The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 18

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 18

p. 33HEREFORD-SHIRE hath Worcester-shire and Shrop-shire on the North, Glocester shire on the East, Monmouth-shire on the South, Brecknock and Radnor-shires on the West. In form it is almost circular, being from North to South (measured to the best improvement) 35. miles, though from East to West not altogether so much.

There cannot be given a more effectual Evidence of the healthful aire in this Shire, then the vigorous vivacity of the inhabitants therein; Many aged folk which in other countries are properties of the chimneyes, or confined to their beds, are here found in the feild as able (if willing) to work. The ingenious Serjeant Hoskin gave an intertainment to King Iames and povided ten aged people to dance the Morish before him; all of them making up more then a thousand yeares, So that what was wanting in one was supplied in another. A nest of Nestors not to be found in another place.

This County doth share as deep as any in the Alphabet of our English Commodities though exceeding in VV. for VVood, VVheat, VVooll, and VVater. Besides this Shire, better answereth (as to the sound thereof) the name of Pomerania, then the Dukedome of Germany so called, being a continued Orchard of Apple trees, whereof much Sider is made of, the use whereof we have treated of **In the Commodities of Glocester-shirebefore.

There is a Tract in this County called Gylden Vale, And if any demand how much gold is to be found therein know that even as much as in Chrusaroas or, Golden stream, the river of Damascus so called from the yellowness of their water as this vail is so named either because gilded with flowers in the spring, or because being the best of Molds as Gold is of Mettalls.

Here I … … Master Camden his cautious commendation of this County.

Secunda … … inter Angliae Provincias acquiescere, haud facile est contenta.

It is not … … to be accounted the Second shire for matter of fruitfulness

But the foresaid Authour in his whole book never expresseth which is the first, too politick to adjudge so invidious a preheminence. And thus keeping the uppermost seate emptie, such competitour Counties are allowed leave, to put in their several claimes which pretend to the prime place of fertility.

Reader, I am sorry that having not hitherto seen the Cathedral of Hereford, I must be silent about the building in this County.

Natural Commodities,

Wooll.

Such as are ignorant of the qualities thereof may inform themselves therein from the common Proverbs.

1. VVhite as **Revel. 1. 14.Rev 1:14VVooll; a Scripture phrase, though there be thereof black by nature.

2. Soft as VVooll, and therefore our Judges antiently in the Parliament-House sat on Wooll packs, as well for the easier repose of their age, as to minde them to maintain this staple commodity in its legal priviledges.

3. As warm as VVooll. And one said merrily; VVooll must needs be warm, as consisting all of double letters.

Our English garments from head to foot were formerly made thereof, till the beginning of the Reign of K. Henry the Eighth, when velvet caps becoming fashionable for Persons of prime Quality, discomposed the proverb, If his cap be made of VVooll, as formerly comprising all conditions of people how high and haughty soever.

Great the plenty of Wooll in this County and greater Gods Goodness, that generally our Northern Lands are well stored therewith. **Cited by H. Stevens in his De of Herodotus.The Frier rather descanted then commented, and his interpretation not so much false, as improper for the place Dat nivem sicut Lanam, He giveth Snow like **Psal. 147. 16.Ps 147:16VVooll, That where most Snow falls those places (if habitable) are best provided with VVooll. It is well his wanton wit4 Moscovy, Poland, Norway. went no further, He scattereth his hoare frost like ashes; Freezing * Countries affording most Fewel to burn, so careful is Providence in dispensing necessaries to mankinde. As for the Wooll in this County, it is best known to the honour thereof by the name of Lempster Ore, being absolutely the finest in this County and indeed in all England, p. 34equalling if not exceeding the Apulian or Tarentine in the South of Italy though it cost not so much charge and curiosity in the carefull keeping thereof. For good **Var: de re …. 2 cap. 2. Columell. l. 7. c. 4.Authors, inform us that there the Sheepherds put in effect a Fleece over their Fleece using to clothe their sheep with skins to preserve their Wooll from the injury of earth, bushes and weather. How well this requiteth their cost I know not, but am sure no such trouble is used on our sheep here.

Salmons.

A daintie and wholesome fish, and a double riddle in nature; first for its invisible feeding, no man alive having ever found any meat in the maw thereof. Secondly, for its strange leaping (or flying rather) so that some will have them termed Salmons, à saliendo. Being both bow and arrow, it will shoot it selfe out of the water an incredible heighth and length. I might adde the admirable growth thereof, if true what is confidently affirmed, that it increaseth from a spawn to a full grown fish within the compasse of a year. Plenty of these in this County, though not in such abundance as in Scotland, where servants (they say) indent with their Masters, not to be fed therewith above thrice a weeke.

Some will say, Why Salmons in Hereford-shire, which are common to other Counties? It is answered, in other Counties suitably with the Buck, they are seasonable onelyonly in Summer, whereas here with Buck and Doe, they are in season all the year long. This Countie may say.

Salmo non aestate novus, nec frigore desit

Salmon in Summer is not rare,

In Winter, I of them do share.

For the River of Wy affords brumal Salmons, fat and sound, … …hey are sick and spent in other places.

The Wonders.

There is a little Fountain called Bone-Well nigh Richards Castle in this County the Water whereof is alwayes full of Bones of little Fishes **Camden Brit. in Herefordshire.or as others conceive of little Frogs. Seeing it seems such their smalnesse they are hardly to be distinguished. It addeth to the Wonder, because this Spring can never be emptied of them, but as fast as some are drawn out, others instantly succeed them.

To this permanent, let us add two transient wonders on the credit of excellent **Quoted by Speed in his Maps of England, in Hereford-shire.Authors; when a battle was fought in this County, Anno Dom. 1461. betwixt Jasper E. of Pembrooke, and James Butler Earl of Ormond on the one side, and K. Edward the Fourth of the other, three Suns appeared together in the Firmament.

Such a triple Sun (one real, two representations) were seen in heaven a little before the Roman Empire was rent betwixt three Competitours, Galba, Otho, and Vitellius▪ as also since, when the Kingdome of Hungarie was Cantoned betwixt John Vayvode, Ferdinand afterwards Emperor, and the great Turke; such Meteors being sometimes prognosticks of so many severall pretenders at once to the same Sovereignty.

Inquiring into the natural cause hereof, we find it to be nothing else but the Image of the Sun represented in an equal, smooth, thick and watery Cloud, not opposite thereunto, (for then it would make the Rain-bow) nor under the Sun, for then it would make those circles called Crowns or Garlands) but on one or either side thereof, in a competent or moderate distance. For if it be too far off, then the beams will be too feeble to be reflected; if too near, the Sun will disperse it; but in such a middle distance, wherein many Suns may appear, as a mans face is expressed in all pieces of a broken glasse.

To this wonder add a second of **This kind of Earthquake is called Brasmatias.Marcley-Hill, which An. Dom. 1575. rouzed it selfCamdens Eliz. An. 1575. as it were, out of its sleep. Yea, in some sort it might seem to be in labour for three dayes together, shaking and roaring all that while, to the great terrour of all that heard or beheld it. It threw down all things that opposed it, and removed it self into an higher place. The best use we can make of such accidents, is to fear and not fear thereat, with a reverential awe to God, no servile dread of the thing it self; **Psal. 46. 2.Ps 46:2Therefore we will not fear though the earth be removed; and though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea.

p. 35Proverbs.

Blessed is the Eye,]

That is betwixt Severn and Wye.]

Some will justly question the Truth hereof. True it is, the Eyes of those Inhabitants are entertained with a pleasant Prospect, yet such, as is equalled by other places. But it seems this is a prophetical promise of Safety to such that live secured within those great rivers, as if priviledged from Martial impressions. But alas! Civil War is a vagrant, and will trace all corners, except they be surrounded with Gyges his ring. Surely some eyes in that place, besides the Sweet Rivers of Severn and Wye, running by them, have had Salt Waters flowing from them, since the beginning of our late Distractions.

**Camd. B rit. in Hereford-sh.Lemster bread, and Weabley Ale.]

It seems both these are best in their kinds, though good in other places of the Land. Thus, though Palestine was universally termed a **Deut. 8. 8.Deut 8:8Land of Wheat, yet the Spirit of God takes signal notice of the **Ezek. 27. 17.Ezek 27:17wheat of Minnith and Pannag, as finer than the rest. Yet is there Wheat in England, which justleth for pureness with that of Weabley, viz. What groweth about Heston in Middlesex, yeilding so fine floure, that for a long time the **Camd. Brit. in Middlesex.Manchet for the Kings of England was made thereof, except any will say it is prized the more for the Vicinity to London.

Saints.

ETHELBERT was King of the East-Angles and went to Offa King of Mercia to treat of a marriage with his Daughter; but Queen Quendred Wife to Offa, more ambitious of her own unlawful, then her Daughters lawful advancement, practised his Death at a Village now called Sutton-Wallis, four miles from Hereford. His corps was afterwards removed by Milfred (a petit Prince of that Country) to Hereford, where he obtained the reputation of a Saint and Martyr. His suffering happened Anno Dom. 793.

THOMAS CANTILUPE was of honourable extraction, whose Father William Lord Cantilupe had two fair habitations, Abergavenny Castle in Monmouth, and Harringworth in Northampton-shire, which by an Heir-general of that Family afterwards descended to the Lord Zouch. He was bred in Oxford (whereof at last he became Chancellour) and was preferred Bishop of Hereford. A charitable man may believe him a person of Holy Life and great Learning: But no wise man will credit what Walsingham writes of him, That he was never guilty of any mortal sin. Going to (others say returning from) Rome, to assert his Church from the encroachment of Peckam, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, he dyed at a City in Tuscany, where his flesh was taken off his Corps and buryed, whilst his bones were sent for Reliques into England, and enshrined at Hereford. Now, though different dates be assigned of his death, I adhere to Bishop Godwin, noting his Dissolution 1282.

He was afterwards canonized by Pope John the twenty second, and no fewer then **English Mar. October 2.four hundred twenty five miracles are registred in that Church, reported to be wrought at his Tomb. I say, just four hundred twenty five, which falls out sewer by five and twenty then the Prophets of **1 Kin. 18. 19.1 Kgs 18:19Baal, and more by five and twenty then the Prophets of the Groves, in a middle number betwixt both, and all of th…m I beleive honest and true alike. Yea, it is recorded in his legend, that by his **Eng. Martyr. ut prius.Prayers were raised from death to life threescore several persons, one and twenty Lepers healed, and three and twenty blind and dumb men to have received their sight and speech.

No wonder then what Mr. **Brit. in Hereford-shire.Camden observeth, that in process of time, parum abfuit quin pietatis opinione Regio Martyri Ethelberto praeluxerit; He lack'd but little to eclipse the Lustre of Ethelbert, the Royal Saint and Martyr, formerly buryed (as is aforesaid) in the same Cathedral: Indeed it is given to Superstition, alwayes to be fondest of the youngest Saint. But long since King Henry the eighth hath put a period to all emulations betwixt their memories.

The Bishops of Hereford, so highly honoured this Thomas, that (waving their ancient Arms) they assumed the paternal Coate of Cantilupe (viz. Gules 3 Leopards p. 36heads inverted, each with a Flower de Luce in his Mouth, Or,) to be successively the Arms of their See. This Cantilupe lived the latest of any Englishman who was canonized, so that blind zeal may even close her Stomack, and make up her Mouth with the Sweet-meats of his memory.

Martyrs.

Sir JOHN (Son to Sir Thomas) OLDCASTLE was a Native of this County, whereof he was Sheriff in the seventh of Henry the fourth, Lord Cobham in the right of his Wife; a right valiant man, but great follower of VVickliffe, so that he lost his life on that account.

As his body was hanged and burnt in an unusual posture at Tyburne, so his memory hath ever since been in a strange suspense betwixt Malefactour and Martyr: Papists charging him with Treason against King Henry the fifth, and heading an Army of more then ten thousand men, though it wanted nine thousand nine hundred ninety and nine thereof, so far as it appears solidly proved.

But it hath ever been the Practice of the Devil and his instruments angry with Gods Servants for their Religion, to accuse them for Sedition, perceiving Princes generally more jealous of their own honour then Gods Glory, and most careful to cut off such as oppose their power or persons; Thus Christ was accused for Disloyalty to Caesar; and St. Paul, for raifing of Tumults, though they (as it is plain in the **Acts 23. 6.Acts 23:6Text) either raised themselves, or were raised by the Pharisees and Saducees, Pauls professed Enemies. But I have so worne out the Neb of my Pen in my Church-History, about clearing the Innocency of this worthy Knight, that I have nothing to add new thereunto. Marian Martyrs this Diocess affordeth none, such the Moderation of Robert Parfew the Bishop thereof.

Cardinal.

ADAM de EASTON. We were at a great losse, had we but his bare Sirname to direct us to the place of his Nativity, seeing scarcely one County in England, which hath not one or more Eastons or **Three Eatons there are in this County.Eatons (the same in effect) therein. But thanks be to our **Bish. Godwin in his Catal. of Cardinals, p. 173. out of whom this is collected.Author, who hath fixed his Birth (though but with an ut videtur) in this Shire.

Pretenders to Skill in Palmestry would perswade us, that such, the Table in whose hands is narrow beneath and broad above, are marked out for Poverty in their youth, and plenty in their old Age. I will not say, such the Signature in the hands of our Adam, but sure I am such his successe. Mean his birth, homely his breeding, hard his fare, till by his Industry he was advanced Dr. of Divinity in Oxford, wherein he became a great Scholar, skill'd in Greek and Hebrew (rare accomplishments in that age) and was very dexterous in all civil Negotiations. He was afterwards made Cardinal, with the Title of St. Cicilie, by Pope Urban, against whom Clement the seventh was elected and erected by others.

Fierce the Fight between Bears and Boars, but far fiercer betwixt two Anti-Popes, giving no Quarter to the opposite party, if brought into their power. Urban suspecting Treachery in some of his Cardinals, imprisoned seven of them at once, and puting five of them into Sacks, sunk them into the Sea. Oh most barbarous Urbanity! Our Adam being the sixth hardly escaped with Life, and may be said in some sort put into a Sack, (though of a larger size) I mean a streight Dungeon, where he remained half starved for five years together, till the Death of Pope Urban. But Pope Boniface, his Successour, restored him to all his honours and dignities, sent him over into England, to King Richard the Second with most ample Commendation.

Returning to Rome, he lived there in all plenty and pomp, and dyed September the seventeenth, 1397. Pity it is so good a Scholar should have so barbarous an Epitaph, scarce worth our Translation.

Artibus iste Pater famosus in omnibus Adam,

Theologus summus, Cardi que-nalis erat.

Anglia cui patriam, titulum dedit ista Beatae

Ceciliae que —mors que suprema polum.

Adam a famous Father in Arts all,

He was a deep Divine, Cardi-and-nall,

Whom England bred, S. Cicilie hath given

His Title—Death at last gave heaven.

p. 37He was interred when dead in the Church of St. Cicilie, which intituled him when alive, though no happiness; an honour, which no other English man (to my observation) of his Order ever Injoyed.

Prelates.

JOHN BRETON, aliàs BRITTON, D…. of the Lawes. He meriteth a high place in this Catalogue; and yet I am at a perfect loss, where to fix his Nativity, and therefore am forced to my last Refuge, as the **S. N.Marginal Character doth confess.

He was a famous Lawyer, living in the Reign of King Edward the First, at whose Commandement, and by whose Authority he wrote a learned Book of the LAWES of ENGLAND, the Tenor whereof runneth in the Kings name, as if it had been penned by himself. Take one instance thereof. 12. Chapter.

VVe will, that all those, who are fourteen years old, shall make Oath that they shall be sufficient and Loyall unto Us, and that they will be neither Felons, nor assenting to Felons: and We will, that all be, &c.

This Style will seem nothing strange to those, who have read Justinian his Institutions, which the Emperour assumed unto himself, though composed by others.

It is no small Argument of the Excellency of this Book, that notwithstanding the great variation of our Lawes since his time, that his work still is in great and general Repute. Thus a good face conquereth the disadvantage of old and unfashionable Clothes. He was preferred Bishop of Hereford, in the Reign of King Henry the Third. And although there be some difference betwixt Authors about the time, wherein he lived and died (some assigning a latter date) I confide in Bishop ††In his Catalogue of the Bishops of Hereford.Godwin (his Successour in the same See) computing his death to happen May 12. in the Third of King Edward the First, Anno 1275.

ADAM de ORLTON, was born in the City of Hereford. **Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops.Proceeding Doctor of Law, he became afterwards Bishop in the place of his Nativity. This is he so Infamous in History for cutting off the life of King Edward the Second, with his Ridling Unpointed Answer.

Edwardum Regem occidere nolite timere bonum est.

To kill King Edward you need not to fear it is good.

It is hard to say, which of these two were the Original, and which the Translation; It being equally probable that the English was Latined, as that the Latin was Englished by such Authors as relate this transaction.

This mindeth me of a meaner passage (sic Canibus Catulos) which to refresh both the Reader and my self, I shall here insert. A Schoolmaster being shut out of his School at Christmass came to Composition with his Scholars, and thus subscribed the Articles tendred unto him;

Aequa est conditio non nego quod petitis.

But being readmitted into his house, He called all his Scholars to account for their Rebellion; they plead themselves secured by the Act of Oblivion he had signed. He calls for the Original, and perusing it thus pointed it.

Aequa est Conditio? non; Nego quod petitis.

Thus power in all ages will take the priviledge to construe its own Acts to its own advantage. But to return to de Orlton, he made much bustling in the Land, passing through the Bishopricks of Worcester and Winchester, and died at last not much lamented, July 18. 1345.

JOHN GRANDESSON was born at **Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Ex…ter.Ashperton in this County, a person remarkable on several accounts.

p. 38He was the bettter inabled to do these and other great Benefactions by perswading all the secular Clergy in his Diocess to make him sole Heir to their Estates: He died July 15. Anno Domini, 1369.

THOMAS BRADWARDINE Arch-bishop of Canterbury. See him more properly in Sussex.

RICHARD CLI…FORD Bishop of London. See him more conveniently in Kent.

Since the Reformation.

MILES SMITH, D. D. was born in the City of **So Master Stephens his Secretary informed me.Hereford, which I observe the rather, because omitted in his Funeral Sermon. His Father was a Fletcher, and a man of no mean Estate, that Vocation being more in use formerly, then in our Age. He was bred first in Brasen-Nose-Colledge, then Chaplain of * Christ-Church in Oxford. A deep Divine, great Linguist, who had more then a single share in the last Translation of the Bible, as hereby will appear.

1. More then fourty **See their names in our Church-Hist.Grave Divines were imployed in several places on that work.

2. When it had passed their hands, it was revised by a dozen select ones.

3. This done, it was referred to the final Examination of Bish. Bilston, and Dr. Smith.

4. Doctor Smith at last was injoyned to make the Preface to the Translation, as a comely gate to a glorious City, which remains under his own hand in the University Library in Oxford.

Yet was he never heard to speak of the work with any attribution to himself more then the rest.

He never sought any preferment he had, and was wont **See the preface of his works written by Mr. Stephens.merrily to say of himself, that he was Nullius rei praeterquam Librorum avarus, Covetous of nothing but Books. King James preferred him Bishop of Glocester 1612. wherein he behaved himself with such meeknesse, that in all matters of doubt, the byass of his inclination did still hang foreign. He wrote all his books with his own hand) in that faculty not being short of the professours thereof) and being seaventy years of age died and was buried in his own Cathedrall 1624.

Souldiers.

ROBERT DEVEREUX, Son of Walter Devereux Earle of Essex, was born at **Thomas Mils in his Catal. of Honours, page 863.Nethwood in this County, November the tenth, 1567. Whilst his Father as yet was onelyonly Viscount of Hereford.

He was such a Master-piece of Court and Camp, and so bright a Light therein, that we will observe his morning, fore-noon, high-noon, afternoon and night.

His morning began at his first coming to Court, the gates whereof he entred with four great advantages of Pitie, Kindred, Favour, and Merit: Pitie, on the account of his Father lately dead (to say no more) and generally lamented: Kindred by his Mothers side, Lettice Knowles, near allied to the Queen: Favour being son in Law to Leicester, and so was a Favourits Favourite at the first day, though he quickly stood on his own legs without holding: Merit, being of a Beautiful Personage, Courteous Nature, Noble Descent, Fair (though much impaired) Fortune.

Fore-noon, when the Queen favourably reflected on him, as a Grand-Mother on a Grand-Child, making him the wanton to her fond and indulgent affection, as by this Letter written with her own hand, doth appear:

ESSEX,

Your sudden and undutiful departure from our presence, and your place of Attendance, you may easily conceive how offensive it is and ought to be unto Us. Our great Favours bestowed upon you without deserts, hath drawn you thus to neglect and forget your Duty: For other Construction we cannot make of these your strange Actions. Not meaning therefore to tolerate this your disordered Part; We gave directions to some of Our Privy Councel to let you know our Express Pleasure for your Immediate Repair hitber, which you have not performed as your Duty doth bind you, Increasing thereby greatly your former offence and undutiful behaviour, in departing in such sort without our Privity, having so special Office of Attendance and Charge near our Person. We do therefore Charge and Command you forthwith upon the Receit of these our Letters, all Excuses and Delayes set apart, to make your present and immediate Repair unto Us, to understand our further Pleasure. Whereof see you fail not, as you will be loth to incur our Indignation, and will Answer for the contrary at your uttermost Peril.

The 15. of April 1589.

p. 39This letter angry in the first, and loving in the fourth degree, was written to him (sent by Sir Thomas Gorges) on this occasion. The Earle in pursuance of his own martial inclination, secretly left the Court to see some service in France. The Q. passionately loving his Person, grievously complained of his absence, and often said, We shall have this young fellow knockt on the head, as foolish Sidney was, by his own forwardness, and was restless till his return.

I behold him in his high-noon, when he brought Victory with him home from Cadiz and was vertical in the esteem of the Souldiery, and may be said to awaken the Queens jealousie by his popularitie.

His After-noon followed when he undertook the Irish action, too knotty service for his smooth disposition, being fitter for personal performance, then conduct and managing of martial affaires. And now his enemies work was halfe done, having gotten such a Gulf betwixt him and the Queen. For, as Antaeus is said to have recruited strength; when he touched his Mother Earth: so this Earle, wrestling with his Enemies, suppressed them, and supported himself by his dayly access to the Queen, which distance now denied him.

His Night approached, when coming over without leave, he was confined by the Q. to his house, to reclaim, not ruine him. Hither a miscellaneous crew of sword-men did crowd, tendering him their service some of one perswasion some of another, some of all, some of no religion. Their specious pretence was to take evil Counsellors from the Queen, though it had been happie if they had been first taken away from the Earle. What his companie said they would doe, the Earle knew; but what would have been done by them, God knowes: The Earle rising, and missing of expected support from the City of London quickly sunck in the Queens final displeasure, Anno Domini 1600.

He was valiant, liberall to Scholars and Souldiers, nothing distrustful, if not too confident of fidelity in others. Revengefulness was not bred but put into his disposition. 'Tis hard to say, whether such as were his Enemies, or such as should be his friends, did him more mischief. When one flattered him to his face for his Valour, no said he, my sins ever made me a coward. In a word, his failings were neither so foul, nor so many, but that the Character of a right worthy man most justly belongs to his memory.

Writers.

ROGER of **Bale de scri. Brit. Cent. 3. Numb. 13. Anno 1170.Num 13HEREFORD born in that City was bred in the University of Cambridge being one of the prime Promoters of Learning therein after the Refoundation of the University by the Abbot of Crowland. He was an excellent Astronomer, and Stars being made for signes, was a good Interpreter what by these signes were intended. He wrote a Book of Judicial Astrologie, whether to commend or condemn it, such onelyonly can satisfie themselves that have seen his Book. He was also skilful in all Mettals and Minerals and his pretty curiosities made him acceptable to the Nobility of England flourishing under King Henry the Second, An. Dom. 1170.

WILLIAM LEMPST…R a Franciscan, and a Dr. of Divinity in Oxford, was born in that well known Town in this County. He wrote Collations on the Master of the Sentences, and Questions in Divinity, as **In Appendice Ang. Script.J. Pits. informeth me, adding withall,

Haec scripsit, novi, sed non quo tempore novi

Well I know these works he wrot

But for the time I know it not.

And I am content (for companies sake) with him to be ignorant of the exact date thereof.

Since the Reformation.

RICHARD HACKLUIT, was born of an ancient extract in this County, whose Family hath flourished at...... in good esteem, He was bred a Student in Christ Church, in Oxford, and after was Prebendary of Westminster, His Genius inclined him to the Study of History, and especially to the Marine part thereof, which made him keep constant Intelligence with the most noted Seamen of Wapping, until the day of his Death.

He set forth a large Collection of the English Sea Voyages, Ancient, Middle, Modern, taken partly out of private Letters, which never were (or without his care p. 40had not been) printed. Partly out of Small Treatises, printed, and since irrecoverably lost, had not his providence preserved them. For some Pamphlets are produced, which for their Cheapnesse and Smalnesse men for the present neglect to buy, presuming they may procure them at their pleasure, which small Books, their first and last Edition being past, (like some Spirits that appear but once) cannot afterwards with any price or pains be recovered. In a word many of such useful Tracts of Sea Adventures, which before were scattered as several Ships, Mr. Hackluit hath imbodied into a Fleet, divided into three Squadrons, so many several Volumes. A Work of great honour to England, it being possible that many Ports and Islands in America which being base and barren, bear only a bare name for the present, may prove rich places for the future. And then these Voyages will be produced and pleaded, as, good Evidence of their belonging to England, as first discovered and denominated by English-men. Mr. Hackluit dyed in the beginning of King Iames his Reign, leaving a fair estate to an unthrift Son, who embezill'd it, on this token, that he vanted, that he cheated the covetous Usurer, who had given him Spick and Span new money, for the Old Land of his Great Great Grandfather.

JOHN GVVILLIM was of VVelch extraction, but born in this **See J. Davis of Hereford, challenging him for his Countryman. his Verses on his Display of Heraldry.County, and became a Pursuivant of Arms, by the name first of Portsmouth, then Rougecroixe, but most eminent for his methodical Display of Herauldry, (confusion being formerly the greatest difficulty therein) shewing himself a good Logician in his exact Divisions, and no bad Philosopher, noting the natures of all Creatures given in Armes, joyning fansie and reason therein. Besides his Travelling all over the earth in beasts, his Industry diggeth into the ground in pursuit of the properties of precious stones, diveth into the Water in Inquest of the qualities of Fishes, flyeth into the Air after the Nature of Birds, yea mounteth to the very Skies about stars (but here we must call them Estoiles) and Planets their use and influence. In a word he hath unmysteried the mysterie of Heraldry, inso much, that one of his own **Sir W. Segar in his Verse before his Book.faculty, thus descanteth (in the Twilight of jest and earnest) on his performance.

But let me tell you, this will be the harm

In Arming others, you Your self disarm;

Our Art is now Anatomized so,

As who knows not, what we our selves do know?

Our Corn in others Mill is ill apaid.

Sic vos non vobis, may to us be said.

I suspect that his endevours met not with proportionable reward. He dyed about the latter end of the Reign of King Iames.

JOHN DAVIES of Hereford (for so he constantly styled himself) was the greatest Master of the Pen that England in his age beheld, for

1 Fast-writing, so incredible his expedition.

2 Fair-writing, some minutes Consultation being required to decide, whether his Lines were written or printed.

3 Close-writing, A Mysterie indeed, and too Dark for my Dimme Eyes to discover.

4 Various-writing, Secretary, Roman, Court, and Text.

The Poetical fiction of Briareus the Gyant, who had an hundred hands, found a Moral in him, who could so cunningly and copiously disguise his aforesaid Elemental hands, that by mixing he could make them appear an hundred, and if not so many sorts, so many Degrees of Writing. Yet had he lived longer he would modestly have acknowledged Mr. Githings (who was his Schollar and also born in this County) to excel him in that faculty, whilst the other would own, no such odious Eminencie, but rather gratefully * So informed by Master Cox Draper in London his Executor.return the credit to his Master again. Sure I am, when two such Transcendent Pen-masters shall again come to be born in the same shire, they may even serve fairly to engross the will & testament of the expiring Universe. Our Davies had also some pretty excursions into Poetry and could flourish matter as well as Letters, with his Fancy as well as with his Pen. He dyed at London in the midst of the Reign of King James, and lyeth buryed in St. Giles in the fields.

p. 41Romish Exile Writers.

HUMPHRY ELY born in this **Pits…tate 17 Numero 1053.County, was bred in St. Johns Colledge in Oxford; Whence flying beyond the Seas he lived successively at Doway, Rome and Rheams, till at last he setled himself at Pont-Muss in Lorain, where for twenty years together, he was Professor of Canon and Civil Law, and dying 1604. Was buried therein with a double Epitaph.

That in Verse my Iudgement commands me not to beleive, which here I will take the boldnesse to translate.

Albion Haereseos velatur nocte, viator

Desine Mirari, Sol suus hic latitat,

Wonder not, Reader, that with Heresies

England is clouded; Here her SUN he LIES.

The Prose-part my Charity induces me to credit; Inopia ferme laborabat, alios inopia sublevans; He eased others of Poverty, being himself almost pinched therewith.

Benefactors to the Publick.

JOHN WALTER was born in the City of Hereford. Know, Reader, I could learn little from the **Mr. Richard Henchman of S. Mary …Minister which preached his funeral, less from his acquaintance, least from his Children. Such his hatred of vain glory, that (as if Charity were guiltinesse) he cleared himself from all suspicion thereof. Yet is our Intelligence of him though breif, true, as followeth;

He was bred in London, and became Clerk of Drapers-hall: Finding the World to flow fast in upon him, he made a solemn Vow to God, that he would give the surplusage of his **Above Ten Thousand pounds.estate (whatever it was) to pious uses. Nor was he like to those, who at first maintained ten thousand pounds too much for any man, which when they have attained, they then conceive ten times so much too little for themselves; but after his Cup was filled brim-full, to the aforesaid proportion, he conscienciously gave every drop of that which over-flowed, to quench the thirst of people parched with Poverty.

I compare him to Elizabeth in the Gospel, who as if ashamed of her shame (so then reputed) taken from her hid her self five **Luke 1. 24.Luke 1:24Moneths, (so great her modesty;) such his concealing of his Charity, though pregnant with good works; and had not the Lanthorn of his body been lately broken, it is beleived the light of his bounty had not yet been discovered. He built and endowed a fair Almes house in Southwark, another at Newington (both in Surrey) on which, and other pious uses, he expended well nigh ten thousand pounds, whereof twenty pounds per annum he gave to Hereford the place of his Nativity.

His Wife and surviving Daughters were so far from grudging at his gifts, and accounting that lost to them, which was lent to God, that they much rejoyced thereat, and deserve to be esteemed joint-givers thereof, because consenting so freely to his Charity. He dyed in the seventy fourth year of his age, 29. December, Anno Domini 1656. and was solemnly buried in London.

Memorable Persons.

ROSAMUND, that is saith my **Ver…egan Decayed Intellig. pag. 269.Authour Rosemouth (but by allufion termed Rose of the World) was remarkable on many accounts. First, for her Father VValter Lord Clifford, who had large Lands about Cliffords-castle in this County. secondly, for her self, being the Mistress-peice of beauty in that Age. Thirdly, for her Paramour King Henry the second, to whom she was Concubine. Lastly, fot her Son VVilliam Longspee, the worthy Earl of Salisbury,

King Henry is said to have built a Labyrinth at VVoodstock, (which Labyrinth through length of time hath lost it self) to hide this his Mistress from his jealous Iuno, Queen Eleanor. But Zelotypiae nihil impervium, by some device she got accesse unto Her, and caused her Death. Rosamund was buryed in a little Nunnery at Godstowe nigh Oxford, with this Epitaph.

Hic jacet in Tumba Rosa mundi non Rosamunda,

Non redolet, sed olet, quae redolere solet.

This Tomb doth inclose the worlds fair Rose so sweet & full of favour

And smell she doth now, but you may guess how, none of the sweetest savour.

Her Corps may be said to have done penances after her Death. For Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, coming as Visitor to this Nunnery, and seeing Rosamund's body lying in the Quire, under a Silken Herse, with tapors continual…y burning about it, thought the p. 42Herse of an Harlot, no proper Object for the Eyes of Virgins to contemplate on, therefore caused her bones to be scattered abroad. However after his Departure, those Sisters gathered her bones together again, put them into a perfumed bag, and inclosed them in lead, where they continued until outed again in the reign of King Henry the 8.

The Names of the Gentry of this County, returned by the Commissioners in the Twelfth year of King Henry the Sixth, 1433.

Dom. Grey de Whilton Chiv.

VValteri Lucy Chivaler

Radulphi de la Bere Chival.

Roberti VVhiteney Chivaler.

Johannis Baskervile Chival.

…ohannis Merbury Armiger.

Richardi de la Mare Armig.

Tho. Bromwich sen. Armig.

Iohannis Brugge Armigeri

Tho. Bromwich jun. Armigeri

Iohannis Melborn Armiger.

Iohannis Barre Armigeri

Thomae Donton Armigeri

Hugonis Mortimer Armigeri

Tho. de Lastay senioris Arm.

Iohannis Skudamore Armig.

Richardi VVigmore Armig.

VVillielmi Croft Armigeri

VValteri Hackluit Armigeri

VVillielmi Criketot Armig.

Rich. VValwain de Mayde A.

Maculmi VValwain Armig

W. Walwain de Longford ….

Nicholai VVallwayn Armig.

Thomae Walwain de Stoke Ar.

R. Walweyn de Lugwardyn a.

Willielmi Byriton Armigeri

Iohannis Stapelton Armigeri

VVillielmi Hereford Armig

Richardi Habberhale Armig

Iohannis Aberhale Armiger.

Iohannis Deverose Aamiger.

Richardi Deverose Armigeri

Iohannis De la Bere Armig.

VVillielmi de la Bere Arm.

Rogeri Bodenham Armigeri

Milonis VVatier Armigeri

Radulphi Baskervile Armig.

Thomae de La Hay Arm. jun.

Rowlandi Lenthall Chivaler

Henrici Oldcastlé Armigeri

Henrici Slake Armigeri

Richardi ap Harry Armigeri

Johannis Dansey Armigeri

Henrici ap Griffith Armig.

Rogeri Wiggemore Armig.

Hugonis Monyngton Ar.

Iohannis Monyngton Ar.

VValteri Monington Ar.

Johannis VVise Armig.

Wal. ap Rosser Vanghan A.

Johannis Dumbleton Ar.

Thomae Parker Armigeri

Johannis Skellwick Ar.

Johannis Harper

VVillielmi Garnons

Thomae Brugge de Leye

Thom. Brugge de Brugge

Thomae Smith de Webley

Edmundi Gomond

Johannis Alton.

Johannis VVellynton

Roberti Hunte Armigeri

Boberti Bromwich

VVillielmi Bromwich

R. Watteis de Bedingwey

Richardi Leon

Iohanni Goure

VVillielmi Smethecote

VVillielmi Hackluit

Hugonis Hackluit

…acobi Everard

Tho. Brugge de Yuenton

Richardi Upton

Iohannis Upton

Rogeri Erlyche

Iohannis de Ey

Egidii Hackluit

Thomae Halle

Hugonis VVarton

Iohannis Bluwet

Iohannis Luntelye

Philippi Lyngeyn

Iohannis Bevere

VValteri Bradford

Iohannis Bradford

VValteri VValker

Thomae Morton

Iohannis Salisbury

Iohannis VValker

VVillielmi Rafes

Iohannis Sherer

Iohannis VValdb…et

Richardi VVindesley

Io. Mortimer de Bromyerd

Thomae Harlowe

Iohannis Ragon

Iohannis Broun

Iohannis Smith

Thomae Dovile

Iohannis Panton jun.

Thomae Petit

Thomae Horsenet

Richardi VVynne

Iohannis VVinter

Thomae Loveday

Iohannis Sheref

Thomae Everard

Johannis Young

Thomae Tomkins

VVillielmi Shebrond

Wil. Waleyn de Bickerton

Milonis Skulle

Rogeri …dmonsham

Roberti Priour.

Johannis VVatts

Richardi Rovenhal

Johannis Comyn

Richardi Gambdon

Henrici Comyn

VVillielmi Blanchard

VVillielmi Monyngton

Johannis Arundell

Thomae Arundell

Thomae Myntrick

VVillielmi Gray

Johannis Brugge de Rosse

Henrici VVhite

Richardi Coekes

Johannis VVollrich

Johannis de VVall.

VVilliam Lanke

Will. ap Thomas ap L.

Will. Gerrard

Richardi Trevays

Hugonis Cola

Richardi de La Hay

Hugonis Hergest

Johannis Pu

VValteri Puy

VVillielmi Huntington

VVillielmi Carwardine

Johannis Chabenore

VVill. Smith de Tiberton

VVillielmi Chamberleyn

Howel ap Howel ap Wilmiston

Johan. Wiston

Johan. Hunt de Snodhell

Thomae Lightfoot

Joh. ap Thom. de Dorston

Galfredi ap Thomas

Johannis Pychard

Thomae Bruyn

Georgii Braynton Majoris Civitatis Hereford.

VValteri Mibbe

Henrici Chippenham

Johannis Fulk Draper

Johannis Mey

Johannis Fuister

Thomae Hore

Johannis Green

Richardi Green

Richardi Prat

Thomae Bradwardyn

Richardi Russell

Richardi Barbour

Johannis Orchard

Jacobi Orchard

Johannis Dudley

Richardi Houghton

Rogeri Collyng

Johannis Collier

Thomae Choppynham

Henrici Cachepolle

Thomae Knobelle

Hugonis Clerk

Thomae Combe

Thomae Verbum

Johannis Elynner

Io. Heyward de Bodenham

Ro. VVych de Ludwardyn.

p. 43Sheriffs of Hereford-Shire.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Walt. de Hereford, for 5 years.

Anno 7

Will. de Bello Campo, f or 9 years.

Anno 16

Idem, & Walt. Clicums.

Anno 17

Willielmus de la Lega.

Anno 18

Gilbertus Pypard.

Anno 19

Idem.

Anno 20

Willielmus de Braiose.

Anno 21

Idem.

Anno 22

Radulphus Pulcherus, for 7 years.

Anno 29

Milo de Mucegros, & VVillielmus Torelle.

Anno 30

VVillielmus Torelle.

Anno 31

Radul. Arden,

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Idem.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Radul. de Arden.

Anno 2

Hen. de longo Campo.

Anno 3

VVillielmus de Braiosa.

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Hen. de longo Campo, & Willielmus de Braiosa.

Anno 6

Roger. Fitz-Mauricis.

Anno 7

Willielmus de Braiosa.

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Willielmus de Braiosa, & Williemus de Burchhull.

Anno 10

Idem.

JOHAN.

Anno 1

Walter. de Clifford, & Gilbertus Clifford.

Anno 2

Willielmus de Braiosa, & Willielmus Burchull.

Anno 3

Hubert. de Burgo, & Rich. de Signes, for 3 years

Anno 6

Willielmus de Cantulum, & Walter. de Puhier.

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Walt. de Clifford, & Osbert. Pil. VVillielmi.

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Gerer. de Atria, & Rich. de Burges.

Anno 11

Idem.

Anno 12

Endebard. de Cicomato, & Rich. de Burges.

Anno 13

Enozelcardus, de Cicomato, & Rich. Burgeis (sive Burzeis, for 4 years.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Walt. de Lascy, &

Anno 2

Tho. de Anesey.

Anno 3

Walt. de Lascy, & Warrinus de Grindon. for 3 years.

Anno 6

Walt. de Lascy, & Tho. de Anesey.

Anno 7

Walt. de Lascy.

Anno 8

Radulph. fil. Nic. & Hen. fil. Nic. frater ejus, for 3 y.

Anno 11

Radul. fil. Nich. & Hen. frat. ejus, & Jo. de East, for 3 years.

Anno 14

Joan. de Fleg.

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Johan. de Munemus.

Anno 17

Williel. fi…lus Warrini.

Anno 18

Idem.

Anno 19

Amaricus de S^to. Aman.

Anno 20

Amari, de S^to. Amando, & Ricard. de Fardingston.

Anno 21

Idem.

Anno 22

Amari, de S^to ▪ amando, & Matth. de Coddray, for 3 years.

Anno 25

Amaricus de Cancell, for 7 years.

Anno 32

Waleranus.

Anno 33

Waleranus de Bradlegh.

Anno 34

Hugo de Kinardell.

Anno 35

Hen. de Bradlegh.

Anno 36

Idem.

Anno 37

Williel. de S^to ▪ Omero.

Anno 38

Idem.

Anno 39

Joan. de Brekon (sive Brecon) for 3 years.

Anno 42

Hen. de Penebrige.

Anno 43

Idem & Ric. de Baggindin.

Anno 44

Robertus de Meysy.

Anno 45

Idem.

Anno 46

Robertus de Meysy, & Adam. de Bideford, for 7 years.

Anno 53

Barthol. de Buly, & Adam. de Botiler, for 3. years

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Barthol. de Stutely, & Adam de Botiler.

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Joan. de Ware.

Anno 4

Egid. de Berkel, for 3 years

Anno 7

Roger. de Burghall.

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Rog. de Burg. for 10 years

Anno 19

Hen de Solers, for 3. ye.

Anno 22

Johan. de Acton, for 6. ye.

Anno 28

Milo Picard, for 6 years.

Anno 34

Johan. de Acton.

Anno 35

Tho. Rossal.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Walt. de Halits, for 4 ye.

Anno 5

Rog. de Chandos, for 3 ye.

Anno 8

Richard. de Baskervil.

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Hugo Hakluit.

Anno 11

Idem.

Anno 12

Roger. de Elmerugge.

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Roger Chandos, for 5 ye.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Roger. deChandos, for 5 y.

Anno 6

Johannes de Rous.

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Johan. Mauger. Robert Chandos, & Jo. le Rous

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Rich. Walwayn, for 7 yea.

Anno 17

Johan. Walwayn.

Anno 18

Williel. de Radour, for 3 years.

Anno 21

Tho Pichard.

Anno 22

Joha. Sholle, & Tho. Pichard.

Anno 23

Rich. Dansy, & Johan. Sholle.

Anno 24

Rich. Dansy.

Anno 25

Tho. de Aston.

Anno 26

Rich. de Burges.

Anno 27

Idem.

Anno 28

Rich. Bregg.

Anno 29

Rich. de la Bere.

Anno 30

Tho. Atte. Barre, & Ric. de la Bere.

Anno 31

Ed. Hacklut, for 3 years.

Anno 34

Thomas Chandois.

Anno 35

Ric. de la. Bere, for 10. yea.

Anno 45

Tho. Chandois.

Anno 46

Will. Devereux de Rod.

Anno 47

Tho. Chandois.

Anno 48

Idem.

Anno 49

Edw. de Burges.

Anno 50

Walter Devereux, & Tho. de la Bere.

Anno 51

Idem.

p. 44This County had Sheriffs long before King Henry the Second, as may appear by the direction of this Writ, in the first of King Henry the First.

**Matth. Paris, Anno Dom. 1100.Henricus Dei gratia Rex Angliae, Hugoni de Boelande Vicecomiti, & omnibus fidelibus suis, tam Francis quàm Anglicis in Herefordshire salutem, &c.

But such the uncertainty of their Succession, it will be very well, if we can continue our Catalogue from the general Aera in other Counties.

Edward the Second.

8. RICHARDUS de BASKERVIL.]

This name is of Great Antiquity in these parts, whose Ancestours immediately after the Conquest, were benefactours to the Abby of Saint Peters in Glocester, as by the ensuing will appear.**Monast. Anglicanum pag. 113.

1. Bernardus de Baskervile cum semetipso, quando habitum Monachi suscepit dedit Ecclesiae sancti Petri Glouc. unam Hidam tarrae in Cumba VValterus et Robertus de Baskervile confirmant tempore Homelini Abbatis.

2. Anno Domini 1109 Robertus de Baskervilla. De Ierusalem**Idem. p. 115. reversus dedit Ecclesiae sancti Petri Gloc. Unam Hidam extramuros quidem Civitatis, ubi est nunc Hortus Monachorum, Rege Henrico Confirmante, tempore Petri Abbatis

As these came out of Normandy from a Town so named, so are they extant at this Day in this County, and have formerly been famous, and fortunate for their Military Atchievments.

K. HENRY the Sixth.

26. WALTER ….

I have vehement and (to use the Lord Coke his Epithet) necessary presumptions, to perswade me, that he was the same person, who married Anne, Daughter and sole heir unto VVilliam Lord Ferrers of Chartley, and in her right was afterwards by this King created Lord Ferrers. He was Father to,

1. John Lord Ferrers of Chartley, who married Cecily Sister to Henry Bourchier, Earl of Essex, and was father to,

2 VValter Devereux Lord Ferrers, created Viscount Hereford, by King Edward the Sixth, and was Father to,

3 Sir Richard Devereux Knight, dying before his Father, and Father to,

4 VValter Devereux, first Earl of Essex of that Family,

Of whom largely hereafter, God willing, in Carmarthen▪shire the place of his Nativity.

EDVVARD the Fourth.

14 IAMES BASKERVILE Miles.

18 IOHN MORTIMER Miles.

19 RICHARD de la BER… Miles.

This Leash of Knights were persons of approved Valour and Loyalty to K. Hen. the Seventh, by whom (being Knights Bachelours before) they were made Knights Bannerets in the beginning of his Reign, I confesse some difference in the date and place,**Stows Chro pag. 471. one assigning the Tower of London, when Iasper was created Duke of Bedford; **Selden in his Titles of Hon. pag. 700. ex Manuscripto.another with …ar more probability naming Newark, just after the fighting of the battle of Stoke hard by. Nor doth it sound a little to the honour of Hereford-shire, that amongst the thirteen, then banneretted in the Kings Army, three fall out to be her Natives.

HENRY the Eighth.

II RICHARDUS CORNV…AIL]

He was a Knight howsoever it cometh to passe he is here unadditioned. I read, how Anno Domini 1523. in the 15. of K. Henry the Eighth, he was a prime person among those many Knights which attended the Duke of Suffolk into France, at what time they p. 47summoned and took the Town of Roy, and**Lord Herbert in the Life of King Henry the Eighth, pag. 151. Sir Richard was sent with four hundred men, to take possession thereof, the only service of remarke, performed in that expedition.

Queen E…IZABETH.

Reader, let me confess my self to thee. I expected to have found in this Catalogue of Sheriffs Sr. JAMES CROFTS (knowing he was this Countryman, whose family flourishedCamdens Eliz. in apparatu. at Crofts Castle) but am defeated, seeing his constant attendance on Court and Camp priviledged him from serving in this Office. This worthy**Idem anno 1560. Knight was accused for complying with Wiat, and notwithstanding his most solemn Oath in his own defence, he was imprisoned by Queen Mary, convicted of high Treason, restored by Queen Elizabeth, and made Governour of the Town and Castle of Barwick.

At the siege of Leith he behaved him most vallantly in repelling the Foe, and yet when in a second assault the English were worsted, the blame …ell on him, (as if he favoured the French and maligned the L Gray then General) so that he was outed of his Government of Barwick. Yet he fell not so into the Queens final Disfavour, but that she continued him Privy Councellor, and made him Comptroller of her Houshold. He was an able man to manage War, and yet an earnest desirer and advancer of Peace, being one of the Commissioners in 88. to treat with the Spaniard in Flanders: I conceive he survived not long after. His ancient Inheritance in this County is lately devolved to Herbert Crofts D.D. and Dean of Hereford.

40. THOMAS CONISBY Mil.] I have heard from some of this County a pretious Report of his Memory, how he lived in a right worshipful Equipage, and Founded a place in Hereford for poor people, but to what proportion of Revenue, they could not inform me.

43. JAMES SKUDAMORE Knight]

He was Father unto Sr. Iohn Skudamore created by King Charles Viscount Slego in Ireland. This Lord was for some years imployed Leiger Embassadour in France, and during the Tyranny of the Protectorian times, kept his secret Loyalty to his Sovereign, Hospitality to his Family, and Charity to the Distressed Clergy, whom he bountifully relieved.

The Farewell.

I am credibly informed, that the Office of the Under-Sheriffe of this County is more beneficial, than in any other County of the same proportion; his Fees it seems increasing from the Decrease of the States of the Gentry therein. May the Obventions of his office hereafter be reduced to a lesser summe. And seeing God hath blessed (as we have formerly observed) this County with so many W's' we wish the Inhabitants thereof the Continuance and Increase of one more, WISDOME, expressing it self both in the improving of their spiritual Concernment, and warily managing their secular Estates.