The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 44

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 44

p. 143VVILT-SHIRE.

WILT-SHIRE hath Gloucester-shire on the North, Berk-shire and Hampshire on the East, Dorset-shire on the South, and Summerset-shire on the West. From North to South it extendeth 39. Miles, but abateth ten of that Number in the breadth thereof.

A pleasant County and of great Variety. I have heard a Wise man say, that an Oxe left to himself would of all England, choose to live in the North, a Sheep in the South part hereof, and a Man in the Middle betwixt both, as partaking of the pleasure of the plain, and the wealth of the deep Country.

Nor is it unworthy the observing that of all Inland Shires, (no ways bordered on Salt-water) this**Compare the Tables of Mr. Speed. gathereth the most in the Circumference thereof, (as may appear by comparing them,) being in compass one Hundred Thirty and Nine Miles. It is plentifull in all English, especially in the ensuing Commodities.

Naturall Commodities.

Wooll.

The often repetition hereof (though I confess against our rules premised) may justly be excused. Well might the French Embassadour return, France, France, France, reiterated to every petty title of the King of Spain. And our English Wooll, Wooll, &c. may counterpoize the numerous but inconsiderable Commodities of other Countries. I confess a Lock thereof is most contemptible. Non flocci te facio, passing for an expression of the highest neglect, but a quantity thereof quickly amounteth to a good valuation.

The Manufactures.

Clothing.

This Mystery is vigorously pursued in this County, and I am informed that as MEDLEYS are most made in other Shires, as good WHITES as any are woven in this County.

This mentioning of Whites to be vended beyond the Seas, minds me of a memorable contest in the raign of King James, betwixt the Merchants of London, and Sir William Cockain, once Lord Mayor of that City, and as Prudent a Person as any in that Corporation. He ably moved, and vigorously prosecuted the design, that all the Cloth which was made might be died in England, alledging, that the wealth of a Country consisteth in driving on the Naturall Commodities thereof, through all Manufactures, to the utmost, as far as it can go, or will be drawn. And by the Dying of all English cloth in England, Thousands of poor People would be imployed, and thereby get a comfortable subsistence.

The Merchants returned, that such home-dying of our cloth, would prove prejudiciall to the sale thereof, Forreigners being more expert then we are in the mysterie of fixing of Colours. Besides, they can afford them far cheaper then we can, much of dyingstuff growing in their Countries, and Forraigners bear a great aff…ction to White or Virgin cloth, unwilling to have their Fancies prevented by the Dying thereof, insomuch that they would like it better, (though done worse) if done by themselves. That Sir William Cockain had got a vast deal of Dying-stuff into his own possession, and did drive on his own interest, under the pretence of the Publick good. These their Arguments were seconded, with good store of good Gold, on both sides, till the Merchants prevailed at last, (A Shole of Herrings is able to beat the Whale it self,) and Clothing left in the same condition it was before.

Tobacco pipes.

The best for shape and colour (as curiously sized) are made at Amesbury in this County. They may be called Chimneys portable in pockets, the one end being the Harth, the other the Tunnell thereof. Indeed at the first bringing over of Tobacco, Pipes p. 144were made of silver and other metalls; which, though free from breaking, were found inconvenient, as soon fouled, and hardly clensed.

These Clay-pipes are burnt in a furnace, for some fifteen hours, on the self-same token, that if taken out half an hour before that time, they are found little altered from the condition wherein they were when first put in. It seems all that time the fire is a working it self to the height, and doth its work very soon, when attain'd to perfection. Gauntlet-pipes, which have that mark on their heel, are the best; and hereon a Story doth depend.

One of that trade observing such Pipes most salable, set the Gauntlet on those of his own making, though inferior in goodness to the other. Now the workman, who first gave the Gauntlet, sued the other upon the Statute, which makes it penal for any to set anothers Mark on any Merchantable Commodities. The Defendant being likely to be cast, (as whose Counsell could plead little in his behalf,) craved leave to speak a word for himself, which was granted. He denied that he ever set another man's mark: for the Thumb of his Gauntlet stands one way, mine another, and the same hand given dexter or sinister in Heraldry, is a sufficient difference. Hereby he escaped, though surely such, who bought his Pipes, never took notice of that Criticisme, or consulted which way the Thumb of his Gauntlet respected.

The Buildings.

The Cathedrall of Salisbury (dedicated to the Blessed Virgin) is paramount in this kind, wherein the Doors and Chappells equall the Months, the Windows the Days, the Pillars and Pillarets of Fusill Marble (an ancient Art now shrewdly suspected to be lost) the Hours of the Year, so that all Europe affords not such an Almanack of Architecture.

Once walking in this Church, (whereof then I was Prebendary) I met a Countryman wondring at the Structure thereof. I once (said he to me) admired that there could be a Church that should have so mamy Pillars, as there be Hours in the Year; And now, I admire more, that there should be so many Hours in the Yèar, as I see Pillars in this Church.

The Cross Isle of this Church is the most beautifull and lightsome of any I have yet beheld. The Spire Steeple (not founded on the ground, but for the main supported by Four Pillars,) is of great heighth and greater workman-ship. I have been credibly informed that some Forraign Artists beholding this building, brake forth into Tears, which some imputed to their Admiration, (though I see not how wondring can cause weeping,) others to their Envy, grieving that they had not the like in their own Land.

Nor can the most Curious (not to fay Cavilling) Eye, desire any thing which is wanting in this Edifice, except possibly an Ascent, seeing such who address themselves hither for their devotions, can hardly say with David, I will go up into the house of the Lord.

Amongst the many Monuments therein, that of Edward Earl of Hartford, is most magnificent, that of Helen Sua…enburgh a Swede, (the Relict of William Marquess of Northampton, and afterwards married to Sir Thomas Gorges,) is most commended for its artificiall plainness.

But the curiosity of Criticks is best entertained with the Tomb, in the North of the Nave of the Church, where lieth a Monument in stone, of a little boy habited all in Episcopal Robes, a Miter upon his …ead, a Crosier in his hand, and the rest accordingly. At the discovery thereof (formerly covered over with Pews) many justly admired, that either a Bishop could be so small in Person, or a Child so great in Clothes; though since all is unriddled. For it was**Mr. Gregori's Opera Posthum…, pag. 95. &c. fashionable in that Church (a thing rather deserving to be remembred, then fit to be done,) in the depth of Popery, that the Choristers chose a boy of their society, to be a Bishop among them, from Saint Nicholas till Innocents day at night, who did officiate in all things Bishop-like, saying of Mass alone excepted, and held the state of a Bishop, answerably habited, amongst his fellows the counterfeit Prebends: one of these, chancing to die in the time of his mock-Episcopacy, was buried with Crosier and Miter as is aforesaid. Thus superstition can dispence with that, which Religion cannot, making Piety Pageantry, and subjecting what is sacred, to lusory representations.

p. 145As for Civil-buildings in this County, none are such Giants as to exceed the Standard of Structures in other Counties. Long-leat the house of Sir James Thynne was the biggest, and Wilton is the stateliest and pleasantest for Gardens, Fountains, and other accommodations.

Nor must the industry of the Citizens of Salisbury be forgotten, who have derived the River into every Street therein, so that Salisbury is a heap of Islets thrown together. This mindeth me of an Epitaph made on Mr. Francis Hide a Native of this City, who dyed Secretary unto the English Leiger in Venice,

Born in the English Venice, thou didst die

Dear friend in the Italian Salisbury.

The truth is that the strength of this City consisted in the weakness thereof, uncapable of being Garrison'd, which made it in our Modern Wars to scape better then many other places of the same proportion.

The VVonders.

Stone-henge.

After so many wild and wide conjectures of the Cause, Time, and Authors hereof, why, when and by whom this monument was erected, a Posthume-book comes lagging at last, called**Written by Inigo Jones, Esq. Stone-henge restored, and yet goeth before all the rest. It is questionable, whether it more modestly propoundeth, or more substantially proveth this to be a Roman work, or Temple dedicated to Coelus or Coelum, (son to Aether and Dies) who was senior to all the Gods of the Heathen.

That it is a Roman design he proveth by the Order, as also by the Scheame thereof, consisting of four equilateral Triangles, inscribed within the Circumference of a Circle, an**Vitru lib. 5. Architectonicall Scheam used by the Romans; Besides the Portico or entrance thereof, is made double, as in the Roman ancient Structures of great Magnificence. Not to say, that the Architraves therein are all set without Morter, according to the Roman Architecture, wherein it was ordinary to have Saxa nullo fulta glutino.

No less perswasive are his Arguments to prove a Temple dedicated to Coelum; First, from the S…ituation thereof, standing in a plain, in a free and open Ayre, remote from any village, without woods about it▪ Secondly, from it's Aspect, being sub dio, and built without a roof; Thirdly, from the Circular form thereof, being the proper Figure of the Temple of Coelus; Not to mention his other arguments, in which the Reader may better satisfy himself from the originall Author, then my second-hand relation thereof.

Knot Grasse.

This is called in Latine Gramen caninum supinum longissimum, and groweth nine miles from Salisbury, at Master Tuckers at Maddington. It is a peculiar kind, and of the ninety species of Grasses in England is the most marvellous. It groweth ordinarily fifteen foot in length, yea, I read of one four and twenty foot long, which may be true, because, as there are Giants amongst men, so there are Giants amongst Giants, which even exceed them in proportion.

The place whereon it groweth is low, (lying some Winters under water) having hills round about it, and a spacious sheep common adjoyning. The soyl whereof, by every hasty showre is brought down into this little medow, which makes it so incredibly fruitfull. This Grasse being built so many stories high, from knot to knot, lyeth matted on the ground, whence it is cut up with sickles, and bound into sheaves: It is both Hay and Provender, the joint-like knots whereof will fat swine.

Some conceive that the seed thereof transplanted, would prosper plentifully (though not to the same degree of Length) in other places, from whose judgement other husband-men dissent, conceiving it so peculiar to this place, that Ground and Grass must p. 146be removed both together. Or else it mrst be set in a Parellel'd position, for all the particuler advantages aforesaid, which England will hardly afford. So that nature may seem mutually to have made this Plant and this Place one for another.

Proverbs.

It is done secundum usum Sarum.]

This Proverb coming out of the Church, hath since inlarged it self into a civil use. It began on this occasion; Many Offices or forms of service were used in severall Churches in England, as the Office of York, Hereford, Bangor, &c. which caused a deal of Confusion in Gods Worship, untill Osmond Bishop of Sarum, about the year of our Lord 1090. made that Ordinall or Office which was generally received all over England, so that Churches thence forward easily understood one another, all speaking the same words in their Liturgy.

It is now applyed to those persons which do, and Actions which are formally and solemnly done, in so Regular a way by Authentick Precedents, and Paterns of unquestionable Authority, that no just exception can be taken thereat.

Princes.

MARGARET PLANTAGENET Daughter to George Duke of Clarence, and Isabel Nevile Eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Richard Nevile Earl of Warwick, was born August 14. 1473. **Mr. Dugdale in hi… Allustration of Warwickshire pag. 335.at Farrley-Castle in this County. Reader, I pray thee, let her pass for a Princesse, because Daughter to a Duke, Neece to two Kings, (Edward the fourth, and Richard the third,) Mother to Cardinal Reginale Poole. But chiefly, because she was the last liver of all that Royall Race, which from their birth wore the names of Plantagenets. By Sir Richard Poole a Knight of Wales, and Cozen-Jerman to King Henry the seventh, she had divers children, whereof Henry Lord Mountague was the eldest, he was Accused of Treason, and this Lady his Mother Charged to be Privy thereunto, by King Henry the eighth, who (as his father was something too slow) was somewhat too quick in discovering Treasons, as soon as (if not before) they were. On the Scaffold as she stood, she would not gratify the Executioner with a Prostrate Posture of her body.

Some beheld this her action as an argument of an erected soul, disdaining pulingly to submit to an infamous death, showing her mind free, though her body might be forc'd, and that also it was a demonstration of her innocence. But others condemn'd it as a needless and unseasonable animosity in her, who, though suppos'd innocent before man for this fact, must grant her self guilty before God, whose Justice was the supreme Judge condemning her. Besides it was indiscreet to contend, where it was impossible to prevail, there being no guard against the edge of such an axe, but patience; and it is ill for a soul to goe recking with anger out of this world.

Here happened an unequall contest betwixt Weakness and Strength, Age and Youth, Nakedness and Weapons, Nobility and Baseness, a Princess and an Executioner, who at last draging her by the hair (gray with age) may truly be said to have took off her head, seeing she would neither give it him, nor forgive him the doing thereof. Thus dyed this Lady Margaret, Heir to the name and stout nature of Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy, her Aunt and God-mother, whose spirits were better proportioned to her Extraction then Estate, for though by special Patent she was created Countess of Sarisbury, she was restored but to a small part of the inheritance she was born unto. She suffered in 23. year of the raign of K. Henry the eighth.

JANE SEYMORE, Daughter to Sir John Seymoure Knight, (honourably descended from the Lords Beauchamps) was (as by all concurring probabilities is collected) born at Wulfall in this County, and after was married to King Henry the eight.

It is currantly traditioned, that at her first coming to Court, Queen Anne Bollen espying a Jewell pendant about her neck, snatched thereat, (desirous to see the other unwilling to show it,) and causually hurt her hand with her own violence; but it greived p. 147her heart more, when she perceived it the Kings Picture by himself bestowed upon her, who from this day forward dated her own declining and the others ascending in her husbands affection.

It appeareth plainly by a passage in the Act of Parliament, that the King was not onelyonly invited to his marriage, by his own affections, but by the Humble Petition and intercession of most of the Nobles of his Realme, moved thereunto, as well by the conveniency of her years, as in respect that by her Excellent Beauty and Pureness of Flesh and Bloud, (I speak the very words of the Act it self,) she was apt (God willing) to Conceive Issue. And so it proved accordingly.

This Queen dyed some days after the birth of Prince Edward her son, on whom this Epitaph.

Phoenix Jana jacet, nato Phoenice dolendum,

Saecula Phoenices nulla tulisse duas.

Soon as her Phoenix Bud was blown,

Root-Phoenix Jane did wither.

Sad, that no age a brace had shown

Of Phoenixes together.

Of all the Wives of King Henry she only had the happiness to dye in his full favour, the 14. of Octob. 1337. and is buried in the quire of Windsor Chappel, the King continuing in real mourning for her even all the Festival of Christmas.

Saints.

ADELME Son to **Bale de script. Brit. …. 1. Num. 83.Kenred, Nephew to Ina King of the West-Saxons, was bred in Forraign parts, and returning home was Abbot of Malmesbury Thirty years, a Person Memorable on severall Accounts.

1. He was the first **Cambd. Brit. … ….Englishman who ever wrote in Latine.

2. He was the first that ever brought Poetry into England.

3. The first Bishop of the See of Sherburn.

Bede giveth him a large commendation for his Learning, the rather, because he wrot a book for the reducing the Britons to observe Easter according to the Church of Rome.

Impudent Monkes have much abused his Memory with Shameless lyes, and amongst the rest with a Wooden Miracle, that a **Flowers of English Saints pag. 491.Carpenter having cut a Beam for his Church too short, he by his Prayers stretched it out to the full proportion. To this, I may add another lye as clear as the Sun it self, on whose **Idem p. 492.Rayes (they report) he hung his Ve… ment, which miraculously supported it to the great admiration of the beholders.

Coming to Rome to be Consecrated Bishop of Sherburn, he reproved Pope Sergius his fatherhood, for being a father indeed to a Base Child, then newly born. And returning home he lived in great Esteem untill the day of his death, which happened Anno Dom. 709.

His Corps being brought to Malmesbury, were there Inshrined, and had in great Veneration, who having his longest abode whilst living, and last when dead in this County, is probably presumed a Native thereof.

EDITH Naturall daughter of King Edger, by the Lady Wolfhild, was Abbess of Wilton, wherein she demeaned her self with such Devotion, that her Memory obtained the reputation of Saint-ship. And yet an **Polyc. lib. 6. cap. 9.Author telleth us, that being more curious in her attire, then beseemed her profession, Bishop Ethelwold sharply reproved her, who answered him roundly, That God regarded the Heart more then the Garment, and that Sins might be covered as well under Rags as Robes.

One **John Capgrove in vit… … Edith….reporteth that after the slaughter of her brother Edward, holy Dunstan had a design to make her Queen of England, (the Vail of her head it seems would not hinder p. 148the Crown,) so to defeat Ethelred the lawfull Heir, had she not declined the proffer, partly, on Pious, partly, Politick diswasions. She died Anno Dom. 984. and is buried in the Church of Dioness at Wilton of her own building, she is commonly called Saint Edith the younger, to distinguish her from Saint Edith her Aunt, of whom before.

Martyrs.

It plainly appeareth that about the year of our Lord 1503. there was a persecution of Protestants (give me leave so to Antedate their name) in this County, under Edmund Audley, Bishop of Salisbury, as by computation of time will appear. Yet I find but one man, Richard Smart by name, (the more remarkable, because but once, and that scentingly **Acts & Mon. pag. 815.mentioned by Mr. Fox) burnt at Salisbury, for reading a book called Wicliffs Wicket, to one Thomas Stillman, afterwards burnt in Smithfield. But under cruel Bishop Capon Wiltshire afforded these

Marian Martyrs.

Confessors.

These both being condemned to die, were little less then miraculously preserved, as will **See … in Mem. Per. in this Shire.appear hereafter.

ALICE COBERLY must not be omitted, wife to William Coberly forenamed, (charitably presuming on her repentance,) though she failed in her Constancy on this occasion. The Jaylors wife of Salisbury, heating a key **Fox Act. and Mon. p. ….fire hot, and laying it in the grasse, spake to this Alice to bring it in to her, in doing whereof, she pitiously burnt her hand, and cryed out thereat. O (said the other) if thou canst not abide the burning of a key, how wilt thou indure thy whole body to be burnt at the stake. Whereat the said Alice revoked her opinion.

I can neither excuse the Cruelty of the one (though surely doing it not out of a Persecuting, but Carnall preserving intention) nor the Cowardliness of the other. For she might have hoped that her whole body encountering the flame with a Christian resolution, and confidence of Divine support in the Testimony of the truth, would have found lesse pain, then her hand felt from the suddain surprize of the fire, wherein the unexpectedness added (if not to the pain,) to the fright thereof. This sure I am, that some condemn her shrinking for a burnt hand, who would have done so themselves for a scratched finger.

Cardinals.

WALTER WINTERBURN was born at **Bishop Godwin in his …. of Cardin. p. 171.Sarisbury in this County, and bred a Dominican-fryer. He was an excellent Scholar in all Studies suitable to his ††Pitz de Ang. script. in Anno 1305.age, when a Youth, a good Poet and Orator, when a Man, an acute Philosopher, (Aristotelicarum doctrinarum heluo, saith he **Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 4. … 85.who otherwise scarce giveth him a good word,) when an Oldman, a deep Controvertial Divine, and Skilfull Casuist, a quality which commended him to be Confessor to King Edward the first.

Now news being brought to Pope Benedict the eleventh, that William Maklesfield Provincial of the Dominicans, and designed Cardinall of Saint Sabin, was dead and buried at London, before his Cap could be brought to him, he appointed this Walter to be heir to his Honour. The worst is, as Medlers are never ripe till they are rotten, so few are thought fit to be Cardinals, but such as are extreamly in years. Maklesfield had all p. 149his body buried, and our Winterburn had one foot in the grave, being seventy nine years of age, before he was summoned to that dignity.

However, over he went with all hast into Italy, and though coming thither too late, to have a sight of Pope Benedict the eleventh, came soon enough to give a suffrage at the choice of Clement the fift. This Walter his Cardinals Cap was never a whit the worse for wearing, enjoying it but a year. In his return home he died, and was buried at Genua, but afterwards his Corps were brought over, and Re-interred most solemnly in London Anno 1305.

ROBERT HALAM. was, saith my **Pitz de script. Brit. Anno 1410.Author, Regio sanguine Angliae natus, born ofS. N. the bloud Royal of England, though how, or which way, he doth not acquaint us. But we envy not his high Extraction, whilst it seems accompanied with other Eminences. He was bred in Oxford, and afterwards became Chancelour thereof 1403. From being Arch-deacon of Canterbury, he was preferred Bishop of Salisbury. On the sixt of June 1411. he was made Cardinal, though his particular title is not expressed. It argueth his Abilities, that he was one of them, who was sent to represent the English Clergy, both in the Council of Pisa and Constance, in which last service he dyed, Anno Dom. 1417. in Gotleby Castle.

Prelates.

JOANNES SARISBURIENSIS was born at, and so named from, old Sarum in this County, though I have heard of some of the Salisburies in Denby shire, who Essay to assert him to their Family, as who would not recover so eminent a person?

Leland saith, that he seeth in him Omnem … Orbem, all the World (or if you will the whole Circle) of Learning. **Centuria 3. Num. 1.Num 1Bale saith, that he was one of the first, who since Theodorus Arch-bishop of Canterbury, living five hundred years before him, (oh the foreign of Barbarisme in England!) indeavoured to restore the learned languages to their Originall Purity, being a good Latinist, Grecian, Musician, Mathematician, Philosopher, Divine, and what not?

What learning he could not find at home, he did fetch from abroad, travelling into France and Italy, companion to T. Becket in his Exile, but no partner in his protervity against his Prince, for which he sharply reproved him. He was highly in favour with Pope Eugenius the third, and Adrian the fourth, and yet no author in that age hath so pungent passages against the Pride and Covetousness of the Court of Rome. Take a tast of them.

Joannes Sarisburiensis in Polycratico.

Sedent in Ecclesia Romana Scribae & Pharisaei, ponentes onera importabilia in humeros hominum. Ita debacchantur ejus Legati, ac si ad Ecclesiam flagellandam egressus sit Satan a facie Domini.

Peccata populi comedunt, eis vestiuntur, & in iis multipliciter luxuriantur, dum veri adoratores in Spiritu adorant Patre…. Qui ab eorum dissentit Doctrina, aut Haereticus judicatur, aut …. Manifestet ergo seipsum Christus, & palàm faciat viam, quá nobis est incedendum.

Scribes and Pharisees sit in the Church of Rome, putting unbearable burthens on mens backs. His Legates do so swagger, as if Satan were gone forth from the Face of the Lord to scourge the Church.

They eat the sins of the people, with them they are clothed, and many ways riot therein, whilst the true worshipers worship the Father in Spirit, who so dissent from their Doctrine, are condemned for Hereticks, or Schismaticks. Christ therefore will manifest himself, and make the way plain, wherein we must walk.

How doth our Author Luther it (before Luther) against their errors and vices? the more secure for the generall opinion men had of his person, all holding our John to be, though no Prophet, a Pious man, King Henry the second made him Bishop of Chartres in France, where he died 1182.

RICHARD POOR Dean of Sarisbury, was first Bishop of Chichester, then of Sarisbury, S. N.or Old Sarum rather. He found his Cathedrall most inconveniently seated for p. 150want of water, and other necessaries, and therefore removed it a mile off, to a place called Merry-field, (for the pleasant situation thereof,) since Sarisbury. Where he laid the foundation of that Stately Structure, which he lived not here to finish.

Now, as the place whence he came was so dry, that as Malmsbury saith, miserabili commercio, ibi aqua vaeneat, by sad chaffer, they were fain to give money for water, so he removed to one, so low and moist, men sometimes, (upon my own knowledge) would give money to be rid of the water. I observe this for no other end, but to show, that all humane happiness, notwithstanding often exchange of places, will still be an Heteroclite, and either have too much or too little for our contentment.

This Poor was afterwards removed to the Bishoprick of Durham, and lived there in great esteem, Mat. Paris characterizing him, eximiae sanctitatis, & profundae scientiae virum. His dissolution in a most pious and peaceable manner happened, April 5. Anno Domini 1237. His Corps by his Will were brought and buried at Tarrent in Dorsetshire, in a Nunnery of his own founding, and some of his Name [and probably Alliance] are still extant in this County.

WILLIAM EDENDON was born at Edendon in this County, bred in Oxford, and advanced by King Edward the third, to be Bishop of Winchester and Lord Treasurer of England. During his managing of that Office, he caused new coines (unknown before) to be made, groats and half-groats, both readier for change and fitter for charity. But the worst was **Godwin in the Bishops of Winchester.imminuto nonnihil pondere, the weight was somewhat abated. If any say, this was an un-episcopal act; know, he did it not as Bishop, but as Lord Treasurer, the King, his Master, having all the profit thereby. Yea, succeeding Princes, following this patern, have sub-diminished their coin ever since. Hence is it, that our Nobility, cannot maintain the port of their Ancestors, with the same revenues; because so many pounds are not so many pounds, though the same in noise and number, not the same in intrinsecal valuation.

He was afterward made Lord Chancellor, and erected a stately Convent for Bonhomes at Edendon in this County, the place of his Nativity, valued at the Dissolution per annum at five hundred twenty one pounds, twelve shillings, five pence, half penny. Some condemn him for robbing Saint Peter (to whom with Saint Swithin, WinchesterChurch was dedicated) to pay all Saints collectively, to whom Edendon-Covent was **Speed in h…s Catal. of Religious houses in Will-shire.consecrated, suffering his Episcopal Palaces to decay and drop down, whilst he raised up his new foundation. This he dearly payed for after his death, when his Executors were sued for dilapidations, by his successour William Wickham, (an excellent Architect, and therefore well knowing how to proportion his charges for reparations,) who recovered of them **Bishop GodWin in his Bishops of Winchester.one thousand six hundred sixty two pounds ten shillings, a vast sum in that Age, though paid in the lighter groats and half-groats. Besides this, his Executors were forced to make good the standing-stock of the Bishoprick, which in his time was empaired, viz.

Oxen 1556. Weathers 4717. Ewes 3521. Lambes 3521. Swine 127.

This Edendon sat in his Bishoprick twenty one years, and dying 1366. lyeth buried on the South-side, in the passage to the Quire, having a fair Monument of Alabaster, but an Epitaph of course stone, I mean so barbarous, that it is not worth the inserting.

RICHARD MAYO alias MAYHOWE was born nigh Hungerford in this County, of good parentage, whose Sur-name and Kindred was extinct in the last generation, when the Heirs-general thereof, were married into the Families of Montpesson and Grove. He was first admitted in **New-colledge Register in Anno 1459.New-colledge, and thence removed to Magdalens in Oxford, where he became President thereof 27. years. It argueth his abilities to any indifferent apprehension, that so knowing a Prince as Henry the seventh, amongst such plenty of Eminent Persons, elected and sent him into **Godwin in the Bishops of Hereford.Spain, Anno 1501. to bring over the Lady Katharine to be married to Prince Arthur, which he performed with all fidelity, though the heavens might rather seem to Laugh at, then Smile on that unfortunate marrying. After his return he was rewarded with the Bishoprick of Hereford, and having sat 11. years therein dyed 1516 and lyeth buried in his Church on the South-side of the high Altar, under a Magnificent Monument.

p. 151Since the Reformation.

JOHN THORNEBOROUGH B. D. was born (as I am credibly informed) in the City of Salisbury, bred in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford. He did foreign, and his Goodly Presence made him more acceptable to Queen Elizabeth, preferring him Dean of York, and Bishop of Lymbrick in Ireland, where he received a most remarkable deliverance, in manner as follweth.

Lying in an Old **Sir John Harrington in his additionall supply to Bishop Godwin pag. 158.Castle in Ireland, in a large room, partitioned but with Sheets or Curtaines, his Wife, Children and Servants, in effect an whole Family; In the dead time of the night, the floor over head being Earth and Plaister, as in many places is used, over-charged with weight, fell wholly down together, and crushing all to pieces that was above two foot high, as Cupboards, Tables, Formes, Stools, rested at last on certain Chests, as God would have it, and hurt no living Creature.

In the first of King James 1603. he was consecrated Bishop of Bristoll, and held his Deanery an Irish Bishoprick in commendam with it, and from thence was translated to Worchester. I have heard his skill in Chimistry much commended, and he presented a precious extraction to King James, reputed a great preserver of health, and prolonger of life. He is conceived by such helps to have added to his vigorous vivacity, though I think a merry heart (whereof he had a great measure) was his best Elixar to that purpose. He died exceeding aged, Anno Dom. 164.

JOHN BUCKRIDGE was **So am I am informed by Mr. Anthony Holmes his Secretary still alive.born at Dracot nigh Marleborough in this County, and bred under Master Mullcaster in Merchant-Taylors school, from whence he was sent to Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford, where from a Fellow, he became Doctor of Divinity, and President thereof. He afterwards succeeded Doctor Lancelot Andrews in the Vicaridge of Saint Giles Criplegate, in which Cure they lived one and twenty years a piece, and† Bishop Godwin in his …. of the Bishops of Rochester. indeed great was the Intimacy betwixt these two learned Prelates. On the ninth of June 1611. he was Consecrated Bishop of Rochester, and afterwards set forth a learned Book in opposition of John Fisher, De potestate papae in Temporalibus, of which my **Idem ibidem.Author doth affirm

Johannem itaque Roffensem habemus, quem Johanni Roffensi opponamus, Fishero Buckerigium, cujus argumentis (si quid ego video) ne à mille quidem Fisheris unquam respondebitur.

He was afterwards preferred Bishop of Ely, and having Preached the Funerall Sermon of Bishop Andrews, (extant in Print at the end of his works) survived him not a full year, dying Anno Dom. 163. He was decently Interred by his own appointment in the Parish-church of Bromly in Kent, the Manner thereof belonged to the Bishoprick of Rotchester.

States-men

EDWARD SEIMOR and THOMAS SEIMOR, both Sons of Sir John Seimor of Wolfull Knight in this County. I joyn them together, because whilst they were united in affection they were invinsible, but when devided, easily overthrown by their enemies.

Edward Seimor Duke of Sommerset, Lord Protector and Treasurer of England, being the Elder Brother, succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance. He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service, fortunate, and generally beloved by Martiall men. He was of an open nature, free from jealousie and dissembling, affable to all People. He married Anne Daughter of Sir Edward Stanhop knight, a Lady of a high mind and haughty undaunted spirit.

Thomas Seimor the Younger Brother, was made Barron of Sudley, by offices and the favours of his Nephew, K. Edward the sixth, obtained a great Estate. He was well experienced in Sea affairs, and made Lord Admirall of England. He lay at a close posture, being of a reserved Nature, and was more cunning in his Carriage. He married Queen Katharine Parr, the Widdow of King Henry the eighth.

Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives, the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Train, and in effect justled with her for Precedence, so that what betwixt p. 152the Train of the Queen, and long Gown of the Dutchess, they raised so much dust at the Court, as at last, put out the eyes of both their husbands, and occasioned their Executions, as we have largely declared in our Ecclesiasticall History. The Lord Thomas Anno 154.. The Lord Edward Anno 154.

Thus the two best Bullworks of the safety of King Edward the sixth, being demolished to the ground, Duke Dudley had the advantage the nearer to approach and assault the Kings Person, and to practice his destruction as is vehemently suspected.

Sir OLIVER SAINT JOHN Knight, Lord Grandison, &c. was born of an ancient and honourable family, whose prime seat was at Lediard-Tregoze in this County. He was bred in the warrs from his youth, and at last by King James was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, and vigorously pursued the principles of his Predecessours, for the civilizing thereof. Indeed the Lord Mountjoy reduced that Country to obedience, the Lord Chichester to some civility, and this Lord Grandison first advanced it to considerable profit to his Master. I confess **In the life of Richard the second.T. Walsingham writeth, that Ireland afforded unto Edward the third, thirty thousand pound a year paid into His Exchequer, but it appears by the **Sir John Davis in Disc. o Ireland pag. 39. &c.Irish-records (which are rather to be believed) that it was rather a burden, and the constant revenue thereof beneath the third part of that proportion. But now, the Kingdome being peaceably settled, the income thereof turned to good account, so that Ireland (called by my Author the Land of Ire, for the constant broiles therein for 400. years,) was now become the Land of Concord. Being re-called into England, he lived many years in great repute, and dying without issue, left his Honour to his Sisters son by Sir Edward Villiers, but the main of his estate to his Brothers son Sir John Saint John Knight and Baronet.

Sir JAMES LEY Knight and Baronet, son of Henry Ley Esquire, (one of great Ancestry, who on his own cost with his men, valiantly served King Henry the eighth, at the siedge of Bullen) was born at Tafant in this County. Being his fathers sixth son, (and so in probability barred of his inheritance) he indeavoured to make himself an Heir, by his Education, applying his book in Brasen-nose-colledge, and afterwards studying the Laws of the Land in Lincolns-Inn, wherein such his proficiency, King James made him Lord Chief Justice in Ireland.

Here he practised the charge King James gave him at his going over, (yea, what his own tender Conscience gave himself,) namely, Not to build his Estate on the ruines of a miserable Nation, but aiming by the unpartial execution of Justice, not to enrich himself, but civilize the People, he made a good Progress therein. But the King would no longer lose him out of his own Land, and therefore recalled him home about the time when his fathers inheritance, by the death of his five elder brethren descended upon him. It was not long before Offices and Honour flowed in fast upon him, being made by

He was a person of great gravity, ability and integrity, and as the Caspian Sea is observed neither to ebb nor flow, so his mind did not rise or fall, but continued the same constancy in all conditions.

Sir FRANCIS COTTINGTON Knight, was born nigh Meer in this County, and bred, when a youth, under Sir........ Stafford. He lived so long in Spain, till he made the garbe and gravity of that Nation become his, and become him. He raised himself by his naturall strength, without any artificial advantage; having his parts above his learning, his experience above his parts, his industry above his experience, and p. 153(some will say) his success above all; so that at the last he became Chancellour of the Exchequer, Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex, and (upon the resignation of Doctor Juxon) Lord Treasurer of England, gaining also a very great estate. But, what he got in few years, he lost in fewer days, since our Civil Warrs, when the Parliament was pleased (for reasons onelyonly known to themselves) to make him one of the examples of their severity, excluding him pardon, but permitting his departure beyond the seas, where he dyed about the year 1650.

Capitall Judges.

Sir NICHOLAS HYDE Knight, was born at Warder in this County, where his father in right of his wife, had a long lease of that Castle, from the family of the Arundels. His father, I say, (descended from an Antient Family in Cheshire,) a fortunate Gentleman in all his Children, (and more in his Grand-children) some of his underboughs out-growing the top-branch, and younger children (amongst whom Sir Nicholas) in wealth and honour exceeding the heir of the family.

He was bred in the Middle-Temple, and was made Sergeant at Law the first of February 1626. and on the eighth day following was sworn Lord Chief Justice of the Kingsbench, succeeding in that Office, next save one unto his Countryman Sir James Ley, (then alive, and preferred Lord Treasurer, born within two miles one of another) and next of all unto Sir Randal Crew lately displaced. Now, though he entered on his place with some disadvantage (Sir Randal being generally popular) and though in those days, it was hard for the same person, to please Court and Country, yet he discharged his office with laudable integrity, and died 1631.

Souldiers▪

First, for this County in general, hear what an antient Author, who wrot about the time of King Henry the second, reporteth of it, whose words are worthy of our translation and exposition.

Johannes Sarisburiensis de Nugis Curialium 6. cap. 18.

The Severian Province.] We thank our Author for expounding it Wiltshire, otherwise we should have sought for it in the North, near the Wall of Severus.

By the same right] Viz. by which Kent claimeth to lead the Vanguard, whereof **See Kent in title ….formerly.

To have the Rere] So translated by Mr. ††In his Notes on … pag. 303.Selden (from whom it is a sin to dissent in a Criticisme of Antiquity) otherwise some would cavill it to be the Reserve. Indeed the Rere is the basis and foundation of an Army, and it is one of the chief of Divine promises, **Isa. 58. 8.Isa 58:8The glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.

We read how the Romans placed their Triarii, (which were Veteran souldiers) behind, and the service was very sharp indeed cum res rediit ad Triarios. We may say that these three Counties, Wiltshire, Devonshire and Cornwall, are the Triarii of England, yet so that in our Author Wiltshire appears as principal, the others being added for its assistance.

Here I dare interpose nothing, why the two interjected Counties betwixt Wilts and Devon, viz. Dorset and Summerset are not mentioned, which giveth me cause to conjecture them included in Devonia, in the large acception thereof. Now amongst the many worthy Souldiers which this County hath produced, give me leave to take speciall notice of

HENRY D'ANVERS. His ensuing Epitaph on his Monument in the Church of Dantsey in this Shire, will better acquaint the Reader with his deserts, then any character which my Pen can give of him.

p. 154H…re lyeth the body of Henry Danvers second son to Sir John Danvers Knight, and Dame Elizabeth Daughter and Co-heir to Nevill Lord Latimer. He was born at Dantsey in the County of Wilts, Jan. Anno Dom. 1573. being bred up partly in the Low-CountryWars under Maurice Earl of Nassaw, afterward Prince of Orenge; and in many other military Actions of those times, both by Sea and by Land. He was made a Captain in the Wars of France, and there Knighted for his good Service under Henry the fourth the then French King. He was imployed as Leiutenant of the Horse, and Serjeant Major of the whole Army in Ireland, under Robert Earl of Essex, and Charles Baron of Mountjoy, in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth. By King James the first, he was made Baron of Dansey, and Peer of this Realm, as also Lord President of Munster, and Governour of Guernsey. By King Charles the first, he was Created Earl of Danby, made of his Privy Councell, and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter. In his latter time by reason of imperfect health considerately declining more active Imployments, full of Honours, Wounds and Days, he died Anno Domini 1643. Laus Deo.

For many years before St. George had not been more magnificently Mounted I mean the solemnity of his feast more sumptuously observed,) then when this Earl with the Earl of Morton were installed Knights of the Garter. One might have there beheld the abridgment of English and Scotish in their Attendance. The Scotish Earl (like Zeuxis his Picture) adorned with all Art and Costliness, whilst our English Earl (like the plain sheet of Apelles) by the Gravity of his habit, got the advantage of the Gallantry of his Corrival with judicious beholders. He died without Issue in the beginning of our Civil Wars, and by his Will made 1639. setled his large Estate on his hopefull Nephew Henry D'Anvers, snatch'd away (before fully of age) to the great grief of all good men.

Writers.

OLIVER of MALMESBURY was (saith my **Pits de Illus. 1. Angl. scrip…. Anno 1060.Author) i… ipsius Monasterii terratorio natus, so that there being but few paces betwixt his cradle, and that Convent, he quickly came thither, and became a Benedictine therein. He was much addicted to Mathematicks, and to judicial Astrology. A great Comet happened in his age, which he entertained with these expressions;

Venisti? Venisti? multis matribus lugendum malum? Dudum te vidi, sed multò jam terribilius, Angliae minans prorsus excidium.

Art thou come? Art thou come? thou evil to be lamented by many mothers? I saw thee long since, but now thou art much more terrible, threatning the English with utter destruction.

Nor did he much miss his mark herein, for soon after, the coming in of the Norman Conqueror deprived many English of their lives, more of their laws and liberties, till after many years by Gods goodness they were restored.

This Oliver having a mind to try the truth of Poeticall reports, an facta vel ficta, is said to have tied Wings to his hands and feet, and taking his rise from a Tower in Malmesbury, flew as they say **Idem ibidem.a …rlong, till something failing him, down he fell, and brake both his Thighs. Pity is it but that Icarus-like he had not fallen into the water, and then

OLIVER OL'VARIS nomina fecit aquis.

I find the like Recorded in the **Abdia… …. Apost. hist. lib. 1. Egesip. …. 3. cap. 2. Epiph. lib. Tom. 2. haeres. 21. Anto…. chro. part. 1. tit. 6. cap. 4.Ecclesiastical History of Simon Magus, flying from the Capitol in Rome high in the Ayre, till at last (by the Prayers of Saint Peter,) he fell down and bruised himself to death. But that Simon did it by the Black, our Oliver by the White Art, he being supported by ill spirits, this by meer ingenuity, which made him the more to be pitied.

He wrot some books of Astrology, and died Anno Dom. 1060. **Bale de script. B…it. Cent. 2. Num. 51.five years before the Norman Invasion, and so saw not his own prediction (prevented by death) performed. It being the fate of such Folk, Ut sint Oculati foras & caecutiant Domi. That when they are quick sighted to know what shall betide to others, they are blind to behold what will befall to themselves.

WILLIAM quitting his own name of SUMMERSET, assumed that of MALMESBURY, because there he had (if not born) his best Preferment. Indeed he was a Duallist in that Convent, (and if a Pluralist no ingenious person would have envied him,) p. 155being Canter of that Church, and Library-Keeper therein. Let me adde and LibraryMaker too, for so may we call his History of the Saxon Kings and Bishops, before the Conquest and after it untill his own time. An History to be honoured, both for the Truth and Method thereof, if any fustiness be found in his Writings, it comes not from the Grape, but from the Cask, the smack of Superstition in his books, is not to be imputed to his person, but to the Age wherein he lived and dyed, viz. Anno Dom. 1142. and was buried in Malmesbury.

ROBERT CANUTUS. His Surname might justly perswade us to suspect him a Dane, but that **In vit… Roberti Canuti Cent. 3. Num. 4.Num 4Bale doth assure him born at Cricklade in this County, and further proceedeth thus in the desciption of the place.

Leland in the life of great King Alfred informs us, that during the flourishing of the glory of the Britains, before the University of Oxford was founded, two Scholars were famous both for Eloquence and Learning, the one called Greeklade, where the Greek, the other Latinlade, where the Latine tongue was professed, since corruptly colled Cricklade and Lechlade, at this day.

Having so good security, I presumed to Print the same in my Church-History, and am not as yet ashamed thereof. But since my Worthy Friend Doctor Heylyn, (whose Relations living thereabouts, gave him the opportunity of more exactness,) thus reporteth it, that Cricklade was the place for the Profession of Greek, Lechlade, for Physick and Latine, a small village, (small indeed, for I never saw it in any Map) hard by the place where Latin was professed.

But to proceed, our Canute went hence to Oxford, and there became Chief of the Canons of Saint Fridswith. He gathered the best flowers out of Plinie his Naturall History, and composing it into a Garland, (as he calleth it) dedicated the book to King Henry the second. He wrot …so his Comments on the greater part of the Old and New Testament, and flourished Anno 1170.

RICHARD of the DIVISES. A word of the place of his nativity. The Vies or Devises, is the best and biggest Town for trading (Salisbury being a City) in this Shire, so called, because antiently divided betwixt the King and the Bishop of Salisbury, as Mine-Thine (corruptly called Minden) a City in Westphalia had its Name from such a partition. Now because the Devises carrieth much of strange conceipts in the common sound thereof, and because Stone-henge is generally reputed a wonder, CountryPeople who live far off in our Land misapprehend them (distanced more then 12. miles) to be near together. Our Richard born in this Town, was bred a Benedictine in Winchster, where his Learning and Industry rendred him to the respect of all in that Age. He wrot a History of the raign of King Richard the first, under whom he flourished, and an Epitome of the **Bale de script. Brit. C…nt. 3. Num. 28.Num 28British affaires, dedicating them both to Robert Prior of Winchester. His History … could never see but at the second hand, as cited by others, the rarity thereof making it no piece for the Shop of a Stationer, but a Property for a publick Library. His death was about the year 1200.

GODWIN of SALISBURY Chanter of that Church, and (what ever was his skill in Musick) following the precepts of Saint Paul, he made **Ephes. 5. 19.Eph 5:19melody in his heart, having his mind given much to Meditation, which is the Chewing of the Cud of the food of the soul, turning it into Clean and Wholsome Nourishment. He wrot (beside other works) a book of Meditations, dedicating the same to one Ramulia, or rather Ranilda, an Anchoress and most **Bale de script. Cent. 4. Num. 20.Num 20incomparable woman, (saith my Author) the more remarkable to me, because this is the first and last mention I find of her memory. This Godwin flourished about the year of our Lord, 1256.

JOHN of WILTON Senior, was bred an Augustinian Friar, and after he had stored himself with home-bred Learning, went over into France, and studied at Paris. Here he became a subtile Disputant, insomuch that John Baconthorp (that Staple School-man) not onelyonly highly praiseth him, but also useth his authority in his

JOHN of WILTON Junior, was bred a Benedictine Monke in Westminster. He was Elegant in the Latine tongue **… Cent. 6. Num. 17.Num 17praeter ejus aetatis sortem. He wrot Metricall Meditations, in imitation of Saint Bernard, and one Book highly prized by many, intituled Horologium sapientiae, english it as you please, the Clock or Diall of Wisdome. p. 156Arguments. I meet not with any man in that age better stock'd with Sermons on all occasions, having written his Summer, **… de script. Brit. Cent. 4. Num. 94.his Winter, his Lent, his Holy-day Sermons. He flourished under King Edward the second, Anno 1310.

He was a great Allegory-Monke, and great his dexterity in such Figurative conceits. He flourished some fifty years after his Namesake under King Edward the third.

Reader, I confess there be **See Villare Anglicanum.eleven Wiltons in England, and therefore will not absolutely avouch the Nativities of these two Johns in this County. However because Wilton which denominateth this Shire, is the best and biggest amongst the Towns so called, I presume them placed here with the most Probability.

JOHM CHYLMARK was born at that Village, well know in Daworth Hundred, and bred Fellow of Merton-colledge in Oxford. He was a diligent searcher into the mysteries of Nature, an acute Phylosopher and Disputant, but most remarkable was his skill in Mathematicks, being accounted the Archemedes of that age, having written many **… de script. Brit. Cent. 6. Num. 99.Tractates in that Faculty, which carry with them a very good regard at this day. He flourished under King Richard the second, Anno 1390.

THOMAS of WILTON D. D. was for his Learning and Abilities made first Chancellour, and then Dean of Saint Pauls in London, in his time (in the raign of King Edward the fourth,) happened a tough contest betwixt the Prelats and the Friars; the latter pretending to poverty, and taxing the Bishops for their pompe and plenty. Our Wilton politickly opposed the Friars. Now as the onelyonly way for to withdraw Hanniball from his invasive war in Italy, was by recalling him to defend his own Country near Carthage, so Wilton wisely wrought a diversion, putting the Friars from accusing the Bishops, to excuse themselves.

For although an Old Gown, a Tattered Cowle, a Shirt of Hair, a Girdle of Hempe, a Pair of Beads, a Plain Crucifix, and Picture of some Saint, passed for all the wealth and Wardrobe of a Friar, yet by hearing Feminine Confessions, (wherewith Wilton twitteth them) and abusing the Key of Absolution, they opened the Coffers of all the Treasure in the Land. He wrot also a smart Book on this subject,

**Idem Cent. 8. Num. 32.Num 32An validi Mendicantes sint in … Perfectionis?

Whether Friars in health and Begging, be in the state of perfection?

The Anti-Friarists maintaining, that such were Rogues by the Laws of God and Man, and fitter for the House of Correction, then State of Perfection. This Dean Wilton flourished Anno Dom. 1460.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM HOREMAN was (saith my **Idem Cent. 8. Num. 70.Author) Patria Sarisburiensis, which in the Strictest sence, may be rendred born in the City, in the Largest born in the Diocess of Salisbury, and in the Middle-sence, (which I most embrace) born in Wiltshire, the County wherein Salisbury is situated. He was bred (saith Bale) first in Eaton, then in Kingscolledge in Cambridge, both which I doe not deny, though propably, not of the Foundation, his name not appearing in the exact **Collected in … by Mr. Hatcher.Catalogue thereof. Returning to Eaton, he was made Vice-Provost thereof, where he spent the remainder of his …. He was one of the most Generall Scholars of his age, as may appear by the Diffusiveness of his Learning and Books written in all Faculties.

Other books he left unfinished, for which Bale sends forth a sorrowfull sigh, with a Proh Dolor: which his passion, is proof enough for me to place this Horeman on this side of the line of Reformation. He dyed April 12. 1535. and lieth buried in the Chappel of Eaton.

p. 157Masters of Musick.

WILLAM LAWES son of Thomas Lawes a Vi…ar Choral of the Church of Salisbury, was bred in the Close of that City, being from his Childhood inclined to Musick. Edward Earl of Hertford obtained him from his Father, and bred him of his own cost in that Faculty, under his Master Giovanni Coperario an Italian, and most Exquisite Musician. Yet may it be said that the Schollar in time did Equal, yea Exceed his Master.

He afterwards was of the Private Musick to King Charles, and was respected and beloved of all such Persons, who cast any looks towards Vertue and Honour. Besides his Fancies of the three, four, five and six parts to Vyol and Organ, he made above thirty severall sorts of Musick, for Voyces and Instruments, neither was there any Instrument then in use, but he composed to it so aptly, as if he had only studied that.

In these distracted times his Loyalty ingaged him in the War for his Lord and Master, and though he was by Generall Gerrard made a Commissary on designe to secure him (such Officers being commonly shot-free by their place, as not Exposed to danger,) yet such the activity of his Spirit, he disclaimed the Covert of his Office, and betrayed thereunto by his own adventurousness was casually shot at the Siege of Chester, the same time when the Lord Bernard Stuart lost his life.

Nor was the Kings soul so ingrossed with gr…ef for the death of so near a Kinsman, and Noble a Lord, but that hearing of the death of his dear servant William Laws, he had a particular Mourning for him when dead, whom he loved when living, and commonly called the Father of Musick. I leave the rest of his worth to be expressed by his own Works of Composures of Psalms done joyntly by him and his brother Master Henry Laws, betwixt which two no difference, either in Eminency, Affection, or otherwise considerable, save that the one is deceased, and the other still surviving. Master William Laws dyed in September 164..

Benefactours to the Publique.

**I durst venture no farther, finding no more of his name in Mr. Cambden.T. STUMPS of the Town of Malmesbury in this County, was in his Age one of the most eminent Clothiers in England, of whom there passeth a story told with some variation of circumstances, but generally to this purpose.

King Henry the eighth, Hunting near Malmesbury in Bredon Forrest, came with all his Court Train unexpected, to Dine with this Clothier. But great House-keepers are as seldome surprised with Guests as vigilant Captains with Enemies. Stumps commands his little Army of Workmen which he fed daily in his house, to fast one Meal untill night, (which they might easily doe without indangering their health,) and with the same Provision gave the King, and his Court-train (though not so delicious and various) most wholesome and plentifull entertainment.

But more Authentick is what I read in the great **Camdens Brit: in ….Antiquary, speaking of the plucking down of Malmesbury Monastery.

The very Minster it self, should have sped no better then the rest, but being Demolished, had not T. Stumps a wealthy Clothier, by much suit but with a greater summe of Money, redeemed and bought it for the Iowns-men his Neighbours, by whom it was converted to a Parish-church, and for a great part is yet standing at this day.

I find one William Stumps Gentleman, who in the one and thirtieth **I perused the Original in the Remembrancers (or Sir Thomas … ) Office, C. 7. … rot. 147.year of King Henry the eight, bought of him the demeans of Malmesbury Abby, for fifteen hundred pound two shillings and a half penny. Now how he was related to this T. Stumps, whether son or father is to me unknown. It will not be a sin for me to wish more branches from such Stumps, who by their bounty may preserve the Monuments of Antiquity from destruction.

Memorable Persons.

—SUTTON of …. Tradition and an old Pamphlet (newly vamped with Additions) make him a great Clothier, Entertaining King Henry the first, and bequeathing at his death one hundred pounds to the Weavers of Salisbury, with many p. 158other benefactions. I dare not utterly deny such a person, and his bountifull Gifts, but am …ured that he is notoriously mis-timed, seeing Salisbury had scarce a stone laid therein, one hundred years after King Henry the first; and as for old Sarum, that age knew nothing of Clothing, as we have proved before. Thus these Mungrell Pamphlets (part true, part false,) doe most mischief. Snakes are less dangerous then Lampries, seeing none will feed on what is known to be poison. But these books are most pernicious where truth and falshoods are blended together, and such a Medly Cloth, is the Tale-story of this Clothier.

MICHEL born at........... in this County, was Under-sheriffe to Sir Anthony Hungarford, (a worthy Knight) Anno 1558. in the last year of Queen Mary. Of this Master Michel I find this Character,

A right and a perfect **Fox h…s Acts and Mon. pag. 2655.godly man.

Under sheriffs generally are complained of as over-crafty, (to say no worse of them,) but it seems hereby the place doth not spoil the person, but the person the place. When the Writ de comburendis haereticis, for the Execution of Richard White and John Hunt (of whom formerly) was brought to Mr. Michel, instead of burning them. He burnt the Writ, and before the same could be renewed, Doctor Geffray (the bloody Chancellour of Salisbury who procured it) and Queen Mary, were both dead, to the Miraculous preservation of Gods poor Servants.

Sir JAMES—Vicar Choral (as I conceive) of the Church of Sarisbury, in the raign of King Edward the sixth, was wholy addicted to the Study of Chemistry. Now as Socrates himself wrot nothing, whilst Plato his Scholar praised him to purpose, so whilst the Pen of Sir James was silent of his own worth, Thomas Charnock his Scholar (whom he made Inheritour of his Art) thus chants in his Commendation.

I **In his … ma ….could find never Man but one,

Which could teach Me, the secrets of our Stone.

And that was a Priest in the Close of Salisbury,

God rest his Soul in Heaven full merry.

This Sir James pretented that he had all his skill not by Learning, but Inspiration, which I list not to disprove. He was alive Anno 1555. but died about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth.

Lord Mayor.

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

Rob. Hungarford, mil.

Edm. Hungarford, m.

Ioh. Stourton, mil.

Will. Becham, mil.

Ioh. Beynton, mil.

Will. Westbery Justiciarii.

Ioh. Seymour

Will. Darell

Rich. Milbourn

Edm. Dantesey

Ioh. Westbery, sen.

David. Cerington

Randul. Thorp

Lau. Gowayn

Rog. Peryton

Will. Gore, sen.

Roh. Ernly

Rob. Blake

Tho. Drewe

Will. Daungers

Rob. Paniffote

Ioh. Westbery, junior.

Will. Rouse

Tho. Boneham

Iohan. Rous

Will. Besyle

Rob. Baynard

Rog. Trewbody

Will. Caynelt.

Will. Botreauxe

Will. Widecombe

Ioh. Atte Berwe

Ioh. Northfolk

Ioh. Sturmy

Tho. Cryklade

Rob. Bodenham

Iohan. Bride

Rob. Beast

Cob. Colyngborn

Hen. Chancy

Ioh. Combe

Ioh. West

Rob. Onewyn

Tho. Ierderd

Ioh. Whitehorn

Ioh. Gergrave

Nich. Wotton

Tho. Hall

Ioh. Hall

Rich. Hall

Will. …ore, ….

p. 159Rob. Crikkelade

Ioh. Lambard

Tho. Beweshyn

Rich. Mayn

Ioh. Mayn

Ioh. Benger

Rob. Mayhow

Hen. Bardley

Rob. Confold

Ioh. Mumfort

Tho. Hancock

Ioh. Osburn

Ioh. Gillberd

Ioh. Attuene

Ioh. Escote

Gul. Orum

Rich. So…wel

Reg. Croke

Ingel. Walrond

Ioh. Waldrine

Rich. Warrin

Will. Stanter

Rob. Solman

Tho. Temse

Will. Temse

Tho. Ryngwode

Will. Watkins

Rob. Backeham

Walt. Backeham

Will. Dantesey

Rich. Caynell

Rich. Hardone

Ioh. Tudworth

Ioh. Coventre

Tho. Gore nuper de Lynshyll

Rob. Wayte

Will. Coventre

Ioh. Ingeham

Ioh. Martyn

Walt. Evererd

Will. Polelchirch

Ioh. Iustice

Walt. Stodel…y

Will. Wychamton

Rob. Eyre

Ioh. Voxanger

Sim. Eyre

Ioh. Ford

Will. Russell

Ioh. Scot

Tho. Vellard

Pet. Duke

Ioh. Quinton

Tho. Quinton

Ioh. Bourne

Rich. Warneford

Ioh. Stere

Tho. Hasard

Rob. Lyvenden

Will. Lyng

Ioh. Davy

Rob. Davy

Rob. Floure

Will. Leder

Ioh. Edward

Ioh. Cutting

Tho. Blanchard

Will. Moun

Edm. Penston

Rich. Lye

Ioh. Bellingdon

Ioh. Pope

Ioh. Lye

Ioh. Spender

Walt. Clerk

Ioh. Quarly

Will. Bacon

Ioh. Everard

Nich. Spondell

Will. Walrond

Tho. Stake

Rich. Cordra

Rich. de Bowys.

Will Renger

Thom. Bower de Devise.

R. is here Robert Nevil then Bishop of Salisbury. Walter Hungerford was the Lord Hungerford Treasurer of England.

WILL. WESTBRY Justiciarii.]

Surely this Justice must be more then an Ordinary one of the Peace and Quorum, because preposed to John Seimour a signall Esquire, late High-sheriffe of the Shire. Yet was he none of the two Chief-Justices of Westminster, as not mentioned in their Catalogue. Probably he was one of the Puny Judges in those Courts, but because no certainty thereof, we leave him as we found him.

DAVID CERINGTON.]

The self same name with Sherington for all the literall variation, and they, I assure you, were men of great Anchestry and Estate in this County. Sir Henry Sherington was the last Heir-male of this Family, dwelling at Lacock in this County, a Right Godly Knight, and great friend to Bishop Jewell, who died in his house at Lacock. He disswaded the Bishop from Preaching that Lords-day, by reason of his great Weakness, Affirming it better for a Private Congregation to want a Sermon one day, then for the Church of **See …he life of Bishop Jewell p…efixed to his Apology.England to lose such a Light for ever. But he could not prevail, the Bishop being resolved to expire in his calling. This Sir Henry left two Daughters which had Issue, one married into the Honourable family of Talbot, the other unto Sir Anthony Mildmay, who enriched their Husbands with great Estates.

Sheriffs of Wilt-shire.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Will. qui fuit Vic.

Anno 2

Com. Patricius

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Anno 7

Rich. Clericus

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Mil. de Dantesaia

Anno 10

Rich. de Wilton

Anno 11

Rich. de Wilteser

Anno 12

Rich. de Wilton for 15 years.

Anno 27

Mich. Belet, Rob. Malde

Anno 28

Mich. Belet & Rob. Malde Rog. filius Reuf.

Anno 29

Rob. Malduit

Anno 30

Idem.

Anno 31

Idem.

Anno 32

Rob. Malduit.

Anno 33

Idem.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Hug. Bardulfe

Anno 2

Will. Comes Saresb.

Anno 3

Rob. de Tresgoze

Anno 4

Will. Comes Saresb.

p. 160Anno 5

Will. Comes Saresb. & Tho. filius Will. for 4 years.

Anno 9

Steph. de Turnham & Alex. de Ros

Anno 10

Idem.

JOHAN. REX.

Anno 1

Steph. de Turnham & Wand. filius Corcelles

Anno 2

Comes Will. de Saresb. & Hen. de Bermere

Anno 3

…dem.

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Comes Will. de Saresb. & Iohan. Bonet for 6 years.

Anno 11

Will. Briewere & Rob. filius

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Nich. Briewere de Vetri ponte & Will. de Chanto

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Will Comes Saresb. & Hen. filius Alchi

Anno 17

Idem.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Will. Comes Saresb. & Rob. de Crevequeor for 6 years.

Anno 8

Will. Comes Saresb. Adam de Alta Ripa

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Idem.

Anno 11

Sim. de Halei

Anno 12

Eliz. Comit. Saresb. & Ioh. Dacus

Anno 13

Ioh. de Monemue & Walt. de Bumesey

Anno 14

Ioh. de Monemue

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Eliz. Com. Saresb. & Ioh. Dacus for 4 years.

Anno 20

Eliz. Comit. Sarum & Rob. de Hugen.

Anno 21

Eliz. Comit. Sarum

Anno 22

Rob. de Hogesham

Anno 23

Idem.

Anno 24

Idem.

Anno 25

Nich. de Haversham for 6 years.

Anno 31

Nich de Lusceshall

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Idem.

Anno 34

Will. de Tynehiden for 4 years.

Anno 38

Will. de Tenhide Io. de Tenhide fil. & Heres

Anno 39

Idem.

Anno 40

Ioh. de Verurd

Anno 41

Idem.

Anno 42

Idem.

Anno 43

Ioh. de Verund & Galf. de Scudemor

Anno 44

Idem.

Anno 45

Ioh. de Verund

Anno 46

Rad. Cussell

Anno 47

Idem.

Anno 48

Idem.

Anno 49

Rad. de Aungers, Ioh. de Aungers

Anno 50

Rad. de Aungers

Anno 51

Will. de Duy & Steph. de Edwarth for 5 years. 56 Steph. de Edwarth & Walt. de Strichesley

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Walt. de Strichesle

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Hildebrandus de London for 6 years.

Anno 10

Ioh. de Wotton for 8 years.

Anno 18

Rich. de Combe

Anno 19

Idem.

Anno 20

Tho. de S^to Omero for 5 years.

Anno 25

Walt. de Pevely

Anno 26

Idem.

Anno 27

Idem.

Anno 28

Ioh. de Novo Burgo

Anno 29

Idem.

Anno 30

Ioh. de Hertingerr

Anno 31

Idem.

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Hen. de Cobham

Anno 34

Ioh. de Gerberge

Anno 35

Idem.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Andreas de Grimsted

Anno 2

Alex. Cheverell & Ioh. de S^to Laudo

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Will. de Hardene

Anno 5

Adam. Walrand

Anno 6

Adam. Walrand & Iohan. Kingston

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Iohan de Holt & Phus. de la Beach

Anno 9

Phus. de la Beach

Anno 10

Idem.

Anno 11

Walt. de Risum

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Ioh. de Tichbourn & Adam. Walrand.

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Anno 17

Adam, Walrand

Anno 18

Idem.

Anno 19

Idem.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Adam. Walrand

Anno 2

Phus. la Beach

Anno 3

Ioh. Manduit

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Anno 7

Ioh. Manduit & Will. Randolph

Anno 8

Iohan. Tichbourn & Iohan. Manduit

Anno 9

Gilb. de Berewice & Reg. de Pauley

Anno 10

Idem.

Anno 11

Petr. Doygnel & Gil. de Berewice

Anno 12

Iohan. Manduit

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Tho. de S^to. Mauro & Rob. Lokes.

Anno 16

Iohan. Manduit

Anno 17

Idem.

Anno 18

Idem.

Anno 19

Iohan. Roches

Anno 20

Idem.

Anno 21

Ioh. de Roches & Tho. Semor

Anno 22

Rob. Russell

Anno 23

Idem.

p. 161Anno 24

Idem.

Anno 25

Nullus Titulus in hoc Rotulo

Anno 26

Tho. de la River

Anno 27

Idem.

Anno 28

Idem.

Anno 29

Ioh. Everard

Anno 30

Tho. de Hungerford for 5 years.

Anno 35

Hen. Sturmy for 6 years.

Anno 41

Walt. de Haywood for 5 years.

Anno 46

Will. de Worston

Anno 47

Hen. Sturmy

Anno 48

Ioh. Dauntesey, mil.

Anno 49

Ioh. de la Mare, mil.

Anno 50

Hugo Cheyne

Anno 51

Idem.

Edward III.

35 HENRY STURMY.]

They were Lords of Woolfhall in this County, and from the Time of King Henry the second, were by right of Inheritance, the Bayliffs and Guardians of the Forrest of Savernake, lying hard by, which is of great note for plenty of good game, and for a kind of Ferne there, that yeildeth a most Pleasant Savour: In remembrance whereof, their Hunters-horn, of a mighty bigness, and tipt with silver, is kept by the Seymours Dukes of Somerset unto this day, as a Monument of their Descent, from such Noble Ancestors.

Sheriffs.

King Henry VI.

23 JOHN BASKET, Esq.]

High-sheriffe of this County in the twenty third of King Henry the sixth. He is memorable on this account, that a solemn dispensation granted unto him from the Court of Rome, acquainteth us with the form of those Instruments in that Age, not unworthy our perusall.

Nicholaus miseratione divinâ, &c. Sanctae Crucis in Jerusalem Presbyter Cardinalis; Dilectis in Christo nobilibus Johanni Basket Scutifero, & Aliciae ejus Uxori, Sarisburiensis Diocesis, Salutem in Domino. Solet annuere Sedes Apostolica piis votis, & honestis petentium precibus, maximè ubi salus requiritur animarum, favorem benevolum impartiri. Cum igitur ex parte vestra nobis fuerit humiliter supplicatum, ut in animarum vestrarum solatium, eligendi Confessorem ideoneum vobis licentiam concedere dignaremur. Nos vestris supplicationibus favorabiliter annuentes, Authoritate Domini Papae, cujus **Thus it is written in the Original which we have englished, & request the learned Readers bette… … struction.primariae curam gerimus, & de ejus speciali mandato super hoc vivae vocis oraculo nobis facto, devotioni vestrae concedimus quatenus liceat vobis idoneum & discretum Presbyterum in Confessorem eligere, qui super peccatis quae sibi confitebimini (nisi talia sint propter quae sit dicta Sedes consulenda) authoritate praedicta vobis provideat de absolutionis debitae beneficio, & paeni…tia salutari quamdiu vixeritis, quotiens fuerit opportunum. p. 164Vota ver… peregrinationis & abstinentiae si qua emisistis, quae commodè servare non potestis, ultra marina (beatorum Petri, & Pauli, atque Jacobi, Apostolorum votis duntaxat exceptis) commutet vobis idem Confessor in alia opera pietatis.

Dat. Florentiae, sub sigillo officii Priariae, 3. Non. Aprilis Pontificatus Domini Eugenii Papae 4. Anno Decimo.

Nicholas by divine mercy, &c. Priest Cardinal of St. Crosses in Jerusalem; To the beloved in Christ the worshipfull John Basket Esq. and Alice his Wife, of the Diocess of Salisbury, Greeting in the Lord. The See Apostolick useth to grant the pious desires, and honest requests of petitioners, chiefly where the health of souls requireth courteous favour to be bestowed upon them. Seeing therefore on your behalf you have supplicated humbly unto us, that for the comfort of your souls we would vouchsafe to grant you license tochuse for your selves a Confessor, we favourably yeilding to your request by the authority of our Lord the Pope, the Charge of whose Primary we bear, & from his Special Command in this case made unto us by the Oracle of his mouth, doe grant to your devotion, so far forth as it may be lawfull for you, to chuse a fit & discreet Priest for your Confessor, who as touching the sins which ye shall confess unto him (except they be such for which the said See is to be consulted with) may by authority aforesaid provide for you concerning the benefit of due absolution, & wholesome Penance, so long as ye live, so often as there shall be occasion. But if ye have made any forraign vows of pilgrimage and fasting, which ye cannot conveniently keep (vows to blessed Peter, Paul, and James, Apostles onelyonly excepted,) the same Confessor may commute them for you into other works of piety.

Given at Florence, under the seal of the office of the Primary, 3. Non. of April the 13. year of the Popedome of Pope Eugenius the fourth.

The tenth of Pope Eugenius falleth on the twentieth of King Henry the sixth, Anno Domini 1440. Why it should be higher and harder to dispence with vows made to Saint James, then to Saint John, (his brother, and Christs beloved disciple,) some Courtier of Rome must render the reason. The posterity of this Master Basket in the next generation remov'd in Dorset-shire, where they continue at this day in a worshipfull condition, at Divenish.

Queen Elizabeth.

11 THOMAS THIN, Mil.]

The great and suddain wealth of this Knight, being envied by a great Earl, and PrivyCouncellour neighbouring on his Estate, caused his summons before the Counsel Table, to answer how in so short a time he had gotten so large Possessions, some suggested as if he had met with Treasure Trove, or used some indirect means to inrich himself. The Knight calmly gave in the unquestionable particulars of the Bottom he began on, the accrewment by his Marriage, and with what was advanced by his industry and frugality, so bringing all up within the view (though not the Touch) of his present Estate. For the rest, my Lords (said he) you have a good Mistris our Gracious Queen, and I had a good Master the Duke of Sommerset, which being freely spoken, and fairly taken, he was dismissed without further trouble. Nor were his means too big for his Birth, if descended (as Camden saith) from the Antient Family of the Bottevils.

41 WALTER VAUGHAM, Ar.]

His Armes (too large to be inserted in that short space) were, Sable, a Chever…n betwixt three Childrens-heads Cooped at the Shoulders Argent, their Peruques Or, Inwrapped about their Necks, with as many Snakes Proper, whereof this (they say) the Occasion, because one of the Ancestors **Guillam's display of Heraldry pag. 174.of this Family, was born with a Snake about his Neck. Such a Neck-Lace, as Nature, I believe never saw. But grant it. How came the Peruques, about the Infants Heads? So that Fancy, surely, was the sole Mother and Midwife of this Device. The Lands of this Walter Vaugham, (afterwards Knighted) descended to his Son Sir George, a Worthy Gentleman, and after his Issueless decease to a Brother of his, who was born blind, bred in Oxford, brought up in Orders, and Prebendary of Sarum.

King Charles.

1 FRANCIS SEYMOUR, Mil.

This wise and religious Knight, (grand-child to Edward Earl of Hartford, and brother to William Duke of Sommerset,) was by King Charles the first Created Baron of Troubridge in this County, since for his Loyalty, made Privy-councellour to K. Charles the second, and Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster.

Battles.

Lansdoune Fight.

This was fought in the Confines of this County and Somerset the 13. of July 1643. It was disputed by parcells and peece-meals, as the Place and narrow Passages would give leave; and it seemed not so much one intire Battle, as a Heap of Skirmishes hudled together. It may be said in some sort of both …des,

Victus uterque fuit, Victor uterque fuit.

p. 165For the Parliament Forces five times (by the confession of the Royalists) beat them back with much Disorder, Sir Bevill Greenfield being slain in the Head of his Pikes, (Major Lowre in the Head of his Party of Horse.) Yet the Kings Forces alleadge Demonstration of Conquest, that Prince Maurice and Sir Ralph Hopton, remained in the Heads of their Troops all Night, and next Morning found themselves possessed of the Field and of the Dead, as also of three hundred Armes, and nine … of Powder, the Enemy had left behind them.

Round way Fight.

Five days after Prince Maurice with the Earl of Carnarvan returning, and the Lord Wilmot coming from Oxford, with a gallant supply of Select Horse, charged the Parliament Forces under the Conduct of Sir William Waller. With him were the Horse of Sir Arthur Haslerigg so well Armed, that (if of Proof as well within as without) each Souldier seemed an Impregnable Fortification. But these were so smartly Charged by the Prince, that they fairly forfook the Field, leaving their Foot (which in English Battles bear the heat of the day) to shift for themselves.

In the mean time Sir Ralph Hopton hurt lately (with the blowing up of Powder) lay sick and sore in the Town of the Devizes. His Men wanted Match, whom Sir Ralph directed to beat and to boyl their Bed-cords, (necessity is the best Mother of Ingenuity,) which so ordered did them good service; when Marching forth into the Field, they effectually contributed to the totall routing and ruining of the Parliament …oot which remained.

The Farewell.

This County consisting so much of sheep, must honour the Memory of King Edgar, who first free'd the Land from all Wolves therein. For the future I wish their flocks secured

From

1. Two-legg'd Wolves, very destructive unto them.

2. Spanish Ewes, whereof one being brought over into England, Anno .......... brought with it the first generall contagion of sheep.

3. Hunger-Rot, the effect of an over-dry summer.

I desire also, that seeing these seem to be of the same breed with **Gen. 29. 8.Gen 29:8Laban… and ††Exod. 3. 1.Exod 3:1Jethros sheep, which had their solemn times and places of drinking, (which in other Shires I have not observed) that they may never have any want of wholesome water.