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

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

p. 113BEDFORD-SHIRE.

BEDFORD-SHIRE hath Northampton-shire on the North, Huntington and Cambridge-shires on the East, Hartford-shire on the South, Buckingham shire on the West thereof. It lieth from North to South in an ovall form, and may be allowed two and twenty miles in length, though the generall breadth thereof extendeth not to full fifteen.

The soil consisteth of a deep clay, yet so that this County may be said to wear a belt or girdle of sand about, or rather athwart the body thereof, (from Woburne to Potton) affording fair and pleasant, as the other part doth fruitfull and profitable places for habitation, which partakes plentifully in the partage of all English conveniencies.

Here let this Caveate be entred to preserve its due [but invaded] right, to much grain growing in this County. For Corne-Chandlers (the most avouchable Authors in this Point) will inform you, that when Hartford-shire Wheat and Barley carries the Credit in London, thereby much is meant (though miscalled) which is immediately bought in and brought out of Hartford-shire, but Originally growing in Bedford shire, about Dunstable and else where. But let not the dry Nurse, which onelyonly carried the Child in her Armes and dandled it in her Lap, lay claime to that Babe which the true Mother did breed and bear in her body.

Naturall Commodities.

Barley.

White, large, plump and full of flower. The Country man will tell you, that of all our grains this is most nice, and must be most observed in the severall seasons thereof. It doth not onelyonly allay hunger, but also in a manner quencheth thirst, when ordered into Malt. It is (though not so t oothsome) as wholesome as Wheat it self, and was all the Staff of Bread, which Christs body leaned on in this life: Eating to attest his Humanity; Ba…ly-loaves to evidence his Humility.John 6. 9…John 6:9

Malt.

This is Barley with the property thereof much altered, having passed both water and fire, ste…ped and dried on a kilne. That the use hereof was known to the Greeks, plainly appears by the proper word wherewith they expresse it foreign; and no Maltster of Bedford can better describe the manner thereof then is done by**Lib. 10. c. 29. Aetius; Est hordeum madefactum, quod germen emisit, deinde cum ligulis enatis tostum est. Besides, we read of foreign, and **Lib. 1. & 10.Athenaeus maketh mention of such, who were

——foreign, Drinkers of Barley-wine.

A liquor probably more wholesome for Northern bodies then that which groweth in grapes.

What great estates Maltsters got formerly in this County, may be collected from the wealth of the Ale-brewers therein, there being so near a relation betwixt the two Callings. For I read in the reign of King Henry the fifth, of William Murfley an Alebrewer of Dunstable, (accounted, I confe…s, a Lollard, and follower of the Lord Cobham;) who when**Harp…ield Hist. of Wik. pag. 708. and Holinshed pag. 544. taken, had two horses trapped with gilt armour led after him, and had a pair of gilt-spurs in his bosome, expecting (say they) Knight-hood from the Lord Cobham. And although I believe not the report in full habitude, it is enough to intimate unto us, that in that age it was a wealthy imployment.

Fullers-Earth.

Great store of this is digged up not far from Woburne in this County, whence it is commonly called Woburne-earth. Such the use thereof in Drapery, that good cloth can**See more hereof in Surrey, Ti le, Nat. Commod. hardly be made without it, forreign parts affording neither so much, nor so good of this kind. No wonder then if our Statutes strictly forbid the transportation thereof, to preserve the perfection of clothing amongst our selves. But were this Fullersearth like Terra Lemnia, or Sigillata, and all the parcells thereof lock'd up under a seal, p. 114yet the Dutch (so long as they are so cunning, and we so careless,) will stock themselves hence with plentifull proportions thereof.

Larks.

The most and best of these are caught and well dressed about Dunstable in this Shire A harmless bird whilst living, not trespassing on grain; and wholesome when dead, then filling the stomack with meat, as formerly the Ear with Musick. In winter they fly in flocks, probably the reason why Alauda signifieth in Latins both a Lark and a Legion of Souldiers; except any will say a Legion is so called, because Helmetted on their heads and crested like a Lark, therefore also called in Latine Galerita. If men would imitate the early rising of this bird, it would conduce much unto their healthfu…ness.

The Manufactures.

Fat folke (whose Collops stick to their sides) are generally Lasie, whilst leaner people are of more activity. Thus fruitfull Countries (as this is for the generality thereof) take to themselves a Writ of Ease; the principall cause why Bedford shire affords not any trades peculiar to it self.

The Buildings.

This County affordeth no Cathedral, and the Parochial Churches intitle not themselves to any eminency. OnelyOnly I hear such high commendations of a Chappel and Monument erected at Maldon by Thomas Earl of Elgin to the memory of his deceased Lady Diana Cecil, that I am impatient till I have beheld it, to satisfie my self, whether it answereth that Character of curiosity which credible persons have given thereof. Taddington, Amphtill and Wobourn carry away the credit amongst the houses of the Nobility in this County.

Wonders.

At Hareles-wood commonly called Harold in this County, the River of Ouse **Hypodagma pag. 163.Anno 1399. parted asunder, the water from the Fountain standing still, and those towards the Sea giving way, so that it was passable over on foot for three miles together, not without the astonishment of the beholders. It was an Ominous Prefage of the sad Civil Wars betwixt the two houses of York and Lancaster.

There is a Rivolet in this County (though confining on Buckingham-shire) near a Village called Aspeley, and takes the strange operation thereof from his Pen, who (though a Poet) is a credible Author,

The Brook which on her bank doth boast that earth alone,* Draitons Poly-olbion the 22. Song.

Which noted of this Ile, converteth wood to stone.

That little Aspeleys earth we anciently instile,

'Mongst sundry other things, A wonder of the Ile.

But, by his leave, there is an other of the same nature in Northampton-shire, which because lesse known, I will there enlarge my self on that Subject.

Proverbs.

As plain as Dunstable Road.]

It is applyed to things plain and simple without either welt or guard to adorne them, as also to matters easie and obvious to be found without any difficulty or direction. Such this Road being broad and beaten, as the confluence of many leading to London from the North and North-west parts of this Land.

As crooked as Crawley brook.]

This is a nameless brook arising about Wobourn, running by Crawley, and falling immediately into the Ouse. But this proverb may better be verifyed of Ouse it self in this Shire, more Maeandrous then Maeander, which runneth above eighty miles in eighteen by land. Blame it not, if sensible of its sad condition, and presaging its fall into the foggy fens in the next County, it be loth to leave this pleasant place; as who would not prolong their own happiness?

p. 115The Baylife of Bedford is coming]

This Proverb hath its Originall in this, but Use in the next County of Cambridge, The River Ouse running by is called the Baylife of Bedford, who swelling with rain, snow-water, and tributary brooks in the winter, and coming down on a suddain arresteth the Ile of Ely with an inundation. But I am informed that the Drayners of the fenns, have of late with incredible care, cost, art and industry, wrested the Mace out of this Bayliffs hand, and have secured the Country against his power for the future.

Princes.

MARGARET BEAUFORT Countess Richmond and Derby, No person of judgement or ingenuity will find fault with her Posture under this Title, who was Great-great-grand-child to King Edward the third, and Mother to King Henry the seventh, besides her [almost incredible] Alliance to so**See their number in her funeral Sermon preached by Bishop Fish…r. many forreign Princes.

Thus Reader, I am confident I have pleased thee as well as my self, in disposing her in this place. And yet I am well assured, that were she alive she would (half-offended hereat,) be more contented to be ranked under another and lower Topick of Benefactors to the Publick; yea, (if left to her own liberty) would chuse that Reposing Place for her memory. This is not onelyonly most consonant to her humility and charity, (desiring rather to be Good then Great,) but also conformable to her remarkable expression, (according to the devotion of those darker days,) that if the Christian Princes would agree to march with an Army for the recovery of Palestine, she would be their Landress.

This is she who besides a Professor of Divinity place in both Universities, founded the two fair Colledges of Christs and Saint Johns in Cambridge. By the way be it observed, that Cambridge hath been much beholden to the strength of bounty in the weaker Sex. Of the four Halls therein, two, viz. Clare and Pembroke, were (as I may say) feminine foundations; and of the 12. Colledges, one third, Queens, Christs, Saint Johns and Sidney, owe their Original to worthy women. Whereas no female ever founded Colledge in Oxford, (though bountifull Benefactors to many,) seeing Queens Colledge therein, though commended to the Queens of England for its successive Patronesses, had R. Eglesfield for the effectual founder thereof.

And Cambridge is so far from being ashamed of, she is joyfull at, and thankfull for such charity, having read of our Saviour himself, that Mary Magdalen, and Joanna, **Luk. 8. 3.Luke 8:3and Susanna, and many other women ministred unto him of their substance. But this worthy Lady Margaret being too high for a mean man to commend, is long since gone to the great God to reward, dying in the beginning of the reign of her Grand-child King Henry the eight.

Saints.

AINULPHUS of Royal British bloud was an holy Hermit, who waving the vanities of this wicked world, betook himself in this County to a solitary life, renowned for the Sanctity (or rather Sanctimony) thereof. The age he lived in is not exactly known, but sure it is, that Ainulphs-bury (a Town in the confines of This and Huntington-shire,) was erected in his memory, part whereof (corruptly called Ainsbury) is extant at this day, and the rest is disguised under the new name of Saint Neots.

Martyrs.

THOMAS CHASE, an ancient and faithfull labourer in God's vineyard, led his life most in Buckingham-shire, but found his death in this County, long kept in durance and hanged at last in the Bishops prison at Wobourn. His Executioners to palliate their murder, and asperse his Memory, gave it out that he had destroyed himself. A loud lye, seeing he was so loaden with**Fox Acts & Monu. pag. 775. Chaines, that he could not lift up his own body. But the clearing hereof must be remitted to that day, wherein all things done in secreet shall be made manifest. His martyrdome happened in the reigne of King Henry the seventh, Anno Domini 1506.

p. 116Prelates.

SILVESTER de EVERTON, for so is he written in the Records of **Whence Bishop Godwin transcribed his Catalogue of Bishops.Carlile, (though Eversden and Everseen in other books) which are most to be credited, as passing under the pens of the best (and to his particular the most knowing) Clearks, no doubt, took his name from Everton a Village in this (but the confines of Cambridge) Shire. He was a man memorable for his preferment, and very able to discharge the Lay-part thereof, receiving the Great Seal, Anno the 29. of King Henry the third 1246. and is commended for one most **John Philipot, in his Chanelors of England pag. 20.cunning in customes of Chancery. The same year he was chosen Bishop of Carlile, though demurring on the acceptance thereof (conscious to himself perchance as unqualified) his consecration was deferred untill the next year.

He with the rest of the English Bishops addressed themselves to King Henry the third, and boldly enough Requested-Required of him, that all forreigners and … persons might be put out of their Bishopricks. Now, as to the point of insufficiency, the King singling out this Silvester thus bespake him.**… Paris Anno 1253.

His expression licking the Chancery hath left Posterity to interpret it, whether taxing him for Ambition, liquorishly longing for that Place: Or for Adulation, by the soft smoothing of flatery making his way thereunto: Or for Avarice, licking it so, that he gained great (if good) profit thereby. As for his expression, little Cleark, it is plain it referred not to his stature, but dwarfness in learning. However all this would not perswade him into a resignation of his Bishoprick, though it was not long before he lost both it and his life, by a fall from a skittish-horse, Anno Domini 1254.

I find no Bishop born in this County since the Reformation, and therefore we may go on in our propounded method.

Capital Judges, and Writers on the Law.

Sir JOHN COKEYN Knight, Chief Baron of the Exchequer in the reign of King Henry the fourth, founded a worshipfull Family at, and imparted his Sirname to CokeynHatley in this County. But being convinced, that he was born at Ashbourn in Derbyshire, I have reserved his character for that County.

EDMOND WINGATE Esq. was a Native of this County, whose family flourisheth at Hartington therein: He was bred in Greys-… in the Study of our Commonlaw, whereof he wrote besides others a Book Intitled, The Reason of the Common-law, and is lately deceased.

Writers.

JOHN of DUNSTABLE, so called from a Market-town in this County wherein he was born. If hitherto the Reader hath not, it is high time for him now, to take notice of a person of such perfection. Indeed at first my Pen feared famishing, finding so little; since surfetting, meeting so much of this man. For this John of Dunstable was John of all Arts, as appeareth by his double Epitaph, one inscribed on his Monument, the other written on his memory. But be it premised of both, that we will not avouch the truth of the Latine, or quantity in these verses; but present them here as we find them, with all their faults, and his vertues on whom they were made.

On his tombe in Saint Stephen's Wallbrook, London.

Clauditur hoc tumulo qui … pectore clausit,

Dunstable I, Juris Astrorum conscius ille,

......... novit..... … pondere …;

Hic vir erat tua Laus, tua Lux, … Musica Princeps

Qui que tuas fulces per … sparserat Artes,

..........................................................

Suscipiant proprium … … sibi Cives

The second made by **Extant in … Fun. Mon. pag. 577.John Wheathamsted, Abbot of Saint Albans.

Musicus hic Michalus alter, novus & Ptolomaeus.

Junior ac Atlas supportans robore ….

Pausat sub cinere; melior vir de muliere

Nunquam natus erat, vitii quia labe carebat.

Et virtutis opes possedit unicus omnes.

Perpetuis annis celebretur fama Johannis

Dunstable; in pace requiescat & hic sine fine.

p. 117What is true of the bills of some unconscionable Trades-men, if ever paid, over paid; may be said of this hyperbolical Epitaphs, if ever believed, over believed. Yea, one may safely cut off a Third in any part of it, and the remainder will amount to make him a most admirable person. Let none say that these might be two distinct persons, seeing (besides the concurrence of time and place,) it would bank-rupt the Exchequer of Nature to afford two such persons, one … at once being as much as any will believe. This Dunstable died an. 1455.

Sinee the Reformation.

GEORGE JOY was born in this **Bale. de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 9.County, though the exact place be not expressed. He was a great friend to Master **Fox. Acts & Monu. pag. 1027.Tindall, and therefore perfectly hated by Woolsey, Fisher, and Sir Thomas Moor, the perticulars of his sufferings if known would justly advance him into the reputation of a Confessor.▪ He translated some parts of the Bible into English, and wrote many books reckned up by Bale; notwithstanding many machinations against his life, he found his Coffin where he fecht'd his Cradle, in sua patria sepultus, being peaceably buried in his native Country 1553. the last year of King Edward the sixth.

FRANCIS DILLINGHAM was born at Dean in this County, and bred Fellow in Christ-Colledge in Cambridge. He was an excellent Linguist, and subtile Disputant. My Father was present in the Bachillors-Scholes, when a Greek Act was kept, between him and William Alabaster of Trinity-Colledge, to their mutuall commendation. A disputation so famous that it served for an Aera or Epoche, for the Scholars in that age, thence to date their seniority.

He was afterwards chosen Anno 1607. to be one of the Translators of the Bible, and being richly beneficed at Wilden in this County, died a single man, leaving a fair estate to his brother Master Thomas Dillingham, who was chosen one of the late Assembly, (though for age, indisposition, and other reasons not appearing therein,) and for many years was the humble, painfull, and faithfull Pastor of Deane, the place of his Nativity.

WILLIAM SCLATER was born at **So was I informed by his Son, Doctor … late Minister of Peters … …:Layton-buzard in this County, son to Anthony Sclater the Minister thereof for fifty years together, who died well nigh an hundred years of age. This William his son was bred in …, then in Kings Colledge in Cambridge, where he commenced Bachillor, and (after many years discountinance) Doctor of Divinity. Hence he was invited to be … at Walsal in Stafford-shire, where he began his sermons (afterwards printed) on the three first Chapters of the Romans. Afterwards John Coles Esquire of Sommerset-shire over-intreated him into the Western parts, where he presented him Vicar of Pitmister. Here he met with manifold and expensive vexations, even to the Jeopardy of his life, but by the goodness of God his own innocency and courage, with the favour of his Diocesan, he came off with no lesse honour to himself, then confusion to his adversaries.

He was at first not well affected to the Ceremonies of the Church, but afterwards on his profound studying of the point, he was reconciled to them, as for order, and decency, and by his example others were perswaded to conforme.

Constancy of studying contracted the stone upon him, which he used to call flagellum studiosorum. Nor was his health improved by being removed to a wealthier Living, when John Lord Pawlet of Hinton (at the instance of Elizabeth his Lady, in whose inheritance it was, a worthy favourer of piety and pious men,) preferred him to the rich Parsonage of Limpsam in Somerset-shire, where indeed there was scarce any element good save the earth therein. Whereupon for his own preservation he was re-perswaded to return to Pitmister, there continuing till the day of his death, which happened in the year of our Lord 1627. in the fifty one year of his age, leaving many learned works behind him, as his Comment on the Romans, and on the Thessalonians, Sermons at Pauls cross, and the treatise of Tithes, styled the Ministers portion, with other posthume works, some since set forth by, more remaining in the hand of his son William Scalter Doctor of Divinity, and Minister at London, lately deceased.

p. 118Benefactors to the Publick.

Sir WILLIAM son to William HARPER was born in the Town of Bedford, but bred a Merchant-taylor in the City of London. Where God so blessed his endeavours, that Anno 1561. he was chosen Lord Mayor thereof. In gratitude to God and the place of his Nativity, he erected and **Sto. Survey of London pag. 62.endowed a free-schole in Bedford, in which Town he lyeth buryed.

HENRY GREY son to Henry Grey was born at Wrest in this County. Something must be premised of his extraction. Richard Grey third Earl of Kent of that family, was so profuse a person, that he wilfully wasted his Estate, giving away what he could not spend to the King and others; so little he reflected on Sir Henry Grey his Brother (but by a second Venter) of Wrest in this County. Hereupon the said Sir Henry, though heir to his Brother Richard after his death; yet perceiving himself overtitled or rather under-stated, for so high an honour, (the undoubted right whereof rested in him) declined the assuming thereof. Thus the Earldome of Kent lay (though not dead) asleep in the family of the Greys almost 50. years, viz. form the 15 of King Henry the eight till the 13. of Queen Elizabeth, when she advanced Reginald Grey, grandchild to Sir Hen. Grey aforesaid, (who had thriftily recruted himself with competence of Revenues) to be Earl of Kent, Anno 1571.

This Reginald dying Issuelesse within the year, Henry his Brother (the subject of our present description) succeeded to his honour. A person truly noble, expending the income of his own Estate and of his Ladies fair Joynter, (Mary the Relict of Edward Earl of Darby) in hospitality.

He was a most Cordiall Protestant, on the same token that being present at the execution of the Queen of Scots, when she requested the Nobility there, to stand by and see her death, he (**Camb. Eliz. … Anno 1587. fearing something of Superstition) hardly assented thereunto. Yet was he as far from the faction as Superstition, deserving the caracter given unto him.

**Idem in his Brit. in Kent.Omnibus verae nobilitatis Ornamentis vir longè Honoratissimus.

He left no Isue, except some will behold him in some sort Parent of Sidney Colledge in Cambridge, as one of the executors to the Foundress thereof, who did both Prove and Improve her will, besides his Personall benefaction thereunto. And being the surviving executor, he did perpetuate the fellowships (formerly temporary) according to the implicite trust deposited in him, to the advantage of that foundation. He died Anno Domini 1613.

FRANCIS CLEARK Knight, was born at Eaton-soton in this shire near to Saint Neots, in the Lordship there commonly called the Parsonage. He was a noble Benefactour to Sidney-colledge, augmenting all the Scholarships of the Foundation, and erecting a fair and firme range of building. Such his skill in Arithmetick and Architecture, that staying at home, he did provide to a brick what was necessary for the finishing thereof. He founded four new Fellowships, and had he been pleased to consult with the Colledge, the settlement with the same expence might have proved more advantageous. For, though in gifts to private persons, it be improper that the Receiver should be the Director thereof, a Corporation may give the best advise to improve the favours conferr'd upon it. But it is a general practice, that men desire rather to be broad then thick Benefactours.

However seeing every one may do with his own as he pleaseth, blessed be the memory of this worthy Knight, whose gift in effect was selt by the Colledge before the giver thereof was seen, being himself a meer stranger unto it. Some say, that because this was the youngest foundation in the University (generally the last child hath the least left it,) his charity pitched upon it. But I have been informed, that Sir F…ancis coming privately to Cambridge, to see unseen, took notice of Doctor Ward his daily presence in the Hall, with the Scholars conformity in caps, and diligent performance of exercises, which indeared this place unto him. Thus the observing of old Statutes, is the best load-stone to attract new Benefactours. His death happyned, Anno Domini, 163

p. 119Memorable Persons.

A WOMAN, whose name I cannot recover, lived, died, and is buried at Dunstable in this County. It appeareth by her **Hackwil's Apolog… pag. 253.Epitaph in the Church, that she had nineteen children at five births, viz. three several times three children at a birth, and five at a birth, two other times. How many of them survived to mans estate is unknown. Here I must dissent from an **Huartes in the trial of wits.Author maintaining that more Twins were born in the first Age of the World, then now adays. Whereas we meet with none but single births in the Patriarchs before the Flood, and more … six hundred years after the Deluge, Esau and Jacob were the first Twins mentioned in Scripture.

Lord Mayors.

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

Abbatis de Woborn, & sui Celerarii

Abbatis de Wardon

Prioris de Dunstable

Prioris de Chekesond

Prioris de Nunham

Prioris de Chaldwell

Prioris de Buschemede

Simonis Filbrigge, Chivaler.

Henrici Bronnflete, Chivaler.

Thomae … Chivaler.

Thomae Maningham

Thomae Hoo

Johannis Broughton

Iohan. Enderby

Roberti Mordant

Iohan. Hertusherne

Hen. Godfrey

Iohan. Boteler de Northzele

Hum. Acworth

Iohan. Ragon

Thomae Ragon

Iohan. …

Iohan. Radwell

Iohan. Fyse

Iohan. Coldington

Chri. Preston

Steph. Cruker

Tho. Roxston

Will. Lancelin

Hen. de Lye

Iohan. Conquest de Houghton

Tho. Lonnde

Walte. L…nnde

Iohan. Lonnde

Rich. Merston

Iohan. …eeke junioris

Tho. Peeke

Will. Peeke

Iohan. Glove junioris

Iohan. Turvey de Turvey

Iohan. Ferrour de Bedford

Iohan. Gerveys de Maldon

Hen. Etewell

Rober. Bollock

Will. Wale

Nich. Ravenhull

Nich. Low

Valentini Bailli de Luton

Willielmi White de eadem

Iohan. Boughton

Hugonis Hasselden

Thomae Bailli de Houghton

Will. Trought

Hen. Manntell

Rober. Valence

Iohan. Attehay

Will. Ypping

Iohan. Petifer

Tho. Purvey

Will. Purvey

Will. Shotfold

Will. Wingate

Will. Kene

Tho. Stokker

Ade Alford

Iohan. Morton

Tho. Morton

Tho. Stratton

Tho. Chamberlain

Radulp. Cleark

Math. Stepeing

Nich. Harding

Will. Marham

Rich. Sampson

Rober. Warner

Iohan. Coke de Crawley.

Will. Sileham

Will. Purvey

Will. Rede

Tho. Blondell

Will. Milward

Rober. Ratele

Iohan. Kiggill de Todinton

Iohan. Pestell de Nunham

Thomae Chopper de Turvey

Iohan. Marram

Thomae Jakes

Iohan. Pikot

Will. Molso

Iohan. Sewell

Hen. Sewell

Radul. Falwell

Hug. Billingdon

Iohan. Baldoe

Will. Palmer

Rober. Davy, junioris

Iohan. Stanlow

Rich. Lincoln

p. 120Waleri Taillard

Thomae Spencer de Geton

Iohan. Spencer

Iohannis King de Harowdon

Iohan. Wait

Will. Bochell

Thomae William

Roberti Ratull

Rober. Warner de le Hethe

Io…an. Potter

Iohan. Grecell

Will. Bocher de Henlow

Will. H…le de Chitingdon

Iohan. Halle

Will. Ludsopp

Iohan. Conquest de Houghton

Stephani Cruker

Tho. Rokeston

Will. Lancelein

Hen. de Lye

…o. Ragon

Iohan. Mepurshale

Iohan. Fitz

Iohan. Pekke, junioris

Hugonis Billingdou

Tho. Pekke

Will. Pekke

Iohan. Glove, junioris

Hungry Time hath made a Glutton …eal on this Catalogue of Gentry, and hath left but a very little morsell for manners remaining; so few of these are found extant in this …hire, and fewer continuing in a Gentile Equipage. Amongst whom I must not forget the Family of the Blundels, whereof Sir Edward Blundell behaved himself right valiantly, in the unfortunate expedition to the Isle of Ree.

Sheriffs of Bedford and Buckingham-shire.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Rich. Basset & Albertus de Veer. Rob. Carun

Anno 2

Henri… de Essex constituit Simonem Fitz. Petre Vicecomitem for 4 years.

Anno 6

Gal. filius Radulph

Anno 7

Rich. fil…us O…rti for 3 years.

Anno 10

Hug. de la Leg… & Rich. filius Osberti for 6 years.

Anno 16

David. Archidea. & Will. filius Rich.

Anno 17

Will. filius Rich. & David. Arch. for 3 years.

Anno 20

Will. filius Rich. for 6 years.

Anno 26

Will. Rufus for 7 years.

Anno 33

Will. Rufus, & Oger. filius Ogeri, pro dimad. Anni.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Will. Rufus for 6 years.

Anno 7

Simon. de Belchampe for 3 years.

Anno 10

Will. de Albeny & Rob. Braybrook

JOHAN. R.

Anno 1

Will. de Albeny

Anno 2

Galf. filius Petri, & Rob. de Braybrook for 4 years.

Anno 6

Rob. de Braybrook & Rob. filius Hemer.

Anno 7

Rob. & Rober.

Anno 8

Rob. filius Hemeri

Anno 9

…dem.

Anno 10

Rob. de Braybrook for 3 years.

Anno 13

Rob. de Braybrook, & Hen. filius ejus

Anno 14

Hen. Braybrook, & Rob. Pater ejus

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Hen. Braybrook

Anno 17

Idem.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Fulco de Breantel

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Ful. de Breantel & Rad. de Bray for 4 years.

Anno 8

Ful. de Breantel

Anno 9

Walt. de Pateshull de Accestane for 4 years.

Anno 13

Steph. de Wegrave & Will. de Martiwaste

Anno 14

Steph. de Segne

Anno 15

Steph. de Segne & Rich. de Atteneston for 3 years.

Anno 18

Steph. de Segne & Joh. Ulecot

Anno 19

Radus. filius Reginald

Anno 20

Will. de Bello Campo. & Ric. de Porchhalt

Anno 21

Will. de Bello Campo

Anno 22

Reginald. de Albo Monasterio

Anno 23

Rob. de Hega

Anno 24

Pau…us Penire

Anno 25

Idem.

Anno 26

Joh. …rumband

Anno 27

Will. Holdwell for 7 years.

Anno 34

Alex. de Hammeden for 3 years.

Anno 37

Nul. Tile Com. in Rotulo

Anno 38

Simon de Glendon

Anno 39

Idem.

Anno 40

Rob. le Savage. Rich. le Savage filius Johan.

Anno 41

Rob. de Tottenhall

Anno 42

Idem.

Anno 43

Alex. de Hamden. for 4 years.

Anno 47

Alex. de Hamden. & Simon de Pateshill for 5 years.

Anno 52

Edw. filius Regis Primogenitus

Anno 53

Idem.

Anno 54

Edw. filius primo genitus & Barthol. de Towen Subvic. ejus for 3 years.

p. 121EDW. I.

Anno 1

Thomas de Bray

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Hugo de Stapleford for 4 years.

Anno 7

Johan. de Chedney for 4 years.

Anno 11

Radul. de Goldington for 3 years.

Anno 14

Will. de Boyvill for 3 years.

Anno 17

Will. de Tarrevill

Anno 18

Joh. de Popham

Anno 19

Idem.

Anno 20

Will. de Turrevill for 5 years.

Anno 25

Sim. de Bradenham

Anno 26

Walter. deMolesworth for 10 years.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Gil. de Holme, & Wal. de Molesworth

Anno 2

Will. Merre for 4 years.

Anno 6

Walt. de Molesworth, & Joh. de Pabenham for 3 years.

Anno 9

Joh. de la Hay

Anno 10

Idem.

Anno 11

Joh. de la Hay, & Rog. de Tirringham.

Anno 12

Phil. de Aylesbury. & Rich. de Cave

Anno 13

Rich. de Cave, & Ingilran de Berenger

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Ingelramus Berenger

Anno 16

Anno 17

Rog. de Tiringham

Anno 18

Rog. de Tiringham & Joh. de la Hay

Anno 19

Johan. de la Hay & Phil. de Aylesbury.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Johan. de la Mareschall & Phil. de Aylesbury

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Joh. de Mareschall

Anno 4

Phil. de Aylesbury for 3 years.

Anno 7

Nul. Titl. Com. in Rotulo

Anno 8

Rad. de Wedon

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Rich. Ward

Anno 11

Rad. de Wedon

Anno 12

Nich. de Passelow, & Will. Aloton

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Nich. Passelow

Anno 15

Ger. de Braybrook

Anno 16

Henric. Chalfhunt, & Gerrard. de Braybrook

Anno 17

Joh. Aygnell, & Hen. Chalfhunt

Anno 18

Hen. Chalfhunt, & Joh. Wignell

Anno 19

Tho. de Swinford

Anno 20

Idem.

Anno 21

Will. Croyser

Anno 22

Idem.

Anno 23

Tho. Fernibrand

Anno 24

Idem.

Anno 25

Joh. Chastilion, & Tho. Fernibrand

Anno 26

Joh. Chastilion

Anno 27

Ger. de Braybrook

Anno 28

Idem.

Anno 29

Pet. de Salford, & GerBraybrook

Anno 30

Pet. de Salford

Anno 31

Joh. de Hampden, & Hug. Chastilion

Anno 32

Joh. de Hampden

Anno 33

Idem.

Anno 34

Pet. de Salford

Anno 35

Joh. de Hampden

Anno 36

Pet. de Salford for 4 years.

Anno 40

Joh. de Aylesbury for 6 years.

Anno 46

Johan. Chyne

Anno 47

Johan. Ragoun

Anno 48

Johan. Aylesbury

Anno 49

Johan. de Arden

Anno 50

Johan. de Broughton

Anno 51

Johan. de Ollueyge

Henry II.

1 RICHARDUS BASSET, & ALBERICUS DE VEER.]

The Catalogue of the Sheriffs of Cambridge and Huntington-shires, as also of Essex and Hartford-shire, beginneth with the same names so that …ix Counties (but all lying together) were under their inspection. None need to question, but that this Albericus de Veer was the very same with him, who by Maud the Empress was made the first Earl of Oxford, of whom hereafter this year in Cambridge-shire. Mean time we take notice of an Usterosis, beholding R. Basset (though first named) as his Under-Sheriff.

2. HENRY de ESSEX.]

He is too well known in our English Chronicles, being Baron of Raleigh in Essex, and Hereditary Standard-bearer of England. It happened in the reign of this King, there was a fierce battle fought in Flint-shire at Coleshull, betwixt the English and Welch, wherein this Henry de Essex, **Com…e Camdens Brit. in Essex, w…th h…m i… Flintsh…re.Animum & Signum simul abjecit, betwixt Traitor and Coward cast away both his Courage and Banner together, occasioning a great over-throw of English.

But he that had the baseness to doe, had the boldness to deny the doing of so foul a fact; untill he was challenged in combate by Robert de Momford, a Knight, Eye-witness thereof, and by him overcome in a Duell. Whereupon his large inheritance was confiscated to the King, and he himself, partly thrust, partly going into a Convent, hid his head in a Coul…, under which, betwixt shame and sanctity, he blushed out the remainder of his life.

p. 12216 DAVID ARCHIDIACONUS, &c.]

It may justly seem strange, that an Arch-deacon should be Sh…riff of a Shire, and one would have sought for a person of his Profession rather in a Pulpit, then in a ShireHall.

Some will answer, that in that Age Men in Orders ingrossed not onelyonly Places of Judicature, but also such as had Military and Martial Relations, whereof this Sheriff did in some sort partake. But under correction, I conceive, that though Bishops (who had also Temporall Baronies) were sometimes Sheriffs, yet no inferiour Clergy-men, being in Orders, were ever advanced to that Office, neither in Anoient, nor in Modern Times. Sure I am, that in the reign of King Charles, one being pricked Sheriff of Rutland, escaped, pleading that he was a Deacon.

Yet we meet with many, whose surnames sound of Church-relation, both in the Catalogue of Ancient and Modern Sheriffs.

It addeth to the difficulty, that whereas persons of their profession were formerly enjoyned single lives, we find in this list some of their sons in the next generation Sheriffs also.

But take one answer to all, as these were Lay▪men, so probably their Ancestors were Ecclesiasticks, and did officiate according to their respective Orders and Dignities. These afterwards having their patrimony devolved unto them, by the death of their elder brethren, were dispenced with by the Pope to marry, yet so that they were always afterwards called by their former profession, which was fixed as a surname on their posterity. Thus we read how in France, Hugh de Lusignian, being an Arch-bishop (and the last of his family) when by the death of his Brethren, the Signieuries of Partnay, Soubize, &c. fell unto him, he obtained licence to marry, on condition that his posterity should bear the name of Archevesque, and a Miter over their Arms for ever.

As for the Surname of Pope in England, it is such a transcendent, I cannot reach it with mine own, and must leave it to more judicious conjectures.

King John.

13. ROB. de BRAYBROOK, & HEN. filius. ejus.]

14. HEN. BRAYBROOK, & ROB. pater ejus.]

Here is a loving reciprocation. First, a son Under-sheriff to his father, ▪ that was his duty; Secondly the father Under-sheriff to his son, that was his courtesie. Indeed I can name one Under sheriff to his own father, being a Gentleman of right worthy extraction and estate, which son afterwards (in my memory) became Lord Chief Justice, and Treasurer of England.

Henry III.

52 EDVARD. filius REGIS primo-genitus.]

It soundeth not a little to the honour of these two shires, that Prince Edward, afterwards the most renowned King of England, (first of his Christian name since the Conquest) was their Sheriff for five years together. Yea, the Imperial-Crown found him in that office, when it fell unto him, though then absent in Palestine. We may presume, that Bartholomew de Fowen his Under-sheriff, was very sufficient to manage all matters under him.

p. 123Sheriffs of Bedford and Buckingham-shire.

Henry VI.

8 TNOMAS HOO.]

If any ask me the place of his residence in these Counties, I must returne, non sum informatus. But this is he, who is caractered by **Brit. ….Master Camden, Vir egregius, whom King Henry the sixth made Knight of the Garter, and Lord Hoo and Ha…tings. He left four Daughters thus married.

1 Anne to Sir Jeffry Bollen.

2 Eleanor to Sir Richard Carew.

3 Jane to Robert Cople, Esq.

4 Elizabeth to Sir John Devenish.

From the first of these was Queen Elizabeth descended. Some of the Issue Male of the same family were very lately extant in Hertford-shire.

23 JOHN WENLOCK.]

His surname seemeth to have something in it of Salopi…n reference, to a Market-town therein so called; However, his principal residence was (but where, to me unknown) in this County, whereof he was returned Knight to the Pa…liament, in the twelfth of this Kings reign. The very same, whom afterwards this King created Baron Wenlock, p. 125and Knight of the Garter, and who afterwards lost his life in His cause, valiantly fighting in the battle of Teuxbury. It is charity to enter this memorial of him, the rather because he died without issue, (and his fair estate forfeited to King Edward the fourth, was quickly scattered amongst many Courtiers) but from his Cousin and Heire-general, the Lauleys in Shropshire are lineally descended.

Henry VII.

17 Sir JOHN SAINT JOHN, Mil.]

There were three Sir John Saint Johns successively in the same family, since their fixing in this County:

1. The father, (this year Sheriffe) being son to Sir Oliver Saint John, by Margaret daughter and sole heir to Sir John Beauchamp. This Margaret was afterwards married to John Duke of Somerset, to whom she bare Margaret, Mother to King Henry the seventh.

2. The son [Sheriffe in the seventh year of King Henry the eighth.]

3. The grand-child, Sheriffe in the third of Edward the sixth, and father to Oliver the first Lord Saint John.

This we insert to avoid confusion, it being the general complaint of Heraulds, that such Homonymie causeth many mistakes in pedigrees.

22 WILLIAM GASCOIGNE.]

Much wondering with my self how this Northem Name stragled into the South, I consulted one of his Family, and a good Antiquary, by whom I was informed that this William was a Younger Brother of Gauthorpe house in York-shire, and was settled at Cardinton nigh Bedford in this County, by Marrying the Inheritrix thereof. He was afterwards twice Sheriffe under King Henry the eighth, Knighted, and Controler of the House of Cardinall Woolsey. A rough Gentleman, preferring rather to profit then please his Master. And although the Pride of that Prelate, was sar above his Covetousnesse, yet his Wisedome well knowing Thrift to be the Fuell of Magnificence, would usually disgest advice from this his Servant, when it plainly tended to his own Emolument. The Name (and which is worse) the Essate is now quite extinct in this County.

Henry VIII.

1 JOHN MORDANT, Ar.]

He was extracted of a very Ancient parent in this County, and married one of the Daughters and Heirs of Henry Vere of Addington in Northampton-shire, whereby he received a great Inheritance, being by Aged persons, in those parts, remembred by the name of John of the Woods. (Reader I was born under the shadow), and felt the warmth of them,) so great a Master he was of Oaks and Timber in that County, besides large possessions he had in Essex, and elswhere. King Henry the eight owning him deservedly for a very wise man, created him Baron Mordant of Turvey.

29 WILLIAM WINDSOR, Mil.]

He was descended from Walter Fitz **Cam: Brit. in Bark-shire.Otho, Castle-keeper of Windsor, in the time of King William the Conqueror, and was by King Henry the eighth created Baron Windsor of Bradenham in Buckingham-shire Ancestor to the present Lord Windsor, descended from him by an Heir-general so that Hickman is his Surname.

E…ward VI.

1 FRANCIS RUSSEL, Mil.]

He was Son to John Lord Russel, afterward Earl of Bedford. Succeeding his Father in his honour, so great was his Hospitality that Queen Elizabeth was wont to say pleasantly of him, That he made all the beggars. He founded a small School at Wobourne, and dying in great age and honour, was buried at Cheneys 1585.

5 OLIVER SAINT JOHN, Ar.]

He was by Queen Elizabeth made Lord Saint John of Bletso in this County, and left two sons who succeeded to his honour. First John whose onelyonly daughter Anne was married to William Lord Effingham, and was mother to Elizabeth now Countess Dowager of Peterborough. His second son was Oliver, blessed with a numerous issue, and Ancestor to the present Earl of Bullinbrook.

p. 126Queen Mary.

1 WILLIAM DORMER, Mil.]

He was son to Sir Robert Dormer (Sheriffe the 14. of K. Henry the 8.) by Jane Newdigate his wife, which Lady was so zealous a Pap…st, that after the death of Q. Mary, she left the land, and lived beyond the Seas. This Sir William by Mary Sidney, his wife, had a daughter, married to the Count of Feria, when he came over hither with King Philip.

This Count, under pretence to visit his sick Lady, remaining here, did very earnestly move a**Cam. Eliz. … 1558. match betwixt King Philip, his Master, and Queen Elizabeth, which in fine took no effect. He the… also mediated for Jane Dormer, his Grand-mother, and some other fugitives, that they might live beyond the Seas, and receive their revenues out of England; which favour the Queen though not fit to indulge, whereat the Count was so incensed, …hat he moved Pope Pius the fourth to excommunicate Her,**Uxore frustra … i…tente idem, Anno 1560. though his wife did with all might and maine oppose it.

Sheriffs of this County alone.

The Farewell.

Being to take my farewell of this County, I am minded of the mistake (what Writer is free from them?) in Mr. Stow, telling us of**Stow in survey of London pag. 18 writing of the river Thames. tide-boats, till-boats and barges, which come from Bedford-shire down the Thames to London, which surely must row over many miles of drie-land in their passage thereunto. But, if there be a possibility of such a conveyance by art and industry to be effected, may his words prove true by way of prediction, seeing certainly such a conveniency must needs be advantagious to this County.