The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 7

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 7

p. 193CORNWALL.

CORNWALL, it hath its name partly from the Form, partly from the Inhabitants thereof: from the former it is so called, because narrow in fashion of a horn, which (by the way) is a word of all others passing thorough both Learned and Modern Languages with the least variation,

1 Keren, Hebr.

2 Keras, Gr.

3 Cornu, Lat.

4 Corn, Fr.

5 Cuerno, Span.

6 Corno, Ital.

7 Horn, Eng.

8 Horne, Dut.

9 Kerne, Wel.

The latter Wale signifies strangers, for such were the Inhabitants of this County, reputed by their Neighbours.

It hath Devonshire on the West, divided from it generally with the River Tamer, encompassed with the Sea on all other sides, affording plenty of Harbours, so that Forraigners in their passage to or from Spain, Ireland, the Levant, East or West Indies, sometimes touch herewith, sometimes are driven hither against their will, but never without the profit of the Inhabitants, according to the Common Proverbe, where the horse lieth down, there some hairs will be found.

The Language of the Natives, it is a different tongue from the English, and dialect from the Welsh, as more easie to be pronounced, and is sufficiently copious to express the conceits of a good wit both in Prose and Verse. Some have avouched it derived from the Greek, producing for the proof thereof many words of one sense in both, as Kentron, A spur; Schaphe, A boat; Ronchi, Snoring, &c. But the judicious behold these as no regular congruities, but casuall coincidencies, the like to which may be found in languages of the greatest distance, which never met together since they parted at the confusion of Babel. Thus one would enforce a conformity between the Hebrew and English, because one of the three giants sons of Anak, was called Ahiman.

The Cornish-tongue affordeth but two natural oaths, or**Carews Survey of Cornwall pag. 55. three at most; but whether each of them be according to the kinds of Oaths, divided by the School-men, one Assertory, the other Promissory, to which some add a third, Comminatory, is to me unknown. The worst is, the Common Cornish supply this (I will not say defect) not onelyonly with swearing the same often over, but also by borrowing other oaths of the English.

Naturall Commodities.

Diamonds.

These of themselves sound high, till the Addition of Cornish substracteth from their Valuation. In Blackness and Hardness, they are far short of the Indian. Yet Set with a good Foyle (advantaged Hypocrisie, passeth often for Sincerity,) may at the first sight deceive no unskilfull Lapidary: as their Lustre is less then Orient Diamonds, so herein they exceed them, that Nature hath made both their Face and their Dressing, by whom they are Pointed and Polished. But, enough hereof, the rather, because some from the Latine names of Jewells, Jocalia, things to be jested and played with, and Baubellae, things which are Trifles and Baubles, spightfully collect that Stones, accounted precious, are more beholding to the Consent of Fancy, then their own Intrinsick worth for their high valuation.

Ambergreese.

I confess this precious Commodity is fixed to no place in the world, as too great a Treasure for any one Country to engross, and therefore it is only fluctuating and casually found by small parcells, sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another; yet, because the last, greatest and best quantity thereof, that ever this Age did behold, was found on the Coasts of this County, we will here insert a little of the name, nature, and use thereof.

p. 194It is called Ambra-gresia, That is, gray Amber, from the Colour thereof, which modern name utterly unknown to the Antients, doth speak it to be of later invention, whereof a Learned Doctor of Physick hath assigned this probable reason, because it was never found in the Midland-sea, (which in effect was all the Seas to the Antients) but onelyonly in the main Ocean, which was not navigated on, till within this last two hundred years, since Seamen have gotten the use of the Card and Compass.

It is almost as hard to know what it is, as where to find it. Some will have it the sperme of a fish, or some other unctuous matter arising from them; others, that it's the foam of the Sea, or some excrescency thence boiled to such a height by the heat of the Sun; Others, that it is a gum that grows on the shore. In a word, no certainty can be collected herein, some Physitians holding one way, and some another, but this is most sure, that Apothecaries hold it at five pounds an Ounce, which some say is dearer then ever it was in the memory of man.

It is a rare Cordiall for the refreshing of the spirits, and soveraign for the strengthning the head, besides the most fragrant scent, far stronger in Consort when Compounded with other things, then when singly it self.

A mass of this Ambergreese was about the third year of King Charles found in this County, at Low water, close to the shore of the Mannor of Anthony, then belonging to Richad Carew, Esquire.

Garlick.

Here is a great and sudden fall indeed, from the sweetest of Gums, to the most stinking of Roots. Yet is not the distance so great, if the worth of Garlick be such as some have avouched it. Not to speak of the murmuring **Num. 11. 5.Num 11:5Israelites, who prized it before Manna it self; some avow it Soveraign for men and beasts in most Maladies. Indeed the scent thereof is somewhat Valiant and Offensive, but wise men will be contented to hold their noses, on condition they may thereby hold or recover their health. Indeed a large book is written de esu allii, which if it hold proportion with truth, one would wonder any man should be sick and dye, who hath Garlick growing in his Garden. Sure I am, our Palate-people are much pleased therewith, as giving a delicious Hault-gust to most meats they eat, as tasted and smelt in their Sauce, though not seen therein. The best Garlick is about **Camdens Brit. in Cornwall.Stratton in this County.

Pilchards.

Plenty hereof are taken in these parts, persecuted to the shore by their enemies, the Tunny and Hake, till in pursuance of their private revenge, they all become a prey to the Fisherman. The Pilchard may seem contemptible in it self, being so small, though the wit of the vulgar here will tell you, they have seen many Pilchards an elllong, understand it laid at length, head and tail together. Their numbers are incredible, imploying a power of poor people, in Polling, (that is, Beheading,) Gutting, Splitting, Powdering and Drying them, and then (by the name of Fumadoes,) with Oyle and a Lemon, they are meat for the mightiest Don in Spain. I wish, not onelyonly their nets, but fish may hold, suspecting their daily decay, their shoals usually shifting coasts, and verging more westward to Ireland. Other fish here be which turn to good account, all welcome to Fishermens hooks, save the Star-fish, esteemed contagious.

Blew-Slate.

These are commonly found under the Walling-Slate, when the depth hath brought the workmen to the water. They are thin in substance, clear in colour, light in weight, and lasting in continuance. Generally they carry so good a regard, that (besides the supply of home-provisions) great store of them are imported into other parts of the land, and transpotted into France and the Low-Countries. All that I have to say of Slate, is that **Polydore Virgil, de Invent. Rerum in lib: 3. Cap. 8. Pag. 251.Cinyra the son of Agriopae is said first to have found them in Cyprus, for the Covering of Houses.

p. 195Tinne.

The most and best in Christendome this County doth produce. Yea it was the OnelyOnly Tinne in Europe, untill a Fugitive Miner running hence, discovered Tinne in Voiteland; in the Confines of Bohemia. God may be said in this County, to rain Meat (such the plenty thereof,) and give Dishes too, made of Pewter, which hath Tinne for the Father, and Lead for the Mother thereof, and in our Age doth Matriza…e too much. Vast their Expence in making their Addits, (understand them Addresses, and Accesses to the Mine,) with Dressing, Breaking, Stamping; Drying, Crazing, Washing and Melting, all plentifully repayed in the Selling of it.

The discovery of many of these Mines have been very remarkable, for some have gained more Sleeping, then others Waking, having dreamt that in such [Impropable] places, Tinne was to be found, and pursuing such Directions, have found it accordingly.

The **Virg. …. 6.Poet we know faineth Two Ports of Dreames,

Sunt geminae somni portae; quarum: altera …ertur

Cornea, quaveris facilis datur exitus umbris:

Altera Candenti, perfecta nitens Elephanto,

Sed falsa ad Coelum m…ttunt insomnia manes.

Dreames have two Gates, one made [they say of Horn

By this Port pass, true, and Prophēticks Dreames

White Ivory the other doth adorne,

By this false Shades, and lying Fancies streames.

Strange that the Best Gate, for matter [Ivory] should present the Worst [false] Dreames. It seems these Cornish Dreames passed through the Horny Gate, which fell out so happily, that, thereby many have been inriched, and left great Estates to their Posterity.

I cannot take my leave of these Tinners, untill I have observ'd a strange practice of them, that once in seven or eight years, they burn down (and that to their great profit) their own Melting houses. I remember a merry Epigram in **Lib. 3. Epig. 5….Martial, on one Tongilian, who had his house in Rome, casually [reputed] burnt, and gained ten times as much, by his friends contribution to his loss.

Collatum est decies. Rogo non potes ipse videri

Incendisse tuam, Tongiliane domum?

Gaining ten fold, tell truly I desire,

Tongilian did'st not set thy house on fire?

But here the Tinners avow themselves incendiaries of their own houses, on a profitable account. For, during the Tinnes melting in the blowing-house, diverse light sparkles thereof, are by the forcible wind, which the bellows sendeth forth, driven up to the thatched roof, on the burning whereof they find so much of this light Tinne in the ashes, as payeth for the new building, with a gainfull overplus.

The Buildings.

Master Attorney Noy was wont pleasantly to say, that his house had no fault in it, save onelyonly that it was too near unto London, though indeed distanced thence full three hundred miles, in the remoter part of this County. But seriously one may say, and defend it, that the distance of Cornwall from that Metropolis, is a Conventent Inconveniency. As for the structure of their Houses, they are generally but mean, though the Nobility and Gentry have hansome habitations, and amongst them none excelleth.

Mount-Edgecomb….

It was built by Sir Richard Edgecomb Knight, take his Character from **C…rew in his Sur. of Corn. pag. 100.one who very wel knew him, mildness and stoutness, diffidence and wisdom, deliberateness of undertakings, and sufficiency of effecting; made in him a more commendable, then blazing mixture of vertue. In the Raign of Queen Mary (about the year 1555.) he gave entertainment at one time, for some good space to the Admirals of the English, Spanish, and Netherland, and many Noble men besides. A passage the more remarkable, because I am confident that the Admiralls of those Nations never met since, (if ever before) amicably at the same Table. Mount-Edgcombe was the Scene of this Hospitality, a house new built and named by the aforesaid Knight, a square Structure with a round Turret p. 196at each end, Garretted on the top. The Hall (rising above the rest) yieldeth a stately sound as one entereth it, the Parlour and Dyning-Roome afford a large and diversified prospect both of Sea and Land. The high scituation (cool in Summer, yet not cold in Winter) giveth Health: the Neighbour River wealth. Two Block-houses great safety, and the Town of Plymouth good company unto it. Nor must I forget the fruitful ground about it, (pleasure without profit, is but a flower without a root,) stored with Wood, Timber, Fruit, Deer and Gonnies, a sufficiency of Pasture, Arable and Meadow, with Stone, Lime, Marl, and what not?

I write not this to tempt the Reader to the breach of the Tenth Commandement, To covet his Neighbours house, and one Line in the prevention thereof. I have been credibly informed that the Duke of Medina Sidonia Admiral of the Spanish-Fleet in the 88. was so affected at the sight of this House (though but beholding it at a distance from the Sea,) that he resolved it for his own possession in the partage of this Kingdome, (blame him not if choosing best for himself,) which they had preconquered in their hopes and expectation. But he had catch'd a great Cold, had he had no other Clothes to wear, then those which were to be made of a skin of a Bear, not yet killed.

Medicinal Waters.

I know none in this County, which are reported to be Soveraign constantly for any diseases. Yet I meet with one so remarkable a recovery, that it must not be omitted. However I remember his Good Counsell, He that telleth a miraculus truth, must always carry his Author at his Back. I will onelyonly Transcribe his words, speaking of the good Offices which Angels doe to Gods Servants.

Doctor Joseph Hall then Bishop of Exeter, since of Norwich, in his Book called, The Great Mistery of Godliness, pag. 169.

Of this kind was that (no less then Miraculous) Cure, which at Saint Maderns in Cornwall was wrought upon a Poor Cripple, whereof (besides the attestation of many hundred of the Neighbours,) I took a strict and impartial Examination in my last Visitation.

This Man for sixteen years together was fain to walk upon his hands, by reason the sinews of his legs were so contracted, and upon Monitions in his Dreame to wash in that Well, was suddenly so restored to his limbs, that I saw him able both to walk, and get his Own Maintenance. I found here was neither Art, nor Collusion. The thing done, the Author Invisible of God.

So Authenticall an Author, (without any other Assistance ad Corroborandum,) is enough to get belief in any, save, such surly souls, who are resolved on Infidelity of what their own Eyes have not beheld.

The Wonders.

If the word be strained up to the height, I confess Cornwall affordeth none at all; but if it be slackned, and let down a little, there are those things which this Dutchy doth tender, and we all willing to take for Wonders, for discourse sake, at the least, viz.

The HURLERS.

These are Stones competently distanced, whom Tradition reporteth, to be formerly Men Metamorphoz'd into Stones, for Hurling (a Sport peculiar to Cornwall) on, and so profaning of the Lords-day. Thus unequally yoaking Scripture and Ovid together, the Tale is made up betwixt them. But seeing such Devotion is not durable which is founded on Deceit, we protest against, and reject this fiction, the rather, because▪ the same Lawgiver, who injoyned us, Remember thou keepest holy the Sabbath day, gave us also in Command, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour, and we will not accept a false Doctrine, to make a true use thereof. Yet surely conformable to the Judgement of those Times was this Tradition made, and thence one may collect that boisterous Exercises (or Labours rather,) so far from refreshing the weary, that p. 197they weary the refreshed, are utterly inconsistent with the conscientious keeping of that Day, and deserve heavy Punishments, for profaning thereof.

Otherwise we really believe, these Stones were Originally set up for Limits and Bounds, or else a Monument erected in Memory of some Victory here atchieved.

Main Amber.

Main is in Cornish the Stone, and Amber as some conceive of **Cam, English Brit. in Cornwall.Ambrosius that valiant Brittan, erected probably by him on some Victory atchieved against the Romans, or some other Enemies. This is a Master-piece of Mathematicks and Criticall Proportions, being a great stone of so exact position on the Top of a Rock, that any weakness by touching it may move it, and yet no force can remove it, so justly is it poised. I have heard in common discourse, when this Main Amber hath been made the Embleme of such mens dispositions, who would listen to all counsel, and seem inclined thereunto, but are so fixt, that no reason can alter them from their first resolution.

But know Reader, that this Wonder is now Unwondred, for I am credibly informed that some Souldiers of late have utterly destroyed it. Oh, how dangerous is it for Art to stand in the way where Ignorance is to pass! Surely covetousness could not tempt them thereunto, though it did make one to deface a fair Monument in Turkey on this occasion.

A Tombe was erected near the high-way (according to the Fashion of that Country,) on some person of quality, consisting of a Piller, and on the Top thereof a Chapiter or great Globe of stone, whereon was written in the Turkish Tongue,

The Brains are in the Head.

This passed many years undemolished, it being Piaculum there to violate the concernment of the dead, untill one not of more Conscience, but Cunning then others, who had passed by it, resolved to unriddle the meaning of this Inscription; breaking the Hollow Globe open, he found it full of Gold, departed the richer, not the honester for his discovery. Sure I am, if any such temptation invited the Souldiers to this Act, they missed their mark therein.

Their pretence as I understand to this destructive design was Reformation, some People as they say making an Idol thereof, which if true, I pitty the destroying of Main Amber, no more then the Stamping and Pulverizing of the brasen Serpent by King Hez…kiah. But I cannot believe so much Stupidity in Christians, they took much pains by cutting off the Stone to dislodge it from its Center, (in how few minutes may envy ruin what art hath raised in more hours,) and now Cornwall hath one Artificial wonder fewer then it had before. Except any will say that to keep up the number, the unexampled Envy of these Souldiers may be Substituted in the room thereof. And let them sink in Obscurity, that hope to swim in Credit by such mis-atchivements.

Proverbs.

By Tre, Pol, and Pen,]

You shall know the Cornishmen.]

These three words are the Dictionary of such Surnames, which are originally Cornish, and though Nounes in sense, I may fitly terme them Prepositions.

Some adde to these a fourth inchoation, viz. Car (which I guess to signify a rock) as Carmino, Carzew, &c. but I dare not make additions, but present it as I find it in my Author.

To give one a Cornish Hugg.]

The Cornish are Masters of the Art of Wrestling, so that if the Olympian Games were now in fashion, they would come away with the victory. Their Hugg is a cunning p. 198close with their fellow combitant, the fruits whereof is his fair fall, or foil at the least. It is figuratively appliable to the deceitfull dealing of such, who secretly design their overthrow, whom they openly embrace.

**C…ews Sur▪ … C…wall fol. 115.Hengsten down, well ywrought,]

Is worth London town, dear ybought.]

The truth hereof none can confirm, or confute; seeing under-ground-wealth is a Nemo scit, and vast may the treasure be of Tinne in this Down. Sure I am, that the gainfull plenty of metall formerly afforded in this place, is now fallen to a scantsaving-scarcity. But, to make the Proverbe true, it is possible, that the Cornish Diamonds found therein, may be pure and orient (as better concocted) in the bowells thereof. For, though crafty (not to say dishonest) Chapmen, put the best grain in the top, and worst in the bottome of their sack; such is the integrity of nature, that the coursest in this kind are higher, and the purest still the lowest.

**Id…m fol. 141.Tru-ru,]

Triveth eu,]

Ombdina geveth try-ru.]

Which is to say, Tr…u consisteth of three streets, and it shall in time be said, Here Truru stood. I trust the men of this town are too wise, to give credit to such predictions, which may justly prove true to the superstitious believers thereof. Let them serve God, and defie the Devil with all his Pseudo-prophesies. Like to this is another fond observation, presaging some sad success to this Town, because ru, ru, which in English is Woe, Woe, is twice in the Cornish name thereof. But, let the men of Truru, but practice the first syllable in the name of their town, and they may be safe and secure from any danger in the second.

He doth sail into Cornwall without a Bark.]

This is an Italian Proverb, where it passeth for a description (or derision rather) of such a Man who is wronged by his Wises disloyalty.

I wonder the Italians should take such pains to travail so far to fetch this expression, having both the Name and Matter nearer home. Name, Having the field Cornetus **… lib. 8. cap. 3.Campus in agro falisco, (called Corneto at this day.) And a people called ††….Corni in Latium, with the Cornicti montes near Tiber, not to speak of its two Promontories tearmed by good Authors **…. lib. 3. cap. 5. Mela lib. 2. cap. 4.Cornua duo Italiae, the two Horns of Italy. Matter, Keeping their wives under restraint as generally full of Jealousie, which if just, I much bemoan the Gaolers, if not, I more pity their Prisoners.

Whereas in our Cornwall, the Wives liberty is the due reward of their Chastity, and the Cause of their husbands comfortable confidence therein.

He is to be **… Sur. of Cornwall fol. 126.summoned before the Mayor of Halgaver.]

This is a joculary and imaginary Court, wherewith men make merriment to themselves, presenting such Persons as go Slovenly in their Attire, untrussed, wanting a spur, &c. Where judgement in formal terms is given against them, and executed more to the scorn then hurt of the persons. But enough hereof, least I be summoned thither my self.

When Dudman and Ramehead meet.]

These are two forelands, well known to Sailers, well nigh twenty miles asunder, and the Proverbe passeth for the Periphrasis of an impossibility. However, these two **Ca…ew … of Cornwall fol. 141.Points have since met together, (though not in position) in possession of the same owner, Sir Pierce Edgecombe, enjoying one in his own, the other in right of his wife.

Saints.

SAINT KIBY was son to Solomon Duke of Cornwall, whom severall inducements moved to travail. First, because A Prophet hath the least Honour in his own Country. Secondly, because Britain at that time was infected with Arianisme. Thirdly, because he had read so much of the works, and heard more of the worth of Saint Hilary Bishop of Poicteers in France. This main motive made him address himself to that worthy Father, with whom he lived fifty years, and afterwards saith learned Leyland was by him made Bishop of the Isle of Anglesey.

p. 199Pardon me Reader, if suspending my belief herein, seeing, surely that holy and humble French Saint would not pretend to any Metropoliticall power, in appointing a Bishop in Britain. More probable it is that Saint Hilary made him a Bishop at large sine titulo, whereof there are some precedents in Antiquity. However into Wales he went, and there converted the Northern parts thereof to, and confirmed the rest in Christianity.

A Three-fold memoriall is in the Isle of Anglesey, extant at this day. One of his Master, in Point Hilary, another of himself, in Caer-Guiby, and a third of both, in Holyhead. He florished about the year of our Lord, 380.

URSULA daughter to Dinoth Duke of Cornwall, was born in this County. This is she, who se life is loaden with such Anticronismes, and Improbabilities, that it is questionable, whether this fable was ever founded in a truth, or hath any thing in History for its Original.

This Ursula is said to have carried over out of Britain, eleven thousand Maids of prime quality, besides **See Master … notes on Polyolbion pag. 131.threescore thousand of meaner rank, (seventy one thousand in all, a prodigious number,) to be married to so many in little Britain in France. Preposterous in my mind, to proffer themselves, and it had argued more modesty if their Husbands had fetcht them hence.

But blame them not, who paid so dear for their Adventures. All shipp'd from London, some of them were drowned in their Passage, the rest slain by the Hunnes of Colen, say some, at Rome, say others, by King Attila under Gratian the Emperour. Mendacium Aequabile, observing equall Temper of untruth, in time, place, and person. However, there is a Church at Colen dedicated to their Memories, where the Virgin Earth (let the **Rich. White of Basing-Stoke in Hist. Brit. Mart. and English Martyr. on Octob. 21.reporter have the Whetstone) will digest no other body, no not the Corps of an Infant newly Baptised, (as good a Maid I believe as the best of them) but will vomit it up in the night time again, as if they had never been buried. This Massacre is reported to have happened in the year of our Lord 383.

SAINT MELIORUS was onelyonly son of Melianus, Duke of this County, who being secretly made a Christian, was so maliced by Rinaldus his Pagan-brother-in-law, that he first cut off his right-hand, and then his **…. … in Cata. Sanct. Brit. Anno D…m. 411:left-legg, (no reason of this transposed method of cruelty, save cruelty,) and at last his head about the year 411. whose body being buried in some old Church in this County, by the miracles reported to be done thereat, procured the reputation of a Saint to his memory.

Prelates.

WILLIAM de GREN-VIL was born of a worshipfull family in this **Carew Survey of Corn. fol. 59.County, and became Canon of York, Dean of Chichester, Chancellour of England, (under K. Edward the first,) and Arch-bishop of York. But the worst was, two years his Confirmation was deferred untill he had paid nine thousand fiveh undred marks. Let him thank the Pope, who gave him the odd five hundred, not mounting it to even ten thousand. Besides he had this favour, not (as many others) to be consecrated by a Proxy, but the very hands of P. Clement the fifth. This paiment reduced him to such poverty, he was relieved by the Clergy of his Province, by way of Benevolence. This, not doing the deed, to make him a Saver, he was fain to crave another help of the same Hand, under the new **Godwin in the Arch-bish. of York.name of a Subsidie. Indeed it was pity that the Father of the Diocess should want any thing, which his Sons could contribute unto Him. He highly favoured the Templars, though more pitying, then profiting them, as persons so stiffly opposed by the Pope and Philip King of France, that there was more fear of his being suppressed by their Foes, then hope of their being supported by his Friendship. He was present in the Councel of Vienna, on the same token, that therein he had his place assigned next the Arch-bishop of Triers, and that I assure you, was very high, as beneath the lowest Elector, and above Wortzbury or Herbipolis, and other German Prelates, who also were Temporal Princes. But now he is gone, and his pompe with him, dying at Cawood 1315. and buried in the Chappel of Saint Nicholas, leaving the reputation of an able Statesman, and no ill Scholar behind him.

MICHAEL TREGURY was born in this **B…le de Scrip. Brit. Cent. Oct. Num. 13.Num 13County, and bred in the University of Oxford, p. 200where he attained to such eminency, that he was commended to King Henry the fifth, fit to be a forraign Professor. This King Henry, desiring to Conquer France, as well by Arts, as Armes, (knowing that learning made Civil Persons, and Loyall …,) reflected on the City of Cane (honoured with the Ashes of his Ancestors) in Normandy, and resolved to advance it an University, which he did Anno 1418. placing this Michael, the first Professor in the Colledge of his Royal Erection. Hence King Henry the sixth, preferred him Arch bishop of Dublin in Ireland, wherein he **Sir James W…re, de scrip. Hib. lib. 2. pag. 13….continued 22. years, deceasing December 21. 1471. and is buried in the Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin. I am sorry to see the Author of so many learned books disgraced on his Monument, with so barbarous an Epitaph.

**Idem de Arch epis. Dublin. pag. 30.Praesul Metropolis Michael hic Dubliniensis,

Marmore Tumbatus, pro me Christum flagitetis.

Allowing him thirty years old when Professor at Cane, he must be extreamly aged at his departure.

JOHN ARUNDLE was born of right ancient Parentage of **Garews S…r. Corn. fol. 59. & Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Exeter.Lanhearn in this County, bred in the University of Oxford, and was by King Henry the seventh preferred Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, anno 1496. thence translated to his Native Diocese of Exeter, 1501.

Impute it to the shortness of his continuance in that See; that so little is left of his Memory, (not enough to feed, much less Feast the Pen of an Historian.) He dyed atBishop Godwin ut prius. London, anno 1503. and lyeth buryed saith my Author in St. Clements, **Stows Survey.not acquainting us whether Clements East cheap, or Clements▪ Danes; but I conclude it is the latter, because the Bishops of Exeter had their Inne or City-house (now converted into Essexhouse) within that Parish.

Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.

There passeth a pleasant **Carew Survey of Cornwall fol. 59.Tradition in this County, how there standeth a man of great strength and stature with a black Bil in his hand, at Polston-bridge (the first entrance into Cornwall, as you pass towards Launceston, where the Assizes are holden) ready to knock down all the Lawyers that should offer to plant themselves in that County. But in earnest, few of that profession have here grown up to any supereminent height of Learning, Livelyhood or Authority. Whether because of the far distance of this County from the Supremer Courts, or because of the multiplicity of petty ones nearer hand, (pertaining to the Dutchy, **These cannot now be pretended an hinderance, being put down by the long-lasting Parliament.Stannerie's, and other Franchises,) enabling Atturneys and the like of small reading to serve the peoples turne, and so cutting the profit from better-studyed Counsellers.

Some conceive that Sir Robert Tresillian, chief Justice of the Kings-Bench in the fifth of King Richard the Second, to be this Country-man, though producing no other evidence save Tre the initial syllable of his Surname, as a badge of Cornish extraction. However we have purposely omitted him in this our Catalogue; partly, because not claimed by Mr. Carew in his Survey for their Countryman, partly, because no Worthy, as justly executed by Act of Parliament for pronouncing their Acts revocable at the Kings pleasure. As for one Cornish man (though neither Writer nor actual Judge) his worth commands us to remember him: namely,

WILLIAM NOY born in this County, was bred in Lincolns-Inn, a most sedulous Student, constantly conversant with ancient Records, verifying his Anagram:

WILLIAM NOY, I Moyl in Law.

He was for m…ny years the stoutest Champion for the Subjects Liberty, untill King Charles entertained him to be his Attorney; after which time, I read this Character of him in an History written by an **Hamond L'Estrange Esq his Life of King Charles.ingenious Gentleman.

He became so servilely addicted to the Prerogative, as by Ferretting old penall Statutes, and devising new exactions, he became for the small time he enjoyed p. 201that power; the most pestilent Vexation to the subjects that this latter age produced.

However others behold his Actions with a more favourable eye, as done in the pursuanceReader, in the last page I affirmed, that Mr. Noy was no writer. But since I am informed, that there is a Posthume Book of his. of the place he had undertaken, who by his Oath and Office was to improve his utmost power to advance the profit of his Master. Thus I see that after their Deaths, the Memories of the best Lawyers may turn Clients, yea and sue too in forma Pauperis, needing the good word of the Charitable Survivors to plead in their behalf. He dyed, anno Domini 163.. Let me add this passage from his mouth that was present thereat. The Goldsmiths of London had (and in due time may have) a Custom once a year to weigh Gold in the Star-Chamber, in the presence of the Privy Councill and the Kings Attourney. This solemn weighing by a word of art they call the Pixe, and make use of so exact scales therein, that the Master of the Company affirmed, that they would turn with the two hundereth part of a grain. I should be loath (said the Attorney Noy standing by) that all my actions should be weighed in those Scales. With whom I concur in relation of the same to my self. And therefore seeing the Ballance of the Sanctuary held in Gods hand are far more exact, what need have we of his mercy and Christs merits to make us Passable in Gods presence?

Souldiers.

King ARTHUR, Son to Uther-Pendragon, was born in Tintagel-Castle in this County, and proved afterward Monarch of Great Britain. He may fitly be termed the British Hercules in three respects,

1. For his illegitimate birth, both being Bastards, begotten on other mens **Alomena wife to Amphitruo, and Igern wife to G…loise Pr. of Cornwall.wives, and yet their Mothers honest women, deluded, the one by Miracle, the other by Art-Magick of Merlin, in others personating their husbands.

2. Painfull life, one famous for his twelve labours, the other for his twelve victories against the Saxons, and both of them had been greater, had they been made less, and the reports of them reduced within compass of probability.

3. Violent and wofull death, our Arthurs being as lamentable, and more honourable, not caused by Feminine Jealousie, but Masculine Treachery, being murdered by Mordred, near the place where he was born.

**Draytons Polyolbion pag. 5.As though no other place on Britains spacious earth,

Were worthy of his end, but where he had his birth.

As for his Round-Table, with his Knights about it, the tale whereof hath Trundled so smoothly along for many ages, it never met with much beliefe amongst the judicious. He died about the year Anno Dom 542.

And now to speak of the Cornish in generall. They ever have been beheld men of Valour. It seemeth in the raign of the aforesaid King Arthur, they ever made up his Van-Guard, if I can rightly understand the barbarous Verses of a **Michael Cornubiensis.Cornish Poet.

Nobilis Arcturus nos primos Cornubienses,

Bellum facturus vocat (ut puta Caesaris enses)

Nobis, (non aliis reliquis) dat primitus ict…m.

Brave Arthur, when he meant a field to fight,

Us Cornish-men did firstof all invite.

OnelyOnly to Cornish (count them Cesars swords,)

He the first blow in Battle still affords.

But afterwards in the time of King **Joan. Sarishu. de nugu Curial. 5. cap. 18.Canutus, the Cornish were appointed to make up the Rear of our Armies. Say not they were much degraded, by this transposition from Head to Foot, seeing the judicious in Marshaling of an Army, count the …rength (and therefore the credit) to consist in the Rear thereof.

But it must be pitied, that these people misguided by their Leaders, have so often abused their valour in rebellions, and particularly in the raign of King Henry the seventh, at Black-heath, where they did the greatest execution, with their Arrows, reported to be the **L▪Verulam, in King Henry the seventh pag. 171.length of a Taylors-yard, the last of that proportion, which ever were seen in England. However the Cornish have since plentifully repaired their credit, by their exemplary Valour and Loyalty, in our late Civil Wars.

p. 202Sea-men.

JOHN ARUNDEL of Trerice Esquire, in the fourteenth of King Henry the eighth took prisoner**Carew's survey of Cornwall. Duncane Campbell a Scot, (accounted their Admiral by his own Countrymen, a Pirat by the English, and a Valiant man by all,) in a fight at Sea. This his Goodly, Valiant, and Jeopardous enterprise, (as it is termed) was represented with advantage by the Duke of Norfolk to the King, who highly praised and rewarded him for the same.

Civilians.

JOHN TREGONWELL was born in this**Carew in his survey of Cornwall sol. 61. Speed Chron. pag. 780. County, bred in Oxford, where he proceeded Doctor of the Laws, both Canon and Civil, and attaining to great perfection in the Theoretick, and practicall parts of those professions, he was imployed to be Proctor for King Henry the eighth, in the long and costly cause of his divorce from Queen Katherine Dowager. Now as it was said of the Roman Dictator, Sylla suos divitiis explevit, So King Henry full fraught all those with wealth and rewards, whom he retained in that imployment. This Doctor he Knighted, and because so dexterous and diligent in his service, gave him a pension of fourty pounds per annum. And upon the resignation thereof, (with the paying down of a**Prima parte rot. 9…. in the remembrancers (formerly called Osbornos) office. Thousand pounds) he conferred on him and his heirs the rich demesne and scite of Middleton, a Mitred Abby in Dorsetshire, possessed at this day by his posterity. This Sir John died about the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and fourty, and is buried under a fair Monument in the Church of Middleton aforesaid.

Physitians.

Although this County can boast of no writer graduated in that faculty in the University, and that generally they can better vouch practise for their warrant, then warrant for their practise, yet Cornish-men would be offended if I should omit

RAWE**Carew in his survey of Cornwall fol. 66. HAYES a Blacksmith by his occupation, and furnished with no more learning then is sutable to such a calling, who yet ministred Physick for many years, with so often success and generall applause, that not onelyonly the home-bred multitude believed so mainly in him, but even persons of the better calling resorted to him, from the remote parts of the Realm, to make tryall of his cunning, by the hazard of their lives, and sundry either upon just cause, or to Cloke their folly, reported that they have reaped their errands ends at his hands. He flourished Anno Dom. 1602.

—ATWELL born in this County and Parson of Saint Tue therein, was well seen in the Theoricks of Physick, and happy in the practise thereof, beyond the belief of most, and the reason that any can assign for the same. For although now and then he used bloodletting, he mostly for all diseases prescribed milk, and often milk and apples, which (although contrary to the judgements of the best esteemed practitioners) either by virtue of the Medicine, or fortune of the Physitian, or fancy of the Patient, recovered many out of desperate extremities. This his reputation for many years maintained it self unimpaired, the rather, because he bestowed his pains and charge gratis on the poor, and taking moderately of the rich, left one half of what he received in the housholds he visited. As for the profits of his benefice, he poured it out with both hands in pious uses. But for the truth of the whole, fit fides penes **Carew in his Survey of Cornwall fol. 60.authorem. This Atwell was living 1602.

Writers.

HUCARIU the LEVITE was born in this**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 2. Num. 47. & Pits. an. 1040. County, and lived at Saint Germans therein. All-eating Time hath left us but a little Morsell for manners of his Memory. This we know, he was a pious and learned man, (after the rate of that Age) and it appeareth that he was eminent in his function of Divine Service, because Levite was foreign fixed upon him. In his time (as in the days of Eli) the Word of God was precious, which raised the repute of his pains, who wrote an hundred and ten Homilies, besides* 1 Sam. 3. 1.1 Sam 3:1 other Books. He flourished 1040.

p. 203JOHN of CORNWALL (so called from the County of his**B…le de script. A…g. Cent. 3. Num. 6.Num 6 Nativity,) leaving his Native soil, studied in forraign Universities, cheifly in Rome, where his Abilities commended him to the Cognizance of Pope Alexander the third. It argueth his learning, that he durst cope with that Giant, Peter Lumbard himself, commonly called The Master of the Sentences, and who on that account, expected that all should rather obey, then any oppose his judgement. Yea it appeareth, that the judgement of this Peter Bishop of Paris, was not so sound in all points, by a passage I meet with in**Anno 1179. Mathew Paris of Pope Al…xander the third, writing a letter to an Arch-bishop of France, to abrogate the ill doctrine of Peter sometimes Bishop of Paris, about Christs Incarnation.

But our John wrote against him in his life time, a book de Homine assumpto, and put Peters Pen to some pains to write his own vindication. He wrote also a book of Philosophy and Heresies. Wonder not at their conjunction, Philosophy being in Divinity, as Fire and Water in a Family, a good Servant, but bad Master; so Sad it is, when the Articles of our Creed must be tried by the Touchstone of Aristotle. This John flourished under K. Henry the second, Anno 1170.

SIMON THURWAY was born in this**Bale de script. Br…t. Cent 3. Num. 47. County, bred in our English Universities, untill he went over into Paris, where he became so eminent a Logician, that all his Auditors were his admirers. Most firm his memory, and fluent his expression, and was knowing in all th…ngs, save in himself: For, profanely he advanced Aristotle above Moses, and himself above both. His pride had a great and sudden fall, losing at the same instant, both language and memory, becoming compleatly foreign without reason or speech. Yet was his dumness to all intelligent people, a loud Sermon on Saint Pauls **Rom. 12. 3.Rom 12:3precept, Not to think of themselves more highly then they ought to think, but to think soberly. Polydore ††Lib. 15 Angl. H…stVirgil saith of him, Juvene nil acutius, sene nihil obtusius; whilest others**Bale ut prius. adde, he made an inarticulate sound like to lowing. This great judgement befell him about the year of our Lord 1201.

MICHAEL BLAUNPAYN born in**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. …. Num. 10.Num 10 Cornwall, (some so commonly call him Michael the Master, that he had almost lost his native name,) was bred in Oxford …nd …, and became as good a riming Poet as any in that Age. In happened one Henry of Normandy chief Poet to our Henry the third, had traduced Cornwall as an inconsiderable Country, cast out by nature in contempt into a corner of the land. Our Michael could not en…ure this affront, but full of Poeticall fury falls upon the Libeller, take a tast (little thereof will go far) of his strains.

Non opus est ut opes numerē quibus est opulenta,

Et p… quas inopes sustentat non ope lenta,

Piscibus & Stanno nusquam tam fertilis ora.

We need not number up her wealthy store,

Wherewith this helpful land relieves her poor,

No Sea, so full of Fish, of Tinn no Shore.

Then as a valiant Champion he concludeth all with this exhortation to his Countrymen.

Quid nos deterret? si firmiter in pede stemus,

Fraus ni nos superat, nihil est quod non superemus.

What should us fright, if firmly we do stand?

Bar Fraud, and then no Force can us command.

His Pen so lushious in praising when so pleased, was as bitter in railing when disposed, witness this his Satirical character of his foresaid Antagonist.

Est tibi**Hence … Gammon. Gamba Capri, crus passeris, & latus Apri,

Os leporis, catuli nasus, dens & gena Muli,

Frons Vetulae, tauri caput, & color undique Mauri,

His argumentis quibus est argutia Mentis,

Quod non à Monstro differs, satis hic tibi Monstro.

Gamb'd like a Goat, sparrow-thigh'd, sides as Boar,

Hare-mouth'd, Dog-nos'd, like Mule thy teeth & chin,

Brow'd as old wife, bul-headed, black as More.

If such without, then what are you within?

By these my Signs, the wise will easily conster,

How little thou didst differ from a Monster.

He flourished Anno 1350. though the certain time and place of his death is unknown.

GODFREY of CORNWALL was bred a Doctor in Paris and Oxford, and afterwards became a Carmelite of no mean esteem amongst those of his own order. It happened in his time that Gerardus Bononiensis, a French-man, Master Generall of the Carmelites, p. 204made two Provincials (formerly but one) of that order in England, alledging that two …. 4. 9.* are better then one, and matters would be the more exactly regulated, by their double inspection. The plain truth was, the French-man did it out of covetousness, that so two loaders might bring double grists to his Mill. Our Godfrey appeared a Champion for the old way, that matters might run in their ancient channell, and wrote**… de …. Brit. …. 5. Num. 6.Num 6 a Book to that purpose, as many others on severall subjects.

John Baconthorpe, his Contemporary, much esteemed him, and quoted him by the Title of

**…. 29. … ….Doctor Solennis.

I doubt not but this our Godfrey in mannerly requitall, re-gave Baconthorpe the courtesie of Doctor Resolutus, and here I would fain be satisfied how these received Epithetes [Doctor Profundus, Doctor Subtilis, &c.]came first to be fixed on such and such Schoolmen. Surely they as…umed them not themselves, which had argued too much pride and presumption. Nor could I ever, as yet, meet with any Authentique record of Pope or University, which setled it upon them. Possibly one Eminent Writer gave it to another his Correspondent, who in reciprocation of kindness (title thou me, and I will title thee,) returned as splendid a style to him again. This our Solemn Doctor flourished Anno Domini 1310.

JOHN TREVISA was born at Caradock in this County, bred in Oxford, afterwards Vicar of Berkeley in Gloucester-shire, and Chaplain to Thomas Lord Berkeley, at whose instance (besides other Histories writ by him) he translated the Bible into English, a daring work for a private person in that age, without particular Command from Pope or Publique Council.

Some much admire he would enter on this work, so lately performed (about fifty years before) by John Wicklife. What was this, but actum agere, to do what was done before? Besides Wicklife and Trevisa agreeing so well in their judgements, it was much he would make a Retranslation. Such consider not, that in that age it was almost the same pains for a Scholar to translate as transcribe the Bible.

Secondly, the time betwixt Wicklife and Trevisa was the Chrisis of the English tongue, which began to be improved in fifty, more then in 300. years formerly. Many course words (to say no worse) used before are refined by Trevisa, whose translation is as much better then Wicklifes, as worse then Tyndals. Thus, though the fountain of the Original hath always clearness alike therein, channels of Translations will partake of more or less purity, according to the translators age, industry and ability. This Trevisa died a through old man, about the year 1400.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN SKUISH was born in**…. Cornwall, a man of much experience and generall learning. He was saith my Author à consiliis to …ardinal Woolsy, whereby I collect him learned of the Laws, and of his Counsell, except that, that great Prelate like a Prince, had Counsell of State belonging unto him. This Skuish wrote a Chronicle being collected out of many severall Authors. I have some presumptions to conclude him inclined to the Protestant reformation. He flourished Anno Dom. 1530.

BARTHOLOMEW TRAHERON. The first syllable of his Name, and what is added thereunto by my Author,**… …. …. pag. 696. parentum stemmate clarus, and the sameness of his name with an ancient Family in this County, are a three-fold Cable to draw my belief, that he was this Country-man. He was bred in the University of Oxford, and having attained to good learning therein, twice travailed beyond the Seas.

Once for pleasure and curiosity into France and Italy, whereby he much improved himself. Returning home, he became Library-keeper to King Edward the sixth, and Dean of Chichester. The second time for safety and necessity, in the first of Q. Mary, getting (I believe) his best subsistance (being an Exile in Germany,) with making and translating of Books, where he was living 1556. and may be rationally presumed to dye before Q. Elizabeth came to the Crown, because being a man of merit, and Ecclesiastically Dignified, we hear no more of his preferment.

p. 205RICHARD CAREW Esquire, son to Thomas Carew and Elizabeth E…gecomb, was born at Anthony in this County, of right worshipfull parentage, who honoured his extraction with his learning. He was bred a Gentleman-commoner in Oxford, where, being but fourteen years old, and yet three years standing, he was called out to dispute ex tempore, before the Earls of Leicester and Warwick, with the matchless Sir Philip Sidney.

—si quaeritis hujus,

Fortunam pugnae, non est superatus ab illo.

—Ask you the end of this contest?

They neither had the better, both the best.

He afterwards wrote the pleasant and faithfull description of Cornwall, and I will not wrong his memory with my barbarous praise, after so eloquent a pen.

Sed haec **Camdens Brit. in Cornwall.planiùs & planiùs docuit Richardus Carew de Anthonie, non minus generis splendore, quàm virtute & doctrina nobilis qui hujus regionis descriptionem latiore specie, & non ad tenue elimavit, quemque mihi praeluxisse non possum non agnoscere.

This his book he dedicated to Sir Walter Raleigh, with this modest complement,**In his Dedicatory Epistle. that he appealed to his direction, whether it should pass; to his correction, if it might pass; and to his protection, if it did pass. Adding moreover, that duty not presumption, drawing him to that offering, it must be favour, not desert, must move the other to the acceptance thereof. This Survey was set forth 1602. and I collect the Author thereof died about the middle of the raign of K. James. I know not, whether he or his son first brought up the use of Gambadoes, much worne in the West, whereby whilest one rides on horseback, his leggs are in a Coach, clean and warme, in those dirty Countries.

CHARLES HERLE was born in this County, of an Antient and Worshipfull Family, bred (though never Fellow**A mistake in my Church History.) in Exeter-colledge, and at last richly Beneficed in Lancashire.

We read how Pharaoh **Gen. 47. 21, 22.Gen 47:21Gen 47:22removed all the Egyptians, (the Priests alone excepted) from one end of the Borders of the land to the other end thereof, but we the Ministers in England are of all men most and farthest removeable, three hundred miles and more being interposed betwixt the place of Mr. Herles Birth and Benefice.

He was a good Scholar, and esteemed by his party a deep Divine, and (after the death of Doctor Twiss) President of the Assembly. As I dare not defend all the doctrine delivered in his Printed books; so I will not inveigh against him, lest in me it be interpreted a revenge on his memory for licencing a book**By Mr. John …. written against me, wherein I was taxed for Popish Complyance, though since (in my self still the same man) I groan under a contrary Representation. The best is, innocence doth turn such groans in to songs of gladness. Mr. Herle departed this life about 1655.

Having received no instructions of any eminent benefactors in this County, either before or since the Reformation, we may proceed to

Memorable Persons.

—**Carew in his survey of Cornwall fol. 63. KILTOR in the last Cornish Commotion, (which was in the raign of King Edward the sixth, Anno Dom. 1546.) was committed to Launceston Gaol, for his activity therein. This man lying there, in the Castle-green, upon his back, threw a stone of some pounds weight, over the Towers top, (and that I assure you is no low one,) which leadeth into the Park.

JOHN BRAY Tenant to Master Richard Carew, (who wrote the survey of this County) carried upon his back about the year 1608. at one time by the space well near of a Butt length, six**Idem fol. 6…. Bushells of Wheaten Meal, reckoning fifteen gallons to the Bushell, and upon them all the Miller, a Lubber of four and twenty years of age.

JOHN ROMAN his Contemporary, a short Clo…nish▪Grub, may well be joyned with him. He may be called the Cornish Milo, so using himself to burdens in his Child-hood, that when a man, he would bear the whole carkase of an Oxe, and (to use my**Idem fol. 63. Authors words) yet never tugged thereat.

VEAL, an old man of Bodmin in this County, was so beholden to Mercuries predominant* Idem fol. 62 strength in his nativity, that without a teacher, he became very skilfull in p. 206well-near all manner of handy-crafts, a Carpenter, a Joyner, a Mill-wright, a Free-mason, a Clock-maker, a Carver, a Mettall-founder, Architect, & quid non? yea, a Chirurgeon, Physitian, Alchimist, &c. So as that which **Cic. de O…at.Gorgias of Leontium vaunted of the liberall Sciences, he may prosess of the Mecanicall, viz. to be ignorant in none. He was in his eminency Anno 1602.

EDWARD **Carew in his survey of Cornw…ll, pag. 13….BONE of Ladock in this County, was servant to Mr. Courtney therein. He was Deaf from his Cradle, and consequently Dumb, (nature cannot give out where it hath not received,) yet could learn, and express to his master any news that was stirring in the Country. Especially, if there went speech of a Sermon within some miles distance, he would repair to the place with the soonest, and setting himself directly against the Preacher, look him stedfastly in the face, while his Sermon lasted, to which religious zeal, his honest life was also answerable. Assisted with a firm memory, he would not onelyonly know any party, whom he had once seen, for ever after, but also make him known to any other, by some speciall observation and difference. There was one Kempe, not living far off, defected accordingly, on whose meetings, there were such embracements, such strange, often, and earnest tokenings, and such hearty laughters, and other passionate gestures, that their want of a tongue, seemed rather an hinderance to others conceiving them, then to their conceiving one another.

Lord M…yors

I meet with but this one and that very lately [Sir Richard Cheverton Skinner] born in this County, imputing it chiefly to their great distance from London. Insomuch that antiently when Cornish-men went (or rather were driven up by the violence of their occasions) to that City, it was usual with them to make their Wills, as if they took their Voyage into a Forraign Country.

Besides the children of the Cornish Gentry, counted themselves above, and those of the Poorer sort counted themselves beneath a Trade in London, as unable to attain it, by reason of the differance of their Language, whose Feet must travail far to come to London, whilst their Tongues must travail further to get to be understood when arrived there.

This is one of the twelve pretermitted Counties, the names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the 12. of King Henry the sixth.

Sheriffs of Cornwall.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

RECORDA MANCA

Anno 22

Eustachius fil. Stephani for 5 years.

Anno 27

Alanus de Furnee for 4 years.

Anno 31

Hug. Bardulph Dapifer

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Idem.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Will. de Bachland

Anno 2

Rich. Revel for 9 years.

JOHAN. R.

Anno 1

Ioh. de Torrington

Anno 2

Hug. Bardolph

Anno 3

Rich. Flandry

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Will. de Botterel for 5 years.

Anno 11

Ioh. filius Richard. for 6 years.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Anno 3

Guliel. Lunet

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Gul. de Pucot

Anno 7

Reg. de Valle Torta

Walt. de Treverden

Anno 8

Reg. de Valle Torta

Anno 9

Gul. Bregnen junior

Rog. de Langford

Reg. de Valle Torta

A BLANK in the Records to the end of this Kings Raign, (being forty four years) except, any suppose (which is not very probable, that) the three forementioned persons, all, two, or one of them, continued so long in their Office.

p. 207EDW. I.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Anno 3

Ioh. Wigger

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Rob. de Chini

Anno 6

Anno 7

Will. de Munckton for 5 years.

Anno 12

Alex. de Sabridsworth

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Simon. de Berkeley

Anno 16

Idem.

Anno 17

Edw. Comes Cornubiae for 12 years.

Anno 29

Thom. de la Hide for 7 years.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Anno 3

Pet. de Gaviston Com. Cornubiae

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Tho. de la Hide

Anno 7

Tho. de Excedekney

Anno 8

Rich. de Polhampton

Anno 9

Rich. de Hewish

Anno 10

Hen. de Willington

Anno 11

Anno 12

Anno 13

Isab. Regina Angliae

Anno 14

Nullus Titulus in Rotulo

Anno 15

Nullus Titulus in Rotulo

Anno 16

Nullus Titulus in Rotulo

Anno 17

Isab. Reg. Angliae, Regis Consors

Anno 18

Idem.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Eliz. Regina, Regis mater for 5 years.

Anno 6

Will. de Botreaux

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Ioh. Petit

Anno 9

Idem

Anno 10

Ioh. de Chudeleigh

Anno 11

Ioh. Hamly

Ioh. Petit

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Anno 14

Edw. Dux Cornubiae

Anno 15

Hen. Terrill

Rog. de Prideaux

Anno 16

Edw. Dux Cornubiae

Anno 17

Idem.

Anno 18

Guliel. Pipehard

Anno 19

Edw. Dux Cornubiae for 9 years.

Anno 28

Ioh. Northcot

Will. Auncell

Anno 29

Idem.

Anno 30

Idem.

Anno 31

Guliel▪ Auncell

Anno 32

Edward. Dux Cornubiae to the end of this Kings raign.

Sheriffs.

Edward III.

ROGER de PRIDDEAUX.]

My eye cannot be entertained with a more welcome object, then to behold an antient Name, not onelyonly still continuing to, but eminently flourishing in our age. On which account, I cannot but congratulate the happiness of this Family, expecting a daily Accession of Repute from the hopefull branches thereof.

Edward IV.

10 JOHN ARUNDLE, Mil.]

This worthy Knight was forewarned, (by what Calker I wot not,) that he should be slain on the **C…rews Survey of Co…n. pag. 119.Sands. This made him to shun his house at Efford (alias Ebbing-ford) as too Maritime, and remove himself to Trerice, his more Inland habitation in this County. But he found it true, fata viam inveniant; for being this year Sheriff, and the Earl of Oxford surprizing Mount Michael (for the House of Lancaster) he was concerned by his Office, and Command from the King, to endeavour the reducing thereof, and lost his life in a skirmish on the sands thereabouts. Thus it is just with Heaven, to punish mens p. 210curiosity in enquiring after, credulity in believing of, and cowardise in fearing at such prognostications.

21 THOMAS GRANVIL.]

Be it entred (by way of caveat) that there is some difference in the blazoning of the coat of the Granvils or Greenvils. What usually are termed therein Rests, being the Handles of Spears; (most honorable in Tilting to break them nearest thereunto,) are called by some Criticks, …, being the necessary appendants to Organs, convaying wind unto them. If, (as it seemeth) their dubious Form, as represented in the Scutcheon, doth ex aequo answer to both, with me they shall still pass for the Rests of Spears. For though I dare not deny, but the Greenvils might be good Musitians, I am assured they were most valiant Souldiers in all their Generations.

But the merits of this ancient Family are so many and great, that ingrossed they would make one County proud, which divided would make two happy. I am therefore resolved equally to part what I have to say thereof, betwixt Cornwall and Devonshire.

Richard III.

The Reader will take notice, that, (as it is in our Catalogue) Richard Duke of Gloucester was High-Sheriff of this County, ad terminum vitae, a strange Precedent, (if it may be said to go before, which hath nothing to follow after,) seeing for the last two years, he was both King of England and Sheriff of Cornwall. We therefore behold all the following persons unto the first of King Henry the seventh, but as so many Deputies under him, and amongst these we take speciall notice of

2 JAMES TIRREL, Mil.]

This is he, so infamous in our English Histories, for his activity in murdering the Innocent sons of King Edward the fourth, keeping the Keyes of the Tower, and standing himself at the foot of the Staires, whilst Mr. Forest and J. Dighton, stifled them in their Beds. I behold this Sir James as an Essex-man, though now the prime Officer of this County. For King Richard accounted Cornwall the back dore of Rebellion, and therefore made this Knight the Porter thereof. Indeed it is remote from London, and the long sides of this County afford many landing-places, objected to Britain in France, whence the Usurper always feared (and at last felt) an Invasion, and therefore he appointed him Sheriff to secure the County, as obliged unto him, by gratitude for favours received, and guilt for faults committed. This Tirrel was afterwards executed for Treason, in the Tower yard in the beginning of King Henry the seventh.

Henry VII.

12 JOHN BASSET.]

This was a busie year indeed in this County, when the Cornish Commotion began (headed by Flammock a Lawyer, and Michael Joseph a Blacksmith,) at the Town of Bodmin. Let none impute it to the neglect of this Sheriff, that he suppressed them not, seeing (besides that they quickly quitted this County, and went Eastward) it was not the work of Posse Comitatus, but Posse Regni, to encounter them. However, after long-running, (for they marched the breadth of the land, from Cornwall to Kent, before battle was bid them,) they were overtaken, and overcome at Black-heath.

13 PETER EDGCOMBE, Mil.]

The Names of pierce [or Peter] and Richard, have been (saith my **… in …, fol. 101.Author) successively varied in this family, for six or seven Descents. Such Chequering of Christian Names serve Heraulds instead of Stairs, whereby they ascend with assurance into the Pedigrees of Gentlemen, and I could wish the like alternation of Font-names fashionable in other families. For where the Heirs of an House, are of the same Name, for many generations together, it occasioneth much mistake, and the most cautious, and conscientious Heralds, are guilty of making Incestuous Matches, confounding the Father for the Son, and so reciprocally.

p. 211Queen Elizabeth.

4 RICHARD CHAMOND, Esq.]

He received at Gods-hand an extraordinary favour of long life, serving in the office of a Justice of Peace almost sixty **Carew in his Survey of Cornwall pag. 1 8.years. He saw above fifty several Judges of the Westerne Circuit, was Uncle and Great-uncle to three hundred at least, and saw his youngest child above fourty years of age.

19 WILLIAN MOHUN.]

He was descended from the ancient Lords of Dunster, and Earls of Somerset, of which one received a great Papall priviledge, whereof largely in my Church History. I behold him as Grand-father to John Lord Mohun of Oakehampton, (descended by a Coheir from the Courtneys Earls of Devonshire,) and Great-grand-father to the Right Honourable Warwick Lord Mohun.

29 ANTHONY ROUSE, Esq.]

Give me leave only to transcribe what I find written of him, **Ut prius pag. 114.He employeth himself to a kind, and uninterrupted entertainment of such as visit him, upon his not sparing, inviting, or their own occasions, who (without the self-guilt of an ungrateful wrong) must witness, that his frankness confirmeth their welcome, by whatsoever means, provision, the fewell of Hospitality, can in the best manner supply. He was Father to Francis Rouse, late Provost of Eaton, whose Industry is more commendable then his Judgment in his many Treatises.

King James.

2 FRANCIS GODOLPHIN, Mil.]

Master Carew confesseth in his **pag 13.Survey of this County, that from him he gathered sticks to build that nest, who was assistant unto him in that playing labour, as he termeth it. This ingenious Gentleman entertained a Dutch Mineral-man, and taking light from his experience, built thereon far more profitable conclusions, from his own invention, practicing a more saving way, to make Tinn, of what was rejected for refuse before.

And here the mention of his Ingenuity, minds me how Hereditary Abilities are often intailed on Families, seeing, he was Ancestor unto Sidney Godolphin slain at....... in Devonshire, valiantly fighting for his Lord and Master. His Christian and Sur-name divisim signifie much, but how high do they amount in conjunction? There fell wit and valour, never sufficiently to be bemoaned.

10 WILLIAM WREY, Mil.]

He was direct Ancestor to Sir Chichester Wrey Knight and Baronet, who though scarce a Youth in Age, was more then a Man in Valour, in his loyall service. He married Anne one of the Daughters and Co-heirs of Will. Bourchier Earl of Bath, whose son Bourchier Chichester, shall ever have my prayers, that he may answer the nobleness of his Extraction.

12 RICHARD ROBERTS.]

He was afterwards created a Baron, and was Father unto the Right Honourable the Lord Roberts, one of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, lately designed Deputy of Ireland, as a Person of singular ability and integrity.

The Battles.

I shall inlarge my self the rather on this subject, because building my discourse therein, not on the floting sands of uncertaine relations, but the Rock of reall Intelligence. Having gotten a Manuscript of Sir Ralph Hoptons, (courteously communicated unto me by his Secretary Master Tredui,) interpolated with his own hand, being a Memoriall of the Remarkables in the West, at which that Worthy Knight was present in person.

I begin with that which is called the Battle of Liskerd, taking the name from the next Town of note thereunto, otherwise Bradock-Downe was the particular place thereof. Before the Fight began, the Kings Side took it into their seasonable consideration, that seeing by the Commission the Lord Mohun brought from Oxford, four Persons, [viz. the said Lord Mohun, Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir John Berkeley and Colonel Ashburn ham,] were equally impowered in the managing of all Military matters, and seeing such equality might prove inconvenient, (which hitherto had been prevented with the extraordinary moderation of all Parties,) in ordering a Battle, it was fittest to fix the power in One Chief, and generall consent setled it in Sir Ralph Hopton▪

He first gave order that publick Prayers should be had in the Head of every Squadron, and it was done accordingly, (and the Enemy observing it, did stile it saying of Mass, as some of their Prisoners afterwards did confess.) Then he caused the Foot to be drawn up in the best order they could, placed a Forelorn of Musketiers in the little Inclosures, winging them with the few Horse and Dragoons he had.

This done two small Mynion- Drakes speedily and secretly fetched from the Lord Mohuns house, were planted on a little Barrough within Randome-shot of the Enemy, yet so, that they were covered from their sight, with small Parties of Horse about them. These concealed Mynions were twice discharged with such success, that the Enemy quickly quitted their ground, and all their Army being put into a Rout, the Kings Forces had the execution of them, which they performed very sparingly. They took Twelve Hundred and Fifty Prisoners, most of their Colours, all their Cannon, (being four Brass-guns upon Carriages, (whereof Two were Twelve-pounders,) and One Iron …aker,) all their Ammunition, most of their Armes, and marching that night to Liskard, the Kings Forces first gave God Publick thanks and then took their own Private repose.

STRATTON fight succeeds on Tuesday 16. May 1643. But first let us take a true account of the two Armies respectively, with the visible Inequality betwixt them.

As for the Kings Forces order was given that by four severall Avenues they should force their Passage to the top of the Hill, which was very steep, the Enemy as obstinately indeavouring to keep them down, as the other did valiantly strive to ascend.

The fight continued doubtfull with many countenances of various events, (from 5. of the Clock in the Morning till 3. in the Afternoon,) amongst which most remarkable the smart Charge made by M. G. Chudeleigh, with a Stand of Pikes, on Sir Bevill Greenfield, so that the Knight was in Person overthrown, and his Party put into disorder, which would have proved destructive unto it, had not Sir John Berkeley (who led up the Musketiers on each side of Sir Bevill Greenfield,) seasonably relieved it, so re-inforcing the Charge, that Major General Chudelegh was taken Prisoner.

Betwixt three and four of the Clock the Commanders of the Kings Forces, who embraced those four severall ways of Ascent, met to their mutuall joy almost at the top of the Hill, which the routed Enemy confusedly forsook. In this Service, though they were Assaylants they lost very few men, and no considerable Officer, killing of the Enemy about three hundred, and taking Seventeen hundred Prisoners, all their Cannon [being thirteen pieces of Brass-ordnance,] and Ammunition, [Seventy Barrels of pouder,] with a Magazin of Bisket, and other provisions proportionable. For this Victory Publick Prayer and Thanksgiving was made on the Hill, and then the Army was disposed of, to improve their success to their best advantage. For this good Service Sir Ralph Hopton was afterwards, at Oxford, created Baron of**Reader being … to this worthy Lord, I c…uld doe no less, then (in G atitude to his …) make this Exemplification. Stratton, in form as followeth,

CAROLUS Dei gratia Angliae, &c. Cum & Nominis nostri & Posteritatis interest, & ad clara exempla propaganda utilissimè compertum, palam fieri omnibus premia, apud nos vertuti sita, nec perire fidelium Subditorum officia, sed memori & benevolo pectore fixissimè p. 213insidere; his praesertim temporibus, cum plurimorum (quibus antehac nimium indulsimus) temerata, aut suspecta fides, pretium aliorum constantiae addidit. Cumque nobis certò constat Radulphum Hopton militem de Balneo Splendidis & Antiquis Natalibus, tum in caetera sua vita integritatis & morum eximium, tum in hac novissima tempestate, fatalique Regni & rebelli motu, rari animi fideique exemplum edidisti, Regiae dignitatis in eaque publice contra utriusque Adversarios assertorem & Vindicem acerrimum.

Quippe quia non solum nascenti huic Furori (nec dum omnibus manifesto) optimis Consiliis fortis in Curia Senator restiteret; Sed insinuante se latius veneno & crescente foerocia Dom…m ad suos reversus fortior Miles in Agro suo Somersetensi & vicini partibus omni ope & manu iniquissimam causam oppugnaverit, in Arce praesertim Sherbornianâ sub Auspiciis Marchionis Hertfordiae egregiam operam navaverit. Mox ulterius progressus pollenti in Devonia factionis Tyrannide, & munitissima Civi…ate in foedus illecta, & jam undique bonis Subditis perniciem minante, ipse penè in illa Regione Hospes, contracto è Cornubia milite, & primoribus statim impetum eorum repressit, jacentésque & afflictas nostras partes mirifica virtute recreavit: Et licet summis necessitatibus conflictanti exigua pars negocii …ostes erant, tantum ab…uit ut vel illis, vel istis succumberet, ut contra copiis auctiores & bellico apparatu instructissimos, saepiùs signis collatis in aciedemicans semper superior excesserit.

Testis Lanestonia, Saltash, Bradock, aliaque obscura olim nomina & loca, nunc Victoriis illius & perduellium cladibus nobilitata. Vix etiam ab his respiraverat cum novus belli furor lassas jam ferè & continuis praeliis luxatas vires numerocissimo exercitu adortus, uberiorem triumphandi dedit materiam. Cum ille in Campis Strattoniae, in difficillimas licet angustias redactus, inops militaris instrumenti & consumpto jam pulvere tormentario, armatos inermis, vallo munitos intectus, sola causa & virtute animatus, ita retudit, concidit, castris exuit, ut totam belli molem cum ipsis authoribus prof…igavit; Quicquid fugae illius residuum erat, inter Urbis unius Moenia eaque arcta obsi deon… astricta concluso. Qua quidem pugna memorabili praeter quod miserum Popellum, Jugo intolerabili levaverat, Sedes suas expulsis, Ecclesias Pastoribus, Pacem omnibus, & Firmamentum Pacis obsequium pristinum restituerit. Et jam sequenti armorum nostrorum faelicitati qua partes Regni Occidentales maturius ad officium & verum Dominum redierunt & viam aperuisse & momentum ingens extitisse libentissime profitemur; In hac opera lau dabili cum praefatus Radulphus perstet adhuc invicto animo & industria indefessa nullo arduo quantumvis labore & periculo excusatus, cumque mille Argumentis testatum fecerit, Honorem salutemque nostram sibi omni fortuna & captio potiorem, nos virum fortissimum optimeque affectum animum benigno studio prosequi & amplius demereri volentes, hunc & praeconio merito ornandum, & propriori ad nos gradu extollendum censuimus. Sciatis igitur nos de gratia nostra speciali … ex certa scientia & mero motu praefatum Radulphum Hopton ad statum, gradum, stilum, Dignitatem, Titulum & Honorem Baronis Hopton de Stratton in Comitatu nostro Cornubiae, &c. In cujus rei testimonium has Literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes.

Teste meipso apud Oxon. Quarto die Septembris, Anno Regni nostri decimo nono.

This Honour determined in this Lord, dying Issuless at Bruges in Flanders, since which time King Charles the second hath conferred the Title of Baron of Stratton on Sir John Berkeley, younger Sonto Sir Maurice Berkeley of Bruiton in Somerset-shire. This was he who was one of the first four Tetrarchs or Joint-managers in chief of Marshall matters in Cornwall, this is he who was so highly Instrumentall in the reducing of Exeter, being afterwards deservedly appointed the Governour. How since he hath shared in his Majesties sufferings beyond the Seas is sufficiently known.

As for the generall disarming and disbanding of the Parliament Army in this County Anno 1644. It was a Conquest without a Battle, on this occasion▪ I have seen the Head, bow down to take a Thorne out of the Foot. Such the proportion of Cornwall to England, and such was the Condescention of the King to come into this County. Essex followed him with all his Forces, till he pen'd himself in a narrow Place (or rather large Pound,) so that he was surrounded on all Sides, with the Sea and the Kings Souldiers.

Hereupon Essex (with some prime Commanders) shipped himself for Plimouth, p. 214thence for London, whither also their Horse forced their Passage (without considerable loss,) under the Conduct of Sir William Belfore, whom the Kings Horse did sequi, non assequi, follow but not overtake. The Foot left behind, submitted to the King on such conditions as are generally known.

His Majesty earnestly endeavouring (by the Enemies own confession,) the exact observing of Articles, which if some unruly Royalist did violate, (Souldiers will hardly wear bad Cloaths, whilst their Foes being in their Power have better on their Backs,) it was not so much an Offering as returning of an Injury, some of them having formerly felt the same Usage on the like occasion. The Parliament Foot did not depose their Disaffections with their Armes, soon resuming (or rather retayning) their former Principles, which made them adde new Armes to their old inclinations in the second Battle at Newbury.

The Farewell.

Being now to part with this County, I wish it all happiness, and particularly that Flaws or Flaughs may either never come thither or quickly depart thence. Which being a kind of English Hericano hath little civility therein, as throwing down some houses, more trees, and making more waste with the blast thereof. And may the same Divine Providence, which is their …, be also Neptune unto it, to secure this County, from the fury of Water, as well as from the fierceness of the Wind, that their LIONESS may never get a LION unto it, so to propagate Inundations betwixt them.

And now to wish an Honour to this Dutchy, and therewith a happiness both to It and all England, the strength of my weak prayers (twisted with many Millions more proceeding from Loyall hearts in this Land) shall never be wanting, that God would be pleased to bestow a Duke of Cornwall, of the loines of our Gracious Soveraign, to be possessed of the vertues, and to be Heir Apparent to the Lands of his Father. A Duke, presumed in Law to be of full age to all purposes and intents, the first minute of his birth, which happy minute God in due time send for the comfort of our Nation.