The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 39

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 39

p. 54SUFFOLK hath Norfolk on the North, divided with the Rivers of Little Ouse and Waveny, Cambridge-shire on the West, the German Ocean on the East, and Essex parted with the River Stoure on the South thereof. From East to West it stretcheth fourty five miles, though the general breadth be but twenty, saving by the Sea-side, where it runneth out more by the advantage of a Corner. The Air thereof generally is sweet and by the best **Speed in his description of Suffolk.Physicians esteemed the best in England often prescribing the Receit thereof to the Consumptionish-Patients. I say generally sweet, there being a smal parcel nigh the Sea-side not so excellent, which may seem left there by Nature, on purpose to advance the purity of the rest.

Naturall Commodities.

Cheese.

Most excellent are made herein, whereof the finest are very thin, as intended not for food but digestion. I remember when living in Cambridge, the Cheese of this County was preferred as the best. If any say that Scholars palates are incompetent Judges, whose hungry appetites make course Diet seem delicates unto them, let them know, that Pantaleon the Learned Dutch Physician **Camd. Brit. in Suffolk.counted them, equal at least, with them of Parma in Italy.

Butter.

For Quantity and Quality this County doth excel, and venteth it at London, and elsewhere. The Child, not yet come to, and the old Man, who is past the use of Teeth eateth no softer, the Poor Man no cheaper, (in this Shire) the Rich no wholesomer food, I mean in the morning. It was half of our Saviours Bill of Fare, in his Infancy Butter **Esaiah 7. 15Isa 7:15and Hony shall he eat.

It is of a Cordial, or if I may say, Antidotal Nature. The story is well known of a Wife which desiring to be a Widow incorporated Poison in the Butter, whereon her Husband had his principal repast. The poor man finding himself strangely affected, repaired to a Physician, who by some Symptomes suspecting poison, demanded of his Patient which was his chiefest Diet. The sick man told him, that he fed most constantly on Butter. Eat Butter still (return'd the Physician) which hitherto hath saved your Life, for it corrected the poison, that neither the malignity thereof, nor the malice of the wife, could have their full operation.

Manufactures.

Cloathing.

Here it will not be amiss to insert a passage which I meet with in an Industrious Antiquary **Weavers Funeral Monuments, pag. 770.as relating to the present subject.

The Manufacture of Cloathing in this County hath been much greater, and those of that Trade far richer, I perswade my self, heretofore than in these times, or else the Heirs and Executors of the deceased were more careful that the Testators dead Corps should be interred in more decent manner, than they are now a-dayes; Otherwise I should not find so many Marbles richly inlaid with Brass, to the memory of Cloathiers in fore-going Ages, and not one in these later seasons. All the Monuments in the Church of Neyland which bare any face of comliness, and Antiquity are erected to the memory of Cloathiers, and such as belong to that Mystery.

Some perchance would assign another reason, viz. Because Monuments formerly were conceived to conduce much to the happiness of the deceased (as bespeaking in their Epitaphs the Suffrages of the living in their behalf) which errour is vanished away since the Reformation; all which being fully beleeved weakneth not the observation, but that Suff…lk Clothiers were Wealthier in former than in our Age.

Buildings.

This County hath no Cathedral therein, and the Parochial Churches [generally fair] no one of transcendent eminency; But formerly it had so magnificent an AbbeyChurch in Bury, the Sun shined not on a fairer, with **Leland in his description of Bury.three lesser Churches waiting p. 55thereon in the same Church-yard. Of these but two are extant at this day, and those right stately structures;

And if the Servants we so much commend,

What was the Mistriss whom they did attend?

Here I meet with a passage affected me with wonder, though I know not how the Reader will resent it: It is avouuched by all ††Stow▪ Speed, Mills, Vincent, Weaver, &c.Authors; That Mary youngest sister to King Henry the Eighth, Relict to Lewis the Twelfth King of France, afterwards married to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, died on Mid-summer Eve 1533, and was buried in the Abbey Church in Bury. But it seems her Corps could not protect that Church from demolishing, which in few years after was levelled to the ground. I read not that the Body of this Princess was removed to any other place, nor doth any monument here remain to her memory, though her King-Brother and second Husband survived the destruction of that Church. A strange thing! save that nothing was strange in those dayes of confusion.

As for the Town of Bury it is sweetly seated and fairely built, especially since the year 1608. About which time it was lamentably defaced with a casual Fire, though since God hath given them Beauty for **Isaiah 61. 3.Isa 61:3Ashes. And may the following Distich (set up therein) prove Prophetical unto the place.

Burgus ut antiquus violento corruit igne,

Hic stet, dum flammis terra polusque flagrent.

Though furious fire the old Town did consume,

Stand This, till all the World shall flaming fume.

Noris the School a small Ornament to this Town founded by King Edward the Sixth, being itself a Corporation, now (as well as ever) flourishing under M^r. Stephens, the able Master thereof.

Amongst the many fair houses of the Gentry in this County Long Melford must not be forgotten, late the house of the Countess Rivers, and the FIRST FRUITS of PLUNDERING in England; and Sommerley Hall (nigh Yarmouth) belonging to the Lady Wentworth, well answering the Name thereof: For here Sommer is to be seen in the depth of Winter in the pleasant walks, beset on both sides with Firr-trees green all the year long, besides other curiosities. As for Merchants houses, Ipswich Town (corrival with some Cities for neatness and greatness) affordeth many of equal handsomness.

Proverbs.

Suffolk Milk.] This was one of the Staple-Commodities of the Land of Canaan, and certainly most wholesome for Mans Body, because of Gods own chosing for his own People. No County in England affords better and sweeter of this kind, lying opposite to Holland in the Netherlands, where is the best Dairy in Christendom, which mindeth me of a passage betwixt Spinola and Grave Maurice.

The Spanish General being invited to an entertainment by the afore-said Prince at Breda (as I take it) when Lemons and Oranges were brought in for sauce at the first Cour…e, What a brave Country is my Masters (quoth de Don) affording this fair fruit all the year long. But when Cream was brought up to close the Feast, Grave Maurice returned, What a brave Country is ours that yeildeth this fruit twice every day?

Suffolk fair Maids.] It seems the God of Nature hath been bountiful in giving them beautiful complexions, which I am willing to believe so far forth as it fixeth not a comparative disparagement on the same Sex in other Counties. I hope they will labour to joyn gracious hearts to fair faces; otherwise I am sure there is a Divine Proverb of infallible truth, **Prov. …1. 22.Prov 1:22As a Jewel of gold in a Swines snout, so is a fair Woman which is without discretion.

Suffolk s…iles.] It is a measuring cast, whether this Proverb pertaineth to Essex or this County, and I believe it belongeth to both, which being inclosed Countries into petty quillets abound with high stiles troublesome to be clambred over. But the owners grudge not the pains in climbing them, sensible that such severals redound much to their own advantage.

You are in the high way to Needham.] Needham is a Market-Town in this County, well stokt (if I mistake not) with poor People, though I believe this in no degree did p. 56occasion the first denomination thereof. They are said to be in the high way to Needham who do hasten to poverty.

However these fall under a distinction, some go, others are sent thither: Such as go embrace several wayes, some if Poor, of Idleness; if Rich, of Carelesness, or else of Prodigality.

Others are sent thither against their wills by the powerful oppression of such, who either detain or devour their Estates. And it is possible some may be sent thither by no Default of their own, or visible cause from others, but meerly from Divine Justice, insensibly dwingling their Estates, chiefly for trial of their Patience.

Wherefore, so many wayes leading to Needham from divers quarters, I mean from different causes; It is unjust to condemn all persons meeting there, under the Censure of the same guiltness.

Princes.

EDMUND MORTIMER, son to Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, Grand-child ofA M P. Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March, and of Philippa sole daughter of Lionel Duke of Clarence, may passe with the charitable Reader for a Prince, since he paid so dear for the same, as will appear. I confess it impossible to fix his Nativity with assurance, (having not hitherto read any record which reached it) the rather because of the vastness of his patrimony; and several habitations

But most probable it is that he was born where he was buried, at Clare. After the death of King Richard the Second, he was the next heir to the Crown. Happy had he been, if either nearer to it, so as to enjoy the honour thereof; or farther off, so as not to be envied and suspected for his Title thereunto by King Henry the Fourth. Now, all the harm, this Earl had done King Henry, was this, that King Henry held from him his lawful Inheritance. Yea, this meek Mortimer was content to wave the Crown, so be it he might but enjoy his private Patrimony, which he could not without many molestations from the King. For, this is the nature of some Men to heap injuries on those they have wronged, as if the later injuries would give a countenance of Justice to the former.

He employed this Edmund in a War against Owen Glendour, the Welsh Rebel, on the same design that **1 Sam. 18. 25.1 Sam 18:25Saul sent David to fight against, and fetch the fore-skins of the Philistins. If he prov'd Conquerour, then was King Henry freed from a professed Foe; if conquered, then was he rid of a suspected Subject. But Mortimer went by the worst, and being taken prisoner, the King (though often solicited) never endeavoured his enlargement; till at last he dearly ransomed himself. Yet did he but exchange a Welsh for an Irish prison, kept 20 years in r…traint in his own Castle of Trim, in the end of the reign of cunning King Henry the Fourth, all the reign of couragious King Henry the Fifth, and the beginning of the reign of innocent King Henry the Sixth, their different tempers meeting in cruelty against this poor Prisoner. He died Anno Domini 1454. without Issue, leaving Anne his sister, his heir, and lieth buried in Clare, as is aforesaid.

Saints.

St. EDMUND King of the East-Angles. Hear what falshoods are hudled together in our English Martyrology, written (as he terms himself) By a Catholick Priest, Permi… Superiorum. 1608. pag. 319 on the 20 of November.

At Hexam in Northumberland the passion of St. Edmund King and Martyr, who being a Saxon by Bloud, born in the City of Noremberg in that Province, and Nephew to Offa King of the East-Angles.

First, Hexam in Northumberland, should be Hoxton in this County, where St. Edmund was martyred. Secondly, there is no City Noremberg in Brittain, nor Europe save that in Germany.

This is enough to make us distrust what he writeth afterwards, viz. that, When the p. 57said St. Edmund was cruelly murdered by the Danes, and when the Christians, seeking his Corps, were lost in a Wood, did call one to another, Where art? Where art? Where art? The martyred head answered, Here, Here, Here. However, God forbid, that this Authors fauxities should make us undervalue this worthy King and Martyr, cruelly tortured to death by the Pagan Danes, and by an old Author thus not unhansomely express'd.

**Ex lib. Abb. de Rufford in Bib. Cott.Utque cruore suo Gallos Dionysius ornat:

Graecos Demetrius: gloria quisque suis.

Sic nos Edmundus nulli virtute secundus,

Lux patet, & patriae gloria magna suae.

Sceptra manum, diadema caput, sua purpura corpus

Ornat ei, sed plus vincula, mucro, cruor.

As Denis by his death adorneth France:

Demetrius Greece: each credit to his place:

So Edmunds lustre doth our Land advance,

Who with his vertues doth his Country grace.

Scepter, Crown, Robe, his hand, head, corps renouns,

More famous for his bonds, his bloud, his wounds.

His death happened Anno Domini 870. whose body was placed in a goodly shrine, richly adorned with jewels, and precious stones at Bury in this County. These all are vanish'd, whilst the name of St. Edmund will ever remain in that Towns denomination.

ROBERT GROSTHEAD. …ehosaphat seeing four hundred Prophets of Baal together, and suspecting they were too many to be good, cast in that shrewd question; Is there not here a **1 King. 22. 7.1 Kgs 22:7Prophet of the Lord besides? and thereupon Micaiah was mentioned unto him.

Possible the Reader seeing such swarms of Popish Saints in England, will demand; Is there not …et a Saint of the Lord besi…es? and I conceive my self concerned to return a true answer, that there is Robert Grosthead by name, whom now we come to describe.

He was born in this **Bale de scrip. Brit. cent…. 4▪ num. 18.County, bred in Oxford, where he became most eminent for Religion and Learning in all kind of Languages, Arts and Sciences, and at last was preferred Bishop of Lincoin, 1235. He wrote no fewer than three hundred Treatises, whereof most are extant in Manuscript in Westminster Library, which D^r. Williams (his Successor in the See of Lincoln) intended ††So Mr. Goland the learned Library keeper (lately deceased) informed me.to have published in three fair Folio Volumes, had not the late troublesome Times dis-heartned him. Thus our Civil Warrs have not only filled us with Legions of lying Pamphlets, but also deprived us of such a Treasure of Truth, as this worthy Mans works would have proved to all posterity.

He was a stout Opposer of Popish-Oppression in the Land, and a sharp Reprover of the Corruptions of the Court of Rome, as we have largely declared in our Ecclesiastical History. Such the Piety of his Life and Death, that, though loaded with Curses from the Pope, he generally obtained the Reputation of a Saint.

Bellarmine starts a **De Sanct. Beatit. cap. 10.Question, whether one may pray lawfully to him & paint his Picture in the Church, who is not Canonized by the Pope? and very gravely he determineth (a short line will serve to fadom a shallow water) that privately he may do it, and that a Picture of such a Man may be painted in the Church, provided his head be not encompassed with a Radiated Circle as particular to Canonized Saints. Thus our Learned and Pious Robert must want that addition of a Glory about his Picture, and the matter is not much, seeing no doubt having Turned many to righteousness, he doth shine in Heaven as the brightness of **Dan. 12. 3.Dan 12:3the Firmament. Whose death happened Anno Domini 1254.

Martyrs.

ROWLAND TAYLOR. Where born unknown (though some without any assurance have suggested his Nativity in Yorkshire) was bred in Cambridge, and became head of Borden Hostle nigh (if not now partly in) Cajus Colledge, where he commenced Doctor of the Laws. Hence he was by Archbishop Cranmer presented to the Rectory of Hadley in this County. He was a great Scholar, painful Preacher, charitable to the Poor, of a comly Countenance, proper Person, (but inclining to corpulency) and chearful behaviour. The same devotion had different looks in several Martyrs, frowning in Stern Hooper, weeping in meek Bradford, and smiling constantly in pleasant Taylor.

Indeed some have censured his merry Conceits as trespassing on the gravity of his calling, especially when just before his death. But surely such Romanists, who admire the temper of S^r. Thomas More jesting with the Axe of the Executioner, will excuse our p. 58Taylor for making himself merry with the Stake. But though it be ill Jesting with edged Tooles (whereof Death is the sharpest,) yet since our Saviour hath blounted it, his servants may rather be delighted than dismayed with it. Not long after Doctor Taylor set Archbishop Cranmer who was his Patron, a Copy of Patients, who indeed wrote after it, but not with so steady a hand, and so even a Character of constancy. Taylor was martyred at Hadley, February 9, 1555.

ROBERT SAMUEL was Minister of Barfold in this County, who by the cruelty of Hopton Bishop of Norwich and Downing his Chancellour, was tortured in Prison. Not to preserve, but to reserve him for more pain. He was allowed every day but three mouthfuls of Bread, and three spoonfuls of water. Fain would he have drunk his own Urin, but his thirst-parched body afforded none.

I read how he saw a**Fox Acts …d M…num. pag. …709. Vision of one all in white, comforting and telling him, that after that day he never should be hungry or thirsty; which came to passe accordingly, being within few hours after martyred at Ipswich, August 31, 1555. Some report that his body when burnt, did shine as bright**Idem ibidem. as burnish'd silver, Sed parcius ista. Such things must be sparingly written by those who would not only avoid untruths, but the appearance thereof. Thus loath to lengthen mens tongues reporting what may seem improbable, and more loath to shorten Gods hand in what might be miraculous, I leave the relation, as I found it.

Besides these two, I meet with more than twenty by name martyred (Confessors doubling that number) whose ashes were scattered all over the County, at Ipswich, Bury, Bekles, &c. It is vehemently suspected, that**Fox Ma…tyrol. pag. 1912. three of them burnt at Bekles had their death antedated before the Writ, de Haeretico comburendo, could possibly be brought down to the Sheriff. And was not this (to use Tertullians Latin in some different sense) Festinatio homicidii? Now though Cha…ity may borrow a point of Law to save life, surely Cruelty should not steal one to destroy it.

Cardinals.

THOMAS WOLSEY, was born in the Town of Ipswich, where a Butcher, a very honest Man, was his Father, though a Poet be thus pleased to descant thereon,

Brave Priest who ever was thy Sire by kind,

Wolsey of Ipswich ne're begat thy mind.

One of so vast undertakings, that our whole Book will not afford room enough for his Character; the writing whereof I commend to some eminent Person of his Foundation of Christ-Church in Oxford.

He was made Cardinal of St. Cecily and died heart-broken with grief at Leicester 1530. without any Monument, which made a great**Dr. C…bet in his Iter Boreale. Wit of his own Colledge thus lately complain,

And though from his own store Wolsey might have

A Palace, or a Colledge for his grave,

Yet here he lies interr'd, as if that all

Of him to be remembred were his fall.

Nothing but earth to earth, nor pompous weight

Upon him but a pebble or a quaite,

If thou art thus neglected, what shall we

Hope after death, that are but shreds of thee?

This may truly be said of him, he was not guilty of mischievous pride, and was generally commended for doing Justice, when Chancellour of England.

Prelates.

HERBERT LOSING was born in this County, as our * Antiquary informethBale cent. 2. pag. 171. us; In Pago Oxunensi in Sudovolgia Anglorum Comitatu natus: but, on the perusing of all the Lists of Towns in this County, no Oxun appeareth therein, or name, neighbouring thereon in sound and syllables. This I conceive the cause why Bishop Godwin, so confidently makes this Herbert born Oxoniae, in Oxford, in which County we have formerly placed his Character.

However, seeing Bale was an excellent Antiquary, and being himself a Suffolk-man, must be presumed knowing in his own County; and conceiving it possible that this Oxun was either an obscure Church-less-Village, or else is this day disguized under another p. 59name, I conceive it just that as Oxford-shire led the Front, Suffolk should bring up the Reer of this Herberts description.

Indeed he may well serve two Counties, being so different from himself and two persons in effect. When young, loose and wild, deeply guilty of the sin of Simony: When old, nothing of Herbert was in Herbert, using commonly the words of**Will. Malm…sbury. St. Hierome; Erravimus juvenes, emendemus senes, When young we went astray, when old we will amend; Now, though some controversie about the place of his birth, all agree in his death, July 22, 1119; and in his burial, in the Cathedral Church of Norwich.

RICHARD ANGERVILE, son to S^•. Richard Angervile Knight, was born at**Hence commonly called Richardus de …urgo. Bury in this County, and bred in Oxford, where he attained to great eminency in Learning. He was Governour to King Edward the Third whilst Prince, and afterwards advanced by Him to be successively his Cofferer, Treasurer of his Wardrobe, Dean of Wells, Bishop of Duresme, Chancellour, and lastly Treasurer of England. He bestowed on the poor every week Eight Quarters of **Godwin in his Bishops of Durham, pag. 131.Wheat baked in Bread. When he removed from Duresme to Newcastle (twelve short miles) he used to give eight pounds sterling in Alms to the Poor, and so proportionably in other places betwixt his Palaces. He was a great lover of Books, confessing himself**in his Book called Philobiblos. Exsiatico quodam librorum amore potenter abreptum, in so much that he alone had more Books than all the Bishops of England in that Age put together, which stately Library by his Will he solemnly bequeathed to the University of Oxford. The most eminent Foreigners were his Friends, and the most Learned Englishmen were his Chaplains, untill his death which happened Anno 1345.

JOHN PASCHAL, was born in this**Bale de scrip. Brit, centur. 5. num. 95. County (where his name still continueth) of Gentle Parentage, bred a Carthusian and D. D. in Cambridge. A great Scholar and popular Preacher. Bateman Bishop of Norwich, procured the Pope to make him the umbratile Bishop of Scutari, whence he received as much profit, as one may get heat from a Glow-worm. It was not long before, by the favour of King Edward the Third, he was removed from a very shadow to a slender substance, the Bishoprick of Landaffe; wherein he died Anno Domini 1361.

SIMON SUDBURY, aliàs, TIBALD, was born at Sudbury, as great as most, and ancient as any Town in this County. After many mediate preferments (let him thank the Popes provisions) at last he became Arch-bishop of Canterbury. He began two Synods with Latin Sermons in his own person, as rare in that age as blazing stars, and as ominous; for they portended ill successe to Wickliffe and his followers. However this Simon Sudbury, overawed by the God of Heaven, and John Duke of Lancaster, did not (because he could not) any harm unto him. He was killed in the Rebellion of J. Straw and Wat. Tyler, Anno Domini 1381.

And although his shadowey Tomb (being no more than an honourary Cenotaph) be shown at Christ-Church in Canterbury; yet, his substantial Monument, wherein his Bones are deposited, is to be seen in St. Gregories in Sudbury, under a Marble stone sometimes inlayed all over with Brass, some four yards long, and two broad, saith mine**Weavers Fun. M…n. pag. 743. eyewitnesse-Authour (though I confesse I never met with any of like dimension) so that in some sense I may also call this a Cenotaph, as not proportioned to the bulk of his Body, but height of his Honour and Estate.

THOMAS EDWARDSTON, so named from his Birth-place Edwarston in this County (a Village**Camd. Brit. in Suffolk. formerly famous for the Chief Mansion of the Ancient Family of Mounchensey) bred first in Oxford, then an Augustinian Eremite in Clare. He was a great Scholar, as his Works evidence, and Confessor to Lionel Duke of Clarence, whom he attended into Italy, when he married Joland daughter to John Galeaceus Duke of Milan.

J. Pits conceiveth him to have been an Arch-bishop in Ireland, which is utterly disowned by Judicious Sir††De script. Hib. lib. …. pag. 126. James VVare. And indeed if**De script. Brit. cent. 7. num. 7. Bales words (whence Pits deriveth his intelligence) be considered, it will appear, he never had Title of an Arch-bishop, sed cujusdam Archi-Episcopatus curam accepit, He undertook care of some Arch-bishoprick, probably commended in the vacancy thereof to his inspection. And why might not this be some Italian Arch-bishoprick, during his attendance on his Patron there, though afterwards (preferring privacy before a pompous charge) he returned into his Native Country, and died at Clare. Anno 1396.

THOMAS PEV…REL, was born of good Parentage, in this**Bale de scrip. Brit. cent. 7. num. 49. County, bred a p. 60Carmelite, and D. D. in Oxford. He was afterwards by King Richard the Second made Bishop of Ossory in Ireland. I say by King Richard the Second, which minds me of a memorable passage, which I have read in an excellent Author.

It may justly seem strange, which is most true, that there are three Bishopricks in Ireland in the Province of Ulster, by name, Derry, Rapho, and Clogher, which neither Queen Elizabeth, nor any of her Progenitors did ever **Sir John Davis in his treatise of Ir…land, pag. 255.bestow, though they were the undoubted Patrons thereof. So that King James was the first King of England that did ever supply those Sees with Bishops, so that it seems, formerly the Great Irish Lords in those parts preferred their own Chaplains thereunto.

However the Bishopricks in the South of the Land, were ever in the disposal of Our Kings, amongst which Ossory was one, bestowed on our Peverel. From Ireland he was removed to Landaffe in Wales, then to VVorchester in England, being one much esteemed for Learning, as his Books do declare. He died, according to Bishop Godwins account, March the 1, 1417, and lieth buried in his own Cathedral.

STEPHEN GARDINER, was born in **Bale, Pi…s. G…dwin, &c▪Bury St. Edmunds, one of the best aires in England, the sharpness whereof he retained in his Wit and quick apprehension. Some make him Base-son to Lionel VVoodvile, Bishop of Salisbury, which I can hardly beleeve, Salisbury and St. Edmunds-Bury being six score miles asunder. Besides, time herein is harder to be reconciled than place. For, it being granted an errour of youth in that Bishop, and that Bishop vanishing out of this World 1485. Gardiner in all probability must be allowed of greater age than he was at his death.

It is confess'd by all, that he was a man of admirable natural parts, and memory especially, so conducible to Learning, that one saith, Tantum scimus quantum meminimus. He was b…ed Doctor of Laws in Trinity-hall in Cambridge, and after many State-Embassies and employments, he was by King Henry the Eighth made Bishop of VVinchester. His malice was like what is commonly said of white powder, which surely discharged the Bullet, yet made no report, being secrete in all his acts of cruelty. This made him often chide Bonner, calling him **Sir John Harrington in the Bishop▪ of Winchester.Asse, though not so much for killing poor people, as not for doing it more cunningly.

He was the chief Contriver of what we may call Gardiners-Creed, though consisting but of six Articles, which caused the death of many, and trouble of more Protestants. He had almost cut off one who was, and prevented another for ever being a Queen, I mean Katharine Par and the Lady Elizabeth, had not Divine Providence preserved them. He complied with King Henry the Eighth, and was what he would have him; opposed King Edward the Sixth, by whom he was imprisoned and depriv'd; acted all under Queen Mary, by whom he was restored, and made Lord Chancellour of England.

He is reported to have died more than half a Protestant, avouching that he believed himself and all others onelyonly to be justified by the merits of Christ; which if so, then did he verifie the Greek and Latine Proverb,

foreign

Saepe Olitor valde verba opportuna loqu…tus.

The Gardiner oft times in due season

Speaks what is true, and solid reason.

He died at VVhite-hall of the Gout, November the 12th. 1555. and is buried by his own appointment on the Northside of the Quire, over against Bishop Fox, in a very fair Monument. He had done well, if he had parallell'd Bishop Fox (Founder of Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford) in erecting some publick work, the rather because he died so rich, being reported to have left fourty thousand ††Bale de scrip. Brit. cent. 8. num. 88.Marks in ready money behind him.

However on one account his memory must be commended for improving his power with Queen Mary to restore some Noble Families formerly depressed. My **Sir John Harrington, ut prius.Author instanceth in some descendan…e from the Duke of Norfolk, in the Stanhops and the Arundels of VVarder Castle. To these give me leave to adde the Right Ancient Family of the Hungerfords, to whom he procured a great part of their Patrimony, seased on by the Crown, to be restored.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN BALE was born at **In vita sua cen. 8. nu. 1…0.Covie in this County, five miles from Donwich, and was brought up in Jesus-Colledge in Cambridge, being before, or after a Carmelite in Norwich. p. 61By the means of Thomas Lord Wentworth, he was converted to be a Protestant. This is that Bale who wrote a Book De scriptoribus Britannicis, digested into nine Centuries, not more beholding to Leland, than I have been to Bale in this Work, and my Church-History. Anno 1552, February the 2d. he was consecrated at Dublin, Bishop of Ossory in Ireland, whence on the death of King Edward the Sixth, he was forced to flie (some of his servants being slain before his eyes) and in his passage over the sea, was taken prisoner by Pirates, sold, ransom'd, and after many dangers safely arrived in Switzerland.

After the death of Queen Mary, he returned into England, but never to his Irish Bishoprick, preferring rather a private life, being a Prebendary of the Church of Canterbury. One may wonder, that being so Learned a Man, who had done and suffered so much for Religion, higher promotion was not forced upon him, seeing about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth, Bishopricks went about begging able men to receive them. But probably he was a person, more Learned than discreet, fitter to write than to govern, as unable to command his own passion, and Biliosus Balaeus passeth for his true Character. He died in the sixty eighth year of his Age at **Jac. Waraeus de scrip. Hib. lib. 2. pag. 136.Canterbury (Anno Domini 1563, in the monethmonth of November) and was buried in the Cathed…al Church therein.

JOHN MAY was born in this ††Scellet. Cant. of Parker Manuscript.County, bred in the …niversity of Cambridge, whereof he became Proctor 1545, Elected Master of Katharine-hall 1564, Vice-Chancellour 1569, and at last consecrated Bishop of Carlile, Sept. 27, 1577, continuing eleven years in that See, and died in April 1598.

JOHN OVERAL, D. D. born a… Hadley in this County, was bred in the Free-School therein, till sent to St. Johns, then to Trinity Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was Fellow, and there chosen Regius Profess…r; one of the most profound School-Divines of the English Nation. Afterwards by the Queens absolute mandate (to end a contention betwixt two Corrivals) not much with his will he was made Master of Katharine-hall. For when Archbishop Whitgift joyed him of the place, he returned that it was Terminus diminuens, taking no delight in his preferment. But his Grace told him, That (if the injuries, much more) the less courtesies of Princes must be thankfully taken, as the Ushers to make way for greater, as indeed it came to passe.

For, after the death of D^r. Nowel, he was (by the especial recommendation of S^r. Fulke Grevil) made Dean of St. Pauls. Being appointed to preach before the Queen, he profess'd to my Father (most intimate with him) that he had spoken Latin so long it was troublesome to him to speak English in a continued Oration. He frequently had those words of the Psalmist in his mouth, **Psal. 89▪ 11?Ps 89:11VVhen thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth, surely every man is vanity.

I cite it the rather out of the new Translation (something different from the old) because he was so eminent an Instrument employed therein. King James made him Bishop of Norwich, where he was a discreet presser of Conformity, on which score he got the ill will of many dis-affected thereunto, and died Anno 1618.

LEONARD MAW, was born at * Rendlesham in this Connty, a remarkable placeScellet. Cant. of Mr. Parker Manusc. Iassure you, which, though now a Country Village, was anciently the Residence of the Kings of the East-Angles. Where King Redwald, a Mongrel Christian, kept at the same time Altare & **Bed… ▪Arulam, the Communion Table, and Altars for Idols.

He was bred in Cambridge, where he was Proctor of the University, Fellow, and Master of Peter-house, after of Trinity Colledge, whereof he deserved well, shewing what might be done in five years by good Husbandry to dis-ingage that Foundation from a great debt.

He was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was a Prince, and waited on him in Spain, by whom he was preferred Bishop of Bath and Wells. He had the Reputation of a good Scholar, a grave Preacher, a mild man, and one of Gentil Deportment. He died Anno Domini 163..

RALPH BROUNRIG, D. D. was born at Ipswich of Parents of Merchantly condition. His Father died in his Infancy, and his Mother did not carelesly cast away his youth (as the first Broachings of a Vessel) but improved it in his Education at School, till he was sent to Pembroke-hall in Cambridge, and afterwards became Scholar and Fellow thereof.

King James coming to Cambridge, was (amongst others) entertained with a Philosophy Act, and M^r. Brounrig was appointed to perform the Joco-serious part thereof, who did both to the wonder of the Hearers.

p. 62Herein he was like himself, that he could on a sudden be so unlike himself and instantly vary his words and matter from mirth to solidity. No man had more ability, or less inclination to be Satyrical, in which kind posse & nolle is a rarity indeed. He had wit at will, but so that he made it his Page, not Privy Councellour, to obey, not direct his Judgement. He carried Learning enough in numerato about him in his pockets for any Discourse, and had much more at home in his chests for any serious Dispute. It is hard to say whether his loyal memory, quick fancy, solid judgement, or fluent utterance, were most to be admired, having not only flumen, but fulmen eloquentiae, being one who did teach with Authority.

When commencing Bachelour in Divinity, he chose for his Text, Vobis autem, &c. **Philip. 1. 29Phil 1:29It is given to you, not only to beleeve, but suffer in the behalf of Christ. A Text somewhat Prophetical to him, who in the Sequele of his life met with affronts to exercise his Prudence and Patience, being afterwards defied by some, who [almost] Deified him before, in whose Eyes he seemed the blacker, for wearing white sleeves, when 1641 made Bishop of Exeter.

I was present at his Consecration Sermon, made by his good Friend Doctor Younge, taking for his Text, The waters are risen, O Lord, the waters are risen, &c. wherein he very gravely complained of the many invasions which Popular violence made on the Priviledges of Church and State. This Bishop himself was soon sadly sensible of such Inundations, and yet by the Proc…rity of his parts and piety, he not only safely waded thorough them himself, but also, (when Vice-Chancellour of Cambridge) by his prudence raised such Banks, that those overflowings were so not destructive, as otherwise they would have been to the University.

He continued constant to the Church of England, a Champion of the needful use of the Liturgie, and for the Priviledges of Ordination to belong to Bishops alone. Unmoveable he was in his principles of Loyalty, witness this instance.

O. P. with some shew of respect unto him, demanded the Bishops Judgement (non plus't it seems himself) in some business, to whom he returned, My Lord, the best counsel I can give you, is, Give unto Caesar the things that are Caesars, and unto God the things that are Gods, with which free answer O. P. was rather silenced than satisfied.

About a year before his death, he was invited by the Society of both Temples to be their Preacher, admirably supplying that place, till strong fits of the Stone, with Hydropical Inclinations, and other distempers incident to phletorick Bodies, caused his death.

I know all Accidents are minuted and momented by Divine Providence, and yet I hope I may say without sin, his was an untimely death, not to himself (prepared thereunto) but as to his longer life vvhichwhich the prayers of pious people requested, the need of the Church required, the date of Nature could have permitted, but the pleasure of God (to which all must submit) denied. Otherwise he vvould have been most instrumental to the composure of Church differences, the deserved opinion of whose goodness had peaceable possession in the hearts of the Presbyterian party. I observed at his Funeral that the prime persons of all Perswasions were present, whose Judgements going several wayes met all in a general grief for his decease. He was buried on the cost of both Temples, to his great, but their greater honour.

The Reader is referred for the rest, to the Memorials of his life, written by the Learned Doctor John Gauden, who preached his Funeral Sermon, and since hath succeeded him, both in the Temple and Bishoprick of Exeter. His dissolution happened in the 67th. year of his Age, Decemb. 7, 1659, and was buried the week following in the Temple Church.

States-men.

S^•. NICHOLAS BACON, Knight, was born in this County, not far from the famous Abbey of St. Edmunds Bury, and I have read that his Father was an Officer belonging thereunto. His name I assure you is of an Ancient Gentry in this Shire as any whatsoever. He was bred in Bennet Colledge in Cambridge, to which afterwards he proved a bountiful Benefactor, building a beautiful Chappel therein.

He afterwards applied himself to the study of the Common Law: and was made Attourney to the Court of Wards, whence he was preferred Lord Keeper of the Great Seal in the First of Queen Elizabeth, 1558. He married Anne, second daughter to S^•. Anthony Cook, of Giddy-hall in Essex, Governour to King Edward the Sixth. And it is worthy of p. 63our observation, how the Sates-men in that Age were arched together in affinity, to no small support one to another.

Sir John Cheek, Secretary to K. Edward the Sixth, whose sister was first wife to S^r William Cecil Secretary to the same King.

Sir Will. Cecil aforesaid for his second wife married the wives sister unto this Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper.

S^r. Francis Walsingham Secretary to Queen Elizabeth had a sister married unto Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellour of the Exchequer.

Sir Franc. Walsingham was also brother in Law unto Sir Tho. Randolph, that grand States-man & Ambassador.

To return to Sir Nicholas Bacon he was condemned by some who seemed wise, and commended by those that were so, for not causing that S…atute to be repealed (the Queen relying on him as her Oracle of Law) whereby the Queen was made illegitimate in the dayes of her Father. For this wise States-man would not open that **Camden in the First of Q. Eliz▪wound, which time had partly closed, and would not meddle with the variety, yea, contrariety of Statutes in this kind, whereby people would rather be perplexed than satisfied; but derived her right from another Statute which allowed her succession, the rather, because Lawyers maintain; That a Crown once worn cleareth all defects of the wearer thereof.

He continued in his Office about eighteen years, being a Man of rare wit and deep experience,

Cui fuit ingenium subtile in corpore crasso.

For he was loaden with a corpulent body, especially in his old Age, so that he would be not only. out of breath, but also almost out of life, with going from Westminster-hall to the Star-chamber, in so much when sitting down in his place, it was some time before he could recover himself. And therefore it was usual in that Court, that no Lawyer should begin to speak till the Lord Keeper held up his staffe as a signal to him to begin.

He gave for his Motto, Mediocria Firma, and practised the former part thereof Mediocria; Never attaining, because never affecting, any great Estate. He was not for Invidious Structures (as some of his Contemporaries) but delighted in Domo Domino pari. Such as was his house at Gorhambury in Hartfordshire. And therefore when Queen Elizabeth coming thither in progresse, told him, My Lord, your house is too little for you; No Madam (returned he no less wittely than gratefully) But it is your Highness that hath made me too great for mine house. Now as he was a just practiser of the first part of this Motto Mediocria, so no doubt, he will prove a true Prophet in the second part thereof Firma, having left an Estate rather good than great to his posterity, whose eldest son Sir Edward Bacon in this County was the first Baronet of England. He died on the 20th. of February, 1578, and Iieth buried in the Quire of St. Pauls. In a word he was a goodman, a grave States-man, a Father to his Country, and Father to Sir FRANCIS BACON.

Sir WILLIAM DRUERY, was born in this County, where his Worshipful Family had long flourished at Haulsted. His name in Saxon soundeth a Pearle, to which he answered in the pretiousness of his disposition, clear and hard, innocent and valiant, and therefore valued deservedly by his Queen, and Country.

His youth he spent in the French Wars, his middle in Scotland, and his old Age in Ireland. He was Knight Marshal of Barwick, at what time the French had possessed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh, in the minority of King James. Queen Elizabeth employed this Sir William with 1500 men to besiege the Castle, which service he right worthily performed, reducing it within few dayes to the true owner thereof.

Anno 1575 he was appointed Lord President of Mounster, whether he went with competent Forces, and executed impartial Justice in despite of the Opposers thereof. For as the Sign of Leo, immediately precedeth Virgo and Libra in the Zodiack, so no hope that innocency will be protected, or Justice administred in a Barbarous Country where power and strength do not first secure a passage unto them. But the Earl of Desmond opposed this good President, forbidding him to enter the County of Kerry, as a Palatinate, peculiarly appropriated unto himself.

Know by the way as there were but four Palatinates in England, Chester, LancasterDurham and Ely, (whereof the two former many years since were in effect invested in th… p. 64Crown) there were no fewer than eight Palatinates in Ireland, possessed by their Respective Dynasts, claiming Regal Rites therein, to the great retarding of the absolute Conquest of that Kingdom. Amongst these (saith my Author) Kerry became the Sanctuary of sin, and Refuge of Rebels, as out-lawed from any English Jurisdiction.

Sir William, no whit terrified with the Earls threatning, entred Kerry, with a competent Train, and there dispenced Justice to all persons, as occasion did require. Thus with his seven-score men, he safely forced his return through seven hundred of the Earls, who sought to surprise him. In the last year of his life, he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland, and no doubt had performed much in his place, if not afflicted with constant sickness, the fore-runner of his death at**Camdens Eliz. hoc anno. Waterford, 1598.

Sir ROBERT NAUNTON, was born in this County, of Right ancient Extraction, some avouching that his Family were here before, others that they came in with the Conqueror, who rewarded the chief of that Name for his service with a great Inheretrix given him in marriage. In so much that his Lands were then estimated at (a vast sum in my Judgment) seven **Weaver his Fun. Monum. pag. 751.hundred pounds a year. For along time they were Patrons of Alderton in this County, where I conceive Sir Robert was born.

He was first bred Fellow Commoner in Trinity Colledge, and then Fellow of TrinityHall in Cambridge. He was Proctor of the University, Anno Domini 160 0/1, which Office according to the Old Circle returned not to that Colledge but once in fourty four years. He addicted himself from his youth to such studies, as did tend to accomplish him for Publick imployment. I conceive his most excellent piece called Fragmenta Regalia, set forth since his death, was a fruit of his younger years.

He was afterwards sworn Secretary of State to King James on Thursday the eighth of January, 1617. which place he discharged with great ability and dexterity. And I hope it will be no offence here to insert a pleasant passage.

One M^r. Wiemark a wealthy Man, great Novilant, and constant Pauls walker, hearing the News that day of the beheading of Sir Walter Raleigh: His head (said he) would do very well on the shoulders of Sir Robert Naunton, Secretary of State. These words were complained of, and Wiemark summoned to the Privy Councel, where he pleaded for himself, that he intended no dis-respect to M^r. Secretary, whose known Worth was above all detraction; Only he spake in reference to an old Proverb, Two heads are better than one. And so for the present he was dismissed. Not long after, when rich men were called on for a Contribution to St. Pauls, Wiemark at the Councel-Table subscribed a hundred pounds, but M^r. Secretary told him two hundred were better than one, which betwixt fear and charity Wiemark was fain to subscribe.

He died Anno Domini 163.. leaving one daughter, who first was married to Paul Vicount Banning, and after to the Lord Herbert, eldest son to Philip Earl of Pembroke.

Capital Judges.

JOHN de METINGHAM was born in this County (where Metingham is a Village in VVang ford Hundred not far from Bongey) and was Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the reign of King Edward the Third. It is**Spelman's Gloss. verbo Iusticia…ius. reported, to his eternal praise that when the rest of the Judges (18 Edw. 3.) were fined and outed for corruption, this Metingham and Elias de Beckingham continued in their places, whose innocence was of proof against all accusations, and as**Num. 13. 6, ….Num 13:6 Caleb and Josh…a amongst the Jury of false Spies, so these two amongst the Twelve Judges onelyonly retained their integrity. King Edward in the 20th of his reign directed a Writ unto him about the stinting of the number of the Apprentices and Attourneys at Law, well worth the inserting.

D.**Edward. Rot. 5. in dorso de Apprenticiis & Attorna…is. Rex injunxit John de Metingham & Sociis suis, quod ipsi per discre…ionem eorum provideant & Ordinent numerum certum è quolibet Comitatu de melioribus & legalioribus & libentius add scentibus, secundum quod intellexerint, quod Curiae suae & populo de regno melius valere poterit, &c. Et videturp. 65Regi & ejus Consilio quod Septies viginti sufficere poterint. Apponant tamen praefati Justiciarii plures, si viderint esse faciendum, vel numerum anticipent.

The Lord the King hath enjoyned John de Metingham and his Assistants, that they according to their discretion provide and ordain a certain number out of every County of such persons vvhichwhich according to their understanding, shall appear unto them of the better sort and most Legal and most vvillingly applying themselves to the learning of the Lavv, vvhat may better p. 65avail for their Court and the good of the people of the Land, &c. And it seems likely to the King and his Councel that Sevenscore may suffice for that purpose. However the afore-said Justices may add more if they see it ought to be done, or else they may lessen the number.

Some conceive this number of sevenscore confined only to the Common Pleas, whereof Metingham was Chief Justice. But others behold it as extended to the whole Land, this Judge his known integrity being intrusted in their choice and number, which number is since much increased, and no wonder, our Land being grown more populous, and the people in it more litigious. He died Anno Domini....

Sir JOHN CAVENDISH Knight, was born at Cavendish in this County, (where his name continued until the reign of King Henry the Eighth) bred a Student of the Municipal-Law, attaining to such learning therein, that he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings (or Upper) Bench, July 15, in the 46th. of King Edward the Third, discharging his place with due commendation, untill his violent death on the fifth of King Richard the Second on this occasion.

John Raw, a Priest, contemporary with Jack Straw and Wat Tyler, advanced Robert Westbroome, a Clown, to be King of the Commons in this County, having no fewer than fifty thousand followers. These for eighth dayes together, in savage sport, caused the heads of great persons to be cut off, and set on Poles to kisse and**Speed's Chro. in Rich. the Second, pag. 608. whisper in one anothers ears.

Chief Justice Cavendish chanced then to be in the Country, to whom they bare a double pique; one, because he was honest, the other, learned. Besides, they received fresh news from London, that one John Cavendish his kinsman, had lately kill'd their Idol Wat Tiler in Smithfield. Whereupon they dragg'd the Reverend Judge with Sir John of Cambridge, Prior of Bury, into the Market-place there, and††Lib. Eliers. M. S. in Bil. Cotton. beheaded them. Whose innocent bloud remained not long unreveng'd, by Spencer the Warlike Bishop of Norwich, by whom this rascal rabble of Rebels was routed and ruined 1381.

Reader, be charitably pleased that this Note may (till better information) preserve the Right of this County unto Sir ROBERT BROKE, a great Lawyer, and Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the reign of Queen Mary. He wrote an Abridgment of the whole Law, a Book of high account. It insinuateth to me a probability of his birth herein, because (Lawyers generally purchase near the place of their Birth) his Posterity still flourish in a Worshipful equipage at Nacton nigh Ipswich in this County.

Souldiers.

Sir THOMAS WENTWORTH of Nettlested in this County, of a younger Family (confessed by the Crescent in his Coat) descended from the Wentworths of Wentworth-Woodhouse in York-shire, was created Baron VVentworth by King Henry the Eighth. He was a stout and valiant Gentleman, a cordial Protestant, and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors, John **De scripts Brit. cent. 8. num. 1…0.Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel, and gratefully acknowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite.

The memory of this good Lord is much (but unjustly) blemished, because Calis was lost the Last of Queen Mary under his government. The manner hereof was huddled up in our Chronicles (least is best of a bad business) whereof this the effect. The English being secure by reason of the late conquest at St. Quintin, and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof, he sate down before the Town at the time (not when **2 Sam. 11. 1.2 Sam 11:1Kings go forth to, but return from battle) of mid-Winter, even on New-years-day. Next day he took the two Forts of Rise-bank and Newnam-bridge (wherein the strength of the City consisted) but whether they were undermined or undermonied it is not decided, and the last left most suspicious. Within three dayes the Castle of Calis, which commanded the City and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain, was taken, the French wading thorough the ditches (made shallower by their artificial cut) and then entering the Town, were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager, Marshal of Calis, the only man, saith p. 66**Chr…n. … g. 632. †Speed's Hist. pag. 856.Stow, who was kill'd in the fight (understand him of note:) † Others, for the credit of the business, accounting four score lost in that service.

The French re-entring the City the next being Twelfth-day, the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof, made but vain resistance, which (alas) was like the wriggling of a Wormstail after the head thereof is cut off, so that he was forced to take what terms he could get, viz. That the Townsmen should depart (though plundred to a groat) with their lives; and himself with fourty nine more ▪ such as the Duke of Guise should chose, should remain prisoners to be put to ransome.

This was the best news brought to Paris, and worst to London, for many years before. It not only abated the Queens cheer, the remnant of Christmas, but her mirth all the dayes of her life. Yet, might she thank her self for loosing this Key of France, because hanging it by her side with so slender a string, there being but five hundred Souldiers effectually in the Garrison, too few to manage such a piece of importance.

The Lord Wentworth, the second of June following, was solemnly condemned for Treason, though un-heard, as absent in France, which was not only against Christian charity, but Roman Justice, Festus confessing it was not fashionable amongst them, To deliver any man to die before he, which is **Acts 25. 16.Acts 25:16accused, have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

It was well for this Lord that he was detained in France till his ransome was paid, and Queen Mary dead, who otherwise probably had lost his life, if he had had his liberty. But Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown, he found the favour, or rather had the Justice to be tried again, and was**Camden's Eliz. Anno 1559. acquitted by his Peers, finding it no treachery, cowardise or carelesness in him, but in S^r. John Harlston and S^r. Ralph Chamberlain, the one Governour of Rise-Bank, the other of Calis-Castle, for which they were both condemned to die, though their judgment was remitted. This Lord was the only person I have read of, who thus in a manner played Rubbers when his head lay at stake, and having lost the fore, recovered the after-game. He died a very aged man 1590.

Sea-men.

THOMAS CAVENDISH, of **The substance of what followeth is taken out of Mr. Hackl…its voyages, the last part, pag. 803.Trimley in this County Esq. in pursuance of his generous inclination to make foreign discoveries for the use and honour of his Nation, on his own Cost victualled and furnished three Ships (the least of Fleets) as followeth,

All three managed by 123 persons, with which he set sail from Plymouth the 21th. of July, 1586.

So prosperous their winds, that by the 26 of August they had gone nine hundred and thirty leagues to the South of Africa. Then bending their course South-West, January the 7th. they entred the mouth of the Magellan-straits; Straits indeed, not only for the narrow passage, but many miseries of hunger and cold, which Mariners must encounter therein. Here M^r. Cavendish named a Town Port-famine, and may never distressed Seaman be necessitated to land there. It seems the Spanjards had a design, so to fortifie these Straits in places of advantage, as to ingross the passage that none, save themselves, should enter the Southern Sea. But God the promoter of the publick good destroyed their intended Monopoly, sending such a mortality amongst their Men, that scarce five of five hundred did survive.

On the 24 of February they entred the South-sea, and frequently landed as they saw occasion. Many their conflicts with the Natives, more with the Spanjards, coming off Gainers in most, and Savers in all encounters, that alone at Quintero excepted, April 1, 1587, when they lost twelve Men of account, which was the cause that the June following they purposely sunk the Rere-Admiral, for want of Men to manage her.

Amongst the many prizes he took in his passage, the St. Anne was the most considerable, being the Spanish Admiral of the Southern-sea, of seven hundred Tuns. However our Cavendish boarded her with his little Ship (a Chicken of the game will adventure p. 67on a greater fowl, and leap where he cannot reach) and mastered her though an hundred and ninety persons therein. There were in the Ship an hundred and two and twenty thousand Pezos **In English Money 4880… pounds.(each worth eight shillings) of gold, the rest of the lading being Silks, Sattins, Musks and other rich Commodities. M^r. Cavendish his mercy after, equaled his valour in the fight, landing the Spaniards on the Shore, and leaving them plentiful provisions.

Surrounding the East-Indies, and returning for England, the Ship called the Content did not answer her name, whose Men took all occasions to be mutinous, and stayed behind in a road with Stephen Hare their Master, and M^r. Cavendish saw her not after. But he, who went forth with a Fleet, came home with a Ship, and safely landed in Plymouth, Sept. 9, 1588. Amongst his Men three most remarkable, M^r. John Way their Preacher; M^r. Thomas Fuller of Ipswich their Pilote; and M^r. Francis Pretty of Eyke in this County, who wrote the whole History of their Voyage.

Thus having circumnavigated the whole Earth, let his Ship no longer be termed the Desire, but the Performance; He was the third Man, and second English Man, of such universal undertakings.

Not so successeful his next and last Voyage, begun the 26th. of August, 1591, when he set sail with a Fleet from Plymouth, and coming in the Magellan-straits neer a place by him formerly named Port-…esire, he was the November following, casually severed from his Company, not seen or heard of a…tervvard. Pity, so illustrious a life should have so obscure a death. But all things must be, as Being it self vvill have them to be.

Physicians.

WILLIAM BUTLER vvas born at**So am I informed by Mrs Crane in Cambridg; to whose husband he left his Estate. Ipswich in this County, vvhere he had one only brother, who going beyond sea turned Papist, for which cause this VVilliam was so offended with him, that he left him none of his Estate. I observe this the rather, because this VVilliam Butler was causlesly suspected for Popish inclinations. He was bred Fellow of Clare-Hall in Cambridge, where he became the Aesculapius of our Age. He was the first English man who quick' ned Galenical Physick with a touch of Paracelsus, trading in Chymical Receits vvith great successe. His eye vvas excellent at the instant discovery of a cadaverous face, on which he vvould not lavish any Art: this made him at the first sight of sick Prince Henry, to get himself out of sight. Knowing himself to be the Prince of Physicians, he would be observ'd accordingly: Complements would prevail nothing with him, intreaties but little, surly threatnings would do much, and a witty jeere … any thing. He was better pleased with presents than money, loved what was pretty rather than what was costly, and preferred rarities before riches. Neatness he neglected into slovinlyness; and, accounting cuffs to be manacles, he may be said not to have made himself ready for some seven years together. He made his humoursomnesse to become him, wherein some of his Profession have rather aped than imitated him, who had morositatem aequabilem, and kept the tenor of the same surliness to all persons. He was a good Benefactor to Clare-Hall, and dying 1621, he was buried in the Chancel of St. Maries in Cambridge under a fair Monument. M^r. John Crane, that expert Apothecary and his Executour, is since buried by him, and if some eminent Surgeon was interred on his other side, I would say, that Physick lay here in state with its two Pages attending it.

Writers.

HUMPHREY NECTON, was born (though Necton be in Northfolk) in this**Ba…e cent. 4▪ …um. 24. County, and quitting a fair fortune from his Father, professed poverty and became a Carmelite in Norwich.

Two Firstships met in this Man, for he Handselled the House-Convent, which Philip Wat in of Cowgate, a prime Citizen, (and almost I could beleeve him Mayor of the City) did after the death of his Wife in a fit of sorrow give with his whole Estate to the Carmelites.

Secondly, He was the first Carmelite, who in Cambridge took the Degree of Doctor in Divinity. …orsome boggled much thereat as false Heraldry in Devotion, to super-induce p. 68a Doctoral hood over a Friers Coul, till our Necton adventured on it. For though Poverty might not affect Pride, yet Humility may admit of Honour. He flourished under King Henry the Third, and Edward the First, at Norwich, and was buried with great solemnity by those of his Order, Anno Dom. 1303.

JOHN HORMINGER was born of good Parents in this**Bale de scrip. Brit. & Pitsaetat. 14 num. 450. County, and became very accomplished in Learning. It happened that travelling to Rome he came into the company of Italians (the admirers only of themselves, and the Slighters-General of all other Nations,) vilifying England, as an inconsiderable Country', whose Ground was as barren, as the people Barbarous. Our Horminger, impatient to hear his Mother▪land traduced, spake in her defence, and fluently Epitomized the commodities thereof. Returning home he wrote a Book De Divitiis & Deliciis Angliae, of the Profit and Pleasure of England; which had it come to my hand, O how advantageous had it been to my present design! He flourished 1310.

THOMAS of ELY was born in this County. For though Cambridge-shire boasteth of Ely (so famous for the Cathedral) yet is there Monks-Ely in Suffolk, the Native Town of this Thomas, who followed the foot-steps of his Countryman Necton, being a Carmelit… (but in Ipswich) and afterwards Doctor in the University of Cambridge, aith my**Bale cent. 4. num. 65. Author, of Both Divinities.

But the same hand, which tieth, untieth this knot, giving us to understand that thereby are meant Scholastical and Interpretative Divinity, seeming to import them in that Age to have been distinct Faculties, till afterwards united, as the Civil and Common Law, in one profession.

Leaving his Native Land, he travelled over the seas with others of his Order, to Bruges in Flanders, and there kept Lectures and Disputations, as one Gobelike (a formidable Author) informeth my††Bale ut prius. Informer, till his death about 1320.

RICHARD LANHAM was born at a Market-Town well known for Cloathing in this County, and bred (when young) a Carmelite in Ipswich. He made it his only request to the Trefect of his Convent, to have leave to study in Oxford, which was granted him, and deservedly, employing his time so well there, that he proceeded Doctor with publick applause. Lelands Pencil paints him Pious and Learned, but Bale cometh with his spunge, and in effect deletes both, because of his great Antipathy to the VVicklevites. However his Learning is beyond contradiction, attested by the Books he left to Posterity. Much difference about the manner and place of his death, some making him to decease in his Bed at**Polidor. Virgil. Bristol, others to be beheaded in London with Sudbury Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and Hales Master of St. … of Jerusalem) by the Rebellious Crew of VVat Tyler, who being a Misogrammatist (if a good Greek word may be given to so Barbarous a Rebel) hated every man that could write or read, and were the more incensed against Lanham for his eminent Literature. He died Anno Dom. 1381.

JOHN KINYNGHAM was born in this**Bale cent. 6. num. 4. County, bred a Carmelite first in Ipswich, then in Oxford, being the 25th. Prefect of his Order, in England and Ireland, Confessor to John of Gant and his Lady. He was the first who encountred VVickliffe in the Schools at Oxford, disputing of Philosophical Subtilties, and that with so much Ingenuity, that VVickliffe, much taken with the Mans modesty, prayed**Idem ibidem. heartily for him that his Judgement might be convinced. But whether with so good successe, wherewith Peter Martyr besought God on the same account for … **See the life of Bernard Gilpin.Gilpin, I know not. He died a very aged man Anno 1399, and was buried at York far, I confesse, from Ipswich his first fixation. But it was usual for Prefects of Orders, to travel much in their Visitations.

JOHN LYDGATE was born in this County at a**Camd. Brit. in Suffolk. Village so called, bred a Benedictine Monk in St. Edmunds-Bury. After some time spent in our English Universities, he travelled over France and Italy, improving his time to his great accomplishment. Returning, he became Tutor to many Noble-mens sons, and both in Prose and Poetry was the best Author of his Age. If Chaucers Coin were of a greater weight for deeper learning, Lydgates were of a more refined Standard for purer language, so that one might mistake him for a modern Writer. But because none can so well describe him as himself, take an Essay of his**History of the life and death of Hector, pag. 316. and 317. Verses, excusing himself, for deviating in his Writings from his Vocation.

p. 69I am a Monk by my profession,

In Berry, call'd John Lydgate by my name,

And wear a habit of perfection;

(Although my life agrees not with the same)

That meddle should with things spiritual,

As I must needs confess unto you all.

But seeing that I did herein proceed,

**King Hen. 4.At his command, whom I could not refuse,

I humbly do beseech all those that read

Or leasure have this story to peruse,

If any fault therein they find to be

Or error, that committed is by me;

That they will of their gentleness take pain,

The rather to correct and mend the same

Than rashly to condemn it with disdain,

For well I wot it is not without blame,

Because I know the Verse therein is wrong,

As being some too short and some too long.

For Chaucer that my Master was, and knew

What did belong to writing Verse and Prose,

Ne're stumbled at small faults, nor yet did view

With scornful eye the Works and Books of those

That in his time did write, nor yet would taunt

At any man, to fear him or to daunt.

He lived to be 60 years of age, and died about the year 1444, and was buried in his own Convent with this Epitaph,

Mortuus saeclo, superis superstes

Hic … Lydgate tumulatus urna,

Qui fuit quondam celebris Britannae

Fama Poesis.

Dead in this World, living above the skie.

Intomb'd within this Urn doth Lydgate lie

In former time fam'd for his Poetry

All over England.

As for the numerous and various Books, which he wrote of several subjects,**De script. Brit. centur. 8. num. 7. Bale presenteth us with their perfect Catalogue.

JOHN BARNYNGHAM, born at a Village so named in this††… cent. 8. num▪ 11. County, was bred a Carmelite in Ipswich, and afterwards proceeded Doctor in Oxford, thence going to Serbon (the Cock-pit of controversies) was there admitted to the same Degree.

Trithemius takes notice of his parts and perfections, allowing him Festivum ingenium & ad quodcunque deflexum, having a subtile and supple Wit, so that he could be what he would be, a great Master of Defence in the Schools, both to guard and hit. Bale saith, he saw his Works in Cambridge fairly written in four great Volumes. Weary with his long Race beyond the seas, he returned at last to the place whence he started, and retiring to his Convent, whereof he was Ruler at Ipswich, died there January 22, 1448.

JOHN of BURY was an Augustinian in Clare, Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge, Provincial of his Order thorough England and Ireland, no mean Scholar and a great opposer of Reginald Peakock and all other Wicklevites. He flourished Anno 1460.

THOMAS SCROOPE was born at Bradley in this**Bale de scrip. Brit. cent. …. num. 53. J. Pitz. de …. … pag. 681. anno 1491. County, (but extracted from the Lord Scroop in York-shire) who rolled through many professions.

1 He was a Benedictine, but found that Order too loose for his conscience.

2 A Carmelite of Norwich as a stricter profession.

3 An Anchorite (the dungeon of the prison of Carmelitisme) wherein he lived twenty years.

4 Dispensed with by the Pope, he became Bishop of Drummore in Ireland.

5 Qui…ing his Bishoprick, he returned to his solitary life, yet so, that once a week he used to walk on his bare …eet and preach the Decalogue in the Villages round about.

He lived to be extreamly aged, for about the year 1425 cloathed in sack-cloath and girt with an iron chain, he used to cry out in the streets,

That new Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb, was shortly to come down from Heaven▪ prepared for her Spouse▪ Revel. 21 and that with great joy he saw the same in the spirit.

Thomas Waldensis the great Anti-Wicklevite, was much offended thereat; protesting, it was a scandal and disgrace to the Church. However our Scroope long out-lived him, and died aged well nigh 100 years, Non sine sanctitatis opinione, say both Bale and …; And it is a wonder they meet in the same opinion. He was buried at … in this County, Anno 1491.

Since the Reformation.

RICHARD SIRS was born in the edge of this County (yet so, that Essex seemeth p. 70to have no share in him) nigh Sudbury and was bred a Fellow of St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge. He proved afterwards a most profitable Preacher to the Honourable Society of Grais-Inn, whence he was chosen Master of St. Katharine-hall in Cambridge. He found the House in a mean condition, the Wheel of St. Katharine having stood still (not to say gone backwards) for some years together, he left it replenished with Scholars, beautified with Buildings, better endowed with Revenues. He was most eminent for that grace, which is most worth, yet cost the least to keep it, (viz.) Christian humility. Of all points of Divinity he most frequently pressed that of Christs Incarnation, and if the Angels desired to pry into that Mystery, no wonder if this Angelical Man had a longing to look therein. A Learned Divine imputed this good Doctors great humility to his much meditating on that point of Christs humiliation, when he took our flesh upon him. If it be true what some hold in Physick, that Omne par nutrit suum par, that the Vitals of our Body are most strengthned by feeding on such Meat as are likest unto them, I see no absurdity to maintain, that Mens souls improve most in those graces, whereon they have most constant meditation, whereof this worthy Doctor was an eminent instance. He died in the 58th year of his Age, Anno Domini 1631.

WILLIAM ALABLASTER was born at Hadley in this County, and by marriage was Nephew to Doctor John Still, Bishop of Bath and Wells. He was bred Fellow in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge. A most rare Poet as any our Age or Nation hath produced: witnesse his Tragedy of Roxama admirably acted in that Colledge, and so pathetically; that a Gentle-woman present thereat (Reader I had it from an Author whose credit it is sin with me to suspect) at the hearing of the last words thereof, sequar, sequar so hideously pronounced, fell distracted and never after fully recovered her senses.

He attended Chaplain in Calis-voyage on Robert Earl of Essex, where he was so affected with the beauty of Popish Churches and the Venerable respect the Papists gave to their Priests, that he staggered in his own Religion. There wanted not those of the Romish party to force his fall, whom they found reeling; working on his Ambition, who complained of the slownesse of preferment in England, which followed not so fast as in due time to overtake his deserts; so that soon after he turned a Papist.

Yet it was not long before he was out of love with that perswasion; so that, whether because he could not comport with their discipline, who would have made him (who conceived himself at the top) begin again (according to their course) at the bottom of Humane Learning; Or, because (which I rather charitably beleeve) that upon second thoughts he seriously disgusted the Romish superstition, he returned into his own Country.

It was not long before he was made Prebendary of St. Pauls, and Rector of the rich Parsonage of Tharfield in Hartford-shire. He was an excellent Hebrician and well skilled in Cabalistical Learning, witnesse his Clerum in Cambridge when he commenced Doctor in Divinity, taking for his Text the first words of the first Book of Chronicles

Adam, Seth, Enos.

Besides the literal sense, as they are proper names of the Patriarchs, he mined for a mystical meaning, Man is put or placed for pain and trouble.

How well this agreeth with the Original belongs not to me to enquire; This I know, it had been hard (if not impossible) for him to hold on the same rate, and reduce the proper names in the Genealogies following to such an Appellativeness, as should compose a continued sense. He died Anno Domini 163..

SAMUEL WARD was born at Haveril in this County, where his Father had long been a painful Minister of the place, and I remember I have read this Epitaph written on his Monument in the Chancel there, which I will endeavour to translate;

Quo si quis scivit scitiùs,

Aut si quis docuit doctiùs,

At rarus vixit sanctiùs;

Et nullus tonuit fortiùs.

Grant some of knowledge greater store,

More Learned some in teaching;

Yet few in life did lighten more,

None thundred more in preaching.

He bred his son Samuel in Cambridge in Sidney Colledge, whereof he became Fellow, being an excellent Artist, Linguist, Divine and Preacher. He had a sanctified fancy, dexterous in designing expressive pictures, representing much matter in a little model.

From Cambridge he was preferred Minister in, or rather of Ipswich, having a care over p. 71and a love from all the Parishes in that populous place. Indeed he had a magnifick Vertue (as if he had learned it from the Load-stone, in whose qualities he was so knowing) to attract peoples affections. Yet found he foes as well as friends, who complained of him to the High Commission, where he met with some molestation.

He had three Brethren Ministers, on the same token that some have said, that these four put together, would not make up the abilities of their Father. Nor were they themselves offended with this Hyperbole, to have the Branches lessened, to greaten their Root. One of them, lately dead, was benefic'd in Essex, and following the counsel of the Poet,

Ridentem dicere verum,

Quis vetat?

What doth forbid but one may smile,

And also tell the Truth the while?

hath in a jesting way in some of his Books delivered much Smart-Truth of this present Times. M^r. Samuel died 163..

JOHN BOISE, Born at Elmeseth in this County, being son of the Minister thereof. He was bred first in Hadley-School, then in St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, and was deservedly chosen Fellow thereof. Here he (as a Volonteer) read in his bed a Greek Lecture to such young **Thomas … one of them; See the narrative at the end of his Funeral Sermon.Scholars, who preferred Antelucana studia before their own ease and …est. He was afterwards of the Quorum in the translating of the Bible, and whilst St. Chrysostome lives M^r. Boise shall not die, such his learned pains on him in the edition of Sir Henry Savil. Being Parson of Boxworth in Cambridge-shire and Prebendary of Ely, he made a quiet End about the beginning of our Warlike disturbances.

Romish Exile Writers.

ROBERT SOUTHWEL was born in this County, as Pitseus affirmeth, who although often mistaken in his locality, may be believed herein, as professing himself familiarly acquainted with him at Rome. But the matter is not much, where he was born, seeing, though cried up by men of his own Profession for his many Books in Verse and Profe, he was reputed a dangerous enemy by the State, for which he was imprisoned and executed, March the 3, 1595.

Benefactors to the Publick.

ELIZABETH, **Vincent in his corrections of Brooks his errors.third daughter of Gilbert Earl of CLARE and wife to John Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland, I dare not say was born at, but surely had her greatest Honor from Clare in this County. Blame me not, Reader, if I be covetous on any account to recover the mention of her Memory, who Anno 1343 founded Clare-Hall in Cambridge, since augmented by many Benefactors.

Sir SIMON EYRE, son of John Eyre, was born at Brandon in this County, bred in London first an Upholster, then a Draper. In which Profession he profited, that he was chosen Lord Mayor of the City 1445. On his own cost he built Leaden-Hall (for a Common Garner of Corn to the City) of squared **Stow's Su… vey of London pag. 163.stone in form as it now sheweth, with a fair Chappel in the East side of the Quadrant. Over the Porch of which he caused to be written, Dextra Domini exaltavit me, The Lords right hand hath exalted me. He is elsewhere stiled Ho…orandus & famosus Mercator. He left five thousand Marks, a prodigious sum in that age, to charitable uses, so that if my sight mistake not (as I am confident it doth not) his bounty like **1 Sa…. 10. …3Saul stands higher than any others from the shoulders upwards. He departed this life the 18th. of September, Anno Domini 1459. and is buried in the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth in Lumbard-street, London.

THOMAS SPRING, commonly called the Rich Clothier, was I believe born, I am sure lived and waxed Wealthy at Laneham in this County. He built the Carved **…eavers …. Mon. pag. 7…7Chappel of Wainscot, in the North-side of the Chancel, as also the Chappel at the South-side of the Church. This Thomas Spring, senior, died Anno 1510, and lieth buried under a Monument in the Chappel of his own erection.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM COPPINGER born at Bucks-Hall in this County, where his Family p. 72flourisheth at this day in a good esteem. He was bred a Fish-monger in London, so prospering in his Profession that he became Lord Mayor Anno 1512. He gave the**Stow's Survey of London Anno 1512. half of his Estate (which was very great) to pious uses and relieving of the poor.

His bounty mindeth me of the words of Zacheus to our Saviour;**Luke 19. 8.Luke 19:8 Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourefold.

Demand not of me whether our Coppinger made such plentiful restitution, being confident there was no cause thereof, seeing he never was one of the Publicans, persons universally infamous for extortion▪ Otherwise I confess, that that charity, which is not bottom'd on Justice, is but built on a foundred foundation. I am sorry to see this Gentlemans ancient Arms (the Epidemical disease of that Age) substracted (in point of Honour) by the addition of a superfluous Bordure.

Sir WILLIAM CORDAL, Knight. Where ever he was born, he had a fair EstateS. N. at Long-Melford in this County, and lieth buried in that fair Church under a decent Monument. We will translate his Epitaph, which will perfectly acquaint us, with the great Offices he had, and good offices he did to posterity:

Hic Gulielmus habet requiē Cordellus, avito

Stemmate qui clarus, clarior ingenio

Hic studiis primos consumpsit fortiter annos,

Mox & Causarum strenuus actor er at.

Tanta illi doctrina inerat, facundia tanta,

Ut Parlamenti publica Lingua foret.

Postea factus Eques, Reginae arcana Mariae

Consilia, & Patriae grande subibat opus.

Factus & est Custos Rotulorum, urgente senecta

In Christo moriens cepit ad astra viam.

Pauperibus largus victum vestemque ministrans,

Insuper Hospitii condidit ille domum.

Here William Cordal doth in rest remain,

Great by his birth, but greater by his brain,

Plying his studies hard his youth throughout,

Of Causes he became a Pleader stout.

His learning deep such cloquence did vent,

He was chose Speaker of the Parliament.

Afterwards Knight Q. Mary did him make,

And Counsellor, State-work to undertake;

And Master of the Rolls, well worn with age

Dying in Christ heaven was his utmost stage

Diet and clothes to poor he gave at large,

And a fair**At Melford afore-said. Almshouse founded on his charge.

He was made Master of the Rolls November 5th. the Fifth of Queen Mary, continuing therein till the day of his death the††J. Philpot in his Catal. of the Masters of the Rolls. 23th of Queen Elizabeth.

Sir ROBERT HICHAM Knight, and Serjeant at Law, was born (if not at) near Nacton in this County, and was very skilful in our Common-Law. By … practice he got a great Estate, and purchased the fair Mannor of Framlingham of the Earl of Suffolk. Herein he met with many difficulties (knots which would have made another mans Axe turn edge to hew them off) so that, had he not been one of a sharp Wit, strong Brains, powerful Friends, plentiful Purse and indefatigable Diligence, he had never cleared the Title thereof to him and his heirs.

I am willing to beleeve that gratitude to God (who gave him to wade thorough so many Incumbrances and land safely at last on the peaceable possession of his Purchase) was the main motive inclining him to leave a great part of his Estate to pious uses, and principally to Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge. He departed this life a little before the beginning of our Civil Wars.

Memorable Persons.

JOHN CAVENDISH Esq. was born at Cavendish in this County, bred at Court, a Servant in ordinary attendance on King Richard the Second, when Wat Tyler played Rex in London. It happ'ned that Wat was woundly angry with Sir John Newton Knight, (SwordBearer to the King then in presence) for devouring his distance, and not making his approaches mannerly enough unto him; Oh the pride of a self-promoting Pesant! Much bussling a rising thereabout, Sir William Walworth, Lord Mayor of London, arrested VVat and with his Dagger wounded him; and being well stricken in years, wanted not valour but vigour to dispatch him. He is seconded by John Cavendish standing by, who twice or thrice wounded him mortally; my**Speed in his Chron. pag. 607. Author complaining, That his death was too worthy, from the hands of honourable persons, for whom the Axe of the Hangman had been p. 73too good. I would have said, the H…lter of the Hangman. But it matters not, by whom a Traitor be kill'd, so he be kill'd.

Hereupon the Arms of London were augmented with a Dagger, and, to divide the Honour equally betwixt them, if the Heaft belonged to Walworth, the Blade, or point thereof at least, may be adjudged to Cavendish. Let me add that King Richard himself shewed much wisedome and courage in managing this matter, so that in our Chronicles he appeareth wiser Youth than Man; as if he had spent all the stock of his discretion in appeasing this tumult, which happened, Anno Dom. 1381.

Sir THOMAS COOK, Knight.

Sir WILLIAM CAPELL, Knight.

I present these pair of Knights in parallels, because I find many considerable occurrences betwixt them in the course of their lives;

1 Both were natives of this County, born not far asunder. Sir Thomas at L…venham, Sir William at Stoke-Neyland.

2 Both were bred in London, free of the fame Company of Drapers, and were LordMayors of the City.

3 Both by Gods blessing on their industry attained great Estates, and were Royal-Merchants indeed. The later is reported by tradition (since by continuance consolidated into Historical truth) that, after a large entertainment made for King Henry the Seventh, he concluded all with a Fire, wherein he burnt many Bonds, in which the King (a Borrower in the beginning of his Reign) stood obliged unto him; (a sweet perfume (no doubt) to so thrifty a Prince) not to speak of his expensive Frolick, when at another time he drank a dissolved Pearl (which cost him many hundreds) in an health to the King.

4 Both met with many molestations, Sir Thomas being arraigned for lending money (in the reign of King Edward the Fourth) hardly escaped with his life (thank a good God, a**See Judge Markham his life in Nottingham-shire. just Judge and a stout Jury) though griveously fined, and long imprisoned. As for Sir William, Empson and Dudley fell with their bodies so heavy upon him, that they squeased many thousand pounds out of his, into the Kings Coffers.

5 Both died peaceably in Age and Honour, leaving great Estates to their Posterities. The Cooks flourishing lately at Giddy-Hall in Essex, in a Worshipful, as the Capels at Hadham in Hartford-shire now in an Honourable condition.

Nor must it be forgotten, that Elizabeth, daughter to Sir William Capel, was married to William Powlet Marquess of Winchester, and Mildred, descended from Sir Thomas Cook to William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, both their husbands being successively Lord Treasurers of England, for above fifty years. Sir Thomas Cook lieth buried in the Church of Augustine …, London. Sir William Capel in the South-side of the Parish Church of St. Bartholomews (in a Chappel of his own addition) behind the Exchange, though the certain date of their deaths do not appear.

Lord Mayors.

Reader, this is one of the twelve pretermitted Shires, the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the reign of King Henry the Sixth.

p. 74Sheriffs.

Know that this County and N…hfolk had both one Sheriff until the seventeenth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a List of whose names we formerly have presented in the description of Northfolk.

Queen ELIZABETH.

18 JOHN HIGHAM Arm.] I find this passage in the Ingenious Michael Lord Montaigne in France, in his Essay * of Glory,Lib. …. cap. 16.

I have no name which is sufficiently mine. Of two I have the one common to all my Race, yea and also to others. There is a Family at Paris, and another at Montpellier, called Montaigne, another in Brittanny, and one in Zantoigne, surnamed de la Montaigne. The removing of one only syllable, may so confound our Web, as I shall have a share in their Glory, and they perhaps a part of my shame. And my Ancestors have heretofore been surnamed HEIGHAM, or HIQUEM a surname which also belongs to an House well known in England.

Indeed the Highams (so * named from a Village in this County) were, (for I suspect…. …. [in English] in Suffolk p. 75them extinct) a right Ancient Family, and S^r Clement Heigham, (Ancestor to this John our Sheriff,) who was a Potent Knight in his Generation, lies buried under a fair Tomb in Thorning-Church in Northfolk.

20 ROBERT JERMIN, Miles] He was a Person of singular Piety, a bountiful Benefactor to Emanuel-Colledge, and a man of great command in this County. He was Father to Sir Tho. Jermin (Privy Concellour and Vice-Chamberlain to King Charles the First) Grandfather to Thomas and Henry Jermin Esquires. The younger of these being Lord Chamberlain to our present Queen Mary, and sharing in her Majesties sufferings during her long Exile in France, was by King Charles the Second deservedly advanced Baron, and Earl of St. Albans.

23 NICHOLAS BACON Miles.] He was son to Sir Nicholas and elder Brother to Sir Francis Bacon, both Lord Chancellors of England, and afterward by King James in the ninth of his reign on the 22 of May created the first Baronet of England.

36 THOMAS CROFTS, Armiger.] He was a Man of Remark in his generation; Father to Sir John Crofts, Grand-father to. . . . Crofts, who for his Fidelity to his Sovereign during his suffering condition, and for several Embassies, worthily performed to the King of Poland and other Princes, was created Baron Crofts by King Charles the Second.

CHARLES the First.

15 SIMONDS DEWES Miles.] This Sir Simonds was Grand-child unto Adrian D…wes descended of the Ancient Stem of Des Ewes Dynasts or Lords of the Dition of Kessel in the Dutchy of Gelderland: who came first thence, when that Province was wasted with Civil War in the beginning of King Henry the Eighth.

He was bred in Cambridge as appeared by his printed speech (made in the long Parliament) wherein he indeavoured to prove it more Ancient than Oxford. His Genious addicted him to the study of Antiquity. Preferring Rust before Brightness, and more conforming his mind to the Garbe of the former than mode of the moderne times. He was studious in Roman Coin to discriminate true ones from such as were cast and counterfeit. He passed not for Price to procure a choice piece, and was no less careful in conserving than curious in culling many rare Records. He had plenty of pretious Medals, out of which a methodical Architect might contrive a fair Fabrick for the benefit of posterity. His Treasury afforded things as well new as old, on the token that he much admired that the Ordinances and Orders of the late Long Parliament did in Bulks and number exceed all the Statutes made since the Conquest. He was loving to Learned Men to whom he desired to do all good offices, and died about the year of our Lord 1653.

The Fare-wel.

To conclude our description of Suffolk, I wish that therein Grain of all kinds may be had at so reasonable rates, that rich and poor may be contented therewith. But if a Famine should happen here, let the poor not distrust Divine providence, whereof their Grand-fathers had so admirable a testimony 15. . When in a general dearth all over England, plenty of Pease did grow on the Sea-shore near Dunwi…h (never set or sown by humane industry) which being gathered in full ripeness, much abated the high prices in the Markets, and preserved many hundreds of hungry Families from famishing.