The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 42

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 42

p. 115VVARWICK-SHIRE.

WARWICK-SHIRE hath Leicester and Northampton-shires on the East, Oxford, & Gloucester-shires on the South, Worcester on the West, and Stafford-shire on the North thereof. In forme at the first view in a Map it doth pretend to some Circularness, but attaineth no exactness therein, as extending Thirty three miles, from North to South, though from East to West not distanced above twenty six.

One said no less truly then merrily, It is the Heart but not the Core of England, having nothing Course or Choaky therein. The Wood-land part thereof may want what the Fieldon affords. So that Warwick-shire is defective in neither. As for the Pleasure thereof, an **… Speed in his descript. of Warwick-shire.Author is bold to say, that from Edg-hill one may behold it another Eden, as **Gen. 13. 10.Gen 13:10Lot did the Plain of Jordan, but he might have put in, It is not altogether so well watered.

Naturall Commodities.

Sheep.

Most large for bone, flesh and wooll in this County, especially about Worm-Leighton. In this Shire the complaint of J. Rous continueth and increaseth, that sheep turn Canibals, eating up men, houses, and towns, their pastures make such depopulation.

But on the other side, it is pleaded for these Inclosures, that they make houses the fewer in this County, and the more in the Kingdome. How come buildings in great towns every day to encrease? (so that commonly Tenants are in before Tenements are ended,) but that the poor are generally maintain'd by Clothing, the Staple-trade of the Nation.

Indeed Corn doth visibly employ the poor in the place where it groweth, by Ploughing, Sowing, Mowing, Inning, Threshing: but Wooll invisibly maintaineth people at many miles distance, by Carding, Spinning, Weaving, Dressing, Dying it. However an expedient might be so used betwixt Tillage and Pastureage, that Abel should not kill Cain, the Shepherd undoe the Husbandman, but both subsist comfortably together.

Ash.

It is the Prince (Oke being allowed the King) of Eglish Timber, growing plentifully in the Wood-land Part of this County. I confess it far short in Sovereigness against Serpents of the Italian Ash, if true what Pliny reporteth, (making Affidavit thereof on his own Experience, **Nat. Hist. …. 16. cap. 13.Experti prodimus) that a Serpent incircled with Fire and Boughes of Ash, will in this Dilemma, put himself rather on the hazard of fire, then adventure on the fence of Ashen Boughes. It is also far infe…iour in toughness to the Spanish Ash, and yet a Stand of Pikes made of English Ash, and managed with English-mens Arms, will doe very well. But to wave the Warlike, and praise the Peaceable use of the Ash, it is excellent for Plow-timber, besides many Utensils within a Family. Being cut down Green it burneth (a Peculiar Priviledge of this Wood) clear and bright, as if the Sappe thereof, had a fire-feeding Unctiousness therein. The fruit thereof is good in Physick, whose Keys are opening of obstructions arising from the Spleen.

Cole.

Much hereof is digged up at Bedworth, which (in my Measuring) of all Cole-mines, North of Thames, is the most Southward, adding much to their Price, and Owners Profit. The making such Mines destroyeth much, but when made preserveth more Tim…er. I am sorry to hear, that those black Indies, both in Quantity and Quality, fall short of their former fruitfulness, and I wish they may recover their lost Credit, being confident, the Earth there will bleed Profit as plentifully as any, had the Miners but the good Hap, to hit the right vein thereof. As for Manufactures in this County, some Broad cloths are made in Coventry, and ten might be made for one, if the mistery thereof were vigorously pursued.

p. 116The Buildings.

Coventry much beholding to the Lady Godiva, (who took Order that her Charity should not prejudice her Modesty, when she purchased the Priviledges of this Place) sheweth two fair Churches close together: How clearly would they have shined, if set at competent Distance? whereas now, such their Vicinity, that the Arch-angel eclypseth the Trinity.

Saint Ma…ies in Warwick a Beautifull Structure, owes its life to the Monuments of the dead therein, most being Earls of Warwick. Of these, that in the Body of the Church is the Oldest, that in the Chancell is the largest, that in the Chapell (of Guilt Brass) the Richest, that in the Chapter-House (of Fulke Lord Brook) the latest. Greatness may seem in some fort to be buried in the Tomb of the Earl of Leicester, and Goodness in that of the Earl of Warwick. Women are most delighted with the Statue of the Infant Baron of Denby, and Scholars most affected with the learned Epitaph of Sir Thomas Puckering. In a word, so numerous is the Church with its Appendences, as I am enformed by my Worthy Friend, the **Mr. Venour.Minister, that he can accommodate One Clergyman, of all Dignities and Degrees, to repose them, in severall Chapells or Ve…ries by themselves.

Kenelworth, alias Kenilworth. It had the Strength of a Castle, and Beauty of a Princes Court; Though most fair the Porch, no danger of the Castles running out thereat, (like that of Mindus at the Gate) as most Proportionable to the rest of the Fabrick. I confess Handsome is an unproper Epithete of a Gyant, yet Neatness agreeth with the Vastness of this structure.

Some Castles have been Demolished for security, which I behold destroyed, se defendendo, without offence. Others Demolished in the heat of the Wars, which I look upon as Castle-slaughter. But I cannot excuse the Destruction of this Ca…tle, from Wilfull-murder, being done in cold blood, since the end of the Wars.

I am not stock'd enough with Charity to pitty the Ruiners thereof, if the materialls of this Castle answered not their Expectation, who destroyed it.

Pass we now from the Preterperfect to the Present Tense, I mean from what was once, to what now is most magnificent, the Castle of Warwick. It over-looketh the Town which is washed and swept by Nature, so sweet on a Rising Hill, is the situation thereof. The Prospect of this Castle is Pleasant in its self, and far more to the Present Owner thereof, the Right Honourable Robert Lord Brooke, seeing the Windows look into Lands mostly of his Possession.

We will conclude the Buildings of this County, with the beautifull Cross of Coventry. A Reformed Cross, (or Standard rather) without any Cross thereon, being a Masterpiece, all for Ornament, nothing for Superstition, so that the most curious, hath just cause to commend, the most conscientious to allow, none to condemn it.

It was begun 1541. the 33. and finished 1544. the 36. of King Henry the eighth, at the sole cost of Sir William Hollis Lord Mayor of London, Great-grand-father to the Right Honorable the Earl of Clare.

The Wonders.

At Lemington, within two Miles of Warwick, there issue out (within a stride) of the womb of the Earth, two Twin-springs, as different in Tast and Operation, as Esa… and Jacob in disposition, the one Salt, the other Fresh. Thus the meanest Country-man doth plainly see the Effects, whilst it would pose a Consulta…ion of Philosophers to assign the true cause thereof. To this Permanent let me joyne a trans…ent Wonder which some was fifty years since. The Situation of Coventry is well known, on a rising Hill, having no River near it, save a small Brook, over which generally one may make a Bridge with a Stride. Now here happened such an Inundation, on friday April the seventeenth 1607. (attested under the Seal of the City, in the Majoralty of Henry S…wel) as was equally admirable;

p. 117In 1. Coming about eight a clock in the morning, no considerable rain preceding, which might suggest the least suspicion thereof.

In 2. Continuance, for the Space of three Hours, wherein it overflowed more then two hundred and fifty dwelling Houses, to the great damage of the Inhabitants.

In 3. Departure, or vanishing rather, sinking as suddenly as it did rise.

Thus what the Scripture saith of **John 3. 5.John 3:5wind, was then true of the water, One cannot tell, whence it came, nor whither it went. Leaving others to enquire into the second and subordinate, I will content my self with admiring the Supreme Cause, observed by the **Psalm. 107. 35.Ps 107:35Psalmist, He turneth a wilderness into a standing water, and dry-ground into waterSprings.

Medicinal waters.

At Newenham Regis there is a Spring, the water whereof drunk with Salt loosneth, with Sugar bindeth the Body. It is also very Sovereigne against Ulcers, Impostumes, & the Stone. This last I commend to the Readers choise observation, the same **Sp…d in his Description of Warwick-shire.Author affirming that it turneth Sticks into Stone, and that he himself was an Eye-witness thereof. Now, how it should dissolve the Stone in the Body of a Man, and yet turn Wood into Stone, I leave to such who are naturae à Sanctioribus Consiliis, at their next meeting at their Counsel-table, to discuss and decide.

Proverbs.

He is the black Bear of Arden.]

Arden, is a Forrest, anciently occupying all the Wood-land part of this County. By the Black Bear, is meant Guy Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, who (besides the allusion to his Crest) was Grim of Person and Surly of resolution, for when this Bear had gotten Pierce Gavistone, (that Munkey and Minion of King Edward the second) into his Chambers, he caused his Death at a Hill within two miles of Warwick, notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary. The Proverb is appliable to those who are not Terricula menta, bnt Terrores, no fancy-formed Bug-bears, but such as carry fear and fright to others about them.

As bold as Beauchamp.]

Some will say the concurrence of these two B. B. did much help the Proverbe, and I think (as in others of the same kind) they did nothing hinder it. However this quality could not be fixed on any name with more truth. If it be demanded, what Beauchamp is chiefly meant, amongst the many of that Surname, Earls of Warwick? The answer of mutinous people is true in this case, One and all.

1. William. 2. Guy. 3. Thomas. 4. Thomas. 5. Richard. 6. Henry.

Such a series there was of successive undauntedness in that noble Family. But, if a better may be allowed amongst the best, and a bolder amongst the boldest; I conceive that Thomas the first of that name, gave the chief occasion to this Proverbe, of whom we read it thus reported in our **Out of which it is observed by Mr. M lls in his Catal. of Honour pag. 804. and Mr. Dug…ale in his Earls of Warwick.Chronicles:

At Hogges in Normandy, in the year of our Lord 1346. being there in safety arrived with Edward the third, this Thomas leaping over ship-board, was the first man who went on land, seconded by one Esquire, and six Archers, being mounted on a silly Palfray, which the suddain accident of the business first offered to hand; with this company, he did fight against one hundred armed men, and in hostile manner overthrew every one which withstood him: and so at one shock, with his seven assistants, he slew sixty Normans, removed all resistance, and gave means to the whole fleet to land the Army in safety.

The Heirs-male off this name, are long since extinct, though some deriving themselves from the Heirs-generall, are extant at this day.

The Bear wants a Tail, and cannot be a Lion.]

Nature hath cut off the Tail of the Bear close at the Rump, which is very strong, and long in a Lion; for a great part of the Lions strength consists in his Tail, wherewith p. 118(when Angry) he useth to Flap and Beat himself, to raise his Rage therewith to the Height, so to render himself more Fierce and Furious. If any ask why this Proverbe is placed in Warwick-shire? Let them take the Ensuing Story for their satisfaction.

Robert Dudley Earl of Leice…er, derived his Pedegree from the ancient Earls of Warwick, on which Title he gave their Crest, the Bear and Ragged Staffe, and when he was Governour of the Low Countries, with the high Title of his Excellency, disusing his Own Coat of the Green-Lion with Two Tails, he signed all Instruments with the Crest of the Bear and Ragged Staffe. He was then suspected by many of his jealous adversaries, to hatch an Ambitious design to make himself absolute Commander (as the Lion is King of Beasts) over the Low-Countries. Whereupon some (Foes to his faction, and Friends to the Dutch-freedome) wrote unde… his Crest, set up in Publick places,

Ursa caret cauda, non queat esse Leo.

The Bear he never can prevail

To Lion it, for lack of Tail.

Nor is U…sa in the feminine meerly placed to make the Verse; But because Naturalists observe in Bears, that the Female is always the strongest.

This Proverb is applyed to such who not content with their Condition, aspire to what is above their worth to deserve, or Power to atchive.

He is true Coventry-blew.]

It seems the best blews, so well fixed as not to fade, are died in Coventry. It is applied to such an one who is fidus Achates, a fast and faithfull friend to those that employ him. Opposite hereunto is the Greek Proverb, **… in Probl. Cur polypus mutat co…pus.foreign, Ignavi vertitur color, A Coward will change colour, either for fear or falsehood, when deserting those who placed confidence in him. As for those who apply this Proverb to persons so habited in wickedness, as past hope of amendment, under favour I conceive it a secondary, and but abusive sense thereof.

Princes.

ANNE NEVILL Daughter and Co▪heir to Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick, was most prob…bly born in Warwick-castle. She was afterward married with a great portion and inheritance, to Edward Prince of Wales, sole Son to King Henry the sixth. A Prince, neither dying of Disease, nor slain in Battle, nor executed by Justice, but barbarously butchered by Richard Duke of Gloucester.

Was it not then a daring piece of Court-ship in him, who had murthered her husband, to make love unto her in way of marriage; and was not his success strange in obtaining her, having no … to commend his person to her affection? O the Impotency of the weaker sex, to resist the battery of a Princely Suitor, who afterward became King by his own ambition! however her life with him proved neither long nor fortunate.

It happened that there was the muttering of a marriage between Henry Earl of Richmond, and Elizabeth eldest Daughter to Edward the fourth, so to unite the houses of Lancaster and York. To prevent this, King Richard the third intended to marry the Lady himself, so methodicall he was in breaking the Commandements of the second Table. First Honour thy Father and Mother, when he procured his Mother to be proclaimed a harlot, by a Preacher at Pauls Cross. Secondly, Thou shalt not kill, when he murthered his Nephews. Thirdly, Thou shalt not Commit adultery, being now in pursuit of an incestuous Copulation.

Say not that this match would nothing confirme his title, seeing formerly he had pronunced all the Issue of King Edward the fourth as Illegitimate; for first, that designe was rather indevoured then effected, most men remaining (notwithstanding this bastardizing attempt) well satisfied in the rightfulness of their extraction. Secondly, they should or should not be Bastards, as it made for his present advantage. Tyrants always driving that nail which will goe, though it go cross to those which they have driven before. Lastly, if it did not help him, it would hinder the Earl of Richmond, which made that Usurper half wild till he was wedded.

p. 119But one thing withstood his desires, this Anne his Queen was still alive, though daily quarrelled at, and complained of (her son being lately dead) for barren, and O what a loss would it be to nature it self, should her husband dye without an heir unto his vertues! Well, this Lady understanding that she was a burthen to her husband, for grief soon became a burthen to herself, and wasted away on a suddain. Some think she went her own pace to the grave, while others suspect a grain was given her to quicken her in her journy to her long home. Which happened Anno Dom. 1484.

EDWARD PLANTAG…NET Son to George Duke of Clarence, may passe for a Prince, because the last Male-heir of that Royal Family. Yea, some of his Foes feared, and more of his Friends desired, that he might be King of England. His Mother was Isabel, Eldest Daughter to Richard▪Nevill Earl of Warwick. And he was born in **Mr. Dugdale in his Illustrations of Warwick …, in the Catalogue of the … thereof.Warwick-castle.

As his Age increased, so the Jealousie of the Kings of England on him did increase, being kept Close Prisoner by King Edward the fourth, Closer by King Richard the third, and Closest by King Henry the seventh. This last, being of a New Linage and Sirname, knew full well how this Nation hankered after the Name of Plantagenet, which as it did out-syllable Tuthar in the Mouths, so did it out-vie it in the Affections of the English. Hence was it, that the Earl was kept in so strict Restraint, which made him very weak in his Intellectuals, and no wonder, being so sequestred from human converse.

It happened, a marriage was now in debate, betwixt Prince Arthur, and Katherine Daughter to Ferdinand King of Spain, and the latter would not consent thereunto, untill to clear all Titles, this Edward Plantagenet were taken out of the way. Thereupon he was Charged for intending an Escape out of the Tower, (was he not a very fool indeed, if not desiring his own liberty?) which far fetch'd deduction was … into High Treason. The simple Earl was perswaded by his friend pretending Foes, to confess the fact as the only way to find favour, and so freely acknowledging more against himself, then others could prove, yea, or himself did intend, soon after found the Proverb true, Confess and be Beheaded.

However the bloud of this Innocent (so may he truely be termed take the word in what sence you please) did not pass unpunished, and the Lady Katherine Dowager was wont to acknowledge the death of her two Sons an ill success of her match, as Heavens Judgement on her family, for the Murdering of this Earl, which happened Anno Domini 1499.

Saints.

Saint WOLSTAN. There is some difference, but what is easily reconcileable, about the place of his Nativity,

J. Pitz, de illust. Angliae Script. aetate undecima num. 174. Sanctus Wolstanus natione Anglus Wigorniensis.

Hierom. Porter, in the Flowers of the lives of English Saints, p. 84. Saint Wolstan was born in Warwick-shire, of worthy and religious Parents.

The accommodation is easy, seeing a Warwick-shire man by his County, may be a Worcester-man by his Diocess, to which See the western moity of that County doth belong. Since I have learned from my worthy **M…. Dugdale in … illustrations of this County.friend, that Long Irtington in this Shire, may boast of the birth of Saint Wolstan. He afterwards began Bishop of Worcester, and for his piety and holiness was generally reverenced.

Indeed he was like Jacob, a plain man, with Nathaniel an Israelite without guile, welt or gard. He could not Mode it, or comport, either with French ficleness, or Italian pride, which rendred him at once hated by two Grandees, K. Wil. the Conqueror, and Lankfank the lordly Lombard Arch-bishop of Canterbury.

These resolved on his removall, quarrelling with him that he could not speake French, (a quality which much commended the Clergy in that Age to preferment,) and command him to give up his Episcopal staffe and ring into the hands of the King. But old Wolstan trudged to the Tomb of King Edward the Confessor in Westminster, who p. 120had been his Patron, and there offered up his Episcopal Habilliments, These (said he) from you I received, and to you I resign them.

This his plain dealing so wrought on his adversaries, (Honesty at long running is the best Policy,) that he was not only continued, but countenanced in his Bishoprick, yea, acquired the reputation of a Saint. The greatest fault which I find charged on his Memory, is his Activity in making W. Rufus King to the apparent injury of Ro…ert his Elder Brother. But it is no wonder, if Clergy men betray their weakness, who being bred in a Covent, quit Church business, to intermedle with Secular matters. He died January 19. 1095.

Martyrs.

To these let me add JULIUS PALMER a hopefull scholar, bred in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, aud though burnt in Newbury, born at Coventry. Ralph Bains Bishop of this Diocess, was the cause of much persecution therein.

Confessors.

JOHN GLOVER. David saith, He shall deliver th…e from the snare of the Hunter. Psalm. 91. 3.Ps 91:3Now Hunters often change their Hare, losing that which they first followed, and starting another which they hunt and take: So it happened here. For this John was the person by his persecutors designed to Death, who (after many temporall and spirituall troubles) Miraculously escaped those Nimrods. Whilst Robert Glover his younger Brother (of whom before) without their intention, fell into their hands, and lost his life. Yet was there no mistake in Divine Providence, making the Swervings and Aberrations of men, tend in a straight line, to the accomplishing of his hidden Will and Pleasure.

Cardinals.

WILLIAM MAKLESFIELD was born saith my**Bishop Godwi… in hi… Catal. of Cardin. p…g. 170. Author (but with an abatement of a hic fertur) in the City of Coventry. He was made Batchelour of Divinity at Paris, Doctor at Oxford and being a Dominican was made Generall of their Order.

Pope B…nedict the eleventh, (who was of the same fraternity,) formerly his familiar acquaintance, made him Cardinal, with the title of Saint Sabine. But such his misfortune, that he was dead and buried at London, before his Cardinals cap was brought to him.

What said David, He shall carry nothing away with him when he dyes, Neither shall his Psalm. 49. 17.Ps 49:17Pomp follow him. Yet this mans State endeavoured to follow him as far as it could. For his Cardinals cap being sent to London with great Solemnity, was with much Magnificence set on the**Bishop G…dwin ut supra. Monument where he was buried. And perchance this cap did him as much good when he was dead, as it would have done, if he had been living. Sure I am, that F…ithfull Linnen did him far more service, which adventured to go down with him into the grave, for the winding of his body therein.

**Bishop Go… win in his Ca…al of Cardin.PETER PETOW by Master Camden called William Petow, (and had I been at his Christening, I could have decided …he controversy,) was**Cam…ens Bri…. … Warwick-sh. descended from an Ancient family, which for a long time have flourished at Chesterton in this County. Being by Order a Franciscan, he was by Pope Paulus the third created Cardinal, (his title unknown) June 13. 1557.

The same Pope also made him Legat à Latere, and Bishop of Salisbury, to the apparent wronging of John Capon Bishop thereof, then alive, and no more Obnoxious then others of his Order. But I forget what the Cannon-law saith, None may say to the Pope, p. 121why dost thou so? as if what were unjust in it self, were made just by his doing it.

P…tow thus Armed, with a Legatine Power advances towards England, with full Intent and Resolution, either to force his Admittance into the English Court, or else to depart as he came.

But Queen Mary though Drenched, not Drown'd in Popish Principles, would not Unprince herself to Obey his Holiness, and understanding it a Splenatick design against Cardinal Poole, whom she intirely affected, (wonder not at such differences betwixt AntiCardinals, whereas worse between Anti-Popes,) Prohibited his enterance into the Realme, which Petow took so tenderly, that the April after he dyed in France 1558.

Prelates.

JOHN STRATFORD son of Robert and Isabell Stratford, is notoriously known to be born at Stratford, an Eminent Market in this County. This makes me much admire, and almost suspect my own Eyes, in what I read, both in Arch-bishop Parker, and Bishop Godwin,

**In … life of Stratford.De cujus Gente atque Patria nihil accepimus.

**Idem Ibid…m.De cujus viri Natalibus traditum non reperi quicquam.

Being by Papall provisions preferred Bishop of Winchester, without the Royall Consent, he fell into the Dis-favour of King Edward the second, regaining his Good will, (by the intercession of Arch-bishop Mepham) and being a Subject, not to the Prosperity, but person of his Prince, he forsooke him not in his greatest Extremity. This cost him the Displeasure of the Queen Mother, and King Edward the third, till at last Converted by his Constancy, they turned their frowns into smiles upon him.

When Arch-bishop of Canterbury, he perswaded King Edward the third to invade France, promising to supply him with competent provisions for the purpose. A promise not so proportionable to his Archiepiscopal Capacity, as to him, as he had been twice Treasurer of England, and skilfull in the collecting and advancing of money, so that he furnished the King with great sums, at his first setting forth for France.

These being spent before the year ended, the King sends over for a supply. Stratford instead of Coin, returns Counsell, advising him to alter his Officers, otherwise, if so much was spent at a Breakfast, the whole wealth of the land, would not suffice him for Dinner.

Over comes the angry King, from whose fury Stratford was forc'd to conceal himself, untill publickly passing his purgation in Parliament, he was restored to the reputation of his Innocence, and rectified in the Kings esteem. He built, and bountifully endowed, a Beautifull Colledge, in the Town of his Nativity, and having set Archbishop fifteen years, dyed Anno 1348. leaving a perfumed memory behind him, for his Bounty to his Servants, Charity to the Poor, Meekness and Moderation to all persons.

RALPH STRATFORD (kinsman to the foresaid Arch-bishop,) was born**Godwin …n the Bi…hops of London. in the Town of Stratford on Avon, where he built a Chappel to the honour of Saint Thomas. He was first Cannon of Saint Pauls, and afterwards May 12. 1339. was consecrated at Canterbury Bishop of London.

During his sitting in that See, there happened so grievous a Pestilence in London, that hardly the Tenth Person in some places did escape. Then each Church-yard was indeed a Polyandrum, so that the Dead might seem to Justle one another for room therein. Yea, the Dead did kill the Living, so shallowly were their heaped Corps interred.

Whereupon this Bishop Charitably bought a Piece of Ground nigh Smithfield. It was called No▪Mans-Land, not à parte Ante, as formerly without an Owner, (seeing it had a Proprictary of whom it was legally purchased,) but de futuro, none having a particular interest therein, though indeed it was All-Mens-Land, as designed and consecrated for the Generall Sepulture of the Deceased. This Bishop having continued about 14. years in his See, he died at Stepney 1355.

ROBERT STRATFORD (brother to the Arch-bishop aforesaid) was in the reign p. 122of King Edward the third made Bishop of Chichester. He was at the same time Chancellour of Oxford, (wherein he was bred) and of all England. Honorable Offices, which sometimes have met in the same Person, though never more deservedly then in the Present Enjoyer of them both.

In his time there was a tough contest betwixt the South and Northern-men in that University. They fell from their Pens to their Hands, using the contracted fist of Mar…ial, Logick, bloody blows passing betwixt them. Th s Bishop did **Brian Twin.wisely and fortunately bestirre himself an Arbitrator in this Controversy, being a proper Person for such a performance, born in this County, (in the very Navil of England) so that his Nativity was a Naturall Expedient betwixt them, and his Judgement was unpartiall in compremising the difference.

He was accused to the King for favouring the French, with his Brother Archbishop, contented patiently to attend till Pregnant Time was delivered of Truth her Daughter, and then this Brace of Prelates appeared Brethren in Integrity. He died at Allingbourn April 9. 1362.

JOHN VESTY alias HARMAN, Doctor of Law, was born at Sutton Colefield in this County, bred in Oxford; A most vivacious person, if the Date of these Remarks be seriously considered.

1. In the twentieth year of King Henry the sixth, he was appointed to celebrate the Divine-service in the Free-Chappell of Saint Blase of Sutton aforesaid.

2. In the twentie third year of Henry the seventh, he was made Vicar of Saint Michaells Church in Coventry.

3. Under K. Henry the eighth, he was made Dean of the Chappell Royall, Tutor to the Lady Mary, and President of Wales.

4. In the Eleventh of K. Henry the eighth, 1519. he was advanced to be Bishop of Exeter.

Which Bishoprick he destroyed, not onelyonly shaving the Hairs, (with long leases) but cutting away the limbs with sales outright, in so much that Bishop Hall his successor in that See, complaineth in print, that the following Bishops were Barons, but Bare-ones indeed. Some have Confidently affirmed, in my hearing, that the word to Veize (that is in the West, to drive away with a Witness) had its Originall from his Profligating of the lands of his Bishoprick, but I yet demurre to the truth thereof.

He robbed his own Cathedrall to pay a Parish Church, Sutton in this County, where he was born, wheron he bestowed many Benefactions, and built fifty one houses. To inrich this his Native Town, he brought out of Devonshire many Clothiers, with Desire and Hope to fix the Manufacture of Cloathing there. All in vaine, for as Bishop Godwin observeth,

Non omnis fert omnia tellus.

Which though true conjunctively, that all Countrys put together bring forth all things, to be Mutually bartered by a Reciprocation of Trade, is false disjunctively, no one place affording all Commodities, so that the Cloath-workers here, had their pains for their labour, and sold for their lost.

It seems though he brought out of Devon-shire the Fiddle and Fiddlestick, he brought not the Rosen, therewith to make Good Musick, and every Country is innated with a Peculiar Genius, and is left handed to those trades, which are against their Inclinations.

He quitted his Bishoprick (not worth keeping) in the reign of King Edward the sixth, and no wonder he resumed it not in the reign of Queen Mary, the Bone not being worth the taking, the Marrow being knocked out before. He died (being 103. years old,) in the reign of Q. Mary, and was buried in his Native Town, with his Statue Mitred and Vested.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN BIRD was born in the City of **B…le de Script. Brit.Coventry, bred a Carmelite at Oxford, and p. 123became afterwards the 31. (the head-game) and last Provinciall of his Order. He Preached some smart Sermons before King Henry the eighth, against the Primacy of the Pope, for which he was preferred (saith Bishop Godwin) to be successively Bishop of Ossery in Ireland, Bangor in Wales, and Chester in England.

To the two last we concur, but dissent to the former, because John Bale contemporary with this John Bird, and also Bishop of Ossery, (who therefore must be presumed skilfull in his Predecessors in that See) nameth him not Bishop of Ossery, but Episcopum Pennecensem in Hiberniâ, the same Bale saith of him, Audivi eum ad Papismi vomitum reversum. I have heard that (in the reign of Queen M…ry) he returned to the vomit of Popery: which my charity will not believe. Indeed in the first of Queen Mary he was outed of his Bishoprick for being married, and all that we can recover of his carriage a…terwards, is this passage at the examination of Master Thomas Hauke, Martyr. When John Bird (then very old) brought Boner a bottle of Wine, and a dish of Apples, probably a present unto him for a Ne noceat, and therefore not enough to speak him a Papist in his perswasion.

Bishop Boner desired him to take Haukes into his Chamber, and to try if he could convert him, whereupon after Boners departure out of the room, the quondam Bishop accosted Haukes as followeth,

**Fox Acts and Monum. pag. 1588. & anno 1555.I would to God I could do you some good, you are a young man, and I would not wish you to go to far, but learn of the elders to bear somewhat.

He enforced him no further, but being a thorough old man even fell fast asleep. All this in my computation amounts but to a passive compliance, and is not evidence enough to make him a thorough paced Papist, the rather because John Pitts omitteth him in the Catalogue of English-writers, which no doubt he would not have done, had he any assurance, that he had been a radicated Romanist. Nothing else have I to observe of him, but onelyonly that he was a little man, and had a pearl in his eyes, and dying 1556. was buried in Chester.

States men.

Sir NICHOLAS THROCKMORTON Knight, fourth Son of Sir George Throckmorton of Coughton in this County, was bred beyond the Seas, where he attained to great experience. Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-Hall arraigned for Treason (compliance with Wyat) and by his own warie pleading, and the Jurie's upright verdict hardly escaped. Queen Elizabeth employed him Her Leiger a long time, first in France, then in Scotland, finding him a most able Minister of State, yet got he no great wealth, and no wonder, being ever of the opposite party to **Camdens Eliz. Anno 15…9.Burleigh Lord Treasurer; Chamberlain of the Exchequer, and Chief Butler of England, were his highest preferments. I say Chief Butler, which office like an empty covered cup, pretendeth to some state, but affordeth no considerable profit. He died at supper with eating of salates, not without suspicion of poison, the rather because hapning in the house of one no mean artist in that faculty, R. Earl of Leicester. His death as it was sudden, was seasonable for him and his, whose active (others will call it turbulent) spirit had brought him into such trouble as might have cost him, at least, the loss of his **Idem Anno 1570.personal estate. He died in the fifty seventh year of his age, February the 12. 1570. and lyeth **Stows Survay of London p. 149.buryed in the South-side of the Chancel of St. Katharine Cree-Church London.

EDWARD CONWAY Knight, Son to Sir John Conway Knight, Lord and Owner of Ragleigh in this County. This Sir John being a Person of Great skill in Military affaires, was made by Robert Earl of Leicester (Generall of the English Auxiliaries in the united Provinces) Governour of Ostend. His Son Sir Edward succeeded to his Fathers Martial skill and valour, and twisted therewith peaceable policy in State-affaires▪ so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most Eminent Proportion, and thereupon King James made Him one of the Principal Secretaries of State.

For these his good services, he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County, and afterwards by King Charles, Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim. And lastly in the third of King Charles, Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvanshire, England, Ireland and Wales, mutually embracing themselves in His Honours. He dyed January the third, Anno 1630.

p. 124JOHN DIGBY Baron of Sherborn, and Earl of Bristol, was born in this County, a younger Son of an ancient family, long flourish…ng at Coleshull therein. To pass by his Infancy, (all Children being alike in their long Coats) his Youth gave pregnant hopes of that Eminency, which his mature age did produce.

He didken the Emhassador-Craft, as well as any in his age, employed by King James, in several services to frreign Princes, recited in his Patent (which I have perused) as the main motives of the Honors conferr'd upon him. But his managing the Matchless Match with Spain, was his Master-piece, wherein a Good (I mean a Great) number of State-Traverses were used on both sides.

His contest with the Duke of Buckingham, is fresh in many mens Memories, charges of High Treason mutually flying about. But this Lord fearing the Dukes Power (as the Duke this Lor…s policy) it at last became a Drawn Battail betwixt them; yet so, that this Earl lost the love of King Charles, living many years in his Dis-favour: But such as are in a Court-Cloud, have commonly the Countries Sun-shine, and this Peer during his Eclyps was very Popular with most of the Nation.

It is seldom seen, that a favorite once Broken at Court, sets up again for himself, the hap (rather then happiness) of this Lord, the King graciously reflecting on him, at the beginning of the Long-Parliament, as one Best able to give him the safest Counsell in those dangerous Times. But how he incensed the Parliament so far as to be excepted Pardon, I neither do know nor dare enquire. Sure I am after the surrender of Exeter, he went over into France, where he met with that due respect in forraign, which he missed in his Native Country. The worst I wish such, who causelesly suspect him of Popish inclinations, is, that I may hear from them but half so many strong Arguments for the Protestant Religion, as I have heard from him, who was to his commendation a Cordial Champion for the Church of England. He dyed in France about the year 1650.

Writers.

WALTER of COVENTRIE was born **… cent. 3. num. 74.and bred a Benedictine therein. Bale saith he was, Immortali vir dignus Memoria, and much commended by Leland (though not of set purpose, but) sparsim as occasion is offered. He excelled in the two Essential Qualities of an Historian, Faith and Method, writing truly and orderly, onelyonly guilty of Coursness of style. This may better be dispenced with in him, because Historia est res veritatis non Eloquentiae, because bad Latin was a catching disease in that age. From the beginning of the Britons he wrote a Chronicle (extant in Bennet Colledge Library) to his own time. He flourished Anno 1217.

VINCENT of COVENTRIE was born in the chief City in this shire, and bred a **Thomas Eccl stone in Chroni…le of Franciscans.Franciscan (though Learned Leland mistakes him a Carmelite) in the University of Cambridg.

His order at their first entrance into England, looked upon learning as a thing beneath them; so totally were they taken up with their Devotion. This Vincent was the first who brake the Ice (and then others of his order drank of the same water) first applyed himself to Academicall studies, and became a publick **Bale de Script. cent. 4. num. 12.Professor in Cambridge, he set a Coppy for the Carmelites therein to imitate, who not long after began their publick Lectures in the same place, he left some books to posterity, and flourished Anno Dom. 1250.

JOHN of KILLINGWORTH born in that Castelled-village in this County, bred in Oxford, an excellent Philosopher, Astronomer and Physitian. He studyed the Stars so long, that at last he became A STAR himself in his own Sphere, and out-shined all others of that Faculty. He was Father and Founder to all the Astronomers in that Age. I never did spring such a Covye of Mathematicians all at once, as I met with at this time, Cervinus or Hart, Cure, John Stacy and Blach, **Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 6. num. 10.all bred in Merton Colledge. Which Society in the former Century applyed themselves to School-Divinity, in this to Mathematicks, and attained to Eminency in both, so good a Genius acted within the walls of that worthy foundation. He flourished about the year 1360.

WILLIAM of COVENTRY was born and bred a Carmelite in that City. p. 125He in his Youth was afflicted with an unhealable Sprain in his Hip, and was commonly called Claudus Conversus, which I adventure to English, the lame Converted.

Conversus **pits de Scrip … ….properly is one, who for lack of Learning or Deformity of Body, is condemned to the servile work in the Monastery, under a Despair ever to be made Priest, termed it seems Conversus, because not of voluntary choice, Turning, to that course of Life, but Turned (as Passively necessitated) thereunto.

But hear how J. Pits clincheth in his Praise. Claudicavit corporis gressu, non virtutis progressu, vitiatus corpore non viciosus animo, being in his writings full of S…ntences. Amongst which Bale takes especial notice of his Prodesset Hierosolymam petere & alia invisere loca sacra, sed multum praestaret eo precio pauperes alere domi, wherein though I perceive no more sententiousness then common sense, yet because it containeth a Bold Truth in those Blind Dayes, it may be mentioned. He never set his name to his Books, but it may (according to the Frierly-Fancy) be collected out of the Capital Letters of his severall works. Who flourished Anno 1360.

JOHN ROUSE Son of Jeffery Rouse, was born at Warwick, but descended from the Rouses of Brinkloe in this County, he was bred in Oxford, where he attained to great Eminencie of Learning, he afterwards retired himself to Guis…cliffe within a Mile of Warwick.

A most delicious place, so that a Man in many Miles Riding cannot meet so much variety, as there one forlong doth afford. A steep Rock full of Caves in the Bowels thereof, wash'd at the Bottome with a Christall River, besides many clear Springs on the side thereof, all overshadowed with a stately grove, so that an ordinary Fancy may here find to it self Helicon, Parnassus, and what not? Many Hermites (and Guy Earl of Warwick himself) being sequestred from the world, retreated hither. Some will say it is too Gaudy a place for that purpose, as having more of a Paradice then Wilderness therein, so that mens thoughts would rather be Scattered then Collected with such various objects. But seeing Hermits deny themselves the Company of Men, let them be allowed to Converse with the Rarities of Nature, and such are the fittest texts for a solitary devotion to comment upon.

To this place came our John Rouse, and by leave obtained from King Edward the fourth, immured himself therein, that he might apply his Studies without distraction. Here he wrote of the Antiquities of Warwick, with a Catalogue of the Earls thereof, a Chronicle of our English Kings, and a History of our Universities. He was as good with the Pensill as the Pen, and could Draw Persons as well as Describe them, as appears by lively Pictures Limmed with his own hand. He died a very aged man, Anno Domini 1491.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM PERKINS was born at Marston in this County, bred Fellow of Christcolledge, and then became Preacher of Saint Andrews in Cambridge.

The Athenians did nothing else but **Acts 17. 24.Acts 17:24tell or hear some new thing. Why tell before hear? Because probably, they themselves were the first Finders, Founders, and Fathers of many reports. I should turn such an Athenian to fain and invent, should I adde any thing concerning this worthy Person, whose life I have formerly written at large in my Holy-State. He died Anno Dom. 1602.

THOMAS DRAX D. D. was born at Stonely in this County, his Father being a Younger Brother of a Worshipfull family, which for many years had lived at Wood-hall in York-shire, he was bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge. He was a Pious man, and an excellent Preacher, as by some of his Printed Sermons doth appear. He translated all the Works of Master Perkin… his Countryman and Collegiat) into Latine, which were Printed at Geneva. Doctor King Bishop of London, removed him from his Native Country, and bestowed a Benefice on him nigh Harwich in Essex, where the change of the Aire was conceived to hasten his Great change, which happened about the year 1616. I cannot forget how this worthy name of Drax may be resembled to the river Anas in Spain, which having run many miles under ground, surgeth a greater channell then before. They have flourished at Wood hall a…oresaid, in the Parish of Darfield, p. 126ever since a Co-heir of the Noble Family of Fitz-williams brought that good Mannour, (with the alternate gift of the Mediety of the rich Parsonage therein,) in marriage into this Family, as since by an Heir-general it hath been alienated. But after many various changes, this Name hath recovered and encreased its lustre in Sir James Drax, a direct descendant from the Heirs-male, who by Gods blessing on his Industry and Ingenuity, hath merited much of the English nation, in bringing the Sugars and other Commodities of the Barbadoes to their present perfection.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE was born at Stratford on Avon in this County, in whom three eminent Poets may seem in some sort to be compounded, 1. Martial in the Warlike sound of his Sur-name, (whence some may conjecture him of a Military extraction,) Hasti-vibrans or Shake-speare. 2. Ovid, the most naturall and witty of all Poets, and hence it was that Queen Elizabeth coming into a Grammar-School made this extemporary verse,

Persius a Crab-staffe, Bawdy Martial, Ovid a fine Wag.

3. Plautus, who was an exact Comaedian, yet never any Scholar, as our Shake-speare (if alive) would confess himself. Adde to all these, that though his Genius generally was jocular, and inclining him to fe…ivity, yet he could (when so disposed) be solemn and serious, as appears by his Tragedies, so that Heraclitus himself (I mean if secret and unseen) might afford to smile at his Comedies, they were so merry, and Democritus scarce for…ear to sigh at his Tragedies they were so mournfull.

He was an eminent instance of the truth of that Rule, Poeta non fit, sed nascitur, one is not made but born a Poet. Indeed his Learning was very little, so that as Cornish diamonds are not polished by any Lapidary, but are pointed and smoothed even as they are taken out of the Earth, so nature it self was all the art which was used upon him.

Many were the wit combates betwixt him and Ben Johnson, which two I behold like a Spanish great Gallion, and an English man of War; Master Johnson (like the former) was built far higher in Learning; Solid, but Slow in his performances. Shake-spear with the English-man of War, lesser in bulk, but lighter in sailing, could turn with all tides, tack about and take advantage of all winds, by the quickness of his Wit and Invention. He died Anno Domini 16... and was buried at Stratford upon Avon, the Town of his Nativity.

MICHAEL DRAYTON born in this County at Athelston, as appeareth in his poeticall address thereunto.

**Song 13. p. …13.My native Country,

If there be vertue yet remaining in thy earth,

Or any good of thine thou breath'st into my birth,

Accept it as thine own whilst now I sing of thee;

Of all thy later Brood th' unworthiest though I be.

He was a pious Poet, his conscience having always the command of his fancy, very temperate in his life, slow of speech, and inoffensive in company. He changed his laurel for a crown of glory, Anno 1631. and is buried in Westminster-Abby near the South-door with this Epitaph,

Doe pious Marble, let thy Readers know,

What they, and what their children owe

To Draitons name, whose sacred dust

We recommend unto thy trust.

Protect his memory, and preserve his story,

Remain a lasting Monument of his glory:

And when thy ruins shall d…aime

To be the Treasurer of his name:

His name that cannot fade, shall be

An everlasting Monument to thee.

He was born within few miles of William Shake-speare, his Countryman and fellowPoet, and buried within fewer paces of Jeffry Chaucer, and Edmund Spencer.

p. 127Sir FULKE GREVIL Knight, Son to Sir Fulke Grevil the Elder, of Becham-Court in this County, he was bred first in the University of Cambridge. He came to the Court, back'd with a full and fair Estate; and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantiall Courtiers, as could plentifully subsist of themselves. He was a good Scholar, loving much to employ (and sometimes to advance) learned men, to wh…m worthy Bishop Overal chiefly owed his preferment, and Mr. Cambden (by his own Confession,)**In … …. in War…-Shire. tasted largely of his liberality.

His Studies were most in Poetry and History, as his works doe witness. His Stile conceived by some to be swelling, is allowed for lofty and full by others, King James created him Baron Brook of Beachamp-Court, as descended from the sole daughter and heir of Edward Willowby the last Lord Brook, in the reign of King Henry the seventh.

His sad Death or Murther rather, happened on this occasion. His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon or well enough rewarded, wounded him Mortally, and then (to save the law the labour) killed himself, verifying the observation that he may when he pleaseth be master of an other mans life, who contemneth his own.

He lieth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble, whereon he is styled Servant to Q. Elizabeth, Counsellor to K. James, and friend to Sir Phillip Sidney. Dying Anno 16... without Issue, and unmarried, his Barony by vertue of Entail in the patent descended on his kinsman Robert Grevill Lord Brook, father to the Right Honorable Robert Lord Brook.

NICHOLAS BYFIELD was born in this County, (as his son**Mr. Adoni…m …, who … to leave larger inst…uctions of his … life, but I received them no…. hath informed me,) bred (as I remember,) in Queens-colledge in Oxford. After he had entred into the Ministry, he was invited into Ireland, to a place of good profit and eminency, in p…ssage whereunto, staying wind-bound at Chester, his Inn proved his home for a long time unto him, preaching a Sermon there with such approbation, that he was chosed Minister in the City. Not without an especiall Providence, seeing the place promised in Ireland, would have failed him, & his going over had been a labour in vain. The Cestrians can give the best account of his profitable preaching and pious life, most strict in keeping the Lords day, on which occasion pens were brandished betwixt him and Mr. Breerwood.

In his declining age he was presented to the Benefice of Isleworth in Middlesex, where for fifteen years together he preached twice every Lords-day, and expounded Scripture every Wednesday and Friday, till five weeks before his death, notwithstanding there was Mors in oll…, A stone in his bladder, which being taken out, weighed, and measured after his death, was found of these prodigious proportions.

In 1. **Dr. Go…ge P…eface to Posthume works of Mr. Byfi…ls.Weight, thirty three ounces and more.

In 2. Measure about the edge, fifteen inches, and an half.

In 3. Measure about the length, thirteen inches and above.

In 4. Measure about the breadth, almost thirteen inches.

It was of a solid substance to look upon, like a flint. Lo, here is the patience of the Saints. All I will adde is this, the Pharisee said proudly, I thank thee Lord, I am not as this Publican. Let Writer and Reader say humbly, and thankfully to God, We are not as this truly painfull Preacher, and let us labour, that as our bodies are more healthfull, our souls may be as holy as his, who died and was buried at I…leworth.

PHILEMON HOLLAND, where born, is to me unknown, was bred in Trinity-colledge S.N.in Cambridge, a Doctor in Physick, and fixed himself in Coventry. He was the Translator Generall in his Age, so that those Books alone of his Turning into English, will make a Country Gentleman a competent library for Historians, in so much that one saith,

Holland with his Translations doth so fill us,

He will not let Suetonius be Tranquillus.

Indeed some decry all Translators as Interlopers, spoiling the Trade of Learning, which should be driven amongst Scholars alone. Such also alledge, that the best Translations are works, rather of Industry then Judgement, and (in easy Authors) of Faithfulness, rather then Industry; That many be but Bunglers, forcing the meaning of the Authors, they translate, picking the lock, when they cannot open it.

But their Opinion resents too much of Envy, that such Gentlemen, who cannot repair to the Fountain, should be …ebard access to the Streame. Besides, it is unjust to charge All, with the faults of some, and a Distinction must be made amongst Translators, betwixt Coblers and Workmen, and our Holland had the true knack of Translating.

Many of these his Books he wrote with One Pen, whereon he himself thus pleasantly versified.

With one sole pen I writ this Book,

Made of a Grey Goose Quill.

A Pen it was, when it I took,

And a Pen I leave it still.

This Monumental Pen, he solemnly kept and showed to my reverend Tutor Doctor Samuel …ard. It seems he leaned very lightly on the Neb thereof, though weightily enough, in an other sense, performing not slightly, but solidly, what he undertook.

But what commendeth him most to the Praise of Posterity, is his Translating Camdens Britannia, a Translation more then a Translation, with many excellent Additions, not found in the Latine, done fifty years since in Master Camdens life time, not onelyonly with his knowledge and consent, but also, no doubt, by his desire and help. Yet such additions (discoverable in the former part with Asterisks in the Margent) with some Antiquaries obtain not equal Authenticalness with the rest. This eminent Translator was Translated to a better life, Anno Dom. 16...

FRANCIS HOLYOAKE (latining himself de sacra Qu…rcu) and Minister of Southam, born at Witacre in this County. He set forth that staple Book which School-boys called Riders Dictionary. This Rider did Borrow (to say no worse) both his S…ddle and Bridle from Thomas Thomatius, who being bred Fellow of Kings-colledge in Cambridge, set forth that Dictionary known by his Name, then which, Men, have not a Better and Truer; Children, no Plainer and Briefer. But Rider after Thomas his death, set forth his Dictio…ary, the same in effect, under his own Name, the property thereof, being but little disguised with any Additions.

Such Plageary ship ill becometh Authors or Printers, and the Dove being the Crest of the Stationers Armes, should mind them, not like Rooks, to filch copies one from an other. The Executors of Thomas Thoma…us entring an Action against Rider, occasioned him in his own defence to make those Numerous Additions, to his Dictionary, that it seems to differ rather in Kind then Degree, from his first Edition.

I am forced to place this Child, …ather with his Guardian then Father, I mean, to mention this Dictionary rather under the name of Master Holyoake then Rider, both because the residence of the latter is wholly unknown unto me, and because Mr. Holyoak… added many (as his learned Son hath since more) wonders thereunto. This Master Holyoake died Anno Dom. 16...

JAMES CRANFORD was born at Coventry in this County, (where his father was a Divine and School-Master of great note) bred in Oxford, beneficed in Northampton shire, and afterwards removed to London, to Saint Ch…istophers. A painfull Preacher, an exact Linguist, subtill Disputant, Orthodox in his Judgement, sound against Sectaries, well acquainted with the Fathers, not unknown to the School-men, and familiar with the Modern Divines. Much his Humility, being James the less in his own esteeme, and therefore ought to be the Greater in Ours. He had as I may say, a Broad-chested Soul, favourable to such who differed from him. His Moderation increased with his Age, Charity with his Moderation, and had a kindness for all such who had any goodness in themselves. He had many choise books, and (not like to those, who may lose themselves in their own libraries, being Owners, not Masters of their books therein,) had his books at such command, as the Captain has his Souldiers, so that he could make them at pleasure goe or come, and do what he desired. This lame and loyall Mephibosheth, (as I may terme him) sadly sympathizing with the sufferings of Church and State. He died rather infirme then old, Anno 1657.

Romish Exile W…iters.

WILLIAM BISHOP was born in this County, saith my **Pits de …. Ang. Script. … Anno 1612.Auther, ex Nobili Familia. Enquiring after his Surname in this Shire, I find one John Bishop, Gentleman, Patron of Brails in this County, who died Anno 1601. Aged 92. ††Mr Dugdale in his Illust. of Warwick-shire pag 4. 7.Being a Protestant, as appeareth by his Epitaph, who according to Proportion of time, might in all Probability be his father, the rather, because he is said Parentes & ampli Patrimonii spem reliquisse, to have left his Parents, and the hope of a fair Inheritance.

Reader, a word by the way of the word Nobilis, which soundeth high in English ears, where Barons youngest children are the lowest step of Nobility, whilst Nobilis from the Pen of a **Our Countryman Pits did foranize with long living beyond the Seas.foraigner, generally importeth no more then an ordinary Gentleman.

It is not long since my weakness was imployed to draw up in Latin a Testimoniall for a high German, who indeed was of honourable extraction, and according to direction, I was advised to style him Generosissimum ac Nobilissimum. For Generosus (which runneth so low in England) in Saxony doth carry it clear as the more honourable Epithet. Thus Words like Counters stand for more or less according to Custome. Yea, Latine words are bowed in their Modern senses, according to the acception of severall Places.

This Bishop leaving the Land, went first to Rhemes, then to Rome, where he was made Priest, and being sent back into England, met with variety of success,

1. Being seized on, He was brought before Secretary Walsingham, and by him committed to the Marshalsey.

2. After three years, being b…nished the Realm, he became a Doctor of Sorb….

3. He returned into England, and for nine years laboured in the Popish Harvest.

4. By their Clergy, he was imployed a Messenger to Rome, about some affairs of importance.

5. His business dispatch'd, he returned the third time into England, and after eight years industry therein to advance his own Cause, was caught and cast into Prison at London, where he remained about the year 1612.

6. Soon after he procured his Enlargement, and Anno 1615. lived at Paris in Collegio Atrebatensi.

Men of his Perswasion, cry him up for a most Glorious Confessor of the… Popish faith, who, (if any goodness in him) should also be a Thankfull Confessor of the Protestant Charity, permitting him twice to depart Prison, (on hope of his amendment,) though so Active an Instrument against our Religion. No such courtesy of Papists to Protestants, Vestigia nulla retrorsum. No return (especially the second time) out of durance. The first disease being dangerous, but deadly their Relaps into a Prison, but perchance this William Bishop found the more favour, because our Church▪ men accounting it to… much severity, to take away both his Credit and his Life, both to Conquer and Kill him, seeing this Priest, whilst in Prison, was often worsted, (though his Party bragged of victory,) both by Tongues and Pens, in Disputings, and Writings, of severall Protestants, amongst whom Robert Abbot (afterwards Bishop of Salisbury) gave him the most fatall Defeat. The certain date of his death is to me unknown.

Benefactors to the Publick.

HUGH CLOPTON was born at Stratford, a fair Market Town in this County▪ bred a Mercer in London, and at last Lord Mayor thereof, Anno 1491. Remem…g … his Native Town stood on Avon (a River in Summer, and little Sea in Winter,) …oublesome for Travellers to pass over, he in liew of the former inconventent …, built a stately and long Stone-bridge, of many Arches, over the Channel and Overflowings thereof.

I behold this Bridge, more usefull, though less costly, then what Caligula made, termed p. 130by **… … … …. 19.Suetonius novum & inauditum spectaculi genus, reaching from Putzol to Bauly, three miles and a quarter. This was only a Pageant-bridge for Pompe, set up, to be soon taken down, whereof Lipsius said well, Laudem immenso operi vanitas detra…it. But our Cloptons Bridge remaineth at this day, even when the Colledge in the same Town built by Arch-bishop Stratford, is (as to the intended use thereof) quite vanished away. Indeed Bridges are the most lasting Benefactions, all Men being concerned in their continuance, lest by dest…oying of them, they destroy themselves, not knowing how soon, for their own safety they may have need to make use thereof. Many other Charities he bestowed, and deceased Anno 1496.

Since the Reformation.

............. HALES Esquire, He purchased a prime part of the Priory of Coventry. Now, either out of his own inclination, or as a Condition of his Composition with King Henry the eighth, or a mixture of both; he founded and endowed a fair Grammer-school▪ in Coventry. Herein I have seen more▪ (abate the Three English▪schools of the first Magnitude) and as well learned Scholars, (be it spoken that the Master, Us…er, and Scholars, may according to their Proportions divide the praise betwixt them) as in any School in England. Here is also an Infant, which may be an Adult Library, when it meeteth with more Benefactors.

JOHN Lord HARRINGTON son to James Lord Harrington, was born at Combe Abby in this County, (accruing unto him by his Mother Heiress of …elway,) as by a property of that Family, lately (or still) surviving, I have on very strict enquiry been certainly enformed.

He did not count himself priviledged from being Good, by being Great, and his timely Piety rising early, did not soon after go to Bed, (as some young Saints, beheld under an other Notion) but contiuned watchfull, during his life.

He was one of the first, who began the pious fashion (since followed by few of his Quality,) of a Diary, wherein he registred, not the Injuries of others done unto him, (a work of Revenge not Devotion,) but of his Fa…lings and Infirmities toward his Master. Thus making even with the God of Heaven, by Repentance in Christ at the end of every day, he had (to use the Expression and Counsell of the Reverend ArchBishop of Armagh) but one day to repent of before his death.

He lived out all … days in the appointment of Divine Providence, not half of them according to the course and possibility of Nature, not Half a Quarter of them according to the hopes and desires of the Lovers and Honourers of Virtue in this Nation, especially of the society in Sidney-colledge in Cambridge, whereto he was a most … Bénefactour. He was the last Male of that Honourable Family, as one justly complains.

JOHANES DOMINUS HARRINGTONIUS. **H. Holland. Herologia 139.Anagramma INSIGNIS ERAT (AH) UNUS HONOR DOMI.

The Reader is referred for the rest, unto his Funerall Sermon, preached by Master Stock of London, who though he would not (to use his own Phrase) Gild a Po…sheard, understand him, Flatter unworthyness; yet giveth him his large and due Commendation. He died unmarried Anno 161.. leaving his two Sisters his Heirs, Lucy married to Edward Earl of Bedford, and Anne, who by Sir Robert Chichester had a daughter Anne, married to Thomas Earl of Elgin, and Mother to Robert L. Bruce, who is at this day, Heir Apparent to no small part of the Lands, but Actually possessed of a larger of the Vertues of his Honourable Great-uncle.

Memorable Persons.

THOMAS UNDERHILL Esquire, was born at Neaher-Eatendon in this County. It is pity to part him from Elizabeth his wife, seeing the Poetical fiction of Philemon and Baucis, found in them an Historical performance with improvement.

p. 131*Sed pia Baucis anus parili que aetate Philemon

Illâ sunt annis juncti juvenilibus, illâ

Consenuere casâ: paupertatémque ferendo

Effecere levem, nec iniqua mente ferendam.

But good old Baucis with Philemon matchd,

In▪ youthfull years, now struck with equal age,

Made poorness pleasant in their cottage Thatch'd,

And weight of want with patience di… aswage.

Whereas this our Warwick-shire-Pair, living in a worshipfull equipage, and exemplary for their hospitality, did teach others, not how Poverty might be born, but Wealth well used (by their Example) for the owners and others good.

The Ovidian-couple appear issueless, whereas twenty children, viz. t…teen sons and seven daughters were begotten and born, by this Thomas and Elizabeth, living sixty five years together in marriage.

Indeed the poeticall-pair, somewhat outstrip'd them in the happiness of their death, their request being granted them,

—Et quoniam concordes egimus annos,

Auferàthora duos eadem: nec conjugis unquam

Busta meae videam: nec sim tumulandus ab illa.

Because we liv'd and lov'd so long together,

Let's not behold the funeralls of either;

May one hour end us both: may I not see

This my wife buried, nor wife bury me.

However these **See their Monument in the Church of N…ther-Eatendon.Underhills deceased in one year, she in July, he in October following 1603.

Lord Mayors.

The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the … year of King Henry the sixth. 1433.

Radul. Nevill, mil.

Ioh. Colepeper, mil.

Will. Mounford, mil.

Edw. Oddingsselles, m.

Tho. B…rdet, mil.

Rich. Otherston Abbatis de Camba

Will. Pole Abbatis de Alyncestre

Joh. Buggeley Abbatis de Miravalle

Edw. Bron…ete de Farnburgh, ar.

Bald. Mountford de Hampton, ar.

R…d. Brasebrugg de Kinnesbury, ar.

Will. Lucy de Charlecote, ar.

Tho. Hugford de Emescote, ar.

Tho. Erdington de Erdington, ar.

Rob. Arden de Bromwich, ar.

Will. Pucfrey de Shiford, ar.

Rog. Harewell de Morehall, ar.

Rich. Hyband de Ippesley, armig.

Will. Botoner de Wythybroke

Ioh. Midlemore de Eggebaston, ar.

Thome Porter de Escote, ar.

Tho. … de Tonworth, ar.

Tho. Waryng de eadem, ar.

Rich. Verney, ar. de Wolverton

Tho. G…ene de Solyhull, ar.

Joh. Chelwyn de Alspath, ar.

Ioh. Waldiene de eadem, ar.

Nich. Ruggeley de Donton, ar.

Will. Holt de Aston, ar.

Rich. Merbroke de Codbarow, ar.

Galf. Allefley d eparva Lalleford

Tho. Greswold de Solyhull

Tho. Haynton de Napton

p. 132Will. Parker de Tonworth

Edm. Starkey de Stretton

Ranul. Starky de eadem

Will. Derset de Thurlaston

Rich. Hall de Stretford

Ioh. Mayell de eadem

Simon. Forster de Althercton

Clemen. Draper de …adem

Iohan. Darant de Berston

Rog. Mullward de Nuneton

Iohan. Omfrey de eadem

Iohan. Waryn de eadem

Hum. Iacob de Tamworth

Tho. Neuton de eadem

Math. Smalwode de Sutton

Rich. Dalby de Brokhampton

Rich. Eton de Warwick

Hum. Corbet

Iohan. Aleyn de Berford

Tho. Iakes de Woner

Rog. Clerk de Tatchbrook

Rich. Briches de Longedon

Will. Reynold de Attilburgh

Ioh. Michell majoris civitatis Coventrae

Will. Donington unius Ballivorum civitatis Predictae.

Rob. Southam alterius Ballivorum civitatis Predicte.

Egidii Alles sley Magistri Gildae Sanctae Trinitatis de Coventrae.

Lauren. Cook de Coventrae Merchant

Rich. Sharp de eadem Merchant

Rich. Boton de eadem Fishmonger

Ioh. Lychefeld de eadem Grasier

Ioh. Walle de eadem Fishmonger

Ioh. Leder de Coventrae Merchant

Tho. Estop Magi…ri Gildae Sanctae Trinitatis Warwick

Nich. R…dy de eadem

Ioh. Mayell de eadem sentor

Will. Hopkyns de eadem

Ioh. Broune de eadem junior.

Iohan. Stokes de Henlen in Ardeon Gildae

Villae Magistri predictae

Iohan. Thorp de Kolle.

Sheriffs.

This Shire was in Conjunction, under the same Sheriffs with Leicester-shire, untill the year of Q. Elizabeth. Since which time Warwick-shire hath these appropriat to it self.

Queen Elizabeth.

27 AN. SHUGBURG, Ar.]

Though the Records belonging to this family have been embezeled, so that the Links of their Successions cannot be chained in a continued Pedegree from their Original, yet is their Surname right ancient in the place of their Name and Habitation, giving for their Armes the Stones Astroites [in Heraldry reduced to Mullets, which they most resemble) found within their Mannor.

King James.

2 RICHARD Verney Mil.]

In his Sheriffalty the Powder-Traitors met at Dunchurch, at their appointed huntingmatch; when suspecting their plot discovered, they entred on such designs as despair dictated unto them, scattering of scandals, breaking of houses, stealing of horses, &c▪ But such the care of this Sir Richard to keep the peace of this County, that he hunted the Hunters out of this into the next Shire of Worcester.

16 FRANCIS LEIGH, Mil.]

He was c…eated Baron of Dunsmore, and afterwards Earl of Chichester by K. Gharles the first. His Eldest daughter and Heir, was married to Thomas Earl of Southampton, his younger to George Villiers Viscount Grandison.

King Charles.

2 SIMON ARCHFR, Mil.]

This worthy Knight is a lover of Antiquity, and of the Lovers thereof. I should be much dishear…ed at his great Age, which promiseth to us no hope of his long continuance here, were I …ot comfort…d with the consideration of his worthy Son, the Heir as well of his S…udiousness, as Estate.

12 THOMAS …IGH, Mil▪]

King Charles the first, at Oxford created him for his fidelity in dangerous times Baron of Stoneleigh in this County, and he is happy in his son Sir Thomas Leigh, who undoutedly will dignify the honour which descendeth unto him.

The Battle on October 3. 1642.

As for the fatall Fight at Edge-Hill, (called Keinton-field from the next Market-town thereunto) the actings therein are variously related, and … confess my self not to have received any particular intelligence thereof, I will therefore crave leave to transcribe what followeth out of a short, but **Dr. Heylyn i… …he Hist. and Raign of K, Charles.worthy work, of my honoured friend, confident of the Authenticall truth thereof. The Fight was very terrible for the time, no fewer then five thousand men slain upon the place▪ the Prologue to a greater slaughter, if the dark night had not put an end unto that dispute.

Each part pretended to the victory, but it went clearly on the Kings side, who though …e lost his Generall, yet he kept the Field, and possessed himself of the dead bodies; and not so o…ely, but he made his way open unto London, and in his way forced Banbury Castle, in the very sight as it were of the Earl of Essex, who with his flying Army made all the hast he could towards the City, (that he might be there before the King) to secure the Parliament. More certain signs there could not be of an abs…lute victory.

p. 134In the Battel of Taro, between the Confederates of Italy, and Charles the eight of France, it happened so that the Confederates kept the Field, possest themselves of the Camp, Baggage and Artillery, which the French in their breaking through had left behind them. Hereupon a dispute was raised, to whom the Honour of that day did of right belong; which all knowing an… impartiall men gave unto the French▪ For though they lost the Field, their Camp, Artillery and Baggage, yet they obtained what they fought for, which was the opening of their way to France, and which the Confederates did intend to deprive them of. Which resolution in that case may be a ruling case to this; the King having not onelyonly kept the Field, possest himself of the dead bodies, pillaged the carriages of the enemy, but forcibly opened his way towards London, which the enemy endeavoured to hinder, and finally entred triumphantly into Oxford, with no fewer then an hundred and twenty Co…ours taken in the Fight.

Thus far my friend. Let me adde, that what Salust observeth of the Conspirators with Cateline, that where they stood in the Fight, whilst living, they covered the same place with their Corpes when dead, was as true of the Loyal Gentry of Lincoln-shire with the Earl of Linsey, their Country▪ man. Know also that the over-soon, and over-far pursuit of a flying Party with Pillaging of the Carriages, (by some who prefer the snatching of wealth, before the Securing of Victory,) hath often been the Cause why the Conquest hath slipped out of their fingers, who had it in their hands, and had not some such miscarriage happened here, the Royalists had totally (in all probability) routed their Enemies.

The Farewell.

I cannot but congratulate the happiness of this County, in having Master William Dugdale [now Norrey] my wrothy Friend, a Native thereof. Whose Illustrations are so great a work no Young Man could be so bold to begin, or Old Man hope to finish it, whilst one of Middle-Age fitted the Performance. A well chosen County for such a Subject, because lying in the Center of the Land, whose Lustre diffuseth the Light, and darteth Beames to the Circumference of the Kingdome. It were a wild wish▪ that all the Shires in England where described to an equall degree of per…ection, as which will be accomplished, when each Star is as big and bright as the Sun. However one may desire them done, quoad speciem, though not quoad gradum, in imitation of Warwickshire. Yet is this hopeless to come to pass, till mens Pains may meet with Proportionable Incouragement, and then the Poets Prediction will be true,

Sint Maecenates non desint Flacce Marones,

Virgiliumque tibi vel tua Rura dabunt.

Let not Maece…asses be Scant,

And Maroes we shall newer Wan… ▪

For. Flaccus then thy Country-field,

Shall unto thee a Virgil yield▪

And then would our Little [divided World] be better described, then the Great World, by all the Geographers, who have written thereof.