaret; who at his first comming, made a shew of suspecting him to be a Counterfeit. But causing him in great assemblies to be brought before her, as though she had never seen him before; and finding him to answer directly to all questions she put unto him: she openly professed, that she was now satisfied, and thought him verily to be her true Nephew; and thereupon assigned a gu…rd of thir…y persons, cloathed in Murrey and Blew, and call…d him the White Rose of England. Upon report hereof, many in England were inclined to take his part; and Sir Robert p. 148Clifford and Robert Bareley were sent into Flanders, to acquaint the Dutchesse with the peoples respect to Perkin: and indeed Sir Robert Clifford, upon sight and conference with him, wrote letters into England, wherein he affirmed, that he knew him to be true Sonne of king Edward, by his face, and other Lineaments of his body. King Henry hearing of these things, sent certaine espials into Flanders, that should feigne themselves to have fled to Perkin; and by that means the better search out who were of the Conspiracy with him. Whose name being returned to the King, he caused them …o be apprehended and brought to his Presence; the chiefe of whom were Iohn R…tcliffe Lord Fitzwater, Sir Simon Montford, and Sir Thomas Th…y… knights, William Dawbeney, Robert Ratcliffe, Thomas Cressenor, and Thomas Astwo…d, also certaine Priests, as William Richford D. of Divinity, Thomas Boyns, D. William Sutton, William Worseley Dean of Pauls, Robert Layborne, and Richard Lesley, of whom, some hearing of it, fled to Sanctuary, o…hers were taken and condemed, as Sir Simon Montford, Robert Ratcliffe, and William Dawbeney, who were all three behe…ded. The Lord Fitzwater pardoned of life, was conveyed to Calice, and there laid in hold; where seeking to make escape by corrupting his Keeper, hee lost his head. Shortly after, Sir Robert Clifford returning out o… Flanders (not as some think, sent a spye from the beginning; but rather now at last either discerning the fraude, or wo… by rewards) and submitted himselfe to the kings mercy: discovering unto him, as farre as he knew, all that were either open or secret abettours of the Conspiracy; amongst whom he accused Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlaine: his accusation was this that in Conference between them, Sir William had said, that if he certainly knew; that the young man named Perkin were the Sonne of king Edward the fourth, he would never fight nor beare Armes against him. These words being considered of, by the Judges, seemed to expresse a tickle hold of Loyalty; for who could tell how soon he might be perswaded that he knew it? and upon the matter, was to be Loyall to king Henry, but for want of better; and withall it strook upon a string which had alwaies sounded harsh in king Henries ears, as preferring the Title of Yorke before that of Lancaster. Sir William being hereupon arraigned; whether trusting to the greatnesse of his favours, or the smalnes of his fault, denied little of that wherewith he was charged, and upon confession was adjudged to dye; and accordingly on the sixteenth day of February was brought to the Tower-hill, and there beheaded: after whose death, Giles Lord Dawbeny was made L. …hamberlaine. This was that Sir William Stanley, who came in to rescue the Earle of Richmond, when he was in danger of his life; who set the Crowne upon his head, and was the cause of his being saluted King: And could it enter into his breast, to put him to death, that had saved his life, and done him so many great services besides? But it may be said, It was not the Earle of Richmond that did it, but the King of England; for certainly, in many cases, a King is not at liberty to shew mercy, so much as a private man may. Though there be that affirme, the cause of his death was not words onelyonly, but reall acts, as giving ayde to Perkin under-hand by money. And yet it seemes, there was some conflict in the minde of King Henry, what he should doe in this case; for he stayed six weekes after his Accusation, before before he brought him to his Arraignment. How-ever it was, the Summer following, the King went in Progresse to Latham, to the Earle of Darby, who had ma…ied his mother, and was brother to Sir William Stanley: perhaps to congratulate his own safety; perhaps to condole with him his brothers death; but certainly to keepe the Earle from conceiving any sinister opinion of him: For to thinke that Sir William's suing to be Earle of Chester, (an Honour appointed to the kings sonne) or his great wealth (for he left in his Castle at Holt, in ready money forty thousand markes, beside… Plate and Jewells) were causes that procured or set forward his death; are considerations very unworthy of so just a Prince, against a Servant of so great deserving.

But in this meane while, Perkin having gotten a Power of idle loose fellows, took to Sea, intending to l…nd in Kent; where though he were repelled, yet some of his Souldiers would needs venture to goe on Land; of whom a hundred and sixty persons p. 149were taken Prisoners, whereof five were Captaines; Mortford, Corbet, Whitebolt, Qu…tyn and Gemyne: These hundred and sixty persons were brought to London, rayled in ropes, like horses drawing in a Cart, who upon their Araignement, confessing their offence, were executed, some at London, and some in Towns adjoyning to the sea-coast. Perkin finding no entertainment in Kent, sayled into Ireland, and having stayed there a while, and finding them also, being a naked people, to bee no competent assistants for him, from thence he sayled into Scotland, where he so moved the King of Scots with his fayre words and colourable pretexts (made no doubt before by the Dutcesse of Burgoigne) that hee received him in great state, and caused him to bee called the Duke of Yorke: and to perswade the World that hee thought him so indeede, hee gave to him in marriage the Lady Katherine Gourdon, da…ghter to Alexander Earle Huntley, his own neer kinswoman; and soone after, in Perkins quarrell, entred with a puissant Army into England; making Proclamation, that whosoever would come in and ayde the true Duke of Yorke, should bee spared; but none comming in, he then used all kinde of cruelty, and the whole County of Northu…berland was in a manner wasted: whereat Perkin, at his returne, expressed much griefe, saying It grieved him to the heart to see such havock made of his people: To whom the King answered, Alas, Alas, you take care for them, who for any thing that appeares are none of yours; for not one of the Countrey came in to his succour. King Henry incensed with this bold attempt of the king of Scots, called his High Court of Parliament, acquainting them with the necessity hee had of a present warre to revenge this indignity offered him by the Scots, and thereupon requiring their ayde by money, had a subsidie of sixscore thousand pounds readily granted him; and then in all haste a puissant Army is provided, and under the conduct of the Lord Dawbeney sent into Scotland, but before hee arrived there hee was suddenly called back, by reason of a commotion begun at Cornwall, for payment of the Subsidie lately granted, which though it were not great, yet they grudged to pay it. The Ring-leaders of this commotion were Thomas Flammock, a gentleman le…ned in the Lawes, and Michael Ioseph a Smith; who laying the blame of this exaction upon Iohn Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Reynold Bray, as being chiefe of the Kings Councell, exhorted the people to take armes; and having a…sembled an Army, they went to Taunton, where they slew the Provost Pery…, one of the Commissioners for the Subsidie, and from thence came to Wells, intending to goe to London where the King then lay, who having revoked the Lord Dawbeney, appointed Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey (after the death of the Lord Dinham, made Lord Treasurer of England) to have an eye to the Scots, and if they made invasion, to resist them. In the meane time Iames Twychet Lord Audley confederated himselfe with the Rebells of Cornwall, and tooke upon him to bee their Leader, who from W…lls went to Salisbury, and from thence to Winchester, and so to Kent, hoping there …o have had great ayde, but found none; for the Earle of Kent, the Lord of Aburg…, Iohn Brook Lord Cobham, Sir Edmond Poynings, Syr Richard Guildford, Sir Th…as Bourchier, Iohn Peachy and William Scott were ready in Armes to resist them; whereupon the Rebels brought their Army to Black-heath, foure miles distant from L…nd…n, and there in a plaine on the top of a hill encamped themselves; whereof when the King had knowledge, hee presently sent Iohn Earle of Oxford, Henry Bou… …ier Earle of Essex, Edmond de la Poole Earle of Suffolke, Sir Riceap Thomas and Sir H…fry Stanley to inviron the hill on all sides, that so all hope of flight might hee tak…n from them; and then set forward himselfe, and encamped in St. George… fields, where for encouragement he made divers Bannarets. The next day he sent the Lord Dawbeney to set upon the Rebels early in the morning, who first got the bridge at Deb…ford Strand, though strongly defended by the Rebels Archers, whose arrowes were …eported to bee a full cloath-yard in length; but notwithstanding the Lord … comming in with his Company, and the Earles assayling them on every side, they were soone overcome: In which conflict were slaine of the Rebels above … thousand; taken prisoners a very great number, many of whom the King p…doned, but of the chiefe Authors none: for the Lord Audley was drawne from p. 150Newgate to Tower-hill, in a coate of his owne Armes paynted upon paper, reversed and all torne; and there, on the foure and twentieth day of Iune was beheaded. Thomas Flammock and Michael Ioseph were hanged drawn & quartered, and their heads and quarters pitched upon stakes, set up in London and other places. Of the Kings Army were slaine not above three hundred. It is memor…ble with what comfort Ioseph the black-smith cheered up himselfe at his going to execution, saying that yet he hoped by this that his name and memory should be everlasting: so deere even to vulgar spirits is perpetuety of Name, though joyned with infamy, what is it then to Noble spirits, when it is joyned with Glory?

In the meane time the king of Scots taking advantage of these troubles in England, invaded the Frontiers, forraged the Bishoprick of Durham, and at last besieged the castle of Norham, whereof Richard Fox then Bishop of Durham was owner; who thereupon sent presently to the Earle of Surrey, acquainting him with this Invasion: Whereupon the Earle, taking with him Ralph Earle of Westmerland, Thomas Lord Barnes, Ralph Lord Nevill, George Lord Strange, and many other Lords and knights, and an Army of little lesse then twenty thousand men, besides a Navy, whereof the Lord Brooke was Admirall; set forward against the Scots, and not only forced the Scots to raise their siege of Norham Castle, but followed them also into Scotland, where he overthrew and defaced, the Castle at Cawdestraynes, the Tower of He…e… hall, the Tower of Edington, the Tower of Fulden, and at last by composition tooke the strong Castle of Hayton, and rased it to the ground. At the Earles being at Hayton, the King of Scots sent to him Marchemont and another Herald, requiring him, at his election, either to fight with him with their whole Armies, or else they two to fight in single combat; upon condition, that if the victory fell to the Scotish king, the Earle should deliver for his Ransome the Towne of Barwick: Whereunto the Earle made answer, that the Town of Barwick was the King his Masters, and therefore not for him to dispose of; but for his offer of single combat, he willingly accepted it, and thought himselfe highly honored by such a match: But King Iames of Scotland had no meaning to performe either one or other, but privily in the night fled back into Scotland; and then the Earle returned to Barwick. In the meane time, one Peter Hyal…s a man of great learning and policie, was sent Ambassadour to the King of Scots, from the King of Spaine, to mediate a Peace between the two kings of of England and Scotland; who finding the King of Scots conformable to his motion, found after the King of England (who was never averse from Peace upon honourable Conditions) no lesse enclining to it: and so a Truce was concluded for certaine yeeres; upon conditition, that Perkin Warbeck should be sent out of the Scotish Dominions.

About this time, the Lord of Camphyre and others sent from Philip Archduke of Austria and Duke of Burgundy, came to king Henry for a conclusion of Amity, and to procure the English merchan…s resort againe to his Country: for king Henry some time before, upon displeasure with the Flemings, but specially with the Lady Margaret, for abetting Perkin Warbeck; not onelyonly had banished all Flemish wares and merchandizes out of his Dominions, but had also restrained all English merchants from having any traffick in any of their Territories, causing the Mart for all English commodities to be kept at Callice: but now, upon this invitation, and having found it had been a great hinderance to his owne Merchant-adventurers, and thereupon some insurrections had risen, he willingly condiscended to their Request; and so the English resorted againe into the Archdukes Dominions, and were received into Antwerp with generall Procession; so glad was that Towne of the Engglish-mens returne.

In this eleventh yeere of the Kings Reigne, dyed Cicely Dutchesse of Yorke, mother to king Edward the fourth, at her Castle of Berkhamstead, being of extreme age; who had lived to see three Princes of her body Crowned, and foure Murthered: she was buried at F…dri…g…am by her Husband.

Shortly after the Truce concluded between England and Scotland, Perkin Warbeck was commanded to depart out of the Scotish Dominions: who thereupon with p. 151his wife and familie, sayled into Ireland: where understanding that the Cornish-men were ready to renue the warre againe, he thought best not to let p…sse so faire an occasion; and thereupon, having with him foure small ships, and not above six-score men, he sailed into Cornwall, and there landed in the monethmonth of September, and came to a Town called Bodmyn; where with faire words and large promises, he so prevailed with the people, that he had gotten to him above three thousand persons to take his part; and then made Proclamations in the name of King Richard the Fourth, as sonne to King Edward the Fourth: and by the advice of his three Counsellors, Iohn Heron a bankrupt Mercer, Richard Skelton a Tailour, and Iohn Astley a Scrivener, determined to attempt first the winning of Exceter; which with great violence he assaulted, and the Townsmen with as great valiantnes defended: whereof when the King heard, he sent the Lord Dawbeny to their rescue: but before he came, the Lord Edward Courtney Earle of Devonshire, and the valiant Lord William his sonne, accompanied with Sir Edmund Carew, Sir Thomas Trenchard, Sir William Courtney … Sir Thomas Fulford, Sir Iohn Hal…well, Sir Iohn Croker, Walter Court…ey, Peter Edgecombe, William St. Maure with others came to their ayde: upon whose comming, Perkin left the siege, and retired to Taunton; where he mustered his men, as though he meant to prepare for battell: but finding his number to be much diminished, (fo… of six thousand which he had at Exceter, many were fled from him, when they saw no Great ones to take his part) he began to distrust his case; and he…ing withall, that the king with a great Power was at hand: about midnight, with threescore horse-men in his company, he departed in post from Taunton, and tooke Sanctuary in a Town called Beauly neere to Southampton. When king Henry he…rd that Perkin was fled, he sent after him to the Sea-side, to stop his passage and apprehend him: But the messengers that were sent, when they came to St. Michaels …, though they found not Perkin, yet there they found his wife the Lady Katherine Gourdon, whom they presently brought to the king; a beautifull young Lady: to whom, in honour of her birth, and commiseration of her beauty, the king allowed a competent maintenance, which she enjoyed during the kings life, and m…ny yeeres after. king Henry being come to Exceter, stayed there a few dayes, about examination of the Rebellion, and execution of the chiefe Offendours: of whom there being a great multitude, and all of them craving pardon, the king caused them all to be assembled in the Church-yard of St. Peter, where they all appeared bar…-headed in their shirts, and halters about their necks: whom the king viewing out of a window made for the purpose; after he had paused a while, made a speech unto them, exhorting them to obedience; and then, in hope they would afterward be dutifull Subjects, he pardoned them all: whereat they made a great shout, crying …, God save king Henry! though some of them afterward, like ungratefull wretches, fell into new Rebellions.

All this whi…e Perkin was in Sanctuary: and the King thinking himselfe in danger as long as he was in safety, set a Guard about the place, to keepe him for escaping; whereby Perkin was so restrained, that at last hee submitted himselfe to the kings mercy, and was thereupon sent to the Tower to b… there in s…fe custodie. This do…e, king Henry appointed Thomas Lord D…rcy, Sir Amy…s Pawle…, and Robert Sherb… Deane of Pauls … to be Commissioners, for ma…ing enquiry of the Offenders, … for assessing their Fines; which they did with great severity to some, with great mildnesse to others, to all with equity.

… was now the fourteenth yeer of the kings Reigne, when one Sebastian …bato, … Ge…a's Sonne, born …t B…iston, perswaded the king to man and victua… a ship at Bristow, …o search for … stand, which (he said) he knew to be replenished with rich Commodities; who setting forth with three other small sh…ps of London merchants, returned home two yeer… after, when he had made a large discovery westward, and would have gone to …, if the Mariners had not forced him to return: a likewise si… years before, one Christop…er Columbus a Spanyard, made the first discovery of America.

Perkin being in the Tower and carefully guarded, yet found me …s to escape; and p. 152fled to the Priory of Sheen neer Richmond; where discovering himselfe to the Pryor of that Monastery, he begged of him for Gods sake, to get the kings Pardon fo… his life; which the Prior effected: but then was Perkin brought to the Court at Westminster, and was one day set fettered in a paire of Stocks before Westminsterhall, and there stood a whole day; the next day he was set upon a like Scaffold in Cheape-side, and there standing the whole day also, hethen read openly his confession, wr…tten with his own hand; wherein he declared his Parentage and the place of his Birth, and all the passages of his Life, and by what means he was drawn to make this attempt. After this, he was committed againe to the Tower, and care taken, he should be better looked to than he was before. But all the care notwithstanding, once againe Perkin attempted to escape, and drawing into a Confederacy with him the young Earle of Warwicke; by faire words and large promises so corrupted his keepers, Stra…gwish, Bl…wet, Astwood and long Roger, servants to Sir Iohn Digbie Lieutenant of the Tower, that they intended to have slaine their Master, and set Perki… and the Earle of Warwicke at liberty. But this practice was soone discovered, …o that Perki… and Iohn a Water, sometime Major of Corke in Ireland, one of Perki…s chiefe founders, were on the sixteenth day of November arraigned at Westminster and condemned, and both of them on the two and twentieth day were drawn to Tyburne and there hanged; where Perki… tooke it upon his death, that the Confession he had formerly made, was true: soon after also Blewet and Astwood, two of the Lieutenants men, were in the same place executed. On the one and twentieth day of the same month, Edward Plantagemet Earle of Warwicke was arraigned at Westminster, before the Earle of Oxford, then High Steward of England; not for consenting to breake Prison, but for conspiring with Perkin to raise Sedition and destroy the king; and upon his Confession, had Judgement, and on the eight and twentieth day of the same month, in the yeer 1499. was brought to the Scaffold on the Tower-hill, and there beheaded. This Earle of Warwick was the eldest Sonne of the Duke of Clarence, and was the last Heire male of the name of Plantagenet, and had been kept in the Tower from his very In…ancy out of all company of Men and fight of Beasts; so as he scarcely knew a Hen from a Goose, nor one beast from another; and therefore could never know how to practice his escape of himselfe, but by Perki…s subtlety: for which cause the king favoured him so farre, that he was not buried in the Tower, but at Bissam by his Ancestours. And thus ended the designes of Perki… Warbeck, which had troubled both the Kingdome and the King, the space of seven or eight yeers, a great part of the Kings Raigne.

But in the time of Perki…s being in the Tower, another like practice was set on foot; for an Augusti…e Frier called Patrick, in the County of Suffolk, having a Scholler named Ralph Wilford a Cordwayners Sonne, he caused him to take upon him to be the Earle of Warwicke, lately by great chance gotten out of the Tower; and they going together into …; when the Frier perceived some light credit to be given to him, he then stuck not to declare it openly in the Pulpit, desiring all men to assist him. But this practice was soone discovered, and both the Mr. and the Scholler were apprehended & attainted; the Scholler Wilford was hanged on Shrovetuesd…y at S. Thomas Waterings, and the Frier was condemned to perpetuall Prison: for at that time so much reverence was attributed to holy Orders; that a Priest, though …e had commited Treason against the king, yet had h…s life spared. And this pract…e was some cause to exasperate the king against the Earle of Warwicke, who though innocent in himselfe, yet was nocent in pretenders: and besides; king Ferdinand of Spai…e, with whom at this time there was a Treaty for marriage of his Daughter to Prince Arthur, had written to the king in plaine terms, that he saw no assurance of his Sonnes succession, as long a… the Earle of Warwicke lived: and thus all things unfortunately concurred to bring this innocent Prince to his end.

In the fifteenth yeer of his Reigne, partly to avoide the danger of the Plague, then raigning in England; but chiefely to conferre with the Duke of Burgoigne about many important businesses: the King and Queen sayled over to Callice; where at an enterview between him and the Duke, at Saint Peters Church without Callice, the p. 153Duke offered to hold the kings sturrup at his alighting, which the king by no meanes would permit; but descending from horse-back, they embraced wi…h great affection; …nd after Communication had between them, the King and Queen in the end o… Iu… returned into England.

In his seventeenth yeer …wo great Marriages were solemnized: the Lady … of Spaine was sent by her Father king Ferdi…a…d, with a puissant, Army of S…ps into E…gland; where she arrived at Plimouth, the second day of October; and on the fourteenth of November after… was espo…sed openly to Prince Ar…hur, both be…ng clad in white; He of the age of …fteen yeers, shee of eighteen: at night they were laid together in one Bed, where they lay as Man and Wife all that night: when …o…ning appeared, the Prince (as his servants about him reported) called for drinke, which before time he had not used to doe; whereof one of his Chamb…rlaines …sking … the cause… he answered merrily, saying, I have been this night in the middest o… Spa…, which is a hot Country, and …hat make… me so dry: though some write, tha… … grave Matron was laid in bed between them, to hinder actuall Consummation… T…e Ladies portion was two hundred thousand Duckets; her joynture, the … part of the Principality of Wales, Cornwall and Ch…ster. At this Marriage was gr… solemnity and Royall Justings; during which time, there came into London … Earle, a Bishop, and divers other noble personages sent from the king of Scots … conclusion of a Mariage, (before treated of, between the Lady Margaret the … eldest daughter, and him; where the Earle by Proxie, in the name of king Iames … Mas…er, affied and contracted the said Ladie, which Contract was published at … Crosse… the day of the Conversion of Saint Paul; for joy whereof, Te Deum …, and great fires were made through the City of London; and if such joy we…e made when the match was made, what joy should be made now at the issue of the match, when by the Union of those persons is made an Union of these kingdomes; and England and Scotland are but one great Britaine? The Ladies portion was ten thousand pounds, her joynture two thousand pounds a yeer, after king Iames his death; and in present one thousand. When this match was first propounded at the Connsell Table, some Lords opposed it; objecting, that by this means the Crown of England might happen to come to the Scottish Nation. To which King He…ry answered, what if it should? It would not be an accession of England to Sco…la…d, but of Scotland to England: and this answer of the kings passed for an Oracle, …nd so the match proceeded, and in August following was Consummate at Edi…b…rgh, conducted thither in great State by the Earle of Northumberland.

Prince Arthur after his marriage, was sent againe into Wales, to keep that Count…y in good order; to whom were appointed for Counsellours, Sir Richard Poole, hi… …insman and chiefe Chamberlaine, Sir Henry Vernon, Sir Richard Crof…s, Sir David …, Sir William Vdall, Sir Thomas Englefield, Sir Peter Newton, Iohn Walleston, … Marton, and Doctor William Smith President of his Counsell: but within five moneths after his marriage, at his Castle of Ludlow he deceased, and with great sole…ity was buried in the Cathedrall Church at Worcester. His Brother Henry Du…e of Yorke, was stayed from the title of Prince of Wales, the space of halfe a yeer, till to women it might appeare, whether the Lady Katherine, the Relict of Prince Ar… were with childe, or no. The towardlines in learning of this Prince Arthur is ve…y memorable; who dying before the age of sixteen yeers, was said to have read over al… or most of the Latine Authours, besides many other.

And now Prince Arthur being dead, and the Lady Katherine of Spaine left a young widdow; King Henry loath to part with her dowry, but chiefely being desirous … continue the Alliance with Spaine: prevailed with his other Sonne Prince Henry, though with some reluctation, such as could be in those years (for he was scarce …welv… years of age) to be contracted with the Princesse Katherine his bro…h…rs widdow; for which marriage, a dispensation by advice of the most learned men at that … in Christendome, was by Pope Iulius the second granted, and on the five and twentieth day of Iune, in the Bishop of Salisbury…s house in Fleet-street, th… marriage was solemnized.

p. 154A little before this time, … Earle of S…ffolke, Son to Iohn Duke of Suffolke and Lady Eliz…b…t… Sister …o king Edward the …ourth, had in his fury kill'd a mean person… and was thereupon I…dighted of Murther; for which, although he had the kings Pardon, yet because he was brought to th… Kings-bench-b…rr…, and there arraigned; he took it for so great … his honour, that in great rage he fled into Flanders to his Aun… the Lad… M…garet; where having stayed a while, when his p…ssion was over, he return…d againe. …ut after the marriage between Prince Arthur and the Lady …, w…ther it were that in that solemnity he had run himselfe in debt; or … he were …rawn to doe so by the Lady Margare…, he passed over the second time, with his b…other Richard, into Fl…nder…. This put the king into some doubt of his intention… whereupon he hath recourse to his usuall course in such cases, and Sir … Captaine of Hamme… Castle, to feigne himselfe one of that Conspiracy, the…by to learn the depth of their intentions: And to take away all susp…ion of his imployment; …he first Sunday of November, he caused the said Earle and Sir Robert C…rson with five others to be accursed openly at Pauls Crosse, as Enemies to him and his Realme. In conclusion, Sir Robert Curson acquainted the king with divers of that faction; amongst whom, Willia… Lord Court…ey, and Willia… de la Poole, brother to the foresaid Earle of Suffolke, who were taken but upon suspition, yet held long in prison: but Sir Iames Tyrrell (the same that had murthered the two young Princes in the Tower) and Sir Io… Windham, who were proved to be Traytor…, were accordingly attainted, and on the sixth day of May at the Tower-hill beheaded. Whereof when the Earle heard, despairing now of any good successe, he wandred about all Germany and Fr…c…, where finding no succour, he submitted himselfe at last to Philip Duke of Austria, by whom afterward he was delivered to king Henry, by this occasion: Ferdi…a…d king of Aragon, by his Wife Isabella Queen of C…stile, had onelyonly two Daughters, the eldest whereof named Ioa…e, was married to this Philip Duke of Austria; the younger, named Katherine, to Arthur Prince of England: and now Queen Isabella being lately dead, by whose death the kingdome of Castile descended in Right of his Wife, to this Duke Philip; they were sayling out of Germany into Sp…ine to take possession of the kingdome; but by tempest and contrary windes were driven upon the coast of England, and landed at VVeymouth in Dorsetshire; where desiring to refresh themselves a little on shore, they were invited by Sir Thomas Tre…cha…d (a principall knight of that Country) to his house, who presently sent word to the king of their arrivall. King Henry glad to have his Court honoured by so great a Prince, and perhaps upon hope of a courtesie from him, which afterward he obtained: …ent presently the Earle of Arundell to waite upon him, till himselfe might follow; and the Earle went to him in great magnificence, with a gallant troope of three hundred Horse, and for more State came to him by Torch-light. Upon whose Me…ge, though king Philip had many re…sons of haste on his journey; yet not to give king He…ry distaste, and withall to give his Queen the comfort of seeing the Lady Katherine her Sister; he went upon speed to the king at VVindsor, while his Queen followed by easie journeys. After great magnificence of entertainment, king Hen…y taking a fit opportunity, and drawing the king of Castile into a roome, where they two onelyonly were private; and laying his hand civilly upon his arme, said unto him; Sir, you have been saved upon my Coast: I hope you will not suffer me to wrack upon yours. The king of Castile asking him, what he meant by that speech? I mean it (saith the king) by that haire-brain'd fellow the Earle of Suffolke; who being my subject, is protected in your Country, and begins to play the foole when all others are weary of it. The king of Cas…ile answered; I had thought, Sir, your felicity had been above those thoughts; but if it trouble you, I will banish him: king Henry replyed, that his desire was to have him delivered to him: with this, the king of Castile a little confused said, That can I not doe with my honour: Well then (said the king) the matter is at an end: at last the king of Castile, who held king Henry in great estimation, composing his countenance, said, Sir you shall have him; but upon your Honour, you shall not take his life: I promise it upon mine Honour, p. 155said King Henry: and he kept his promise; for he was not put to death during all his Reigne; but yet he tooke such order, that in the Reigne of his Sonne K. Henry the Eighth, he had his head cut off. During the king of Castiles being here, a Treaty was concluded, and beares date at Windsor; which the Flemings terme Intercursus malus, for that the Free fishing of the Dutch upon the Coasts and Seas of England, granted in the Treaty of Vndecimo, was not by this Treaty confirmed, as all other Articles were. And now, when king Henry had received the king of Castile into the Fraternity of the Garter, and had his Sonne Prince Henry admitted to the order of the Golden fleece; and that the Earle of Suffolk was brought over and committed to the Tower; the king of Castile departed home.

In this kings time were two Calls of Serjeant… at Law: One in his eleventh yeere, in which were called nine Serjeants, Mordant, Higham, Kingesmill, Conisby, Butler, …xely, Frowick, Oxenbridge, and Constable; who kept their feast at the Bishop of Ely's Place in Holborne, where the King, the Queen, and all the chiefe Lords dined. The other Call, in his twentieth yeere; in which were called ten Serjeants, Robert Brudnell, William …revill, Thomas Marow, George Edgore, Lewis Pollard, Guy Palmes, and William Fairfax; who kept their feast at the Archbisho…s house in Lambeth.

King Henry having gotten as much honour as the Estimation of neighbouring Princes could give him, began now to be intentive to getting of wealth; wherein he quickly found Instruments fit for his purpose, but specially two, Empson & Dudley both Lawyers; Dudley of a good family, but Empson the son of a Sieve-maker. These two persons being put in Authority, turned Law and Justice into Rapine. For first, their manner was, to cause divers Subects to be indicted of Crimes, and then presently to commit them; and not produce them to their answer, but suffer them to languish long in Prison; and by sundry artificiall devices and terrors, extort from them great Fines, which they termed Compositions and Mitigations. Neither did they (towards the end) observe so much as the halfe face of Justice, in proceeding by Indictment; but sent forth their Precepts to attach men, and convent them before themselves and some others at their private houses, and there used to shuffle up a Summary proceeding by examination, without tryall of Jury; as…uming to themselves, to deale both in Pleas of the Crowne, and controversies Civill. Then did they also use to enthrall and charge the Subjects lands with Tenures in Capite, by finding false Offices; refusing upon divers pretexts and delayes, to admit men to traverse those false Offices, as by Law they might. Nay the Kings Wards, after they had accomplished their full age, could not be suffered to have livery of their lands, without paying excessive Fines, farre exceeding all reasonable rates. When men were outlawed in personall actions, they would not permit them to purchase their Charters of Pardon, except they paid great and intolerable summes; standing upon the strict point of Law, which upon Outlawries gives forfeiture of goods. Nay, contrary to all Law and colour, they maintained, the King ought to have the halfe of mens lands and rents during the space of full two yeeres, for a Paine in case of Outlawry. They would also ruffle with Jurors, and enforce them to finde as they would direct; and if they did not, then convent, imprison, and fine them. These and many other cours…s they had of preying upon the people: but their principall working was upon Penall Statutes; wherein they considered not whether the Law were obsolete, or in use; and had ever a rabble of Promoters and leading Jurors at their command, so as they could have any th…ng found, either for Fact or Valuation. There remaineth to this day a Report, that King Henry was on a time entertained very sumptuously by the Earle of Oxford, at his Castle of Heningham: and at the Kings going away, the Earles servants stood in their livery-coates with cognisances, ranged on both sides, to make the King a lane: Whereupon the King called the Earle to him, and said: My Lord, I have heard much of your Hospitality, but I see it is greater than is spoken; These handsome Gentlemen and Yeomen whom I see on both sides of me, are sure your Meniall servants. At which the Earle smiled, and said: It may please your Grace, that were not for mine ease; They are most of them my Retainers, and are come to doe me s…rvice at such a time as this, and chi…fly to p. 156see your Grace. Whereat the King started a little, and said: By my faith (my Lord) I thanke you for my good cheere; but I may not endure to have my Lawes broken in my sight: my Attourney must speake with you about it. And it is part of the Report, that it cost the Earle for a composition, fifteen thousand marks. And to shew further the Kings extreme diligence: I remember (saith Sir Francis Bacon Lord of Virula… in his History) to have seene long since a Booke of Accompt of Empsons, that had the kings hand almost to every leafe, by way of signing; and was in some places postilled in the Margent with the kings owne hand likewise, where was this Remembrance: Item, Received of such a one five markes; for the Pardon to be procured; and if the Pardon doe not passe, the money to be repayd, except the party be some other way satisfied. And over against this Memorand…m (of the kings owne hand,) Otherwise satisfied. This (saith he) I doe the rather mention, because it shewes in the king a Nearnesse, but yet with a kinde of Justnesse.

In his three and twentieth yeere, there was a sharpe prosecution against Sir William Gapell now the second time, for misgovernment in his Majoralty: The great matter was, that in some payments he had taken notice of false monies, and did not his diligence to examine who were the Offenders: for which and some other things …aid to his charge, he was condemned to pay two thousand pounds; whereof, being a man of stomack, he refused to pay a farthing; and thereupon was sent to the Tower, where he remained till the Kings death. Knesworth likewise, that had been lately Major of London, and both his Sheriffs, were for abuses in their offices questioned and imprisoned, and not delivered but upon payment of one thousand foure hundred pounds. Sir Lawrence Ailmer, who had likewise been Major of London, and his two Sheriffs, were put to the Fine of one thousand pounds; and Sir Lawrence, for refusing to pay it, was committed to prison, where hee stayed till Empson himselfe was committed in his place. By these courses hee accumulated so great store of Treasure, that he left at his death, most of it in secret places, under his own key and keeping at Richmond, (as is reported) the summe of neer eighteen hundred thousand pounds sterling. But though by this course he got great store of Treasure, yet by it he lost the best treasure (the peoples hearts) but that he something qualified it by his last Testament, commanding that Restitution should be made of all such moneys as had unjustly been levied by his Officers.

It seemes king Henry, after the death of his Queene the Lady Elizabeth, had an inclination to marry againe; and hearing of the great beauty & virtue of the young Queene of Naples, the widow of Ferdinando the younger; he sent three confident persons, Francis Marsyn, Iames Braybrooke, and Iohn Stile, to make two inquiries; one of her person and conditions, the other of her Estate: Who returning him answer, that they found her Beauty and Virtues to be great, but her Estate to be onelyonly a certaine Pension or Exhibition, and not the kingdome of Naples as he expected, he then gave over any further medling in that matter. After this, another Treaty of Mariage was propounded to the king, betweene him and the Lady Margaret Dutchesse Dowager of Savoy, onelyonly daughter to Maximilian, and Sister to the king of Castile; a Lady wise and of great good fame: In which businesse was imployed, for his first piece, the kings then Chaplain, and after the great Prelate, Thomas Woolsey. It was in the end concluded, with ample conditions for the king, but with promise de Futuro onelyonly. Which mariage was protracted from time to time, in respect of the Infirmity of the king; which held him by …its till he dyed.

He left Executours, Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, Richard Fitz Iames Bishop of London, Thomas Bishop of Durham, Iohn Bishop of Rochester, Thomas Duke of Norfolk & Treasurer of England, Edward Earl of Worcester and Lord Chamberlaine, Iohn F. knight, chiefe Justice of the Kings Bench, and Robert R. knight chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas. A little before his death, he had concluded a marriage (in which negociation Foxe Bishop of Winchester was imployed) between his younger Daughter the Lady Mary, of the age of ten years; and Charles king of Castile, not p. 157much elder: but though concluded, yet not solemnized; and she was afterward married to Lewis the French king.

Of his Taxations.

IN his third yeer, there was by Parliament granted toward the maintaining an Army in Britaine; that every man should pay the tenth penny of his Goods: which Tax though at first withstood in Yorkeshire and Durham; yet was afterwad levied to the uttermost. In his seventh yeer, towards his warres in France, a Benevolence was by Parliament granted; by which great summes of money were collected of the richer sort only. In his eleventh yeer, a Subsidie of sixscore thousand pounds was granted him by Parliament, towards his wa…s with Scotland, which caused afterward the insurrection in Cornwall. In his nineteenth yeer a Subsidie was granted him by Parliament. In his one and twentieth yeer, …e raised great summes of money from offenders against Penall Statutes: the greatest, but the unjustest way for raising of money, that every any king of England used: and not content with this, he required and had at the same time a Benevolence both from the Clergie and Laity. To the Clergie was imployed Richard Fox, then Bishop of Winchester; who assembling the Clergie before him, exhorted them to be liberall in their contribution; but the Clergie being of two sorts, rich and poore, made each of them their severall excuses: The rich and such as had great livings, said, they were at great charges in keeping hospitality and maintaining their families, and therefore desired to be spa…ed: The poorer sort alledged, that their means were small, and scarce able to finde them necessaries, and therefore desired to be forborne. But the Bishop answered them both with a pretty Dilemma, saying to the rich, It is true, you live at great charges in hospitality, in apparell and other demonstrations of your wealth; and seeing you have store to spend in such order, there is no reason but for your Princes service you should do it much more, and therefore you must pay. To the poorer sort he said, though your livings be small, yet your frugality is great, and you spend not in housekeeping and apparell as other doe; therefore be content, for you shall pay.

Of his Lawes and Ordinances.

THIS King was the first that ordained a company of tall strong men, (naming them Yeomen of the Guard) to be attending about the person of the king; to whom he appointed a Livery by which to be known, and a C…ptaine by whom to be chosen. In his time, the authority of the Star-chamber, which subsisted before by the Common Lawes of the Realme, was confirmed in certaine cases by Act of Parliament. In his time were made these excellent generall Laws: One, that from thenceforth sines should be finall, and conclude all strangers rights: Another for admission of poore suitours, In forma pa…peris, without paying Fee to Counsellour, Atturney or Clerke. Another, that no person that did assist by Armes or otherwise the King for the time being, should after be Impeached therefore or Attainted, either by course of the Law, or by Act of Parliament; and that if any such Act of Attainder did happen to be made, it should be void and of none effect. Another for the Benevolence, to make the summes which any had agreed to pay, and were not brought in, to be leviable by course of Law. Another, that Murtherers should be burnt on the Brawn of the left hand, with the letter M. and Theeves with the letter T. so that if they offended the second time, they should have no mercy, but …e put to death; and this to …each also to Clearkes Convict. In his fifth yeer, It was ordained by Parliament, that the Major of London should have Conservation of the river of Thames, from the bridge of Stanes, to the waters of Yendal… and M…dway. In his seventeenth Iohn Shaw Major of London, caused his brethren the Aldermen to ride from the Guild-hall to the waters-side, when he went to Westminster to be presented in the Exchequer: …e also caused the kitchins and other houses of office …o be builded at the Guild-hall; where since that time, the Majors feast ha…h been p. 158kept, which before, had been in the Grocers or Taylours-hall. In his eighteenth yeer king Henry being himselfe a brother of the Taylours Company, as divers kings before had been, namely, Richard the third, Edward the fourth, Henry the sixth, Henry the fifth, Henry the fourth, and Richard the second; also of Dukes 11. Earles 28. Lords 48. he now gave to them the Name and Title of Merchant Taylours; as a name of worship to endure for ever.

Affaires of the Church in his time.

IN the tenth year of his Raigne, Ioane Boughton widdow, was burnt in Smithfield, for holding certain opinions of Iohn VVickliffe. In his seventh yeer, king Henry finding great inconvenience by the priviledge of Sanctuaries; wrote to Pope Alexander, desiring him by his authority, to adjudge all English men being fled to Sanctuary for the offence of Treason, to be Enemies to the Christian Faith; and to prohibite the priviledge of Sanctuary to all such as once had enjoyed it before: which request the Pope granted, to the great contentment of the king, and quiet of the Realme. In his sixteenth yeere being the yeer 1500. a Jubilee in Rome was celebrated; whereof Alexander the then Pope, by his messenger Gaspar Pons a Spanyard, gave notice to the king: offering withall, that those who could not come to Rome, should notwithstanding at a certaine price have Pardons, and as full a benefit of the Jubilee, as if they came; and to the end the king should not hinder his purpose, both offered part of his gaines to the king, and also promised to bestow it upon a warre against the Turke; by which course he gathered great summes, for which he had other use, than to spend it so idly. In the two and twentieth yeer of this king… Pope Alexander the sixth dyed of Poyson, by this accident: He went to supper in a Vineyard neer the Vatican, where his sonne Valentionis meaning to poyson Adria… Cardinall of Cornetta, sent thither certaine flaggons of Wine, infected with poyson, and delivered them to a servant of his, who knew nothing of the matter; commanding him, that none should touch them, but by his appointment: It happened, the Pope comming in something before supper, and being very dry through the immoderate heat of the season, called for drinke, his own provision being not yet come: The servant that had the poysoned wine in keeping; thinking it to be committed to him as a speciall wine, brought of it to the Pope; and while he was drinking, his sonne Valentinois came in, and dranke also of the same; whereby they were both poysoned, but the Pope onelyonly overcome of the poyson, died; his sonne by the strength of youth bare it out, though with long languishing.

Workes of Piety and other structures by him… and others.

THIS King magnificently enlarged Greenwich, which Humfry Duke of Glocester had formerly builded, calling it Placentia. In his sixteenth yeer, …e new builded his Manour of Shee…, and named it Richmond: He also new builded Baynards Castle in London. In his two and twentieth yeer, he finished the goodly Hospitall of the Savoy neere to Charing-crosse, to which he gave lands for the relieving of two hundred poore people: This was first called Savoy place, built by Peter Earle of Savoy Father to Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, about the nine and twentieth yeer of Henry the third, who made the said Peter Earle of Richmond. The house belonged since to the Duke of L…caster; and at this time was converted to an Hospitall, reteyning still the first name of the Savoy. In this Kings time, Iohn Morton being Bishop of Ely, bestowed great cost upon his house at Hatfield in Hartfordshire, now the house of the Right Honourable the Earle of Salisbury; and at Wesbich Castle in Cambridgeshire, a house belonging to that See; all the Brick building was of his charge: Being afterward Bishop of Canterbury, he bestowed great sums in repairing and a…gmenting his houses at M…idstone, Alington-Parke, Charing, Ford, L…mbeth, and specially at Knoll in Kent, where he dyed. King Henry also builded three houses of Franciscan Friers, which are called observants; one at Richmond, p. 159…n other at Greenwich, a third at Newark; and three other of Franciscan Friers, which are called Conventuals, one at Canterbury, another at Newcastle, and a third at South…amp…on. And drawing neer his end, he did these workes of charity: He granted a generall Pardon to all men, for any offence commited against any of his Lawes, Theeves and Murtherers only excepted: He paid also all Fees of all Prisoners in all Goales in and about London, abiding there for that cause only: He paid also the Debts of all such persons as lay in the Counters or Lud-gate for forty shillings or under, and some also for ten pounds. In his eighteenth yeer, the Chappell of our Lady, abo…e the East-side of the high Altar at Westminster Church, with a Tavern called the White-rose neer adjoyning, was taken down; in which place a most beautifull Chappell was then presently begun to be builded, by King Henry; the charges whereof amounted to the summe of fourteene thousand pounds (as Stow witnesseth.) In his second yeer, the great Conduite in Cheape-side, at the charges of Thomas Il…m Alderman of London, was new made; and the Crosse also in Cheape was new builded, toward the charges whereof, Thomas Fisher Mercer gave five hundred Markes. In his seventh yeer, the Conduite in Grace-street was begun to be builded by the Executors of Sir Thomas Hill Grocer, late Major of London. Also this yeer, Hugh Cl…pton Major of London builded the great bridge of Stratford upon A…o…, as likewise a faire Chappell toward the South end of that Town; and neer unto the same, a pretty house of B…rick and Timber, where he lay and ended his life: Hee glazed also the … of the Parish Church in that Town; and made a Way of foure miles long, … miles from Alisbury towards London, and one mile beyond Ali…bury. In his …nth yeer, Iohn T…le Major of London, builded the Church of Saint Antho…es, with a Free-schoole, and certain Almeshouses for poore men. In his time, his Mother the Lady Margaret Countesse of Richmond, builded two Colledges in Cambridge, one called Christs Colledge, the other St. Iohns; and endowed them with large possessi…ns, for the maintenance of learning. Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester founded Corpus Chirsti Colledge in Oxford; and William Smith Bishop of Lincolne, Brazen-nose Coll…ge: He also builded at Liechfield an Hospitall, for a Master, two Priests, and ten poore men, as likewise a Free-schoole, with a Shoole-master and an Usher. Anne A…eling gave a hundred Marks towards the building of the Church in Cicester. In his time also Iohn Alcock Bishop of Ely, builded Iesus Colledge in Cambridge: and in his two and twentieth year, Thomas Knesworth Major of London, builded the Conduite at Bishopsgate at his own charge; and gave to the Fishmongers certaine Tenements; for which they are bound to allow to foure Schollers, two at Oxford, and two at Cambridge, to each of them foure pounds a yeer: also to poore people and Prisoners in Ludgate something yee…ly. In his twentieth yeer, Sir VVilliam Capell Major of London, caused all Hounseditch to be paved over; which till that time, had … very noyously to all travellers that way. In his fourteenth yeer, all the Gardens without Mooregate (which had continued time out of minde) were destroyed; and of them was made a plaine field, for Archers to shoot in. In this Kings time also, … Savege Archbishop of Yorke, repaired the Castle of Cawood, and the Manour of …, and founded the Chappell at Maclesfield in Cheshire, where he was borne. Also in his time, Stephen Granings Major of London, founded a free Gramm…r Schoole … VVolverhampton in Staffordshire where he was borne; and gave lands sufficient for a Master and an Usher, leaving the oversight to the Merchant-Taylours in London. Thi… Town of VVolverhampton, commonly so called, is originally and rightly called …-hampton, upon this occasion: The Town was antiently called Hampton, to which a noble woman named VVilfrune, a widdow, sometime wise of Athel…s Duke of Northampton; obtained of King Ethelred, to give lands to the Church there, wh…ch she had founded; and thereupon the Town tooke the addition of the said VVilfrune. In this Kings time also, Iohn Coll…t Deane of Pauls, founded Pauls Schoole in the Church-yard there.

p. 160Casualties happening in his time.

IN his first yeere happened the Sicknesse called the Sweating-sicknesse, which though it continued not long, yet tooke away many thousands: and in his two and twentieth yeer, the like Sweating-sicknesse happened againe; but by reason of Remedies found in the former, took away fewer.

In his second yeer, Wheat was sold for three shillings the Quarter, Bay-salt at the like price: In his seventh yeer, Wheate was sold at London for twenty pence the Bushell; which was counted a great dearth. In his tenth yeer, Wheate was sold at London for six pence the Bushell, Bay-salt for three pence halfe penny, Nantwich …salt for sixpence, white Herrings nine shillings the Barrell, red Herrings three shillings the Cade, red Sprats six pence the Cade, and Gascoigne wines for six pounds the T…. In his fifteenth yeer, Gascoigne wine was sold at London for forty shillings the Tunne, a Quarter of Wheate foure shillings, and Bay-salt foure pence the Bushell.

The two and twentieth of August 1485. the very day that King Henry got the victory of King Richard; a great fire was in Bread-street in London, in which was burnt the Parson of Saint Mildreds, and one other man in the Parsonage there.

In his tenth yeer, in digging to lay a new foundation in the Church of Saint Mary Hill in London, the body of Alice Hackney, which had been buried in the Church a hundred seventy five yeeres before, was found whole of Skin, and the joynts of her Armes pliable; which Corpes was kept above ground foure dayes without annoyance, and then againe buried.

In his twelveth yeere, on Bartholomew day, at the Towne of Saint Ne…des in Bedfordshire, there fell Hayle-stones that were measured eighteene Inches about.

In his thirteenth yeer, on the one and twentieth of December; suddenly in the night brake out a fire in the Kings lodgings, being then at his Manour of Shee… ; by violence whereof, a great part of the old building was burnt, with hangings, beds, Apparell, Plate and m…ny Jewells. In his fifteenth yeer, the Town of Babra… in Norfolke was burnt: Also this yeer, a great Plague happened; whereof many people died in many places, but specially in London, where there died in that yeer thirty thousand.

In his twentieth yeer, Alum which for many yeers had been sold for six shillings a hundred, rose to five nobles a hundred, and after to foure marks.

In his two and twentieth yeer, the Citty of Norwich was well neere consumed with fire. Also in the same yeer in Iuly, a gallery new builded at Richmond, wherein the King and the Prince his Sonne had walked not an houre before, fell suddenly downe, yet no man hurt.

The great Tempest which drave king Philip into England, blew down the Golden Eagle from the Spire of Pauls; and in the fall, it fell upon a signe of the Black-Eagle, which was in Pauls Church-yard, in the place where the School-house now standeth; and battered it, and brake it downe. This the people interpreted to be an ominous Prognostick upon the Imperiall House, as indeed it proved; for this king Philip being the Emperours sonne, arriving in Spaine, sickned soon after; and being but thirty yeeres of age, deceased: upon whose decease, his wife Queen Iohn out of her tender love to him, fell distracted of her wits.

Of his wife and children.

HE maried Elizabeth eldest daughter of King Edward the Fourth, being of the age of nineteene yeeres; whom two yeeres after his Mariage he caused to be p. 161Crowned: She lived his wife eighteen yeeres, and dyed in Child-bed in the Tower of London, the eleventh of February, the very day on which she was borne; and is buried at Westminster, in the magnificent Chappell and rich Monument of Copper and Guilt, which her Husband had erected. He had issue by her, three Sonnes and foure Daughters: his eldest sonne Arthur was born at Winchester, the twentieth day of September in the second yeere of his Reigne; and dyed at Ludlow, at fifteen yeeres old and a halfe: and of this short life some cause may be attributed to his Nativity, being borne in the eighth monethmonth after conception: He was buried in the Cathedrall Church of St. Maries in Worcester, where in the South side of the Quire he lies en…ombed in Touch or Jet, without any remembrance of him by Picture. His second sonne Henry was borne at Greenwich in …ent, on the two and twentieth day of Iune, in the seventh yeere of his Fathers Reigne; and succe…ded him in the kingdome. His third sonne Edmund was borne in the tenth yeere of his Fathers Reigne, and dyed at five yeares of age, at Bishops Hatfield, and lyes buried at St. Peters in Westminster. His eldest daughter Margaret was born the nine and twentieth day of November, the fifth yeer of her Fathers Reigne; and at fourteen yeers of age was married to Iames the fourth King of Scotland; unto whom she bare three Sons, Iames the fifth, Arthur and Alexander, and one Daughter, which three last dyed all of them young; and after the death of her husband king Iames, (slaine at Flodden field in … against the English) she was remarried to Archib…ld Dowgl…sse Earle of Augus, in the yeer 1514. to whom she bare Margaret, espoused to Mathew Earle of Lenox, Father of the Lord Henry, who died at the age of nine moneths, and lyeth interred in the upper end of the Chancell in the Parish Church of Stepney neer London: Her second Sonne was Henry Lord D…nley, reputed for personage the goodliest Gentleman of Europe; who married Mary Queen of Scotland, the Royall Parents of the most Royall Monarch Iames the first, King of great Britaine: Her third Sonne was Charles Earl of Lenox, Father to the Lady Arbella. King Henries second Daughter the Lady Eliz…beth was borne in the yeere 1492. at three yeers of age, died; and was buried at Westminster: His third Daughter the Lady Mary, had been promised to Charles King of Castile; but was married to Lewis the twelveth, King of France; who dying three moneths after, she was then married to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke: His fourth Daughter, the Lady Katherine, was borne in the yeer 1503. in the eighteenth yeer of her Fathers Reigne, and dyed …n Infant.

Of his Personage and Conditions.

HE was of Body leane and spare, yet of great strength; of statu…e somewhat higher than the common sort, his Eyes gray, his Teeth single, his Haire thinne, of a faire complexion and pleasing countenance. Concerning his Conditions, …e had in him the virtue of a Prince, and of a private man; affable, yet reserved. We might say he was Politick; if not rather, that he was Wise: for though he used … of Cunning sometimes, yet solid Circumspection more. He loved not Warre, but in case of necessity; alwayes Peace, but with conditions of Honour. Never …y Prince was lesse addicted to bodily pleasures of any kinde, than he. Three pleasures he had, but in three Cares; One for Safety; another for Honour; and the third for Wealth: in all which hee attained his end. His great respect of the Church, was seen by his great imployment of Church-men; for through the hands of Bishop Morton, Bishop Foxe, and his Chaplaine Vrswick, the greatest part of all his great negotiation passed. He was Frugall from his youth, not Covetous till ancient and sickly; and therefore what defect he had in that kinde, must be attributed to age and weaknesse. This City of London was his Paradise, for what good fortune … befell him, he thought he enjoyed it not, till he acquainted them with it. His Parliament was his Oracle; for in all matters of importance he would aske their p. 162advice; and he put his very Prerogative sometimes into their hands. He was no great lover of women; yet all his great fortune both Precedent and Subsequent came by women: His own title to the Crown, was by a woman; His Confirmation in the Crown, was by a woman; His Transmission of the Crowne to his Posterity, was by a woman: The first by the Lady Margaret, descended from Ioh… of Gaunt; the second by the Lady Elizabeth, eldest Daughter of King Edward the fourth; the third by the Lady Margaret, eldest Daughter of himselfe King of England, and maried to Iames the Fourth, King of Scotland; by meanes whereof, as he was the Prince that joyned the two Roses in one, so he was the Founder of joyning the two Kingdomes in one. And lastly, it may be said of him, as was said by one of August… Caesar,—Hic …ir hic est ti…i quem promitti saepius audis: for Cadwalloder last king of the Britaines, seven hundred yeeres before, had Prophesied of him; and of later time, King He…ry the Sixth plainly fore-shewed him.

Of his Death and Buriall.

IN the two and twentieth yeer of his Reigne, he began to be troubled with the Goute; but a Defluction also taking into his Breast, wasted his Lungs, so that thrice in a yeer, and specially in the Spring, he had great fits and labours of the Tissick, which brought him to his end, at his Palace of Richmond, on the two and twentieth day of April in the yeer of 1508. when he had lived two and fifty yeers, Reigned three and twenty and eight moneths: Being dead, and all things necessary for his Funerall prepared; his Corps was brought out of his Privy Chamber, into the great Chamber, where it rested three dayes; and every day, had there a Dirge and Masse sung by a Plelate, Mitred: and from thence it was conveyed into the Hall, wherein it remained also three dayes, and had a like service there; and so three daies in the Chappell: Upon Wednesday the nineth of May, the Corps was put into a Chariot, and over the Corpes was a Picture of the late King, laid on Cushions of Gold; and the Picture was apparelled in the Kings rich Robes, with a Crown on the head, and a Ball and Scepter in the hands: when the Chariot was thus ordered, the Kings Chappell and a great number of Prelates set forward, praying; then followed all the kings Servants in Black; then followed the Chariot, and after the Chariot nine Mourners, and on every side were carried Torches, to the number of six hundred, and in this order they came from Richmond to St. Georges field; where there met with it all the Priests and Religious men within the City and without; the Major and Aldermen, with many Commoners, all cloathed in Blacke, met with the Corpes at London-bridge; and so the Chariot was brought throught the City to the Cathedrall of St. Paul, where the Body was taken out and carried into the Quire, and set under a goodly Hearse of Wax; where after a solemne Masse, was made a Sermon by the Bishop of Rochester: The next day, the Corps in like manner was removed to Westminster; Sir Edward Haword bearing the kings Banner. In Westminster was a curious Hearse full of lights, which were lighted at the comming of the Corps; and then was the Corpes taken out of the Chariot by six Lords, and set under the Hearse, which was double railed: when the Mourners were set, Gart…r king at Armes, cryed, For the Soule of the Noble Prince king Henry the seventh, late king of this Realme: The next day were three Masses solemnly sung by Bishops, and after the Masses was offered the kings Banner and Courser, his Coat of Arms, his Sword, his Target and his Helm, and at the end of the Masse, the Mourners offered up rich Palls of Choath of Gold and Bodkin; and when the Quire sang Liber… me, the Body was put into the Earth; then the Lord Treasurer, Lord Steward, Lord Chamberlaine, the Treasurer and Comptroller of the kings houshold, brake their Staves and cast them into the Grave: Then Gartar cryed with a loud voice; Vive le …oy, Henry le …itiesme; Roy d'Angleterre & de France, syre d' Irlande: and thus ended the Funerall.

p. 163Of men of Note in his time.

OF Men of Valour and Armes, they are to be seene in the History of this Kings Reigne. For men of letters in his time, of forreigners were Sancts Pagui…s a great Hebrician; Leonicenus, Gattinaria, Cabellus and Optatus Phisitians; Augustinus Niphus, Iacobus Faber, Stapulensis and Pighius Philosophers; Petrus Bembus … and the famous Clerke Rheudin, who restored againe the knowledge of the Hebrew Tongue. Of our own Country, there lived in his time, George Rippley a Carmelite Frier of Boston, who wrote divers Treatises in the Mathematicks; and after his death was accounted a Necromancer. Iohn Erghom borne in Yorke, a Black-Frier, studious in Prophesies, as by the Title of the workes he wrote, may appeare. Thomas Mallorie a Welshman, who wrote of King Arthur, and of the round Table. Iohn Rouse borne in Warwickshire, a diligent searcher of Antiquities, and wrote divers Treatises of Historicall Argument. Thomas Scroope sirnamed Bradley, of the Noble family of the Scroopes, entred into divers orders of Religion, and after withdrew himselfe to his house, where for twenty yeeres he lived the life of an Anchorite; and after, comming abroad againe, was made a Bishop in Ireland, and went to the Rhodes in Ambassage; from whence being returned, he went bare-footed up and downe in N…rfolk, teaching the ten Commandements; and lived till neere a hundred yeeres old. Iohn Ton…eys an Augustine Frier in Norwich, who wrote certaine Rules of Grammar, and other things printed by Richard Pinson. Robert Fabian a Sheriffe of London, and an Historiographer. Edmund Dudley, the same man whom king Henry used to take the forfeitures of Penall Statu…es; who wrote a Booke intituled Arbor Re…-publicae. Iohn Bockingham an excellent Schoole-man: and William Blackeney a Carmelite Frier, a Doctor of Divinity, and a Necromancer.