The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 9

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 9

p. 229DERBY-SHIRE.

DERBY-SHIRE hath York-shire on the North, Nottingham-shire on the East, Leicester-shire on the South, Stafford and Cheshire on the West. The River South Darwent falling into Trent, runneth through the middle thereof. I say South Darwent, for I find three more North thereof.

These I have seen by Critical Authors written all alike, enough to perswade me, that Dower, the Brittish word for water had some share in their denomination.

The two extreams of this Shire from North to South, extend to thirty eight miles, though not fully twenty nine in the broadest part thereof. The South and East thereof are very fruitful, whilest the North part (called the Peak) is poor above, and rich beneath the ground. Yet are there some exceptions therein. Witness the fair pasture nigh Haddon (belonging to the Earl of Rutland) so incredibly battling of Cattel, that one proffered to surround it with shillings to purchase it; which because to be set side-ways, (not edge-ways) were refused.

Natural Commodities.

Lead.

The best in England (not to say Europe) is found in this County. It is not churlish, but good natured Metal, not curdling into knots and knobs, but all equally fusil; and therefore most useful for Pipes and Sheets, yea, the softnesse thereof will receive any artificial impressions. The Miners thereof may be called a Common-wealth within our Common-wealth, governed by Laws peculiar to themselves, often confirmed by Act of Parliament, and take a few of them.

1. If any of this Nation find a **3 & 4. Phil. & Mar. Act▪ 4.Acts 4Rake, or Sione, or Leading to the same, he may set in any ground to get Lead Oar.

2. But Churches, Houses and Gardens are free from this Custom of the Minery.

3. All Miners ought to commence their suits for Oar-debt, in the Bargemoot-Court, Otherwise they must lose their **3 Edw. 6. Act. 9.Acts 9debt, and pay cost too.

4. The Barge-Master keeps his two great Courts twice a year in Barge-Moot-Hall, the Steward under him once in three weeks to decide Controversies, and punish offences betwixt Miners.

5. Plaintiffs or Defendants having three Verdicts passed against them, are bound up for ever.

6. He that stealeth Oar twice, is **16 Edw. 1. c. 2.fined, and the third time struck through his hand with a Knife unto the haft into the Stow, and is there to stand until death, or loose himself by cutting off his hand.

7. The Lord for Lot, hath the thirteenth dish of Oar, within their Mine, and six pence a load for Cope.

This Manual (as other Liberal) Art, hath Terms peculiar to it sef, which will not be understood without an Interpreter of their own profession.

**Composed by Edward Manlove, Esq heretosore Steward of the Barge-… Court, for the Lead Mines▪ within the said VVapentake.Bunnings. Polings, Stemples, Forks, and Slyder,

…, Yokings, Soletrees, Roach and Rider,

Water holes, Wind holes, Veyns, Coe-shafts, and Woughs,

Maine Rakes, Cross Rakes, Brown henns, Buddles, and Soughs,

Bre…k-offs, and Buckers, Randum of the Rake,

Freeings, and chasing of the Stole to th' Stake,

p. 20Starting of Oar, Smilting, and driving drifts,

Prim-gaps, Roof-works, Flat-works, Pipe-works, shifts,

Cauke, Spar, Lid-stones, Twitches, Daulings and Pees,

Fell, Bous, and Knock-bark, Forstid-Oar and Tees,

Bing-place, Barmoot Court, Barge-master and Stowes,

Crosses, Holes, Hange-benches, Turntree and Coes,

Founder-meers, Taker-meers, Lot, Cope, and Sumps,

Stickings, and Stringes of Oar, Wash-Oar, and Pumps,

Corfe, Clivies, Deads, Meers, Groves, Rake-soil the Gange,

Binge-Oar, a Spindle, a Lampturne, a Fange,

Fleaks, Knockings, Coestid, Trunks and Sparks of Oar,

Sole of the Rake, Smitham, and many more.

Let me adde, that whereas Miners complain, that Lead in Somerset-shire (as the Tinne in Cornwall) doth dayly decay, here it doth improve and encrease. For, as if Phoebus himself had been their Vulcan, massy pieces of Lead are frequently found (whereof lately I had one in my hand) so well ripened in the bowels of the Earth, that they seemed refined, such the original purity thereof.

Manufactures.

Mault.

Though commonness causeth contempt, excellent the Art of the first inventing thereof. I confesse it facile to make Barley Water, an invention which found out it self, with little more than the bare joyning the ingredients together. But to make Mault for Drink, was a master-piece indeed. How much of Philosophy concurred to the first Kill of Mault, and before it was turned on the Floor, how often was it tossed in the Brain of the first inventer thereof.

First to give it a new growth more than the earth had bestowed thereon. Swelling it in the water to make it last the longer, by breaking it, and taste the sweeter by corrupting it. Secondly, by making it to passe the fire, the grain (by Art fermented) acquiring a lusciousnesse (which by nature it had not) whereby it doth both strengthen and sweeten the water wherein it is boyled.

ALE.

Ceres being our English Bacchus, this was our Ancestors common drink, many imputing the strength of their Infantry (in drawing so stiff a Bow) to their constant (but moderate) drinking thereof. Yea, now the English begin to turn to Ale (may they in due time regain their former vigorousness:) and whereas in our remembrance, Ale went out when Swallows came in, seldom appearing after Easter; it now hopeth (having climed up May Hill) to continue its course all the year. Yet have we lost the Preservative, what ever it was, which (before Hops was found out) made it last so long in our land some two hundred years since, sor half a year at the least after the brewing thereof; otherwise of necessity they must brew every day, yea pour it out of the Kive into the Cup, if the prodigious English Hospitality in former ages be considered, with the multitude of menial Servants and strangers entertained. Now never was the Wine of Sarepta better known to the Syrians, that of Chios to the Grecians, of Phalernum to the Latines, than the Canary of Derby is to the English thereabout.

Buildings.

Chatsworth erected by the magnificent Lady Elizabeth Cavendish Countess of Shrewsbury, is a stately Structure thus described by the **Mr. Hobbs de Mirabilibus P…cci.Poet,

Stat Chatsworth praeclara domus, tū mole superba,

Tum Domino magnis, celerē Deroëntis ad undā.

Miranti similis portam praeterfluit Amnis

Hic tacitus, saxis, infra, supra que sonorus.

Chatsworth which in its bulk it self doth pride

And Lord (both great) stands Derwens bank beside.

Which slides still by the gate, as full of wonder,

Though loud with stones above the house & under

p. 231The Garden on the backside, with an artificial Rock and Wilderness, accomplisheth the place with all pleasure.

Wonders.

God who is truely foreign, the onelyonly Worker of Wonders, hath more manifested his might in this than in any other County in England; such the heaps of Wonders therein, amongst which we take special notice of

Maim Tor, or Mam-Tor.

Tor is a Hill ascending steep as Glassenbury-Tor. Maim, saith **Mr. Hobbs de Mirabilibus pecci.one, because maimed or broken in the top thereof. Others following the vulgar pronounciation will have it Mam-Tor (that is) the Mother Hill, because it is always delivered, and presently with child again: for incredible heaps of sandy earth constantly fall thence, yet is it not visibly diminished, having, it seems, (as a constant stream) such a spring of matter whence it is recruited. It may pass for the Embleme of the liberal man, never impoverished by his well-bounded and grounded charity, his expences being re-supplyed by a secret providence.

Medicinal Waters.

Buxton Well, dedicated to St. Anne, sending forth both cold and warm water, is little less than miraculous in the effects, thus described by our **Idem ibidem.Author.

Haec resoluta senum confirmat membra trementum,

Et refovet nervos lotrix haec lympha gelatos,

Huc infirma regunt baculis vestigia claudi,

Ingrati referunt baculis vestigia spretis.

Huc, Mater fieri cupiens, accedit inanis,

Plena que discedit, puto, nec veniente marito.

Old mens numb'd joynts new vigor here acquire,

In frozen Nerves, this Water kindleth Fire.

Hither the Creples halt, some help to find,

Run hence, their … unthankt left behind.

The barren Wife here meets her **The Translator durst not be so bold as the Author.Husbands love,

With such success she strait doth Mother prove.

This Well is also famous for the abode of Mary Queen of Scots thereby, who found much refreshing by the waters thereof.

Princes.

I find no Prince since the Conquest, who saw his first light in this County, probably because our English Kings never made any long residence therein.

Saints.

St. ALKMUND, son to Alred, King of Northumberland slain in a Battel, on the behalf of Ethelmund Vice-Roy of Worcester, pretending to recover Lands against Duke Wolstan, who detained them, was therefore reputed Saint and Martyr. It would pose a good Scholar to clear his Title to the later, who lost his life in a quarrel of civil concernment. On which account in all Battels betwixt Christians, such as are slain on one side, may lay claim to Martyr-ship. However it befriendeth his Memory, that his body translated to Derby, was believed to do miracles, being there with great veneration interred in a Church called Saint Alkmunds (on the right hand) as Passengers (from the South) go over the Bridge, whither the Northern people made many Pilgrimages, till discomposed by the Reformation. What relation Alkmundsbury a Town in Hantingdonshire hath unto Him, is to me unknown.

Martyrs.

JOAN WAST was a blind Woman in the Town of Derbey, and on that account the object of any mans Alms, rather than the Subject of his cruelty. Besides, she was seemingly a silly Soul, and indeed an Innocent, though no Fool. And what saith our **Ioh. 9. 39.John 9:39Saviour, For judgement am I come into this world, that they which see not might see, and that they which see, might be made blind. This poor Woman had a clear apprehension of Gods Truth, for the testimony whereof she was condemned, and burnt at the Stake, by the command of Bishop Baines, who as he began with the Extreams, Mistress Joyce p. 232Lewis, one of the best; and this Joan Wast, one of the basest birth in his Diocess: So no doubt (had not Queen Mary died) he would have made his cruelty meet in persons of a middle condition.

Cardinals.

ROGER CURSON was born, saith my **John Bale de script. Brit.Author, ex nobili quodam Anglorum genere, of Worshipful English extraction. Now I find none of his sirname out of this County, (except some branches lately thence derived) but in the same, two right ancient Families, one formerly at Croxton (whose heir general in our age was married to the Earl of Dorset) the other still flourisheth at—in this County; which moves me to make this Roger a Native thereof. Bred he was first a Scholar in Oxford, then a Doctor in Paris, and lastly a Cardinal in Rome, by the Title of Saint Stephen in Mount Celius. When the City of Damiata in Egypt was taken under John Brenn King of Jerusalem, our Cardinal Curson was there accompanying Pelagius the Popes Cardinal: He* Mat. Paris in Anno 1228. wrote many Books, and came over into England as the Popes Legate in the raign of King Henry the third. The certain time of his death is unknown.

PHILIP de REPINGDON took, no doubt, his name and birth from Repingdon (commonly contracted and called Repton) in this County: and I question whether any other in England of the same name. He was bred, and commenced first Batchelor, then Doctor of Divinity, in Oxford, where he became a great Champion and Assertor of the Doctrine of John VVickliff, which caused him much trouble, and many strict examinations. But, alas, he became like the seed on **Mark 13. 20.Mark 13:20stony ground, which not having root in it self, endured but for a while, and withered away in persecution: for he solemnly recanted his opinions, **Fox. Act. & Mon. pag. 444.Novemb. 24. Anno 1383. And to give the better assurance that he was a true Anti-VVickliffite, from a Professor he became a pers…cutor, and afterwards was termed Rampington by those poor people, whom he so much molested.

Then preferment flowed in thick and threefold upon him, from a Canon, he became Abbot of Leicester; and Anno 1400. he was made Chancellor of Oxford, 1405. Bishop of Lincoln, 1408. by Pope Gregory the twelfth, he was created Cardinal of Saint Nerius and Achilleius; though that Pope had solemnly sworn he would make no more Cardinals, till the Schisme in Rome were ended. The best is, the Pope being Master of the Oath-Office may give himself a Pardon for his own perjury. What moved this Repington willingly to resign his Bishoprick 1420. is to me unknown.

Prelates.

WILLIAM GRAY, was son to the Lord Gray of Codnor in this County. He suffered* Godwin in the Bishops of Eely out of Bale and Pits. not his Parts to be depressed by his Nobility; but, to make his mind the more proportionable, he endeavoured to render himself as able as he was honourable. He studied first in Baliol Colledge in Oxford, then at Ferrara in Italy, where he for a long time heard the Lectures of Guarinus of Verona, that accomplished Scholar. No man was better acquainted with the method of the Court of Rome, which made our King appoint him his Procurator therein. It is hard to say, whether Pope Nicholas the fifth, or our King Henry the sixth, contributed most to his free Election to the Bishoprick of Eely; whilest it … out of doubt, his own deserts concurred most effectually thereunto. He sate in that See twenty four years, and wrote many **Pitscus in Appen. Viror. illustrum.Books, which the envy of time hath denied to posterity. Bishop Godwin by **See Sir Hen. Spelmans Catalogue in his Gloss. and Jo. Philpots, pag. 75.mistake maketh him Chancellor of England, whereas indeed, he was Lord Treasurer in the ninth of King Edward the fourth, Anno 1469. Let me adde, he was the last Clergy-man that ever discharged that Office, until Bishop Juxton in our days was preferred thereunto. He died Aug. 4. 1478. and lies buried between two Marble Pillars in his Church, having bestowed much cost in the reparation of the famous Bellfrie thereof.

Since the Reformation.

GEORGE COOKE, D. D. Brother to Sir John Cooke Secretary of State, was p. 233born at Trusley in this County, bred in Pembroke Hall in Cambridge. Afterwards he was beneficed at Bigrave in Hertford-shire, where a lean Village (consisting of but three Houses) maketh a fat Living. Hence, he was successively made Bishop of Bristol and Hereford. A meek, grave and quiet man, much beloved of such who were subjected to his jurisdiction. He was in the same condemnation with the rest of his Brethren for subscribing the PROTEST in Parliament in preservation of their Priviledges. The times trod so heavily upon him, that (though he ever was a thrifty person) they not onelyonly bruised the Foot, but brake the Body of his Estate: so that he had felt want, if not relieved by his rich relations, dying about the year 1650.

States-Men.

Sir JOHN COOKE, younger Brother to Sir Francis Cooke was born at Trusley (in the Hundred of Appletree) in this County, of ancient and Worshipful Parentage, allied to the best Family in this County. He was bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, and being chosen Rhetorick Lecturer in the University, grew eminent for his Ingenious and Critical Readings in that School on that Subject: He then travailed beyond the Seas for some years; returning thence rich in foraign Language, Observations, and Experience.

Being first related to Sir Fulk Grivell Lord Brook, he was thence preferred to be Secretary of the Navy, then Master of the Requests, and at last Secretary of State for twenty years together. He was a very zealous Protestant, and did all good Offices for the advancement of true Religion: and died the eighth of Septemb. 1644.

Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.

JOHN STATHOM. He was born in this County, in the Raign of King Henry the sixth, and was a learned man in the Laws, whereof he wrote an Abridgement, much esteemed at this day for the Antiquity thereof. For otherwise, Lawyers behold him (as Souldiers do Bows and Arrows, since the invention of Guns) rather for sight than service. Yea, a Grandee in that Profession hath informed me, that little of Stathom (if**Stathom Tit. Toll. last case of the Title▪ any at all) is Law at this day, so much is the practice thereof altered, whereof the Learned in that faculty will give a satisfactory accompt; though otherwise it may seem strange that reason continuing alwayes, the same Law grounded thereon, should be capable of so great alteration. The first and last time that I opened this Author I lighted on this passage,

But, if this be the fruit of Latine Service, to encourage men in Felony, let ours be read in plain English.

Sir ANTHONY FITZ-HERBERT, Son of Ralph Fitz-Herbert, Esquire, was born at Norbury in this County. He was first the Kings Serjeant at Law, and was afterwards, in the fourteenth of King Henry the eighth, made one of the Justices of the Common Pleas; so continuing until the thirtieth year of the said King, when he died. He wrote the excellent Book De Natura Brevium, with a great and laborious Abridgement of the Laws, and a Kalendar and Index thereunto; Monuments which will longer continue his Memory, than the flat blew Marble stone in Norbury Church under which he lieth interred.

Sea-Men.

Sir HUGH WILLOUGHBY was **Camb. Brit. in Derby-shire.extracted from a right worthy and ancient stock at Riseley in this County. He was in the last year of the raign of King Edward the sixth employed for the North-East passage, and by the King and Merchants of London, made p. 234Captain General of a Fleet for Discovery of Regions, and places unknown.

Their Fleet consisted of three Ships, the Bona Esperanza Admiral, of one hundred and twenty Tun; the Edward Bonaventure (whereof Richard Chancelour Pilot-Major) of one hundred and sixty Tun; and the Good Confidence of ninety Tun. A large Commission was granted unto them, which Commission did not bear date from the year of our Lord, but from the year **Exemplified in Hackluits Voyages, Vol. 1. pag. 231.of the World, 5515. because in their long Voyage they might have occasion to present it to Pagan Princes.

They departed from Debtford, May 10. 1553. and after much foul weather, steered up North-North-East. But on the second day of August a tempest arose, and their ships with the violence of the Wind were much shattered, and the Bonaventure, scattered from the other two ships, which never after saw it again.

Sir Hugh, holding on his course, descried a Land (which for Ice he could not approach) lying from Synam (an Island belonging to the King of Denmark) one hundred and sixty leagues, being in Latitude seventy two Degrees. This was then called Willoughby-land, as well it might, seeing it had neither then, or since, any Owner or Inhabitant pretending to the propriety thereof.

It appeareth by a Will found in the ship which was the Admiral, in the pocket of a person of quality, how in January 1554. Sir Hugh and most of his Company were then in health, though all soon after froze to death in a River or Haven, called Arzina in Lapland. We are bound in charity to believe them well prepared for death, the rather because they had with them a Minister, **Hackluit ut …, pag. 230Mr. Richard Stafford by name, (one of the twelve Councellors to manage the design) who read constantly every morning and evening the English Service, to those who were in the Admiral, with the Bible and Paraphrases thereon. So that this may be termed, the first reformed Fleet, which had the English Prayers and Preaching therein.

However seeing Nocumenta, Documenta, and, that the Ship-wrecks of some are Seamarks to others; even this Knights miscarriage proved a direction to others. As for the Bonaventure, which answering its name, was onelyonly found by losing it self, it returned safe, and performed afterwards most excellent service, in opening the Traffick to Muscovy.

Thus, as the last Dog most commonly catcheth the Hare, which other Dogs have turned and tired before; so such who succeed in dangerous and difficult enterprises, generally reap the benefit of the adventures of those who went before them. As for Sir Hugh and his Company their Discoveries did thaw, though their Bodies were frozen to death; the English the Summer following finding a particular account of all passages of their voyages remaining entire in the Ship wherein they perished.

Lapland hath since been often surrounded (so much as accosts the Sea) by the English, the West part whereof belongeth to the King of Sweden, but the East moity, to the Muscovite. They were generally Heathen, as poor in knowledge as estate, paying their Tribute in Furres, whose little Houses are but great …oles, wherein generally they live in the ignorance of Money.

Here let me insert a passage (to refresh the Reader after this long and sad story) of a Custom in this barbarous Country, from the mouths of credible Merchants, whose eyes have beheld it. It is death in Lapland to marry a Maid without her Parents or Friends consent. Wherefore if one beare affection to a young Maid, upon the breaking thereof to her friends, the fashion is, that a day is appointed for their friends to meet, to behold the two young parties to run a Race together. The maid is allowed in starting, the advantage of a third part of the race, so that it is impossible, except willing of her self, that she should ever be overtaken. If the Maid overrun her Suitor, the matter is ended, he must never have her, it being penal for the Man again to renew the motion of Marriage. But if the Virgin hath an affection for him, though at the first running hard, to try the truth of his love, she will (without Atalantaes Golden Balls to retard her speed) pretend some casualty, and make a voluntary hault before she cometh to the mark, or end of the race. Thus none are compelled to marry against their own wills; and this is the cause that in this poor Countrey the married people are richer in their own contentment than in other lands, where so many forced Matches make fained Love, and cause real unhappinesse.

p. 235Physicians.

THOMAS LINACER Doctor of Physick, was born in the Town of **Weavers Fun. Mon. pag. 370.…, bred in Oxford, whence, he afterwards travelled beyond the Seas, residing chiefly at Rome and Florence. Returning into England, he brought Languages along with him, and was the first restorer of Learning in our Nation. It is questionable. whether he was a better Latinist or Grecian, a better Grammarian or Physician, a better Scholar or Man for his moral deportment. By his endeavours, Galen speaks better Latine in the Translation, than he did Greek in the Original. The last Volume whereof Linacer promised to dedicate to Arch-Bishop Warham, and excuseth his failing therein by a Latine Letter, which for several reasons I have here exemplified. First, for the quicknesse of conceit and purity of style therein. Secondly, because never formerly Printed. Thirdly, because there is but one Copy thereof writren with Linacers own hand, prefixed to that numerical Book, which he presented to the said Arch Bishop bestowed by my old Friend Doctor George Ent on the Colledge of Physicians. Lastly, because Doctor Christopher Merrick hath been pleased carefully to compare it with the Original.

Reverendissimo in Christo Patri, ac Domino, Domino Gulielmo Dei gratiâ Cantuariensi Archi-episcopo, totius Angliae Primati, & Apostolicae sedis Legato, Thomas Linacrus Medicus, salutem cum debita dicit Observantia.

QUod tibi (Archiepiscope Clarissime!) opus hoc, sicuti promiseram, non dedicavi, sed ejus duntaxat exemplum ad Te misi, nolis, obsecro, pro spectatâ humanitate Tuâ, me magis aut promissi putare immemorem, aut ejus levem habuisse curam, quin id implere maximè cupientem, facere tamen non potuisse. Nam cùm in eâ sententiâ sic perstitissem, ut ex ea me, praeter unum, nemo hominum dejicere potuisset, is profectò, nec alius, eam mutavit. Quippe Rex ipse, cùm ex certorum hominum sermone, qui nimio studio mei, mea omnia nimio plus praedicant, intellexisset, è tribus partibus, quibus tota Medicinae ars integratur, hanc, quae hoc codice continetur, esse reliquam; eam quoque, veluti justam sibi, nec à reliquis nuncupatione distrahendam, vendicavit: justitque Domino Iohanni Chambre, observantissimo Paternitatis Tuae famulo, tum praesenti atque audienti, ut sibi eam inscriberem. Itaque cùm Te perspicere non dubitem, quantum apud me valere, quamque legis instar haberi debeat ejus voluntas; non difficulter, ut spero, à Te impetrabo (id p. 236quod etiam magnis precibus contendo) ut alio quopiam, ex iis, quae in manibus sunt, opere, & studiosis (ut opinor) futuro non ingrato, oppigneratam Tibi fidem reluere liceat. Quod si concedes, utrumque per Te simul fiet, ut & voluptate, quam ex requisitis à tanto principe vigiliis meis concepi, eâ fruar; & solicitudine, quâ pro redimenda fide angebar, eâ liberer. Nec eò spectat (Reverendissime Praesul!) haec tam sedula excusatio, quasi ullas meas nugas sic censeam, ut Tibi usquam expetitas, expetendasve putem. Sic eam potius intelligi postulo, cum Tu mihi primus ad otium literarium beneficiis aditum aditum patefeceris, justissimum existimâsse me, Tibi ejus otii rationem aliquam esse reddendam, ex qua me intelligeres non omnino id frustrà conterere: Sed cùm id, partim instituendis quibusdam, partim his qualiacunque sunt, ad usum studiosorum scribendis impendam, hoc agere imprimis, ut qui ex eo audientes legentésve fructum aliquem percipient, Tibi, quem non minimum ejus autorem ubique profiteor, bonam ejus partem acceptam referant. Quod utique tum in his, quae jam edidimus, velim faciant, tum quae alias unquam scribam; nedum quae Tibi nominatim (modò vita supersit) dicabuntur. Diu valeas, Pater Amplissime.

No Englishman in that age had so learned **Bale de scrip. Brit. Cent. 8. Num. 65. & J. Pits in Anno 1524.Masters, viz. Demetrius, Politian, and Hermolaus Barbarus; so noble Patrons, viz. Laurence Medices Duke of Florence, whilest he was beyond the Seas, King Henry the Seventh and Eighth (to whom he was chief Physician) after his return into England; so high born Scholars, Prince Arthur, with many Lords Sons his Contemporaries; so learned Friends, Erasmus, Melancthon, Vives, &c.

This Linacer founded two publick Lectures in Oxford, and one in Cambridge (dutifully his respect to his Mother, double above his Aunt) for the study of Physick, and that Students of that faculty of both Universities may meet the more conveniently together, he founded the Colledge of Physicians in London.

I much wonder at what I find in good **Idem ut priusAuthors, that Linacer a little before his death turned Priest, and began to study the Scripture, with which he formerly was unacquainted, in so much, that reading the fifth, sixth, and seventh Chapters of Saint Matthew, he vowed, That either this was not the Gospel, or We were not Christians, which speech (though much condemned by the **Johan. Check. de Pronunciatione Gr…ca.Relater thereof) is capable of a charitable sense, as taxing mens Practice so much different from Gods Precepts.

He died Anno Dom. 1524. on the twelfth of October, and lieth buried in Saint Pauls, under a stately Monument built to his Memory by Doctor John Caius, and a Phenix is erected on the top thereof. Yea, I may call these two Doctors, the two Phenixes of their Profession in our Nation, and justifie the expression, seeing the later in some sort sprang of the Ashes of the former, and Caius came not into general credit till after the decease of Linacer.

Writers.

THOMAS ASHBURNE was born at that well-known Market Town in this County, p. 237(and not in Stafford shire, as both Bale and Pits mistake) and became an Augustinian therein; going afterwards to Oxford he was doctorated in Divinity. He was a great Adversary to Wickliff, and in that Synod wherein his Doctrines were condemned for Heresie, by ten Bishops, twenty Lawyers, and four and forty Divines, our Ashburne made up one of the last number.

Yet once he did some good, or rather diverted much evil. It happened that one Peter Pateshul an Augustinian preaching in London, had some passages in favour of Wickliff, which so displeased those of his own Order, that they plucked him out of the Pulpit, dragged him into the Covent of Augustines (near Broadstreet) intending more violence to his person.

This allarumed the Londoners (amongst whom a considerable party of Wickliffites) to rescue poor Pateshul, who in their rage had burnt the Covent about the Friers ears, had not our **Thomas Walsingham & ex illo Bale Gent. 6. Num. 77.Ashburne with his prayers and tears seasonably interceded. He flourished under King Richard the Second, 1382.

Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation.

ELIZABETH HARDWICK was Daughter to John Hardwick of Hardwick in this County, Esquire. A Lady of an undaunted spirit, and happy in her several Marriages to great persons. First, to Sir William Cavendish, then to Sir William Saintloo, and at last to George Earl of Shrewsbury. She left two sacred (besides civil) Monuments of her Memory in this County; one that I hope will not [Her Tomb in All-Hallows] the other, that I am sure cannot be taken away, as registred in the Court of Heaven: Her stately Alms-House for twelve poor people in Derby.

It will not be amiss here to relate a passage which is reported of this Countess. Mary Queen of Scots being committed to the keeping of her husband George Earle of Shrewsbury, the custody of so great a Princess on the Earls cost, was found not onelyonly chargeable, but dangerous; the Popish party daily practising her enlargement. Now it happened that this **In my computation of time, this is more proportionable that some ascribe this passage to Girt…ude the fi…st Wife of George Earl of Shrewsbury.Countess coming to Court, Queen Elizabeth demanded of her, how the Queen of Scots did. Madam (said she) she cannot do ill, while she is with my Husband, and I begin to grow jealous, they are so great together. The Queen, who disliked any familiarity of that royall Prisoner with so great a Peer, presently ordered her removal thence into the custody of others. This Countess died, Anno Dom.—

There is a Free Schoole in the Town of Derby, built as I understand by that Corporation, and endowed with threescore pounds a year, and I conjecture Mr. R. Fletcher thrice Bayliff of the Town, I say, by his laudatory Epitaph, I conjecture him very instrumental to this Work. I understand also that the said Town hath large Priviledges, in so much that L…ndoners in some cases pay Toal at Derbey, but Derbey men in no case Toal at London. I grudge them not their great Priviledges, so long as they employ their publick stock to pious uses.

To conclude this Topick, I meet with this memorable passage in one, who continueth the Work of an industrious **Stows Survey of London▪ pag. 67.Author, which I will not, yea must not omit.

Divers well disposed Citizens of London, desirous (as yet) not to be named, being born in or near to Ashburne in the Peak, in the County of Derbey, combining their loving benevolence together, have builded there a fair School-House, with convenient lodgings for a Master, and liberal maintenance allowed thereto.

I hope that their forwardnesse hath since provoked many, and that their Charity (to allude to their staple Commodity of this County) but in the Oar, in the times of our Fathers, hath since been refined to perfection.

p. 238The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth.

Roberti Carrington.

Nicholai Maysham.

Thome Stokkes

Iohan. Wyther

Thome Henster

Rog. Wolley.

Iohan. Strelley

Iohan. Allibon

Iohan. Chester

Iohan. Wandell

Iohan. Houghton

Will. Orme

Will. Burton

Will. Rossel.

Hen. Sanky

Thome Hye

Will. Peek

Thome Peek

Thome Roberd, Brasier.

Roberti Warpeley

Iohan. Fassakirley

Hen. Bancroft

Iohan. Hegge

Rob. Shore

Hen. Crabbe

Iohan. Cooke

Rich. Peek

Rob. Hewster

Iohan. Tykhull

Edm. Iohnson

Iohan. Stretton

Hen. Shepherd

Thome Draper

VVill. Thorstell

Iohan. Burton

VVill. Maskyr

VVill. Satteby

Rob. Stanley, Smith

Tho. Stanley, Ironmonger

Hen. Cook

Edm. Lacy

Iohan. Pesall

Johan. Peek, Curriour

Johan. Benet, Brasier

Nicholai Lacy

Iohannis By Watyr

Johannis Spicer

Johannis Lockyer, sen.

Iohannis Lockyer, jun.

Richardi Baker

Iohannis Dunston

Thome Stanley, Smith

Williel. Smith, Tailor.

Johannis Wodecok

Roberti Clerk, Smith

Iohannis Manyashe, Glover.

Nicholai Cust

Roberti Hudgray

Iohannis Greaterler

Richardi Walker

Iohannis Butler

Johan. Chestirshire

Johan. Bower, Senioris

Johan. Bower, Junioris

Johannis Halom

Nicholai Baxter

Williel. Cartwright.

Rich. Brown Skinner

Henrici Derley

Roberti Potter Hankeston

Johannis Potter

Richardi Whitehalls

Johannis Wede Plasterer

Johan. Persal, Tailour

Iohannis Hoke

Rich. Wright

Iohannis Somer

Rad. Batesson

Johan. Litlechirch

Willielmi Johnson

Richardi Talliour

Richardi Colleman

Roberti Nundi

Iohannis Hegge

Iohannis Hatton

Willielmi Goldsmith

Willielmi Bullock

Rogeri Spicer.

Richardi Mody

Willielmi Seler

Iohannis Stone

Henrici Shore

Willielmi Walker

Iohannis West

Johannis Pen

Willielmi Cutteler

Richardi Keye

Willielmi Shepherd

Johan. Deye, Couper

Roberti Euyngton

Henrici Perpoint, Chivalier

Thome Folliambe, Armigeri

Nicholai Johnsill, Armigeri

Iohannis Leek, Armigeri

Williel. Ulkerthorpe, Armigeri

Iohannis Lynacre, Armigeri

Simonis Ulgerthorpe, Gent.

Thome Caus, Gentleman

Rob. Newbolt, Gent.

Rad. Clappewell

Willielmi Hardwick Gent.

Willielmi Lynacre; Gent.

Williel. Ulgerthorp, Gent.

Johan. Halmworth de Stanley

Iohannis Whitington Gent.

Iohannis Bothe de Elmeton, Gent.

Iohannis Barker de Dore, Gent.

Rich. Seliok, Gent.

Roberti Wennesley, Gent.

Joh. Marshal de Egynton, Gent.

Thome Marshal de Onlecotes, Gent.

Will. Smith de Egynton, Gent.

Rob. Parker de Norton.

Tho. Fox de Aston.

Johannis Noble de Hohneffeld

Ioh. Parker de Norton

Tho. Cook de eadem

Will. Del More de Grenhul

Williel. Botonne

Willielmi Parker de Shirlond

Rich. Stykland, de Ashover

Rad. Huchonson, de eadem

Roberti Seriount de Dronfield

VVilliel. Outrem de p. 239Holmfeld

Iohannis Fox de Barleylees

Rad. Atte Wode

Iohannis Shanghe de Somersale

Iohannis Shagheuoc

Will. Roudolf

Williel. Budde

Iohannis Capronn

Iohannis Brailesforth

Roberti Shoter

Richardi Callcroft de Chesterfeld

Richardi Delkere de eadem

Ely Dikkesson de eadem

Thome Callcroft de eadem

Henrici de Brythrechefold, Arm.

Thome Hugate de Chesterfeld

Johan. Harison de Egynton

Johan. Spynkhull

Roberti Hasellherst

Willielmi Grene de Ken Walmersho

Sannyer Atkin de eadem

Thome Walshe de Stanley

Roberti Bishangh de Sutton

Johan. Webster de Bellesouer

Thome Mariori de eadem

Iohan. Wodeword

Thome Withwyth

Willielmi Aleyn de Norton

Willielmi Bullok de eadem

Rogeri Pynder de Pilleslay

Willielmi Pynder de eadem.

Johan. Amori

Thome Gresley, Chivaler

Roberti Francys, Armigeri

Iohannis Curson de Croxhale

Henrici Holland de Caldwale

Iohannis Abbeny

Thome Stokes

Iohannis Franceys de Tykenall

Will. Lymster

Iohannis Waren

Iohannis Perfy

Richardi Eyton

Thome Tronche

Nicholai Chaloner

Johannis Elton

Johannis Godhale, Senioris

Johannis Elton, Junioris

Willielmi Pont

Richardi Twigg

Thome Paynter

Johannis Moseley

Johan. Smith Ferrour.

Johan. Smith, Baker.

Johannis Elyson

Johannis Sharp

Richardi Madley

Johannis Baker

Rad. Gyles

Rogeri Wilkinson

Johannis Bate

Johannis Pees

Roberti Vernonn

Rogeri Cowhope

Richardi Smalley

Roberti Twyforth

Walteri Twyforth

Iohannis Stathum

Thome Makworth

Johan. Lathebury

Johan. Welbek

Iohan. Leymestyr

Richardi Keys

Ingram Frannceys

Jerardi Moynell

Hen. Makworth

Roberti Smalley

Rich. Frannceys de Stanton

Roberti Cokfeld

Gilberti Keys de Spondon

Iohann. Grandon de eadem

Iohannis Grandon de Denby

Henrici Slack de Stanley

Roberti Winter

Tho. Babyngton

Joh. Sancheverell

Will. Lemestre

Roberti Kneton

Iohannis Roleston de Lee

Walteri Wolley

Iohannis Gretray de Elton

Ioh. Richardeson de Alsop

Rogeri Hawe de Elton.

Nicholai Mountgomery Chiv.

Hen. Kneton, Armigeri

Rad. Shirley. Armigeri

Henrici Bradbourne.

Henrici Bothe, Armigeri

Iohannis Curson, Armigeri

Thome Kneton de Mircaston

Willielmi Dethyk de Braidesall

Nicholai Fitz-Herbert

Iohannis Fitz-Herbert

Willielmi Mountgomere

Rob. Shanghe

Iohannis Ronyngton.

Iohannis Roleston de Swarston

Willielmi Lemestyr.

Iohannis Crewker

Henrici de Sale

Galfridi de Sale

Rob. Miller de Roddesley

Rob. Millner de Roddesley

Thome Prynce de Trusseley

Thome Saperton

Ioh. Dantre de Hatton

…illielmi de Crosse de Hilton

Roberti Weyke de Hatton

Rich. Slater de Brailesforth

Rob Bradshaugh de Wyneley

Thome Prince de eadem.

Richardi Millner de Hagge

Petri de la Pole

Radulphi de la Pole

Henrici de la Pole

Johannis Mountgomery

Henrici Rolleston

Iohannis Rollesley, Senioris

Iohannis Rollesley, Junioris

Iohannis Northwode

Johannis Cooke de Edensore

Rogeri Calton de ea.

Willielmi Hikedonne Sen. de eadem

Will. Hikedonne, jun.

Rogeri North de B… bynhall

Willielmi Jackson de Hassop

Rogeri Cok de Edensore

Io. Stafford de Midleton

Johan. Stafford de Eyham

Rich. Cobyn de Eyham

Io. Shakerley de par Longesdon

Oliveri Halley de Aston

Iohannis Balgy de Aston

Rob. Hayr de Padley

Rad. Leche de Padley

Willielmi Hayr de eadem

Thurstam de Hall

Thome Woderoffe

Nicholai Scaley

Nich. del Eyre de p. 240Hope

Will. Kingesson

Roberti Ratcliff de Mellehour

Iohannis Hide de Longlee

Nich. Hollond de Lyes

Thome Wolley de Chalesworth

Willialmi Wolley de eadem

Iohan. del Bothe de Chalesworth

Thome Wagstaffe de Glossop

Nich. Wagstaffe de eadem.

Rad. Bradbury de Oldresset.

Rogeri Bradbury de eadem

Iacobi de Lye de Fernely

Iohan. Shaleros de Shaleros

VVill. Ragge de Bondon

Edwardi Bradshaugh de eadem

Nicholai Bronn de Mershe

Egidii Claybrook, Vicarii Ecclesiae de Castelton

Thome Claybrook de eadem.

Rad. Newham de eadem

Thome Newham de eadem

Thome Newham de Flixton

Rich. Newham de Castelton

Thome Nedham de Foxlowe

Roberti Woderof de VVormhill

Iohannis Tunsted de eadem

Iohannis Nedham de eadem

Hug. VVillesson de Lytton

Richardi Ropere de eadem

VVillel. Bradshaugh de Tiddeswall

Hugonis Strelley de Burg

VVill. Manyashe de Manyashe

Thome Fletcher de eadem.

Iohannis Delmere de eadem

Rich. None de Hurdelow

Nich. Bradshaugh de Tiddeswall

Henrici Bradshaugh de eadem

Henrici Bradshaugh de eadem

Rog. Massy de Highlowe

Rich. Stafford de ead.

Henrici Stafford de Derley

Thome Fox de Banford

Rad. Bagshaugh de Cunbes

Willielmi Bagshaugh de capella supra le Fryth.

Thome Bagshaugh de Rigge

Radul. Stanley personae de Kirke-Ireton

Iohannis Stepyngstones Capellani & Vicarii Ecclesiae de Penteryche.

Sheriffs of Derby and Nottingham Shires.

HEN. II.

Anno 1

Osbertus Silvan

Anno 2

Radulph. filius Engelrami

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Anno 7

Radus filius Engelrami, for five years.

Anno 12

Rob. filius Radulph. for four years.

Anno 16

Will. filius Radulph. for eight years.

Anno 24

Will. filius Rad. & Serlo de Grendon

Anno 25

Serlo de Grendon

Anno 26

Will. filius Rad. & Serlo de Grandon

Anno 27

Radul. Mordach, for seven

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Rad. Murdach

Anno 2

Null. Tit. Com. in Rotulo.

Anno 3

Anno 4

Anno 5

Anno 6

Willel. Breewerre, for five years.

Reg. JOHAN.

Anno 1

Williel. Bryewerr

Anno 2

Anno 3

Hugo. Bardulph. & Willel. de Lech

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Hugo. Bardul. & Regin. de Carduill

Anno 6

Rob. de Veteri ponte & Rich. de Bello Campo

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Idem. Ut Custos.

Anno 10

Anno 11

Idem.

Anno 12

Ph. Marc. & Pet. Markes, for four years.

Anno 12

Ph. de Marc. & Eustach. de Ludenham.

Anno 17

Ph. de Marc.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Ph. Marc. for six years.

Anno 8

Radulph. filius Nicholai

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Idem.

Anno 11

Rad. filius Nich. & Hugo. le Bell, for 8. years.

Anno 19

Rad. filius Nich. & Will. de Derley

Anno 20

Idem.

Anno 21

Hugo. filius Rad. & Rob. le Vavesor

Anno 22

Idem.

Anno 23

Idem.

Anno 24

Williel. de Cantilupo, & Bald. de Pannton

Anno 25

Idem.

Anno 26

Baldwin. de Pannton, for five years.

p. 241Anno 31

Rob. de Vavesor, for eight years.

Anno 39

Roger de Lunetal.

Anno 40

Idem.

Anno 41

Idem.

Anno 42

Simon. de Heydon

Anno 43

Idem.

Anno 44

Simon. de Aslacton

Anno 45

Johan. de Baylloel & Simon. de Heidon.

Anno 46

Idem.

Anno 47

Will. fil. Herberti ut Custos Hen. filius ejus.

Anno 47

Hugo. de Stapilford Cleric. ejus.

Anno 48

Idem.

Anno 49

Regin. Grey & Hugo de Stapelford, for 5. years.

Anno 54

Hugo. de Stapilford, Clericus.

Anno 54

Walterus Ebora. Archiepiscopus.

Anno 55

Idem.

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Walt. Ebora. Archiep.

Anno 2

Walt. de Stirchesley, for 5. years.

Anno 7

Gervasius de Clifton, for 7. years.

Anno 14

Johan. de Arasle, for five years.

Anno 19

Will. Chetworth

Anno 20

Idem.

Anno 21

Ph. de Pannton

Anno 22

Walt. Goufle, for 4. years.

Anno 26

Johan. de Harington

Anno 27

Rad. de Shirle

Anno 28

Idem.

Anno 29

Rich. de Turneaus

Anno 30

Rad. de Shirle

Anno 31

Petrus Picot, for 4. years

Anno 35

Will. de Chelardeston

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Petrus Picot & Williel. de Chelaston

Anno 2

Johan. de Strichesley

Anno 3

Rad. de Crophul

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Idem. & Johan. de la Beach

Anno 6

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Johan. de Bellaside, for 4. years.

Anno 12

Idem. & Hugo de Stokes

Anno 13

Johan. Darcy

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Idem.

Anno 16

Anno 17

Hen. de Taucombye

Anno 18

Idem.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Rob. Ingram

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Johan. Greet & Mundus Cressey

Anno 3

Tho. Languilers

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Rob. de Jorce

Anno 6

Idem.

Anno 7

Anno 8

Johan. de Oxon.

Anno 9

Tho. de Bickeringe, & Joh. de Oxon.

Anno 10

Idem.

Anno 11

Tho. de Beckeringe

Anno 12

Egid. de Meyguil, & Joh. de Oxon

Anno 13

Idem.

Anno 14

Egidius de Meyguil.

Anno 15

Hugo de Hercy

Anno 16

Nich. de Langforde

Anno 17

Idem.

Anno 18

Johan. de Musters & Nich. de Langford

Anno 19

Gervasius de Clifton

Anno 20

Tho. de Bickeringe

Anno 21

Johan. de Vaux

Anno 22

Idem.

Anno 23

Idem.

Anno 24

Johan. Walleys, for five years.

Anno 29

Walt. de Monte Gomeri, & Johan. Walleys

Anno 30

Rog. Michal

Anno 31

Rich. de Grey & Rogerus Michael

Anno 32

Johan. de Gresley

Anno 33

Hen. de Bralesford

Anno 34

Rob. de Morton

Anno 35

Rog. Beler.

Anno 36

Idem.

Anno 37

Rich. de Bingham

Anno 38

Simon. de Leykes

Anno 39

Rob. de Twiford

Anno 40

Idem.

Anno 41

Idem.

Anno 42

Sampson de Strelley

Anno 43

Roger. Belor, for five years.

Anno 48

Johan. Francis

Anno 49

Samp. de Strelley

Anno 50

Anno 51

p. 242Sheriffs of Derby and Nottingham Shires.

Sheriffs of Derby-shire alone.

p. 244Hen. VIII.

18. JOHN VERNON, Arm.]

Indeed I meet with many Vernons in this Catalogue of Sheriffs, Henry, John, &c. but cannot find him I seek for, viz. Sir George Vernon of Haddon in this County. I assign my self this reason, that he never executed that Office, because it was beneath a Prince to be a Sheriff; and such his vast revenues and retinue, that in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth, he was called the King of the Peak. This Sir George left two Daughters, Coheirs, Elizabeth married to Sir John Manners, Ancestor to the present Earl of Rutland, and Margaret to Sir Thomas Stanley, younger Son of the House of Derby, deriving a vast Inheritance to their Husbands.

How this Sir John, this year Sheriff, stood to him related, is to me unknown: sure I am, some of his surname and alliance still flourish in this and the neighbouring Counties, where they have a fair Estate. Yet will they remember their Motto, Ver non semper floret, so ill it is to trust in the fading Spring of humane felicity.

The Farewell.

I understand that it is fashionable in this County for Adventurers to begin a Mine with this solemn expression,

**Edward Manlow, Esq in his customs of the BargeMoot-Court.For the Grace of God, and what I there can find.

By the grace of God understanding good success, otherwise saving Grace is not to be sought for by mining of Earth, but mounting up to Heaven by Faith and Repentance. This their expression I approve, the Earth being the Lords, and the fulness thereof (both beneath and above ground) belongeth unto him.

I have read, that the Vicars in that Country doe receive every tenth Dish of Oar for their due, being obliged thereby to pray heartily for the Miners. Now though no such place or profit belongeth unto me, yet, treating of this subject, I conceive my selfe bound (if not in Conscience) in Courtesie, to wish these Work-men a good speed in their lawful endeavours, whilest they only undermine the Earth, and not their Neighbours right by fraudulent practices. May their Lot prove a Prize unto them, that they may gain, at the least no Blank to lose thereby. Particularly, may Divine Providence fecure the Persons of their Labourers from Damps and other casualties, which have happened to many, when the Earth (though cruel to kill) was courteous to bury them by the same mischance.