The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 3

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 3

p. 127BUCKINGHAM-SHIRE.

BUCKINGHAM-SHIRE it is a long narrow County, (the miles therein proportioned accordingly) stretching forty four miles from North to South, whilst the breadth is content with fourteen at the most. A fruitfull Country, especially in the vale of Alesbury, where one [lately]intire Pasture, called Beryfield (now part of the Inheritance of Sir Robert Lee, Baronet) in the Mannor of Quarendon, is let yearly for eight hundred pounds, the tenant not complaining of his Bargaine.

This County takes its name from Buckingham the chief town therein, as that from Beeches, (called in the Saxon tongue Buccen) growing plentifully thereabouts, as in other places in this County, and therefore placed first amongst its

Naturall Commodities.

Beech.

This was esteemed sacred amongst the Romans. **Plin, lib. D.|cimo s…xto pag. …87. cap. 38. vers. 44.Manius Curi…s juravit se ex praeda nihil attigisse, praeter guttum faginum quo sacrificaret; Protested, that he touched nothing of the Prey besides a Beech-cup, wherewith he should sacrifice. It is also Medicinall, though we would wish none sore Lips or Eyes, to try the truth of**Plin. lib. Nig…s. quar. pag. 442. cap. 5. vers. 37. Plinys report, whether Beech-leaves cure the one, or the ashes of Beech-mast heal the other. Our ordinary u…e thereof (besides making of many Utensils) is for building of Houses. One asked, when Beach would make the best Timber, meaning what season of the year was best to cut it down for that purpose: It was answered, that Beech would make the best Timber when no Oake was to be had; a time I assure you which daily approcheth in our Land.

Hence it was, that such care was taken in the reign of King**Sta…. 35. of Hen. the eight cap. 17. Henry the eighth, (when woods were in a far better condition then now adays,) for the preserving of the Standells of Beech. As also it was provided in the**Stat. Primo Eliza. cap. 15. first of Queen Elizabeth, that no Timber-trees of Oak, Beech and Ash, (where Beech deservedly is made second,) being one foot square at the Stub, and growing within fourteen miles of the Sea, or any Navigable River, should be converted to coal or fewell, as the debasing of that, which if Nature did not first intend, Necessity must employ for better service.

Sheep.

The best and biggest bodied in England are the Vale of Ailsbury in this County, where it is nothing to give ten pound or more for a Breed-ram. So that, should a Forrainer hear of the price thereof, he would guess that Ram rather to be some Roman Engine of battery, than the creature commonly so called.

I know not, whether his observation, with the reason thereof, be worth the inserting, who first took notice, that our cattle for food, are English, when feeding in the field, but French when fed on in a family.

Whereof he assigned this reason, that after the Norman-conquest the French so tyrannized over the English-tenants, that they forced them to keep and feed their cattle, but the Monsieurs eat all their good meat, after it was slaughtered.

Forrainers much admire at our English sheep, because they doe not (as those beyond the seas) follow their shephards like to a pack of dogs, but wander wide abroad; and the Popish priests tell their simple flocks, that this disobedience of our sheep happeneth unto us,**Sam. … … pag. 84. because (Risum teneatis amici?) we have left the great Shephard the Pope, whereas they did so long before our separation from Rome, because freed from the fear of wolves (infesting them in forraine parts) they feed safely in the fields, needing neither guide to direct, nor guard to defend them.

p. 128Tame Pheasants.

They first took their name from Phasis a River in Asia, and long their flight thence into England: A Fowl fair in the Feathers, a Cock especially, (Males by nature (though Female by art) the finest of both Sexes) and dainty in the flesh. Aboundance of these are kept about Wicombe, the care being more then the cost, seeing their generall repast is on Pismires. Whether these tame be as good as wild-pheasants, I leave to Pallate-men to decide.

The Manufactures.

It is true of this County, that it liveth more by its Lands then by its Hands. Such the fruitfulness, venting the native Commodities thereof at great rates, (thank the vicinity of London, the best Chapman) that no handy-crafts of note, (save what common to other countries) are used therein. Except any will instance in Bonelace, much thereof being made about Owldney in this County, though more I believe in Devonshire, where we shall meet more properly therewith.

Proverbs.

**Mich. Dra… ton in his P ly olbion.Buckingham-shire Bread and Beef.]

The former is as fine, the latter as fat in this as in any other County. If therefore the inhabitants thereof come with hearty grace and hungry appetites, no doubt both strength and health will follow on their repast.

Here if you beat a Bush it's odds youl'd start a **Idem ibidem.Thief.]

No doubt there was just occasion for this Proverb at the Originall thereof, which then contained Satyricall truth, proportioned to the place before it was Reformed, whereof thus our **Cam. Brit. in Buckinghamsh.great Antiquary.

It was altogether unpassable in times past by reason of Trees, untill that Leofstane Abbot of St. Albans did cut them down, because they yeilded a place of refuge for thieves.

But this Proverb is now Antiquated, as to the truth thereof, Buckingham-shire affording as many maiden Assizes as any County of equall populousness. Yea, hear how she pleadeth for her self, that such High-way-men were never her Natives, but fled thither for their Shelter out of Neighbouring Counties.

Saints.

St. EDBURG daughter unto Redwald King of the East-Angles embraced a Monasticall life at Alesbury in this Coun…y, where her Body was deposited, and removed afterwards to Edburgton, (now Edburton) in Suffolk her Native Country; It seems her person would make one County proud, which made two happy. Alesbury observing her Memory on the day of———whilst Edburton was renowned for her Miracles. By the way, it seems wonderfull that in Scripture we onelyonly meet with one PosthumeMiracle, viz. the Grave-f…llow of Elisha, raised with the touch of his Bones; whilst most of Popish miracles are [reported] born after the Saints death, meerly to mold mens minds to the Adoration of their Reliques.

St. RUMALD was the same with St. Rumbald, (commonly called by Country people St. Grumbald,) and St. Rumwald as others spell him; but distinct from another St. Rumwald of Irish ext…action, a Bishop and Martyr, whose Passion is Celebrated at M…chlyn in Braband. This Criticisme, Reader, I request thee to take on my credit for thy own ease, and not to buy the truth of so difficult a tris…e with the trouble I paid for it.

Entring now on the Legend of his life, I writ neither what I believe, nor what I expect should be believed, but what I find written by others. Some make him Son of a British **The English Martyrology on the 28. of August.King, which is sufficiently confuted by his own Saxon name. More probable their tale who relate him Son to a King of Northumberland, by a Christian daughter of Penda King of Mercia. Being born at **Cam▪ Brit. in Buckinghamsh.Kings Sutton in this County, as soon as he came out of his Mothers womb, he cryed three times, I am a Christian. p. 129Then making a plain Consession of his faith, He desired to be baptized, chose his Godfathers and his own name Rumwald.

He also by his fingers **… Legend… Anglica in the life of Saint Rumwald.directed the standers by to fetch him a great hollow-stone for a font, which sundry of his fathers servants essayed in vain as much above their strength: Till the two Priests (his… designed Godfathers) did goe and fetch it easily at his appointment. Being Baptized, He for three days discoursed of all the Common places of Popery, and having confirmed their truth, he bequeathed his body to remain at Sutton one year, at Brackly two, and at Buckingham ever after. This done he expired.

Reader, I partly guess by my own temper how thine is affected with the reading hereof, whose soul is much divided betwixt severall actions at once.

1. To frown at the impudency of the first inventors of such improbable untruths.

2. To smile at the simplicity of the believers of such improbable untruths.

3. To sigh at that well-intended devotion abused with such improbable untruths.

4. To thank God that we live in times of better and brighter knowledge.

Now although St. Rumwald was born in this County, he was most honoured at Boxley in Kent, and thereon a story depends.

There was in the Church of Boxley a short Statue of St. Rumwald (as of a boy-saint) smal, hollow, and light, so that a child of seven years of age might easily lift it. The moving hereof was made the Criterion of womens chastity. Such who paid the Priest well might easily remove it, whilst others might tugg at it to no purpose. For this was the contrivance of the cheat, that it was fastned with a Pin **… i… his Perambulation of Kent pag. 187.of wood by an invisible stander behind. Now when such offered to take it who had been bountifull to the▪ Priest before, they bare it away with ease, which was impossible for their hands to remove who had been Close-fisted in their Confessions. Thus saith my **Id…m ibidem:Author it moved more laughter then Devotion, and many chast virgins and wives went away with blushing faces, leaving (without cause) the suspicion of their wantonness in the eyes of the Beholders; whilst others came off with more credit, (because with more coyn,) though with less chastity. The certain time of his life is unknown, but may be guessed about the year 680.

Martyrs.

JOHN SCRIVENER was Martyred at Amersham Anno Dom. 1521. on whom an extraordinary piece of cruelty was used, his own **Fox Acts and Mon pag. 838▪children being forced to set the first fire upon him, for which the law Deut. 13. 6. was most erroneously pretended, as will appear by the perusing thereof,

If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy▪ son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosome, or thy friend which is as thy own soul entice thee secretly, saying, let us go and serve other gods.——Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him.——But thou shalt surely kill him, thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death.

See we here how in the case of Idolatry one is to spare none related unto them, either as Equalls or Inferiors. But this Law injoines not children to accuse or execute their own parents, as Scrivener his children were compelled to do. A barbarous cruelty, especially seeing the Civil law among the heathen Romans did provide, that filius non torquetur in caput parentis, A son shall not be examined on the rack to accuse his father, in such cases wherein his life is concerned. Others besides Scrivener were martyred, and more Confessors … in this small County, **See Fox his Acts and Mon. in that ye…r.Anno 1521. then in all England elsewhere for twenty years together.

P…elates.

RICHARD de WENDOVER, (a place well known in this Shire,) was Rector of Bromley in Kent, where the Bishop of Rochester hath a Palace▪ and that See being vacant, he was lawfully chosen the Bishop thereof. But Edmond Arch-bishop of Canterbury (afterwards Sainted) refused to give him consecration, because he was rude **Godwin in the Bishops of Ro….and unlearned. Hereupon Wendover appealed to the Pope, whom he found his better friend, because Edmond (a bitter inveigher against Papal extorsions) was a Foe unto him, and so was consecrated. Now none will gr…dge him his Place amongst our Worthies, seeing what he lack'd in learning he had in holiness, and such his signal **Idem ibidem.sanctity, that after his p. 128death he was by speciall Mandate of King Henry the third buried in the Church of Westminster (as another Jehojadah) for his publick**2 Chr. 2416. goodness, Anno 1250.

JOHN BUCKINGHAM (for so his Name is truly written) aliàs Bokingham and Bukingham, took his Name and Nativity no doubt from Buckingham in this County, ala-mode of that Age. He was bred at the University of Oxford, and although since by some causelesly slandered for want of Learning, was a great Disputant, and well studied Scholar, as his**J. Bile & J. Pits de script. B…t. works do declare. He was afterwards preferred Bishop of Lincoln, where several contests happened betwixt him and Pope Boniface the ninth, who in revenge ex plenitudine Potestatis removed him from Lincoln to Litchfield, that is, from the Hall into the Kitchin, a Bishoprick of less credit and profit. Buckingham grew sullen hereat, and would rather shut himself out, then play at a less game, and so quitting Episcopacy 1397. lived and died a private Monck at Canterbury, where he lies buried the lowermost in the body of Christ-Church, under a very fair Grave-stone, as my**…ill. Sommers in his Antiquities of Cant. pag. 181. industrious friend hath well retrived his memory, though the brasse on his Monument be worn or rather torn away. He indented with the Prior and Covent at Canterbury, to build him a Chantry-Chappel near his Sepulcher, which I find not performed.

JOHN YOUNG was born at**New▪ col. Regi. Anno 1482. Newton-longvile in this County, and bred in Newcolledge in Oxford, on the same token that there are no fewer then ten Youngs in their Register, reckoned Fellows of that Foundation; and one said, that Seeing the Colledge was always New, well may many Fellows be Young therein. This John Young became Warden thereof, and afterwards was made Bishop of the fair City of Callipoli in Greece. An excellent place to fat a (neither Camel nor Lion but) Camelion in, and seeing the great Turk was his Tenant, little the rent he paid to this his Landlord. However this titular Bishoprick gave him Precedency, a Vote in General Councils, and Power of Ordination. But some English Earth doth not well with such Grecian Aire, and for his better support he was made Master of the Rowles Jan. 12. in the first of King**J. Philpot in his Catalogue of the Masters of the Rowles. Henry the eighth, and either died or resigned his Office some eight years after. As I remember he lieth buried with a brass Inscription in New-colledge Chappel.

JOHN HOLYMAN was born at**New-colledge Register Anno Dom. 1512. Codington in this County, bred in New-colledge in Oxford, and afterwards became a Benedictine in Reading, untill that Monastery was dissolved. Queen Mary in the first of her reign preferred him Bishop of Bristoll, whilst his predecessor Paul Bush (deprived for being married) was yet alive. He lived peaceably, not embrewing his hands in Protestants bloud, and died seasonably for himself, a little before the death of Queen Mary, 1558.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN HARLEY was born in the Parish of Newport-Paganel in this County, as a learned**Mr. Martin beneficed neer Northampton. Antiquary (a native of the same place) hath informed me, where some of his kindred were lately (if not still) in being. He was bred first Fellow, then SchoolMaster in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, in the dangerous days of King Henry the eighth, he was an hearty but concealed Protestant.

In the first week of the reign of King Edward the sixth, whilst most mens minds stood at a gaze (it being dead-water with them, which way the tide would turn,) Master Harley in the Parish-Church of Saint Peters in Oxford and a solemn Lent-Sermon, publiquely preached Antipapal doctrine, and powerfully press'd justification by faith alone, whereupon the over-officious**Laurence Humphred in the latine life of Bishop Jewe…l. Vice-Chancellor hurried him up to London for an Heretick, there to answer for his contempt.

But the case was soon altered, Harley was acquitted, commended, preferred to be Tutor to the sons of John Earl of Warwick, afterwards Duke of Northumberland. He was thence made Bishop of Hereford.

It is said of**Gen. 15. 15.Gen 15:15 Abraham, he was buried in a good old age. It cannot be said of our Harley, he died in an old age (finding him not above fifty,) though expiring in a good age in two respects; in relation to the piety of his life past, and in reference to the future troubles, which immediately followed. Surely had he survived a little longer, he had lost his life, as he did his Bishoprick for being**Bp. Godwin in his …. of the Bishops of Hereford. married, in the first of Q. Mary.

p. 131Doctor LAURENCE HUMPHRED, Harley his Scholar in Magdalen-colledge hath consecrated this Distick to the memory of his Master, though the Muses in my mind looked very solemnly, without the least smile at the making thereof,

Flo… domui Harlaeus, socius ludique Magister,

Celsus-deinde throno, celsior inde polo.

He died Anno Domini 1554. shifting from place to place, the cause why there is no certain intelligence where he was interred.

ROBERT ALDRICH, although he lived but in the twilight of Religion, he is justly to be placed not on the Dark but Light side of Reformation. For though his actions were but weak, his affections were sincere therein. **Mr. Hatchers in his Manuscript Cat. of the Fellows of Kings-colledge.Born he was at Burnham in this County, bred in Kings-colledge in Cambridge, ▪Proctor of that University anno 1525. About which time many letters passed betwixt him and his familiar friend Erasmus, who stileth him Blandae eloquentiae juvenem. He was afterward School-master, then Fellow and Provoster of Eaton, and at last made Bishop of Carlile, anno 1537. by King Henry the eighth. He was never a through paced Papist, (much lesse a persecutor of Protestants,) though a complyer with some superstitions. He died at Horncastle in Lincoln shire, (a house belonging to his See) in the reign of Queen**Godwin in his Catal. of …. Mary, 1555.

WILLIAM ALLEY was born at**Mr. Hatcher ut prius. Wi…kham in this County, bred first at Eaton, then in Kings-colledge, where he was admitted Anno Domini 1528. Hence he went away being Batchelour of Arts, and afterwards became Lecturer in Saint Pauls, I say Lecturer, which name though since it hath sounded ill in some jealous ears as infected with faction, was an ancient office founded in some Cathedralls to read Divinity there, and this Master Alleys learned lectures (according to that age) are Extant in Print. He was Consecrated Bishop of Exeter, July 14. 1560. and dying 1576. lyeth buried under a fair Marble in his own Cathedrall.

RICHARD COX was born at**Idem ibidem. Whaddon in this County, and bred for some years in Kings-colledge in Cambridge; Even when Cardinal Woolsy was erecting Christschurch in Oxford. This great Prelate, desiring that this his Colledge should be as fair within as without, and have learning answerable to the building thereof, employed his Emisaries, to remove thither the most hopefull Plants of Cambridge, and this Richard Cox amongst the rest. He became afterwards School-master of Eaton, which was happy with many florishing wits under his endeavours, and Haddon amongst the rest whom he loved with filiall affection, nor will it be amisse to insert the Poeticall Passe betwixt them.

Walter Haddon to Doctor COX his School-master.

Vix caput attollens è lecto scribere carmen

Qui velit, is voluit, scribere plura, Vale.

Doctor COX to Walter Haddon his Scholar.

Te magis optarem salvum sine …armine Fili

Quam sine te salvo, carmina multa, Vale.

Hence he was sent for to be Instructor to Prince Edward, which with good conscience, to his great credit he discharged. Here, Reader, forgive me in hazarding thy censure, in making and translating a Distick upon them,

Praeceptor doctus, docilis magis an puer ille?

Ille puer docilis, Praeceptor tu qu…que doctus.

Master more able, child of more docility?

Docil the child, Master of great ability.

At last he was prefered Bishop of Ely 1559. commendably continuing therein, whatever causless malice hath reported to the contrary, twenty one years, and dying Anno Domini, 1580.

THOMAS BICKLEY was born at**Godwin in Catal. of …. of Chichester. Stow in this County, bred first Chorister, then Scholar, then Fellow in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford. In the first of Edward the sixth his detestation of Superstition may rather be commended, then his discretion in expressing it, when (before the publique abolishing of Popery) at Evening-prayer he brake the consecrated Host with his hands, and**Dr. Humfred in his Latine life of Bishop Jewel pag. 73. stamped it under his feet, in the Colledge-chappel. Afterwards he fled over into France, living an exile at Paris & Orleans all the reign of Queen Mary. Returning into Eugland, he became Chaplain to Arch-bishop Parker, who preferred him Warden of Merton-colledge, wherein he continued twenty years. When pass'd the age of a man (eighty years old) he began the life of a Bishop, p. 132and was rather contented, then willing to accept the Bishoprick of Chichester * freely… … … … …, non nim… … … pit. Godwin ut p…s. offered unto him. Yet lived he eleven years therein, and died ninety years of age, April 30 1596. and had a most sumptuous funerall, all the Gentry of the Vicinage doing their homage to the Crown of his old age, which was foun'd in the way of truth. He led a single life, left an hundred pound to Merton-colledge, and other moneys to pious uses.

JOHN KING was born at Warnhall nigh Tame in this County, Robert King the last Abbot of Osney and first Bishop of Oxford being his great Uncle, he was first Deane of Christ-church, then Bishop of London, being ful fraught with all Episcopal qualities, so that he who endeavoureth to give a perfect account thereof, will rather discover his own defects, then describe this Prelates perfections. He died Anno Dom. 1618. being buried in the Quire of Saint Pauls with the plain Epitaph of Resurgam, and I cannot conceal this elegant Elegie made upon him.

Sad Relique of a blessed soul, whose trust

We sealed up in this Religious dust.

O do not thy low Exequies suspect,

As the cheap Arguments of our Neglect.

'Twas a commanded duty that thy Grave

As little pride as thou thy self should have.

Therefore thy covering is an humble stone,

And, but a word, **Resurgam.for thy inscription;

When those that in the same earth neighbour thee,

Have …ach his Chronicle & Pedigree.

They have their waving Pennons and their flaggs,

Of Matches and Alliance formal Braggs.

Whenthou (although from ancestors thou came,

Old as the Heptarchy, great as thy name,)

Sleepst there inshrin'd in thy admired parts,

And hast no Heraldry but thy deserts.

Yet let not them their prouder Marbles boast,

For they rest with less Honor, though more cost.

Go search the world, & with your Mattokwound

The groaning bosom of the patient ground.

Digg from the hidden veins of her dark womb

All that is rare and precious for a tomb:

Yet when much treasure, & more time is spent,

You must grant his the Nobler Monument,

Whose faith standsore him for a Hearse, & hath

The Resurrection for his Epitaph.

See more of the character of this most worthy Prelate, in our Ecclesiasticall History anno 1620. wherein he died.

RICHARD MONTAGUE was born at **So am I informed by his Son-in-law Doctor David S…okes.Dorney (where his Father was Vicar of the Parish) within 3. miles of Eaton, and so (though not within the reach) within the sight of that Staple Place for Grammar learning, wherein he was bred; Thence was he chosen successively Fellow of Kings Colledge in Cambridge, Fellow of Eaton, Parson of Stanford Rivers in Essex, Canon of Windsor, Parson of Petworth, elected Bishop of Chichester, and at last of Norwich. He spent very much in repairing his Parsonage-house at Petworth, as also on his Episcopal house at Allingbourn near Chichester.

He was most exact in the Latin and Greek; and in the Vindication of Tithes wrestled with the grand Antiquary of England, and gave him a fair flat fall in the point of a Greek Criticisme, taxing him justly for mistaking a God (amongst the Aegyptians) more then there was, by making a Man amongst the Grammarians fewer then they should be.

He hath many learned works extant against the Papists, some in English, some in Latin; and one called, his Appello Caesarem, which (without his intent and against his will) gave occasion of much trouble in the Land. He began an Ecclesiasticall History, and set forth his Apparatus, and alas! it was but an Apparatus; though, through no Default of his, but defect of his Health; sicknesse, troublesome times, and then death surprizing him: Had it been finished, we had had Church Annalls to put into the Ballance with those of Baronius; and which would have swayed with them for Learning, and weighed them down for Truth. He dyed Anno Dom: 1641.

HENRY KING D. D. son to John King (lately mentioned) Bishop of London and his wife (of the ancient family of the Conquests) was born in this County, in the …me town, house, and chamber with his father; a locall Coincidence which in all considerable particulars cannot be parallel'd.

p. 133We know the Scripture-Proverb used in Exprobration, **Ezek. 16. 44Ezek 16:44As is the mother so is the daughter, both wicked, both wofull. But here it may be said by way of thankfullness to God, and honour to the persons, As was the father so is the son, both pious, both prosperous, till the calamity of the times involved the later.

Episcopacy Anno 1641. was beheld by many in a deep consumption, which many hoped would prove mortal. To cure this it was conceived the most probable cordiall, to prefer persons into that Order, not only unblameable for their life, and eminent for their learning, but also generally beloved by all disingaged people; and amongst these King Charles advanced this our Doctor, Bishop of Chichester.

But all would not do, their Innocency was so far from stopping the mouth of malice, that malice almost had swallowed them down her throat. Since God hath rewarded his Patience, giving him to live to see the Restitution of his Order.

David saith, that the good**Psal. 1.Ps 1 Tree [Man] shall bring forth his fruit in due season; so our Doctor varied his fruits according to the diversity of his age. Being brought up in Christchurch in Oxford, he delighted in the studies of Musi…k and Poetry, more elder he applyed himself to Oratory and Philosophy, and in his reduced age fixed on Divinity, which his Printed Sermons on the Lords-prayer, and others which he preached, remaining fresh in the minds of his Auditors will report him to all posterity. He is still living Anno Domini 1660.

Writers on the Law.

Sir GEORGE CROOK Knight, son of Sir John Crook and Elizabeth Unton his wife, was born at **In his life prefixed to his Reports.Chilton in this County, in the second year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, bred first in Oxford, then a double Reader in the Inner Temple, Serjeant at Law, and the Kings Serjeant, Justice first of the Common-bench 22. Jacobi, and then of the Upper-bench 4. Caroli.

His ability in his profession is sufficiently attested by his own Printed Reports. Eight eminent Judges of the Law out of their knowledge of his great wisdome, learning and integrity, approving and allowing them to be published for the Common benefit.

He was against the Illegality of Ship-money, both publickly in Westminster-hall, and privately in his judgment demanded by the King, though concluded to subscribe (according to the Course of the Court) by plurality of voices, The Country-mans wit (levelled to his brain) will not for many years be forgotten. That Ship-money may be gotten by H…ok, but not by Crook, though since they have paid taxes (loins to the little finger, and Scorpions to the Rod of Ship-money,) but whether by Hook or Crook, let others inquire.

His piety in his equall and even walkings in the way of God through the several turnings and occasions of his Life, is evidenced by his Charity to man, founding a Chappel at Beachley in Buckingham-shire, two miles at least distanced from the Mother-Church, and an Hospitall in the same Parish with a liberall Revenue.

Considering his declining and decaying age, and desiring to examine his Life, and prepare an Account to the Supreme Judge, he petitioned King Charles for a Writ of Ease, which though in some sort denied, (what wise Mr. would willingly part with a good Servant?) was in effect granted unto him. He dyed at Waterstock in Oxford shire, in the eighty second year of his age, Anno Dom. 1641.

EDWARD BULTSTRODE Esq. born in this County, bred in the studies of our municipall Laws in the Inner Temple, and his Highness his Justice in North-wales, hath written a book of divers Resolutions and Judgments, with the reasons and causes thereof, given in the Court of Kings-bench in the reigns of King James and King Charles; and is lately deceased.

Souldiers.

Sir WILLIAM WINDSOR Knight. I am confident herein is no mislocation beholding him an Ancestor to the right honourable Thomas Windsor Hickman Lord p. 134Windsor, and fixed at Bradenham. He was deputed by King Edward the third in the fourty seventh year of his reign Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, which Country was then in a sad Condition. For the King was so intent on the Conquest of France (as a Land nearer, fairer, and due to him by descent,) that he neglected the effectuall reduction of Ireland.

This encouraged the Irish Grandees (their O's and Mac's) to Rant and Tyrant it in their respective seignieuries, whilst such English who were planted there, had nothing Native (save their Surnames) left; degenerating by degrees to be Irish in their Habits, Manners and Language. Yea, as the wild Irish are observed to love their Nurses or Fosters, above their natural Mothers, so these barbarizing English were more endeared to the interest of Ireland which fed, then of England which bare and bred them.

To prevent more mischief this worthy Knight was sent over, of whose valour and fidelity the King had great experience. He contracted with the King to defray the whole charge of that Kingdome, (as appeareth by the instrument in the **47. Edw. 3. claus. pers. 2▪ M. 24. & 26.Tower) for eleven thousand two hundred thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence per annum.

Now Sir William undertook not the Conquest, but Custody of the Land in a defen sive war. He promised not with a daring Mountebank to Cure, but with a discreet Physician to ease this Irish Gout.

Indeed I meet with a passage in **The same also in effect i… found in … in Rich. …he second.Froissard relating how Sir William should report of himself, that he was so far from subduing the Irish, he could never have access to understand and know their Countries, albeit he had spent more time in the service of Ireland, then any Englishman then living. Which to me seems no wonder, the Irish vermin shrowding themselves under the Scabs of their Bogs, and Hair of their Woods. However he may truly be said to have left that land much improved, because no whit more impaired during those dangerous distractions, and safely resigned his office (as I take it) in the first of K. Richard the second.

ARTHUR GRAY Baron of Wilton is justly reckoned amongst the Natives of this Shire, whose father had his Habitation (not at Wilton a decayed Castle in Hereford-shire whence he took his Title, but) at Waddon a fair house of his Family not far from Buckingham.

He succeeded to a small Estate much diminished on this sad occasion. His father William Lord Gray being taken Prisoner in France, after long ineffectuall soliciting to be (because captivated in the publick service) redeemed on the publick charge, at last was forced to ransom himself with the sale of the best part of his Patrimony.

Our Arthur endeavoured to advance his estate by his valour being entered in Feats of war, under his Martial father at the siege of Lieth, 1560. where he was **Camdens Eliz. anno notato.shot in the shoulder, which inspirited him with a constant antipathy against the Scotch. He was afterwards sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland anno 1580. where before he had received the Sword or any Emblemes of Command ut **Camdens Eliz. anno 1580:acrioribus initiis terrorem incuteret, to fright his foes with his fierce beginning, he unfortunately fought the rebels at Glandilough to the great loss of English blood. This made many commend his Courage above his Conduct, till he recovered his credit, and finally suppressed the rebellion of Desmund.

Returning into England, the Queen chiefly relied on his counsel for ordering our Land-forces against the Spaniards in 88. and fortifying places of advantage. The mention of that year (critical in Church differences about discipline at home, as well as with foreign foes abroad) mindeth me that this Lord was but a Back-friend to Bishops, & in all divisions of Votes in Parliament or Council-table sided with the Anti-prelatical party.

When Secretary Davison, that State-Pageant, (raised up on purpose to be put down,) was censured in the Star-chamber about the business of the Queen of Scots, this Lord Gray onelyonly defended him, as doing nothing therein but what became an able and honest Minister of State. An **Camdens Eliz. anno 1587.ear-witness saith, Haec fuse oratoriè & animosè Greium disserentem audivimus. So that besides bluntness (the common and becoming eloquence of Souldiers) he had a real Rhetorick, and could very emphatically express himself. Indeed this warlike Lord would not wear two heads under one Helmet, and may be said always to have born his Beaver open, not dissembling in the least degree, but owning his own judgment at all times what he was. He deceased anno Dom. 1593.

p. 121Writers.

ROGER de WENDOVER was born at that Market-town in this County, bred a Benedictine in St. Albans, where he became the Kings Historian.

Know, Reader, that our English Kings had always a Monck, generally of St. Albans (as near London, the Staple of news and books) to write the remarkables of their reigns. One addeth (I am sorry he is a **Ponticus Viru…ius cited by J. B…le de script. Brit. Cent▪ 4. num. 94.forrainer, and therefore of less credit at such distance,) that their ▪Chronicles were lock'd up in the Kings Library, so that neither in that Kings, nor his Sons life they were ever opened. If so, they had a great encouragement to be impartiall, not fearing a blow on their teeth, though coming near to the heels of truth, which in some sort were tied up from doing them any hurt.

This Roger began his Chronicle at the Conquest, and continued it to the year 1235. being the 19. year of King Henry the third. Indeed Mathew Paris doth quarter too heavily on the pains of Wendover, who onelyonly continuing his Chronicle for some years, and inserting some small **See Dr. Watts his Prefatory notes to Math: Paris.alterations, is intituled to the whole work. As a few drops of blood, because of the deep hiew thereof, discoloureth a whole bason of water into rednesse; so the few and short Interpolations of Paris, as the more noted Author, give a denomination to the whole History, though a fabrick built three stories high whereof our Roger laid the foundation, finished the ground-room and second loft, to which by Mr. Paris was added the garret, as since the roof by W. Rishanger. This Wendover died about the year of our Lord 1236.

JOHN AMERSHAM was born in that small Corporation in this County, bred a Monck in St. Albans, where he contracted not onelyonly Intimacy, but in some sort Identity of Affection, with John Wheathamsted Abbot thereof; insomuch that what was said of two other friends was true of them, (Ethicks making good the Grammar thereof) Duo Amici Vixit in eodem Conventu.

Now there was a great Faction in that Convent against their Abbot, which to me seemeth no wonder; for the generality of Moncks being lewd, lazy and unlearned, they bare an Antipathy to their Abbot, who was pious, painfull, and a profound Schollar. Nor did they onelyonly rail on his Person whilst living, but also revile his Memory when dead. Our Amersham, surviving his dear friend, wrote a book (besides other of his works) intituled the **Bale de script. Brit. & Pits. Aetat. 14. num▪ 843.Shield of Wheathamsted, therein defending him from the undeserved Darts of his Enemies Obloquy. He flourished Anno Dom. 1450.

MATHEW STOKES was born in the **Hatchets M. S. 8. of the Fellows of KingsColledge.Town, and bred in the School of Eaton, untill he was admitted in Kings-colledge in Cambridge, Anno Domini 1531. He afterwards became Fellow of that house, and at last Esquire Bedle, and Register of the University.

A Register indeed both by his place and painfull performance therein; for he (as the Poets fain of Janus with two faces) saw two worlds, that before and after the Reformation. In which juncture of time so great the confusion and embezeling of Records, that had not Master Stokes been the more carefull, I believe, that though Cambridge would not be so Oblivious as Massala Corvinus who forgot his own name, yet would she have forgotten the names of all her Ancient Officers.

To secure whose succession to Posterity, Mr. Stokes with great industry and fidelity collected a Catalogue of the Chancellours, Vice-Chancellours and Proctors. He was a Zealous Papist (even unto persecution of others) which I note not to disgrace his Memory, but defend my self, for placing him before the Reformation, though he lived many years in the reign of Q. Elizabeth.

Since the Reformation.

WALTER HADDON was born of a Knightly Family in this **B…le de script. Brit. Ceat. nono. Num. 87.County, bred at Eaton, afterwards Fellow in Kings-colledge, where he proceeded Doctor of Law, and was the Kings Professor in that Faculty, chosen Vice-chancellour of Cambridge 1550. soon after he was made President of Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, which place he waved in the reign of Queen Mary, and sheltered himself in obscurity. Queen Elizabeth made him one of the Masters of her Requests, and employed him in several Embassies beyond the Seas. Her Majesty being demanded whether She preferred him or Buchanan for learning, wittily and warily returned,

Buchananum omnibus antepono, Haddonum nemini postpono.

Indeed he was a most Eloquent man, and a pure Ciceronian in his stile, as appeareth by his writings, and especially in his book against Osorius. The rest may be learned out of his Epitaph.

S. Memoriae.

GUALTERO HADDONO Equestri loco nato juris consulto, Oratori, Poet… celeberrimo, Graecae Latinaeque Eloquentiae sui temporis facile principi, sapientia & sanctitate vitae, in id evecto, ut Reginae Elizabethae à supplicum libellis magister esset, destinareturque majoribus nisi facto immaturius cessisset: Interim in omni gradus viro longe eminentissimo, conjugi sui optimo meritissimoque Anna Suttona, uxor ejus secunda flens maerens desiderii sui signum posuit. Obiit Anno Salut. hum. 1572. Aetatis 56.

This his fair Monument is extant in the wall at the upper end of the Chancell of Christs-church in London. Where so many ancient Inscriptions have been barbarously defaced.

LAURENCE HUMPHRED was born in this **Humfredus Patrīa Buchingam s. Baleus de Script. Brit. Cent. 9. num. 93.County, bred in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, a great and generall Scholar, able Linguist, deep Divine, pious to God, humble in himself, charitable to others. In the reign of Queen Mary he fled into Germany, and there was Fellow-Commoner with Mr. Jewell, (whose life he wrote at large in Latine) in all his sufferings. Here he translated Origen de Recta Fide, and Philo de … tate out of Greek.

Returning into England in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, he was made … of Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, and Dean of Winchester. Higher preferment he … ver attained, because never desired it, though a learned **Camdens Elizabeth in Anno 1589.Author seems to put it on another account, fortasse eo quod de adiaphoris non juxta cum Ecclesia Anglicana senserit. I deny not but he might scruple some ceremonies, but sure I am he was much molested in his Colledge with a party of fierce (not to so furious) Nonconformists, from whom he much dissented in judgment. He died Anno Dom. 1589.

Here I must confess a mistake in my Ecclesiastical History (misguided therein with many others by general tradition) when I reported the gold lately found and shared amongst the President and Fellows of Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, to have been the gift of this Doctor Humphred, which since appeareth a legacy left by William Wainfleet their Founder. Would I had been mistaken in the Matter as well as in the Person, that so unworthy an act had never been performed. But what said **Cen. 43. 13.Jacob to his sons? Carry back the money again, peradventure it was an oversight. Seasonable restitution will make reparation.

ROGER GOAD was born at **Mr. Hatcher in his M. S. Catalog. of the Fellows of Kings-col.Houton in this County, and was admitted Scholar in Kings-colledge in Cambridge 1555. Leaving the Colledge he became a School-master at Guilford in Surrey. But pity it is that a great candle should be burning in the Kitchin, whilst light is lacking in the Hall, and his publique parts pent in so private a profession. He was made not to guide boys, but govern men. Hence by an unexpected election he was surprised into the Provostship of Kings-colledge, wherein he remained fourty years. He was thrice Vice-chancellonr of Cambridge; a grave, sage and learned man. He had many contests with the young Frie in this Colledge, chiefly because he loved their good better then they themselves. Very little there is of his in print, save what he did in Conjunction with other Doctors of the University. By his Testament he gave the Rectory of Milton to the Colledge, and dying on Saint Marks day 1610. lieth buried in a Vestery on the North-side of the Chappel.

JOHN GREGORY was born November 10. 1607. at Amersham in this County, of honest though mean parents, yet rich enough to derive unto him the hereditary infirmity of the gout, which afflicted him the last twenty years of his life. He was bred in Christ-church in Oxford, where he so applied his book, that he studied **… his life … to his boo….sixteen hours of the four and twenty for many years together. He attained to be an exquisite Linguist and general Scholar, his modesty setting the greater lustre on his learning. His notes on Dr. Redleys book of Civil-law gave the first testimony of his pregnancy to p. 133the world, and never did text and comment better meet together.

He was first Chaplain of Christ-church, and thence preferred by Bishop Duppa, Prependary of Chichester and Sarum, and indeed no Church-preferment compatible with his age was above his deserts. He died at Kidlington in Oxford-shire 1646. and was buried at Christ-church in Oxford. I find a smart Epitaph made by a friend on his memory, and it was in my mind as well valiantly (consider the times) as truly indited.

Ne premas Cineres hosce, Viator,

Nescis quot sub hoc jaeent Lapillo;

Graeculus, Hebraeus, Syrus,

Et qui te quovis vincet Idiomate.

At nè molestus sis

Ausculta, & causam auribus tuis imbibe:

Templo exclusus

Et avita Religione

Jam senescente, (ne dicam sublatâ)

Mutavit Chorum, altiorem ut capesceret.

Vade nunc, si libet, & imitare.

R. W.

His Opera Posthuma are faithfully set forth, by his good friend John Gurgain, and deservedly dedicated to Edward Bish Esquire, one so able that he could, charitable that he would, and valiant that he durst relieve Master Gregory in his greatest distress.

SAMUEL COLLINS, son to Baldwin Collins (born in Coventry, a pious and painfull preacher, prodigiously bountifull to the poor, whom Queen Elizabeth constantly called Father Collins) was born and bred **Hence he stileth himself in his books Aetonensis.at Eaton, so that he breathed learned aire from … of his nativity. Hence coming to Kings-colledge in Cambridge, he was succes…ively chosen Fellow, Provost, and Regius Professor. One of an admirable wit and …, the most fluent Latinist of our age: so that as Caligula is said to have sent … souldiers vainly to fight against the tide, with the same success have any encountred the torrent of his tongue in Disputation. He constantly read his Lectures twice a week, for above fourty years, giving notice of the time to his Auditours in a ticket on the School-dores, wherein never any two alike; without some considerable difference in the critical language thereof. When some displeased Courtier did him the injurious courtesie to preferre him downwards (in point of profit) to the Bishoprick of Bristol, he improved all his friends to decline his election. In these troublesome times (affording more Preachers then Professors) he lost his Church but kept his Chair, wherein he died about the year 1651.

WILLIAM OUGHTRED was (though branched from a right ancient Family in the North) born in the Town, bred in the School of Eaton, became Fellow of Kingscolledge; and at last was beneficed by Thomas Earl of Arundel at Albury in Surrey. All his contemporaries unanimously acknowledged him the Prince of Mathematicians in our Age and Nation. This aged Simeon had (though no Revelation) a strong perswasion that before his death he should behold Christs anointed restored to his Throne, which he did accordingly to his incredible joy, and then had his Dimittis out of this mortal life, June 30. 1660.

Romish Exile Writers.

THOMAS DORMAN was born at Ammersham in this County, being nephew unto Thomas Dorman of the same town, A Confessour in the reign of King Henry the eighth. True it is, this his Uncle through weakness did abjure (let us pity his, who desire God should pardon our failings,) but was ever a cordial Protestant. He **Fox his Acts and Mon. pag. 838.bred this Thomas Dorman juni…r at Berkhamsted-school (founded by Dr. Incent) in Hartfordshire, under Mr. Reeve a Protestant School-master.

But this Dorman turn'd tail afterwards, and became a great Romanist, running over beyond the seas, where he wrote a book intituled Against Alexander Nowel, the English Calvinist. J. Pits doth repent that he affordeth him no room in the body of his book, referring him to his **Pagin… 914.Appendix. He flourished Anno 1560.

Memorable Persons.

JOHN MATHEW Mercer, son to Thomas Mathew was born at Sherington in this County, Lord Mayor of London, Anno Dom. 1490. He is eminent on this account that he was the first **Stow Surv…y of London pag. 573.Bachelar that ever was chosen into that office. Yea it was above a hundred and twenty years before he was seconded by a single person succeeding him p. 138in that place, viz. Sir John **This Mayor was the second Batchlor saith How, continuing Slow in his Survay of London pag. 195.Leman Lord Mayor 1616. It seemeth that a Lady Mayoresse is something more then ornamentall to a Lord Mayor, their wives great portions or good providence, much advantaging their estates, to be capable of so high a dignity.

Dame HESTER TEMPLE, daughter to Miles Sands Esquire was born at Latmos in this County, and was married to Sir Thomas Temple of Stow Baronet. She had fourSed quaere. sons and nine daughters, which lived to be married, and so exceedingly multiplied, that this Lady saw seven hundred extracted from her body. Reader, I speak within compass, and have left my self a reserve, having bought the truth hereof by a wager I lost. Besides there was a new generation of marrigable females just at her death, so that this aged vine may be said to wither, even when it had many young boughs ready to knit.

Had I been one of her relations, and as well enabled as most of them be, I would have erected a monument for her thus design'd. A fair tree should have been erected, the said Lady and her Husband lying at the bottom or root thereof; the Heir of the family should have ascended both the middle and top-bough thereof. On the right-hand hereof her younger sons, on the left her daughters should as so many boughs be spread forth. Her grand-children should have their names inscribed on the branches of those boughs, the great-grand-children on the twiggs of those branches, the great-great-grand-children on the leaves of those twiggs. Such as surviv'd her death should be done in a lively green, the rest (as blasted) in a pale and yellow fading-colour.

**Lib. 7. cap. 13.Plinie, who reports it as a wonder worthy the Chronicle, that Chrispinus Hilarus, Praelata pompa, with open ostentation, sacrificed in the Capitol, seventy four of his children and childrens children attending on him, would more admire if admitted to this spectacle.

**In comment upon the 8. c. os Lib. 15. De Civit. Dei.Vives telleth us of a Village in Spain of about an hundred houses, whereof all the inhabitants were issued from one certain old man who then lived, when as that Village was so peopled, so as the name of propinquity how the youngest of the children should call him, could not be given. Lingua enim nostra supra abavum non ascendit, Our language (saith he, meaning the Spanish) affords not a name above the great-grandfathers father. But had the off-spring of this Lady been contracted into one place, they were enough to have peopled a City of a competent proportion, though her issue was not so long in succession, as broad in extent.

I confess very many of her Descendants dyed before her death, in which respect she was far surpassed by a Roman Matron, on whom the**Ausonius Epitap. Heroum num. 34. Poet thus Epitapheth it, in her own person.

Viginti atque novem, genitrici Callicratea,

Nullius sexus mors mihi visa fuit.

Sed centū et quin que explevi bene messibus annos,

Intremulam baculo non subeunte manun.

Twenty nine births Callicrate I told,

And of both Sexes saw none sent to grave.

I was an hundred and five winters old,

Yet stay from staff my hand did never crave.

Thus in all ages God bestoweth personal felicities on some, far above the proportion of others. The Lady Temple dyed Anno Dom. 1656.

Lord Mayors.

p. 139The Names of the … of this County R…turned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth, 1433.

Reginaldi Lucy, Chiv.

Walteri Lucy, Chiv.

Iohan. Cheyne, Chiv.

Tho. Chetewode, Chiv.

Iohan. Cheyne, Arm.

Iohan. Hampden de Hampden, Ar.

Andreae Sper…ing

Thomae Rokes, Ar.

Iohan. Lange…on, Ar.

Iohan. Iwardby, Ar.

David Breknook, Ar.

Thomae Stokes, Ar.

Iohan. Hampden de Kimbell.

Walteri Fitz Richard, Armigeri.

Iohan. Stretlee, Ar.

Tho. Shyngelton, Ar.

Thomae Cheyne, Ar.

Iohan. Stokes, Ar.

Thomae Gifford, Ar.

Iohan. Gifford d… Whaddon Senioris, Ar.

Thomae Boteler, Ar.

Rob. Puttenham, Ar.

Roberti Olney de Weston, Ar.

Iohan. Tyringham, Ar.

Iohan. Brekenock, Ar.

Thomae Rufford, Ar.

Iohan. Dayrell, Ar.

Nicolai Clopton

Edmundi Brutenell

Iohan. Sewell

Iohan. Watkins

Willillmi Brook de Chesham.

Bernardi Sanderdon

Thomae More

Will. Fouler.

Iohannis Arches

Iohan. Skydmore

Iohan. Kimbell

Will. Joyntour

Rogeri More

Iohan. Horewode

Iohan. Baldewin

Thomae Atte Welle

Will. Chapman de Aylesbury

Tho. Turnour

Iohan. Knight de Hampslape

Will. Watford

Thomae Oliver

Will. Colingrgg de Toursey

Thomae Malins

Will. Parker de Eton

Will. Burton persone

Ecclesiae de Crowle

Iohan. Clerke de Olney

Rich. Hawtreve

Iohan. Giffard de Hardmede

Iohan. Tapelo de Hampslape

Thomae Knight de eadem

Iohan. Giffard de Whaddon junioris

Iohan. Sapcote de Olney

Rich. Arnecok

Will. Edy

Nich. Brackwell

Will. Sambroke

Iohan. Edy junioris

Thomae Edy

Iohan. Puchas

Will. Berewell

Ade Ashinden

David. Whitchirche

Iohan. Sweft

Will. Britwell de Cherdesle

Iohan. Verney

Eustachii Grenvile

Iohan. Fitz Iohn

Will. Gerebray

Tho. Maudeleyn

Iohan. Vesy

Tho. Wodewarde

Rich. Enershawe

Iohan. Harewold de Weston

Hen. Loveden

Iohan. Thorp

Iohan. Parker de Fenny Stratford

Nicholai Baker de Crowle

Nich. Hobbesson

Tho. Malette

Iohan. Kerye

Tho. Tappe

Rich. Hoo de Snenston

Iohan. Manchestre

Iohan. Phelip

Hen. Hunkes

Rich. Miches

Will. Meridale

Tho. Edward

Iohan. Vaux

Will. Dun

Hen. Toursey

Hen. Dicon

Will. Winslowe

Iohan. Bilindon

Hen. Porter

Tho. Turgens

Rober. Dalafeld

Math. Colett

Iohan. Hampden de Wycombe

Iohan. Wellesburn

Tho. Merston

Will. Attegate

Tho. Mery

Rich. Milly

Will. Wodeward

Tho. Pusey

Roberti Broun de Beknesfeld

Iohan. Iourdeley

Tho. Houghton

Rich. Yaulode

Iohan. Gold de Ailesbury

Will. Clarke de eadem

Will. Clarke de Culverdon

Thomae Kene de Horsendon

Will. Symeon

Will. Fether

Iohan. Caradons

Will. Combe de Aylesbury

Will. Gill

Rich. Lamburn

Will. Hid…

Tho. Bristow

Nich. Baron

Will. Cook de Fertwell

Iohan. Glover de Kimbell

Iohan. Balke de Aylesbury

Iohan. Lucy &

Rich. Lucy

p. 140Sheriffs.

This County had the same with Bedford-shire, untill they were parted in the seventeenth year of Queen Elizabeth. Since which time these have been the Sheriffs of this County alone.

Queen Elizabeth.

17 JOHN CROKE Ar.]

Being afterwards Knighted, he was the son of Sir John Crook a Six-clerk in Chancery, and therefore restrained marriage untill enabled by a statute of the 14. of Henry the eighth. His … in the Civil warres between York and Lancaster concealed their* Pref. to Crok's Reports. proper name Le Blount under the assumed one of Croke.

As for this Sir John Croke, first Sheriff of Buckingham after the division of Bedfordshire, he was most fortunate in an issue happy in the knowledge of our municipall Law: Of whom Sir John Croke his eldest son Speaker of the Parliament in the 43. of Queen Elizabeth. He received this Eulogium from Her Majesty, That he had proceeded therein with such wisdome and discretion, that none before him had deserved better. As for Sir George his second son, we have spoken of him **In the Wri… of Law in this County.before.

p. 14126 ROBERT DORMER Ar.]

He was on the 10. of June 1615. made Baronet by King James, and on the 30. day of the same Month was by him Created Baron Dormer of Wing in this County.

His grand-child Robert Dormer was by K. Charles in the 4. of his reign Created Viscount Ascot and Earl of Carnarvan. He lost his life, fighting for him who gave him his Honour, at the first battle of Newbury. Being sore wounded, he was desired by a Lord, to know of him what suit he would have to his Majesty in his behalf, the said Lord promising to discharge his trust in presenting his request, and assuring him that his Majesty would be willing to … him to the utmost of his power: To whom the Earl replied, I will not dye with a suit in my mouth to any King, save to the King of Heaven By Anne daughter to Philip Earl of Pembrook and Montgomery, He had Charles now … of Carnarvan.

27 EDWARD BULSTROD Ar.]

I have not met with so ancient a Coat (for such it appeareth beyond all exception) so voluminous in the Blazon thereof, viz. Sable, a Bucks head Argent, attired Or, shot the Nose with an Arrow of the third, headed and feathered of the second, a Cross Patee fitchee betwixt the Attire, Or.

34 HEN. LONGVILE Ar.]

He had to his fourth son Sir Michael Longvile, who married Susan sole daughter to Hen. Earl of Kent. Now, when the issue in a direct line of that Earldome failed in our memory, Mr. Selden was no less active then able to prove that the Barony of … was dividable from the Earldome, and descended to the son of the said Sir Michael, and thereupon he sate as Baron Ruthyn in our late long Parliament.

Since his death his sole daughter and heir hath been married unto Sir Henry Yelverton of Easton in the County of Northampton Baronet, a worthy Gent. of fair estate, so that that Honour is likely to continue in an equipage of breadth proportionable to the height thereof.

King James.

17 BENEDICT WINCHCOMBE Ar.]

His armes (too large for the little space allotted them) I here fully represent in gratitude to the Memory of his Ancestor, so well deserving of **See Memorable persons in Bark-shire.Newbury, viz. Azure, on a Chev. engrailed between three Birds Or, as many Cinque foiles of the first, on a Chief of the second a Flower the Luce between two spears heads of the first.

King Charles.

1 EDWARD COKE Kt.]

This was our English …, so famous for his Comments on our Common-law. This year a Parliament was called, and the Court-party was jealous of Sir Edwards activity against them, as who had not digested his discontentments. Hereupon to prevent his election as a member, and confine him to this County, he was prick'd Sheriff thereof.

He scrupuled to take the oath, pretending many things against it, and particularly that the Sheriff is bound thereby to prosecute Lollards, wherein the best Christians may be included.

It was answered, that he had often seen the Oath given to others without any regreet, and knew full well that Lollard in the modern sense imported the **Sir Henry … in … … verbo Lollard.opposers of the present Religion, as established by Law in the Land.

No excuses would serve … turn, but he must undertake this office. However his friends beheld it, as an injurious degradation of him, who had been Lord Chief-justice, to attend onthe Judges at the Assises.

9 FRANCIS CHENEY Mil.]

It is an Epidemical disease, to which many ancient Names are subject, to be variously disguised in writing. How many names is it Chesney, Chedney, Cheyne, Chyne, Cheney, &c. And all de Casineto. A name so Noble and so diffused in the Catalogue of Sheriffs, it is harder to miss then find it any County.

p. 142Here, Reader, let me amend and insert what I omitted in the last County. There was a fair Family of the Cheneys flourishing in Kent, (but landed also in other Counties,) giving for their Armes, Azure, six Lions Rampant Argent, a Canton Ermin. Of this house was Henry Chency High sheriffe of this County and Bedford shire in the 7. of Q. Elizabeth, and not long after by her created Baron of Tuddington in Bedford-shire. In his youth he was very wild and venturous, witness his playing at Dice with Henry the second King of France, from whom he won a Diamond of great worth at a Cast: And being demanded by the King, what shift he would have made to repair himself in case he had lost the cast; I have (said young Chency in an hyperbolical brave) SHEEPS TAILS enough in Kent, with their Wool to buy a better Diamond then this. His reduced Age afforded the befitting fruits of Gravity and Wisdome, and this Lord deceased without Issue.

As for Sir Francis Cheney Sheriff for this present year, we **Viz. in the 31. year of Q. Elizabeth.formerly observed the distinct Armes of his Family. This worthy Knight was father to Charles Cheney Esq. who by his exquisite Travelling hath Naturalized foreign perfections into himself, and is exemplarily happy in a vertuous Lady, Jane Daughter to the truly Noble William Marquis of New-castle, and by her of hopefull Posterity.

The Farewell.

On serious consideration, I was at a loss to wish to this County, what it wanted, God and the Kings of England have so favoured it with naturall perfections, and civil priviledges. In avowance of the latter it sheweth more Burrow-towns (sending Burgesses no fewer then twelve to the Parliament) then any Shire, (though thrice as big) lying in the Kingdome of Mercia. Now seeing at the instant writing hereof, the generall News of the Nation is, of a Parliament to be called after his Majesties Coronation, my prayers shall be that the Freehoulders of this County shall (amongst many therein so qualified) chuse good Servants to God, Subjects to the King, Patriots to the County, effectually to advance a happiness to the Church and Common-wealth.