The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 8

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 8

p. 215CUMBERLAND.

CUMBERLAND hath Scotland on the North, Northumberland and Westmerland on the East, Lancashire on the South, and the Irish… sea on the West. It is not unlike a Half Moon in the form thereof, which from its Tips North and South may be allowed to be somewhat more then 40. miles, though East and West it spreadeth not above 26. miles. The soyl though generally hard, and exacting much toyl to improve it, is pleasant with the Varieties, and profitable with these

Naturall Commodities.

Pearls.

These are found commonly by the river Irt, where Mussels (as also Oysters and other Shellfish,) gaping for the Dew, are in a manner impregnated therewith. So that some conceive that as Dew is a Liquid Pearl, so a Pearl is Dew consolidated in these fishes. Here poor people getting them at low water, sell to Jewellers for Pence, what they sell again for Pounds. Indeed there is a Spanish Proverbe, that a Lapidary who would grow rich, must buy of those who go to be executed, (as not caring how cheap they sell,) and sell to those that go to be married, as not caring how dear they buy. But waving these advantages, such of that Mistery which Trade with Country-people herein, gaine much by buying their Pearls, though far short of the Indian in Orientness. But whether not as usefull in Physick is not as yet decided.

Black-lead.

Plenty hereof is digged up about Keswick, the onelyonly place (as I am inform'd) where it is found in Europe, and various is the use thereof.

1. For Painters (besides some mixture thereof in making Lead…colours,) to draw the Pictures of their Pictures, viz. those shadowy lines made onelyonly to be unmade again.

2. For pens, so usefull for Scholars to note the remarkables they read, with an impression easily deleble without prejudice to the book.

3. For Feltmakers for colouring of hats.

4. To scoure leaden cisternes, and to brighten things made of Iron.

5. In Flanders and Germany, they use it for glasing of stuffs.

Besides these visible, surely there are other concealed uses thereof, which causeth it daily to grow the dearer, being so much transported beyond the seas.

Copper.

These mines lay long neglected, (choak'd in their own rubbish) till renewed about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth, when plenty of Copper was here afforded, both for home-use and …orraign transportation. But Copper it self was too soft for severall military services, and could not alone (no single person can prove a parent) produce brass most usefull for that purpose. Here taste and see, Divine Providence, which never doth its work by halfes, and generally doubleth gifts by seasonable giving them. Lapis calaminaris (whereof hereafter in due place,) was then **Bishop Carletons Thankfull Remem cap. 1. pag. 4.first found in England, the Mother of Brass as Copper the father hereof. Hence came it to pass that Queen Elizabeth left more brass then She found Iron-ordnance in the Kingdome. And our wooden walls (so our ships are commonly call'd) were rough-casted over with a coat of a firmer constitution.

We must not forget the names of the two Dutch-men (good froggs by sea, but better moles by land,) who re-found out these Copper-mines, wherein also some silver (no new milk without some creame therein,) viz. Thomas Shurland and Daniel Hotchstabter of Auspurge in Germany, whose Nephews turning purchasers of lands hereabouts, prefer easily to take what the earth tenders in her hands p. 216above ground, then painfully to pierce into her heart for greater treasure.

I am sorry to hear, and loath to believe what some credible persons have told me, that within this twenty years the Copper within this County hath been wholly discontinued, and that not for want of Mettall, but Mining for it. Sad, that the industry of our age could not keep, what the ingenuity of the former found out. And I would willingly put it on another account, that the burying of so much steel in the bowells of men, dureing our Civil Wars, hath hindred their digging of Copper out of the entralls of the Earth, hoping that these peaceable times will encourage to the resuming thereof.

The Buildings.

This County pretendeth not to the mode of Reformed Architecture, the Vicinity of the Scots causing them to build rather for Strength then State. The Cathedrall of Carlile, may pass for the Embleme of the Militant-Church, Black but Comely, still bearing in the Complexion thereof, the remaining signes of its former burning. Rose-castle, the Bishops best Seat, hath lately the Rose therein withered, and the Prickles in the Ruins thereof onelyonly remain.

The houses of the Nobility and Gentry are generally built Castle-wise, and in the time of the Romans, this County (because a Limitary) did abound with Fortifications, Mr. Cambden taking notice of more Antiquities in Cumberland and Northumberland, then in all England besides.

The Wonders.

Although, if the word, Wonders, be strained up high and hard, this County affordeth none, yet if the sense thereof be somewhat let down, the compass thereof fetcheth in the

Moss-Troopers.

So strange the condition of their living, if considered in their Original, Increase, Height, Decay and Ruine.

1. Originall, I conceive them the same called Borderers in Mr. Cambden, and charactered by him to be a wild and war-like people, they are called Moss-Troopers, because dwelling in the Mosses, and riding in Troops together. They dwell in the Bounds, or meeting of two Kingdomes, but obey the Laws of neither. They come to Church as seldome as the 29. of February comes into the Kalender.

2. Increase, When England and Scotland were united in Great Britain, they that formerly lived by Hostile incursions, betook themselves to the robbing of their Neighbours. Their Sons are free of the trade by their Fathers Copy, they are like unto Job (not in piety and patience, but) in suddain plenty and poverty, sometimes having Flocks and Heards in the morning, none at night, and perchance many again next day. They may give for their Motto, vivitur ex rapto, stealing from their honest Neighbours, what sometimes they re-gain. They are a nest of Hornets, strike one and stir all of them about your ears. Indeed if they promise safely to conduct a Traveller, they will perform it with the fidelity of a Turkish Janizary, otherwise, wo be to him that falleth into their quarters.

3. Height, Amounting forty years …ince to some Thousands. These compelled the Vicenage, to purchase their security, by paying a constant rent unto them. When in their greatest height, they had two great Enemies, the Laws of the Land, and the Lord William Howard of Naworth. He sent many of them to Carlisle, to that place, where the Officer always doth his work by day-light. Yet these Moss-Troopers, if possibly they could procure the pardon for a condemned person of their Company, would advance great sums out of their Common stock, who in such a case, cast in their Lots amongst themselves, and all have one **Prov. 1. 14.Prov 1:14purse.

4. Decay, Caused by the wisdome, valour and diligence, of the Right Honorable Charles L. Howard, now Earl of Carlisle, who routed these English-Tories with his Regiment. His severity unto them will not onelyonly be excused, but commended by the judicious, who consider, how our great Lawyer doth describe such persons who are solemnly ….

p. 217Bracton. Lib. tertio Tract. 2. Cap. 11.

Ex tunc gerunt Caput Lupinum, ita quod sine judiciali inquisitione ritè …, & secum … judicium portent, & meritò sine L…ge pereunt, qui secundum Legem vivere recusarunt; Thenceforward [after they are out-law'd] they wear a **In the Law of K. Edw. an Out-law'd person is called … … Lambert fol. 127. B. Num. 7.Num 7Woolfs-head, so that they lawfully may be destroyed, without any judiciall inquisition, as who carry their own Condemnation about them, and deservedly die without Law, because they refused to live according to Law.

5. Ruine. Such the success of this worthy Lords severity, that he made a Through Reformation amongst them, and the Ring-leaders being destroyed, the rest are reduced to Legall obedience, and so I trust will continue.

Proverbs.

—**Cambd. Brit. in Cumberland. If Skiddaw hath a cap]

Scruffell wots full well of that.]

These are two neighbour hills, the one in this County, the other in Anan-dale in Scotland. If the former be capp'd with clouds and foggy mists, it will not be long before rain falls on the other. It is spoken of such who must expect to sympathize in their sufferings, by reason of the vicinity of their habitation.

Tum tua res agitur paries cum proximus ardet.

When thy neighbours house doth burn,

Take heed the next be not thy turn.

The Cumberlanders have found the truth hereof by their sad experience, in our Civil Wars, paying dear for their vicinity with Scotland.

**Cambd. Brit. ibidem.Skiddaw, Lauvellin, and Casticand,]

Are the highest hills in all England.]

I know not how to reconcile this ryme, with another which I meet with in the same **Combd. Brit. in Lancash…re.Author,

I…gleborrow, Pendle and Penigent,

Are the highest hills between Scotland and Trent.

But in order of an expedient betwixt them, we may observe. First, that every County is given to magnify (not to say altify) their own things therein. Secondly, that the survey goes according to the guess of mens eyes (as never exactly measured) variable according to severall apprehensions. Thirdly, some hills are higher in view, rising almost perpendicularly of a suddain by themselves, whilst the invisible greatness of others is not heeded so much, which mount with the Country about them creeping up insensibly by degrees. Mean time no mention of Plynillymon hill, as being in Wales, and without compare the Monarch of all mountains South of Scotland.

Saints.

Saint H…REBERT Priest and Confessor may justly be referred to this County. For there is a lake therein (**Lib. … cap. 9. …. Ang. Bede calleth it Pr…grande Stagnum) nigh Keswick made by the River Darwent, wherein three Islands are found, in the least of which this Herebert lead an Eremiticall life. If he travailed hence it was to visit his friend Saint Cuthbert, betwixt whom such Intimacy, that … telling him how his own death approached, Herebert falling down at his **Idem …feet, importunately requested him, that they might both pass out of this World together, which by Saint Cuthberts prayers is said to be obtained. Thus as they were loving in their lives, so in their death they were not devided; departing this World the same day and hour, Anno Dom. 688.

Saint ALRIKE born and bred in this County, led an Eremiticall life in a forrest near to Carlile. This man did not more macerate himself with constant fasting, then time since hath consumed his memory, which hath reduced it to nothing more then the scelleton of his name, without any Historicall passages to flesh and fill up the same, for I account the report of Saint **Vide …. … in … 1170.Goderick, another Hermite, (and present at this mans p. 218death) not worth the remembring, viz. that he saw the soul of Alrike ascend to Heaven, as it were in a Sphericall form of a burning wind, but we lissen unto it but as unto wind. He dyed Anno 1107.

Martyrs.

This County affordeth none in the raign of Queen Mary, whereof accept a double reason. First, the People thereof generally were nuzell'd in Ignorance and Superstition. Secondly, such as favoured the Reformation were connived at by Owin Ogelthorp, the courteous Bishop of Carlile, who Crowed Queen Elizabeth, and who in requittall had a favour for him had he lived any longer. However Cumberland had one Native, who going up to London, first found a Husband and then met with Martyrdome therein, viz.

ELIZABETH FOSTER was born at**Fox. Acts & Mon. pa. 1857. Graystock in this County, though her Maiden Sur-name be unknown. Travailing to London, she was there married to one John Forster Cutler, of the Parish of Saint Brides in Fleetstreet, and being summoned before Bonner, for not coming to Church, was imprisoned and strictly examined. Being moved by the Bishop to desert her answers, I will not (said she) go from them by Gods grace. Hereupon she was condemned, and being fifty five years of age accordingly suffered with six other Martyrs, all in one fire in Smithfield, Jan. 27. 1556.

Prelates.

ROGER WHELPDALE was born in the borders of this County, (so that Westmerland pretends to a share of him) bred in Baliol-colledge in Oxford, and afterwards became Provost of Queens-colledge in that University.

Bale **Centuria Sexta Nam. 29.ingenuously confesseth, that he cannot find where this Learned man after his long labours in Oxford, led the rest of his life, and Pitz (who seeing with Bales eyes, both are blind or sighted together) is at the same loss. But herein we are able guide our guides, and light a candle to direct them, for he was by King Henry the fifth, preferred Bishop of Carlile, 1419. he sate three years in that See, and dying at London Feb. 4. 1422. was buried in Saint Pauls.

ROGER LAY…URN was born of a Noble Family, not living far from**Godwin in the Bishops of Carlile. Carlile. A Noble Family indeed, expiring in the days of our Grand-fathers, when Elizabeth sole daughter and heir of Sir Francis Layburn, was married to Thomas Dacre last Baron of Gilsland and Graystock. This Roger was bred Fellow in Pembroke-hall, Doctor of Divinity, and at last was consecrated Bishop of Carlile, 1503. two years after he solemnly accepted of the Mastership of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge, which I have heard called Episcopale Collegium, not onelyonly because it hath bred so many Bishops (for the proportion thereof,) but chiefly because many Prelates have held the Mastership thereof, even untill their death. Doctor Layburn dyed soon after 1509. before he could express his good intentions to his Colledge or Cathedrall.

Since the Reformation.

EDMUND GRINDALL was born at Saint Bees in this County, bred Scholar, Fellow and Master of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge, and Proctour of the University. In the raign of Queen Mary, he fled beyond the seas, and was no Violento in the Troubles of Franckford, but with all meekness to his might, endeavoured a pacification. Returning home he was made successively Bishop of London, Arch bishop of York and Canterbury, by Queen Elizabeth, highly favouring him for his learning, piety, modesty and single life; till at last he lost Her love, by the mischievous practices of his enemies. His fault was for keeping others from breaking two of Gods Commandements, p. 219Thou shalt not steal, when he would not let the Lord of Leicester have Lambeth-house; and, Thou shalt not commit adultery, when he would not permit Julio, the Earls Italian Physician, to marry another mans wife.

But it was objected againsthim to the Queen, that he was a fierce defender of factious Prophecying, which in process of time would undermine the Hierarchy, though moderate men were of the opinion, they might prove profitable, as by Arch-bishop Grindall, limited and regulated.

Being really blind more with grief then age, (dying at sixty four) he was willing to put off his clothes before he went to bed, and in his life time to resigne his place to Doctor Whitgiff, who**Sir. G. Paul in … li…e pag. 27. refused such acceptance thereof. And the Queen, commiserating his condition, was graciously pleased to say, that, As She had made him, so he should die an Arch bishop, as he did July 6. 1583.

Worldly wealth he cared not for, desiring onelyonly to make both ends meet; and as for that little that lapped over, he gave it to pious uses in both Universities, and the founding of a fair Free-school at Saint Bees, the place of his nativity.

HENRY ROBINSON D. D. was born in**So Mr. Robinson Stationer and his Countrym…n informed me. Carlile, bred Fellow, and at last Provost of Queens-colledge in Oxford, and afterwards 1598. was consecrated Bishop of the place of his nativity.

When Queen Elizabeth received his Homage, She gave him many Gracious words, of the good Opinion, which She conceived of his Learning, Integrity and Sufficiency for that place. Moreover adding, that She must ever have a care to furnish that See with a worthy man, for his **Sir J. Harington in his view of the Church of England, p. 108.sake who first set the Crown on Her Head, and many words to the like purpose.

He was a Prelate of great gravity and temperance, very mild in**O. Oglethorp. Speech, but not of so strong a constitution of body as his countenance did promise. And yet he lived to be a very old man. He dyed Anno Dom. 16...

RICHARD SENHOUSE D. D. was born of worshipfull parentage at Netherhall in this County. A valiant man in his younger days, and I have heard that in his old age, he felt the admonitions of his youthfull over-violent exercises. He was bred Fellow of Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge, and became an Excellent Preacher, his Sermons losing no lusture by his good utterance, and gracefull delivering of them. He was Chaplain to King Charles whilst Prince, and Preached his Sermon at His Coronation. He was preferred Bishop of Carlile, enjoying the place but a short time. He dyed Anno Domini 1626.

Capitall Judges and Writers on the Law.

Sir RICHARD HUTTON**It is pity his Manuscripts on the Law should be smothered in private hands, which I hope will hereafter become publici …uris. was born at Perith of a Worshipfull Family, (his elder Brother was a Knight,) and bred in Jesus Colledge in Cambridge. He intended his Studies for Divinity, till disswaded by the importunity of his friends (amongst whom George Earl of Cumberland most eminent,) he became Barrister in Grays-Inn. But in expression of his former affection to Divinity, he seldome (if ever) took Fee of a Clergy-man. Afterwards being Recorder of York, he was Knighted and made Judge of the Common-Pleas. In the Case of Ship-money, though he was against the King, (or rather for the Commons) yet His Majesty manifested not the least distast, continuing to call him the Honest Judge.

This person so pious to God, and charitable to his poor Members, was dissolved about the beginning of our National misery. Thus God before he new ploweth up a land, with the furrows of a Civil War, first cutteth down his old crop, and gathereth them like ripe sheaves into his barn. He dyed at Serjeants-Inn, and was buried at his earnest desire without any Funerall Sermon, (save what his own vertues preached to posterity,) at St. Dunstons in the West on the 27. day of Febr. Anno Dom. 1638.

Sir JOHN BANKS was born at Keswick, of honest parents, who perceiving him judicious and industrious, bestowed good breeding on him in Grays-Inn, in hope he should attain to preferment, wherein they were not deceived. After he was called to the Bar, for some years he solicited suits for others, thereby attaining great practicall experience. He afterwards might laugh at them, who then did smile at him, leaving many p. 220behind him in learning, whom he found before him in time, untill at last he was Knighted by K. Charles, made first his At…urney, then Chief Justice of the Common-pleas, dying in the midst and heat of our Civil dissentions.

He ordered by his Will (the Copy whereof I have received from my good **Mr: John … Minister at ….friend) that his body should be buried under some plain Monument, at the discretion of his Executors, and after an Epitaph mentioning the severall places he had held, This Motto to be added,

Non nobis Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini Tuo da gloriam.

It must not be forgotten that by his said Will he gave to the value of thirty pounds per annum, with other Emoluments to be bestowed in Pious uses, and chiefly to set up a Manufacture of Course Cottons in the Town of Keswick, which I understand hath good, and is in hopes of better success.

Civilians.

GEORGE PORTER was born at Weery-hall in the Parish of Bolton in this County, of gentile extraction. He was afterward Fellow of Queens-colledge in Cambridge, Doctor and Professor of Civil-law therein, for above thirty years, so that he might have been made Comes Imperii primi ordinis, according to the constitution of Theodosius the Emperor, allowing that honour to Professours in that faculty, **Cod. Theod. lib. 6. …. 21.Cum ad viginti annos observatione jugi, ac sedulo docendi labore pervenerint.

He was of a pitifull nature, and we commonly called him (for I had oft the honour to be in his mess,) The Patron of infirmities, whose discourse was always defensive and charitable, either to excuse mens failings, or mitigate their punishments. He was valiant as well as learned, and with his sterne looks and long sword, frighted three thieves from setting upon him. He dyed Anno Domini 163.. and Doctor Collins, (who with Saint Chrysostome was in laudatoriis hyperbolicus,) Preaching his Funerall Sermon, endeavoured to heighten his memory to his soul, mounting it above the skies for his modesty and learning.

Writers.

JOHN CANON. Some will have him so called, because Canon of some Cathedral Church, and if so, there were Hundreds of John Canons besides himself: others, because he was Doctor of Canon Law, which leaves as great a Latitude as the former, for hundreds (with equall right) to justle with him for the same Surname. I have cause to conceive, untill I shall be clearly convinced to the contrary, that he was born at Canonsby in this County, By being set by for brevities sake.

Bilious Bale bespattereth him more then any of his Order. Hear how he ranteth, He turned a **Cent. 5. num. 3.Minotaure, (I should say Minorite) and with his Thrasonicall Boasting, &c. But I am not bound to believe him, the rather, because Trithemius a Forraign, Judicious and Moderate Writer, giveth him great commendation. Whence I collect that his worth was not like a Candle in the House, onelyonly burning at Home in England, but a Torch, blazing abroad beyond the Seas, the University of Paris and other places taking signall notice of his Learning. He flourished under K. Edward the second 1320.

WILLIAM EGREMONT. He hath almost lost his true Surname amongst the various writing thereof. **…e …cript. Brit. …. 7. Num. 12.Num 12Bale calleth him Egumonde, (though no such place in all England,) Pits, reduceth it to a Saxon Name, and calleth him **De Ang. scrip. 1390.Egmund; Leland, (for a reason immediately following) nameth him William of Stamford, but Egremont is the Orthography of his name, from a small Market-town (yet a Barony of the late Earls of Sussex,) in this Shire where he was born.

Quitting this cold Country, he took his Progress into the South, and fixing himself at Stamford, became an Augustinian Eremite, and proceeded Doctor of Divinity. Going beyond the Seas, he was by the Pope made Episcopus Pissinensi…, (some poor pitifull Bishoprick, so that one would scarce trouble himself to find it out to have the profit there…f, and therewith held the Suffragane-ship under Henry Beaufort Bishop of Lincoln. p. 221Indeed that voluminous Diocess (a full fourth part of England, before Eli, Peterborough and Oxford, were cantoned out of it) required a Co-adjutor. Many are the learned works written by him, and (seeing he is Doubly qualified) I thought fitter to repose him under the Topick of Writers then of Prelates, being confident that he got more credit by his Books, then profit by his Bishoprick. He flourished under King Richard the second, anno 1390.

JOHN SKELTON was a younger branch of the Skeltons of Skelton in this County. I crave leave of the Reader, (hitherto not having full instructions, and) preserving the undoubted Title of this County unto him, to defer his character to Norfolk, where he was Beneficed at Diss therein.

Since the Reformation.

RICHARD CRAKENTHORP D. D. was descended of an Ancient Family in this County, as appeareth by their frequent being Sheriffs thereof. He was bred Fellow of Queens-colledge in Oxford, and afterwards in the first of King James went over Chaplain to the Lord Evers, sent Embassadour to the King of Denmark, and other prime Princes of Germany. Here by use he got an easiness in the Latine tongue, and correspondency with several persons of eminent Learning.

He was an excellent Logicia…, (witness his work in that kind) and became Chaplain in Ordinary to King James, Rector of Black-Notley in Essex, greater preferments expecting him, had not his death prevented it.

Pliny observeth, that Posthume Children born after the death of their Father, and Caesars, (understand such, who are cut out of the womb of their Mother) prove very happy in success. What reason soever Naturalists assign hereof, Divines justly impute it to Gods goodness, graciously remembring those Orphans, which cannot remember their own Parents.

The Observation may be applyed to the Books of this worthy Doctor, set forth after his death, one called▪ Vigilius Dormitàns, in defence of the Emperour Justinian, and a generall Councill held by him Anno 553. set forth by his Brother George Crakenthorp; the other being an answer to the Manifesto of the Arch-bishop of Spalato, set forth by that Learned Antiquary Dr. John Barkham, and both of these Books finding an universall and gratefull reception among the Learned and Religious. I cannot certainly fix the date of his death, and be it here solemnly entred that Westmerland shall be unprejudiced, if he were born (as a most credible person hath informed me) at NewBiggin in this County.

—SALKELD was a branch of a Right Worshipfull Family in this County, bred a Divine beyond the Seas, but whether … or Secular Priest I know not. Coming over into England to Angle for Proselites, it seems his Line broke, and he was cast into prison. Hence he was brought out and presented to K. James, by whose Arguments (and a Benefice bestowed on him in Somersetshire,) he became a Protestant.

This he used in all companies to boast of, that he was a Royall Convert,

—Nobisque dedit solatia victor

And was it not a Noble thing,

Thus to be conquer'd by a King?

Indeed His Majesty in some of his works styleth him the Learned Salkeld, which the other much vaunted of, often telling it to such who well knew it before, for fear they might forget it. His preaching was none of the best, and he retained some Popish (though not Opinions) Fancies to the day of his death. I have heard much of his discourse more of his own praise, then to his own praise in my judgement. But his true character may be taken out of the Book he wrot of Angells. He died about the year, 1638.

GERARD LANGBAIN D. D. was born at Kirk-Banton in this County, bred first Fellow in, then Provost of Queens-colledge in Oxford. A skilfull Antiquary, ingenious, industrious and judicious in …is Writings, as by his Works will appear.

Who so shall read over the History of th… Councill of Trent, transl…ted out of Italian by Sir Nathaniel Brent, will conceive it so compleat a Narration of all the concernments in that Council, that nothing of consequence can be added thereunto. Yet this his mistake will be confuted, by perusing the Works set forth by Doctor Langbain, of the p. 222dissent of the Gallican Churches from severall conclusions in that Council.

As his Brain was the Mother of some, so was it the Midwife to other good books, which he procured to be published. Especially a book made by Sir John Cheeke, concerning Rebellion and Loyalty, seasonably reprinted in the beginning of our Civil Wars. But alas, such then was the noise of mens Animosities, that the Still voice of Truth could not be heard amongst them. More Excellent Tracts were expected from him, (particularly an Edition of Brian Twine, with Additions concerning the Antiquity of Oxford,) when God was pleased almost in the midst of his days to put an end to his life, Anno 1657.

Benefactors to the Publick.

ROBERT EAGLESFIELD born in this County, was a pious and learned man according to the rate of that age, Chaplain and Confessor to Philippa, Queen to King Ed ward the third. He founded a fair Colledge in Oxford, by the name of Queens-colledge, for a Provost and twelve Fellows, whom he ordered to sit in the Hall in purpura, and that they should be attended on more Curiali. He appointed that those of Cumberland and Westmerland should be proper for perferment in his Foundation, rendring this reason why he reflected most on those Northern Counties, Propter insolitam vastitatem, & melioris literaturae infrequentiam.

But prevented by death, he finished not his intentions, leaving onelyonly to the Colledge the Mannor of Renwick in this County, with the impropriation of Burgh under Stanmore, and, which I assure you was considerable, most excellent Statutes.

To shew himself both Courtier and Scholar, he ordered that in the Hall they should speak either Latine or French. He bequeathed his Colledge to the honorary Patronage of the Queens of England, and his Sur-name is still extant in this County in persons of quality, but how to him related to me unknown. He dyed about the year of our Lord 1370.

Memorable Persons.

MAUD the Daughter of Thomas Lord Lucy, Sister and Heir of Anthony Lord Lucy, and Baron of Cokermouth, the Widow of Gilbert Humfrevile, Earl of Angus, was the second Wife of Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland. Who, when she saw that she should dye without Issue, gave to Earl Henry her husband, the Castle and Honour of Cokermouth, with many other Mannors in Copeland and Westmerland, with condition, that his Issue should bear her Armes of the Lucies, [viz. Gules, three Lucies [or Pikes] Hauriant Argent,] quartered, with their own Armes of the Percies. And for it levyed a Fine, in the Court of King Richard the second.

Hitherto verbatim out of Master **Catalog. of Honour pag. 719.Mills. But, by his favour, his words are not sufficiently expressive of the agreement betwixt them. The Earl conditioned, not onelyonly to quarter the Armes of the Lucies, (as the Percies now quarter many more besides, viz. Poynings, Fitz-Pain, Brians, &c.) but he also covenanted (as in the words of the Instrument) Deferre quateriatim, To bear them quarterly with his own Armes, incorporated into one Coat in effect. This promise the Percys have bona fide perform'd, preserving so near a relation between the two Coats, that in a manner, Mutuò se ponunt & auferunt; so that, if Either, Both always appear together.

This Lady is entred amongst Memorable Persons, partly, because of her harmless device, to perpetuate her memory; partly, because of her great affection to her Husband; She but a second, and no wife of his youth, bringing him no children, and having (no doubt) heirs of her own name and blood, though she were barren, would be bountifull to endow that Family with possessions, which she could not enrich with posterity. Say not the Percys profit, was the Lucies loss; for, what saith the **Mat. 21. 15.Matt 21:15Scripture? Is it not lawfull for me to doe what I will with mine own? She died about the year of our Lord 1382.

Lord Mayors.

I find none of this County, nor is the wonder great if it be true what Credible persons have informed me, that there are no Carriers (the Post from Carlile is excepted,) which immediately come from this County to London. It seems Cumberland is Terra suis contenta bonis, neither proud of the Gayety, nor covetous of the Money of London.

p. 223The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners, in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth.

Tho. Barnby Prioris Carlioli

Will. Reddekar Abbatis de Holm

Tho. Stanley Abbatis de Wederhill

Rog. Kirkeby Prioris de Seynt Beys

Alex. Walton Prioris de Lanecost

Rich. Hodleston

Crist. Culwan, Sheriff

Pet. Tilioll

Ioh. Penyngton

Ioh. Skelton

Ioh. Lamplewe

Nich. Radclyff, Mil.

Hen. Fenwyk

Hug. de Louther

Will. Stapleton

Ioh. Broughton

Tho. Culwen

Tho. Delamore

Geor. Warthwyk

Will. Twates

Ioh. Eglisfeld, sen.

Will. Martindale, sen.

Ioh. Hoton

Hug. Forster

Ioh. de Skelton

Will. Thirskeld

Will. Louther de Rosa

Ioh. de Denton

Will. Arlosch

Rich. de Kirkebride

Will. Dykes

Tho. de Stanewikes

Ioh. Blanerhasset

Tho. Aglanbly

Tho. Appulby

Tho. Salkeld

Tho. Beuchamp

Rol. Vaux

Ade de Denton

Tho. Grane

Tho. Hethryngton

Tho. de Sandes

Ioh. Swynburn

Ioh. Eglisfeld, junio.

Rich. Eglisfeid

Will. Martyndail, junioris

Ioh. Culwen

Tho. Senenhans

Will Osmonderlawe

Will. Lowther de Crokdaile

Nich. Irton

Alex. Heighmore

Ioh. Rybton

Rob. Bristow

Will. Aglanby

Ioh. Louther de Alwardby

Nioh. Stanle

Tho. Wodhall

Will. Hodliston de

Copland

Rob. Scot de Caldebeke

Will. Denton Majoris Karlioli

Will. Cardoile

Tho. Frankyssh Ballivi ibidem

Tho. Delmore

Will. Kelet

Ioh. Graneson

Galf. Barre

Ioh. Middilham

Ioh. Person de Lowswater

Pet. Iakson de eadem

Rich. Bristow

Leo. Howchonson

Will. Redman

Tho. Rickman de Cokyrmouth, Baker

This is a comfortable Catalogue, for one delighting in Ancient Families to practice upon. It is the observation of Vitruvius (alledged and approved by Master **In his Eliz. Anno 1489.Cambden) that Northern-men advancing Southward, Non possunt durare sed disolvuntur, Cannot endure the heat, but their strength melteth away and is disolved, whilst Southern-people removing Northward, Non modo, non laborant immutatione loci, valetudinibus, sed etiam confirmantur, Are not only, not subject to sickness through the change of place, but are the more confirmed in their strength and health.

Sure I am, that Northern Gentry transplanted into the South, by Marriage, Purchase or otherwise, doe languish and fade away wi…hin few generations. Whereas Southern men on the like occasions removing Northward acquire a setlement in their Estates with long continuance. Some peevish natures (delighting to comment all things into the worst sence) impute this to the Position of their Country, as secured from sale by their distance from London, (the staple place of pleasure,) whilst I would willingly behold it as the effect and reward of their discreet thrift and moderate expence, Two thirds of this Catalogue of Cumberland being still extant, and the third extinct, for lack of Issue and not Estate.

Sheriffs of Cumberland.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Hildretas

Anno 2

RECORDA MANCA.

Anno 3

Anno 4

Anno 5

Rob. Fitz. Troit for 14 years.

Anno 19

Idem & Adam filius ejus.

Anno 20

Adam filius Rob. Trutts

Anno 21

Rob. de Vaus

Anno 22

p. 224Anno 23

Rob. T…utt. Adam filius …jus pro eo.

Anno 24

Rob. de Vallibus

Anno 25

Idem.

Anno 26

Rob. de Vallibus & Rog. de Legeire

Anno 27

Rob. de Vallibus …or 4 years.

Anno 31

Hug. de Morwich

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Idem. & Nich. Frater ejus.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Will. de Aldelin for 9 years.

JOH. REX.

Anno 1

Will. de Stuteivill & Johan▪ Laleman

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Will. de Stutevill & Phus. Escrar

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Rog. de Lasy Constabut. Cestrie.

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Rog. de Lasy Constabut. Cestrie, & Walt. Marescallus for 4 years.

Anno 12

Hug. de Nevill for 4 years.

Anno 16

Rob. de Ros, & Alanus Candebe….

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Walt. Mauclere for 7 years.

Anno 8

Walt. Ephus. Carliol. & Rob. filius Will. de Hampton for 7 years.

Anno 15

Walt. Ephus. Carliol. & Tho. filius Johannis

Anno 16

Idem.

Anno 17

Tho. de Muleton for 4 years.

Anno 21

Will. de Dacre for 12 years

Anno 33

Ioh. Daylock for 8 years.

Anno 41

Will. Com. Albemarl. & Remigius de Todington for 5 years.

Anno 46

Eustachius de Bayloel for 5 years.

Anno 51

Eustachius de Baylloet & Mathe. de Ebor. for 4 years.

Anno 55

Rad. de Dacre

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Rob. Carliol. Ephus. Math. Cordil. & Roger. de Pocklington

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Rob. de Hampton

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Ioh. de Windeburne &

Anno 7

Mich. de Neilbigging Ad. Newbegin. Gil. Cureweune

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Rob. de Brus for 4 years.

Anno 14

Mich. de Arcla (Arcla) for 12 years.

Anno 26

Will. de Mulecaster for 5 years.

Anno 31

Ioh. de Lucy

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Will. de Mulcaster

Anno 34

Idem.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Alex. de Wastwenthoyte

Anno 2

Andreas. de Harcla for 4 years.

Anno 6

Andr. de Harcla & Alex. de Bastenthwayt Mi. for 7 years.

Anno 13

Nul. Titulus, Comitis in hoc Rotulo

Anno 14

Anno 15

Anno 16

Anno 17

Hen. de Malton & Rob. le Brum.

Anno 18

Hen de Malton

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Pet. Tilloll & Rob. & Brun

Anno 2

Anno 3

Pet Tilloll

Anno 4

Rad. de Dacre (Ranulphus) for 6 years.

Anno 10

Ric. de Denton

Anno 11

Anth. de Lucy & Roul. Vaux

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Anth. de Lucy

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Hug. de Moriceby, & Anth. de Lucy

Anno 16

Idem.

Anno 17

Hug. de Moriceby

Anno 18

Idem.

Anno 19

Tho. de Lucy, & Hug. de Moriceby

Anno 20

Idem.

Anno 21

Tho. de Lucy

Anno 22

Idem.

Anno 23

Idem.

Anno 24

Rich. de Denton

Anno 25

Idem.

Anno 26

Hug. de Louthre

Anno 27

Idem.

Anno 28

Idem.

Anno 29

Nul. Titulus Comitis in Rotulo

Anno 30

Will. de Thirkeld

Anno 31

Rob. Tillioll

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Will. de Lancaster

Anno 34

Chri. de Moriceby

Anno 35

Rob. de Tillioll

Anno 36

Idem.

Anno 37

Chri. de Moriceby

Anno 38

Idem.

Anno 39

Idem.

Anno 40

Idem.

Anno 41

Will. de Windesor

Anno 42

Idem.

Anno 43

Adam. Puinges

Anno 44

Idem

Anno 45

Idem.

Anno 46

Ioh. de Denton

Anno 47

Rob. de Moubray

Anno 48

Ioh. de Derwentwater

Anno 49

Ioh. de Denton

Anno 50

Ioh. de Derwentwater

Anno 51

Ioh. Bruyn

p. 225King Henry II.

21 ROBERTUS de VAUS.]

Alias de Vaux or de Vallibus, a right ancient name (still extant) in this County. There is a Cross in the Church-yard of Beu-castle, about twenty foot in height, all of one square stone carved with the Armes of Vaux, whence Master Cambden concludeth it, (though otherwise the inscription thereon not legible) of their erection. I behold this Robert as Father to John de Vallibus, of whom **In hi… History Anno 1263.Mathew Paris saith, that he was one of those, that, muneribus excaecati, à fidelitate, quam Baronibus in commune juraverant, recesserunt: Blinded with bribes, they went back from the (some will say, such breach no breach of) fidelity, which they had jointly sworn to the Barons. Indeed the same Author reckoneth him amongst those whom **Ibid m Anno 1364.he termeth, Clarissimos milites, on whose loyalty and valour King Henry the third relied. The Lord Vaux of Harrowden in Northamptonshire, doth hence fetch his Extraction.

King Henry III.

8 WALT. EPIS. CARLIOL. & ROB. filius WILL. de HAMPTON.]

This Walter Bishop of Carlile, was he, who commonly was called Male-Clerk, English it as you please, Bad-scholar or Clergy-man. It seems to me a strange Transposition, that Henry the first King of England, should be termed Beau-Clerk, a Good-scholar, and our Walter a Bad One, who was a Bishop in Orders.

However though Male-Clerk, had he been Bon-Homme a Good-Man, the matter had been much mended. But I find little praise of his manners. Indeed he was Lord Trea surer of England, and found false both in Word and Deed, avowing his Accounts even, when he was justly charged with an hundred pound (a summe in that age, in the purse of a poor King) debt to the Exchequer. This cost him much molestation, so that at last he resigned his Bishoprick, which by my **Godwin in the Bishops of Carlile.Author is beheld as no kindly act of mortification, but that he came unjustly by his place, and was afraid to lose, though ashamed to keep it any longer. He afterwards became a Friar at Oxford, as if lacking learning in his Youth, he would recover it in his Old Age, where he dyed October 28. 1248.

Edward II.

2 ANDREAS de HARCLA.]

Had his latter end answered his beginning, he might deservedly have been ranked, amongst the Worthies of Westmerland, (where he was born at Harcla,) whereas now it shall suffice, to make this oblique mention of him in this place.

He behaved himself right handsomely in the service of King Edward the second, many years together, especially at the battle of Borough-brigge, where he killed Humphrey Bohun, Earl of Hereford, and took Thomas Plantagenet, Earl of Lancaster, with many others of the Nobility prisoners, and delivered them to the King. In reward whereof he was Created in the 19. …ear of that King, Earl of Carlile, and had the Isle of Man bestow'd upon him. Next year, I know not upon what discontentment, he fell into private confederacy with the Kings foes the Scots, for which he was taken and condemned. Now lest the Nobility of others should by secret sympathy suffer, in his disgracefull death, the Earl was first parted from the Man, and his honour severed from his person, by a solemn degradation, having his knightly spurs hewed off from his heels, which done he was hang'd, drawn and quartered.

Sheriffs.

p. 228Edward IV.

16 RICHARD DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.]

He is notoriously known to Posterity, without any … Comment or Character to describe him. In his Armes, it is observable, that the younger sons of Kings, did not use our Common Modern manner of differences, by Cressants, Mullets, Martilets, &c. but assumed unto themselves, some other differencing devices.

Wonder not that his Difference being a Labell (disguised with some additions) hath some Allusion to Eldership therein, whilst this Richard was but the Third son, seeing in his own Ambition, he was not onelyonly the Eldest, but OnelyOnly Child of his Father, as appeareth by his Project, not long after, to Basterdize both his Brethren. And now did he begin to cast an Eye on, and forecast a way to the Crown, by securing himself of this County, which is the Back (as Northumberland the Fore) Door into Scotland. In the mean time, Cumberland may count it no mean Credit, that this Duke was for six years together, and at that very time, her High-Sheriff, when he was made, (or rather made himself) King of England.

Henry VIII.

21 THOMAS WHARTON.]

This must needs be that worthy person, whom King Henry the eighth, afterwards created first, L. Wharton, of Wharton in Westmerland, and who gave so great a defeat to the Scots at Solemn Moss, that their King James the fifth, soon after died for sorrow thereof.

Indeed the Scotish Writers conceiving it more creditable to put their defeat on the account of Anger, then of Fear, make it rather a Surrender then a Battle, as if their Country-men were in effect unwilling to Conquer, because unwilling to Fight. Such their Disgust taken at Oliver Sentclear, a man of Low Birth, and High Pride, obtruded on them that day, by the King for their Generall. And to humor their own discontentment, they preferred rather to be taken Prisoners by an Enemy, then to fight under so distasted a Commander.

As for the Lord Wharton, I have read, (though not able presently to produce my Author,) that for this his service, his Armes were augmented, with an Orle of Lions paws in Saltier Gules, on a Border Or.

The Farewell.

I understand two small Manufactures are lately set up therein, the one of course Broadcloath at Cokermouth, (vended at home.) The other of Fustians some two years since at Carlile, and I wish that the Undertakers may not be disheartned with their small encouragement. Such who are ashamed of Contemptible beginnings, will never arrive at considerable endings. Yea, the greatest Giant was (though never a Dwarfe) once an Infant, and the longest line commenced from a little point at the first.