The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 22

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 22

p. 105LANCASHIRE.

LANCASHIRE: Hath the Irish Sea on the West, York-shire on the East, Cheshire (parted with the River Mersey) on the South, Cumberland and Westmerland on the North. It rangeth in length from Mersey to Wenander-Mere, full fifty five miles, though the Broadest part thereof exceedeth not One and thirty. The Ayre thereof is Subtil and Piercing, (being free from Foggs saving in the Mosses) the Effects whereof are found in the fair Complections and firme Constitutions of the Natives therein, whose bodies are as able as their minds willing for any laborious Employment. Their Soyle is tolerably fruitful of all things necessary for humane Sustenance: A…d, as that Youth cannot be counted a D…nce, though he be Ignorant, if he be Docible, because his lack of Learning is to be scored on the want of a Teacher; So Sterilitie cannot properly be imputed to some places in this County, where little Graine doth grow, because capable thereof (as daily experience doth avouch) if it were husbanded accordingly.

This Shire, though sufficiently thick of people, is exceedingly thin of Parishes, as by perusing this parallel will plainly appear,

See here how Rutland being scarce a Fifth part of Lancashire in greatness, hathSpeed (I think mistaken) says but 28. a fourth part of Parishes more therein.

But, as it was a fine Sight to behold Sir Tho. More, when **Stapleton in his Life.Lord Chancellour of England, every morning in term time, humbly ask blessing in VVestminster-hall of Sir John More his Father, then a pusnie Judge: so may one see in this Shire some Chapels, exceeding their Mother-Churches in fairness of Structure and numerousnesse of people, yet owning their filial relation and still continuing their dutiful dependance on their Parents. But for Numerosity of Chapels, surely the Church of Manchester, exceedeth all the rest, which (though anciently called, but Villa de Manchester) is for Wealth and Greatnesse corrival with some Cities in England, having no lesse then Nine Chapels, which before these our civil Wars, were reputed to have five hundred communicants a peice. Insomuch that some Clergy men, who have confulted Gods Honour with their own credit and profit, could not better desire for themselves, than to have a Lincoln-shire Church, as best built, a Lancashire Parish, as largest bounded, and a London Audience, as consisting of most intelligent people.

The people, generally devout, are, (as I am informed) Northward and by the West Popishly …; which in the other parts (intended by Antiperistasis) are zealous* 2 Sam. 3. 1.2 Sam 3:1 Protestants. Hence is it, that many Subtile Papists, and Jesuits have been born and bred in this County, which have met with their Matches (to say no more) in the Natives of the same County; So that thereby it hath come to passe, that the house of Saul hath waxed weaker and weaker, and the house of David stronger and stronger.

Natural Commodities.

Oates.

If any ask why this Graine growing commonly all over England, is here entered as an Eminent Commodity of Lancashire? Let him know, that here is the most and best of that kind; yea Wheat and Barlie may seem but the adopted, whilst Oates are the Natural Issue of this County; so inclined is its genius to the production thereof. Say not Oates are Horse-graine, and fitter for a Stable then a Table. For, besides that the Meal thereof is the distinguishing form of Gruel or Broth from Water, most hearty and wholsome Bread is made thereof, Yea anciently North of Humber, no other was eaten by People of the Primest Quality. For we read, how William the Conquerour bestowed the Mannour of Castle Bitham in Lincoln-shire, upon Stephen Earl of Albemarle and Holderness, chiefly for this consideration, that thence he might have **Cambd. Brit. in Lancashire.wheaten bread to feed his Infant Son, Oaten bread being then the Diet of Holderness and the Counties lying beyond it.

p. 106Allume.

I am informed that Allume is found at Houghton in this County, within the Inheritance of Sir Richard Houghton, and that enough for the use of this and the neighbouring Shires, though not for Transportarion. But because far greater plenty is afforded in York-shire, the larger mention of this Mineral is referred to that place.

Oxen.

The fairest in England are bred (or if you will, made) in this County, with goodly heads, the Tips of whose horns are sometimes distanced five foot afunder. Horns, are a commodity not to be slighted, seeing I cannot call to mind any other substance, so hard, that it will not break, so solid, that it will hold liquor within it, and yet so clear, that light will pass through it. No Mechanick Trade, but hath some Utensils made thereof, and even now I recruit my pen with Ink from a Vessel of the same. Yea it is useful cap-a-pe, from Combs to shooing-horns. What shall I speak of the many gardens made of horns, to garnish houses? I mean artificial flowers of all colours. And besides what is spent in England, many thousand weight are shaven down into leaves for Lanthorns and sent over daily into France. In a word the very Shavings of Horn are profitable, sold by the Sack, and sent many miles from London for the manuring of ground. No wonder then that the Horners are an ancient corporation, though why they and the **Stows Survey of London, pag. 638.Bottle-makers were formerly united into one company, passeth my skill to conjecture. The best horns in all England: and freest to work without Flaws, are what are brought out of this County to London, the shop-general of English Industry.

The Manufactures.

Fustians.

These anciently were creditable wearing in England, for persons of the primest quality, finding the Knight in **Chaucer in his Prologue.Chaucer thus habited.

Of Fustian he weared a Gippon

All besmottred with his Haubergion.

But it seems they were all Forreign Commodities, as may appear by their modern names.

1. Jen Fustians, which I conceive so called from Jen a City in Saxony.

2. Ausburgh Fustians made in that famous City in Swevia.

3. Millaine Fustians, brought over hither out of Lumbardy.

These retain their old names at this day, though these several sorts are made in this County, whose Inhabitants buying the Cotton, Wool, or Yarne, coming from beyond the Sea, make it here into Fustians, to the good employment of the Poor and great improvement of the Rich therein, serving mean people for their out-…, and their betters for the Lineings of their garments. Bolton is the staple-place for this commodity, being brought thither from all parts of the County.

As for Manchester, the Cottons thereof carry away the credit in our Nation, and so they did an hundred and fifty years agoe. For when learned **In his Ilinerary.Leland on the cost of King Henry the Eighth, with his Guide travailed Lancashire, he called Manchester, the fairest and quickest Town in this County, and sure I am, it hath lost neither spruceness nor spirits since that time.

Other Commodities made in Manchester are so small in themselves and various in their kinds, they will fill the shop of an Haberdasher of small wares, being therefore too many for me to reckon up, or remember, it will be the safest way to wrap them all together in some Manchester-Tickin, and to fasten them with the Pinns (to prevent p. 107their falling out and scattering) or tye them with the Tape, and also, (because sure bind sure find) to bind them about with points and … all made in the same place.

The Buildings.

MANCHESTER, a Collegiate as well as a Parochial Church, is a great ornament to this County, The Quire thereof, though but small is exceeding beautiful, and for Woodwork an excellent peice of Artifice.

The Wonders.

About **Camdens Br. in Lanc…shire.VViggin and elsewhere in this County, men go a Fishing with spades, and Mathooks, more likely one would think to catch Moles then Fishes with such Instruments. First, they pierce the Turffie ground, and under it meet with a black and deadish water, and in it small Fishes do swim. Surely these Pisces Fossiles or subterranean Fishes must needs be unwholesome, the rather because an unctuous matter is found about them. Let them be thankful to God in the first place, who need not such meat to feed upon. And next them let those be thankful, which have such meat to seed upon, when they need it.

Proverbs.

[Lancashire fair Women.]

I believe that the God of nature, having given fair complections to the Women in this County, Art may save her pains, (not to say her sinnes,) in endeavouring to better them. But let the Females of this County know, that though in the Old Testament express notice be taken of the beauty of many Women,

aaGen. 12. 11.Gen 12:11Sarah, bbGen. 24. 16.Gen 24:16Rebekah, ccGen. 29. 17.Gen 29:17Rachel, dd1 Sam. 25. 3.1 Sam 25:3…, ee2 Sam. 13. 1.2 Sam 13:1Thamar, ff1 King. 1. 4.1 Kgs 1:4Abishag, ggEster 2. 7.Esther; yet in the New Testament no mention is made at all of the fairness of any Woman; not because they wanted, but because Grace is chief Gospel-beauty, Elizabeths hhLuke 1. 6.Luke 1:6unblameableness, the Virgin Maries iiLuke 2. 19.Luke 2:19pon…ering Gods word; the Canaanitish Womans kkMat. 15. 28.Matt 15:28faith; Mary Magdalens llJohn 12. 3.John 12:3charity; Lydia her mmActs 16. 4.Acts 16:4attention to Pauls Preaching; these soul-piercing Perfections, are far …etter than skin-deep Fairness.

It is **Cam. Brit. in Lancashire.written upon a Wall in Rome.

RIBCHESTER was as rich as any Town in Christendome.

And why on a Wall? Indeed the Italians have a Proverb, A wall is the fools paper, whereon they scribble their Fancies. … not to be overcurious in examining hereof, we suppose some Monumental Wall in Rome, as a Register, whereon the names of principal Places were inscribed, then subjected to the Roman Empire: and probably, this Ribchester anciently was some eminent Colony (as by pieces of Coins and Colu…s there dayly digged out doth appear.) However at this day it is not so much as a Mercate Town, but whether decaied by age, or destroyed by accident, is uncertain.

Here Reader give me leave, the Historian must not devour the Divine in me, so as to debar me from spiritual Reflections, What saith S.* Paul? We have here no continuing City: and no wonder, seing Mortal Men are the Efficient, Moldring Buildings the Material, and Mutable Laws the formal cause thereof. And yet S. Paul was as well stocked with Cities as any man alive: having three, which in some sort he might call his own; **Acts 22. 3.Acts 22:3Tarsus, where he was born, * Jerusalem where he was bred at the feet of Gamaliel, and **Acts 22. 27.Acts 22:27Rome, whereby he received the Priviledg of Freedome: all which he waved as nothing worth, because of no abiding and continuance.

Martyrs.

JOHN ROGERS was born in this **J. Bale, descrip. Brit. cent. 8. n. 83. & Fox, Act. & Monum.County, and bred in the University of Cambridge, a very able Linguist and General Scholar. He was first a Zealous Papist, till his eyes being opened, he detested all Superstition, and went beyond *Seas, to VVitenberg, where (some years after Tyndal) he translated the Bible, from Genesis p. 108till the Revelation, comparing it with the Original: coming to England he presented it in a fair Volumne to King Henry the … prefixing a Dedicatory Epistle, and subscribing himself (those dangerous dayes required a Disguise) under the name of **J. Bale. ut pri.Thomas Matthew.

And now Reader that is unriddled unto me which hath pusled me for some Years; for I finde, that K. James, in the **See my Church History, 10th Book, 17th Cen…. page 47.Instructions which he gave to the Translators of the Bible enjoyned them to … the former Translations of,

1. Tindal,

2. Matthews,

3. Coverdale,

4. …,

5. Geneva.

Now at last I understand who this Matthews was (though unsatisfied still in VVhitchurch) believing his Book never publickly printed, but remaining a Manuscript in the Kings Library.

Yet this present could not procure Mr. Rogers his security, who it seems for fear of the 6 Articles was fain to fly again beyond Seas, and returning in the Raign of King Edward the six… became a Preacher of London. He and Mr. Hooper were the two greatest Sticklers against Ceremonies, though otherwise allowing of Episcopal Government. He was the first Martyr, who suffered in Smithfield, in Queen Maries dayes, and led all the rest, of whom we may truly say, that if they had not be…n flesh and blood▪ they could not have been burnt: and if they had been no more then flesh and blood they would not have been burnt.

The Non-Conformists account it no small Credit unto them, that one of their Opinion, (as who would not flinch from the faith) was chosen by Divine Providence, the first to encounter the fire. Such may remember, that no Army is all FRONT, and that as constant did come behinde as went before. Had those of an opposite judgment been called first, they had come first to the stake; and in due time the defenders of Ceremonies were as substantial in their Sufferings. This John Rogers was martyred, Febr. 4. 1555.

**Fox, Acts and Mon.JOHN BRADFORD was born at * Manchester, in this County, and bred first a Lawyer in the Inns of Court, and for a time did solicite Suits for Sr. John Harrington▪ afterwards (saith my * Authour, ex Rixoso Causidico mitissimus Christi Apostolus: goingJ. Bale, Descr. Brit. cent. 8. numb. 87. to Cambridg a man in maturity, and ability, the University by special Grace bestowed on him the Degree of Master of Art: and so may he be said to Commence, not only per saltum, but per volatum, The Jesuit doth causlesly urge this his short standing for an Argument of his little understanding; whereas he had alwayes been a hard Student from his youth: and his Writings and his Disputings give a sufficient Testimony of his Learning.

It is a demonstration to me, that he was of a sweet temper, Because **In his Exam. of J. Fox his Mareyrs.Parsons who will hardly afford a good VVord to a Protestant, saith, that he seemed to be of a more soft and milde nature than many of his fellowe … Indeed he was a most holy and mortified man, who secretly in his closet would so weep for his sinnes, one would have thought he would never have smiled again: and then appearing in publick, he would be so harmlesly pleasant, one would think he had never wept before: But Mr. Fox his pains have given the pens of all Posterity a VVrit of ease, to meddle no more with this Martyr, who suffered Anno Dom. 1555.

GEORGE MARSH was born at **Fox, Acts and Monum. page 1561.Dean in this County, bred a good Scholar in a Grammer-School, and then lived in the honest condition of a Farmer: after the death of his wife he went to **Idem, ibid.Cambridge, where he followed his Studies very close, and afterwards solemnly entring into Orders, became a profitable Preacher and Curate to Mr. Lawrence Sanders, the worthy Martyr, Causlesly therefore doth **In his Exam. of …oxes Mart.Parsons asperse him, that he of a Farmer turned a Preacher, as if he had done it immediately (with many of our Age leaping from the plough to the pulpit) concealing his Academical breeding, such is the Charity of his jesuitical reservation.

As little is his Charity for condemning him for answering … and fearfully at first, to such who examined him about the Sacrament of the Altar, seeing the said Marsh condemned himself for doing it, as therein too much consulting carnal Respects to save his life, as appears in Mr. Fox, whence the Jesuite fetcheth all his Information. But Marsh made amends for all these failings with his final constancy, being both burnt and scalded to death (having a barrel of pitch placed over his head, an accent of cruelty peculiar to him alone) when he was martyred at VVestchester, Apr. 24. 1555.

p. 109Cardinals.

WILLIAM ALAN was born in this County (saith my **Pitz. p. 792.Authour) nobilibus parentibus, of … Parentage. He was bred in Oriel Colledg, in the University of Oxford, and became Head of S…. Maries Hall therein, Then going beyond the Seas he became Kings … at …, Cannon of Cambray, and Rhemes, and at last by Pope Sixtus Quint us made Cardinal priest of Martins in Rome, 1587. and deserved his Red Hat by his good Service the year after against his Native Country. But hear what Different Characters two Authours of several perswasions bestow upon him.

He collected the English Exil…s into a Body, and united them in a COLLEDG, first at Doway, then at Rhemes, so great an Advancer, that we may behold him as Founder of that Seminary. He …yed at Rome, Anno 1594. and preferred rather to be buried in the English School, than in the Church of St. Martins, which gave him the Title of Cardinal.

Prelates.

HUGH OLDHAM, born in this County, at Oldham, a Village some fix miles from Manchester, bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge, was no ill Scholar, and a good Man, most pious according to and above the Devotion of the Age he lived in; he was afterwards Bishop of Exeter, a Foe to a Monkish Superstition, and a Friend to University Learning. Brazen-Nose Colledge in Oxford, and Corpus-Christi Colledge therein will for ever bear witnesse of his bounty, to advance Religion, and Learning. Besides the Town of Manchester have good cause to remember him, who founded and endowed a School therein, with large Revenue, appointing the Warden of the Colledge therein, Caput Scholae.

This Bishop, having a tough contest with the Abbot of Tavestock, was excommunicated for refusing to stand to the decision of the Court of Rome. He had formerly built a Chapel, in the South side of his Cathedrall, and dying excommunicate (on the aforesaid account) was Buried, not in the very Church, but brink thereof, and body of the Wall. He dyed Anno Dom. 1520.

JAMES STANLEY, D. D. brother of Thomas, Earl of Darby, was born in this County, and was by K. Henry the seaventh (his kinsman by marriage (preferred Bishop of Ely, 1506. a man more memorable than commendable, who never resided at his own Cathedral. I can partly excuse his living all the Summer with the Earl his Brother, in this County, but must condemn his living all the Winter at his **Godwin, in his Bishops of Ely, and Cambdens Br. in the Description of Huntington.Mannour at Somersham, in Huntingtonshire, with one who was not his sister, and wanted nothing to make her his Wife save mariage. However if Jehu allowed a Burial to his most profest Enemy, on this account, that she was **2 King. 9. 34.2 Kgs 9:34a Kings Daughter, none I hope will grudge his memory a room in this Book, were it only because he was an Earles Brother. He dyed Anno 1515.

HE…RY STANDISH was, as I have just cause to conclude, extracted from the Standishes of Standish in this County, bred a Franoiscan, and Dr. of Divinity in Cambridge, p. 110and afterwards made Bishop of S. Asaph. I neither believe him so Good as Pitz doth character him, pietate & doctrina clarum, nor so bad as Bale doth decry him, making him a doteing Fool. Sure I am, there was Impar congressus, betwixt him and Erasmus, as unequal a Contest, as betwixt a Childe and Man, not to say, Dwarf and …. This Stand… is said to have fallen down on his knees before King Henry▪ the Eighth, petitioning him to continue Religion, established by his Ancesters, and … into Ma…ers of Divinity, he cited the **Bale, de script. Brit. cent. 9. num. 3.Col…s for the Corinthians, which being but a Memory-mistake in an Aged Person, needed not to have exposed him so much, as it did, to the laughter of the Standers by. After he had sate 16 years, Bishop of St. …, he died very aged, 1535.

JOHN CHRISTOPHERSON was born in this **Bale, Pitz. and Bish. Godwin, in the Bishops of Chichester.County, bred first in Pembrook Hall, then Fellow of St. Johns; and afterwards Master of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge: an excellent Scholar, and Linguist especially. I have seen a Greek Tragedy, made and written by his own hand, (so curiously that it seemed printed) and presented to K. Henry the eight: He no lesse eleganly (if faithfullly) translated Philo and … into Latine: Besides his own benefaction to the Masters Lodgings and …, he was highly instrumental in moving Queen Mary to her magnificent bounty to Trinity Colledge. In the visitation of Cambridge, he was very active in burning the bones of …, being then Elect Bishop of Chichester, scarcely continuing a year in that Place.

All expected, that at his first coming into his Diocesse, he should demean himself very favourably. For why should not the Poets Observation of Princes be true also of Prelates.

—Mitissima sors est

Regnorum sub Rege novo—

Subjects commonly do finde

New made Soveraigns most kinde.

But he had not so much mercy as Nero, to begin courteously, having no sooner put on his Episcopal Ring, but presently he washed his hands in the blood of poor Martyrs, whereof in due * Place. In the First of Qu. Elizabeth he was deprived, andSee Martyrs in Suffex. kept in some restraint, wherein he dyed, about the Year 1560.

Since the Reformation.

JAMES PILKINTON, D.D. was the third Son of James Pilkinton of **Parkers Scel. Cant. M. S. in the Masters of S. Johns.Rivington, in this County, Esq. a Right ancient Family, being informed by my good Friend Master William Ryley, Norrey, and this Countryman, that the Pilkintons were Gentlemen of repute in this Shire, before the **Others make this of far later Date.conquest, when the chief of them, then sought for, was fain to disguise himself, a Thresher in a barn. Hereupon partly alluding to the … of the flail (falling sometime on the one, sometime on the other side) partly to himself embracing the safest condition for the present, he gave for the Motto of his Armes, Now thus, Now thus.

This James, bred fellow of St. Johns in Cambridge, was in the First of Qu. Mary forced to fly into Germany, where he wrote a Comment **Bale, de script. Brit. pagina penult.on Ecclesiastes, and both the Epistles of St. Peter: after his return, in the First of Qu. Elizabeth, he was chosen Master of St. Johns, and March the 2d 1560. was consecrated Bishop of Durham.

Nine Years after the Northern Rebels came to Durham, and first tore the Bible, then the **Cam. Eliz. in Anno 1569.English Liturgy in pieces. Unhappy (though most innocent) Book, equally odious to opposite parties; such who account the Papists Heretiques esteeming it popish, whilest the Papists themselves account it heretical. The Bishop had fared no better than the book, could he have been come by. But when the Rebellion was suppress'd▪ the Bishop commenced a Suit against Qu. Elizabeth for the Lands and Goods of the Rebels attainted in the Bishoprick, as forfeited to him by his Charter, and had **Cam. Brit. in Bi. of Durham.prevailed, if the Parliament had not itnerposed, and on special consideration pro hoc tempore adjudged them to the Queen. He dyed Anno Dom. 1576.

EDWIN SANDYS was born at Conisby in this County; whose good actings, great sufferings, pious life, and peaceable death, 1588. are plentifully related in our Church. History.

RICHARD BARNES was borne at **Ou… of a Manuscript of the Great Antiquary, Mr. Dodesworth.Bolde near Warrington in this County, bred in Brasen-Nose Colledg, in Oxford, and afterwards advanced Suffragan Bishop of Nottingham, p. 113thence he was preferred to Carlile, 1570. and seven years after to Durham. He was himself One of a good nature, (as by the sequele will appear) but abused by his Credulity and affection to his Brother John Barnes, Chancellour of his Diocesse.

**Bishop Carleton in the Life of Mr. Gilp….A Man, of whom it is hard to say, whether he was more Lustfull, or more Covetous: who, where as he should have been the man who ought to have reformed many Enormities in the Diocess, was indeed the Authour of them, permitting base and dishonest Persons to escape scot-free for a piece of mony, so that the Bishop had a very ill report every where.

By the suggestion of this ill instrument, the Patriarchall man Mr. Gilpin, fell into this Bishops Displeasure, and by him was suspended from his Benefice.

But the good Bishop afterwards restored him; and visiting him at his house, took him aside into the Parlour, and thus accosted him;

Father Gilpin, **Item Ibidem.I acknowledge you are fitter to be Bishop of Durham, then my self to be Parson of this Church of yours: I ask forgiveness for Errors passed; forgive me Father; I know you have hatched up some Chickens that now seek to pick out your Eyes, but so long as I shall live Bishop of Durham, be secure, no man shall injure you.

This Bishop sate about Eleven years in his See, and dyed a very aged man, a little before the Spanish Invasion, Anno Dom. 1588.

JOHN WOOLTON was born at Wiggin in this County, of honest Parents, and worshipful by his mothers side. He was bred a short time in Oxford, and in the reign* Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Exeter. of Queen Mary, attended his Unkle Alexander Nowell in his flight beyond the Seas. Returning into England, he was made first Cannon Residentiary, and after, Anno 1579. Bishop of Exeter, being an earnest assertor of Conformity against opposers thereof. He met (whilst living) with many hard speeches, but after his death (when mens memories are beheld generally in their true colours) he was restored to his deserved esteem, even by those who formerly had been his adversaries. He indited Letters full of Wisdome and Piety, becoming the strength of one in health, not two hours before his death, which happened March the 13. Anno 1593. It is a part, though not of his Praise, of his happiness, that his Daughter was married to Francis Godwin Bishop of Hereford, whose Learned pen hath deserved so well of the Church of England.

MATTHEVV HUTTON. I have given a large account of him formerly, in my Ecclesiastical History. However having since received an exact A…narie (as I may so say) from his nearest relation, of his life, I will here insert an Abridgement thereof.

1. Being Son to Matthew Hutton of Priest▪ Hutton in this County, he was born Anno Dom. 1529.

2. He came to Cambridge in the 17. year of his age, Anno 1546. the 38. of K. Henry the Eighth.

3.

4. Chosen Margaret Professor of Divinity, December 15. Anno 1561. in the 4. of Queen Elizabeth.

5. In the same year commenced Bachelour of Divinity.

6. Elected Master of Pembroke-hall May the 12. and the same year September the fifth, admitted Regius Professor, Anno 1562.

7. Answered a publick Act before Q. Eliz. and Her court at Cambridg. A. 1564

8. Married in the same year Katharine Fulmetby (Neice to Thomas Goodrick late Bishop of Ely) who died soon after.

9. Made Dean of York, Anno 1567.

10. Married for his second Wife Beatrix Fincham, Daughter to Sir Thomas Fincham of the Isle of Ely

11. Resigned his Mastership of Pembroke-hall, and his Professours place to Dr. Whitgift April 12. A. 1567.

12. Married Frances, Wid. of Martin Bowes, son of Sir Martin Bowes, Alderman of London, Nov. 20. 1583.

13. Chosen Bishop of Durham, June 9. Anno Dom. 1589.

14. Confirm'd by the Dean and Chapter July 26.

15. Consecrated by John Arch-bishop of York, July 27.

16. Translated to York, and consecrated at Lambeth, anno 1594. the Thirty seventh of Queen Elizabeth, by John Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and others March 24.

17. He dyed in January, anno 1605. in the seventie sixth year of his age.

p. 112He gave an hundred marks to Trinity colledge in Cambridge, and founded an Hospital at Wareton in this County. In a word, he was a learned Prelate, liv'd a pious man, and left a precious memory.

MARTIN HETON was born in this County (as by his Epitaph on his Monument lately set up by his Daughters in the Church of Ely may appear) and bred first a Student then a Canon of Christs-church, on whom Queen Elizabeth bestowed the Bishoprick of Ely, after 20. years vacancie thereof. Now although his memory groweth under the suspicion of Simoniacal compliance, yet this due the Inhabitants of Ely do unto him, that they acknowledge him the best House▪ keeper in that See▪ within mans Remembrance. He dyed July 14. 1609. leaving two Daughters married in those Knightly Families of Fish and Filmer.

RICHARD BANCROFT was born at......... in this **So I find in the Manuscript of Mr. Dodsworth and so Mr. Richard Line (this Arch-bishops servant lately deceased) did inform me.County, bred in Jesus Colledge in Cambridge, and was afterwards by Queen Elizabeth made Bishop of London, by King James Arch bishop of Canterbury. Indeed he was in effect Arch-bishop whilest Bishop, to whom Doctor Whitgift in his decrepite age remitted the managing of matters, so that he was the Soul of the high Commission.

A great Statesman he was, and Grand Champion of Church Discipline, having well hardned the hands of his Soul, which was no more then needed for him, who was to meddle with Nettles and Bryers, and met with much opposition. No wonder if those who were silenced by him in the Church, were loud against him in other places.

David speaketh of **Psal. 140. 3.Ps 140:3poison under mens lips. This Bishop tasted plentifully thereof from the mouths of his Enemies, till at last, (as Mithridates) he was so habited to poisons, they became food unto him. Once a Gentleman coming to visit him, presented him a Lyebell, which he found pasted on his Dore, who nothing moved thereat; Cast it (said he) to an hundred more which lye here on a heap in my Chamber.

Many a Lyebell, [Lye] (because false) [Bell] because loud) was made upon him. The aspersion of coveteousnesse, though cast, doth not stick on his memory; being confuted by the estate which he left, small in proportion to his great preferment.

He cancelled his first Will, wherein he had bequeathed much to the Church, which gave the occasion for scurrilous pens to passe on him;

He who never repented of doing Ill,

Repented that once he made a good Will.

Whereas indeed, suspecting an Impression of popular violence on Cathedralls, and fearing an alienation of what was bequeathed unto them, he thought fit to cancel his own, to prevent others cancelling his Testament.

This partly appears by his second Will, wherein he gave the Library at … (the Result of his own, and three Predecessors Collections) to the University of Cambridge (which now they possesse) in case the Archi episcopal See should be extinct.

How came such a jealousie into his mind? What fear of a Storm when the Sun shined, the Skye clear, no appearance of Clouds? Surely his skill was more then ordinary in the Complexion of the Common-wealth, who did foresee, what afterward (for a time) came to pass. This clause providentially inserted, secured this Library in Cambridge, during the vacancy of the Archi-episcopal See; and so prevented the embeselling, at the least the dismembring thereof, in our late civil distempers. He dyed Anno Dom. 1610. and lyeth buryed at the Church in Lambeth.* Sir James VVare de pr… sulibus Lageniae. pag. 40.

THOMAS JONES was born in this County, bred Master of Arts in Cambridge, but commenced Doctor of Divinity in the University in Dublin. He was first Chancellour then Dean of St. Patricks in that City, and thence was made Bishop of Meath, Anno 1584. and the next Month appointed by Queen Elizabeth one of her Privy Councel in Ireland. Hence he was translated to be Archbishop of Dublin, An. 1605. and at the same time was by King Iames made Chancellour of Ireland, which office he discharged Thirteen years, dying April 10. 1619.

As he was a good Officer for the King, he was no bad one for himself, laying the Foundation of so fair an estate, that Sir Roger Iones his Son, was by King Charles created Viscount Renelaugh. Thus whilst the Sons of the Clergy men in England never* The other Viscount Ely son to Archbishop Lo…ius. mounted above the degree of Knighthood, Two of the Clergy men in Ireland attained to the dignity of Peerage: I say no more, but good success have they with their honour in their persons and posterity.

p. 113RICHARD PARR was born in this **Mr. James Chaloner in his … of the Isle of Man. pag. 7.County, bred Fellow of Brazen-nose Colledg in Oxford: whilest he continued in the University, he was very painfull in reading the Arts to young Scholars, and afterwards having cure of Souls, no lesse industrious in the Ministery.

He was afterwards preferr'd to be Bishop of Man, by the Earl of Derby, Lord thereof: for the Lords of that Island have been so absolute Patrons of that Bishoprick, that no lease made by the Bishop, is valid in Law, without their confirmation. This Prelate excellently discharged his Place, and died anno Domini, 16—

Souldiers.

Sr. WILLIAM MOLINEUX, Kt. of Sefton in this County: He was at the Battel of Navarret, in Spain, made Knight Banneret by Edward the Black Prince, Anno 1367. under whose command he served in those Warrs, as also for a long time, in the Warrs of France. From whence returning homewards, he dyed at **Weavers Funeral Monuments, Page 234.Canterbury, Anno 1372. on whom was written this Epitaph.

Miles Honorificus MOLINEUX subjacet intus;

T…rtius Edwardus dilexit hunc ut amicus:

Fortia qui gessit, Gallos, Navaros que repressit,

Sic cum recessit, morte feriente decessit,

Anno Milleno trecento septuageno,

Atque his junge duo: sic perit omnis homō.

His Monument is not extant at this day, and it is pity that so good a Sword did not light on a better Pen; and that Pallas (so much honoured by him in her Military relation) did not more assist in his Epitaph in her Poetical capacity.

Sr. WILLIAM MOLINEUX, junior, Knight, descendant from the former, flourished under K. Henry the eighth, being a man of great command in this County, bringing the considerable strength thereof to the seasonable succour of the Duke of Norfolk, with whom he performed signal service in Flodden-Field.

It is confes…ed on all sides, that the Scots lost the Day, by not keeping their Ranks, but not agreed on the cause thereof. Bucanan (who commonly makes the too much* Paulus Jovius Courage of his Countrymen the cause of their being conquered) imputes it to their indiscreet pursuing of the English, routed at the first. Others say, they did not break their Ranks, but they were broken, unable to endure the Lancashire Archers, and so forced to sunder themselves. In this Battail the Scotch King, and chiefest Gentry were slain; the English loosing scarce any, of the Sc…ts scarce any but of prime note. The King afterwards wrote his gratulatory Letter, to Sr. **Soows Chro. page 495.William Molin…ux, in forme following:

Trusty and Welbeloved, We greet you well, and understand as well by the Report of Our Right Trus…y Cousin and Counsellor, the Duke of Norfolk, as otherwise, what acceptable servi…e You amongst others lately did unto us, by your valiant towardnesse in the assisting of Our said Cousin, against our great Enemy, the late King of Scots; and how couragiously you as a very hearty loving Servant, acquitted your self for the overthrow of the said late King, and distressing of his malice and power, to our great Honour, and the advancing of your no little Fame and praise: For which We have good cause to favour and thank you, and so we full heartily do; and assured may you be, that VVe shall in such effectual wise remember your said service in any your Reasonable Pursuits, as you shall have cause to think the same Rightwell imployed to your comfort and weal hereafter. Given under our Signet, at our Castle at Windsore, the 27 of November.

It appears by our Authour, that th… like Letters, mutatis mutandis, were sent unto Sr. Edward Stanley, and some other men of principal note, in Lancashire and Cheshire. I have nothing more to observe, save that these two worthy Sr. VVilliams were Ancestors unto the truly Honourable the Lord Molineux, Viscount Marybourgh in Ireland, lately deceased.

p. 114Writers.

HUGH of MANCHESTER was, saith my Authour, when Adolescens [a youth]* Pitz, de scrip. in anno 1294. a Dominican, but when Juvenis [a young man] he changed his Copy, and turned a Franciscan. Say not he degraded himself, choosing a later order then he left▪ for it seems that amongst them the last is counted the best, as of a more refined perfection. He was a great scholar, and highly esteemed in that age, for his severity and discretion.

An Imposter happened at this time, pretending himself first blind, then **Bale, de scri. Brit. Cen…. 4. Num. 62.cured at the Tomb of King Henry the Third, so to get coine to himself, and credit to the dead King. But our Hugh discovered the cheat▪ and Writing a Book De … Diliriis, Dedicated it to King Edward the First, who kindly accepted thereof, preferring that his Fathers memory should appear to posterity, with his true face, … painted with such false miracles. This Hugh with another Franciscan, was imployed by the same King to Philip, King of France, to demand such Lands as he detained from him in Aquitain. Such who object, that sitter men than Friers might have been found for that service, consider not how in that Age such mortified men were presumed the most proper Persons, peaceably to compremise differences between the greatest Princes. This Embassie was undertaken Anno Dom. 1294.

RICHARD ULVERSTON was born in this **Bale, de scrip. Brit. 1430.County, at Ulverston, a well-known Market in Loyns…ay-Hundred: A great **Leland.Antiquary (ambitious of all Learned Mens acquaintance) complained, that he knew him not so well as he desired, He was bred in Oxford, and wrote a Book intituled the Articles of Faith, or the Creed of the Church, this lay latent a good while, till John Stanberry Bishop of Hereford rescued it from the Moaths, some Thirty Years after the Authours death, and bestowed a double Light upon it; one in producing it into the Publick, the other illustrating it with a Commentary he wrote thereon. Say not, this was false Her…ldry, but true. Humility, to see a Bishop commenting (which is not usual) on the Book of a Priest, Bale concludeth all thus▪

▪ longum

Non doctrina potest obscuro carcere claudi.

——no… will Worth

Long be confin'd, but make its own way forth.

The Time and Place of his Death are equally uncertain; but by probability about 1434. under the Reign of King Henry the sixt.

THOMAS **Bale, de scrip. Brit. cent. 8. Numb. 47.PENKETH, so was his true name (though wrested by some Latinists into Pen…hettus, and miswritten Penthy, and Penker, by some English) taken from a Village in this County. He was bred an Augustinian in Warrington, and a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, a deep Scotist, and of so great a memory, that **Ambrosius … and Jocobus Bergomensis.Foreiners (amongst whom he lived) report of him, that had all the Books of Scotus been lost, he could easily have restored every word of them. He was called to be Professor at Padua, and returning into England, became Provincial of his Order.

But his last act stained his former life, who promoted the bastardizing of the Issue of K. Edward the 4th. and as Dr. Shaw ushered, his Flattery held up the train of the Usurper's Praises, in a Sermon at St. Pauls, in preaching whereof, he who had formerly forfeited his Honesty, lost his* Voice, a proper punishment for a Parasite. His Disgrace hadSpeeds Chron. pag. 717. some influence on his Order, which then verticall and numerous, …ayly … in England, to their Dissolution. This Thomas dyed, and was buryed in London, 1487.

JOHN STANDISH. Short mention shall serve him, who might have been left out w…thout losse. He was Nephew to Henry Standish, Bishop of St. Asaph, of no mean Family in this County. One would suspect him …ot the same Man, called by Pale a scurrillous Fool, and admired by pit… for piety and learning, jealous lest another man should be more wise to Salvation than himself: he wrote a Book against the Translation of Scripture into English▪ and presented it to the Parliament. His death happened seasonably for his own safety, 1556. a little before the Death of Queen Mary.

p. 115Since the Reformation.

THOMAS LEAVER was born in this **Bale. de scri. Brit. Cent. 9. num. 86.County, where his Family and Name still remains, at two Villages, called Leaver at this day. He was bred Fellow and Batchelour of Divinity o… St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, whereof he was chosen Master, 1552. He was also preferred Master of Sherburn-House, or Hospital in the Bishoprick, a Place it seems of good profit and credit, as founded by Hugh Pudsey, Bishop of Durham, and Earle of Northumberland.

In the beginning of Queen Mary he was forced to fly beyond the Seas, and became the principal Pastour (for they had three other) of the English Exiles at Arrow in Switzerland, which Congregation I behold, as the least, so the freest from Factions of any in that age of our Nation. He was, saith my **Idem, ut prius.Author, Virtutum in omni mansuetudine seminator, and besides some Sermons, and a Comment on the Lords Prayer, he wrote a Book intituled, The Right Path way to Christ.

After the death of Queen Elizabeth coming over into England, he took a Journey to Durham, to visite his old Hospital of Sherburne, and falling sick by the way, dyed **Parker, in his Skellet. …. M.S. in the Masters of S…. John.at Ware, anno 1558. in that very juncture of time, when what Church-Preferment he pleased courted his Acceptance thereof. I finde two more of his Name, Ralph Leaver, and John Leaver (probably his Kinsmen) Exiles for their Conscience in Germany, in the Reign of Queen Mary.

WILLIAM WHITACRE was borne at Holme in this County, whose Life hath been formerly twice **In my Holy-State, and Church Historywritten by me. He dyed anno 1596.

ALEXANDER NOWELL was born 1510. of a Knightly Family at Read **See the Latine Life of his Nephew Dr. Whitaker, near the beginning.in this County, and at **In his Epitaph, on his Mon. in Pauls.thirteen Years of age being admitted into Brasen-nose Colledge in Oxford, studied thirteen Years therein. Then he became School-Master of Westminster.

It happened in the first of Queen Mary he was fishing upon the Thames, an Exercise wherein he so much delighted, insomuch that his Picture kept in Brazen-nose Colledg, is drawn with his lines, hooks, and other …ackling, lying in a round on one hand, and his Angles of several sorts, on the other. But whilest Nowel was catching of Fishes, Bonner was catching of Nowel, and understanding who he was, designed him to the Shambles, whither he had certainly been sent, had not Mr. Francis Bowyer then Merchant, afterwards Sheriffe of London, safely conveyed him beyond the Seas.

Without offence it may be remembred, that leaving a Bottle of Ale (when fishing) in the Grasse; he found it some dayes after, no Bottle, but a Gun, such the sound at the opening thereof: And this is believed (Casualty is Mother of more Inventions than Industry) the Original of bottled-Ale in England.

Returning the first of Queen Elizabeth he was made Dean of St. Pauls, and for his meek Spirit, deep Learning, Prudence, and Piety, the then Parliament and Convocation both, chose, injoyned and trusted him to be the man to make a … for publick use, such a one as should stand as a Rule, for Faith and Manners to their Posterity.

… (by the way) is an ancient Church▪ Ordinance, as appears by **Luke 1. 4… ▪ foreign.Luke 1:4Theophilus and **Acts 18. 25… ▪ foreign.Acts 18:25Apollos, both exercised …. It remained in state during th… …rimitive Church, and did not decline till Popery began to encrease▪ For, … Catechising continued, it had made the Laity more wise in Religion, than would well have stood with the interest of the Church of Rome. It was therefore outed by School-Divinity, and then a fruitfull Olive was cut down, to have a b…amble set in the room thereof. In the first Reformation Protestants revived this Ordinance, and by the use thereof Religion …ot the speed, and great ground of Superstition; till the Jesuits sensible thereof have since outshot us in our own bow, most carefull to catechise their Novices, whilest English Protestants (for I will not condemn Foreig… Churches) grew negligent therein. What is the Reason that so much …loth so soon changeth colour▪ even because it was never well …: and why do men so often change their Opinions? even because they were never well catechised.

He was Confessour to Queen Elizabeth, constantly preaching the First and Last Lent-Sermons before Her. He gave two Hundred Pounds per annum to maintain thirteen Schollars in brasen. Nose Colledge. He died being Ninety Years of age, not decayed in sight, Febru. 13. 1601.

p. 116JOHN DEE, where born I cannot recover, was a man of much motion, and isS. N. mentioned in this place, where he had his (though last) best fixation. He was bred (as I believe) in Oxford, and there Doctorated, but in what faculty I cannot determine.

He was a most excellent Mathematiti an and Astrologer, well skilled in Magick, as the Antients did, the Lord **In his Advancement of Learning.Bacon doth, and all may accept the sence thereof, viz. in the lawfull knowledg of Naturall Philosophie.

This exposed him, anno 1583. amongst his Ignorant Neighbours, where he then lived, at Mortclack in Surrey, to the suspicion of a Conjurer: the cause I conceive, that his Library was then seized on, wherein were **Theatrum Chemicum pag. 480.four thousand Books, and seven hundred of them Manuscripts. This Indignity joyned with the former Scandal, moved him to leave the Land, and go over with Sr. Edward Kelly, into Bohemia, as hereafter shall be more **See Sir Edw. Kellys life in Worcester-shire.fully related.

Returning to Mortclack, 1592. the same Scandal of being a Conjurer, haunted him again: Two Years after Viz. 1594. he was under a kinde of Restraint, which caused him to write to the Lady Scydemore, to move Queen Elizabeth, either, that he might declare his case to the Counsel, or have liberty under the broad Seal to depart the Land. Next year he wrote an apologetical Letter to Arch-bishop Whitgift, which it seems found good reception: yea, at last he gave such satisfaction of the lawfulness and usefulness of his Studies▪ that the Queen (besides many considerable New-Years Gifts sent unto him) presented him Warden of Manchester in this Countie, 1596. where he had many contests and suits with the Fellows of that Colledge.

The last mention I find of him, is in Mr. Camden, to whom he presented an ancient Roman Inscription, found about Manchester, and Mr. **In his Brit. in Lancashire,Camden in his requital, presented him with this Commendation.

Hanc mihi descripsit, qui vidit, Cl. Mathematicus, J. Dee, collegij Manchestrensis custos.

And indeed all the books he hath left behind him, speak him a learned, as those, de Usu Globi Terrestris. De Nubium, Solis, Lunae, ac Planetarum distantiis, &c. an aged man, being dedicated to King Edward the Sixth, and he dying about the beginning of King James.

ROGER FENTON, D. D. Fellow of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge, was born in this County, as appeareth by his Epitaph, in St. Stephens Wallbrook, London, being the painfull, pious, learned and beloved Minister thereof. Little is left of him in print, save a sollid Treatise against Usury. Great was his intimacy with Dr. Nicholas …, being Contemporaries, Collegiates, and City-Ministers together, with some … in their Sirnames, but more sympathy in their Natures.

Once my own Father gave Dr. Fenton a visite, who excused himself from entertaining him any longer; Mr▪ Fuller (said he) hear how the passing-bell towls … this very Instant, for my Dear Friend, Dr. Felton, now a dying; I must to my Study, it … mutually agreed upon betwixt us in our healths, that the Surviver of us should … the others Funerall-Sermon. But see a strange change, God, to whom belongs the **Psal. 68. 20.Ps 68:20… from death, was pleased (with the Patriarch **Gen. 48. 14.Gen 48:14Jacob blessing his …) wittingly to guide his hands …, reaching out death to the living, and life to the dying, So that Dr. Felton recovered, and not only performed that last office to his Friend Dr. Fenton, but also survived him more than ten years, and dyed Bishop of … ▪ Roger Fenton dyed in the fiftieth Year of his age, anno Dom. 1615. buryed in his own Church, under a Monument made at the expence of the Parish.

ROBERT BOITON was born at Blackborne in this County, on Whit sunday … ▪ … Year, as infamous for the Massacre of many Protestants in France, so for the … of some eminent in England. His Parents having a narrow Estate, struggled with their necessities, to give him liberal Education; and he was bred first in … ▪ then in Brazen-nose Colledge in Oxford. He had Isocrates his six Marks, or Properties of a good Scholar,

foreign, **See the Particulars justified in his life at large, written by my worthy Friend Edw. Bagshaw. Esq.foreign.

His want of means, proved an advancement unto him: For, … having whence to buy Books, he borrowed the best Authours of his Tutor, read over, abridged into Note-books, and returned them. He was as able to express himself, in Latine, or Greek, p. 117as English; and that Stylo Imperatorio. He was chosen one of the Disputants before King James, at his first coming to the University, and performed it with great applause.

Thus far I have followed my Authour mentioned in the Margine, but now must depart from him a little in one particular. Though Mr. Boltons parents were not overflowing with wealth, they had a competent Estate (as I am informed by credible intelligence) wherin their Family had comfortably continued long time in good repute.

Sr. Angustine Nicholls presented him to the Rectory of Broughton in Northamptonshire, sending him his Presentation unexspectedly, from his Chamber in Sergeants …nn, where D. King Bishop of London, being accidentally present, thanked the Judge for his good choice, but told him withall, that he had deprived the University of a singular Ornament. Besides his constant Preaching he hath left behinde him many usefull Books, the Witnesses of his Piety and Learning, and dyed in the 59th Year of his age, December 17. 1631.

JOHN WEEVER was born at ▪ in this County, bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge, under Dr. John Person his worthy Tutor. He was very industrious in the Studie of Antiquity, and composed a usefull Book of Funeral Monuments, in the Diocesse of Canterbury, Rochester, London, and Norwich: He dyed in London in the fifty sixth Year of his age, and was Buried in St. James Clerken-well, where he appointed this Epitaph for himself,

Lancashire gave me Breath,

And Cambridge Education.

Middlesex gave we Death,

And this Church my Humation.

And Christ to me hath given

A place with him in Heaven.

The certain date of his Death I cannot attain, but by Proportion I collect it to be about the Year of our Lord, 1634.

RALPH CUDVVORTH, D. D. the second Son of Ralph Cudworth, of Wernith-hall near Manchester Esquire; Chief Lord of Ouldham, was bred Fellow of Emanuel-colledge in Cambridge. A most excellent preacher, who continued and finished some imperfect works of Mr. Perkins, and after his Decease supplyed his place in St. Andrews in Cambridge. He was at last presented by the Colledge to the parish of Auler in Somersetshire, Anno 163..

LAWRENCE CHADERTON was born at Chaderton in this County, of ancient, and wealthy Parentage, but much nuzled up in Popish Superstition. He was intended for a Lawyer, and in order thereunto, brought up some time in the Inns of Court, till he changed his profession, and admitted himself in Christs Colledge in Cambridge. His Father hearing that he had altered his place, studies, and Religion, sent him a Poke with a groat therein, for him to go a begging therewith, disinheriting him of …hat fair estate, which otherwise had descended upon him. But God who taketh men up when their Fathers and Mothers forsake them, provided him a comfortable subsistance, when chosen Fellow of the Colledge. He was for many years Lecturer at St. Clements in …, with great profit to his Auditors, afterwards made by the Founder first Master of Emanuel. He was chosen by the Non-Conformists to be one of their four Representatives in Hampton-court conference, and was afterwards employed one of the Translators of the Bible. He had a plain but effectual way of Preaching. It happened that he visiting … friends, preached in this his Native Countrey, where the Word of God (as in the dayes of Samuell) was very pretious. And concluded his Sermon which was of two hours continuance at least, with words to this effect. That he would no longer trespasse upon their Patience. Whereupon all the Auditory cryed out, (wonder not if hungry people craved more meat) for God … Sir Go on go on. Herea… Mr. Chaderton was surprised into a longer Discourse, beyond his expectation, in Satisfaction of their importunity, and (though on a sudden) performed it to their contentment and his commendation. Thus, constant Preachers, like good house keepers, can never be taken so unprovided, but that, (though they make not a plentiful Feast) they can give wholsome food at a short warning.

p. 118He commenced Dr. in Divinity, when Frederick Prince Palatine (who married the Lady Elizabeth) came to Cambridge. What is said of Mount Caucasus, that it was never seen without Snowe on the Top, was true of this Reverend Father, whom none of our Fathers generation knew in the Universitie, before he was gray headed, yet he never used Spectacles till the day of his death, being Ninety four years of age.

He was not disheartned with that common saying, he that resigneth his place before his death, buryeth himself alive, but put off his Clothes long before he went to bed, divested himself of the Master-ship of Emanuel Colledge, that so he might see a worthy successor in his life time. The blessing which befell **Job. 42. 15.Job 42:15Job, was in some sort appliable unto him, he saw his Successors to the fourth generation. I mean Doctor Presson, and after his Death Doctor Sancroft, and after his death Doctor Holesworth, who preached his Funeral Sermon Anno 1640. about the Ninety fourth year of his age.

GEORGE WALKER was born at Hauxhead in Fournifells, of Religious Parents. Being visited when a child, with the Small-poxe, and the standers by expecting his dissolution, he started up out of a Trance, with this ejaculation, Lord take me not away till I have shewed forth thy praises, which made his Parents devote him to the Ministery after his recovery.

He was bred B. D. in St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, where he attained to be well skilled in the Oriental Tongues, an excellent Logician and Divine, Mr. Foster (formerly his Tutor) resigned unto him his living of St. John the Evangelist, London, wherein Mr. Walker continued the painful Preacher well nigh fourty years, refusing higher preferment often profered him. Dr. Felton (the same morning he was elected Bishop of Ely) made him his Chaplain, and Dr. Featly chose him his second in one of his Disputations against Father Fisher, yea Mr. Walker alone had many encounters with the subtillest of the Jesuitical party.

He was a man of an holy life, humble heart, and bountiful hand, who deserved well of Sion Colledge Library, and by his example and perswasion, advanced about a thousand pounds towards the maintenance of preaching-Ministers in this his Native County. He ever wrote all his Sermons, though making no other use of his Notes in the Pulpit, than keeping them in his pocket, being wont to say, that he thought he should be out if he had them not about him. His Sermons since printed, against the prophanation of the Sabboth, and other practises and opinions, procured him much trouble, and two years Imprisonment, till he was released by the Parliament. He dyed in the seventy year of his Age, Anno Dom. 1651.

Romish Exile Writers.

EDWARD RISHTON was born in this * County, and bred some short timePitz. de Ang. Scrip. pag. 787. in Oxford, till he fled over to Doway, where he was made Master of Arts. Hence he removed to Rome, and having studyed Divinity four years in the English Colledge there, was ordained Preist 1580. Then was he sent over into England to gain Proselites, in prosecution whereof, he was taken and kept Prisoner three years. Yet was the Severity of the State so mercifull unto him, as to spare his Life, and only condemn him to Banishment.

He was carried over into France, whence he went to the University of Pontmuss in Loraine, to plye his Studies. During his abode there, the place was infected with the Plague. Here Rishton for…ate the Physicians Rule, Cit…, Procul, Longe, Tarde, flye away soon, live away far, s…ay away long, come again slowly. For he remained so long in the Town, till he carried away the infection with him, and going thence, dyed at St. Manhow, 1585. I presume no Ingenuous Papist will be censorious on our Painful Munster, Learned Junius, Godly Greenham, all dying of the Pestilence, seeing the most conscientious of their own Perswasion subject to the same, and indeed neither Love nor Hatred can be collected from such Casualties.

THOMAS WORTHINGTON was born in this * County, of a Gentile Family, Pitz. de Ang. scrip. Etate 17. pag. 808.was bred in the English Colledge at Doway, where he proceeded Bachelour in Divinity, and a little before the Eighty Eight was sent over into England as an Harvinger for the Spanish Invasion, to prepare his Party thereunto. Here he was caught and p. 119cast into the Tower of London: yet found such favour, that he escaped with his life, being banished beyond the Seas.

At Triers he commenced Doctor in Divinity, and in process of time, was made President of the English Colledge at Rhemes. When after long expectation the Old Testament came out in English at Rhemes (permitted with some cautions for our Lay-Catholicks to read) this Worthington wrote his notes thereupon, which few Protestants have seen, and fewer have regarded. He was alive in 1611. but how long after is to me unknown.

If not the same, (which for his vivaciousness is improbable) there was a Father* See his one foot out of the Snare. Worthington, certainly his Kinsman and Countryman, very busie to promote the Catholick cause in England, about the beginning of King Charles. He Dining some thirty years since, with a Person of Honour in this Land, (at whose Table I have often eaten) was very obstreperous in arguing the case for Transubstantiation, and the Ubiquitariness of Christs body; Suppose (said he) Christ were here. To whom, the Noble Master of the House (who till then was silent) returned, If you were away, I beleive he would be here. Worthington perceiving his Room more wellcome then his Company, embraced the next opportunity of Departure.

ANDERTON whose christian name I cannot recover, was born in* In the life of Mr. Bolton. this County, and brought up at Blackborne School therein, and (as I have been informed) he was bred in Christs Colledge in Cambridge, where for his Eloquence he was commonly called Golden Mouth Anderton; afterwards he went beyond the Seas, and became a Popish preist, and one of the learnedst amongst them.

This is he, who improving himself on the poverty of Mr. Robert Bolton, sometimes his School-Fellow, (but then not fixed in his Religion, and Fellow of Brazenose colledge) perswaded him to be reconciled to the Church of Rome, and go over with him to the English Seminary, promising him gold enough, a good argument to allure an unstable mind to popery, and they both appointed … meeting. But it pleased the God of Heaven, who holdeth both an Hour-glass and reed in his hand; to measure both time and place, so to order the matter, that though Mr. Bolton came, Mr. Anderton came not accordingly. So that Rome lost, and England gain'd an able Instrument. But now I have lost J. Pitz to guide me, and therefore it is time to knock off, having no direction for the date of his Death.

Benefactors to the publick.

WILLIAM SMITH was born at * Farmeworth in this County, bred Fellow inBish. Godwin in the Bishops of Lincoln. Pembroke hall in Cambridge, and at last by King Henry the Eighth, preferred Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry. That Politick Prince to ease and honour his Native Country of Wales, erected a Court of Presidency, conformable to the Parliaments of France, in the Marshes thereof, and made this Bishop first President, those Parts lying partly in his Diocesse. He discharged the place with singular Integrity, and general contentment, retaining that Office till the day of his Death, when he was removed to be Bishop of Lincoln.

A good name is an Ointment poured out, saith Solomon, and this man wheresoever he went, may be followed by the perfume of charity he left behind him.

1. At Lichfield he founded an Hospital for a Master, two preists, and ten poor people.

2. In the same place he founded a School, procuring from King Henry the seventh, that the Hospital of Downholl in Cheshire, with the Lands there unto belonging, should be bestowed upon it. Say not this was Robbing the Spittle, or at the best Robbing Peter to pay Paul, seeing we may presume so charitable a Prelate, would do nothing unjust, though at this distance of time we cannot clear the particulars of his proceedings.

At Farmeworth where he was born, he founded a school, allowing ten pounds annually (in that age no mean salary) for the Master thereof.

The University of Oxford discreetly chose him (Oxford being in his Diocesse of Lincoln) their Chancellour, and lost nothing thereby, for he proved a more loving Nephew than Son, so bountiful to his Aunt Oxford, that therein he founded Brazen Nosecolledge but dyed 1513, before his Foundation was finished.

p. 120**Both these Notes were taken out of a Manuscript of Mr. Roger D…worth.Molineux a famous preacher about Henry the Eigths time, descended of the house of Sefton in the County of Lancaster, builded the Church at Sefton anew, and houses for Schools about the Church-yard; and made the great Wall about Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.

EDVVARD HALSALL in the County of Lancaster Esquire, sometimes Chamberlain of the Exchequer at Chester, founded a Free-school in Halstall, and endowed it with competent Revenue, for the maintenance of a Schoolmaster there for ever. When this party lived, I cannot as yet recover.

THOMAS WEST was younger Brother to the Lord De la Ware, and Parson of Manchester; On whom the Barony was devolved, his Brother dying Issuelesse; The Pope allowed him to marry for the Continuance of so honourable a Family, upon condition that he would build a Colledge for such a number of preists (fellows under a Warden) as the Bishops of Durham and Lichfield should think fit, which he did accordingly in Manchester. The Endowment of this collegiate and parochiall church, were the Gleabe and Tithes of the parsonage of that parish, and besides them, scarce any other considerable Revenue.

I say the Gleab, esteemed about 800. Acres of that County (half as much more as the statute) Measure; Besides a considerable part of the Town commonly called the Deans Gate, corruptly for St Dionise Gate, (to whom with the Virgin Mary, and St. George, Manchester Church was dedicated) built upon the Gleab-Land belonging to the Church. As for the Tythes of the Parish, they lye in two and thirty Hamblets, wherewith the Collegiats were to be maintained, which were, one Warden and four Fellows; The integrated and incorporate Rector unto whom the parsonage was appropriated. There were also two Chaplains, Singing-men, Queristers, and Organists.

This Colledge hath passed many Dissolutions and refoundations. But was lately dissolved, and the Lands thereof sold by the late Act for Sale of Dean and Chapters Lands: Some skilful in the Gospel much bemoaning it, and some learned in the Law, conceiving, That being but the Gleab of that Rectory, it came not within the compasse of that Act: but blessed be God it since hath reverted to its former Condition.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN SMITH was born at. . . . . . . . . in this County, bred in Magdalen C…ll. in Cambridge. Whereof he became Fellow and Proctor of the University, when past Sixty years of age, when the Prevaricators gave him this Homonyous Salute Ave Pater.

This man could not fidle, could not Tune himself to be pleasant and plausible to all Companies: but He could, and did make that little Coll. great; wherein he had his Education.

The Poets fain how Bachus, by reason of his Mother Semyles her untimely death, was taken out of his Mothers Womb, and sewed into the thigh of Jupiter his Father, where he was bred untill the full time of his Nativity. A Fiction which finds a Morall in this Magdalen Coll. Whose Mother may be said to decease before the Infant was fit to be borne, and that Mr. Smith performed the rest of the Parents part thereunto.

Indeed Ed. Stafford Duke of Buckingham, the first founder thereof, gave it little more than a Name. The Lord Audley bestowed on it a new name, with little buildings and lesse Indowment, Magnificent Dr. Nevil for a Time was Mr. thereof, but (according to the fashion of the World the rich shall still have more) his affections were all for Trinity Coll. to which he was after removed.

OnelyOnly Mr. Smith by his long life and thrifty living, by what he gave to, and what he saved for the Colledge, so Improved the Condition thereof, that though he left it Lateritium as he found it, yet what he found poor and empty he left rich and full of Scholars.

Nor must we forget his painfulnesse, when with Dr. Gouge he sollicited the Suit called Magdalen Colledge Case, Nor yet his Patience, when he lay so long in the Fleet, for refusing to submit to an Order of Chancery (fearing their cause would be prejudiced thereby) so that he may be called the Confessor of the Colledge, from inconsiderable p. 121Income. He raised by his carefulnesse considerable profit to the Fellows of that house, and by observing the Statutes, brought the Colledge into such Reputation for Learning, That yearly it afforded one or more Eminent scholars. In a word, he was a true servant to the Colledge all his life and at his Death, to which he bequeathed all he had, six hundred pounds at least, and dyed Anno. Dom. 163. . .

GEORGE CLARKE Haberdasher, a plain honest man, just, temperate and …ugal: And according to his understanding, (which in the Worlds esteem was not great) devout, a daily frequenter of the Prayers in the Colledge Church, and the Hearer of Sermons there. Not long before the breaking forth of our civil dissentions; dying without issue, he made the Poor his Heir; and did give them one hundred pounds per annum, in good lands lying in a place called Crompsall, within a Mile from Manchester; I have not yet attained the certain Date of his Death.

HUMPHREY CHETHAM, third Son of Henry Chetham of Crompsall Gentleman, is thought (on just ground) to descend from Sir Jeffrey Chetham of Chetham, (a man of much Remark in former dayes) and some old Writings in the hands of Worshipful persons, not far remote from the place, do evidence as much, but the said Sir Geffrey falling in troublesome times into the Kings Displeasure; his Family (in effect) was long since ruinated.

But it seems his Posterity was unwilling to fly far from their old (though destroyed) Nest, and got themselves a handsome habitation at Crompsall hard by, where James, elder Brother of this Humphrey Chetham, did reside. The younger Brethren George, Humphrey, and Ralph, betook themselves to the Trading of this County, dealing in Manchester commodities, sent up to London; And Humphrey signally improved himself in piety and outward prosperity. He was a diligent Reader of the Scriptures and of the Works of sound Divines, a Respecter of such Ministers, which he accounted truely godly, upright, sober, discreet and sincere. He was HighSheriffe of this County, 1635. discharging the place with great Honour. Insomuch that very good Gentlemen of Birth and Estate did wear his Cloth at the Assize, to testifie their unfeigned affection to him, and two **John Huntley & H. Wrigley Esquires.of them of the same profession with him…elf, have since been Sheriffs of the County.

Grudge not Reader, to go through so long a Porch, for I assure thee it leads unto a fair Pallace; to as great a Masterpiece of Bounty, as our age hath afforded. This Mr. Chetham by his Will bearing Date the 16. of January 1651. gave 7000. l. to buy a Fee-simple estate of 420. l. for ever, for the Education of forty poor Children in Manchester at School, from about 6. till 14. years of age, when they are to be bound out Apprentizes. They must be the Children of poor but honest Parents, no bastards, nor diseased at the time wherein they are chosen, not lame or blind, in regard the Town of Manchester hath ample means already (if so employed) for the maintenance of such Impotents. Indeed, he intended it for a Seminary of Religion and Ingenuity, where the aforesaid Boyes were to have Diet, Lodging, Apparel and Instruction. He gave a 1000. l. for Books to a Library, and a 100. l. to prepare a place for them. He bequeathed 200. l. to buy Books, (such as he himself delighted in) for the Churches of Manchester, Bolton, and other Chapels thereabouts; He gave the Remainder of his Estate (Debts and Legacies first paid) to the Encrease of the books in the Library.

Now as the Loaves in the Gospel, multiplyed in the breaking, So Mr. Chethams Estate did not shrink but swell in the calling of it in; Insomuch, That the aforesaid Surplusage, is known to be the better part of Two thousand pounds. Dying a Bachelour, he appointed George Chetham Esquire, Citizen and Grocer of London (whereof he was chosen Alderman 1656. and fined for the same) and Edward Chetham Gent. Executors of his Will and Testament: God send us more such men, That we may dazle the Eyes of the Papists, with the light of Protestant good works. And know Reader I am beholding for my exact Information herein, to my worthy friend Mr. Johnson, late Preacher of the Temple, and one of the Feoffees appointed by Mr Chetham for the uses aforesaid.

p. 122Memorable Persons.

Sir EDMUND de TRAFFORD Knights,

Sir THOMAS de ASHTON Knights,

were persons of high esteem, as anciently descended, and richly reveneued in this County, how great their skill was in Chemistry, will appear by the following Patent (faithfully transcribed with mine own hand, out of the Original in the Tower) granted unto them by King Henry the sixth, in the four and twentieth year of his Reign.

REX omnibus ad quos, &c. Salutem.**Pat. 24. of Heb. 6. Me mb. 14.Heb 6

Sciatis, quod cum dilecti & fideles nostri, Edmundus de Trafford Miles, & Thomas Ashton Miles, Nobis per quandam supplicationem monstraverint, quod quamvis ipsi super certis metallis, per Artem sive Scientiam Philosophiae operari vellent, metalla imperfecta de suo proprio genere transferre, & tunc ea per dictam Artem sive Scientiam, in Aurum sive Argentum perfectum transubstantiare, ad omnimodas probationes & examinationes, sicut aliquod aurum sive argentum in aliqua Minera crescens, expectandum & indurandum, ut dicunt; Nihilominus certae personae illis malevolentes, et malignantes, supponant ipsos per Artem illicitam operari, & sic ipsos in probatione dictae Artis sive Scientiae impedire et perturbare p…ssunt. Nos praemissa considerantes, ac conclusionem dictae operationis, sive Scientiae scire volentes, de gratia nostra speciali concessimus & licentiam dedimus iisdem Edmundo & Thomae, & ipsorum servientibus, quod ipsi Artem sive Scientiam praedictam, operari & probare possint licite & impune, abs que impetione nostra vel Officiariorum nostrorum quorumcunque; aliquo Statuto, Actu, Ordinatione, sive Provisione in contrarium facto ordinat. sive provis. non obstante.

In cujus, &c. T. R. apud Westmond. septimo die Aprilis.

The King to all unto whom, &c. Greeting.

Know ye, that whereas our beloved & loyal Edmund de Trafford Knight, and Thomas … Knight, have by a certain Petition shown unto Us, that although they were willing by the Art or Science of Philosophie, to work upon certain metalls, to translate imperfect metalls from their own kind, and then to transubstantiate them by the said Art or Science, as they say; into perfect Gold or Silver, unto all manner of proofs and trialls, to be expected and indured, as an… Gold or Silver growing in any Mine, Notwithstanding certain persons ill willing, and maligning them, conceive them to work by unlawful Art, and so may hinder and disturb them in the triall of the said Art and Science. We considering the premisses, and willing to know the conclusion of the said Working or Science, of Our special grace have granted and given leave to the same Edmund and Thomas, and to their Servants, that they may work and trie the aforesaid Art and Science, lawfully and freely, without any hinderance of Ours, or of Our Officers whatsoever, Any Statute, Act, Ordinance, or Provision, made, ordained, or provided to the contrary notwithstanding.

In witness whereof, the King at Westminster, the 7. day of April.

Mr. ...... KIDSON. Reader, I presume not now to direct thee, who my self am at a losse, and Grope for a Guide▪ Leland in his Itinerary, speaking of Warton a Village in this County, observeth, that Mr. Kidson was born there, a passage which never had fallen from his Pen, had he not been one of signal Remark. Who this Mr. Kidson was, where he lived, what he did, where he dyed, I shall be thankful to such as give me Satisfaction.

RICHARD ROTHVVELL was born at or near **Mr. Clark in his Lives of modern divines p. 450.Bolton in the Mores, in this County. Taking the Ministry (after his education in Cambridge) upon him, he disposed his temporal estate to his freind to live of the Gospell. I remit the Reader to his Life extant at large in Print, wherein this most remarkable, viz. his dispossessing of John Fox near Nottingham of a Divel, there passing betwixt them a large Discourse, p. 123by way of Question and Answer. I know that such Confabulations are common in the Church of Rome, to whose Exorcists, Satans Language is as Familiar as Erasmus his Dialogues are well known to men, or those of Corderius to School-Boys. But such accidents amongst Protestants are very rare, and therefore the more to be observed. There are I confess, more Thomases then my self, much given to mistrust (whose faith will be at a stand herein) However finding it atteste… by an honest and * ableMr. Stanly Gower Minist. of Dorchester, who penned his Life full of many observables. person, I dare not deny the truth thereof. All I will say, is this, That is the best beleif, which is neither over forward, nor over-froward, which, as it will not run it self out of breath with too much speed, will not be like a … horse, which no force can make to go farther. He dyed at Mansfield in Nottingham-shire, 1627. in the 64▪ year of his age. No… could I write lesse of him, whom **Idem Ibidem.one termeth Orbis Terra▪ rum Anglicarum Oculum, The Eye of our English World, and my Book would seem … and blind, if passing him over in Silence.

Lord Mayors.

Reader, Lancashire is one of the 12. pretermitted Counties, the Names of whose Gentry, were not returned into the Tower, in the Twelfth year of K. Henry the Sixth.

Sheriffes.

p. 124The Batails.

At Preston in Andernesse, August 17. 1648. Duke Hambleton resolving to play an Aftergame of Loyalty, entred England with an Army more numerous then well Disciplined. Most beheld him as one rather cunning than wise, yet rather wise, than valiant. However he had Officers who did Ken the War-craft, as well as any of our Age. He would accept of no English Assistance, so to engrosse all the work and wages to himself. Some suspect his Officers trust was undermined, (or over-moneyed rather) whilst others are confident, they were betrayed by none save their own security. Indeed the common Souldiers were perswaded that the conquest would be easy, rather to be possessed then purchased, their Van and Rear were many miles asunder, and they met the resistance of Major General Lambert, before they expected it. H… at Preston gave the Scotch Army such a Blow, as setled or stund it, though it reeled on some miles more Southward into Staffordshire, where at Ulceter, the Duke was taken prisoner**By …ollonel Waite., and utterly defeated.

As for the Defeat of James Earl of Derby in this County, at the end of August, anno 1651. it amounted not to a Battle; which properly is the Engagement of two formed Armies. Whereas the forces of the Earl, were s…attered before fully … red, to a firm consistency. Yet this had been a Battle, if not prevented by the Vigilancy of Coll. Lilburn and others, whose seasonable Service to the Parliament, was not so great in it self, as in the most considerable consequences thereof.

The Farewell.

I am informed that Pillyn-Mos is the Fountain of Fewell [Turfe] in this County, and is conceived inexhaustible by the Vicinage. May it prove so. But if it should chance to fail, may Gods Grace (which the vulgar in their profane Proverb unequally yoak therewith) I say may Gods Grace never be drained to those that stand in need thereof.

And because this County may be called the Cock-pit of Conseience, wherein constant Combates betwixt Religion and Superstition, may the Contest betwixt them prove like the Morning Twilight, wherein (after some equal Conflict betwixt them) the Light gaineth the final Conquest of the Darkness.

One word more to this Shire and I have done. Let me be the Remembrancer, that Hugh of Manchester in this County**Vide supra pag. 14. Titulo Writers. wrote a Book in the Reign of K. Edward the first. Intituled,

De Fanaticorum Deliriis.

Of the Doteages of Fanaticks.

At which time an Impostor had almost made Elianor the Queen mother mad; by reporting* Bale de scrip. Brit. cent. 4. N. 62. & Pitz. De Ang. Script. Anno 1294. the Posthume-miracles done by her Husband King Henry the Third, till this our Hugh setled her judgement aright. I could wish some worthy Divine (with such Lancashire doth abound) would resume this Subject, and shew how Antient and Modern Fanaticks, though differing much in their wild Fancies and Opinions, meet together in a mutual madness and distraction.