The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 27
WESTMINSTER.
WESTMINSTER is the greatest City in England next London, not onelyonly in Position, but by the Dimensions thereof. For let it be taken (as truly it ought) extensively with the Liberty of Lancaster from Temple-bar, and it filleth as much ground (not to say containeth more reasonable souls) then any City in the Land. But as a proper man seemeth a Dwarfe, when placed next to a Giant; such the infelicity of Westminster, whose due greatness, devoured by the vicinity of London, is insensible in the eyes of the Beholders.
It was anciently called Thorney, and afterwards Westminster, for distinction from Saint Pauls, called in ancient times *Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 2. p. 173. in vita Gilberti Westmonasteriensis.Eastminster.
The Buildings.
The Abbey Church is beheld as a rare structure, with so small and slender Pillars (greatest legs argue not the strongest Man) to support so weighty a fabrick, built by King Henry the third, and afterwards much enlarged and beautified by the Abbots thereof.
Adjoyning to it, is the Chappel of King Henry the seventh, which Leland calls the Miracle of the World. Indeed let the Italians deride our English, and condemn them for Gothish Buildings, This they must admire, and may here take notes of Architecture (if their pride would permit them) to perfect theirs accordingly.
In this Chappel the founder thereof, with his Queen lieth interr'd, under a Monument of solid *Or Copper rather.Brass, most richly gilded, and Artificialy carved. Some, slight it for the cheapness, because it cost but a thousand *Godwin in his. Annals of K. Henry 8. Anno 1.pounds in the making thereof. Such do not consider it, as the work of so thrifty a Prince, who would make a little money go far; besides, that it was just at the turning of the Tide (as one may term it) of money, which flowed after the finding out of the West-Indies, though ebbing before.
Amongst the civil structures, Westminster-Hall is eminent, erected by King W. Rufus, for the Hall to his own Court, built with copwebless beams, conceived of Irishwood. Sure I am, we then had no command in that Island, as first subdued by King Henry the second. It is one of the greatest rooms in Christendome, and indeed it needeth to be of good capacity, to receive so many Plantiffes and Defendants, being at such mutual distance of affection.
Next is White-hall, the Palace of ou… English Kings, which one term'd a good Hypocrite, promising less then it performeth, and more convenient within then comely without, to which the Nursery of Saint James's was an appendant.
As for the houses of Noble-men all along the Strand, I desire to be excused from commending some, lest it should by caviling Spirits be implicitely interpreted a dispraise of the rest. Besides, I am ignorant under what name to commend them to posterity; so many houses daily new-dipt, assume to themselves new names, according to the alteration of their Owners. I conclude them therefore all best, and best of all, whilst they continue in the hands of their present possessors.
Proverbs.
As sure as Exchequer pay.]
All know, that the Exchequer was formerly the Treasury of the Kings of England, kept in this City, the pleading part on the one side, and the paying part on the other side of Westminster-hall. This Proverb was in the prime thereof, in the raign of Queen Elizabeth, who maintained her Exchequer to the heigth, that her Ex…hequer might ma…tain her. The pay thereof was sure inwards, nothing being remitted which was due there to the Queen; and sure outwards, nothing being detained which was due thence from the Queen, full and speedy payment being made thereof. This Proverb began to be crost about the end of the raign of King James, when the credit of the Exchequer began to decay, and no wonder if the streams issuing thence were shallow, when the fountain to feed them was so low, the revenues of the Crown being much abated.
There is no redemption from Hell.]
There is a place partly under, partly by the Exchequer Court commonly called Hell; I could wish it had another name, seeing it is ill jesting with edge tools, especially with such as are sharpened by Scripture. I am informed that formerly this place was appointed a prison for the Kings debtors, who never were freed thence, untill they had paid their uttermost due demanded of them: If so, it was no Hell but might be termed Purgatory according to the Popish erronious perswasion. But since this Proverb is applyed to moneys paid into the Exchequer, which thence are irrecoverable, upon what plea or pretence whatsoever.
As long as Megg of Westminster.]
This is applyed to persons very tall, especially if they have Hop-pole-heighth wanting breadth proportionable thereunto. That such a gyant woman ever was in Westminster, cannot be proved by any good witness, (I pass not for a late lying Pamphlet) though some in proof thereof produce her Grave-stone on the South-side of the Cloistures, which (I confess) is as long an large and entire Marble, as ever I beheld. But be it known, that no woman in that age was interred in the Cloistures, appropriated to the Sepultures of the Abbot and his Monkes. Besides, I have read in the Records of that Abby of an infectious year, wherein many Monkes dyed of the Plague, and were all buried in one Grave, probably in this place under this Marble Monument. If there be any truth in the Proverb, it rather relateth to a great Gun, lying in the Tower, commonly call'd long Megg, and in troublesome times, (perchance upon ill May day in the raign of King Henry the eighth,) brought to Westminster, where for a good time it continued. But this Nut (perchance) de…erves not the Cracking.
Princes.
EDWARD the first was born in Westminster, being a Prince placed by the posture of his nativity, betwixt a weak Father, and a wilful Son. Yet he needed no such advantage for foils to set forth his … worth. He was surnamed Longshanks, his step being another mans stride, and was very high in stature. And though oftimes such who are built four stories high are observed to have little in their cock-loft, yet was he a most judicious man in all his undertakings, equally wise to plot, as valiant to perform, and (which under Divine Providence was the result of both,) happy in success at Sea, at Land, at Home, Abroad, in VVar, in Peace. He was so fortunate with his Sword at the beginning of his raign, that he awed all his enemies with his Scabbard, before the end thereof. In a word he was a Prince of so much merit that nothing under a Chronicle can make his compleat Character.
EDWARD sole …on to King Henry the sixth, and Margaret his Queen, was *S…eeds Chronicle p. 684.born at Westminster on the 13 day of Octo. 1453. Now when his Father's party was totally and finally routed in the battail at Teuks-bury, this Prince being taken prisoner, presented to King Edward the fourth, and demanded by him, on what design he came over into England, returned this answer, That he came to recover the Crown, which his Ancestos for three desents had no less rightfully then peaceably possessed.
An answer for the truth, befitting the Son of so holy a Father as King Henry the sixth, and for the boldness thereof, becoming the Son of so haughty a Mother as Queen Margaret. But presently King Edward dashed him on the mouth with his …, and his Brother Richard Crook-back stab'd him to the heart with his dagger. A barbarous murder, without countenance of justice in a legal, or valour in a military way. And his blood then shed was punished not long after.
Here I am not ashamed to make this observation. That England had successively three Edwards, all Princes of Wales, sole or eldest sons to actual Kings; Two dying violent, all untimely deaths, in their minority, before they were possessed of the Crown, viz.
| 1 Edward | Son to | Henry 6. stab'd | In the | Seventeenth | years of his age. |
| 2 Edward | Edward 4. stifled | Tenth | |||
| 3 Edward | Richard 3. pined away | Eleventh |
The murder of the second may justly be conceived the punishment of the murder of the first, and the untimely death of the last, (of whom more in *In title of Princes.Yorkshire,) a judgement for the murder of the two former.
EDWARD eldest son of Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen, was born in the Sanctuary of Westminster, November 4. 1471. His tender years are too soft, for a solid character to be fixed on him. No hurt we find done by him, but too much on him, being murthered in the Tower by the procurement of his Unckle Protector. Thus was he born in a spiritual, and kill'd in a temporal Prison. He is commonly called King Edward the fifth, though his head was ask'd, but never married to the English Crown; and therefore in all the Pictures made of him, a distance interposed, forbiddeth the banes betwixt them.
ELIZABETH eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen was born in *Speeds Cron. p. 703.Westminster on the eleventh of February 1466. She was afterwards married to King Henry the seventh, and so the two Houses of York and Lancaster, united first hopefully in their Bed, and a…terwards more happily in their Issue. B…sides her dutifulness to her husband, and fruitfulness in her children, little can be extracted of her personal character. She dyed (though not in Child bearing) in Child-bed, being safely delivered on Candlemas day, Anno 1503▪ of the Lady Katharine, and afterwards falling sick, languished until the eleventh of February, and then died in the thirty seventh year of her age, on the day of her *Idem.nativity. She lieth buried with her husband in the Chappel of his erection, and hath an equal share with him in the use and honour of that his most magnificent monument.
CECILY second daughter to King Edward the fourth, by Elizabeth his Queen,A M P. bearing the name of Cecily Dutchess of York, her grand▪ mother and god mother, was born at Westminster. In her Child-hood mention was made of a marriage betwixt her and James (son to James the third) Prince of Scotland. But that Motion died with her father, Heaven (wherein marriages are made) reserving that place for Margaret her eldest sisters eldest daughter.
She long led a single life, but little respected of King Henry the seventh her brother in law. That politick King knowing, that if he had none, or no surviving Issue by his Queen, then the right of the Crown rested in this Cecily, sought to suppress her from popularity, or any publick appearance. He neither preferred her to any … Prince, nor disposed of her to any prime Peer of England, till at last this Lady wedded her self to a Linconshire Lord, John Baron Wells, whom King Henry advanced Viscount and no higher. After his death, my (aSpeeds Chro. in the end of the reign of K. Edward the fourth.) Author saith, she was re-married, not mentioning her (bSome say his name was Kyme.) husbands name, whence I conclude him an obscure person, and this Lady rather married then match'd, such the distance betwixt their degrees. Probably this Cecily, consulting her comfort, more then her credit did it of design, so to be beneath the jealousie of King Henry the seventh. She left no children, and the date of her death is uncertain.
CHARLES the second (son to King Charles the first of Blessed Memory) (and Mary, youngest daughter to Henry the fourth King of France,) was born at Saint James's May 29. 1630. Great was the general rejoycing thereat. The University of Oxford congratulated his birth with printed Poems, and it was taken ill, though causelesly, by some, that Cambridge did not do the like: for then the Wits of the University were sadly distracted into several Counties, by reason of the plague therein. And I remember, Cambridge modestly excused herself in their Poem made the year after, at the birth of the Lady Mary, and it will not be amiss to insert and translate one Tetrastick, made by my worthy *Master Booth of C. C. C▪friend,
Quod fuit ad nixus Academia muta priores,
… … Carolus, aegra fuit.
Spe veniente novâ si tunc tacuisset amores,
Non tantùm morbo digna, sed illa mori.
Prince Charles forgive me, that my silent quill,
Joy'd not thy birth, alas sore sick was I.
New hopes now come, had I been silent still,
I should deserve both to be sick and die.
His birth was accompanied with two notable accidents in the heavens. The star Venus was visible all day long, as sometime it falls out neer her greatest Elongation. And two day… after there was an Ecclipse of the Sun, about eleven digits, observed by the greatest *Bambridge & Gassendus.Mathematicians.
And now Reader, give me leave to be silent my self, and present thee with the expressions of a most ingenious*Hamond L'estrange in the raign of King Charles the first p. 112. Gentleman;
To behold this babe, heaven it self seemed to open one Eye more then ordinary.—Such Asterisks and Celelestial Signatures affixt to times so remarkable as this, usually are …, prophetically hinting and pointing out somewhat future of eminent contingency.
Yea such have since been the occurrences in the life of this pious Prince, that rightly considered they will appear (not onelyonly eminent above the common standard of actions, but) full of miracle and amazement.
He was on the 1. of January 1650. at Scoon Crowned King of Scotland; Being before invaded by an Army under the conduct of O. C. Soon after quitting that Kingdome he marched for England, and on the 3. of September 1651. nigh*See Battles in Worcestershire. Worcester was fought, and lost the day, though he (to use my*Doctor Heylin in his life of K. Charles p. 155. Authors expression) acted beyond the expectation of his friends, and to the great applause of his very enemies. Narrow search was made after his person, yea a thousand pounds (a bait his politique enemies made sure would have been bit at,) promised to such who should betray him. Yet God (whose Angels … were his Life-guard) miraculously preserving him out of the hands of his enemies, he safely passed over into France to the Queen his mother.
During his continuance beyond the Seas, great were the proffers tendered unto him if forsaking the Protestant Religion; but alas! as soon might the impotent waves remove the most sturdy rocks, as they once unfix him; such his constancy, whom neither the frowns of his afflictions, nor smiles of secular advantages, could make to warp from his first principles.
At length his piety and Patience were rewarded by God, with a happy restitution to his undoubted Dominions, and he after a long and tedious exile, landed at Dover, May 25. 1660. to the great joy of his three Kingdomes.
A Prince whose vertues I should injure, if endeavouring their contraction within so narrow a scantling. And yet, I cannot pass over that, wherein he so much resembleth the King of Heaven, (whose Vicegerent he is) I mean his merciful disposition, doing good unto those who spightfully used and persecuted him.
And now it is my hearty prayer, that God who appeared so wonderful in his Restauration, would continue still Gracious to us in his Preservation, confounding the plots of his adversaries, that upon him and his posterity the Crown may flourish forever.
MARY eldest daughter of King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at Saint James's November 4. 1631. When her royal father out of his paternal love, began to cast about for a fitting confort, this Peerless Princess (though tender in years, rich in piety and wisdome,) made it her humble request, she might be match'd as well in her religion as affection; which happened answerable to her desires. For not long after, a marriage, treated betwixt her and Count William of Nassau, eldest son to Henry Prince of Orange, was concluded, and this royal pair wedded accordingly May 2. 1641. The February following, having at Dover taken her leave of the King her Father (the last time she ever saw him on earth,) she embarked for, and within few days landed in Holland.
His Majesties affairs in England daily growing worse and worse, at length the sad news of his horrid murder arrived at her eares: this was seconded with the loss of her husband the Prince of Orange, who deceased October 8. 1650. Yet such her signal patience that she underwent the weight of so many heavy afflictions (sufficient to break the back of a mean Christian) with a courage far surpassing the weakness of her sex. But amidst these her calamities God was pleased to remember mercy, blessing her the November ensuing with a hopeful son.
The complexion of the times being altered in England, she came over to congratulate the happiness of her Brother his miraculous restitution. When behold sickness arrests this royal Princess no bail being found by physick to defer the execution of her death, which happened 1660. On the 31. of December following, she was honourably [though privately] interred at Westminster in the Chappel of King Henry the seventh, and no eye so dry but willingly afforded a tear to bemoan the loss of so worthy a Princess.
JAMES third son of King Charles and Queen Mary, October was 13. 1633. born at Saint James's. He was commonly stiled Duke of York, though not solemnly created until January 27. 1643. At the rendition of Oxford he was taken Prisoner, and some two years after, through the assistance of one Colonel Bamfield, made his escape, landing safe in Holland. Hence he went for France, where he so prudently deported himself, that he soon gained the favour and honour of the whole Court. Yea, such was this Princes valour and prowess, that before arrived at the age of one and twenty years, he was made Leiutenant General of the Forces of the King of France, a thing which sounds highly to the esteem of this Duke, being a sufficient argument as well of his Policy as Magnanimity; seeing a wise head is equally required warily to consult, as a stout heart resolutely to act, for the due performance of that office.
This trust he discharged to the admiration of all, atchieving so many Noble and Heroick exploits, which rendred him renow'd throughout the Christian world. Yet such the bafeness and ingratitude of the French, that concluding a Peace with O. C. the Usurper of England, they wholy forgot his former services, and consented to the expulsion of this Prince and his royal brothers out of that Kingdome.
… valour cannot long lye neglected, soon was he courted by Don John de Austria into Flanders, where in the action at Dunkirk, he far surpassed his former deeds, often forgetting that he was a Prince to shew himself a true souldier, such his hazarding his person, (really worth ten thousand of them) to the great molestation of his true friends.
Since God out of his infinite love to the English, hath safely returned this Duke to his native Country, where that he may long live, to be the joy and delight of the whole Nation, I shall constantly beg of God in my daily devotions.
ELIZABETH second daughter of King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at Saint James's Anno 1635. on the 28. day of December. She proved a Lady of parts above her age, the quickness of her mind making recompence for the weakness of her body. For the remainder of her life I will my hold peace, and listen to my good friend Master*Now Cle…k of Stationershall, then an attendant of the Lady. John Buroughs thus expressing himself in a letter unto me.
The Princess Elizabeth with her Brother Henry Duke of Glocester, being by order of parliament to be removed to Carisbroke-castle in the Isle of Wight, (where his Most Excellent Maiesty was lately a Prisoner) were accordingly received by Mr. Anthony Mild may from the Earl and Countess of Leceister. at Penshurst in Kent, and began their unwilling journey on Friday 9. of August 1650. On the 16. of the same Month they were first lodged in Carisbroke-castle aforesaid.
The Princess being of a melancholy temper, (as affected above her age with the sad condition of her Family,) fell sick about the beginning of September following, and continu… … for three or four days, having onelyonly the Advise of Doctor Bignall a worthy and able … of Newport. After very many rare ejaculatory expressions, abundantly demonstrating her unparalelled Piety, to the eternal honour of her own memory, and the astonishment of those who waited on her, she took leave of the world on Sunday the eighth of the same September.
Her body being embalmed, was carefully disposed of in a Coffin of Lead, and on the four … twentieth of the said Month, was brought (in a Borrowed Coach) from the Castle to the Town of Newport, attended thither with her few late Servants. At the end of the …, the Corps were met and waited on by the Mayor and Aldermen thereof in their formalities to the Church, where about the middle of the East part of the Chancel in Saint Thomas … Chappel, her Highness was interr'd in a small Vault purposely made, with an Inscription of the date of her death engraved on her Coffin.
The … of Norway, where a Winters day is hardly an hour of clear light, are the … of wing of any Foul under the firmament, nature teaching them to bestir themselves, to lengthen the shortness of the time with their swiftness. Such the active piety of this Lady improving the little life alloted her, in running the way of Gods Commande….
… third daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at … James's, March 17. Anno Domini 1637. She was a very pregnant Lady above …, and died in her infancy when not full four years old. Being minded by those*Mistris Conant a Rocker to whom she spake it. … her, to call upon God even when the pangs of death were upon her, I am not able, saith she, to say my long prayer, (meaning the Lords-prayer) but I will say my short one, Lighten mine eyes, O Lord, lest I sleep the sleep of death; this done, the little lambPsal. 13. 3. gave up the ghost.
KATHARINE fourth daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary, was born at White hall, (the Queen-Mother then being at Saint James's) and survived not above half an hour after her baptizing. So that it is charity to mention her whose memory is likely to be lost, so short her continuance in this life. The rather because her name is not entred as it ought, into the Register of Saint Martins in the fields, as indeed none of the Kings children save Prince Charles, though they were born in that Parish: And hereupon a story depends.
I am credibly informed, that at the birth of every child of the King, born at Whitehall or Saint James's, full five pounds were ever faithfully paid to some unfaithful receivers thereof, to record the names of such children in the Register of Saint Martins. But the money being emb…iled (we know by some, God knows by whom,) no memorial is entred of them. Sad, that bounty should betray any to such baseness, and that which was intended to make them the more solemnly remembred, should occasion that they should be more silently forgotten.
Say not, let the children of mean persons be written down in Registers, Kings children are Registers to themselves, or all England is a Register to them. For sure I am, this common confidence hath been the cause, that we have been so often at a loss, about the nativities and other properties of those of Royal extraction.
CHARLES STUART son to the Illustrious James Stuart Duke of York, by Anne daughter to the Right Honourable Edward Hide Earl of Clarendon, and Lord Chancellour of England, and Frances his Lady, descended of the Ancient Family of the Aylesburies, High-sheriffs for many years together of Bedford and Buckinghamshire, in the reign of King Edward the second *See our list of Sheriffs in that County.and third, was born at Worcester-house 22. day of October 1660. and christened by the Right Reverend Father in God Gilbert L. Bishop of London, his Majesty and George Duke of Albemarle being his God-fathers, and Mary the Queen-mother his God-mother: He was declared Duke of Cambridge, a title which to the great honour of that University for these four hundred years, hath been onelyonly conferred either on forraign Princes, or persons of the Royal Bloud. This Princely infant dyed May 5. 1661.
Saints.
Saint WULSY being a man reputed when living, (and reported when dead) of great vertue, and innocency; *Math. …est ad An. Dom. 958.Was by Saint Dunstan, created the first Abbot of Westminster, where he lived many years very exemplary for his conversation, untill his death, which happened Anno Dom. 960. Then was his body buried in the same Monastery, and the 26. day of September was kept by the Citizens of London, with great Veneration of his miracle-working memory.
Martyrs.
I meet with none in this City, and in my mean Judgment it is most observable that London having two Pages (as I may term them) attending it, viz. Westminster and Southwark, both joyned to it in buildings, should be so different from it in condition; in London we have no room to hold Martyrs, in the other two no Martyrs to take up any room.
Inquiring the cause thereof, we find these three places (though contiguous not to say continued) in the raign of Queen Mary under three several jurisdictions; London under bloudy Bonner who made havock of all he could come at: Southwark under politick Gardner, who took wit in his anger, of whom *Vide Martyrs in Hantshire.formerly: This Westminster under John Fecknam Abbot thereof, with power Episcopal, a man cruel to none, courteous and charitable to all who needed his help or liberality.
Confessors.
Rain (which Country-people say goeth by Planets,) goeth by Providence. * I Amos 4. 7.caused it to rain upon one City, and caused it not to rain upon another. Persecution observeth the same method, ordered by the same power and pleasure. A shower of bloud fell upon London, whilst Westminster the next City did escape. So that I find neither Martyr nor Confessor therein. Meeting with none before, let us proceed to
Prelates since the Reformation.
RICHARD NEILE was born in Kings-street in this City, and was bred in Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge, he was afterwards Vicar of Chesthunt in the County of Hartford, presented thereunto by the honourable family of the Cecills; he was the first and last Native of this City, who became the Dean, and so the supreme magistrate thereof. Through many Bishopricks of Coventry and Lichfield, Durham and Winchester, he was at last preferred Arch-bishop of York, being also Privy Counsellor to King James and King Charles. He died Anno Domini 16.
JOHN WARNER D. D. was born in the Parish of Saint *So informed from his own mouth.Clements Danes, within the Precincts of this City, bred in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, at last preferred Bishop of Rochester.
This worthy Bishop perceiving the want of a fixed Font in the Cathedral Church of Canterbury, bestow'd one upon it, whether more curious or costly, my Author *W. Somner in the Antiquity of Cant. p. 181.could not decide it, being both ways so excellent and exquisite. A gift the more remarkable, because the *Idem ibidem.first, which hath been offered by any private hand to that Church of later times. But I suspect now this Font it self is washed away in the deluge of our late wars under the notion of superstition.
God hath given him a great Estate, and a liberal heart to make use of it. Keeping good Hospitality in the Christmas at Brumley, as he fed many Poor, so he freed himself from much trouble; being absent when the rest of the Bishops subscribed their Protest in Parliament, whereby he enjoy'd liberty in the restraint of others of his Order. He was an able and active advocate for Episcopacy, in the House of Lords speaking for them as long as he had any voice left him, and then willing to have made signs in their iust defence, if it might have been permitted him.
But it is now high time for me to put out my Candle when Day-light shines so bright, I mean to desist from charactering of persons who are so perfectly known to so many alive. I will only adde, this eminent Prelate hath since seen the happy restitution of his order, injoying again his former dignity, who now is (and long may be) living 1661.
Statesmen.
Sir FRANCIS BACON Knight, youngest son to Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper, was born in York-house Anno 1560. For being demanded his age by Queen Elizabeth, he returned, that he was two years younger then her Majesties reign. He was bred in Trinity-colledge in Cambridge, and there first fell into a dislike of Aristotles Philosophy, as Barren and Jejune, inabling some to dispute, more to wrangle, few to find out trueth, and none, if confining themselves to his Principles.
Hence it was that afterwards he traded so largely in experiments, so that as Socrates is said to be the first, who stooped Towring Speculations into Practical Morality: Sir Francis was one of the first, who reduced Notional to Real and Scientifical Philosophy.
He was afterwards bred in Grays-Inn in the Study of our Municipal Law, attaining to great Eminency, but no Preferment therein, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth; Imputable to the envy of a great Person, who hindred his rising, for fear to be hindred by him if risen, and Eclipsed in his own profession. Thus the strongest wing of merit cannot mount, if a stronger weight of malice doth depress it. Yet was he even then Favorite to a Favorite, I mean, the Earl of Essex, and more true to him, then the Earl was to himself. For finding him to prefer destructive before displeasing Counsel, Sir Francis fairly for sook, not h…s person, (whom his pity attended to the grave) but practises, and herein was not the worse friend, for being the better subject.
By K. James he was made his Solicitor, and afterwards his Atturney, (then priviledged contrary to custome to …it a member in Dom. Com.) and at last Lord Chancellor of* See his life written by Dr. Rawleigh England. His abilities were a clear con…utation of two vulgar errors errors, (libells on learned men) First, that Judgement, Wit, Fancy, and Memory, cannot eminently be in conjunction in the same person, whereas our Knight was a rich Cabinet, fill'd with all four, besides a golden key to open it, Elocution. Secondly, That he who is something in all, is nothing in any one Art, whereas he was singular in singulis, and being In- at- all came off with credit.
Such as condemn him for pride, if in his place, with the fift part of his parts, had been ten times prouder themselves; he had been a better Master if he had been a worse, being too bountiful to his servants, and either too confident of their honesty, or too conniving at their falshood. The story is told to his advantage, that he had two Servants, one in all causes Patron to the Plantiffe, (whom his charity presumed always injured,) the other to the Defendant, (pitying him as compelled to Law,) but taking bribes of both, with this condition, to restore the money received if the Cause went against them? Their Lord ignorant hereof, always did unpartial Justice, whilst his men (making people pay for what was given them) by compact shared the money betwixt them, which cost their Master the loss of his office.
Leading a private life, he much delighted to study in the shade of solitariness, and many useful discoveries in Nature were made by him, so that he may be said to have left nothing to his Executors and all to his Heirs, under which notion the learned of all ages may be beheld. His vast bounty to such who brought him presents from great persons occasioned his want afterwards, who in rewarding them so remembred that he had been Lord Chancellor, that he forgot that he was but the Lord Verulam.
A Viscountry that began and ended in him dying issu'less, it being remarkable, that though we have had two Earls (of several *Lord Burgh of Ireland, and Lord Henry Jermyn.families) of Saint Albans, yet was there no Lord Verulam, as if it were referved for that antient Roman Colony to be buried in its own reverend ruins and in this peerless Lords everlasting memory, much admired by English, more by out-landish men; Distance diminishing his faults to be invisible to forreign eyes, whilst we beheld his perfections abated with his failings.
He died Anno Domini 1626. in the house of the Earl of Arundel at High-gate, and was buried in Saint Michaels Church in Saint Albans, Master Mutis his grateful servant erecting a Monument for him. Since I have read that his grave being occasionally opened, his scull, (the relique of civil veneration) was by one King a Doctor of Physick made the object of scorn and contempt, but he, who then derided the dead, is since become the laughing stock of the living.
Writers.
SULCARD of WESTMINSTER was an English-man by birth, bred a Benedictine Monke. He was one of an excellent wit, meek disposition, candid behaviour, and in great esteem with *Bale de scripti Brit. Cent. 2. Num. 55.King Edward the Con…essor. What Progress he made in learning, may easily be collected from what is recorded in an old Manuscript,
In Westmonasterio vixerunt simul Abbas, Eadwinus & Sulcardus Coenobita: Sed Sulchardus doctrina major erat.
He flourished Anno Domini 1070. under King William the Conquerour.
GILBERT of WESTMINSTER bred first Monkc then Abbot thereof. He gave himself to the study of humane learning, then of Divinity, and through the guidance of Anselme Arch-bishop of Canterbury attained to great knowledge in the Scriptures. Afterwards he studied in France, visited Rome, in his return from whence he is reported to have had a disputation with a learned Jew, which afterwards he reduced into the form of a Dialogue, and making it publique he dedicated it to Saint Anselme. He dyed Anno 1117. and was buried in Westminster.
MATHEW of WESTMINSTER was bred a Monke therein, and as accomplished a Scholar as any of his age. Observable is the grand difference betwixt our English history, as he found it and as he left it. He found it like Polyphemus when his eye was bored out, a big and bulky body, but blind. Memorable actions were either presented without any date which little informed, or too many dates which more distracted the Reader. Our Mathew reduced such confused sounds to an Articulate and intelligible voice, regulating them by a double directory of time, viz. the beginnings and deaths of all the Kings of England and Arch bishops of Canterbury. He wrote one History from the beginning of the world to Christ; a second, from Christs Nativity to the Norman Conquest; a third; from thence to the beginning of King Edward the second, augmenting it a…terwards with the addition of his life and King Edward the thirds. He named his book Flores Historiarum, and if sometimes (for it is but seldome) he presenteth a flower less fragrant, or blasted bud, the judicious Reader is not tyed to take what he tenders, but may select for his own ease a Nosegay out of the choicest flowers thereof. He dyed about the year 1368.
Since the Reformation.
BENIAMIN JOHNSON was born in this City. Though I cannot with all my industrious inquiry find him in his cradle, I can fetch him from his long coats. When a little child he lived in Harts-horn-lane near Charing-cross, where his Mother married a Bricklayer for her Second husband.
He was first bred in a private school in Saint Martins Church, then in VVestminster school, witness his own *Epigram 14.Epigram;
Camden, most reverend Head, to whom I owe
All that I am in Arts, all that I know.
How nothing's that, to whom my Country owes
The great renown and Name wherewith she goes, &c.
He was Statutably admitted into Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge, (as many years after incorporated a honorary Member of Christ-church in Oxford) where he continued but few weeks for want of further maintenance, being fain to return to the trade of his father in law. And let not them blush that have, but those that have not a lawful calling. He help'd in the building of the new structure os Lincolns-Inn, when having a Trowell in his hand, he had a book in his pocket.
Some gentlemen pitying that his parts should be buried under the rubbish of so mean a Calling, did by their bounty manumise him freely to follow his own ingenuous inclinations. Indeed his parts were not so ready to run of themselves as able to answer the spur, so that it may be truly said of him, that he had an Elaborate wit wrought out by his own industry. He would sit silent in learned company, and suck in (besides wine) their several humors into his observation. What was ore in others, he was able to refine to himself.
He was paramount in the Dramatique part of Poetry, and taught the Stage an exact conformity to the laws of Comedians. His Comedies were above the Volge, (which are onelyonly tickled with down right obscenity) and took not so well at the first stroke as at the rebound, when beheld the second time; yea they will endure reading, and that with due commendation, so long as either ingenuity or learning are fashionable in our Nation. If his later be not so spriteful and vigorous as his first pieces, all that are old will, and all that desire to be old, should excuse him therein.
He was not very happy in his children, and most happy in those which died first, though none lived to survive him. This he bestowed as part of an Epitaph on his eldest son, dying in infancy.
*Epigram 45.Rest in soft peace and Ask'd, say here doth lye,
Ben Johnson his best piece of Poetry.
He dyed Anno Domini 1638. And was buried about the Belfry in the Abby-church at VVestminster.
Masters of Musick.
CHRISTOPHER TYE Doctor of Musick, flourished in the reign of KingS. N. Henry the eight and King Edward the sixth, to whom he was one of the Gentlemen of their Chappel, and probably the Organist. Musick, which received a grievous wound in England at the disolution of Abbyes, was much beholding to him for her recovery; such his excellent skill and piety, that he kept it up in credit at Court and in all Cathedrals during his life. He translated the Acts of the Apostles into verse, and let us take a tast of his Poetry,
In the former treatise to thee
Dear friend Theophilus;
I have written the veritie
Of the Lord Christ Jesus.
VVhichWhich he to do and eke to teach;
Began untill the day;
In which the Spirit up did him fetch
To dwell above for Aye.
After that he had power to do
Even by the Holy Ghost;
Commandements then he gave unto
His chosen least and most.
To whom also himself did shew
From death thus to revive:
By tokens plain unto his few
Even forty days alive.
Speaking of Gods kingdome with heart
Chusing together them;
Commanding them not to depart
From that Jerusalem.
But still to wait on the promise
Of his Father the Lord;
Of which ye have heard me ere this
Unto you make record.
Pass we now from his Poetry (being Musick in words) to his Musick, (being Poetry in sounds) who set an excellent Composition of Musick of four parts, to the several Chapters of his aforementioned Poetry, dedicating the same to King Edward the sixth, a little before the death of that good Prince, and Printed it Anno Domini 1553. He also did compose many excellent Services and Anthems of four and five parts which were used in Cathedrals many years after his death, the certain date whereof I cannot attain.
JOHN DOULAND was (as I have most cause to believe) born in this City; sure I am he had his longest life and best livelyhood therein, being Servant in the Chappel to Queen Elizabeth and King James. He was the rarest Musician that his Age did behold: Having travailed beyond the Seas, and compounded English with Forreign Skill in that faculty, it is questionable whether he excell'd in Vocal or Instrumental Musick, A chearful Person he was passing his days in lawful meriment, truly answering the Anagram made of him,
*By Ralph Sadler Esq of Standon in Hartfordshire who was with him at Copenhaguen.JOHANNES DOULANDUS ANNOS LUDENDO HAUSI.
Christian the fourth K. of Denmark coming over into England, requested him of K. James who unwillingly willing parted with him. Many years he lived (as I am credibly informed) in the Danish Court, in great favour and plenty, generally imployed to entertain such English Persons of quality as came thither. I cannot confidently avouch his death at Denmark, but believe it more probably then their assertion, who report him returned and dying in England about the year 1615.
Benefactors to the Publique.
JAMES PALMER B. D. was born in this City and bred in Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge; The Company of Carpenters in London, gave him an exhibition towards his maintenance there, or lent it him rather; For since, his bounty hath repaid them the Principle with plentiful consideration. He was afterwards for many years the constant Preacher of Saint Bridgets in Fleetstreet, the onelyonly Church preferment he enjoyed: I perceive thus craft and cruelty may raise a quick and great, but plain frugallity (especially if vivacious) will advance a better and surer estate. Though sequestred in these times; what he had formerly gained in his place, he hath since bestowed in building and endowing, over against the New Chappel in Westminster, a fair Almes-house for twelve poor people; besides this, many and great have his gifts been to Ministers poor widdows, and wonder not Reader, if they be unknown to me, which were unknown to his own left-hand, all this he did in his life time. O it giveth the best light when one carrieth his Lant-horn before him! The surest way that ones Will shall be performed, is to see it performed. Yea, I may say, that his poor people in his Almes-house are in some sort provided for, not onelyonly from head to foot, but also from body to soul, he constantly preaching to them twice a week. He dyed Anno 1659.
Memorable Persons.
EDMOND DOUBLEDAY Esquire, was of a tall and proper person, and lived inS. N. this City. Nor had this large case a little jewell, this long body a lazy soul, whose activity and valour was adequate to his strength and greatness, whereof he gave this eminent testimony.
When Sir Thomas Knevet was sent November 4. 1605. by King James to search the Cellar beneath the Parliament-house, with very few, for the more privacy, to attend him, he took Master Doubleday with him. Here they found Gui Faux with his dark-lant-horn, in the dead of the night, providing for the death of many the next morning. He was newly come out of the Divels Closset, (so I may fitly term the inward room where the powder lay, and the train was to be laid,) into the outward part of the Cellar; Faux beginning to bussel, Master Doubleday instantly ordered him at his pleasure, up with his heels, and there with the Traytor lay the Treason flat along the floor, by Gods goodness detected, defeated. Faux vowed (and though he was a false Traitor, herein I do believe him,) that had he been in the inner room, he would have blown up himself and all the company therein. Thus it is pleasant musick to hear disarmed malice threaten, when it cannot strike. Master Doubleday lived many years after deservedly loved and respected, and died about the year of our Lord 1618.
The Farewell.
Seeing the well-being (yea being) of this City consisteth in the Kings Court and in the Courts of Justice, I congratulate the happy return of the one, praying for the long continuance of the other; yea, may the Lawyers in Westminster-hall never again plead in their Armour, (as they did in the time of Wyats rebellion,) but in their peaceable Gowns and Legal Formalities. Nor doth this Wish onelyonly extend to the Weal of Westminster, but all England. For no such dearth in a Land, as what is caused from a drought of Justice therein. For if judgement do not run down as *Amos 5. 24.Waters, and righteousness as a mighty Stream, Injustice like an Ocean will drown all with its inundation.