The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 45

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 45

p. 167WORCESTER-SHIRE hath Stafford-shire on the North, Warwickshire on the East, Gloucester-shire on the South, Hereford and Shorp-shires on the West. It is of a Triangular, but not equilaterall form, in proportion stretching from

North to South Twenty two Miles.

South to North-west, Twenty eight Miles.

Thence to her North-east point, Twenty eight Miles.

Be this understood of the continued part of this Shire, which otherwise hath Snips and Shreds cut off from the whole cloth, and surrounded with the circumjacent Countries, even some in Oxford-shire distanced, by Gloucester-shire interposed.

What may be the cause hereof, it were presumption for me to guess after the conjectures of so many Learned men. **Cambdens Brit. in Worcester-shire.Some conceive that such who had the Command of this County, (probably before the Conquest,) and had parcells of their own Land scattered in the Vicinage, desired to Unite them to this County, so to make their own authority the more entire. Or else as a**Carew in his survey of Cornwall fol. 98. Worthy Writer will have it (rendering a reason why part of Devon-shire straggleth into Cornwall,) it was done that there might rest some cause of Intercourse, betwixt this and the Neighbouring Counties, adding moreover, that a late great man ensued and expressed the like consideration, in the division of his Lands betwixt two of his Sons. All I will say is this, that God in the partage of Palestine (Reader if you forget, I must remember my own profession) betwixt the twelve Tribes, on the same account, (as the learned conceive) made some Tribes to have In-lots within another, And Manasseh had in Issachar,**Josh. 17. 11.Josh 17:11 and in Asher, Bethshean and her Towns, and Ibleam and her Towns, &c.

This County hath a childs portion (and that I assure you a large one) in all English, and especially in these

Naturall Commodities.

Lampreys.

In Latine Lampetrae, à lambendo petras, from licking the rocks, are plentifull in this and the neighbouring Counties in the river of Severn. A deformed fish, which for the many holes therein, one would conceive, nature intended it rather for an Instrument of Musick, then for mans food. The best manner of dressing whereof, says my**Cambdens Brit. in Worcester-shire. Author, is, To kill it in Malmesey, close the mouth thereof with a nutmegg, the holes with so many cloves, and when it is rolled up round, putting in thereto filbard-nut-kernells stamped, crums of bread, oyle, spices, &c. Others, (but those M…so-lampreys) doe adde, that after all this cost, even cast them away, seeing money is better lost then health; and the meat will rather be delicious then wholesome, the eating whereof cost King**Stows Chron. …ag 142. Henry the first his life. But, by their favour, that King did not dye of Lampreys, but of excess in eating them; and I am confident the Jews might surfet of Manna it self, if eating thereof above due proportion.

Perry.

This is a Drink or a Counterfeit Wine, made of Pears, whereof plenty in this County; though such which are least delicious for tast, are most proper for this purpose. Such the Providence of Nature to design all things for mans service. Peter Martyr when Professor in Oxford, and sick of a Feaver, would drink no other **Dr. Humphred in the large latine life of Bishop Jewel pag. 31.liquor, though it be generally believed both cold and windy, except, corrected with spice, or some other addition.

Salt.

I have**In Cheshire and Northumberland. twice formerly insisted hereon, and doe confess this Repetition to be flatly against my own Rules, laid down for the regulating of this work, save that the necessity of this Commodity, will excuse it from any offence. I beheld England as a long p. 167well-furnish'd Table, and account three principal Salt-cellars set at distance thereon. Worcester shire, I fancy the Trencher Salt, both because it is not so much in quantity, (though very considerable,) and because it is whiter, finer and heavier, then any other. Ch…shire, I conceive deserveth to be reputed the Grand-salt-cellar, placed somewhat benea…h the middle, whilst the third is the Salt of New-castle, set far North, at the lower end of the Table, for the use of those, who otherwise cannot conveniently reach to the former. The usefulness of this not-duely-valued-blessing, may be concluded from the Latine word Salarium, so usuall in antient and modern Authors, which importeth the entertainment or wages of Souldiers, antiently paid chiefly (if not only) in Victuals, and taketh its name by a Synecdoche, fr om Sal or Salt, as of all things most absolutely needfull, without which condiment, nothing can be wholesome nutriment.

I read in a modern Author, describing his own County of Che-shire, and measuring all things to the advantage thereof, that,

**William Smith in the ValeRoyal pag. 18.There is no Shire in England, or in any other Country beyond the seas, where they have more then one salt-well therein, neither at Droitwich in Worcester-shire is there more then one, whereas in Che-shire there be four, all within ten wiles together.

Here let me enter this Caveat in preservation of the right of Worcester-shire, that **Camdens Brit. in … shire.many salt-fountains are found therein, but stopped up again for the preservation of woods, so that the making of salt at one place alone, proceeds not from any Natural, but a Politick restriction. Nor must I forget, how our German-Ancestors (as Tacitus reports) conceited such places where salt was found, to be nearest to the heavens, and to ingratiate mens p…ayers to the gods; I will not say, founding their superstition on the mis-apprehension of the Jewish-worship, **Lev…t 2. 13.Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

The Buildings.

I am sorry I have never seen the Cathedrall of Worcester, so that I cannot knowingly give it a due commendation, and more sorry to hear that our late Civil Wars, have made so sad an Impression thereon.

The Market-towns are generally handsomely built, and no Shire in England can shew a brace of them, so neat and near together, as Beaudley and Kiddermister in this County, being scarcely two miles asunder.

Saints.

Saint RICHARD born at Wich, [alias Droitwich] from which he took his name, was bred in Oxford, afterwards at Paris, & lastly at Bononia in Italy, where for seven years together he heard and read the Canon-law. Having thus, first plentifully laid in, he then began to lay out, in his Lectures in that University, and returning Home, became Chancellor of Oxford, then of Canterbury, till at last chosen Bishop of Chichester. He was a great Becketist, viz. a stout opposer of Regal Power over Spiritual Persons, on which, and other accounts, he wrot a Book to Pope Innocent the fourth, against King Henry the third. These his qualities with the reputation of his holy life, so commended his memory to the notice of Pope Urban the fourth, that seven years after his death, viz. Anno 1260 he canonized him for a Saint. It seems men then arrived sooner at the maturity o… [Popish] Saintship then now a days, more distance being now required betwixt their death and canonization. As for their report, that the Wiches or Salt-pits in this County were miraculously procured by his prayers, their unsavory lye hath not a graine of probability to season it, it appearing by antient **Camden in …-shire plainly proves it out of … vase of ….Authors, that salt-w…ter flowed there time out of mind, be…ore any sweet-milk was given by Mother or Nurse to this Saint Richard. This County affording no Martyrs (such the moderation of Bshop Pates) let us proceed to

Cardinals

JOHN COMIN, or Cumin. It must cost us some pains (but the merit of the man will quit cost) to clear him to be of English extraction. For the proof whereof we produce the testimony of Giraldus Cambrensis, his contemporary and acquaintance, who saith,**L…b. 2. …. Hiber. cap. 23. he was Vi… Anglicus natione. Hereby the impudent falsehood of John Demster the Scotish Historian, doth plainly appear, thus expressing himself.

In plain English, this Scotish Demster is an arrant rook, depluming England, Ireland and Wales, of famous Writers, meerly to feather his own Country therewith; so that should he, according to the Jewish Law, be forced to make four-fold restitution for his felony, he would be left poor enough indeed.

Besides Alexander Comin was Created first Earl of Buchan, by King **Camdens Brit. in Scotia pag., 48.Alexander the second, who began to raign Anno Dom. 1214. whereas Comin (by the testimony of Demster himself) died 1212. and therefore could not properly descend of their stock, who were not then in being.

I cannot certainly avouch him a Worcester-shire man, but know that he was bred a Monke at **Giraldus Cambr. lib. 2 expugn. Hiber. cap. 23.Evesham therein; whence he was chosen (the King procuring it) à clero Dublinensi consonè satis & concorditer, Arch-bishop of Dublin. He endowed TrinityChurch in Dublin with two and twenty Prebends, and was made by Pope Lucius Cardinal of Saint Vellit in Italy.

HUGH of EVESHAM so called from the place of his Nativity in this County, applyed himself to the Study of Physick, with so good success that he is called the **Ba…e de script. Brit. Cent. 4. Num. 50.Phoenix in that Faculty; Great also was his skill in the Mathematicks, and especially in Astrology. Some questions arising at Rome about Physick (which consequencially were of Church government) Pope Martin the fourth sent for our Hugh, to consult with him, who gave such satisfaction to his Demands, that in requitall, he Created him Cardinal of Saint Laurence, 1280. But so great the envy of his Adversaries at his preferment, that seven years after he was put to death by **Idem ibidem.Poyson, and let none say, he might have foreseen his Fate in the Stars, seeing Hell, and not the Heavens brooded that design. Neither say Physician cure thy self, seeing English Antidotes are too weak for Italian Poysons. But Cicaonius to Palliate the business, saith he died of the Plague, and thus I believe him of the Plague of Hatred in the hearts of such who contrived his death. Which happened Anno Domini, 1287.

Prelates.

WULSTAN of BRAUNDSFOED was born at Brandsford in this County, and afterwards became Prior (equivalent to Dean in other foundations) of Worcester. He deserved well of his Covent, building a most beautifull Hall therein. Hence was he preferred Bishop of Worcester 1338. the first and last Prelate who was born in that County, and dyed in that See. He was Verus Pontifex in the gramaticall notation thereof, building a fair bridge at Braundsford (within three miles of Worcester) over the river Teme, on the same token, that it is misprinted Tweed in Bishop **His Catalogue of the Bishops of Worcester set forth 1616.Godwin, which made me in vain to look for Braundsford in Northumberland. He dyed August 28. 1349.

JOHN LOWE was born in this **Godwin in the Bishops of Rochester.County, bred an Augustinian Frier at Wich therein; afterwards he went to the Universities, and then setled himself in London. Hence he was preferred by King Henry the sixth to Saint Asaph, and thence was removed (desiring his own quietness) from one of the best Bishopricks in Wales, to Rochester the meanest in England. He was a great Book-monger, and on that score, Bale (no friend to Friers) giveth him a large Testimonial, that Bishop **ut prius.Godwin borroweth from him (the first and last in that kind) the whole character of his commendation, and this amongst the rest; Opuscula quaedam scripsit purgatis auribus digna.

He deserved well of posterity in preserving many excellent manuscripts, and bestowing them on the Magnificent Library, which he furnished at Saint Augustines in London. But alas! that Library at the Dissolution vanished away with the **Stows survey of London …n Broadstreetward.fine Spire-steeple of p. 169the same Church, (oh, the wide swallow of sacriledge!) one person, who shall be nameless, imbezelling both books and buildings to his private profit. He dyed Anno Dom. 1467. and lieth buried in his own Cathedral (over against Bishop Merton) under a Marble monument.

EDMUND BONNER alias SAVAGE. He had to his Father John Savage a Priest, richly beneficed and landed in Cheshire, son to Sir John Savage, Knight of the Garter and Privy Councellor to King Henry the seventh. His Mother Concubine to this Priest, (a dainty dame in her youth, & a jolly woman in her age,) was sent out of Cheshire to cover her shame, and lay down her burthen at Elmeley in this County, where this bouncing babe Bonner was **Manuscript collections of the industrious Antiquary Mr. Dodsworth extant in the Library of the Lord Fairfax.born. The history of his life may be methodized according to the five Princes under whom he lived.

He was born under King Henry the seventh, and bred a Batchelor in the Laws in Broadgates-hall in Oxford.

Under King Henry the eight, he was made Doctor of Laws, Arch-deacon of Leicester, Master of the faculties under Arch-bishop Cranmer, and employed in severall Embassies beyond Seas. All this time Bonner was not Bonner, being as yet meek, mercifull, and a great Cromwellite, as appeared by some tart printed Repartees betwixt him and Bishop Gardiner. Indeed he had sesqui corpus, a Body and Halfe, (but I hope that Corpulency without Cruelty is no sin) & towards his old age he was over-grown with fat, as Master Fox (who is charged to have persecuted Persecutors with ugly pictures,) doth represent him. Not long after he was consecrated Bishop of London.

Under King Edward the sixth, being deputed to preach publickly concerning the Reformation, his faint and frigid expressions thereof, manifested his mind rather to betray then defend it, which cost him a deprivation and imprisonment. Then it was when one jeeringly saluted him, Good morrow Bishop quondam, to whom Bonner as tartly returned, Good morrow Knave semper.

Being restored under Queen Mary to his Bishoprick, he caused the death of twice as many Martyrs as all the Bishops in England besides, justly occasioning the verses made upon him.

Si fas caedendo caelestia scandere cuiquam,

Bonnero coeli maxima porta patet.

NEMO ad BONNERUM.

Omnes Episcopum esse te dicunt malum,

Ego tamen Bonnere te dico bonum.

If one by shedding blood, for bliss may hope,

Heavens widest gate for Bonner doth stand op'e.

NO BODY speaking to BONNER.

All call thee cruell and the spunge of blood,

But Bonner, I say, thou art mild and good.

Under Queen Elizabeth he was deprived and secured in his Castle, I mean the Marshallsea in Southwark, for as that prison kept him from doing hurt to others, it kept others from doing hurt to him, being so universally odious he had been stoned in the streets if at liberty. One great good he did, though not intentionally, accidentally to the Protestant Bishops of England. For lying in the Marshalsea, and refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy tendred to him by Horn, then Bishop of Winchester; he pleaded for himself, that Horn was no lawfull Bishop, which occasioned the ensuing Parliament to confirme him and the rest of his order to all purposes and intents.

After ten years soft durance in all plenty, (his face would be deposed for his whole body that he was not famished), enjoying a great temporall Estate left him by his Father. He* Bishop Godwin his Catalogue of the Bishops of London. dyed 1569. and was buried saith Bishop Godwin in Barking Church-yard, amongst the theeves and murderers, being surely a mistake in the Printer, Allhallows Barking being on the other side the Thames, nothing relating to the Marshalsea. And I have been credibly informed that he was buried in the Church-yard of S. Georges in Southwark. But so long as Bonner is dead let him chuse his own grave where he will be buried. But enough, if not too much of this Herostratus, who burnt so many living temples of the Holy Ghost, and who, had he not been remembred by other writers, had found no place in my history.

p. 170Since the Reformation.

JOHN WATSON was born at **So was I informed by Mr. Venners, the Minister of St. Maries in W… wick, whose father. was Nephew and Steward to this Bishop.Bengeworth in this County, where some of his name and relations remain at this day, bred (I believe) in Oxford, and afterwards became Prebendary, then Dean of Winchester. Hence he was advanced Bishop of that See, and the ensuing passage (which, I expect, will meet with many infidels, though to me credibly attested) will acquaint us with the occasion thereof, and suspecting the Bishoprick of Winchester when vacant would be offered unto him.

Dean Watson aged sixty years, and desirous to lead a private life, in the sickness of Bishop Horn, privately promised the Earl of Leicester (in that Age the Dominus fac multum (if not totum) in the disposall of Church Dignities,) two hundred pounds that he might not be made Bishop of Winchester, but remain in his present condition.

The Bishoprick falling void, and the Queen expressing her intention to confer it on Watson, the foresaid Earl requested the contrary, acquainting the Queen with the passage betwixt them, how otherwise it would be two hundred pounds out of his way.

Nay then (said the Queen) Watson shall have it, he being more worthy thereof who will give two hundred to decline, then he who will give two thousand pounds to attain it.

I confess, such who have read so much of the Corruption of the Earl of Leicester, and heard so little of the Integrity of Watson, will hardly credit this story, which I am ready to believe, and the rather, because of this his Epitaph written on his Marble Monument in the Church of Saint Mary Overies.

D. Johannes Watson, hujus Ecclesi… Winton. Praebendarius, Decanus, … deinde Episcopus, prudentissimus pater, vir optimus, praecipuè erga inopes misericors, obiit in Domino January 23. anno …tatis 63. Episcopatus quarto, 1583.

Nothing else have I to observe, save that there were three Watsons Bishops in the raign of Queen Elizabeth, Thomas of Lincoln, our John of Winchester, and Anthony of Chichester, though I believe little allied together.

States-men.

Sir THOMAS COVENTRY Knight, was born at Croone in this County, Eldest Son to Sir Thomas Coventry Knight, one of the Justices of the Common Pleas. He was bred in the Inner Temple a student of the Laws, and in the year 1618. was Treasurer of the said Temple, and Atturney Generall to King James. He was afterwards made Lord keeper of the Great Seal of England, the first day of November, in the first year of King Charles.

He was by the same King, Created in the fourth of his raign April 10. Baron Coventry of Alesborough in this County.

An ingenious **H. L. Esq. pag. 172.Gentleman in his History giveth him this Character, in relation to his Keeper-ship, that he injoyed that dignity fifteen years, if it was not more proper to say, that dignity enjoyed him. This latter age affording none better qualified for the place. Adding, that he knew enough, and acted conformable to his knowledge, so that Captious Mali…e …nds mute to blemish his fame. To which we will only adde some few operative words taken out of his Patent when he was Created Baron.

Nos igitur in personâ Pr…dilecti, & per quam fidelis … …stri Thomae Coventry Militis, custodis magni sigilli nostri Angliae, gratissima & dignissima serviti…, quae idem consiliarius noster tam Pr…charissimo Patri … Jacobo Regi … Memoriae per multos an…s, quam nobis ab ipsis R…gni nostri primis auspiciis fidelissimè & prudentissimè praestitit & impendit, indiesque impendere non desistit; nec non …, prudentiam, strenuitatem, dexteritatem, integri…tem, industriam, … nos & nostram coronam animo benigno & regali intime recolentes constantiam & fidelitatem ipsi… Thomae Coventry Militis, &c. In cujus rei, &c. T. R. apud Westm. decimo di… Aprilis Anno regni Regis Caroli 4.

p. 171He died about the beginning of January 1639. before our Civill distempers began, so that it is hard to say whether his Honourable Life, or Seasonable Death, was the greater favour which God bestow'd upon him.

I must not forget, that it hath been observed, that never Lord Keeper made fewer Orders, which afterwards were Reversed, then this Lord Coventry, which some ascribe to his Discretion, grounding most of his Orders on the Consent, and Comprimise of the parties themselves interested therein, whose hands so tyed up by their own Act, were the more willing to be quiet for the future.

Writers on the Law.

Sir THOMAS LITLETON, Knight. Reader, the Nimiety of my Cautiousness (loath to prejudice the seeming right of any) made me to bestow part of his. Character on Staffordshire, who since am convinced, that he wholly and solely belongeth to this Shire, as born at Frankley therein, and I request the Reader to rectify some mistakes I formerly **In Staffordshire.wrot by that which followeth. He was a man remarkable in many respects.

First, for his Extraction, he was Son to Thomas Wescot, Esquire, and Elizabeth Litleton his wife, who being a Double Inheritrix, by her Father to the Litletons, Mother to the Quatremains, indented with Husband, that her Heritable Issue, should assume her Surname. Say not her Husband might say, Accepi dotem, cognomen perdidi, seeing it was done before his marriage by his free consent. Besides we find even in Scripture it self, Joab being constantly named the son of his Mother**2 Sam. 2. 13.2 Sam 2:13 Zeruiah.

Secondly for his happiness, that two great Kings had a great Sympathy to him, who had an Antipathy each to other, Henry the sixth, whose Serjeant he was, and rod Judge of the Northern circuit, and Edward the fourth, who made him a Judge, and in his raign he rod the Northamptonshire Circuit.

Thirdly, for his Exquisite skill in the Laws, witness his Book of Tenures, which though writ about two hundred years since, yet at this day, retaineth an Authentical reputation. Insomuch that when in the raign of King James, it came in question upon a Demu…rer in Law, whether the release to one Trespasser, should be available or no to his Companion, Sir Henry Hubbard, and Judges Warberton, Winch, and Nicols his Companions, gave Judgement according to the opinion of our Litleton, and openly said, that They would not have HIS CASE disputed or questioned.

Lastly, for his happy posterity, having left three families, signally fixed and flourishing in this and the neighboring Counties of Stafford and Salop. And **Lord Coke in his Preface to Li…letons Tenures.one saith very truely, that these Quarter the Armes of many Matches, after the best manner of quartering them, (other are scarce half-half-quartering them) viz. they possess at this day, good land on the same account.

Indeed the Lord**Idem ibidem. Coke observeth that our Lawyers seldome dye either without Wills or Heirs. For the first I believe it, for our Common Lawyers will not have their Estates come under the Arbitrary dispose of a Civilian Judge of the Prerogative, and therefore wisely prevent it. For the second, the Observation as qualified which Seldome may pass, otherwise our Grand-fathers can remember Sir James Dier Lord Chief Justice, and Periam Lord Chief Baron, both dying without Issue. His Book of Tenures hath since been Commented on by Sir Edward Coke, his most Judicious Pen.

Dic mihi, num Textus vel Commentatio prestat?

Dicam ego, tam Textus, quam Commentatio prestat.

He died in the 21. year of King Edward the fourth, and lyeth buried in the Cathedrall of Worcester, having formerly constituted Doctor Alcock his faithfull friend, (and then Bishop of Worcestor,) Supervisor of his Will, who saw it performed to all criticall particulars.

Souldiers.

RICHARD BEAUCHAMP Earl of Warwick, was born at the Ma…or-house of **Mr. William D…gdale in his survey of Warwick-shire … the Earls of Warwick.Salwape in this County, January the 28. 1381. King Richard the second, and Richard Scroope then Bishop of Coventry, (afterwards Arch-bishop of York,) were his Godfathers. p. 172A person so redoubted for Marshall Atchievements, that the poeticall fictions of Hercules his labours found in him a reall performance.

1. Being hardly 22. years old in the fift of King Henry the fourth, at the Queens Coronation he Justed and Challenged all commers.

2. He bid battle to Owen Glendour the Welch Rebell, put him to flight and took his Bannor with his own hands.

3. He fought a pitch'd field, against the two Piercies at Shrewsbury, and overcame them.

4. In his passage to the Holy land (whither he went on Pilgrimage) he was challenged at Verona by an Italian Sir Pandulph Malacet, to fight with him at three weapons, viz. with Axes, Arming Swords, and Sharp Daggers, whom he had slain at the second weapon, had not some seasonably interceded.

5. Fighting at Justs in France with Sir Collard Fines, at every stroke he bare him back-ward to his horse, and when the French suspected that he was tyed to his Saddle, to confute their jealousies, our Earl lighted, and presently remounted.

6. He was eminently active in the Kings victorious battles in France, and might truely say, Quorum pars ego magna fui.

7. He was one of those whom King Henry the fifth sent to the Counsell of Constance, whose whole retinue amounted unto eight hundred horse.

8. Here he killed a Dutch Duke who challenged him, Sigismond the Emperour and his Empress beholding it.

9. The Empresse affected with his valour, took the Badge from one of the Earls men, (being a plain Bear of Silver) an… wore it on her shoulder. But the next day our Earl presented her with a Bear (which was his Crest) made of Pearls and Precious Stones.

10. Being sent by King Henry the fifth, with a thousand men in armes to fetch Q. Katherine, sole daughter to the King of France, he fought with the Earls of Vendosm and Linosin, killed one of them with his own hand, routed the forces of five thousand men, and brought the Lady, whom he saw safely married to the King.

11. He was by the said Kings Will, appointed Governour to his son in his m…no rity, and made Lieutenant o… a…l France.

12. During his life our …uccess in France was progressive, and retrograde a…ter his death.

It must not be forgotten, how Sigismond the Emperour coming into England, told King Henry the fifth, that no Christian King had such another Knight, fo… …, Nurture, and Manhood. He obtained leave of the King, (because in his Dominions) that he might by Imperial Authority fix a Title of Honour upon him, and caused him to be named the Father of Courtesie, as indeed true courage and courtesie, are undividuall Companions.

The last time he went over into Normandy, he was tossed with a hideous Tempest, so that despairing of life, he caused himself to be bound (for who could bind him against his will?) with his Lady and infant Son, to the Main Mast, on this design, that having his Armour and Coat of Armes upon him, he might thereby be known, that such who should light on his corps, if either noble or charitable, might afford him a Christian buriall.

Yet he escaping the Tempest, and landing safely in France, dyed in his bed (no usuall repose for so restless and active a spirit,) at Roan of a lingring disease April 30. 1439. and lieth buried in a most stately Tombe, in a Chappel of the Collegiat Church of Warwick, where his Epitaph graven in brasse is pointed with Bears, serving for Commas, Colons, Periods, and all distinctions thereof. His**Mr Dugdale in his Survey of Warwickshire, in the Earls of Warwick where the preceding particulars are proved out of Authentick Records. deeds of Charity (according to the devotion of those days) were little inferior to the Atchievements of his valour.

Physitians and Chemists.

Sir EDWARD KELLEY [alias TALBOT,] was born at Worcester, (as I have it from the Scheame of his Nativity, graved from the original calculation of Doctor Dee) Anno Domini 1555. August the first, at four a clock in the afternoon, the Pole being there elevated, gr. 52.. 10. Thus Reader, I hope, that my exactness herein, will p. 173make some reparation for my uncertainties, and looser intelligence in the births of oth…r persons.

He was well studied in the mysteries of nature, being intima…e wi…h Doctor Dee, who was beneath him in Chemistry, but above him in Mathematicks. These two are said to have found a very large quantity of Elixir, in the ruins of Glass…nbury- Abby. Indeed I have read, how William Bird, the Prior of the Bath, left and lost the Elixir in the walls of his Priory; and, it may seem strange, that what was lost at Bath, was found at Glassenbury, in the same County indeed, but sixteen miles asunder. But so long as Kelley had this treasure, none need trouble themselves how or where he came by it.

Afterwards (being here in some trouble) he went over beyond the seas, with Albertus Alasco a Polonian Baron, who gave for his**Guillam's dis play of Heraldry pag. 216. Armes the Hull of a ship, having onelyonly a Main-mast and a top, without any tackling, and gave for his Motto, Deus dabit Vela, God will send Sails. But it seems, this Lord had formeny carried too high a sail, of whom a good**C…mdens Eliz. Anno 1583. Author reporteth, that Aere alieno oppressu… clam recessit▪ and now, it seems, sought to repair his fortunes, by associating himself with these two Arch-chemists of England.

How long they continued together, is to me unknown. Sir Edward (though I know not how he came by his Knight-hood) with the Doctor, fixed at Trebona in Bohemia, where he is said to have transmuted a brass**Theatrum Chemicum p. 481. warming-pan (without touching or melting, onelyonly warming it by the fire, and putting the Elixir thereon,) into pure silver, a piece whereof was sent to Queen Elizabeth. He had great converse with Rodulphus the second Emperour.

I have seen a voluminous Manuscript, in Sir Thomas Cotton his Library, of the particulars of their mysterious proceedings; where amongst many strange passages, I find this ensuing monstrosity. They kept constant intelligence with a Messenger or Spirit, giving them advice how to proceed in their mysticall discoveries, and injoyning them, that by way of preparatory qualification for the same, they should enjoy their Wives in common. Though boggling hereat at first, they resolved to submit thereunto, because the Law-giver might dispence with his Laws, in matters of so high a nature. Hereby may the Reader guess the rest of their proceedings.

This probably might be the cause, why Doctor Dee left Kelley, and return'd into England. Kelley continuing still in Germany, ranted it in his expences (say the Brethren of his own art) above the sobriety befitting so mysterious a Philosopher. He gave away in gold-wyer-rings, at the marriage of one of his Maid-servants, to the value of four thousand pounds. As for the high conceit he had of his own skill in Chemistry, it appeareth sufficiently in the beginning of his own works, though I confess my self not to understand the Geberish of his language.

All you that fain Philosophers would be,

And night and day in Geber's kitchin broyle,

Wasting the chips of ancient Hermes Tree;

Weening to turn them to a precious Oyle,

The more you work, the more you loose and spoil.

To you I say, how learn'd so e're you be,

Go burn your Books, and come and learn of me.

Come we now to his sad Catastrophe. Indeed the curious had observed, that in the Scheme of his Nativity, not onelyonly the Dragons-tail was ready to promote abusive aspersions against him, (to which living and dead he hath been subject,) but also something malignant appears posited in Aquarius, which hath influence on the leggs, which accordingly came to pass. For being twice imprisoned (for what misdemeanor I know not) by Radulphus the Emperor, he endeavoured his escape out of an high window, and tying his sheets together to let him down, fell (being a weighty man) and brake his legg, whereof he died 1595.

I believe him neither so bad as**W…dvers Fun▪ …on pag. 45. some, nor so good as others do character him, all know, how Separation is of great use amongst men of his profession; and indeed, if his p. 174pride and prodigality were severed from him, he would remain a person, on other accounts, for his industry and experience in practical Philosophy, worthy recommendation to posterity.

Writers.

FLORENCE of WORCESTER was probably born near, certainly bred in that City, one eminent in learning as any of his age, and no less industrious. Many books are extant of his making, and one most usefull, beginning at the Creation, and continued till his death. This he calleth Chronicum Chronicorum, which some esteem an Arrogant Title, and an Insolent defiance of all Authors before and after him, as if (as the Rose is flos florum, so) his were the Superlative Chronicle of all that are Extant. But others meet with much modesty in the Title Chronicum Chronic…rum, as none of his own making, but onelyonly gathered both for Matter and Language out of others, he being rather the Collector then the Originall Composer thereof. He died Anno Domini 1119.

JOHN WALLIS or WELSH, is confessed natione **Pitz. de illus. A…g. Scrip. pa. 342.Anglus, which I observe, to secure his nativity against Welch-claimes thereunto, onelyonly grounded on his Sur-name. Yet I confess, he might be mediatly of Welch-extraction, but born in this County, (where the family of the Walshes are extant at this day in a worshipfull equipage,) where he became a Franciscan in Worcester. Leaving Oxford he lived in Paris, where he was common ly called,

Arbor vitae, The tree of life,

Non absque insigni Servatoris blasphemia, With no small blasphemy to our Saviour, saith our **Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 4. pag. 317.Author. But, to qualifie the matter, we take the expression in the same sense, wherein **Prov. 15. 4.Prov 15:4Solomon calls a wholesome tongue a Tree of Life.

Yet might he better be termed, the tree of knowledge of good and evil, whose books (amounting to no fewer then twenty volumes,) are not so practicall for their use, as curious in their speculations. In the ancient Libraries of Bali…l and Oriel-Colledge, most of his Manuscripts are reported extant at this day. He died and was buried at Paris, Anno Dom. 1216.

ELIAS de **J. Bale de …crip. Brit. Cent. 4. Num. 33.Num 33EVESHAM was born in this County, of good Parentage, from whom (as it seemeth by J. Bale) he had expectancy of a fair estate. This did not hinder him, from being a Benedictine in the Abby of Evesham, where he became a great Scholar, * J. Pi…. de script. Ang. pa. 351. Anno 1270.and wrote an Excellent Chronicle. Bale knoweth not, where to place him with any certainty. But Pitz not more knowing, but more daring, assigneth him to have flourished in the year 1270.

WILLIAM PACKINGTON. I confess two Villages (the less and greater) of thisAMP. name in Warwick-shire, and yet place this Packington here, with no discredit to my self, and greater grace to him. For, first I behold him as no Clergy-man, (commonly called from their Native Places) but have reasons to believe him rather a Layman, and find an Antient Family of his Name (not to say Alliance) still flourishing in this County. He was Secretary and Treasurer to Edward the Black Prince, and his long living in France, had made the language of his Nurse more naturall to him, then the tongue of his Mother. Hence it was that he wrot in French the story of five English Kings, [King John, Henry the third, Edwards first, second and third,] and a book of the Atchievements of the Black Prince. He flourished Anno Dom. 1380.

Since the Reformation.

Sir EDWIN SANDYS, Son to Edwin Sandys, D. D. was (in all probability) born in this County, whilst his father was Bishop of Worcester. He was bred in Cambridge, and attained to be a most accomplished person.

I have known some pitifull in Affection, but poor in Condition, willing but unable to relieve one in greater want then themselves, who have only gotten an empty Purse, and given it to others to put their charity therein for the purpose aforesaid. Such my case, I can only present the Reader with a Place in this my Book for the Character of this p. 175worthy Knight, but can not contribute any Coine of MEMOIRES or Remarkables to the furnishing thereof. Only let me adde, he was foreign, right-handed to any great imployment; and was as constant in all Parliaments, as the Speaker himself, being beheld by all as an Excellent Patriot (faithfull to his Country, without being false to his King,) in all transactions. He was the Treasurer to the undertakers for the Western Plantations, which he effectually advanced, the Bermudaes (the firmest (though not the fairest) Footing the English have in the West-Indies,) owing their happiness to his Care, and Sandys Tribe is no contemptible Proportion therein. He had a commanding Pen, witness his work of the Religion of the Western World, (many in one Book,) so much matter is Stowed therein. I have been informed, that he bequeathed by his Will, a Considerable Summe to the Building of a Colledge in Cambridge, but Debts not coming in according to Expectation, his good Intention failed in the performance thereof. He died much lamented of all good Men, about the year, 1631.

Romish Exile Writers.

RICHARD SMITH D. D. was born in this **Pitz. de Ang Scrip. in Anno 1563.County, bred in the University of Oxford, where he became Kings Professor and was fit for that place in all things, if (as one of his own perswasion avoweth) Non obstitisset Laterum debilitas, & Vocis exilitas, The weaknes of his Sides, and lowness of his Voice had no hindred him.

King Edward the sixth, afterwards sent for Peter Martyr over to be his Professor in this University, betwixt whom and Doctor Smith, so great the Contest, that waving all ingagements it is best to State it to the eye of the Reader, as it is represented by Authors of both sides.

Pitz. de Script. in Anno 1563.

Petrum Martyrem apostatam Monachum, & Haeresis Zuvinglicanae sectatorem, a Rege Edwardo sexto Oxonii in Cathedram Theologicam intrusum, in publicis disputationibus haeresis convicit, & Cathedr…m suam victor repetiit, sed Rege obstante non impetravit.

In publick disputations he convicted Peter Martyr the Apostate Monke, and a follower of the Zwinglian Heresie, thrust in by King Edward the sixth, into the Divinity Chair in Oxford, and being Conquerer did require his own Chair to be restored him; which he obtained not, because the King did withstand him.

L. Humphredus in vita Juelli pag. 44.

Sed animosus iste Achilles, die ad disputandum constituto, cum non Compa…eret, sed ad Divum Andream in Scotiam profugeret, ratus eum qui in hoc Articulo bene lateret, bene vivere.

But this valiant Achilles, when he did not appear on the day appointed for him to dispute, fled to Saint Andrews in Scotland, conceiving it that in a case of this kind, he lived best who lay hid the closest.

From St. Andrews he afterwards conveyed himself over into the Low-countries.

But this Smith returned afterwards in the raign of Queen Mary, when Peter Martyr was glad to get leave to fly from that University. Thus we see (as to speak unbiassed without reflexion on the Cause) that in such controversies it mattereth little who are the Disputants on either side, whilst the Prevalent power is the Moderator.

Doctor Smith flying again over into the Low-Countries, was made Dean of Saint Peters in Dorway, and the first Professor in the University founded therein. He died Anno Domini 1563.

JOHN MARSHALL was born at Dalisford in this County, as * New-colledge Register doth attest, which is to be credited before J. Pits making him to be born in * Dorsetshire. He was bred at New-colledge in Oxford, where he proceeded Batchelor of Laws, and for his gravity and learning was chosen second Master of Winchester school. But in the first of Queen Elizabeth he left the land with Thomas Hide, chief School-master thereof; so that now their Scholars had a fat Otium, and in both their absence might play with Security, till a …uccessor received their Scepter. He became afterwards Canon of Lisle in Flanders, though a long time disturbed in his quiet Possession thereof. He wrot a book much prised by Men of his Perswasions, against John Cal…ld an English Protestant. At his death he bequeathed a Ring with a rich Stone to adorne a piece of the p. 176Crosse in his Cathedrall (which by Doctor Gifford was solemnly applied thereunto) and died Anno Domini 1597.

ROBERT BRISTOW was born in this**Pitz. de script. A…g. pag. 779. Connty, bred first in Oxford in Exeter-colledge, whence he conveyed himself over beyond the seas, living first at Lovaine, then in the English Colledge at Doway. He was the first of that foundation that was made Priest, being the right-hand of Cardinall Allen, who departing to Rhemes, left Bristow Prefect of Doway-colledge. Afterwards he was sent for to Rhemes, where he wrot his book**Idem ibidem. say the Papists, Contra futilem Fulkum, Against foolish **That worthy Confuter of the Rhemish Testament.Fulk, (railing is easier then reasoning with such mouthes) who indeed was a grave and godly Divine. Being very sickly, he was advised for his health to return into his native Country, where having the good hap to miss that which cureth all diseases, he dièd in his bed near London 1582.

HENRY HOLLAND born in this**Idem pa. 804. County, was bred Fellow of Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford. Leaving the land he fled over to Doway, where he took the degree of Bachelour in Divinity, and Order of Priest-hood. Hence he removed to Rhemes, where, saith my**Idem ibidem. Author, Traductioni Bibliorum …crorum astitit, He assisted (I might say truly to the Traducing, but let it be) the Translating of the Bible. Returning to Doway, he read Divinity in a Monastery hard by, wherein he was living 1611.

Masters of Musick.

WALTER of EVESHAM was born thereabouts, and bred therein a BenedictineMonke. His harmonious mind expressed it self in its love of Musick, wherein he attained to great eminency, and wrote a Learned book in that faculty.

But here Bilious **Cent. 18. Num. 100.Bale lets fly without fear, (though not without some wit,) inveighing against all Musick in Churches, pretending to produce a Pair-Royal of Fathers for his own opinion, viz. Saint Jerome calling such chanting, Theatrales modulos, Gregory terming it consuetudinem reprehensibilem, and Athanatius flatly forbidding it the Church, for the vanity thereof. But by Bales leave, such speak not against the decent ornaments of wives, who reprove the**Prov. 7. 10.Prov 7:10 garish attire of harlots, the abuse, not use of Musick, being taxed by the Fathers aforesaid. Our Walter flourished under King Henry the third, Anno 1240.

Benefactors to the Publick.

Reader, it may be disputed in me, whether I am more ashamed of or grieved for my mean intelligence of Benefactions in this County, before and since the Reformation. But I comfort my self, that the Dugdales in this County, I mean the worthy future Illustrators thereof, will supply my defect. OnelyOnly I will adde

RICHARD DUGARD B. D. was born at Grafton-Fliford in this County, bred under Master Henry Bright in the Kings-school at Worcester. I name him the rather, because never did Master Calvin mention his Master Corderius with more honor, then Master Dugard gratefully remembred Master Bright. He was chosen Fellow of SidneyColledge, where in my time (for I had the honor of his intimate acquaintance) he had a moiety of the most considerable Pupills, whom he bred in learning and piety, in the golden mean betwixt superstition and faction. He held a gentle-strict-hand over them, so that none presumed on his lenity to offend, or were discouraged by his severity to amend. He was an excellent Grecian, and generall Scholar; old, when young, such his gravity in behaviour; and young, when old, such the quickness of his endowments. He bestowed on the Colledge an hundred and twenty pounds for some perpetuall use for the Master and Fellows: and ten pounds for books for the Library. At last he was surprised with a presentation of the Rectory of Fulleby in Lincoln-shire, where by his constant preaching and pious living, he procured his own security; a rare happiness in those troublesome times. He died January 28. Anno Dom. 1653. and lies buried under a Marble-stone in his Chancell.

p. 177M…morable Persons.

JOHN FECKENHAM was born of**… de …. …. in …. Tract. 1. …. 3. pag. 233. poor parents in Feckenham Forest in this Shire. He was the last Clergy man I find (and therefore Memorable) who Locally was Surnamed, and was bred a Benedictine in Evosham, and at the dissolution thereof …eceived an Annual Pension of an hundred florens, which (in my accounting,) make up some twenty pounds. This maintained him when afterwards he went and studied in Oxford, attaining to eminent learning therein.

In the raign of King Edward the sixth, he was imprisoned in the Tower, untill Sir Phillip Hobby, (to use Feckenhams own words) quasi Mutuatum accepit, Borrowed him of the Tower. Being at Liberty, he had frequent Disputations in the Earnest, yet Modest defence of his Religion.

By Queen Mary he was made Abbot of Westminster, being the last Mitred Abbot (and therefore more Memorable) who sat in Parliament. He was very gracious with the Queen, and effectually laid out all his interest with her, (sometime even to offend, but never …o injure Her,) to procure Pardon of the Faults, or Mitigation of the Punishments, for poor Protestants.

By Queen Elizabeth, he was highly honour…d, and profered (as is currantly traditioned) the See of Canterbury which he refused, and was kept in easy restraint. For although he found not the same favour with Joseph, to whom the Gaoler committed the care of all his family, making him Super-intendent of all other Prisoners, yet had he always Respective Usage, and oftimes Liberty on his Parol. By his Bounty to the Poor, he gained the good-will (saith Master Camden) of all Persons, whilst I behold his Bounty to Others as the Queens Bounty to him, enabling (because not disenabling) him for the same, and permitting him peaceably to possess his Estate. He died a very aged man in Wisbich-castle, (as I collect) Anno 1585. and the Character which Pitzeus giveth him, may suffice for his Epitaph. **Pitz. de script. Ang. pag. 786.Erat in eo insignis pietas in Deum, mira charitas in proximos, singularis observantia in majores, mitis affabilitas in inferiores, dulcis humanitas in omnes, mul…plex doctrina, redundans facundia, incredibilis religionis catholicae zelus.

HENRY BRIGHT was born in the City of Worcester. No good man will grudge him under this Title, who shall seriously peruse this his Epitaph, composed by Doctor Joseph Hall then Dean in the Cathedrall in Worcester.

Mane Hospes & lege,

Magister Henricus Bright,

Celeberrimus Gymnasiarcha,

Qui Scholae Regiae istic fundatae, per totos Quadraginta Annos Summa cum Laude praefuit.

Quononalter magis sedulus fuit Scitusve aut dexter in Latinis, Graecis, Hebraius Literis feliciter edocendis:

Teste utraque Academia, quam Instruxit affatim numerosa pube literaria.

Sed & totidem annis eoque amplius Theologiam professus, & hujus … per Septennium Canonicus major, saepissime Hic & Alibi Sacrum Dei praeconem magno cum Zelo & Fructu egit:

Vir Pius, Doctus, Integer, frugi, de Republica, deque Ecclesia optime meritus,

A laboribus perdiu, per noctuque ab anno 1562. ad 1626. strenue usque extant latis 4^to. Martii suaviter requievit in Domino.

For my own part, I behold this Master Bright, placed by Divine Providence in this City, in the Marches, that he might equally communicate the Lustre of Grammerlearning, to youth both of England and Wales.

Lord Mayors.

p. 178This is one of the twelve pretermitted Counties, the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower, by the Commissioners, in the raign of King Henry the sixth.

Sheriffs.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Will. de Bello Campo, for 14 years.

Anno 16

Will. de Bello Campo & Hugo de Puckier

Anno 17

Ranul. de Launch, for 4 years.

Anno 21

Rob. de Lucy

Anno 22

Mich. Belet, for 7 years.

Anno 29

Rad. de Glanvill

Anno 30

Mich. Belet

Anno 31

Rob. Marivion for 3 years.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Rob. Marmion

Anno 2

Will. de Bello Campo

Anno 3

Will. de Bello Campo, & Rich. de Piplinton

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Will. de Bello Campo

Anno 6

Idem.

Anno 7

Hen. de Longo Campo, for 3 years.

Anno 10

Rad. de Grafton

JOH. Rex.

Anno 1

Rad. de Grafton

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Will. de Cantela & Adam. de Worcester, for 3 years.

Anno 6

Rob. de Cantelu,

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Will. de Cantelu, & Adam. Clicus

Anno 9

Will. de Cantelu, & Walt. le Puchier, for 3 years.

Anno 12

Will. de Cantelupo, & Adam. Ruffus

Anno 13

Will. de Cantelupo, & Adam. Delwich

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Will. de Cantelupo, & Phus. Kutton, for 3 years.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hen. Lunett, for 3 years.

Anno 5

Walt. de Bello Campo, for 3 years.

Anno 8

Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hug. le Pohier

Anno 9

Walt. de Bello Campo, & Tho. Wigorne for 3 years.

Anno 12

Walt. de Bello Campo, for 3 years.

Anno 15

Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hug. le Poer▪

Anno 16

Walt. de Bello Campo, & Will. de Malvern, for 3 years.

Anno 19

Walt. de Bello Campo, & Hug. le Pohier

Anno 20

Idem (sive Will.)

Anno 21

Will. de Bello Campo, & Will. de Blandhall

Anno 22

Idem.

Anno 23

Will. de Bello Campo, & Laur. de Wandlesworth, for 3 years.

Anno 26

Will de Bello Campo, & Simon de London

Anno 27

Will. de Bello Campo, for 24 years.

Anno 51

Will. de Bello Campo, & Ioh. de Hull

Anno 52

Idem.

Anno 53

Will. de Bello Campo, for 3 years.

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Will. de Bello Campo Comes Warwic. for 26 years.

Anno 27

Guido. de Bello Campo, for 9 years.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Guido. de Bello Campo Comes. Warr, & Rob. de Berkenhall

Anno 2

Guido. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, & Walt. de Perthrope, for 4 years.

Anno 6

Guido. de Bello Campo, & Rob. de Warwick

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Guido. de Bello Campo

Anno 9

Iohan. de He…ingwoll

Anno 10

Walt. de Bello Campo

Anno 11

Idem.

Anno 12

Will. Stracy

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Will. de Bello Campo

Anno 16

Anno 17

Nich. Russell

Anno 18

Idem.

Anno 19

Walt. de Kokesey

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Walt. de Kokesey

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Rich▪ de H…deslowe, for 3 years.

Anno 6

Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, for 46 years.

RICH. II.

Anno 1

Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, for 4 years.

Anno 5

Tho. de Bello Campo, for 13 years.

Anno 18

Tho. de Bello Campo

Anno 19

Idem.

Anno 20

Ioh. Washburne

Anno 21

Hen. Haggeley

Anno 22

Rob. Russell

p. 179HEN. IV.

Anno 1

Tho. de Bello Campo

Anno 2

Tho. de Bello Campo, & Will. Beaucham

Anno 3

Tho. Hodington

Anno 4

Rich. de Bello Campo Comes Warr, f…r 9 years.

HEN. V.

Anno 1

Rich. de Bello Campo, for 9 years.

HEN. VI.

Anno 1

Rich. de Bello Campo, for 16 years.

Anno 16

Norm. Washburne Subvic.

In the 17. year of King Henry the sixth, this worthy Richard Beauchamp deceased. And here the records are at a loss, (such as ever since came to my hand) presenting no Sheriff for 21 years, till the end of the raign of King Henry the sixth. And yet I am confident that Henry Beauchamp Son and Heir to Richard aforesaid, Earl of Warwick and Albemarle (for Duke of ALBEMARLE I meet with none, before that ILLUSTRIOUS PERSON who now deservedly possesseth that Honour,) injoyed the Shrevalty of this County.

EDW. IV.

Anno 1

Walt. Scull Subvic. for 19 years.

Here we have an Under-sheriff, but no High sheriff could my industry hitherto recover, though my confidence is grounded on good cause, that Richard Nevill (the MakeKing) Duke of Warwick, was Honorary Sheriff, though too great to officiate in his Person.

Anno …0

Iacob. Radcliffe, mil. for 3 years.

RICH. III.

Anno 1

Iacob. Radcliffe, miles

Anno 2

Will. Houghton, miles

Anno 3

Hum. Stafford & Rich. Nanfan.

HEN. VII.

Anno 1

Rich. Nanfan

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Ioh. Savage, mil. for 5 years.

Anno 8

Ioh. Savage, arm. for 5 years.

Anno 13

Ioh. Savage, mil. for 12 years.

HEN. VIII.

Anno 1

Ioh. Savage, mil. for 7 years.

Anno 8

Will. Compton, mil. for years.

Henry VII.

3. JOHANNES SAVACE, Mil.]

I behold him (and am sure my Eyes are not deceived) as the same with that Person, who was made Knight of the Garter, and Privy-Councellour to this King. Yet will I not be Positive, whether 'twas he, or his Son, who removing into Cheshire, and marrying the Heir-generall of the antient Family of Bostocks, attained thereby a great Inheritance, and was Ancestor to the present Earl of Rivers.

Henry VIII.

8. WILL. COMPTON, Mil.]

He was highly and deservedly a Favorite to this King, so that, in the Court, no lay Man abating onelyonly Charles Brandon (in whom Affection and Affinity met,) was equall unto him. He might have been, for Wealth or Honour, what he pleas…d, but contented himself with what he was. His Son Peter married into the Right Honorable Family of Shrewsbury, and his Grand son Sir Henry Compton, was one of the three, H. C ▪ [Henry Cary, Henry Compton, and Henry Cheny,] who were made Barons by Queen Elizabeth, Ancester to James Earl of Northampton. For the happiness of whom, and His, when I cannot orally pray, I will make signes of my affection to heaven.

p. 180Sheriffs.

p. 181Queen Elizabeth.

19. JOHN RUSSELL, Ar.]

The same Gentleman (no doubt) who was afterwards Knighted, and betwixt whom and Sir Henry Berkeley, was so deadly a quarrell, as that great blood-shed was likely to have ensued, at the Sessions in Worcester, by reason of their many friends and followers ingaged therein. But Doctor Whitgift, then Bishop of Worcester, and Vice-President of Wales, (in the absence of Sir Henry Sidney, then in Ireland,) wisely prevented it, by providing a strong watch at the gates, and about the City; and requiring them to bring both parties, with their attendance well guarded, to his Palace. Here he caused them all (to the number of four **Sir Geo. Paul in the life of Arch-bishop Whitgist pa. 23.or five hundred) to deliver their weapons into his own Servants custody, and after two hours pains taken, sometimes in perswading, and otherwhiles in threatning them, he made them so good friends, that they both attended him hand in hand to the Town-hall, where in amitie and love, they performed the service of their Country.

36. JOHN PACKINGTON, Mil.]

It is now good manners for me to hold my peace, and listen to a**Sir Rob Nauton in Fragm. R…gal. Privy-Councellor, thus describing his character, He was a Gentleman of no mean family, of form and feature no ways disabled a very fine Courtier, and for the time which he stayed there (which was not lasting) very high in the Queens grace. But he came in and went out, and though disassiduity, drew the curtain between himself and the light of her favour, and then death overwhelmed the remnant and utterly deprived him of recovery. And they say of him, that had he brought less to the Court then he did, he might have carried away more then he brought, for he had a time of it, but was no good husband of opportunity.

King James.

2. RICHARD WALSH, Ar.]

I find him called in our Chronicles, (perchance by a Prolepsis) Sir Richard Walsh. Yea, I find him stiled so, by him who best might, because he**K. James in discourse of Powder-Treason pag. 244. made him so, Knighting him for his good service.

In his Sheriffalty, the Powder-Traitors, sereted out of Warwick-shire by Sir Richard Verney, were as fiercely followed by Sir Richard Walsh, out of the bounds of this County, till they took covert in the house of Stephen Littleton, at Hallbach in**Stows Chron. pag. 880. and Speeds pa. 910. Stafford-shire. This discreet Sheriff, not standing on the punctilio of exceeding his Commission, in a case wherein the peace of the Kingdome was so highly concern'd, prosecuted his advantage, and beset the house round about, till both the Wrights were kill'd in the place, Catesby and Percy slain with one bullet, Rookwood and Winter wounded, all the rest apprehended.

The Battles.

Worcester Fight.

Many smart Skirmishes have happened in this County, and near this City. We onelyonly insist on that Fatall Fight, September the third, 1651.

Know then (as Introductory thereunto) that His Majesty on the first of August foregoing, began his March from Edenbrough into England, not meeting with any considerable Opposition, (those at Warrington being soon put to flight by his Presence,) untill he came to Worcester: His Army consisted of twelve thousand effectuall Fighting men, (whereof two thousand English, the rest of the Scottish Nation) but neither excellently Armed, nor plentifully stored with Ammunition, whilst the Parliament Forces under Cromwell, more then doubled that Number, wanting nothing [but a Good Cause] that an Army could wish or desire.

The Royalists Cheifest strength consisted in two Passes they possessed over the River of Severn, which proved not advantagious according to expectation: For the Enemy found the River Fordable elsewhere; and the Bridge and Pass at Uptrn, though valiantly defended by Major Generall Massey, (who received a shot in his hand) was forced by Lambert powring in unequall Numbers on the Kings Forces. Besides Cromwell p. 182finished a Bridge of Boards and Plancks over the main River, with more Celerity and less Resistance, then could have been expected in a matter of such importance.

Then began the Battle, wherein His Majesty to remember his subjects Good, forgot his own Safety, and gave an incomparable example of Valour to the rest, by Charging in his Own Person. This was followed by few to the same degree of danger, but imitated in the greatest measure by the Highlanders, fighting with the But-ends of their Muskets, when their Ammunition was spent. But new supplies constantly Charging them, and the Main Body of the Scotch Horse not coming up in due time from the City to His Majesties relief, his Army was forced to retreat in at Sudbury-gate, in much disorder.

If there were (which some more then whisper) false and foul Play in some Persons of Principall Trust; as they have had a great space seasonably, God grant them his Grace sincerely to repent, for their Treacherous retarding the happiness, prolonging and increasing the Miseries of a Gracious King and three great Nations. Sure it is, here were slain the Flower of the Scottish Loyal Gentry, with the most Illustrious, William (formerly Earl of Lanerick) Duke of Hamilton. As for Common Souldiers, some few who escaped had a longer life, to have a sadder death, wandring in the Country till other mens Charity and their own Strength failed them.

Since, how God hath conducted His Majesty miraculously through Laberynths of many Difficulties, to the Peaceable Possession of his Throne, is notoriously known to the wonder of the world. Here my Muse heartily craveth leave to make an Humble address to His Majesty, depositing at his feet the ensuing▪

PANEGYRICK.

1.

AT Wor'ster great Gods goodness to our Nation,

It was a Conquest Your bare Preservation.

When 'midst Your fiercest foes on every side

For Your escape God did a LANE provide;

They saw You gonc, but whether could not tell,

Star-staring, though they ask'd both Heaven and Hell.

2.

Of forraign States You since have studied store,

And read whole Libraries of Princes o're.

To You all Forts, Towns, Towers and Ships are known,

(But none like those which now become Your OWN.)

And though Your Eyes were with all Objects fill'd,

OnelyOnly the Good into Your Heart distill'd.

3.

Garbling mens manners You did well divide,

To take the Spaniards wisdome, not their pride.

With French activity You stor'd Your Mind,

Leaving to them their Ficklenesse behind;

And soon did learn, Your Temperance was such,

A sober Industry even from the Dutch.

4.

But tell us, Gracious Soveraign from whence

Took You the pattern of Your Patience?

Learn't in Afflictions School, under the Rod,

Which was both us'd and sanctifi'd by God;

From Him alone that Lesson did proceed,

Best Tutor with best Pupil best agreed.

5.

We, Your dull Subjects, must confess our crime,

Who learnt so little in as long a time,

And the same School. Thus Dunces poring looks

Men… not themselves, but onelyonly marre their Bnoks.

How vast the difference 'twixt wise and fool?

The Master makes the Scholar, not the School.

6.

With rich conditions ROME did You invite,

To purchase You their ROYALL PROSELYTE,

(An emptysoul's soon tempted with full Coffers)

Whilst You with sacred scorn refus'd their proffers.

And for the FAITH did earnestly CONTEND

Abroad, which now You do at Home DEFEND.

7.

Amidst all Storms, Calm to Your Self the while,

Saddest Afflictions You did teach to smile.

Some faces best become a Mourning Dress,

And such Your Patience, which did grace Distress,

Whose Soul despising want of worldly pelf,

At lowest ebbe went not beneath it Self.

8.

GOds JUSTICE now no longer could dispence

With the Abusing of His PROVIDENCE,

To hear SUCCESSE his APPROBATION styl'd,

And see the Bastard brought against the Child.

[SCRIPTURE] by such, who in their own excuse

Their Actings 'gainst His Writings did produce.

9.

The Pillar, which Gods people did attend,

To them in night a constant Light did lend,

p. 183Though Dark unto th' Egyptians behind;

Such was brave MONCK in his reserved mind,

A Riddle to his Foes …e did appear,

But to YOU and Himselfe, Sense plain and clear.

10.

By Means unlikely God atchives his End,

And crooked ways straight to his Honour tend;

The great and antient Gates of LONDON Town,

(No Gates, no City) now are voted down,

And down were cast, O happy day! for all

Do date our hopefull rising from their fall.

11.

Mens loyal Thoughts conceiv'd their Time was good,

But Gods was best; Without one drop of Bloud,

By a dry Conquest, without forraign hand,

(Self-hurt, and now) Self-healed, is Our Land.

This silent Turn did make no noise, O strange!

Few saw the changing, all behold the Change.

12.

So Solomon most wisely did conceive,

His Temple should be STIL BORN though ALIVE.

That stately Structure started from the ground

Unto the Roof, not guilty of the sound

Of Iron Tool, all noise therein debarr'd;

This Virgin-Temple thus was s…en, not heard.

13.

TH' impatient Land did for Your presence long,

England in swarms did into Holland throng,

To bring Your Highness home, by th' Parliament

Lords, Commons, Citizens, Divines were …ent:

Such honour Subjects never had before,

Such honour Subjects never shall have more.

14.

Th' officious Wind to serve You did not fail,

But scour'd from West to East to fill Your Sail,

And fearing that his Breath might be too rough,

Prov'd over-civil, and was scarce enough;

Almost You were becalm'd amidst the Main,

Prognostick of Your perfect peacefull Raign.

15.

Your Narrow Seas, for Forraigners do wrong

To claim them, (surely doth the Ditch belong

Not to the common Continent, but Isle

Inclosed) did on You their Owner smile,

Not the least loss, onelyonly the NASEBY mar'ls

To see her-self now drowned in the CHARLES.

16.

You land at Dover, shoals of People come,

And KENT alone now …eems all CHRISTEN DOM.

The Cornish Rebels (eight score Summers since)

At BLACK-HEATH fought against their lawful Prince

Which dolefull place with hatefull Treason stain'd

Its Credit now by Loyalty regain'd.

17.

Great LONDON the last station You did make,

You took not it, but LONDON You did take:

And now no wonder Men did silence break,

When Conduits did both French and Spanish speak.

Now at WHITE-HALL the Guard, which You attends,

Keeps out Your Foes, God keep You from Your Friends.

18.

THe Bells aloud did ring, for joy they felt

Hereafter Sacriledge shall not them melt.

And round about the Streets the Bonfires blaz'd,

With which NEW LIGHTS Fanatiques were amaz'd.

The brandisht Swords this Boon begg'd before Death,

Once to be …, then buried in the Sheath.

19.

The Spaniard looking with a serious Eye,

Was forc'd to trespass on his Gravity,

Close to conceal his wondring he desir'd,

But all in vain, who openly admir'd.

The French, who thought the English mad in mind,

Now fear too soon they may them Sober find.

20.

The Germans seeing this Your sudden Power,

Freely confess'd another Emperour.

The joyful Dane to Heav'ns cast up his Eyes,

Presuming suffering Kings will …ympathize.

The Hollanders (first in a sad suspence)

Hop'd, that Your Merty was their Innocence.

21.

LOng live Our Gracious CHARLES, Second to none

In Honour, who ere sate upon the Throne:

Be You above Your Ancestors renown'd,

Whose Goodness wisely doth Your Greatness bound;

And knowing that You may be What You would,

Are pleased to be onelyonly What You should.

22.

EUROP's Great ARBITRATOR, in Your choice

Is plac'd of Christendom the CASTING VOICE;

Hold You the Scales in Your Judicious Hand,

And when the equal Beam shall doubtfull stand,

As You are pleased to dispose one Grain,

So falls or riseth either France or Spain.

23.

As Sheba's Queen defective Fame acc…s'd,

Whose niggardly Relations had abus'd

Th' abundant worth of Solomon, and told

Not half of what she after did behold:

The same Your case, Fame hath not done You right,

Our Ears are far out-acted by our Sight.

p. 18424.

Your SELF's the Ship return'd from forreign Trading,

England's Your Port, Experience the Lading,

God is the `Pilot; and now richly fraught,

Unto the Port the Ship is safely brought:

What's dear to You, is to Your Subjects cheap,

You sow'd with pain, what we with pleasure reap.

25.

The Good-made Laws by You are now made Good,

The Prince and Peoples right both understood,

Both being Bank'd in their respective Station,

No fear hereafter of an Inundation.

Oppression, the KINGS-EVIL, long indur'd,

By others caus'd, by YOU alone is cur'd.

And here my Muse craves her own nunc dimittis, never to make Verses more; and because she cannot write on a better, will not write on another Occasion, but heartily pray in Prose, for the happiness of her Lord and Master. And now having taken our Vale of verses, let us therewith take also our Farewell of Worcester-shire.

The Farewell.

I read in a good **Fines Moriso…n his Travails pag. 3.Author, how the State of Lunenburg in Germany, (whose chief revenues arise from the sale of salt,) prohibited poor people the benefit thereof. Whereupon Divine Providence (offended, that a Monopoly was made of his mercy) stopped the flowing of those Salt-springs. for a time, till the Poor were restored to their paxtage therein. I am not particularly instructed, what share the Poor have in the Salt of this Shire, not knowing how their interest is stated therein: But I presume the concernments of the Poor are well cared for, and all things equally ordered betwixt them and Rich-people, grounding my confidence on the long and large continuance of the Saltpits amongst them. All I will adde, is this; I shall pray that they may indeavour forColl. 4. 6. spirituall-soul-savoriness, that their speech may be always with grace seasoned.

As for the Loyal City of Worcester, (which deserves a particular Farewell by it self:) I heartily desire, that God would be pleased to restore unto it the years, which the Locust, Caterpillar, and Palmer-worm have devoured. And how quickly can he doe it (as by infinite other ways, so) by blessing the Clothing, the Staple Commodity in this County? not …ormerly omitted by me, but pretermited till this Occasion. Sure it is, that the finest (though this may seem a word of Challenge) Cloth of England, is made at Worcester, and such I believe, was that which **In his Collo…uy intituled UXOR foreign.Erasmus, that great Critick (who knew fine Cloth as well as pure Latine) is calleth Pannus Britannicus; Lempster Wool (in the neighboring County of Hereford) being here made into (Pardon the Prolepsis till it be died) the purest Scarlet.