The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 31

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 31

p. 302NORTHUMBERLAND hath the Bishoprick of Durham (seperated by the river Dervent running into Tine) on the South, Cumberland on the South-west, the German Ocean on the East, & Scotland on the North and West; parted with the river Tweed, Cheviothills, and elsewhere, (whilst our Hostility with the Scots) Mutuo Metu, with Mutual Fear, now turned into Mutual Faith, both Nations knowing their own, and neither willing to invade the bounds of others.

It is somewhat of a Pyramidal Form, whose Basis objected to the South, extendeth above 40. whilst the shaft thereof narrowing Northward ascendeth to full 50. miles. Nature hath not been over indulgent to this County in the fruitfulness thereof, yet it is daily improved, since (to use the**Isai. 2. 4.Isa 2:4 Prophets expression) they have beat their Swords into Plough-shares, and Spears into Pruning-hooks; and surely such Plough-shares make the best furrows, and such comfortable Pruning-hooks cut with the best edge.

It must not be forgotten, how before the uniting of England and Scotland, there lay much wast ground in the Northern part of this County, formerly disavowed (at lestwise not owned by any,) onelyonly to**Stows Chro. p…g. 819. avoid the charges of the common defence. But afterwards, so great, sudden, and good the alteration, that the Borders becoming safe, and peaceable, many Gentlemen inhabiting therabouts, finding the antient wast ground to become very fruitful, in the fourth of King James put in their claimes, and began to contend in Law about their Bounds, challenging their Hereditary right therein.

The Buildings.

One cannot rationally expect fair Fabricks here, where the Vicinity of the Scots made them to build, not for state but strength. Here it was the rule with ancient Architects, what was firm, that was fair, so that it may be said of the Houses of the Gentry herein, Quot mantiones, tot munitiones, as either being all Castles or Castle-like able to resist (though no solemn siege) a tumultary incursion.

Before we come to the Worthies of this County, be it premised, that Northumland is generally taken in a double acception; First as a County, (whose bounds we have foreassigned,) and secondly, as a Kingdome, extending from Humber to Edenborough-frith, and so taking in the Southern-part of Scotland. Here then we have an oportunity to cry quits with Demster, the Scotish Historian, and to repair our selves of him for challenging so many English-men to be Scots. Should we bring all them in for Northumberlanders which were born betwixt Berwick and Edenborough, whose nativities we may in the rigor of right justifie to be English, if born therein, whilst the tract of ground was subjected to the Saxon Heptarchy. But because we will have an unquestionable title to what we claim to be ours, we are content to confine our selves to Northumberland in the County-Capacity thereof.

Proverbs.

To carry Coals to Newcastle.]

That is to do, what was done before, or to busy ones self in a needless imployment. Parallel to the Latine, Aquam mari infundere, Sidera Coelo addere, Noctuas Athenas; To carry Owles to Athenes, which place was plentifully furnished before with fowle of that feather.

From Berwick to Dover three hundred miles over.]

That is, from one end of the land to the other. Semnable the Scripture expression, From Dan to Ber-sheba. Such the Latine Proverbs, A carceribus ad metam; A capite ad calcem, when one chargeth thorough an employment, from the beginning to the end thereof.

To take Hectors cloake.]

That is, to deceive a friend who confideth on his faithfulness; and hereon a story doth depend. When Thomas Piercy Earl of Northumberland, Anno 1569. was routed in the Rebellion which he had raised against Queen Elizabeth, he hid himself in the p. 303house of one Hector Armestrong of Harlaw in this County, having confidence he would be true to him, who notwithstanding for money betrayed him to the Regent of Scotland. It was observed that Hector, being before a rich man, fell poor of a sudden, and so hated generally, that he never durst go abroad, insomuch, that the Proverb to take **Bishop Carleton in Thankful Rem. c. 2.Hectors cloak, is continued to this day among them, when they would express a man that betrayeth his friend, who trusted him.

We will not lose a Scot.]

That is, we will lose nothing, how inconsiderable soever, which we can save, or recover. Parallel to the Scripture expression, VVe will not leave an Hooffe behind us. This Proverb began in the English borders, when, during the enmity betwixt the two Nations, they had little esteem of, and less affection for a Scotch-man, and is now happily superseded, since the Union of England and Scotland into Great Britain.

A Scottish mist may wet an English-man to the skin.]

That is, small mischeifs in the beginning, if not seasonably prevented may prove very dangerous. This limitary Proverb hath its original in these parts, where mists may be said to have their fountain North, but fall South of Tweed, arising in Scotland, and driven by the winds into England, where they often prove a sweeping and soaking rain. Sure I am our late Civil War began there, which since hath wet many an English-man in his own hearts blood, and whether at last the Scotch have escaped dry that is best known to themselves.

A Scotish-man, and a Newcastle-grind-stone, travail all the world over.]

The Scots (Gentry especially) when young, leave their Native land, (hard their hap, if losers by their exchange) and travail into foreign parts, most for maintenance, many for accomplishment. Now no ship sets safe to sea without a Carpenter, no Carpenter is able without his tools, no tools useful without a Grind-stone, no Grind-stone so good as those of Newcastle. Some indeed are fetch'd from Spain, but of so soft a grit, that they are not fit for many purposes. Hence it is that these Grind-stones, though mostly in motion, may be said fixed to ships as most necessary thereunto.

If they come, they come not;]

And

If they come not, they come.]

We must fetch an Oedipus from this County, to expound this riddling Proverb, customary in the wars betwixt the Crowns of England and Scotland. For the cattle of people living hereabout, turn'd into the common pasture, did by instinct and custome return home at night, except violently intercepted by the Free-booters, and Borderers, who living between two Kingdomes, owned no King, whilst Vivitur ex rapto, Catch who catch may. Hence many in these parts, who had an herd of kine in the morning, had not a cow-tail at night, and alternatly proved rich and poor, by the trade aforesaid. If therefore these Borderers came, their cattle came not; if they came not, their cattle surely returned. Now although a sprigg of these Borderers hath lately been revived (disguised under the new name of Moss-Troopers) yet the union of the two Kingdomes, hath, for the main, knock'd this Proverb out of joynt, never (I hope) to be wholy set again.

Scotish Proverbs currant in this County.

**Scotish Prov. by David Fergusson Minister at Dunfermline. Litera L▪Lang or ye cut Falkland-wood with a penknife.]

It is spoken of such who embrace unproportionable, and improbable means, to effect the ends propounded to themselves, to as much purpose as to lave the sea with a cockle shell. Falkland was one of the King of Scotland his Royal Palaces in Fife, having a bo…ny wood (whereof great want in the South of this Land, where one can hardly find a stick to beat a dog) about it, so that an axe is proper, and no penknife (fit onelyonly to fell a forrest of feathers with the timber of quills therein) for such employment.

He is an **Idem Lit. H.Aberdeens man, taking his word again.]

It seems the men of that Town, a fair Haven in the County of Mar, have formerly been taxed for breach of promise. I hope it true (if ever of either) onelyonly of the old Aberdeen, now much decayed, and famous onelyonly for Salmon-fishing. If of the new, p. 304then I believe it of the Townes-men, not Scholars living in the University, founded by Bishop Elfinston. However, we have **Prov. in Glocest…rshire, You are a man of Duresly.formerly observ'd, what is to be believed in such satyrical Proverbs.

He was born in August.]

At the first hearing thereof I took it for a fortunate person, that month beginning the return of profit, for the pains of the year past. I know amongst the Latines some months were counted more unhappy then others, witness the by word Mense Maio nubunt male. But since I perceive a man may miss his mark, as well by over, as under shooting it. And one may be too serious in interpreting such common speeches. For I am informed by a Scotish man, that it is onelyonly the Periphrasis of a licorish person, and such said to be born in August, whose Tongues will be the Tasters of every thing they can come by, though not belonging to them.

A Yule feast may be quat at Pasche.]

That is Christmas-cheer may be digested, and the party hungry again at Easter. No happiness is so lasting but in short time we must forego, and may forget it. The Northern parts call Christmas-Yule, (hence the Yule-block, Yule-oakes, Yule-songs, &c.) though much difference about the cause there. Some more enemies to the ceremony, then cheer of Christmas, to render that Festival the more offensive, make the word of Paganish extraction, deriving it from Julus the son of Aeneas. An Etymology fetch'd far from England, and farther from truth.

But to omit many forced and feigned deductions, that worthy **Dr. Henry Hammond.Doctor hits the mark, bringing it from the Latine Jubilo (a word as ancient as Varro) signifying the rural shouting for joy, so that it is a name general for festivals, as Lammas Yule, &c. though Christmas be so called without any addition, as the Feast foreign above all others. It is more then probable, that the Latines, borrowed their Jubilo from the Hebrew foreign the long sound of the trumpet, whence their Jubilee got the name. And seeing Christs▪birth was a freeing us from the slavery of sin, I see not how Yule can be cavill'd at in that signification.

Saints.

Saint EBBA was born in Northumberland, being daughter to Edilfrid the King thereof: When her father was taken prisoner, she got hold of a boat in Humber, and passing along the raging Ocean, she safely landed at a place in Merch in Scotland, which is call'd the Promontory of Saint Ebb unto this day.

Becoming Prioress of Coldingham in that Country, to preserve her own and fellowNuns chastity from the Pagan Danes, She cut off her own Nose, and perswaded the rest to do the like; that their beauty might be no bait, whilst their deformity did secure their virginity. Sure I am, that since, more have lost their Noses in prosecution of their Wantonness, then in preservation of their Chastity. As for the Danes, being offended that these Nuns would not be the objects of their lusts, they made them the subjects of their fury, burning them and their Monastery together.

But such the reputed holiness of Saint Ebb, that many Churches, commonly called **Camd. Brit. pag. 745.Saint Tabbs, are in North-England dedicated unto her, and her memory is continued in the name of Ebb-Chester, a little Village in the Bishoprick of Durham. She flourished about the year 630.

Prelates since the Reformation.

GEORGE CARLETON was born in this County (nigh the Borders of Scotland) at Norham, his father being the Keeper of the Important Castle therein; bred in Merton-colledge in Oxford. Hear what our English **Camd. Brit. in Northumberl. pag. 816.Antiquary saith of him, Whom I have loved in regard of his singular knowledge in Divinity, which he professeth; and in other more delightful Literature, and am loved again of him, &c. He was one of the four Divines sent by King James to the Synod of Dort, each of them there observed in their respective Eminencies. In Carletono praelucebat Episcopalis gravitas, in Davenantio subactum Judicium; in Wardo multa lectio; in Hallo expedita concionatio. Doctor Carleton was then Bishop of Landaffe, and afterwards of Chichester. His good affections p. 305appear in his Treatise, entituled, A thankful Remembrance of Gods mercy. Solid Judgement in his Confutation of Judicial Astrology, and clear invention in other Juvenile exercises. Indeed when young, he was grave in his manners, so when old he was youthful in his parts, even unto his death, which happened in the first of King Charles.

VALENTINE CARY was born at **Parker in his Sceletos Cantab. M. S.Barwick (which though North of Tweed is reduced to this County,) extracted from the Carys Barons of Hunsdon. He was first Scholar of Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge, then Fellow of Christs-colledge, afterwards of Saint Johns again, and at last Master of Christs-colledge, so that I meet not with any his Peer herein, thus bounded and rebounded betwixt two foundations. But the best is, they both had one and the same Foundress, Margaret Countess of Richmond. He was Vice-chancelour of Cambridge, Anno 1612. Dean of Saint Pauls, and at last Bishop of Exeter. A complete Gentleman and excellent Scholar. He once unexpectedly owned my nearest Relation in the high commission court, when in some distress, for which courtesie, I, as heir to him, who received the favour, here publickly pay this my due thanks unto his memory.

Though some contest happened betwixt him and the City of Exeter; yet I am credibly informed when that City was visited with the Sickness, he was bountiful above expectation, in relieving the poor thereof. He died Anno Domini 1626. and lyes buried under a plain stone in the Church **Survey of London p. 776.of Sain Pauls, London. Though he hath another Monument of Memorial in the Church of Exeter.

RICHARD HOLEWORTH D. D. was born at Newcastle in this County, preferred Fellow of Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge, Rector of Saint Peters in the Poor of London, Arch-deacon of Huntington, and at last Master of Emanuel-colledge.

During his continuance in London, he did Dominari in concionibus, and although it be truly observed, that the People in London, honour their Pastors (as John Baptist) foreign for an hour, (or short time,) yet this Doctor had his hour measur'd him by a large glass, continuing in publick esteem till the beginning of these Civil Wars; when the times turn'd, and he standing still, was left to the censure of factious innovatours.

Most candid his disposition, and if he had the infirmity of ingenious Persons to be Cholerick, he prevented others checking it in him, by checking it first in himself.

He suffered long imprisonment in Ely-house and the Tower, for a Sermon he made when Vicechancellour of Cambridge, and at last restored to his Liberty, waited on his Majesty in the Isle of Weight. He is here entred amongst the Bishops, because profered Bristol, but refused it; and such who know least of his mind, are most bold to conjecture the cause of it. He sleighted not the smalness thereof, because such his Manners, Loyalty, and Conscience, that he would have thanked his Sovereign for an injury, much more for a smaller courtesie. Wherefore such onelyonly shoot by the aime of their own fancies, who report him to have said he would not wear a Bristol stone.

Sure I am that England had, if any more able, none more zealous to assert Episcopacy; and let that suffice us, that he esteemed the acceptance thereof in that juncture of time, unsafe and unseasonable for himself; he afterwards took the Deanary of Worcester, though he received no profit, the place received honour from him, being the last who was entituled (and indeed it was no more) with that dignity.

Pity it is so learned a person left no monuments (save a Sermon) to Posterity, for I behold that Posthume-work as none of his, named by the Transcriber, the Valley of Vision, a **Isai. 22. 1, 5.Isa 22:1Isa 22:5Scripture expression, but here mis-placed. Valley it is indeed, not for the fruitfulness but lowness thereof, (especially if compared to the high parts of the pretended Author,) but little vision therein. This I conceived my self in Credit and Conscience concerned to observe, because I was surprised to Preface to the Book, and will take the blame, rather then clear my self, when my innocency is complicated with the accusing of others.

Dying about the year 1650. he was buried in his own Parish Church in Saint Peters Broad-street, his ancient friend Doctor Jefferies of Pembrook-hall taking for his **Psal. 102. 11.Ps 102:11Text. My days are like a shadow that decline. Thomas Rich and Richard Abdi Esquires, his Executors and worthy friends, ordering his funeral with great solemnities and lamentation.

p. 306Souldiers.

To speak of this County in general, it breedeth most hardy men. He who deduced the Merches, (so truly called from Mercke a limitary bound) from frequent marching, and warlike expeditions therein, missed the word, but hit the matter. These Borderers have been embroyled in several Battles agtinst the Scotch, witness the Battle of Chevy-chase, whereof Sir Philip **In his defence of Poesie.Sidney is pleased to make this mention. Certainly I must confess my own barbarousness, I never heard the old song of Percy and Douglas, that I found not my heart moved more then with a Trumpet, and yet it is sung but by some blind Crowder, with no rougher voice then rude style, which being so evil apparell'd in the dust and …bweb of that uncivil age, what would it work trimmed in the gorgeous eloquence of Pindar?

True it is, the story is not true in the letter and latitude thereof, no Earl of Northumberland being ever killed in Chevy-chase, as by the perusall of the ensuing Catalogue will appear.

1 Henry Percy the first Earl, lost his life in a battle against King Henry the fourth, Anno Domini 1408.

2. Henry Percy his Grand-child, the second Earl, was slain on the side of King Henry the sixth, against King Edward the fourth, Anno 1455.

3. Henry his Son taking part with K. Henry the sixth, was slain at Touton-field, in the first of King Edward the fourth.

4. Henry his Son, promoting a Tax for the King, was kill'd, in a tumultuous rout at Cockledge, eighteen miles from York, in the fourth of King Henry the seventh.

5. Henry his Son, died a natural death, in the eighteenth of King Henry the eight.

6. Henry his Son, died peaceably at Hackney neer London, the nine and twentieth of King Henry the eight; in whose reign the Scene is laid for the aforesaid Trajedy in Chevy-chase.

This I thought fit to have said, partly, to undeceive people, least long possession might create a Title in their belief to the prejudice of truth; partly, that the noble Family of the Percy's, (what need a good head of hair wear a Perriwig,) for birth and valour equal to any subjects in Christendome, should not be beholding to an untruth to commend their martial Atchievement. Yet though there be more fancy in the vernish, there is much faith in the ground-work of this relation, presenting a four-fold truth to posterity. First, that on light causes, heavy quarrels have happened, betwixt the Scotch and English in the Borders. Secondly, that the Percy's with other Families in this County, (mentioned in this Ballade,) were most remarkable therein. Thirdly, that generally the English got the better in these broils. Lastly, that for the most part they were Victories without Triumphs, wherein the Conquerour might sigh for his Conquest, so dear the price thereof.

Physicians.

WILLIAM TURNER was born at**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 8. Num. 95. Morpeth in this County, bred in the University of Cambridge, where he became an excellent Latinist, Grecian, Oratour, and Poet. He was very zealous in the Protestant Religion, writing many books in the defence thereof, and much molested for the same by Bishop Gardner and others; he was kept long in durance, and escaping at last by Gods Providence, fled over beyond Sea. At Ferrara in Italy he Commenced Doctor of Physick, there gaining his degree with general applause. He wrote a great**Idem ut priw. Herball, and a book of Physick for the English Gentry, as also several Treatises of Plants, Fishes, Stones, Mettals, &c. He went afterwards into Germany, where he lived in great Credit and Practise, and as I conjecture died there in the reign of Queen Mary. Reader, I conceive him worthy of thy special notice, because he was both a Confessor and Physician; qualifications which meet not every day in the same Person.

p. 307THOMAS GIBSON. It is pity to part him from the former, because symbolising in many particulars of concernment.

This Thomas wrote many other Books, and one Entituled, The Treasons of the Prelates since the Conquest, which work had it come to the hand of a modern **Master Will. Spring.Authour, happily it might have much helped him in that Subject. He was alive in the last of Queen Mary, and Bale sendeth forth a hearty Prayer for the continuance of his he…th and happiness.

Writers.

RALPH FRESBOURNE was born in this**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 4. … Num. 1. & Pitz. in Anno 1274.Num 1 County, bred a Souldier, Scholar, Travailer, (being a man of great estate) and at last turn'd a Frier. He attended Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and King of the Romans, into the Holy-land. Here he came acquainted with the Friers living on Mount Carmel, which were then much molested with the inrodes of Pagans. Our Ralph, pitying their condition, and much taken with their sanctity and (as some say) miracles, brought them over with him into England, and built them an house at Holme nigh Alnwick in Northumberland, In loco Carmelo Syriae non dissimili, saith my**Bale …t prius. Author, In a place not unlike to Carmel in Syria.* Isai. 37. 24.Isa 37:24 Thus pence are like shillings, and as Carmel had an Hill, with the river Kishon running under it, a**The Lord V…ssey was so great a benefactour to this Covent, that by some he is reputed the founder thereof. Forrest beside it, and the Mid-land-Sea some three miles from it▪ so this had the river Alne, a Park adjoyning, and the German-Sea at the same distance.

But Northumberland was but a cold Carmel for these Friers, who soon got themselves warmer nests in Kent, Essex, London, and where not? Multiplying more in England, then in any other Country, as**Fastorum lib. 8. Mantuan observeth, and hath not ill expressed.

Cur apud Anglorum populos ita creverit, audi:

Anglicus in Syrias veniens exercitus olim,

Achonem Tyrii positam prope litora ponti,

Quae priùs occurrit, subit is oppresserat armis.

Hear, why that they so much in England thriv'd:

When th' English earst in Palestine arriv'd,

The City Acon on the shore of Tyre,

As next at hand, with arms did soon acquire.

And after some verses interpos'd.

Ista duces tanta intuiti miracula, secum

In patriam duxere viros, quibus arma negabant,

In laribus sedem Assyri…: & templa domosque

Construxere novas. Pauc is it a f…ruit annis

Relligio, quasi virga solo depact a feraci,

Et veluti palmes robur translata recepit.

The Captains seeing so great wonders wrought,

These Friers with them into England brought,

What war deni'd at home, they here anew

Churches and Houses built. In years but few

Increasing twig-like set by happy band,

Or tree transplanted to a fruitful land.

This Ralph wrote Books of pious exhortations and Epistles, and after he had been fourteen years provincial of his own Order, died and was buried at Holme aforesaid, Anno Domini 1274.

JOHANNES SCOTUS. We have formerly asserted the very Scociety of this Scotus his nativity to belong to England, and have answered the objections to the contrary. He was**Camdens Brit. in Northumb. born at Dunston, a village in the Parish of Emildon in this County, as appeareth by a writing in a book of his in Merton-colledge, wherein he was bred. He was a Franciscan by Order, and of such nimble and solid parts, that he got the title of Doctor subtilis.

Hitherto all School-men were (like the world before the building of**Gen. 11. 1.Gen 11:1 Babel) of one language, and of one speech, agreeing together in their opinions, which hereafter were divided into two Reg…ments, or Armies rather, of Thomists and Scotists, under their several Generals opposing one another. Scotus was a great stickler against the Thomists for that sinful opinion, that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin; which if so, how p. 308came she to **Luke 1. 47.Luke 1:47rejoyce in God her Saviour? He read the Sentences thrice over in his solemn Lectures, once at Oxford, again at Paris, and last at Colen, where he died, or was kill'd rather, because falling into a strong fit of an Apoplexy, he was interred whilst yet **Camdens Brit. in Northum….alive, as afterwards did appear. Small amends were made for his hasty burial, with an handsome monument erected over him, at the cost of his Order, (otherwise whether as Scot, Scholar, or Franciscan, he had little wealth of his own,) in the Quire before the High Altar. On his Monument are inscribed the names of **Pitz de Illust. Ang. Script. pag, 393.fifteen Franciscans, viz. three Popes, and two Cardinals on the top, and ten Doctors (whereof six English) on the sides thereof, all his Contemporaries, as I conceive. He died Anno Dom. 1308.

Benefactors to the Publick.

STEPHEN BROWN Grocer, son of John Brown, was born at Newcaste upon Tine in this County, afterwards Knighted and made Lord Mayor of London **Stows Surv. of London pag. 564.1438. In which year happened a great and general famine, caused much by unseasonable weather, but more by some (Huckstering Husbandmen) who properly may be termed Knaves in grain, insomuch, that wheat was sold for three shillings a bushel, (intollerable according to the standard of those times,) and poor people were forced to make bread of fern roots. But this Sir Stephen Brown, sent certain ships to Dantz, whose seasonable return with Rye, suddenly sunk grain to reasonable rates, whereby many a languishing life was preserved. He is beheld one of the first Merchants who in want of Corn, shewed the Londoners the way to the Barn-door, I mean, into Spruseland, prompted by charity, (not covetousness) to this his Adventure. He may be said that since his death, he hath often relieved the City on the like occasion, because as **Lib. …ono …. 70.Symmachus well observeth, Author est, bonorum sequentium qui bonum relinquit exemplum.

ROBERT WOODLARKE was born saith my **John Scot in his tables of Cambridge.Author at Wakerly in this County. True it is, in my late Church History I have challenged him for Northamptonshire.

Because there is no **Consult. Speeds Alphabetical tables, & villare Anglicanum.VVakerly in Northumberland.

Because there is a VVakerly in Northamptonshire.

But on second thoughts, I resige him clear to this County, loth to higgle for a letter or two (misprinted perchance) in the name of a Town. This VVoodlarke was the last of the first Original Fellows, and third Provost of Kings-colledge in Cambridge. He bought three tenements in Miln-street, and (by a Mortmain procured from King Edward the fourth,) erected of them a small Colledge, by the name of Saint Katharines-hall.

As is the man, so is his strength, great matters cannot be expected from so private a person, who never attained to any Prelatical preferment, who was bountiful to his Foundation to the utmost of his ability. Herein he stands alone, without any to accompany him, being the first and last who was Master of one Colledge, and at the same time Founder of another. This his Zoar hath since met with many worthy Benefactours, who have advanced it to be considerable both in buildings and revenues. The date of his death I cannot with any certainty affix.

Memorable Persons.

MACHELL VIVAN is a Scotish-man by his birth, but because beneficed in this County so many years, shall (by the Readers leave) pass for an English-man, so far, as to be here inserted. The rather, because he will minister to the present and future ages, just matter of admiration, as by the perusing of the ensuing letter, from my credible friend, well know in London, (where his surviving Father, was not long since the Prime Magistrate thereof,) will appear.

There is an acquaintance of mine, and a friend of yours, who certified me, of your desire of being satisfied of the truth of that relation I made, p. 309concerning the old Minister in the North. It fortuned in my journey to Scotland, I lay at Alnwick in Northumberland, one Sunday by the way; and understanding from the Host of the house where I lodged, that this Minister lived within three miles of that place, I took my horse after dinner, and rid thither, to hear him preach, for my own satisfaction. I found him in the Desk, where he read unto us, some part of the Common-prayer, some of Holy Davids Psalmes, and two Chapters, one out of the Old, the other out of the New Testament, without the use of Spectacles. The Bible, out of which he read the Chapters, was a very small Printed Bible. He went afterwards into his Pulpit, where he prayed and preached to us about an hour and half. His Text was, Seek you the Kingdome of God, and all things shall be added unto you. In my poor judgement, he made an excellent good Sermon, and went cleaverly through, without the help of any Notes. After Sermon, I went with him to his house, where I proposed these several following Questions to him. Whether it was true, the book reported of him concerning his hair? whether or no he had a new set of Teeth come? whether or no his Eye-sight ever failed him? and whether in any measure he found his strength renewed unto him? He answered me distinctly to all these, and told me, he understood the News-book reported his hair to become a dark brown again, but that is false, he took his Cap off, and shewed me it. It is come again like a childs, but rather flaxen, then either brown or gray. For his Teeth, he hath three come within these two years, not yet to their perfection; while he bred them he was very ill. Forty years since he could not read the biggest Print without Spectacles, and now (he blesseth God) there is no Print so small, no written hand so small, but he can read it without them. For his Strength, he thinkes himself as strong now, as he hath been these twenty years. Not long since he walked to Alnwick to dinner and back again, six North-country miles. He is now an hundred and ten years of age, and ever since last May, a hearty body, very chearful, but stoops very much. He had five children, after he was eighty years of age, four of them lusty lasses, now living with him, the other died lately, his wife yet hardly fifty years of age. He writes himself Machell Vivan, he is a Scotish-man, born near Aberdeen. I forget the Towns name where he is now Pastor, he hath been there fifty years.

Your assured loving friend, Thomas Atkin. Windsor 28. Septem. 1657.

A most strange accident! For waving the Poetical fiction of Aeson his Re-juvenescency in Medeas Bath, it will hardly be paired. To begin with Scripture, Caleb (or All-heart) his professing himself as able for any action at eighty, as **Josh. 4. 11.Josh 4:11forty years before, speaketh no renovation, but continuation of his strength. And whereas **Psam. 103. 5.David saith, that his youth was renewed as an Eagles, he is to be understood in a Metapborical, yea Spiritual sense, of the vigorousness, and sprightfulness of grace in his heart, seeing otherwise his great debilitation doth appear at **1 King. 1. 1.1 Kgs 1:1seventy years, scarce a moity of this mans a age. As for the many miracles, wrought by our Saviour, though extending to the cleansings of Leapers, Curing Diseases, Casting out Divels, yea, Reviving the Dead, yet they never countermanded nature in this kind, by recruiting the strength of an aged person. As for humane History, I meet not with any to mate him in all particulars. The nearest p. 310that treadeth on his heels, is the Countess of Desmond, married in the reign of King Edward the fourth, and yet alive Anno 1589. and many years since, when she was well known to Sir Walter Raleigh, and to all the Nobles and Gentlemen in Mounster. But chiefly to the Earls (for there was a succession of them worn out by her vivacity) of Desmond, from whose expectation she detained her jointer. The Lord Bacon casteth up her age to be an hundred and fourty at least, adding withall, Ter per vices dentisse, That she recovered her Teeth, after her casting them three several times.

All I will adde is this, had this happened in foreign parts, addicted to Popery, near the shrine of some Saint, superstition with her sickle, might have reaped a great harvest thereby.

........ ANDERSON a Townsman and Merchant of Newcastle, talking with a friend on Newcastle-bridge, and fingering his ring, before he was aware let it fall into the river, and was much troubled with the loss thereof, untill the same was found in a fish caught in the river, and restored**Vox Piscis Printed Anno 1626. pag. 13. unto him. The same is reported by Herodotus in his third book, of Polycrates a petty King, and the Minion of fortune, and may be an instance of the recurrency of remarkable accidents, according to**Eccles. 1. 9.Eccl 1:9 Solomons observation, There is no new thing under the sun.

The names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth 1433.

Rob. Umfravile, mil.

Rad. Gray, mil.

Rob. Ogle, senior. mil.

Rob. Ogle, jun. mil.

Johan. Bertram, mil.

Will. Elmeden, mil.

Johan. Midleton, mil.

Will. Svynbarn, mil.

Johan Maners, mil.

Math. Whitfeld, mil.

VVill. Carnaby

Johan. Fenwyk

Johan. Midelton

Tho. Ilderton

Rob. Raymes

Tho. Haggerston

Rob. Maners

Laur. Acton

Tho. Gray de Norton

Tho. Blekensop

Row. Thirwall

Ric. Fetherstanhalgh

Gilb. Rotherford

VVill. Muschaunce

Gilb. Eryngton

VVill. Clenell

Johan. Heron de Netherton

Tho. Reed de Redesdale

Roger. Ushere

Tho. Midleton

Joh. Ellerington

Joh. Park

Rich. Lilburne

Tho. Elwick

Joh. Eryngton

Nic. Heron de Meldon

Joh. Trewyk

Joh. Chestre

Lion. Chestre

Joh. Horsley de Horsley

Jaco. Buk de Morpath

Observations.

The Fable is sufficiently known of the contest betwixt the Wind and the Sun, which first should force the Travailer to put off his cloaths. The Wind made him wrap them the closer about him, whilst the heat of the Sun, soon made him to part with them.

This is moralized in our English Gentry, such who live South-ward near London, (which for the …stre thereof I may fitly call the Sun of our Nation,) in the warmth of wealth, and plean… …f pleasures, quickly strip and disrobe themselves of their Estates and Inheritance; whilst the Gentry living in this County, in the Confines of Scotland, in the VVind of VVar, (daily Alarumed with their blustering enemies) buckle their Estates (as their armour) the closer unto them; and since have no less thriftily defended their patrimony in Peace, then formerly they valiantly maintained it in War.

The Commissioners of this County did not over weary themselves in working, when they returned these persons, presenting no underwood, yea, no standels, but only tymber-oaks, men of great wealth and worship in this Shire, as appears by the thinness of their number, but one and twenty.

p. 311Sheriffs of Northumberland.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Odardus

Anno 2

Will. de Vesci Milo

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Anno 7

Will. de Vesci Milo, for 9 years.

Anno 16

Rog. Statevill, for 15 years.

Anno 31

Rog. de Glanvill, for 3 years.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Rog. de Glanvill

Anno 2

Will. de Stutevill, & Regin. Basset

Anno 3

Nul. Tit. Com. in hoc Rotulo

Anno 4

Anno 5

Anno 6

Hug. Bardoph. for 4 years.

Anno 10

Idem, & Ob. fil. Will.

JOH. REG.

Anno 1

Hugo. Bardolfe

Anno 2

Will. Stutevill, & Joh. Laleman

Anno 3

Rob. filius Rog. & Rad. de Furnell, for 3 years.

Anno 6

Anno 7

Anno 8

Rob. filius Rog. & Rob. de Kent

Anno 9

Rob. filius Rog. & Ang. de Corvo

Anno 10

Rob. filius Rog. & Tho. Haltem

Anno 11

Rob. filius Rog. & Will. de Blunvill

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Aimericus Archid. Dunelm, & Phil. …

Anno 17

Phil. de Ulecot, & Will. de Stratton

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Phil. de Ulcot, for 4 years.

Anno 5

Rob. de Wittester alias (Wirceser)

Anno 6

Idem.

Anno 7

Will. Briewere, jun. & Rog. Langford

Anno 8

Will. Briever, jun. ut Custos, & Tho. de Tetleburn

Anno 9

Joh. filius Rob. & Will. Coniers, for 3 years.

Anno 12

Joh. filius Rob.

Anno 13

Bri. fil. Alani, & Hug. de Magneby, for 3 years.

Anno 16

Bri. fil. Alani, & Joh. de Mersley, for 4 years.

Anno 20

Rich.

Anno 21

Hu. de Bolebet, & Alan. de Kirkby, for 7 years.

Anno 28

Hug. de Bolebet, & Rob. de Camho, for 3 years.

Anno 31

Will. Heyrun, for 11 years.

Anno 42

Joh. de Plesset

Anno 43

Idem.

Anno 44

Tho. filius Mich.

Anno 45

Idem.

Anno 46

Adam. de Gesenor, & Hug. de Hereford Clicus.

Anno 47

Adam. de Cresenor, & Joh. Lidegreynes, for 5 years.

Anno 52

Wischardus de Charny

Anno 53

Idem.

Anno 54

Rich. de Charny, for 3 years.

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Rob. de Hampton, for 3 years.

Anno 4

Joh. de Lichegreynes, for 3 years.

Anno 7

Walt. de Cannblion

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Tho. de Dyneleston, for 8 years,

Anno 17

Rich. Knoul. for 5 years.

Anno 22

Hu. Gobium, for 3 years.

Anno 25

Joh. de Kirkby

Anno 26

Rob. de Balliclo

Anno 27

Idem.

Anno 28

Rog. Mynot

Anno 29

Idem.

Anno 30

Joh. de Camblion

Anno 31

Lucas Talboys

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Joh. de Creppinge, & Joh. de Sheffeld, for 3 years.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Rob. de Fandon

Anno 2

Guid. Charroum

Anno 3

Johan. de Cannton

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Will. de Felton, & Joh. de Cannton, for 3 years.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Joh. de Insula, & Joh. de Fenwick

Anno 2

Joh. de Littlebourne, for 5 years.

Anno 7

Anno 8

Rog. Mauduit

Anno 9

Hob. Dardins, for 3 years.

Anno 12

Wil. Felton, for 6 years.

Anno 18

Rob. Bertram, & Rob. de Fenwicke

Anno 19

Idem.

Anno 20

Rob. Reyms

Anno 21

Idem.

Anno 22

Johan. Clifford

Anno 23

Idem.

Anno 24

Anno 25

Joh. Coupeland, for 3 years.

Anno 28

Anno 29

Anno 30

Anno 31

Alan. de Strocker

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Hen. de Strocker

Anno 34

Idem.

Anno 35

Johan. Heronn

Anno 36

Rog. de Widrington

Anno 37

Rich. de Horsele

Anno 38

Hen. de Strocher, for 5 years.

Anno 43

Rich. de Horsele, for 3 years.

Anno 46

Rob. Umfravil

Anno 47

Tho. Surtis

Anno 48

Johan. Fenwicke

Anno 49

Barthram. Monboucher

Anno 50

Tho. de Ilderton

Anno 51

Rob. Umfravil

p. 312EDWARD the third.

25. JOHN COUPELAND.]

This was he, who five years ago, (viz. in the 20. of this Kings reign) took David Bruce, King of Scotland prisoner, in the battle at Nevils-Cross. Buchanan, an Author not always to be credited, in the concernments of his own Nation, (seldome allowing victory to the English valour, but either to their treachery, or unequal numbers,) reporteth, how Coupeland, having disarm'd his Royal Prisoner, Duos **Rerum Scoticarum lib. 9. fol. 89. pag. 2.pugno dentes excussit, which I will not English, as confident never done by English-man, our Chronicles taking no notice of such a cruelty, but that he treated him with strictness, beseeming a Prisoner; and respect, becoming a Prince; until he had surrendered him to King Edward, who rewarded him with Knight-hood; and lest his honour, without means to support it, should seem burdensome to him, and contemptible to others, He gave him five hundred pounds per annum, to be paid four hundred out of the Customes of London, the other out of those of Berwick, until such time as lands of the same value, were setled on him, and his heirs for ever.

Sheriffs of Northumberland.

The Reader is sensible of more blanks and interruptions, in these Sheriffs, then in any other Catalogue, whereof this reason may be assigned; because the Sheriffs of Northumberland never accompted to the Kings Majesty in his Exchequer, (from which accompts the most perfect List is made) until the third year of King Edward the sixth Yea, they assumed such liberty to themselves, as to siese the issues and profits of their Baylwick, and convert them to their own use, with all other Debts, Fines, and Amercements, within the said County, and all Emoluments accrueing from Alienations, Intrusions, Wards, Marriages, Reliefs, and the like.

This, though it tended much unto the detriment, and loss of the Crown, was for many years connived at, chiefly to incourage the Sheriffs in their dangerous office, who in effect, lay constant Perdues against the neighbouring Scots. But after that, their care was much lessened, by setling the Lord-Wardens of the Marches, it was inacted in the third **Anno 2. & 3 Edwardi 6. cap. 34.of King Edward the …ixth, that the Sheriffs of Northumberland should be accountable for their office, as others, in the Exchequer.

Queen ELIZABETH.

19 FRANCIS RUSSELL, Mil.]

He was son to Francis, and father to Edward Earl of Bedford. He married Julian daughter (whom **In Caral. of Honou. p. 440.Mills calls Elionar, and makes her co-heir) to Sir John Foster aforesaid, which occasioned his residence in these parts. It happened on a Truce-day, June 27. 1585. that the English meant to treat, whilst the Scots meant to fight, being three thousand to three hundred. Now, though it was agreed betwixt them, (to use the words of the Limitary-laws) that they should not hurt each other with word, deed, or look, they fell on the English, in which tumult this worthy Knight lost his life. And, because seldome single funerals happen in great Families, his Father died the same week in the South of England.

The Farewell.

Being now to take our leave of Northnmberland, I remember what I have read of Sir Robert Umfrevile, a native of this County, how he was commonly called **Stows Chro. pag. 338.Robin Mendmarket, so much he improved trading hereabouts, in the reign of King Henry the fonrth. It will not be amiss to wish this County more Mendmarkets, that the general complaint of the decay of traffick may be removed. I confess the Knight bettered the Markets, by selling therein the plentiful plunder which he had taken from the Scots, but I desire it done by some ingenious, and not injurious design, that none may have just cause to complain.