The History of the Worthies of England, Part 1 · Chapter 23
CHAP. XXIII. A double Division of the English Gentry, 1. According to the Nation whence they were extracted, 2. According to the Profession whereby they were advanced.
THis discourse I tender the Reader, as a preparative to dispose him for the better observing and distinguishing of our English Gentry, in our ensuing Lives and Catalogue of Sheriffs.
We begin with the Britains the Aborigines, or Native Inhabitants of the South of this Island, but long since expelled by the Saxons into the West thereof; None then remaining in, some since returning into our Land, of whom hereafter.
We confess the Romans Conquered our Country, planted Colonies, and kept Garrisons therein, but their descendants are not by any character discernable from the British. Indeed, if any be found able to speak Latine naturally, without learning it, we may safely conclude him of Roman Extraction. Mean time, it is rather a pretty conceit, then a solid notion of that great *Vestegan of Decayed Intelligence pag. 313.Antiquary, who from the allusion of the name collecteth the noble family of the Cecils (more truly Sytsilts) descended from the Cecilii a Senatorian Family in Rome.
The Saxons succeed, whose Of-spring at this day are the main bulk and body of the English (though not Gentry) Nation, I may call them the whole cloath thereof, though it be garded here and there, with some great ones, of foreign Extraction. These Saxons though pitifully depressed by the Conquerour, by Gods goodness, King Henry the first favour, their own patience and diligence, put together the plankes of their Shiprack'd Estates, and aferwards recovered a competent condition.
The Danes never acquired in this Land a long and peaceable possession thereof, living here rather as Inroders then Inhabitants, the cause that so few families (distinguishable by their Surnames) are descended from them, extant in our age. Amongst which few, the respected Stock of the Denizes, (often Sheriffs in *See CamdensBrit. in Devonshire.Devon and Gloustershire) appear the principal. As for Fitz-Hardinge, the younger son of the King of Denmark, and direct ancestour of the Truly Honourable George Lord Berkeley, he came in long since when he accompanied the Conquerour
I must confess, that at this day, there passeth a Tradition among some of the Common People, that such names which Terminate in Son, as Johnson, Tomson, Nicolson, Davison, Saunderson, are of Danish Origination. But this fond opinion, is long since con…uted by Vestegan, that ingenious and industrious *Of decayed Intelligence.Antiquary. Yea, he urgeth this as an argument (which much prevaileth with me) why those Surnames were not derived from the Danes, because they had no such name in use amongst them, as John, Thomas, Nicholas, David, Alexander, from whence they should be deduced.
Yea, he further addeth, that it is more probable, that they made the Childs name, by adjecting the syllable Son to the Appellation of the Father; (a custome which is usual, even at this time amongst the Vulgar sort of the Dutch.) Yet is there not remaining any sign thereof amongst the names of our Age, which probably might have been, Canutson, Ericson, Gormoson, Heraldson, Rofolson, &c.
The Normans or French, under the Conquerour swarmed in England, so that then they became the only visible Gentry in this Nation, and still continue more then a Moity thereof; several Catalogues of their Names I have so largely exemplifyed in my Church-history, that some have taxed me for tediousness therein, and I will not adde an new obstinacy to my old error.
But besides these, we have some Surnames of good Families in England, now extant, which though French, are not by any diligence to be recovered in the lists of such as came over with the Conquerour, and therefore we suppose them to have remained of those Gentlemen and others, which from Henault attended Queen Isabel, wife unto King Edward the second. Of this sort was Deureux, Mollineux, Darcy, Coniers, Longchamp, Henage, Savage, Danvers, with many more.
Of the British or Welsh, (after their expulsion hence by the Saxons) some signal persons have returned again, and by the Kings Grant, Matches, Purchases, &c. have fixed themselves in fair possessions in England, especially since the beginning of the reign of their Country-man, King Henry the seventh, rewarding the valour of many, contributing to his Victory in the battle of Bosworth. Of the Welsh, now re-estated in England, and often Sheriffs therein, some retain their old Surnames, as the Griffins in Northamptonshire, the Griffiths and Vaughans in Yorkshire; some have assumed New ones, as the Caradocks, now known by the new Name of *Camdens Brit. in Somersetshire.the Newtons in Somersetshire.
Many Scotch (long before the Union of the two Kingdomes under King James) seated themselves in this Land, flying hither for succour from their Civil Wars, and surely it was against their mind, if they all went back again: Distress at Sea hath driven others in, as the Stewards High-sheriffs in Cambridgeshire. As other accidents have occasioned the coming in of the Scrimpshires an hundred years since High sheriffs in Staffordshire, more lately the Nappers in Bedfordshire, and before both, the Scots of Scots-hall in Kent.
I much admire that never an eminent Irish native grew in England to any greatness, so many English having prospered in that Country. But it seems, we love to live there, where we may Command, and they care not to come where they must Obey.
Our great distance from Italy, always in Position, and since the Reformation in Religion, hath caused that few or none of that Nation, have so incorporated with the English, as to have found Families therein. Yet have we a sprinkling of Italian Protestants, Castilian a valiant Gentleman, of Berkshire. The Bassanoes excellent Painters and Musicians, in Essex, which came over into England under King Henry the eight, and since in the raign of Queen Elizabeth, Sir Horatio Palavicine, (Receiver of the Popes Revenues) landed in Cambridgeshire, and the Caesars (aliàs Dalmarii) still flourishing in Hartfordshire, in Worshipful Estates, though I never find any of these performing the office of Sheriff.
The High-Dutch of the Hans Towns, antiently much conversed in our Land, (known by the name of Easterlings) invited hither by the large priviledges our Kings conferred upon them, so that the Steel-yard proved the Gold-yard unto them. But these Merchants moved round in their own Sphere, matching amongst themselves, without mingling with our Nation. OnelyOnly we may presume, that the Easterlings, (corruptly called Stradlings) formerly Sheriffs in Wiltshire, and still famous in Glamorganshire, with the Westphalings, lately Sheriffs of Oxfordshire, were originally of German Extraction.
The Low Country-men frighted by Duke D'Alvas Tyranny, flocked hither under King Edward the sixth, fixing themselves in London, Norwich, Canterbury, and Sandwich. But these confined themselves to their own Church discipline, and for ought I can find, advanced not forward by eminent Matches into our Nation. Yet I behold the worthy Family of De la Fountain in Lecestershire, as of Belgian Original, and have read how the ancestours of Sir Simon D'us in Suffolk, came hither under King Henry the eight, from the Dunasti or D'us in Gelderland.
As for the Spaniards, though their King Philip matched with our Queen Mary, but few of any eminence now extant (if I well remember) derive their Pedigrees from them. This I impute to the shortness of their Reign, and the ensuing change of Religions. Probable it is, we might have had more Natives of that Kingdome to have setled and flourished in our Nation, had he obtained a marriage with Queen Elizabeth, (of Blessed Memory) which some relate he much endeavoured.
As for Portugal few of that Nation have as yet fixed their habitations, and advanced Families to any visible height in our Land. But it may please God, hereafter we may have a happy occasion, to invite some of that Nation to reside, and raise Families in England. Mean time the May's (who have been Sheriffs in Sussex) are all whom I can call to mind of the Portugal Race, and they not without a Mixture of Jewish Extraction.
Come we now to the second Division of our Gentry, according to the Professions whereby they have been advanced. And here to prevent unjust misprision, be it premised, that such professions Found most of them gentlemen, being the (though perchance Younger) Sons of wealthy Fathers, able to give them liberal education. They were lighted before as to their Gentility, but now set up in a higher Candlestick, by such professions which made a visible and conspicuous accession of Wealth and Dignity, almost to the ecclipsing their former condition. Thus all behold Isis, increased in name and water, after its conjunction with Thame at Dorchester, whilst few take notice of the first Fountain thereof, many miles more Westward in Gloucestershire.
The Study of the Common-law, hath advanced most antient extant Families in our Land. It seems they purchased good Titles, made sure Setlements, and entailed Thrift with their Lands, on their posterity. A *Sir Edw. Coke.prime person of that profession hath prevented my pains, and given in a List of such principal Families, I say principal, many being omitted by him in so Copious a subject. Miraculous the mortality in Egypt, where there was not a *Exod. 12. 30.House wherein there was not one dead. But I hope, it will be allowed Marvellous, that there is not a generous and numerous House in England, wherein there is not one, (though generally no first Born but a Younger Brother,) antiently or at this day Living, Thriving, and Flourishing, by the Study of the Law. Especially if to them (what in Justice ought) be added those who have raised themselves in Courts relating to the Law.
The City hath produced more then the Law in number, and some as broad in Wealth, but not so high in Honour, nor long lasting in time, who like Land-floods, soon come, and soon gone, have been dried up before the third Generation.
Yet many of these have continued in a certain channel, and carried a Constant stream, as will plainly appear in the sequel of our Worthies.
The Church before the Reformation, advanced many Families. For though Bishops might not marry, they preferred their Brothers Sons to great Estates. As the Kemps in Kent, Peckhams in Sussex, Wickham in Hampshire, Meltons in Yorkshire.
Since the Reformation, some have raised Families to a Knightly and Worshipful Estate, Hutton, Bilson, Dove, Neil, &c. But for Sheriffs, I take notice of Sandys in Worcester and Cambridgeshire, Westphaling in Herefordshire, Elmar in Suffolk, Rud in Carmarthenshire, &c.
Sure I am, there was a generation of People of the last Age, which thought they would level all Clergy-men, or any descendants from them, with the ground. Yea, had not Gods arme been stretched out in their preservation, they had become a prey to their enemies violence, and what they had designed to themselves (and in some manner effected) had ere this been time perfectly compleated.
As for the inferiour Clergy, it is well if their narrow maintenance will enable them to leave a livelihood to their little ones. I find but one (*See Benefactours to the Publique in Lincolnshire. Robert Johnson by name) attaining such an estate, that his Grand-son was pricked Sheriff of a County, but declined the place, by pleading himself a Deacon, and by the favour of Arch-bishop Laud.
The Study of the Civil-Law, hath preferr'd but few. The most eminent in that faculty, before the Reformation being persons in Orders, prohibited marriage. However since the Reformation there are some Worshipful Families which have been raised by the Study in this Faculty.
Yet have our wars (which perhaps might have been advocated for in Turks and Pagans, who bid defiance to all humanity, but utterly mis-beseeming Christians) been a main cause of the moulting of many Eminent and Worthy persons of this Profession. Nor could it be expected that the Professors of humane laws should have been allowed favour, during our unnatural Dissentions, (the promoters thereof having a constant pique at whatever bore but the resemblance of Order and Civility) when the true dispensers of Gods Laws, yea the Law of God, yea God himself, was vilified and contemned.
The best is, that as Divine Providence hath in his mercy been pleased to restore our Soveraign, so with him we have received both our ancient Laws and Liberties. And now it begins to be… fair weather again, as with this so with all other necessary and useful Vocations, which in due time may repair their decayed fortunes.
Physick hath promoted many more, and that since the reign of King Henry the eighth. Indeed before his time, I find a Doctor of Physick, Father to Reginald, first and last Lord Bray. But this Faculty hath flourished much the three last fifty years, it being true of Physick, what is said of Sylla, suos divitiis explevit. Sir William Butts Physician to King Henry the eight, Doctor Thomas Wendy and Doctor Hatcher to Queen Elizaheth, raised worshipful and wealthy Families in Norfolk, Cambridge, and Lincolnshire, having born the office of Sheriff in their respective Counties.
Some have raised themselves by Sea service, and Letters of Mart, especially in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when we had war with the Spaniard. But such Estates, as flowing so have ebb'd, with the tide, seldome of long continuance. Such Prises have been observed best to prosper, whose Takers had least of private revenge, and most of publick service therein. Amongst these, most remarkable the Baronets Family of Drakes in Devonshire, sometimes Sheriffs of that County.
Some have raised themselves by their attendance at Court, rewarded by the Kings Favour. Court, where many have carried away more, for bringing the less to it. Here some Younger Brothers have found their lost Birth-right, mending their pace to Wealth, though they started late by their Nativity. But I only generally point at, without touching them, that I may not fore-stall the Reader, whose pains may be pleasant unto him, in his own discovery thereof.
Many have advanced themselves by their Valour in forreign Wars, especially in France, as the Knolls, a noble Family, and the …aveleys, often Sheriffs in Cheshire, so that Mars in this sense, may be said to be the father of Plutus, his Steel weapons procuring to his followers the more acceptable mettals of Gold and Silver. But the worst is, where foreign Wars have raised one, our late Civil ones, have ruined ten Families.
Some may object, that as they have destroyed, so they have raised many Families (which before in themselves were mean and contemptible) to high Titles, and large Possessions. All I shall return in answer thereunto, is that as most alive saw them rise (per saltum) by unwarrantable means to such a pitch of preferment, so there is but few alive, but may (if not willingly and willfully blind) see them deservedly thrown down with disgrace and contempt, to their former mean and despicable condition.
Clothing as it hath given garments to Millions of people, hath conferred Coats of Armes (and Gentility therewith) on many Families in this Land. As on the Springs High-sheriffs of Suffolk.
The Country with her two full breasts, Grasing and Tillage, hath raised many Families * Josephus rendreth a reason, as weak in it self, as wide from the truth, why Abells Sacrifice was preferred before Cains, viz. Because Abell fairly took, what nature freely tendred in the increase of his Cattle, whilst Cain violently wounded the Earth with his ploughing. But Saint *Heb. 11.Paul teacheth use better Doctrine, that faith caused the reception of the one, and unbelief the rejection of the other. Surely, both Callings are equally acceptable to God, who hath so blessed their indeavours, that thereby many have gained estates, inabling them to serve Sheriffs of their County. But I forbear to instance them, least what was the honour of their Ancestours to raise such Families, be counted in this Captious Age to be a dishonour to their Posterity, to be raised by so plain (though honest and necessary) an employment.
Some (the surer to hit the mark of Wealth) have had two strings to their Bow, a complication of prefessions, concurring to their advancement. Thus the Chichlies in Cambridgeshire, are descendants from a Lord Mayor; allied also Collaterally to an Archbishop of Canterbury.
On the main, we may observe, how happy a liberal (at least lawful) Vocation, hath proved to Younger Brethren, whereby Ephraim hath out-grown Manasse, the Younger out-stript the Heir of the Family. I knew a School-Boy, not above twelve years old, and utterly ignorant in all Logical terms, who was commanded to English the following Distick,
Dat Galenus opes, dat Justinianus Honores,
Cum Genus, & Species, cogitur ire pedes.
OnelyOnly they favoured the Boy so far, to inform him, that Galenus did signifie the Profession of Physick, Justinianus of Law, on which ground he thus proceeded,
Galenus, the Study of Physick, dat, giveth, Opes Wealth,
Justinianus, the Study of Law, dat, giveth, Honores, honour,
Cum, When, Genus, high Birth, & Species, and Beauty,
[having no other calling (saith the Boy) to maintain them,]
Cogitur, is compel'd, ire Pedes, to go on Foot.
To prevent such foot-travailing, it is good to be mounted on a gainful Vocation, to carry one out of the mire, on all occasions.