The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 5

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 5

p. 171CHES-SHIRE.

CHES-SHIRE lieth in form of an Axe, Wirral being the handle thereof, having Lanca-shire (parted with the river Mersey) on the North, a corner of York-shire on the North-East, Darby and Stafford▪ shires, (severed with mountains) on the East, Shrop-shire on the South, Denbigh, Flint-shire, and the Irish Ocean on the West thereof. The longest part (advantaged with excursions) is four and fourty, the broadest twenty five miles.

This County was reputed a Palatinate before the Conquest, and since continued in the same dignity. It is much senior to Lancashire in that honour, which relateth to Cheshire as the copy to the original, being Palatinated but by King Edward the third, referring the Duke of Lancaster to have his regal juridiction. Adeò integrè & liberè sicut Comes Cestriae, &c. And whereas Records are written in the Common-law, Contrà Coronam & dignitatem Regis, in this County they run thus, Contra dignitatem gladii Cestriae.

It aboundeth with all things necessary to mans life, and it is observable that all the rivers, and rivolets therein, rise in, or run through, some meer or pool, as Cumber-meer, Bag-meer, Pick-meer, Ridley-pool, Petty-pool, &c. so that Cheshire hath more lakes in this kind, then all the neighbouring Counties, affording plenty of Carps, Tenches, Trouts, Eeles, &c. therein.

The Gentry of this County are remarkable upon a four-fold account. 1. For their Numerousness, not to be parallel'd in England in the like extent of ground. 2. Their Antiquity, many of their Ancestors being fixed here before the Norman-conquest. 3. Their Loyalty, especially against a Northern enemy, heartily hateing a **Vate Royall of Eng. pag. 19.Scot, understand it before the union of the two Kingdomes. 4. Hospitality, no County keeping better houses, which because all growes on their own, may be the better afforded.

One said pleasantly that it appeared to all people that the Cheshire Gentry were good house-keepers, because they gave so many wheat-sheaves (bread being the staffe of hospitality, wheaten the best of bread) in their Coats of Armes. Indeed I have told no fewer then six and twenty, called Garbs in Herauldry, which are born in the several Coat-Armours of the Gentry of this County. The Original whereof is sufficiently known to be out of conformity to Hugh … the fifth Earl-Palatine of Chester, who gave Azure six Garbs, Or. And many of the Gentry of the County being his dependents, had assigned them, or did assume in their sheilds something in allusion thereunto.

Naturall Commodities.

Salt.

This is most Essentiall to mans Lively-hood, without which neither Sacrifice was acceptable to God, nor Meat is savory to Man. It is placed on the Board with bread, to shew that they are equally necessary to mans sustenance.

A General in our late wars soundly chid a Captain for his so soon surrendring of a Castle, seeing he had store of Powder therein. I had (returned the Captain) plenty of BLACK, but no WHITE Powder at all.

And here it is Remarkable to Observe the defects which sundry places have herein.

1. Some Countries have Salt without Flesh within many miles, as in the Southpart of Africa.

2. Some have plenty of Flesh, but no Salt to make use thereof, as in many parts of Tartary.

3. Some have Flesh and Salt, but the Flesh utterly uncapable of seasoning, as about Nombre de Dios, and other places near the Meridian in America.

4. Some have Flesh, Salt, and Flesh capable thereof, but so unconscionably dear, that Common people have little comfort therein, as in France▪ no Country p. 172having Salt most plentifull, and (for reason of State) most excessive in the▪ rate thereof.

These things considered, we who have Flesh, Salt, Salt at reasonable prises, and Flesh capable thereof, have cause to professe,

O Fortunati nimium bona si sua norint

Angligenae▪

The manner of making of Salt in this County, is so largely and exactly described by Mr. Camden, that nothing can be added thereunto.

Cheese.

Poor men do eat it for hunger, Rich for digestion. It seems that the Ancient **Camdens Brit. in Ch…shire.British had no skill in the making thereof, till taught by the Romans, and now the Romans may even learn of us more exactness therein. This County doth afford the best for quantity and quality, and yet their **William Smith in his Vale Royal pag. 18.Cows are not (as in other Shires) housed in the Winter, so that it may seem strange that the hardiest Kine should yield the tenderest cheese. Some Esayed in vain to make the like in other places, though hence they fetch'd both their kine and Dary-maids. It seems they should have fetch'd their ground too, (wherin surely some Occult excellency in this kind) or else so good Cheese will not be made. I hear not the like commendation of the Butter in this County, and perchance these two Commodities, are like Stars of a different Horizon, so that the Elevation of the one to Eminency is the Depression of the other.

Mill stones.

Stones they are Naturall, as Fitted for that Purpose, Artificial. Very great and good, are digged up at Mowcop-hill in this County, though one Moity thereof be in Staffordshire, out of which the River Trent doth arise. How necessary these are for mans sustenance, is proved by the painful experience of such aged persons, who wanting their Molare Teeth must make use of their Gums for Grinders, and such bad shifts should men be put to, if wanting Mills where stones turn Corn into bread. Manufactures considerable, I meet with none in this County, and therefore proceed.

The Buildings.

Beestone-castle, Situated on a steep-hill, carried away the Credit of this County for Building; it was erected by Ray…ulf the third Earl of Chester, when he returned victorious from the holy land. I am much taken with the neatness of the structure, though, I confess, my eye never did, and now never shall behold it.

When some justly quarrell at Virgill his fiction, making Dido fall in love with Eneas, who indeed was dead many years before her Cradle was made. Others have sought ingeniously to salve the Anticronisme in History, by the Plea that she fell in love with his picture which she saw in Tapestry. Yet I may truly aleadge for my self that I was affected with the delight of this Castle, though by me never seen, and now levelled to the ground, (since the late Wars) Beholding the delineation thereof, cut by the charge of John Savage Esquire.

Veraque cum desunt Maenia picta juvant

When Real Walls are vanish'd quite,

Painted ones doe us delight.

I confess learn'd Leland is very confident that this Castle shall see better times, deriving his intellegence from ancient predictions.

Tempus erit quando rursus caput ex…ret altum,

Vatibus antiquis si vas mihi credere vati.

Beestone in time its head a loft shall heave,

If I a Prohet, Prophets may believe.

But I give credit to Lelands History, when he tells what is past, more then to his prophecy when he foretells what is to come.

p. 173The Wonders.

It is reported by credible and believed by discreet Persons, that there is a Pool adjoyning to Brereton, the seat of the honorable family of the Breretons, wherein bodies of Trees are seen to swim for certain days together, before the death of any Heir of that House. If so, let not all men look for so solemn summons to pay their Debts to Nature. God grant us that Gray-haires, Dimness of Sight, Dulness of other Senses, Decay in general of Strength, Death of our Dearest Relations, (especially when far younger then our selves) before our eyes, &c. may serve us (instead of Swimming Logs) and be sanctified unto us, for sufficient and effectual Monitors of our Mortality.

We must not forget the many Fir-Trees found here buried under ground, whereof largely hereaft…r in **In the wonders of Angle sea.a more proper place. The People of this County cut such pieces of Wood very small, and use them instead of Candles, which give a good light. My **…. Smith in his Vale-royal of England pag. 17.Author adds, that such Wooden-candles have long Snuffes, and yet saith he (which to me amounts to a Wonder,) In falling do no harm, though they light into Tow, Flax, or the like. Strange that the least fire should be so Dead as not to be Revived with such Cordials: Let not this encourage Careless Servants to tempt Providence with such Combustible Conjunctions. No County being more sadly sensible of Casualties by fire. Nantwich, a fair Market therein, being **Once Anno 14. and again Anno 1583.twice burnt down to the ground, within the compass of one hundred and fifty years.

Proverbs.

Cheshire Chief of Men.]

Say not that this Proverb carries a challenge in it, and our **See our Pro verbs in Kent.… of Kent will undertake these Chief of Men, for ingrossing Manhood to themselves. And some will opposeto this narrow County-Proverb, an English one of greater latitude, viz. No man so good, but another may be as good as he. For, rather then any difference sh…ll arise, by wise and peaceable men, many Chief's will be allowed.

Indeed the Cestrians have always demeaned themselves right valiantly in their undertakings. This was well known to K. Richard the second, who in dangerous times sent for **Holinshead Chron. pag. 489.two thousand Cheshire men, all Archers, to attend him. Which number, in time of a suspicious Parliament was **Stows Survey of London pag. 522.doubled by him, all having Bouch of Court, (bread and beer) and six pence a day, large wages in that age.

Pity it was that the valour of these Cheshire men, was once wasted against themselves, in a terrible battle betwixt King Henry the fourth, and Henry Percy surnamed Hotspurr, not ill described by our Author,

There **Draytons Po▪ lyalbion, Song ….Dutton, Dutton kills▪ a Done doth kill a Done;

A Booth, a Booth; and Leigh by Leigh is overthrown;

A Venables, against a Venables doth stand;

And Troutbeck fighteth with a Troutbeck hand to hand;

There Molineux doth make a Molineux to die;

And Egerton, the strength of Egerton doth try;

O Cheshire wert thou mad, of thine own native gore,

So much untill this day thou never shedst befor…!

Nor doth this abate our former commendation of their loyalty, the cause they maintained, being so intricate and perplexed; one side fighting for Mortimer, who should be King by right; the other for Henry the four…h, who actually was so; and politick men, who know the one were loyall, will be loth to say, that the other were Traitors.

Let no Ill-natured wit, urge in opposition to the Manhood of Cheshire men, their late miscarriage under a Worthy Knight, whom I forbear to name, partly, because he nameeth himself, (though I say nothing of him,) partly, because before my pains pass the Press, he will probably be honorably Additioned. For had other Counties seasonably contributed their promised Assistance, what now proved an abortive birth would p. 174have been a Vital Infant. Besides, better things were provided for our Gracious Soveraign, that he the Copy, as God the Original might not come in the tempestuous Wind of War, Fire of …, or Earthquake of open Enmity, but in the still **… Kings 19. 12.voice of a Peaceable Composition. And to shew that this should not be Mans work, God suffered both the Men of Kent, and Cheshire Chi…f of Men to fail in their Loyal Endeavours, that it might onelyonly be GODS WORK, and justly marvailous in our Eyes.

Better Wed over the Mixon then over the Moor.

Over the …, that is hard by or at home, Mixon being that heap of Compost which lyeth in the yards of good husbands.

Then over the Moor, that is fun off or from London. The road from Chester leading to London, over some part of the Moor-lands in Staffondshire. The meaning is, the Gen…ry in Cheshire find it more profitable to match within their County, then to bring a Bride out of other ….

1. Because better acquainted with her birth and breeding.

2. Because (though her Portion perchance may be less) the expence will be less to maintain her.

Such … in … County have been observed, both a prolonger of worshipfull families, and the … of … … … them, seeing what **In his Brit. in Ireland.Mr. Camden reported of the Citizens of …, is verified of the Cheshire Gentry, they are all or an Alliance.

Cardinals.

WILLIAM MAKILESFIELD was saith my Author **Pitz de …- script pag. 388.… …. Bishop ††In his … of Cardinals.Godwin … little …, … […] in Civitate …. However I conceive him born in this … finding a … Market-town and Forrest therein so named, though he was reputed a …, because … in that Age was in the … of Coventry and Lichfield. But, … … … not swim against the stream, I Remit the Reader to his Character in Warwickshire.

….

WILLIAM BOOTH was first bred in … Inn in London, in the studie of our Municipall Laws, till he … that profession on the proffer of a … Place in Saint Pauls, and took Orders upon him. It was not long before he was … Bishop of Letchfield, and six years after translated to …. He expended much money … … … … his … … …, and … … … died and was buried in Saint Maries Chappell in Southwell 1464.

LAURENCE BOOTH Brother (but by another Mother) to William aforesaid, was bred and became Master of …-hall in …; and was Chancellour of that University. He made the Composition … the … and … colledge to their mutuall advantage, and was an eminent … to his own Colledge, bestowing thereon all the … (… …) … … … … … Church, amongst which was St. … … … … the Colledge of a Pension of five pounds which he redeemed, and and Conferred there on the … and Patronage of Overton-Waterfield in Huntingtanshire.

As it is Gods, so it is all! … … method, in … … Servants▪ Be faithfull in a little, and thou shalt rule over much. Doctor Booth well performing his Chancellors Place, in Cambridge, was … … … to … … … to … the fixth. Well … … …, he was … … … ▪ of King … the fourth made Lord High Chancellor, (… seems his … … … … … … …, but … ) … … … … … … … … ▪ Bishop of York, and deserving well of both Sees. For he built in the first the … of … colledge, and … … … … … … … … ….

It must not be forgotten than this … … … … of … … ▪ till the day of his death, and … … his … … … … …, … …, and Bishop …, not that they were … (… … … … … … … … …,) of the place, but the place … … … ▪ … … … … p. 175with them, as it is this day by the Right Reverend Father in God Benjamin Lany Lord Bishop of Peturborough. This Arch-bishop died Anno Dom. 1480.

JOHN BOOTH Brother to Laurence, aforesaid, Bachellor of Laws, was consecrated Bishop of Exceter in the sixth of King Edward the fourth, 1466. He built the Bishops Chair or Seat in his Cathedral, which in the judicious Eye of Bishop **In his Cata- of Bishops of Exeter.Godwin hath not his Equall in England. Let me adde, that though this be the fairest Chair, the soft Cushion thereof was taken away, when Bishop Vescy alienated the Lands thereof. The worst was, when Bishop Booth had finished this Chair, he could not quietly sit down therein, so troublesome the times of the civil wars betwixt York and Lancaster. So that preferring his privacy, he retired to a little place of his own purchasing at Horsley in Hampshire, where he dyed April the first 1478. and was buried in Saint Clements Danes, London.

We must remember that these three Prelates had a fourth and eldest Brother Sir Roger Booth Knight, of Barton in Lancashire, Father of Margaret, Wife of Ralph Nevill third Earl of Westmerland. And may the Reader take notice, that though we have entred these Bishops (according to our best information) in Cheshire, yet is it done with due reservation of the right of Lancashire, in case that County shall produce better Evidence for their Nativities.

THOMNS SAVAGE was born at **Bishop God… in the Arch bishop … York.Maklefield in this County, his Father being a Knight, bred him a Doctor of Law in the University of Cambridge. Hence was he preferred Bishop of Rochester, and at last Arch-bishop of York. He was a greater Courtier then Clerke, and most Dextrous in managing Secular Matters, a mighty Nimrod, and more given to Hunting, then did ††… … … ….consist with the Gravity of his Profession.

No doubt there wanted not those, which taxed him, with that Passage in **Idem ….Saint Jerome, Penitus non invenimus in scripturis sanctis, sanctum aliquem Venatorem, Piscatores invenimus sanctos. But all would not wean him from that sport, to which he was† In his comment on the 90. …. so much addicted.

His provident Precedent spared his Successors in that See many pounds of needless expences, by declining a costly instaulation, being the first who privately was instauled by his Vicar. Yet was he not Covetous in the least degree, maintaining a most numerous Family, and building much, both at Scroby and Cawood. Having sate seven years in his See, he died, 1508. his Body being buried at York, his Heart at Maklefield, where he was born, in a Chapel of his own Erection, intending to have added a Colledge thereunto, had not death prevented him.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM CHADERTON D. D. Here I solemnly tender deserved thanks to my Manuscript **R. Parker in Scel. Cant, in the Masters of Queens-colledge.Author, charitably guiding me in the Dark, assuring, that this Doctor was ex praeclaro Chadertonorum Cestrensis comitatus stemmate prognatus. And although this doubtfull Direction doth not cleave the Pin, it doth hit the White, so that his Nativity may with most Probability (not prejudicing the right to Lancashire when produced) here be fixed. He was bred first Fellow, then Master of Queens, and never of Magdalencolledge in Cambridge, (as Reverend Bishop **In his Cata. of the Bishops of Lincola Printed 1616.Godwin mistaketh) and chosen first the Lady Margarets then Kings Professor in Divinity, and Doctor Whitacre succeeded him immediately in the Chair. He was Anno 1579. made Bishop of Chester, then of Lincoln. 1594. demeaning himself in both to his great commendation. He departed this life in April 1608.

His Grand-child a virtuous Gentlewoman of rare accomplishments, married to Mr. Joceline Esquire, being big with child, wrot a Book of advise, (since Printed and Intitled) the Mothers Legacie to her unborn Infant, of whom she died in travail.

WILLIAM JAMES D. D. was born in this **In … Cestriensi natus Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Durham.County, bred a Scholar in Christschurch in Oxford, and afterwards President of the University Colledge. He succeeded Bishop Mathews in the Deanary and Bishoprick of Durham.

He had been Chaplain to Robert Dudly Earl of Lecester, and (I hope) I may lawfully transcribe what I read,

p. 176Sir J. Harrington view of the Church of England, pag. 204. This hope of Comfort came to his Lord-ship thereby, that if it pleased God to impart any mercy to him, (as his mercy endureth for ever,) it was by the especial Ministry of this Man, who was the last of his Coat, that was with him in his sickness.

He was a principal means of recovering Durham house unto his See. This house was granted by King Edward the sixth, to the Lady (afterwards Queen) Elizabeth, (only for term of life,) and lay long neglected during her Raign, till Bishop James about the sixth of King James regained it, and repaired the Chappel, (which he found not only Profaned, but even defaced) to his great cost, and furnished it very decently.

He once made so **Sir J. Harrington pag. 206.compleat an Entertainment for Queen Elizabeth, that Her Majesty commended the order and manner thereof for many years after. This maketh me the more to admire at what I have heard reported, that when King James in his progress to Scotland Anno 1617. passed through the Bishoprick of Durham, some neglect was committed by this Bishops Officers, for which the King secretly and sharply check'd this Bishop, who layed it so to heart, that he survived the same Reproof not a full twelvemonth.

JOHN RICHARDSON was (as he told me) born in this County, of a Family of good worship and great antiquity therein. After his hopeful education in Country Schools, he was bred in the University of Dublin, where he was Graduated Doctor in Divinity, and afterwards was made Bishop of Ardagh in Ireland. In the late Rebellion he came over into England, continuing for many years therein. Episcopal Gravity was written in his Countenance, and he was a good Divine according to the Rule, Bonus Textuarius, bonus Theologus, no man being more exact in Knowledge of Scripture, carrying a Concordance in his Memory. Great was his paines in the Larger Annotations, especially on Ezechiel. For let not the Cloaks carry away the credit from the Gowns and Rochet in that Work, seeing this Bishop might say, Pars Ego magna fui, and Doctor Featly, with others of the Episcopal Party, bare a great share therein. Our Saviour we know, lived on the Charity **Luk. 8. 3.Luke 8:3of such good People, as ministred unto him; and yet it may be collected that it was his constant custome, (especially about the feast of the **Joh. 13. 29.John 13:29Passover) to give some Almes to the poor. So our Bishop who was relieved by some, had his Bounty to bestow on others, and by his Will (as I am Informed) he bequeathed no inconsiderable Legacy to the Colledge in Dublin. He died Anno 1653. in the 74. year of his Age.

States men.

Sir THOMAS EGERTON Knight, was extracted from the Ancient Family of the Egertons of Ridley in this County, bred in the Study of the Municipal Laws of our Land, wherein he attained to such eminency, that Queen Elizabeth made him her Solicitor, then Master of the Rolls, and at last Keeper of the Great Seal, May 6. in the 38. year of her Raign, 1596.

Olaus Magnus reporteth that the Emperour of Muscovia, at the Audience of Embassadours, sendeth for the Gravest and Seemliest men in Musco and the Vicinage, whom he apparelleth in Rich Vests, and placing them in his presence, pretendeth to Forraigners, that these are of his Privy-council, who cannot but be much affected with so many Reverend aspects. But surely all Christendome afforded not a Person which carried more Gravity in his Countenance and Behaviour, then Sir Thomas Egerton, in so much that many have gone to the Chancery on purpose only to see his Venerable Garb, (happy they who had no other business) and were highly pleased at so acceptable a Spectacle.

Yet was his Outward Case nothing in comparison of his Inward Abilities, Quick Wit, Solid Judgment, Ready Utterance. I confess Master **In his Elizabe…h Anno 1596.Camden saith he entred his Office▪ Magna expectatione & Integritatis opinione, With a great expectation and opinion of Integrity. But no doubt had he revised his Work in a second Edition, he would have afforded p. 177him a full-faced commendation, when this Lord had turned his expectation into performance.

In the first of King James, of Lord Keeper he was made Lord …hauncellour, which is only another Name for the same Office, and on Thursday the seventh of Novemb. 1616. of Lord Elismer he was created Viscount Brackley.

It is given to Courts whose Jurisdictions do border, to fall out about their bounds, and the Contest betwixt them, is the hotter, the higher the Spirits and Parts of the Respective Judges. Great the Contention for many years together betwixt this Lord of Equity, and Sir Edward Cook the Oracle of Justice at Westminster-hall, I know not which of them got the better, sure I am such another Victory would (if this did not) have undone the Conqueror.

He was attended on with Servants of most able parts, and was the sole Chancellor since the Reformation, who had a **Bishop Williams.Chaplain which (though not immediatly) succeeded him in his place. He gave over his Office which he held full twenty years, some few days before his death, and by his own appointment his body was brought down and buried at Duddleston in this County, leaving a fair Estate to his Son, who was afterwards Created Earl of Bridgwater.

When he saw King James so profuse to the Scots, with the grave Fidelity of a States-man, he sticked not often to tell him, that as he held it necessary for his Majesty amply to remunerate those his Country-men, so he desired him carefully to preserve his Crown-lands for his own support, seeing he or his Successour…, might meet with Parliaments, which would not supply his Occasions, but on such Conditions as would not be very acceptable unto him.

It was an ordinary **Alled…'d by Sir F…a. B…con in his Censure on the Earl of Som rset.Speech in his Mouth to say, Frost and Fraud both end in Foul. His death happened Anno Dom. 1616.

Capit…l Judges.

Sir HUMPHRY STARKEY was born with most Probability in this County, whereAMP. his Name is in good, hath been in a better Esteem and Estate. He in the Study of our Laws so profited, that (after some intermediate Dignities) he was preferred Chief Baron of the Exchequer. I cannot with certainty fix his admission into that Office (Confused **Sir Hen. Sp. G…oss. verbo justiciarius, seems to assign him, 1 Edw. 5. 1 Rich. 3. 1 Hen. 7.Times causing Confused Dates) but with as much certainty as we can collect, we conclude him preferred to that place 1. Henrici 7.

We need enquire no farther into his ability, finding him by so wise and frugal a King, imployed in a place belonging to his Coffers, who though he was sometimes pleased to be remiss in matters which concerned his Subjects, was ever carefull in things wherein his own Emolument was interested. Wonder not that we have so little left of this Judge his Actions, because Empson and Dudly (Loaders grinding more then the Chief Miller) were such Instruments, whose over-activity made all others seem Slugs in that Court. It doth sound not a little to the praise of our Starkey, that whereas that Age was justly complaining of the Extortions of the Kings Officers, nothing of that nature (no hearing, best hearing in this kind) is laid to his charge. He was buried in Leonard Shorditch, where this remains of his Epitaph.

Orate pro Animabus Humphredi Starkey, Militis, nuper Capitalis Baronis de Scaccario Domini Regis Henrici septimi, & Isabellae Uxoris ejus, & omnium amicorum suo…um, &c.

The date of his death, defaced on his Tombe, appeareth **In Sir Henry Spelm. ut prius.elsewhere to be at the end of K. Henry the seventh, so that his on the Bench was parallel with his Soveraigns sitting on the Throne, begun in the first, and ended in the last of his raign.

Sir HENRY BRADSHAW Knight. This Surname being diffused in Darbyshire and Lancashire, aswell as in this County, his Nativity advantaged by the Alphabet, (first come first served) is fixed herein. He became so noted for his skill in our Common Law, that in the sixth of K. Edward the sixth in Hillary terme, he was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer, demeaning himself therein to his great commendation.

p. 178Pity it is that Demetrius who is well reported of all* men, should suffer for his nameJohn 12.John 12 sake Demetrius the Silver Smith, who made the Shrines for**Acts 19. 24Acts 19:24 Diana, and raised persecution against Saint Paul. And as unjust it is, that this good Judge of whom nothing ill is reported, should fare the worse for one of the same Surname of Execrable Memory, of whom nothing good is remembred. I have cause to conceive, that this Judge was outed of his place for Protestant inclination 1. Mariae finding no more mention of him.

Sir RANDAL CREW was born in this County, bred in the study of our Municipal Law, wherein such his proficiency, that (after some steps in his way thereunto) in the 22. of K. James he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Upper Bench, and therein served two Kings, (though scarce two years in his Office) with great integrity.

King Charles his occasions calling for speedy supplies of Money, some Great-Ones adjudged it unsafe to adventure on a Parliament, (for fear in those distempered Times, the Physick would side with the Disease,) and put the King to furnish his necessities by way of Loan. Sir Randal being demanded his Judgement of that Design, and the Consequence thereof, (the imprisoning of R…usants to pay it) openly manifested his dislike of such Preter-legal Courses, and thereupon, November 9. 1626. was commanded to forbear his sitting in the Court, and the next day was by Writ discharged from his Office, whereat he discovered no more Discontentment, then the weary Travailer is offended, when told that he is arrived at his journies end.

The Country hath constantly a Smile for him for whom the Court hath a Frown, this Knight was out of Office, not out of Honour, living long after at his house in Westminster, much praised for his Hospitality.

Indeed he may the better put off his Gown, (though before he goeth to bed) who hath a warm Suit under it, and this learned Judge, by Gods blessing on his endeavours, had purchased a fair Estate, and particularly Crew-hall in Cheshire, (for some ages formerly the possession of the Falshursts) but which probably was the Inheritance of his▪ Ancestors. Nor must it be forgotten, that Sir Randal first brought the Model of excellent Building into these remorter parts, yea, brought London into Cheshire, in the Loftiness, Sightliness and Pleasantness of their Stuctures.

One word of his Lady, a virtuous wife being very essential to the integrity of a Married Judge, lest what Westminster-hall doth conclude, Westminster Bed-chamber doth revoke. He married Julian Daughter and Co-heir of John Clipsby of Clipsby in Northfolk, Esq. with whom he had a fair Inheritance. She died at Que in Surry, 1623. and lieth buried in the Chancell of Richmond with this Epitaph.

Antiquâ fuit orta Domo, pia vixit, inivit

Virgo pudica thorum, sponsa pudica polum.

I saw this worthy Judge in health 1642. but he survived not long after, and be it remembred he had a Younger Brother Sir Thomas Crew, a most honest and learned Ser…eant in the same Profession. Whose Son John Crew Esquire, (of his Majesties PrivyCouncel,) having been so instrumental to the happy change in our Nation, is in Generall report, (which no doubt will be effected before these my paines be publick) designed for some Title of Honour.

Sir HUMFREY DAVENPORT. His Surname is sufficient to intitle this County unto him, but I will not be peremtory till better information. He was bred in the Temple, had the reputation of a Studied Lawyer, and upright person, qualities which commended him to be chosen Chief Baron of the Exchequer. How he behaved himself in the case of the Ship-money, is fresh in many mens memories. The Reader cannot be more angry with me, then I am grieved in my self, that, for want of intelligence, I cannot doe the right which I would and ought, to this worthy Judges Memory, who died about the beginning of our Civil distempers.

Souldiers.

Sir HUGH CALVELY born at Calvely in this County. **… Brit. in Cheshire.Tradition makes him a man of Teeth and Hands, who would Feed as much as two, and Fight as much as ten p. 179men, his quick and strong Appetite, could disgest any thing but an Injury, so that killing a man, is reported the cause of his quitting this County, making hence for London, then for France. Here he became a most eminent Souldier, answering the Character our great **Camden ibidem.Antiquary hath given him,

Arte militari ita in Galliâ inc…ruit, ut vivide ejus virtuti nihil fuit impervium.

I find five of his principall A…hievements.

1. When he was one of the thirty English in France, who in a duel encountred as many Britans.

2. When in the last of King Edward the third, being Governour of Calice he looked on, (his hands being tyed behind him by a Truce, yet in force for a Month,) and saw the English slain before his eyes, whose bloud he soon after revenged.

3. When in the first of King Richard the second, after an unfortunate voyage of our English Nobility, beaten home with a Tempest, he took Bark bulloigne and five and twenty other French-ships, besides the Castle of Mark, lately lost by negligence, which he recovered.

4. When in the next year he spoiled Estaples, at a Fair-time, bringing thence so much Plunder as enriched the Calicians for many years after.

5. When he married the Queen of Aragon, which is most certain, her Armes being quartered on his Tomb, though I cannot satisfy the Reader in the Particularities thereof.

The certain date of his death is unknown, which by proportion may be collected about the year 1388. After which time, no mention of him, and it was as impossible for such a spirit not to be, as not to be active.

Sir ROBERT KNOWLES Knight, was born of mean parentage in this **Weavers Fun Mon. pag. 436County, yet did not the weight of his low extraction depress the wings of his Martial mind, who by his valour wrought his own advancement. He was Another of the thirty English, who for the honour of the Nation, undertook to duel with as many **Sir Wal. R… leigh Hist. of the World lib 5. pag. 545.Britons, and came off with great reputation.

He was afterwards a Commander in the French-war under King Edward the third, where in despight of their power he drove the people … him like sheep, destroying Towns, Castles and Cities, in such manner and number, that many years after, the sharp points, and Gable end of overthrown houses, (cloven asunder with instruments of war) were commonly call'd KNOWLES **Lamberts …er amb. of Kent.HIS MITRES.

The last piece of his servrce, was performed in suppressing Wat Tiler and his Rebells. Then I behold aged Sir Robert, buckling on his armonr, as old Priam at the taking of Troy, but with far better success, as proving very victorious; and the Citizens of London infranchized him a member … of, in expression of their thankfulness.

His Charity was as great as his Valour, and he rendred himself no less loved by the English, then feared of the French. He gave bountifully to the building of Rochesterbridge▪ founding a Chappel and Chantery at …he East end thereof, with a Colledge at … in Yorkshire, where Constance his Lady was born, endowing it with one hundred and eighty pounds per annum.

He died at his … of Scon…-Thorp in Norfolk, in peace and honour, whereas … generally set in a cloud; being at least ninety years of age, for he must be … no … then … years old, when Anno …52. he was a Generall under K. Ed… … third, and he … untill the …. of August 1407. being buried in WhiteFriers in London, to which he had been a great benefactour.

JOHN SMITH Captain, was … in … County, as Master Arthur Smith his Kins man, and my School-master did inform me. But whether or no, related unto the Worshipfull Family of the Smiths at **… … in this County.…. I know not.

He spent the most of his life in … …. First in Hungary under the Empe…, fighting against the Turks, Three of which, he himself killed in single Duells, and therefore, was Authorized by **So is it writ in the Table over … tomb.… King of Hungary to bear three Turks-heads, as an Augmentation to his Armes. Here … gave intelligence to a besieged City in the night, by significant …-works formed in …, in legible Characters, with many p. 180strange performances, the Scene whereof is laid at such a distance, they are cheaper credited, then confuted.

From the Turks in Europe, he passed to the Pagans in America, where towards the latter end of the Raign of Queen Elizabeth, such his Perills, Preservations, Dangers, Deliverances, they seem to most men above belief, to some beyond Truth. Yet have we two witnesses to attest them, the Prose and the Pictures both in his own book, and it soundeth much to the diminution of his deeds, that he alone is the Herauld to publish and proclaime them.

Two Captains being at dinner, one of them fell into a large relation of his own atchivements, concluding his discourse with this question to his fellow, And pray Sir (said he) what service have you done? To whom he answered, Other men can tell that. And surely such reports from strangers carry with them the greater reputation. However, moderate men must allow Captain Smith to have been very instrumentall, in setling the plantation in Virginia, whereof he was Governour, as also Admiral of New-England.

He led his old age in London, where his having a Princes mind imprison'd in a poor mans purse, rendred him to the contempt of such who were not ingenuous. Yet he efforted his spirits with the remembrance and relation of what formerly he had been, and what he had done. He was buried in Sepulchres-Church-Quire, on the Southside thereof, having a ranting Epitaph inscribed in a table over him, too long to transcribe. OnelyOnly we will insert the first, and last verses, the rather because the one may fit Alexanders life for his valour, the other his death for his religion;

Here lies one conquer'd that hath conquer'd Kings.

Oh may his soul in sweet Elysium sleep.

The Orthography, Poetry, History and Divinity in this Epitaph are much alike. He on the 21. of June, 1631.

Physicians.

If this county hath bred no Writers in that faculty, the wonder is the less, if it be true what I read, that if any here be sick, They **William Smith Vale-royal pag. 16.make him a posset, and tye a kerchieff on his head; and if that will not mend him, then God be mercifull to him. But, be this understood of the common people, the Gentry having the help (no doubt) of the learned in that profession.

Writers.

THOMAS ECLESTONE (A Village in Broxtone Hundred) was born in this County, bred a Franciscan in Oxford. Leland saith of him, that under the conduct of prudence and experience, he contended with many paces to pierce into the Penetrales of Learning. He wrote a book of the succession of Franciscans in England, with their works and wonders, from their first coming in, to his own time, dedicating the same to (not G. Notingham the Provinciall of his Order) but to his friend and Fellow-Frier, his mortified mind (it seems) not aiming at honour therein. He wrote another Book intituled, De impugnatione **Pitz▪ de scrip…. Brit. Anno 1340.Ordinis su… per Dominicanos, Of the assaults which the Dominicans made on his Order. These two sorts of Friers whipping each other with their Cords or Knotted Girdles to the mutual wounding of their reputations. He died Anno Domini 1340.

Since the Reformation.

RALPH RADCLIFFE was born in this **Bale Script. Brit. Cent. 8. Num. 98.County, who travelling Southward, fixed himself at Hitching in Hertfordshire, where he converted a demolished house of the Carmelites, into a Publique Grammar-school. He here erected a fair stage, whereon, partly to entertain his Neighhours, and partly to embolden his Scholars in pronuntiation, many interludes were acted by them. **Ang. Script. Num. 992.Pitz. praiseth him, being a School-master, that he confined himself to his own profession, not medling with Divinity, and yet amongst p. 181his books he reckoneth up a Treatise of the Burning of Sodome, and another of the Afflictions of Job.

Nor must we forget his book entitled de triplice Memoriâ, of the Threefold Memory, which (though I never met with any that saw it) may probably be presumed,

He flourished under the raign of King Edward the sixth, Anno Domini 1552. and it is likely he died before the raign of Queen Mary.

JOHN SPEED was born at Farrington in this County as his own **Mrs. Blackmore a Stationers wife in Pauls-Churchyard.Daughter hath informed me; he was first bred to a handicraft, and as I take it to a Taylor. I write not this for his but my own disgrace, when I consider how far his Industry hath outstript my Ingenious Education. Sir Fulk Grevill, a great favourer of Learning, perceiving how his wide soul was stuffed with too narrow an occupation, first wrought his inlargement as the said Author doth ingeniously confess,

Whose **In his description of Warwick-shire.merits to me-ward I do acknowledge in setting this hand free from the daily imployments of a manuall Trade, and giving it his liberty thus to express the inclination of my mind, himself being the procurer of my present Estate.

This is he who afterwards designed the Maps and composed the History of England, though much help'd in both (no shame to crave aid in a work too weighty for any ones back to bear,) by Sir Robert Cotton, Master Camden, Master Barkham and others. He also made the usefull Genealogies preposed formerly to English Bibles in all Volumes, having a Patent granted him from King James, in reward of his great Labours, to receive the benefit thereof to him and his. This was very beneficiall unto them by Composition with the Company of Stationers, untill this Licentious age neglecting all such Ingenious helps to understand Scripture, and almost levelling (if not prevented) the propriety of all Authors of Books. He dyed in London Anno 1629. and was buried in Saint Giles without Criplegate, in the same Parish with Master John Fox, so that no one Church in England, containeth the Corps of two such usefull and voluminous Historians. Master Josias Shute Preach'd his Funerall Sermon: and thus we take our leaves of Father Speed, truly answering his name in both the acceptions thereof for Celerity and Success.

JOHN DOD was born at Shottliedge in this County, (where his Parents had a competent Estate) bred in Jesus-colledge in Cambridge, by Nature a Witty, by Industry a Learned, by Grace a Godly Divine, successively Minister of Hanwell in Oxford, FennyCompton in Warwick, Cannons-Ashby and Fausly in Northampton-shire, though for a time silenced in each of them.

A Father (who shall pass nameless) is censured by some for his over-curiosity in his conceit, rather then Comment, Math. 5. 2. And he opened his mouth and taught them. For Christ (saith he) taught them often, when he opened not his mouth, by his Example, Miracles, &c. Here I am sure, accordingly Master Dod, when his mouth was shut, (prohibited preaching) instructed almost as much as before, by his holy demeanour, and pious discourse. A good Chimist, who could extract Gold out of other mens lead, and how loose soever the premises of other mens discourse, piety was always his naturall and unforced conclusion inferred thereupon.

For the rest I refer the Reader to Master Samuel Clark, by whom his life is written, wherein are many remarkable passages. I say Master Samuel Clark, with whose pen mine never did, nor shall interfere. Indeed as the flocks of Jacob were distanced three **Gen. 30. 36.Gen 30:36days journeys from those of Laban, so (to prevent voluntary or casuall commixtures) our styles are set more then a Months journey asunder.

The Jewish Rabbins (have a fond and a false conceit, that Methuselah, who indeed dyed in the very **See Arch-bishop ushers Cron.year (and his death a sad prognostick) of the deluge, had a Cabin built him in the outside of Noahs Ark, where he was preserved by himself. But most true it is, that good Father Dod, though he lived to see the flood of our late Civil Wars, made to himself a Cabin in his own contented conscience, and though his cloths were wetted with the waves, (when plundred) he was dry in the deluge, such his self-solace in his holy meditations. He dyed being eighty six years of age, Anno 1645.

When thieves break in a house and steal, the owner thereof knows for the present that he is robbed, but not of what or how much, till some days after he finds out, by the want of such things which were taken from him. The Vicenage of Fausly, where Mr. Dod dyed, knew then they were bereaft of a worthy treasure, though ignorant in the perticulars of their losses, till daily discovery hath by this time made them sensible thereof.

Benefactors to the Publique.

Sir RICHARD SUTTON was born at**So my good friend Dr. Tates Principal of Brasen-Nose hath informed me. Presbury in this County, he is generally believed a Knight, though some have suspected the same, but suppose him but Esquire. He was one of a Plentifull Estate and Bountifull Hand.

It happened that William Smith Bishop of Lincoln began Brasen-Nose-Colledge, but dyed before he had finished one Nostrill thereof, leaving this Sutton his Executor, who over-performed the Bishops Will, and compleated the Foundation with his own liberall Additions thereunto. When the following Verses were composed, in the Person of Brasen-Nose-Colledge, the Muses seemed neither to smile nor frown, but kept their wonted countenance. But take them as they are.

Begun by one but finish'd by another,

Sutton he was my Nurse, but Smith my Mother:

Or if the Phrase more proper seem, say rather,

That Sutton was my Guardian, Smith my Father;

'Cause equal Kindness they to me exprest,

Better I neither love, love both the best.

If Both they may be call'd, who had one will,

What One design'd, the Other did fulfill.

May such Testators live who Good intend,

But if they dye, Heaven such Exec'tors send.

This Worthy Knight being born in this County, deservedly reflected upon his own Country-men, making them (and those of Lancashire) most capable of Preferment. I collect his death to have happened about the middle of the Raign of King Henry the eighth.

Since the Reformation.

ROBERT BRASSY was born at**Mr. Hatcher in his Manuscript Catalogue of the Fellows of Kings-colledge. Bunbury (contracted for Boniface-Bury) in this County, bred D. D. in Kings-colledge in Cambridge, whereof he was elected the 13. Provost. He being a Learned and Stout man, publickly protested against the Visitors of the**Fox, Acts & Mon. pag. 1958. University in the Raign of Queen Mary, as to his own Colledge. Say not he onelyonly opposed Superstition with Superstition, pleading Popish Exemptions: For considering the times, he Drave the nail which would best go, and thereby took off the edge of those Persecuting Commissioners.

But let none Envy him a place under this title, who deserved so well of Cambridge. For when many Doctors therein, whose Purblind souls saw onelyonly what was next them, for the present, and either could not, or would not look far forward to Posterity, had resolved to sell their Rights in Sturbridge-fair for a trifle to the Towns-men, (which if done, the Vice-Chancellor might even have held the Stirrup to the Mayor,) he only**Mr. Ha…cher ut prius. opposed it and dash'd the designs. He dyed Anno Domini 1558. and lyes buried on the South-side of the Chappell.

GEORGE PALIN was (as I have Cogent presumptions) born at Wrenbury in this County, bred a Merchant in London, free of the Company of Girdlers. Indeed we may call his Benefactions Aureum Cingulum charitatis, the Golden Girdle of Charity. With our Saviour he Went ABOUT **Acts 10. 38.Acts 10:38doing good, compleating the Circuit of his Bounty, continuing till he ended where he began.

p. 1831. To Wrenbury (where we believe him born) two Hundred pound to purchase Lands for the relief of the poor.

2. Nine Hundred pound for the building of Almes-houses in or about London.

3. To Trinity-colledge in Cambridge three hundred pound.

4. To the Colledge of Saint Johns the Evangelist in Cambridge, three Hundred pounds.

5. To the Hospitall of Saint Thomas in Southmark, fifty pounds.

6. To the Preachers at Pauls Cross, towards the bearing of their charges, two Hundred pounds.

7. Toward the making a sweet Chime in Bow-church, one Hundred pounds.

8. To six Prisons in and about London, sixty pounds.

9. To Brasen-Nose-colledge in Oxford, two Scholar-ships, to each yearly four pounds.

10. To the Colledge of Saint John Baptist in Oxford, two Scholar-ships of the same value.

11. To Christ-Church Hospital, three Hundred pounds.

12. To the Church and Poor (to buy them Gowns) of Wrenbury, seventy pounds.

With other Benefactions; Verily, I say unto you, I have not met a more universall and unpartial Charity to all Objects of want and worth. He died about the beginning of the raign of King James.

JOHN BREWERTON Knight, a Branch of that well-spred Tree in this County, was bred one of the first Scholars of the foundation in Sidney-colledge, and afterwards being brought up in the study of the Common-law, he went over into Ireland, and at last became the Kings Serjeant therein. I say at last, for at his coming thither (in the tumults of Tirone) neither Rex nor Lex, neither King nor Serjeant were acknowledged, till Loyalty and Civility were by degrees distilled into that Nation.

He obtained a plentifull Estate, and thereof gave well nigh three thousand pounds to Sidney-colledge. Now as it is reported of Ulysses returning from his long travail in Forraign Lands, that all his family had forgot him, so when the news of this Legacy first arrived at the Colledge, none then extant therein ever heard of his name, (so much may the spunge of forty years blot out in this kind) onelyonly the written Register of the Colledge faithfully retained his name therein.

This his gift was a gift indeed, purely bestowed on the Colledge, as loded with no detrimentall Conditions in the acceptance thereof. We read in the Prophet, **Isaith 9. 3.Thou hast increased the Nation, and not multiplied their Joy. In proportion whereunto we know it is possible, that the comfortable condition of a Colledge may not be increased, though the number of the Fellows and Scholars therein be augmented, superadded Branches sucking out the sap of the Root. Whereas the Legacy of this worthy Knight, ponebatur in lucro, being pure gain and improvement to the Colledge. His death happened about the year 1633.

JOHN BARNSTON D. D. was born of an ancient Family in this County, bred Fellow of Brasen-Nose-Colledge in Oxford, afterwards Chaplain to Chancellor Egerton, and Residentiary of Salisbury. A bountifull House-keeper, of a cheerfull spirit, and peaceable disposition, whereof take this eminent Instance. He sate Judge in the Consistory when a Church-warden, out of whose house a Chalice was stolen, was sued by the Parish to make it good to them, because not taken out of the Church-Chest, (where it ought to have been reposited) but out of his private house. The Church-warden pleaded that he took it home onelyonly to scoure it, which proving ineffectuall, he retained it till next morning to boil out the in-laid Rust thereof.

Well (said the Doctor) I am sorry that the Cup of Union and Communion should be the cause of difference and discord between you. Go home and live lovingly together, and I doubt not, but that either the Thief out of remorse will restore the same; or some other as good will be sent unto you, which by the Doctors secret Charity came to pass accordingly. He founded an Hebrew Lecture in Brasen-Nose-Colledge and departed in Peace in the beginning of our Wars about the year 1642.

p. 184Memorable Persons.

WILLIAM SMITH was born in this County, wherein his Surname hath been of signal note for many ages. His Genius inclined him to the study of Heraldry, wherein he so profitted, that Anno——he was made Persuivant of Arms. By the name of Rougdragon, he wrote a description Geographical and Historicall of this County, left (it seems) in the hands of Raynulph Crew Knight, sometimes L. Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, and lately set forth by the favour of Mr. Raynulph Crew Grand-child to that worthy Knight, the time of his death is to me unknown.

WILLIAM WEB a native of this County, was bred a Master in Arts▪ and a…terwards betook himself to be a Clark of the Mayors Court in Chester. It appeareth also he was Under▪ sheriffe to Sir Richard Lee High-sheriffe of this County, in the thirteenth year of King James. He compiled a description of Cheshire and Chester, lately Printed by procurement of that no less Communicative then Judicious Antiquary Sir Simon Archer of Tamworth, in Warwickshire. I cannot attain the certain date of his death.

RANDAL CREW Esquire, second Son to Sir Clipsby, Grand-child to Judge Crew. He drew a Map of Cheshire, so exactly with his pen, that a judicious eye would mistake it for Printing, and the Gravers skill and industry could little improve it. This Map I have seen, and Reader, when my eye directs my hand, I may write with confidence. This hopefull Gentleman went beyond the Seas, out of design to render himself by his Travells more useful for his Country, where he was Barbarously Assassinated by some French-men, and honourably buried with generall lamentation of the English at Paris 1656.

Lord Mayors.

I am certainly informed that this Thomas Moulson …ounded a fair School in the Town where he was born, but am not instructed where this is, or what Salary is setled thereon.

Reader, know this, that I must confess my self advantaged in the description of this County, by Daniel King a native of this County, whence it seems he travelled beyond the Seas, where he got the Mystery both of Survaying and Engraving. So that he hath both drawn and graven the portraicture of many ancient structures now decayed.

I hope in process of time this Daniel King will out-strip King Edgar, erecting more Abbeys in Br…ss, then he did in Stone, though he be said to have built one for every day in the Year. But Cheshire is chiefly beholding to his Pains, seeing he hath not only set forth two Descriptions thereof, (named the Vale Royal of England,) with the praise to the dead Persons the Authors thereof duly acknowledged, but also hath enlivened the same with severall Cuts of Heraldry and Topography, on whom we will bestow this Distick.

Kingus Cestrensi, Cestrensis Patria Kingo

Lucem Alternatim, debet uterque suam.

Cheshire to King and King to Cheshire owes,

His light, … doth … ▪ what each B…stows.

What is amiss in my Poetry, shall be amended in my Prayers for a Blessing on his and all ingenious-mens undertakings.

Cheshire is one of the 12. pretermitted Counties, the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower, in the 12. year of K. Henry the sixth.

p. 185Sheriffs.

HEN. II.

Anno 30

Gilbert. Pipehard

Anno 35

Rich. de Pierpoint

RICH. I.

Anno 1

RECORDA MANCA

JOHAN.

Anno 1

… Rich. de Burham Anni Incerti

HEN. III.

Anno 15

Rich. de Sonbach

Anno 23

Rich. de Wrenbury

Anno 52

Iordan. de Peulesdon

Anno 56

Hugh de Hatton.

EDW I.

Anno 4

Patrick de Heselwall

Anno 9

Will. de Spurstow

Anno 15

Rich. de Wilbraham

Anno 26

Will. de Prayers

Anno 33

Robert. de Bressey

EDW. II.

Anno 2

Philip. de Egerton

Anno 5

David. de Egerton

Anno 13

Will. de Mobberley

Anno 16

Rich. Filhurst

EEW. III.

Anno 1

Joh. de Wrenbury

Anno 10

Adam. de Parker

Anno 19

Rich. de Oulton

Anno 22

Jacob. Audley, Mil.

Anno 24

Tho. Daniers

Anno 33

Tho. le Young

Anno 41

Johan. Scolehall

Anno 44

Lauren. de Dutton, Mil.

Sheriffs.

Reader, if thou discoverest any difference in the Method betwixt this and the other Catalogue of Sheriffs, impute it to this cause, that whilst I fetched the Rest from the Fountain in the Exchequer, I took these out of the Cestern, I mean the Printed Book of Vale-royal. I presume, that the Sheriff who is last named, continued in that Office all that Intervale of years, till his Successor here nominated entred thereon.

The Reader may with the more confidence relie on their Armes, imparted unto me by Mr. Daniel King, who to me really verifieth his own Anagram.

DANIEL KING, I KIND ANGEL.

And indeed he hath been a Tutelar one to me, gratifying me with whatsoever I had need to use, and he had ability to bestow.

Henry III.

56 HUGH de HATTON.]

King William the Conquerer bestowed Lands on one of his Name and Ancestors at Hatton in this County. From him is Lineally descended that Learned and Religious (witness his pious meditations on the Psalmes▪) Sir Christopher Hatton Knight of the Bath, created by King Charles the first, Baron Hatton of Kerby in Northampton-shire. The Original of this grant of the Conquerors is still in this Lords Possession, preserved in p. 187our Civil Wars, with great care and difficulty by his vertuous Lady. On the same token that her Lord patiently digested the plundring of his Library and other Rarities, when hearing the welcome tidings from his Lady, that the said Record was safely secured.

Queen Mary.

3 Sir HUGH CHOLMLY or CHOLMONDELEIGH.]

This worthy person bought his Knight-hood in the field at Leigh in Scotland. He was five times High-sheriffe of this County, (and sometimes of Flintshire,) and for many years one of the two sole deputies Leiutenants thereof. For a good space he was Vice-President of the Marches of Walles under the Right Honorable Sir Henry Sidney Knight, conceive it during his abscence in Ireland. For Fifty years together he was esteemed a Father of his Country, and dying Anno 157.. was buried in the Church of Mallpasse, under a Tombe of Allabaster, with great lamentation of all sorts of people, had it not mitigated their Mourning, that he left a Son of his own name Heir to his Vertues and Estate.

2 JOHN SAVAGE, Ar.]

I behold him as the direct Ancestor unto Sir Thomas Savage Kt. and Baronet, Created by K. Charles the first, Baron Savage of Rock savage in this County. This Lord (a very prudent States-man) married Elizabeth eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Lord Darcy of Chich, Viscount Colchester, and Earl of Rivers, Honours entailed on his Posterity, and now injoyed by the Right Honorable Thomas Savage Earl Rivers.

The Battles.

Rowton heath 1645. Sept. 24.

His Majesty being informed, that Colonel Jones had seized the Suburbs and Strong Church of St. Johns in Chester, advanced Northward for the relief thereof. Poins, one of the Parliaments Generalls, pursued his Majesty. At Rowton-heath within 3. miles of Chester the K. Army made an Halt, whilst his Majesty with some prime persons marched into the City.

Next day a fierce Fight happened on the Heath, betwixt the Kings and Poinses Forces, the latter going off with the greater loss. Judicious Persons conceive, that had the Royalists pursued this Single Enemy, (as yet unrecruited with additional strength,) they had finally worsted him, which Fatall omission (opportunities admit of no after-games) proved their overthrow.

For next day Col. Jones drew out his men into the field, so that the Royalists being charged on the Heath in Front and Rear, were put to the worst, the whole body of whose Army had Wings without Legs, Horse without Foot, whilst the Parliament was powerfull in both.

Immediatly after, a considerable Party of Horse (the Lord Byron Governour of the City being loth to part with any Foot as kept to secure the Kings person,) came out of Chester, too late to succour their defeated Friends, and too soon to engage themselves. Here fell the Youngest of the three Noble Brethren, who lost their lives in the King service, Bernard Stuart Earl of Leichfield, never sufficiently to be lamented.

The Farewell.

To take my leave of Cheshire, I could wish that some of their hospitality were planted in the South, that it might bring forth fruit therein; and in exchange I could desire, that some of our Southern delicacies might prosperously grow in their gardens, and Quinces particularly, being not more pleasant to the palate, then restorative of the health, as accounted a great cordiall. The rather, because a **Will. Smith in his V…le pag. 18.native of this County, in his description thereof, could not remember he ever saw Quince growing therein.