The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 35

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 35

p. 1SHROP-SHIRE hath Cheshire on the North, Staffordshire on the East; Worcester, Hereford and Radnorshires on the South: Montgomery and Denbighshires on the West. The length thereof from North to South is 34 Miles, and the generall breadth thereof about 26 Miles. I behold it really (though not so Reputed) the biggest Lund-lock-shire in England. For although (according to Mr. Speeds mea-suring) it gathereth but one hundred thirty four miles (short of Wiltshireby five) in Circumference; Yet though less in compasse, it may be more in Content, as lesse angular in my eye, and more approaching to a Circle, the form of greatest capacity. A large and lovely County generally fair and fruitful, affording Grasse, Grain, and all things necessary for Mans sustenance, but chiefly abounding with

Naturall Commodities.

Iron.

It is the most impure of all Metals hardly meltable (but with Additaments) yea malleable and ductible with difficulty. Not like that at Damascus, which they refine in such sort, that it will melt at a **Bellovius.Lamp, and yet so tough that it will hardly break.

Some impute the grossenesse of our English Iron to our water, not so proper for that purpose, as in Spain, and other parts, and the Poet telleth us of Turnus his Sword.

**Virg. Aeneid. 12.Ensem quem Dauno igni potens Deus ipse parenti

Fecerat, & Stygia candentem extinxerat unda.

Sword which god Vulcan did for Daunus fixe,

And quenched it when firy hot in Stix.

However many Vtensils are made of the Iron of this County, to the great profit of the Owners, and no losse (I hope) of the Common-wealth.

Coale.

One may observe a threefold difference in our English-Coale. 1 Sea-coale, brought from Newcastle. 2 Land-coale, at Mendip, Bedworth, &c. and carted into other Counties. 3 What one may call River or Fresh-water-Coale, digged out in this County, at such a distance from Severne, that they are easily ported by Boat into other Shires.

O ifthis COALE could be so charcked as to make Iron melt out of the Stone, as it maketh it in Smiths Forges to be wrought in the Bars.

But Rome was not built all in one day, and a NEW WORLD of Experiments is left to the discovery of Posterity.

Manufactures.

This County can boast of no one, her ORIGINAL, but may be glad of one to her DERIVATIVE: viz. the VVelsh-Freeses brought to Oswastre, the staple of that commodity, as **See the Majors of London in this County.hereafter …hall be observed.

The Buildings.

No County in England hath such a heap of Castles together, insomuch that Shropshire may seeme on the VVest, divided from VVales with a VVall of continued Castles. It is much that Mr. Speed which alloweth but one hundred **See his Map General of England.eighty six in all England, accounteth two and thirty in this **See his description of Shropshire.County. But as Great Guns so usefull in the side of a ship, are uselesse in the middle thereof, so these Castles formerly serviceable, whilst Shropshire was the verge of English Dominions, are now neglected, this Shire being almost in the middest of England, since VVales was peaceably annexed thereunto. As for the Houses of the Gentry of this County, as many of them are fair and handsome, so none amount to an extraordinary Eminence.

p. 2Medicinall Waters.

There is a Spring at Pitch-ford, in this Shire, which hath an oily unctuous matter swimming upon the water thereof. Indeed it is not in such plenty as in a River neer to **Agricola de natura, &c. lib. 1. cap. 7.Solos in Cilicia, so full of that liquid substance, that such as wash therein, seem anointed with Oile: nor so abundant, as in the Springs neer the Cape of S. Helen, wherewith (as Josephus Acosta reports) men use to pitch their Ropes and Tackling. I know not whether the sanative virtue thereof hath been experimented, but am sure, that if it be Bitumen, it is good to comfort the Nerves, supple the Joynts, drye up Rheumes, cure Palsies and Contractions. I have nothing more to say of Bitumen, but that great the affinity thereof is with Sulphur, save that Sulphur hath ingression into Mettal, and Bitumen none at all. Here I purposely passe by **D. Jorden of mineral Bathes' pag. 26.Okenyate in this County, where are Allum springs, whereof the Dyers of Shrewsbury make use instead of Allum.

Proverbs.

He that fetcheth a VVife from Shrewsbury, must cary her into Staffordshire, or else shall live in Cumberland.

The Staple-wit of this vulgar Proverb consisting solely in similitude of sound, is scarce worth the inserting. Know then that (notwithstanding the literall allusion) Shrewsbury affordeth as many meeke Wives, as any place of the same proportion: Besides, a Profitable Shrew well may content a reasonable man, the Poets faining Juno, chas…e and thrifty, qualities which commonly attenda shrewd nature. One being demanded; How much shrewishnesse may be allowed in a VVife? Even so much (sayed he) as of Hops in Ale, Whereof a small quantity maketh it both last the longer in it selfe, and taste the better to the owner thereof.

The Case is altered quoth PLOWDEN.] This Proverb referreth its originall to Edmund Plowden, an eminent Native and great Lawyer of this County, though very various the relations of the occasion thereof. Some relate it to Plowden his faint pleading at the first for his Client, till spurred on with a better Fee: which some will say, beareth no proportion with the ensuing Character of his Integrity. Others refer it to his altering of his Judgement upon the Emergencie of new matter formerly undiscovered: It being not Constancie but Obstinacie to persist in an old error, when convinced to the contrary by cleer and new Information. Some tell it thus, That, Plowden being of the Romish perswasion, some Setters trapanned him (pardon the prolepsis) to hear Masse: But afterwards Plowden understanding, that the pretender to Officiate was no Priest, but a meer Lay-man (on designe to make a discovering) Oh! The case is altered quoth Plowden: No Priest, no Masse. As for other meaner Origination of this Proverb, I have neither List nor Leasure to attend unto them.

Princes.

RICHARD PLANTAGENET, second Son to Edward the fourth, and Elizabeth his Queen, was born at **Stows Chro. pag. 703.Shrewsbury 1472. He was created by his Father Duke of York, and affianced to Anne, Daughter and Heir to John Mowbray Duke of Norfolk. But before the nuptials were solemniz'd, his cruel …ncle, the Duke of Glocester, maried him to a grave in the Towre of London. The obscurity of his burial gave the advantage to the report, that he lived in Perkin Warbeck, one of the Idols which put politick King Henry the seventh to some danger, and more trouble, before he could finally suppresse him.

GEORGE PLANTAGENET, youngest son to Edward the fourth, and Elizabeth his Queen, was born at ††Idem Ibid.Shrewsbury. He was like Plautus his Solsticial Flower, Qui repentinò ortus, repentinò occidit, dying in the infancie of his infancie. Some vainly conceive (such conjectures may be safely shot, when no body can see, whether they hit or misse the mark) that, had this George surviv'd, he would have secured the lives of his two elder Brethren, whose …ncle Duke Richard durst not cut thorow the three-fold Cable of Royal Issue. A vain surmise, seeing when Tyrants hands are once wash'd in blood, two or three are all one with their cruelty.

p. 3Saints.

MILBURGH daughter to Meroaldus Prince of Mercia, had the fair Mannor of Wenlock in this County, given to her by her Father for her portion. She, quitting all wordly wealth, bestowed her Inheritance on the Poor, and answered her name of Milburgh, which (as an ††Verstegan pag. 266.Antiquary interpreteth) is Good, or Gracious to Town and City. Living a Virgin, she built a Monastery, in the same place, and departed this life about the year 664.

Four hundred years after, in the Reign of William the Conquerour, her Corps (discovered by Miracles wrought thereby) were taken up sound and uncorrupted, to the admiration of the beholders, (saith my **The English Martyrology, on the 13 day of February.Authour) and surely had I seen the same, I would have contributed my share of wondring thereunto. This I am sure of, that as good a Saint, Lazarus by name, by the confession of his own Sister did ††John 11. 39.John 11:39stink when but four dayes buried. Her Relicts inshrined at Wenlock, remained their in great state, till routed in the reign of King Henry the Eighth.

OSWALD was King of Northumberland, who, after many fortunate battels fought, was vanquished and slain at last by Penda, the Pagan King of the Mercians, at a place in this County called after his name Oswaldstre (now a famous Market-Town in the Marches) thereby procuring to his memory the reputation of Saint and Martyr.

Be pleased, Reader, to take notice, that all battels of this nature, though they were quarrels or armed-suits, commenced on a civil or temporal account for the extending or defending their Dominions; yet were they conceived (in that age especially) to have a mixture of much Piety and Church-concernment therein, because fought against Infidels, and so conducing consequentially to the propagation of the Faith; the reason that all Kings kill'd in such service, atchieved to themselves the veneration of Saints and Martyrs. Say not that King **1 Sam. 31. 3.1 Sam 31:3Saul might be Sainted on the same account, mortally wounded in a pitcht field fought against the Vncircumcised Philistins; both because in fine he slew himself, and his former life was known to be notoriously wicked. Whereas our Oswald was alwayes pious, and exceedingly charitable to the Poor.

His arm cut off, it seems, from the rest of his body, remained, said Bede, whole and incorrupt, kept in a silver Case in S. Peters Church at Bamborough, whilest his Corps was first buried at Peterborough, and afterwards (in the Danish persecution) translated to **English Martyrology. pag. 165.Bergen in Flanders, where it still remaineth.

The fifth of August was in our Kalendar consecrated to his memory, save that the Thanks-giving for the defeating of Gowries-Conspiracy, made bold to justle him out, all the reign of king James. His death hapned Anno Domini 635.

Confessors.

This County afforded none, as the word is reconfined in our Preface. But if it be a little enlarged, it bringeth within the compasse thereof,

THAMAS GATAKER **Narrative of the life o… Th. Gataker junior, after the Sermon preached at his Funeral.younger son of William Gataker, was a branch of an Ancient Family, so firmely planted by Divine providence at Gatacre-Hall in this County, that they have flourished the owners thereof, by an noninterrupted succcession, from the time of King Edward the Confessor. This Thomas being designed a Student for the Law, was brought up in the Temple, where in the raign of Queen Mary he was often present at the examination of persecuted people. Their hard usage made him pity their persons, and admirable patience to approve their opinions. This was no sooner perceived by his Parents (being of the Old perswasion) but instantly they sent him over to Lovain in the Low-Countries, to win him to a compliance to the Popish Religion, and for his better encouragement setled on him an estate of One hundred pound per annum, old Rent. All would not do. Whereupon his Father recalled him home, and revoked his own grant; to which his Son did submit, as unwilling to oppose the pleasure of his Parents, though no such Revocation could take effect without his free consent. He afterwards diverted his mind from the most profitable, to the most necessary Study; from Law, to Divinity: and finding Friends to breed him in Oxford, he became the profitable Pastor of S. Edmonds in Lumbard-street, London, where he died Anno leaving Thomas Gatakèr his Learned Son, (**Vide Learned Writers in London. of whom formerly) heir to his Paynes and Piety.

p. 4Prelates.

ROBERT of SHREWSBURY was in the reign of King John (but I dare not say by him) preferred Bishop of Bangor 1197. Afterwards the King, waging war with Leoline Prince of Wales, took this Bishop prisoner in his own Cathedral Church, and enjoyned him to pay **B. Godwin, in his Bishops of Bangor.Three hundred Hawkes for his ransome. Say not that it was improper that a Man of Peace should be ransomed with Birds of Prey, seeing the Bishop had learnt the Rule, Redime te captum quam queas minimo. Besides 300 Hawkes will not seem so inconsiderable a matter, to him that hath read, how in the reign of King Charles an English Noble Man (taken prisoner at the Ile **H. le Strange in the History of K. Charles.Ree) was ransomed for a Brace of Grey-hounds.

Such who admire where the Bishop on a sudden should furnish himself with a stock of such Fowl, will abate of their wonder, when they remember that about this time the Men of Norway (whence we have the best Hawkes) under Magnus their General, had possessed themselves of the Neighbouring Iland of ††Camdens Brit. Anglesea.Anglesea. Besides he might stock himself out of the Aryes of Pembrook-shire, where ††Idem in Pembrook-shire.Perigrines did plentifully breed. How ever, this Bishop appeareth something humerous by one passage in his Will, wherein he gave order that his Body should be buried in the middle of the Market place ††B. Godwin in Bishops of Bangor.of Shrewsbury. Impute it not to his profaness and contempt of Consecrated ground, but either to his humility accounting himself unworthy thereof, or to his prudential fore-sight, that the fury of Souldiers (during the intestine War betwixt the English and Welsh) would fall fiercest on Churches, as the fairest market, and men, preferring their profit before their Piety, would preserve their Market-places, though their Churches were destroyed. He died Anno 1215.

ROBERT BURNEL, was son to Robert, and brother to Hugh Lord Burnel, whose Prime Seat was at Acton-Burnel-Castle in this County. He was by King Edwàrd the First preferred Bishop of Bath and VVell…s, and first Treasurer, then Chancelor of England. He was well vers'd in the Welsh affairs, and much us'd in managing them; and that he might the more effectually attend such employment, caused the **Camdens Brit. in Salop.Court of Chancery to be kept at Bristol. He got great Wealth wherewith he enriched his kindred, and is supposed to have rebuilt the decayed Castle of Acton-Burnel on his own expence. And to decline envy for his secular structures left to his heirs, he built for his Successors the beautiful Hall at VVells, the biggest room of any Bishops Palace in England, pluck'd down by Sir John Gabos (afterwards executed for Treason) in the reign of King Edward the Sixth.

English and Welsh affaires being setled to the Kings contentment, he employed Bishop Burnel in some businesse about Scotland, in the Marches whereof he died, Anno Domini 1292. and his body, solemnly brought many miles, was buried in his own Cathedral.

WALTER de WENLOCK Abbot of Westminster, was, no doubt, so named from his Nativity in a Market Town in this County. I admire much that Matthew of VVestminster writeth him VVilliam de VVenlock, and that a Monk of VVestminster should (though not miscall) mis-name the Abbot thereof. He was Treasurer **Register of Westminster Abbey.of England to King Edward the First betwixt the twelfth and fourteenth year of his reign, and enjoyed his Abbots Office six and twenty years lacking six dayes. He died on Christmasse day at his Mannor of Periford in Glocester-shire 1307, and was buried in his Church at VVestminster, besides the High-Altar before the Presbutery, without the South dore of King Edward's Shrine, where Abbas VValterus non fuit Aus…erus is part of his Epitaph.

RALPH of SHREWSBURY, born therein, was in the third of King Edward the Third preferred Bishop of Bath & VVells. Being consecrated without the Popes privity (a daring adventure in those dayes) he paid a large sum to expiate his presumption therein. He was a good Benefactor to his Cathedral, and bestowed on them a Chest Portcullis-like, barred with iron, able to hold out a siege in the view of such as beheld it. But, what is of proof against Sacriledge? Some Thieves (with what Engines, unknown) in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, **Godwin in the Bishops of of Bath and Welles.forced it open.

But this Bishop is most memorable for erecting and endowing a spacious structure for the Vicars-Choral of his Cathedral to inhabit together, which in an old Picture is thus presented.

p. 5The Vicars humble petition on their knees.

Per vicos positi villae, Pater alme, rogamus,

Ut simul uniti, te dante domos, maneamus.

To us dispers'd ith' streets, good Father, give,

A place where we together all my live.

The gracious answer of the Bishop, sitting.

Vestra petunt merita quod sint concessa petita,

Ut maneatis ita, loca fecimus haec stabilita.

Your merits crave that what you crave, be yeilded,

That so you may remain, this place we've builded.

Having now made such a Palace (as I may term it) for his Vicars, he was (in observation of a proportionable distance) necessitated in some sort to enlarge the Bishops Seat, which he beautified and fortified Castle-wise, with great expence. He much ingratiated himself with the Country people by disforasting Mendip, Beef better pleasing the Husbandmans palate than Venison. He sate Bishop thirty four years, and dying August 14. 1363. lieth buried in his Cathedral, where his Statue is done to the life,Godwin, Ibid. Vivos viventes vultus vividissimè exprimens, saith my Authour.

ROBERT MASCAL, Was bred (saith Bale in) and born (saith **De Illust. Ang. script. pag. 591.Pitz positively) at Ludlow in this County, where he became a Carmelite. Afterwards he studied in Oxford, and became so famous for his Learning and Piety, that he was made Confessor to Henry the Fourth, and Counsellor to Henry the Fifth, Promoted by the former Bishop of Hereford. He was one of the Three English Prelates which went to (and one of the Two which returned alive from) the Council of Constance. He died 1416 being buried in the **Godwin in Bishops.Church of White-Friers in London, to which he had been an eminent Benefactor.

RICHARD TALBOTE was born of Honourable Parentage in this County, as**Iacob…s Wareus, de Praesulibus Lageniae. pag: 28. Brother unto John Talbote, the first Earl of Shrewsbury. Being bred in Learning, he was consecrated Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland 1417. He sate two and thirty years in that See (being all that time a Privy Counsellor to King Henry the Fifth and Sixth) twice Chief Justice, and once Chancelor of Ireland.

He deserved well of his Church (founding six petty Canons, and as many Choristers therein) yea, generally of all Ireland, writing **Idem de script. Hibernia. pag. 131.a Book against James Earl of Ormond, wherein he detected his abuses during his Lieutenancy in Ireland. He died August the 15. 1449. and lieth buried in Saint Patricks in Dublin under a marble stone, whereon an E…itaph is written not worthy the inserting.

The said Richard was unanimously chosen Arch-bishop of Armagh, a higher place, but refused to remove, wisely preferring Safety, above either Honor or Profit.

GEORGE DAY was born in this **Parker in his Skellitos Cantabrigiensis, in the Provosts of Kings Colledg.County, and successively Scholer, Fellow and Provost of Kings Colledge in Cambridge. Which he reteined with the Bishoprick of Chichester, to which he was consecrated 1543. A most pertinacious Papist, who though he had made some kind of Recantation in a Sermon (as I find it entred in king Edward the Sixth his own Diary) yet either the same was not satisfactory; or else he relapsed into his errours again, for which he was deprived under the said king, and restored again by Queen Mary. He died Anno Dom. 1556.

Prelats since the Reformation.

WILLIAM DAY was brother to the aforesaid George Day. I find no great difference betwixt their age, seeing

**Mr. Hatcher in his Manuscript. Catalogue, of Fellows of Kings Colledge.George Day was admitted in Kings Colledge, Anno 1538.

VVilliam Day was admitted in the same Colledge Anno 1545.

Yet was there more than forty years betwixt the dates of their deaths.

George Day died very young Bishop of Chichester, Anno Dom. 1556.

VVilliam Day died very old Bishop of VVinchester, Anno 1596.

p. 6But not so great was the difference betwixt their Vivacity, as distance betwixt their Opinions: the former being a Rigid Papist, the later a Zealous Protestant. Who requesting of his Brother some Money to buy Books therewith, and other necessaries, was returned with this denial**B. Godwin in the Catal. of the Bishops of Winchester. That he thought it not fit to spend the goods of the Church on him who was an enemy of the Church.

However, this William found the words of Solomon true,**Prov. 18. 24.Prov 18:24 And there is a friend who is nearer than a Brother; not wanting those who supplyed his necessities: He was Proctor of Cambridge, 1558, and afterwards was made by Queen Elizabeth (who highly esteemed him for his Learning and Religion) Provost of Eton and Dean of Windsor, two fair preferments (parted with Thames, but) united in his person; The Bishoprick of Winchester he enjoyed scarcely a whole year, and dyed as aforesaid, 1596.

Statesmen.

Sir THOMAS BROMLEY, was borne at Bromley in this County, of a right ancient Family, I assure you; bred in the Inner Temple, and Generall Solicitor to Queen Elizabeth. He afterwards succeeded Sir Nicholas Bacon, in the Dignity of Lord Chancellor, Aprill 25. 1579.

Now although it was difficult to come after Sir Nicholas Bacon, and not to come after him: Yet such was Sir Thomas his Learning and Integrity (being charactred by my**Camden in his Eliz. Anno 1587. Authors, Virjuris prudentia insignis:) That Court was not sensible of any considerable alteration. He possessed his place about nine years, dying Anno 1587, not being 60 years **Idem Ibid.old. Hereby the pregnancie of his parts do appear, seeing by proportion of time he was made the Queens Solicitor before he was 40, and Lord Chancellor before he was 50 years old. Learning in Law may seem to run in the veins of that name, which since had a Baron of the Exchequer of his Alliance.

Sir CLEMENT EDMONDS was born at**So his neer Kinsman informed me. Shrawardine in this County, and bred Fellow in All-Souls Colledge in Oxford, being generally skilled in all Arts and Sciences. Witness his faithfull Translations of, and learned Illustrations on, Caesars Commentaries. Say not that Comment on Commentary was false Heraldry, seeing it is so worthy a work, that the Authour thereof may pass for an eminent instance to what perfection of Theorie they may attain in matter of War, who were not acquainted with the Practick part thereof, being only once employed by Queen Elizabeth, with a dispatch to Sir Francis Vere which occasioned his presence at the Battail at Newport: For he doth so smartly discusse pro and con, and seriously decide many Martiall Controversies, that his judgement therein is praised by the best Military Masters.

King Iames taking notice of his Abilities, made him Clerke of the Council, and Knighted him: And he was at last preferred Secretary of State, in the vacancy of that place, but, prevented by Death, acted not therein. He died Anno 16.. and lies buried at Preston in Northamptonshire, where he purchased a fair Estate, which his Grandchilde doth possess at this day.

Capitall Judges and Writers on the Law.

EDMUND PLOWDEN, was borne at Plowden in this County, one who excellently deserved of our Municipall Law, in his learned Writings thereon: but consult his ensuing Epitaph, which will give a more perfect account of him.

Conditur in hoc Tumulo corpus Edmundi Plowden Armigeri. Claris ortus Parentibus, apud Plowden in Comitatu Salop. natus est; à pueritia in literarum studio liberaliter est educatus, in provectiore vero aetate Legibus, & juris prudentiae operam dedit. Senex jam factus, & annum aetatis suae agens 67. Mundo valedicens, in Christo Jesu sanctè obdormivit, die sexto mensis Februar. Anno Domini, 1584.

I have rather inserted this Epitaph inscribed on his Monument on the North side of the East end of the Quire of Temple Church in London, because it hath escaped (but by what p. 7casualty I cannot conjecture) Master Stow in his Survey of London. We must add a few words out of the Character Mr.**His Elizabeth. An. 1584. Camden gives of him.

Vitae integritate inter homines suae professionis nulli secundus.

And how excellent a medly is made, when honesty and ability meet in a man of his Profession! Nor must we forget how he was Treasurer for the Honourable Society of the Middle-Temple, Anno 1572. when their magnificent Hall was builded: He being a great advancer thereof.

Sir JOHN WALTER, son to Edmund Walter, Chief Justice of South-Wales, was born at Ludlow in this County, and bred a Student of our Common-Laws, wherein he atteined to great Learning, so that he became, when a Pleader, eminent; when a Judge, more eminent; when no Judge, most eminent.

1 Pleader.] The Character that Learned James Thuanus, **Obiit Doct. Vir. in Anno 1565. in vita Joan. ….gives of Christopher Thuanus his Father, being an Advocate of the Civil Law, and afterwards a Senator of Paris, is exactly agreeable to this Worthy Knight;

Ut bonos a calumniatoribus, tenuiores a potentioribus, doctos ab ignorantibus opprimi non pateretur.

That he fuffered not good men to be born down by slanderers, poor men by more potent, Learned men by the ignorant.

2 Judge.] Who (as when ascending the Bench, entering into a new temper) was most passionate as Sir John, most patient as Judge Walter; and great his gravity in that place. When Judge Denham, his most upright and worthy Associate in the Western Circuit once said unto him, My Lord, you are not merry; Merry enough (return'd the other) for a Judge.

3 No Judge.] Being outed of his place, when Chief Baron of the Exchequer, about the Illegality of the Loan, as I take it.

He was a grand Benefactor (though I know not the just proportion) to Jesus Colledge in Oxford, and died Anno††Stow Surv. of Lon. in the Rem. pag. 910. 1630. in the Parish of the Savoy, bequeathing 20 l. to the Poor thereof.

EDWARD LITLETON born at**So am I informed by his two Su…viving Brothers, the one a Serjeant at Law, the other a Dr. in Divinity. Mounslow in this County, was the eldest son to Sir Edward Littleton, one of the Justices of the Marches, and Chief Justice of NorthWales. He was bred in Christ-Church in Oxford, where he proceeded Batchelor of Arts, and afterward one of the Justices of North-Wales, Recorder of London, and Sollicitor to king Charles. From these places he was preferred to be Chief Justice of the CommonPleas, when he was made Privy Counsellor; thence advanced to be Lord Keeper and Baron of Mounslow, the place of his Nativity. He died in Oxford and was buried in Christ Church, Anno 1645.

Souldiers.

Sir JOHN TALBOT was born (as all concurring indications do avouch) at BlackMere in this County, the then flourishing (now ruined) House, devolved to his Family by marying the Heir of the Lord Strange of Black-Mere. Many Honourable Titles deservedly met in him, who was,

1 Lord Talbot, and Strange, by his Paternal extraction.

2 Lord Furnival and Verdon, by maryage with Joan, the daughter of Thomas de Nevil.

3 Earl of Shrewsbury in England, and Weisford in Ireland, by creation of King Henry the Sixth.

This is that terrible Talbot, so famous for his Sword, or rather whose Sword was so famous for his arm that used it. A Sword with bad††Sum Talboti pro vincere inimicos meos. Latin upon it, but good Steel within it, which constantly conquered where it came, insomuch that the bare fame of his approach, frighted the French from the Siege of Burdeaux. Being victorious for twenty four years together, successe failed him at last, charging the enemy neer Castilion on unequal termes, where he with his Son the Lord Lisle were slain with a shot July 17. 1453. Hence forward we may say, Good night to the English in France, whose victories were buried with the body of this Earl, and his body enterred at White-Church in this County.

Sir JOHN TALBOT, son to Sir John Talbot aforesaid, and Vicount Lisle in right of his Mother. Though he was slain with his Father, yet their ashes must not be so hudled p. 8together, but that he must have a distinct commemoration of his valour. The rather, because a Noble ††Sir Walter R…leigh in Histor. of the World. lib. 5. pag. 455.Pen hath hinted a parallel, betwixt him and Paulus Aemilius the Roman General, which others may improve.

1 Aemilius was overpowred by the forces of Hannibal and Asdrubal to the loss of the day.

2 Corn. Lentulus intreated Aemilius (sitting all bloodied upon a stone) to rise and save himself, offering him his horse and other assistance.

3 Aemilius refused the proffer, adding withall, That he would not again come under the judgment of the people of Rome.

1 The same sad success attended the two Talbots, in fight against the French.

2 The Father advised the son, by escape to reserve himself for future fortune.

3 His son crav'd to be excused, and would not on any termes be perswaded to forsake his father.

In two considerables Talbot far surpass'd Aemilius, for Aemilius was old, grievously, if not mortally wounded: our Lord in the flower of his youth, unhurt, easily able to escape. Aemilius accountable for the over-throw received, the other no wayes answerable for that daye's mis-fortune, being (as we have said) the 17 of July 1453.

Learned Writers.

ROBERT of SHREWSBURY. Take, Reader a tast of the different Spirits of Writers concerning his Character.

Leland's Text. Eadem opera, & religionem celebrabat, & literas. With the same endeavour He plied both Religion and Learning.

**Script. Brit. Cent. 2. num. 76Bale his Comment. Per religionem fortassis Monachatum intelligit, per literas Sophistica praestigia.

It may be he meaneth Monkery by Religion and by Learning Sophistical fallacies.

I confess he might have imployed his pains better. But Bale proceeds, de Consultis Ruthenis, consulting (not the Russians, as the word sounds to all Criticks) but the Men of Ruthin in Wales. He wrote the Life and Miracles of S. Winfride, flourished Anno 1140.

DAVID of CHIRBURY, a Carmelite, was so named from his Native place in the West of this County, bordering on Mountgomery-shire. A small Village I confesse, yet which formerly denominated a whole hundred, and at this day is the Barony of the Lord Herbert. He was, saith Leland, (whom I take at the second hand on the trust of John **In Appendice Ilus Ang. scrip. pag. 832.Pits) Theologiae cognitione clarus. And going over into Ireland, was there made Episcopus Dormorensis, Bishop of Drummore, as I take it, He is said **Idem Ibid.to have wrote some Books, though not mentioned in Bale, and (which is to me a wonder) no notice taken of him by that Judicious Knight Sr. James **In his Book, de Scriptoribus Hibernicis.Ware. So that it seems his Writings were either few, or obscure. Returning into England he died, and was buried in his Native County at Ludlow, in the Convent of the Carmelites, Anno Dom. 1420.

Since the Reformation.

ROBERT LANGELAND, forgive me, Reader, though placing him (who lived one hundred & fifty years before) since the Reformation: For I conceive that the Morning-star belongs rather to the Day, then to the Night. On which account this Robert (regulated in our Book not according to the Age he was in, but Judgement he was of,) may by Prolepsis be termed a Protestant.

He was born at ††Bale de script. Brit. cent. 6. num. 37.Mortimers-Clibery in this County eight miles from Malvern-Hills: was bred a Priest, and one of the first followers of J. Wickliffe, wanting neither Wit, nor Learning, as appears by his Book called, The vision of Pierce Plowgh-man, and hear what Character a most Learned **Mr. Selden in his notes on Poliolbion. pag. 109.Antiquary giveth thereof.

It is written in a kind of English meeter, which for discovery of the infecting corruptions of those times, I preferre before many of the more seemingly serious Invectives, as well for Invention as Judgement.

There is a Book first set forth by Tindal, since, exemplied by Mr. ††Acts and Monuments. pag. 398.Fox, called The p. 9Prayer and complaint of the Plowghman, which though differing in title and written in prose, yet be of the same subject at the same time, in the same Language, I must referre it to the same Authour: and let us observe a few of his strange words with their significations.

It's observeable that Pitzaeus (generally a perfect Plagiary out of Bale) passeth this Langland over in silence: and why? because he wrote in oppositum to the Papal Interest: Thus the most Light finger'd Thieves will let that alone, which is too hot for them. He flourished under King Edward the Third, Anno Dom. 1369.

THOMAS CHURCHYARD was born in the Town of Shr…wesbury, as himself doth affirm in his Book made in Verse of the Worthines of VVales, taking Shropshire within the compass, making (to use his own expression) Wales the Park, and the Marches to be the Pale thereof. Though some conceive him to be as much beneath a Poet, as above a Rbimer, in my opinion his Verses may go abreast with any of that age, writing in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth. It seems by this his Epitaph in Mr. Camdens Remains, that he died not guilty of much Wealth.

Come Alecto lend me thy Torch,

To find a Church-yard in a Church-porch:

Poverty and Poetry his Tomb doth enclose,

Wherefore good nighbours be merry in Prose.

His death, according to the most probable conjecture, may be presumed about the eleventh year of the Queens Reign Anno Dom. 1570.

THOMAS HOLLAND D. D. was born in this **Herologia Anglica, pag. 238.County, in finibus & limitibus Cambriae, in the confines and Marches of Wales, bred in Exeter Colledge in Oxford, and at last became Rector thereof. He did not with some only sip of Learning, or at the best but drink thereof: but was Mersus in Libris, Drowned in his Books, so that the Scholar in him almost devoured all other Relations. He was, saith the Authour, of his Funeral Sermon so familiar with the Fathers, as if he himselfe had been a Father. This quality commended him to succeed Dr. Lawrence Humphrid, in the place of Regius Professor, which place he discharged with good credit for twenty years together. When he went forth of his Colledge on any journey for any long continuance, he alwayes took this solemn Valediction of the Fellowes.

**Idem ibid.I commend you to the love of God, and to the hatred of Popery and Superstition.

His extemporaries were often better than his praemeditations, so that he might have been said to have been out, if he had not been out. He died in March Anno Dom. 1612. and was buried in Oxford with great solemnity and lamentation.

ABRAHAM WHELOCK was born in White-church Parish in this County, bred Fellow of Clare-Hall, Library-keeper, Arabick Professor, and Minister of St. Sepulchers in Cambridge. Admirable his industry, & no lesse his Knowledg in the Oriental tongues, so that he might serve for an Interpreter to the Queen of Sheba coming to Salomon, and the Wise Men of the East who came to Herod, such his skill in the Arabi… and Persian Language. Amongst the Western Tongues he was well vers'd in the Saxon, witness his fair and true Edition of Bede.

He translated the New Testament into Persian, and printed it, hoping in time it might tend to the conversion of that Country to Christianity. Such as laugh at his design as ridiculous, might well forbear their mirth, and seeing they expended neither penny of cost nor hour of pains therein, might let another enjoy his own inclination. True it is he that sets an acorn, sees it not a timber-oak, which others may behold, and if such p. 10Testaments be conveyed into Persia, another age may admire what this doth deride. He died, as I take it, Anno Dom. 1654.

Benefactors to the Publick.

Sir ROGER ACHLEY born at **Survey of London, p. 577.Stanwardine in this County. He beheld the whole City of London as one Family, and himself the Major 1511 (for the time being) the Master thereof. He observed that poor people, who never have more than they need, will sometimes need more than they have. This Joseph collected from the present plenty, that a future famine would follow, as in this kind, a Lank constantly attendeth a Bank. Wherefore he prepared Leaden-Hall, (therefore called the Common Garner) and stored up much Corn therein, for which he deserved the praise of the Rich, and the blessing of the Poor.

Since the Reformation.

Sir ROWLAND HILL, son of Richard Hill, was born at **Stows Survey of London, p. 584.Hodnet in this County, bred a Mercer in London, whereof he was Lord Major 1549. Being sensible that God had given him a great estate, he expressed his gratitude unto him

In Giving maintenance to a fair▪ School at Drayton in this County, which he built and endowed, besides six hundred pounds to Christ-Church-Hospital, and other benefactions.

In **D. VVillet, in his Ca…al. of Protestant Char.Forgiving at his death all his Tenants in his Mannors of Aldersy and Sponely, a years Rent. Also enjoyning his Heirs, to make them new Leases of one and twenty years, for two years Rent.

As for the Cause-wayes he caused to be made, and Bridges built (two of stone conteining **Stows Survey of London, pag. 90.eighteen arches in them both) seeing hitherto it hath not been my hap to go over them, I leave his piety to be praised by such passengers, who have received safety, ease, and cleaness, by such conveniences. He died Anno Dom. 15..

¶ A note to the Reader.

I have heard the natives of this County confess and complain of a comparative dearth (in proportion to other Shires) of Benefactors to the publick. But sure, Shropshire is like to the Mulberry, which putteth forth his leaves last of all Trees, but then maketh such speed, (as sensible of his slowness with an ingenious shame) that it overtaketh those trees in Fruit, which in Leaves started long before it. As this Shire of late hath done affording two of the same surname still surviving, who have dipp'd their hands so deep in charitable morter.

Sir **Dub'd by K. Charles the II at the Hague, when sent thithera Commissioner for the City of London.THOMAS ADAMS, Kt. was born at Wem in this County, bred a Draper in London, where God so blessed his honest industry, that he became Lord Major thereof 164.. A man, who hath drunk of the bitter waters of Meribah without making a bad face thereat, cheerfully submitting himself to Gods pleasure in all conditions.

He gave the house of his nativity, to be a Free School (that others might have their breeding, where he had his birth) and hath liberally endowed it. He liveth in due honor and esteem and, I hope, will live to see many years, seeing there is no better Collurium or Eye-salve to quicken and continue ones sight, than in his life time to behold a building erected for the publick profit.

WILLIAM ADAMS Esq. was born at Newport in this County, bred by Trade a Haberdasher in London, where God so blessed his endeavours, that he fined for Alderman in that City. God had given him an heart and hand proportionable to his estate, having founded in the Town of his nativity a School-house in the form following.

1 The building is of Brick, with Windowes of free stone, wherein the School is Threescore and ten in length, and two and twenty foot in breadth and height.

2 Over it a fair Library furnished with plenty and choise Books. At the South end, the lodgings of the Schoolmaster, whose salary is sixty; On the North the Ushers, whose stipend is thirty pounds per annum.

3 Before the front of the School a stately Crupto-porticus, or fair walk all the length of p. 11the School, with Pillars erected, and on the top thereof a leaden Tarras, with Railes, and Barristers.

4 Two Alms-houses for poor people, at convenient distance from the School, with competent maintenance.

5 Two Gardens a piece, for School-master and Usher, with well nigh two Acres of ground for a place for the Scholars to play in.

6 The Rent for the maintenance thereof deposed in the hands of Trustees, a year before, that in case of casualty there may be no complaint.

7 More intended for the settlement of exhibitions to Scholars chosen hence to the University, as God hereafter shall direct the founder. But who for the present can hold from praising so pious a performance.

Come Momus, who delight do'st take,

Where none are found, there faults to make:

And count'st that cost, and care, and pain,

Not spent on thee, all spent in vain.

See this bright structure, till that smart

Blind thy blear-eyes, and grieve thy heart.

Some Cottage-Schools are built so low,

The Muses there must groveling go.

Here, whilst Apollo's sharp doth sound,

The Sisters Nine may dance around;

And Architects may take from hence

The Pattern of magnificence.

Then grieve not, Adams, in thy mind,

'Cause you have left no Child behind:

Unbred! unborn, is better rather

If so, you are a second Father

To all bred in this School so fair,

And each of them thy Son and Heir.

Long may this Worthy person live to see his intentions finished and compleated, to his own contentment.

Memorable Persons.

THOMAS PARRE, son of John Parre, born at Alberbury in the Parish of Winnington in this County, lived to be above one hundred and fifty years of age, verifying his Anagram

Thomas Parre.

Most rare hap.

He was born in the reign of King Edward the Fourth, one thousand four hundred eighty three, and two moneths before his death was brought up by Thomas Earle of Arundel (a great lover of Antiquities in all kinds) to Westminster. He slept away most of his time, and is thus charactered by an eye witness of him

From head to heel his body had all over,

A quick-set, thick-set nat'ral hairy cover.

Change of Air and Diet (better in it self, but worse for him) with the trouble of many Visitants or Spectators rather are conceived to have accelerated his death, which happened Westminster, November the 15, 1634, and was buried in the Abbey-Church, all present at his burial, doing homage to this our aged Thomas de Temporibus.

Lords Majors.

See we here a Jury of Lords Majors born in this (which I believe will hardly be paallel'd in a greater) County. All [no doubt] Honestmen, and true.

p. 12The Names of the Gentry of this County, returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of Henry the Sixth 1433.

Willielmi Malory, Militis

Johannis Fitz-Piers

Willielmi Lodelowe

Thomae Hopton, de Hopton

Richardi Archer

Johannis Wynnesbury

Thomae Corbet, de Ley

Thomae Corbet, de Morton

Johannis Bruyn, senioris

Thomae Charleton

Richardi Peshale

Thomae Newport

Georgii Hankeston

Johannis Brugge

Thomae Banastre

Hugonis Harnage

Leonardi Stepulton

Hugonis Cresset

Johannis Skryven

Willielmi Poynour

Richardi Neuport

Richardi Horde

Nicholai Sandford

Griffin Kynaston

Johanuis Bruyn, junioris

Hugonis Stepulton

Simonis Hadington

Alani Wetenhull

Richardi Sonford

Johannis Otley

Edwardi Leighton, de Mershe

Edmundi Plowden

Thomae Mardford

Rogeri Bromley

Richardi Lee

Humfridi Cotes

VVillielmi Leighton

Richardi Horton

Willielmi Welascote

Richardi Husee

Johannis Wenlok

Willielmi Mersheton

Walteri Codour

Ricdardi Gerii

VVillielmi Bourden.

A] This VVilliam was VVilliam Hieworth, Bishop of Coventry and Leichfield, of whom**VVilts Prela: here after.

B] Sir John Talbot, (though here only additioned Knight) was the Lord Talbot, and eight years after created Earl of Shrewsbury, of whom**Vide Souldiers in this County. before.

C] Richard Laken, the same Family with Lacon, whose Seat was at VVillily in this County, augmented both in Bloud and Estate by the Matches with the Heirs of

1**Camb. Brit. in Salop. Harley. 2 Peshal. 3 Passilew. 4 Blunt of Kinlet.

My hopes are according to my desires that this Ancient Family is still extant in this County, though I suspect shrewdly shattered in Estate.

The Commissioners of this Shire were neither altogether Idle, nor very Industrious: having made but a short and slender return, only of 45 principal persons therein.

Sheriffes of Shropshire.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Will. filius Alani, for 5 years together.

Anno 7

Guido Extraneus, for 5 years together.

Anno 12

Gaufrid. de Ver, for 4 years together.

Anno 16

Gaufrid. de Ver, & Will. Clericus.

Anno 17

Guido Extraneus, for 9 years together.

Anno 26

Hugo Pantulfe, for 8 years together.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Will. filius Alani, & Reginal. de Hesden.

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Will. filius Alani, & Will. de Hadlega.

Anno 4

Will. filius Alani, for 4 years together.

Anno 8

Will. filius Alani, & Reginald. de Hedinge.

Anno 9

Will. filius Alani, & Wido. filius Roberti.

Anno 10

Will. filius Alani Masculum.

JOHANNES.

Anno 1

Will. filius Alani, & VVarrus de VVililegh.

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

VVill. filius Alani, & Reiner de Lea.

Anno 4

G. filius Petri, & Richardus, de Ambresleg.

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Thomas de Erolitto & Robertus de Alta Ripa.

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Thomas de Erdington, for 9 years together.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Ranul. Com. Cestriae, & Hen. de Aldetheleg.

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Ranul. Com. Cestriae, & Philippus Kinton.

Anno 6

Idem.

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Ranul. Com. Cestriae.

Anno 9

Johannes Bovet.

Anno 10

Idem.

p. 13Anno 11

Hen. de Aldithle.

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Hen. de Aldithle, & VVill. de Bromley.

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Idem.

Anno 17

Petr. Rival. & Rob. de Haye, for 4 years together.

Anno 21

Johannes Extraneus, & Robertus de Acton.

Anno 22

Johannes Extraneus, for 11 years together.

Anno 33

Thomas Corbet

Anno 34

Idem.

Anno 35

Robertus de Grendon, for 5 years together.

Anno 40

Hugo Acover

Anno 41

Idem.

Anno 42

VVillielmus Bagod

Anno 43

Idem.

Anno 44

Idem.

Anno 45

Jacobus de Audeley, for 7 years together.

Anno 52

VValterus de Hopton

Anno 53

Idem.

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Roger. de Mortuo Mari.

Anno 2

Idem

Anno 3

Idem

Anno 4

Bago de Knovile

Anno 5

Idem

Anno 6

Idem.

Anno 7

Rogerus Sprengehuse, for 8 years together.

Anno 15

Dominus de Ramesley

Anno 16

Idem.

Anno 17

Robertus Corbet

Anno 18

VVill. de Tickley, ( …ive Tittle) for 6 years together.

Anno 24

Radulphus de Schirle.

Anno 25

Idem

Anno 26

Idem.

Anno 27

Tho. Corbet

Anno 28

Idem.

Anno 29

Richardus de Harleigh.

Anno 30

Idem

Anno 31

VValter de Beysin

Anno 32

Idem

Anno 33

Johannes de Acton

Anno 34

Johannes de Dene

Anno 35

Idem

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Rogerus Trumvine

Anno 2

Johannes Extraneus, & Hugo de Crofts. Hugo de Crofts

Anno 4

Idem

Anno 5

Hugo de Audeley

Anno 6

Idem

Anno 7

Idem

Anno 8

VVill. de Mere.

Anno 9

Rogerus de Cheyney

Anno 10

Rogerus Trumwine

Anno 11

Idem.

Anno 12

Robertus de Grendon

Anno 13

Nul. Tit. Vicom. in hoc Rot.

Anno 14

Nec in hoc.

Anno 15

Johannes de Swinerton

Anno 16

Idem.

Anno 17

Hen. de Bishburne

Anno 18

Idem

Anno 19

Idem

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Joh. de Hinckley, & Hen. de Bishburn

Anno 2

Idem

Anno 3

Johannes Hinckley

Anno 4

Idem

Anno 5

Henricus de Bishburn

Anno 6

Idem

Anno 7

Richardus de Peshal

Anno 8

Idem

Anno 9

Johannes de Hinckley

Anno 10

Simon de Ruggeley

Anno 11

Richardus de Peshal

Anno 12

Idem

Anno 13

Simon de Ruggeley

Anno 14

Idem

Anno 15

Adam de …eshal

Anno 16

Thomas de Swinerton

Anno 17

Idem

Anno 18

Johannes de Aston

Anno 19

Richardus Com. Arundel, for 31 years together.

Anno 50

Richardus Peshall

Anno 51

Petrus de Careswel.

RICHARD the Second.

9. NICHOLAS de SANDFORD.] This ancient Name is still extant, at the same place in this County in a worshipful equipage; Wellfare a dear token thereof. For in the List of such as compounded for their reputed delinquency in our late Civil VVars, I find Francis Sandford, of Sandford Esq. paying four hundred fifty nine pounds for his composition. Yet I believe the Gentleman begrudged not his mony in preservation of his own integrity, acting according to the information of his conscience, and the practice of all his Ancestors. I understand that the said Francis Sandford was very well skill'd in making VVarlike Fortifications.

HENRY the IV.

1 JOHN CORNWALL, Miles.] A Person remarkable on several accounts. 1 For his high Extraction, descended from Richard Earl of Cornwall, and King of the Almains, as his Arms do evidence. 2 Prosperous Valour under King Henry the Fifth in France, there gaining so great Treasure, as that therewith he**Camd. Brit▪ in Bedfordshire. built his fair house at Amp-hi… in Bedfordshire, 3 Great Honour, being created by King Henry the Sixth Baron Fanhop, and Knight of the Garter. 4 Constant Loyalty, sticking faster to King Henry the Sixth, than his own p. 16Crown did, faithfully following after the other forsook him. 5 Vigorous vivacity, continuing till the reign of King Edward the Fourth, who dispossessed him of his Lands in Bedford-shire. 6 Chearful disposition, pleasantly saying: That not He, but his fine House at Amp-hill, was **Camd. ut prius.guilty of high Treason: happy! that he could make mirth at his misery, and smile at the loosing of that, which all his Frowns could keep no longer. Know Reader that if this J. Cornwal, shall (which I suspect not) prove a distinct person, from this his Kinsman and Namesake, none will blame me for taking here a just occasion of speaking of so eminent a Man, who elsewhere came not so conveniently under my Pen.

EDWARD the Fourth.

2 ROGER KINASTON, Ar.] I cannot satisfie my self in the certain Arms of this ancient Family (much augmented by match with HORD) finding them giving sundry [all good and rich] Coats in several Ages, but conceive they now fix on, Ar. a Lion ramp. Sa.

RICHARD the Third.

1 THOMAS MITTON.] He, in obedience to King Richard's commands, apprehended the Duke of Buckingham (the Grand Engener to promote that Usurper) in the house of Humphry Banaster, who for the avaricious desire of a thousand pounds betrayed the Duke unto the Sherif.

3 GILBERT TALBOT Mil.] He was son to John Talbot, second Earl of Shrewsbury, of that name. In the time of his Sherivalty, Henry Earl of Richmond (afterwards King Henry the Seventh) marching with his men to bid battle to King Richard the Third, was met at Shrewsbury by the same Sir Gilbert, with two thousand men well appointed (most of them Tenants and Retainers to his Nephew George fourth Earl of Shrewsbury, then in minority) whence forward and not before, his Forces deserved the name of an Army. For this and his other good service in Bosworth-field King Henry rewarded him with fair Lands at Grafton, in VVorcester-shire, made him Governour of Calis in France, and Knight of the Garter, and from him the present Earl of Shrewsbury is descended.

I conceive it was rather his son than himself, to whom King Henry the Eight (fearing a sudden surprise from the French) wrote briefly and peremptorily That he should instantly fortifie the Castle of Calis. To whom Governour Talbot unprovided of necessaries as briefly as bluntly replyed, That he could neither fortifie nor fiftifie without money.

Queen ELIZABETH.

45 ROGER OWEN, Miles.] He was the son of Sir Thomas Owen, the Learned and religious Justice of the Common Pleas, who lieth buried on the South side of the Quire of Westminster Abbey. This Sir Roger, most eminent in his Generation, deserved the Character given him by Mr. **In Shropshire.Camden.

Multiplici doctrinâ tanto Patre dignissimus.

He was a Member of Parliament, Vndecimo Jacobi, (as I take it) when a great Man therein (who shall be nameless) cast a grieveous, and general Aspersion on the English **Quo genere hominum nihil est putidius.Clergy. This Sir Roger appeared a Zelot in their defence, and not only removed the Bastard [Calumny] from their doores, at which it was laid, but also carried the Falshood home to the true Father thereof, and urged it shrewdly against the Person, who in that place, first revived the Aspersion….

King JAMES.

14 ROWLAND COTTON, Miles.] Incredible are the most true relations, which many eye-witnesses, still alive, do make of the Valour and Activity of this most accomplished Knight. So strong, as if he had been nothing but bones: so nimble, as if he had been nothing but sinewes.

CHARLES the First.

2 RICHARD NEWPORT, Miles.] Signal his Fidelity to the king, even in his lowest condition, by whom he was deservedly rewarded with the Title of Baron of High-Arcol in this County, being created at Oxford the 14 of October, 1642. His sonne Francis Lord Newport at this day honoureth his honour with his Learning and other natural accomplishments.

Farewell.

May this Shire, by Divine Providence, be secured from the return of the Sweating sicknesse, which first began and twice raged in the Town of Shrewsbury. The Cure was discovered, too late to save many, yet soon enough to preserve more thousands of Men viz. by keeping the Patient in the same posture wherein he was seized, without Food or Physick, and such who so weathered out the disease, for twenty four hours, did certainly escape.