The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 1

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 1

p. 81BARK-SHIRE hath Wilt-shire on the West, Hamp-shire on the South, Surry on the East, Oxford and Buckingham-sh…re (parted first with the Isis, then with the flexuous River of Thames) on the North thereof. It may be fancied in a form like a Lute lying along, whose belly is towards the West, whilst the narrow neck or long handle is extended toward the East. From Coleshull to Windsor, it may be allowed in length forty miles. But it amounteth to little more then half so much in the broadest part thereof▪ It partaketh as Plentifull as any County in England of the Common Commodities, Grasse, Grain, Fish, Foul, Wooll, and Wood, &c. and we will particularly instance on one or two of them.

Naturall Commodities.

Oakes.

It was given in instruction to the Spies sent to search the Land of Canaan, that amongst other enquiries, they should take particular notice, Whether there be **Num. 13. 20.Num 13:20Wood therein or not? An important question, the rather because at that time the Israelites were in Arabia the Desert, where they saw not a tree in many moneths travaile (in so much that it is Recorded for a wonder, that in Elim were**Exod. 12. 27.Exod 12:27 seventy Palm trees) and now knew the worth of wood by wanting it.

But Bark-shire affordeth abundance of trees of all kinds, though her Oakes in Windsor-Forest for the present come onelyonly under our commendation. First for their firmness, whereof our Ships are made. The Oake in other Kingdoms may be called cowardly, as riving and splitting round about the passage of the bullet, fearing as it were the force thereof; whilst our English, as heart of Oake indeed, though entred with bullet, remaineth firm round about it.

Secondly, for the conveniencie of Portage. The wealth of a covetous man (wanting an heart to make use thereof) may not unfitly be compared to the Oakes and Firretrees, (good and plentifull indeed) in the High-lands in Scotland, but growing on such unaccessible mountains, no Strength or Art can render them usefull, nature in this kind having given them full coffers, but no key to unlock them.

Whereas so indulgent is Divine Providence to England, that our four principal Forests lie either on the Sea, or Navigable Rivers; viz. New-Forest on the Sea, Shirewood on the Trent, Dean on the Severne, and this Windsor-Forest on the Thames, and I could wish more care were taken for preserving the Timber therein.

Bark

The very name of this Shire justly intitles us here to handle this Commodity, (though common to other Counties,) because Bark-shire (as some will have it) was so called from a stripped or**Camd. Brit. in this County. Bark-bared-Oake, to which signal place the people repaired in time of trouble to make their generall defence. It is essential for making good Leather, though lately one hath propounded a way to tanne it solid and saleable without the help thereof, on condition (and good reason too) he may be allowed reasonable profit for so rare an invention. But many think, that he that waits for dead mens shooes, and he that stays for Leather-shooes made without bark, may both of them go a long time bare-foot.

Trouts.

This is a pleasant and wholesom Fish, as whose feeding is pure and cleanly, in the swiftest streams, and on the hardest gravell. Good and great of this kind are found in the River of Kennet nigh Hungerford, though not so big as that which Gesner affirmes taken in the Leman-lake, being three cubits in length. They are in their perfection in p. 82the monethmonth of May, and yearly decline with the Buck. Being come to his full growth, he decays in goodness, not greatness, and thrives in his head till his death. Note by the way, that an hog-back and little head, is a sign that any fish is in season. Other commodities of This, return in other Counties, where they may be mentioned with more conveniencie.

The Manufactures.

Clothing.

It is plyed therein, and because we meet with the best of our Manufactures in the first of our Shires, a word of the Antiquity thereof.

1. Cloth sure is of the same date with Civility in this Land. Indeed the ancient Brittains are reported to go naked, clothed onelyonly with colours painted, custom making them insensible of cold, with the beggar, who being demanded how he could go naked, returned, all my body is face. But no sooner had the Romans reduced this Island, but cloth though course, such as would hide and heat, was here generally made and used.

2. Fine Cloth (though narrow) for persons of worth at home to wear, and for forreign Exportation began in England about the beginning of the Reign of King Edward the Third. Before which time our Statutes take no Cognizance of Clothing as inconsiderable, (Wooll being transported in specie) and needing no Rules to regulate it, save what prudence dictated to private Husbands with their own families.

3. Broad Cloth (wherein the wealth of our Nation is folded up) made with broad loomes, two men attending each of them, began here in the Reign of King Henry the eighth. And I have been informed that Jack of Newberry was the first that introduced it into this County. Well may the Poets feign Minerva the Goddess of Wit, and the Foundress of Weaving, so great is the ingenuity thereof.

The Buildings.

Windsor Castle was a Royal seat ever since the Conquest, but brought to the modern Beauty, chiefly at the cost of King Edward the Third. It is a Castle for Strength, a Palace for State, and hath in it a Colledge for Learning, a Chappel for Devotion, and an Almes-house (of decayed Gentlemen) for Charity. In this Palace most remarkeable, the Hall for greatness, Winchester-Tower for height, and the Terrace on the North-side for pleasure, where a dull eye may travaile twenty miles in a moment. Nor boasteth so much, that it consisteth of two great Courts; as that it conteined two Great Kings [John of France, and David of Scotland,] Prisoners therein together, as also that it was the seat of the Honourable Order of the Garter.

Many neat Houses and pleasant seats there be in this County, both on the Kennet and Thames, which seem dutifully to attend at distance on Windsor Castle, as Aldermaston, Inglefield, &c. most sweet in their situations.

Proverbs.

I meet with [but one] in this County, but either so narrow that they stretch not beyond the bounds thereof, or else so broad, that all other Counties equally share in the cause and usage of them. Wherefore seeing this is the first English Shire in the Alphabetical Order, to avoid a Vacuity, we will here insert such Proverbs, wherein England or English-men are by express mention concerned. But first we will dispatch that sole Proverb of this County, viz.

The Vicar of Bray, will be Vicar of Bray still.]

Bray, a Village well known in this County, so called from the BIBROCES a kind of ancient Britons Inhabiting thereabouts. The Vivacious Vicar hereof living under King Henry the 8. King Edward the 6. Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, was first a Papist, then a Protestant, then a Papist, then a Protestant again. He had seen some Martyrs burnt (two miles off) at Windsor, and found this fire too hot for his tender temper. This Vicar being taxed by one for being a Turn-coat, and an unconstant p. 83Changeling, Not so, said he, for I alwaies kept my Principle, which is this, to live and die the Vicar of Bray. Such many now adayes, who though they cannot turn the wind, will turn their Mils, and set them so, that wheresoever it bloweth, their Grist shall certainly be grinded. Proceed we now to the Proverbs General of England:

When our Lady falls in our Lords lap]

Then let England beware a sad clap]

Then let England beware a mishap]

aliàs,

Then let the Clergy-man look to his cap.]

I behold this proverbial prophecy, or this prophetical menace, to be not above six score yeares old, and of Popish extraction since the Reformation. It whispereth more then it dare speak out, and points at more then it dares whisper; and fain would intimate to credulous persons, as if the blessed Virgin offended with the English for abolishing her Adoration watcheth an opportunity of Revenge on this Nation. And when her day (being the five and twentieth of March, and first of the Gregorian year) chanceth to fall on the day of Christs Resurrection, then (being as it were fortified by her Sons assistance) some signal judgment is intended to our State, and Church-men especially. Such Coincidence hath hap'ned just fifteen times since the Conquest, as Elias Ashmole Esquire, my worthy friend, and Learned Mathematician, hath exactly computed it; and we will examine by our Chronicles, whether on such yeares any signal fatalities befell England.

Hitherto this Proverb hath had but intermitting truth at the most, seeing no constancy in sad casualties. But the sting (will some say) is in the taile thereof, and I behold this Proverb born in this following year.

The concurrence of these two dayes doth not return till the year 1722. and let the next generation look to the effects thereof. I have done my part in shewing, remitting to the Reader the censuring of these occurrences. Sure I am so sinfull a Nation deserves that every year should be fatal unto it. But it matters not, though our Lady falls in our Lords lap, whilst our Lord sits at his Fathers right hand, if to him we make our addresses by serious repentance.

When HEMPE is Spun

England is Done.

Though this Proverb hath a different Stamp, yet I look on it as Coined by the same Mint- Master with the former, and even of the same Age. It is faced with a Literal, but would be Lined with a Mysticall sense. When Hemp is Spun, that is, when all that necessary Commodity is imployed, that there is no more left for Sailes and Cordage, p. 84England (whose strength consists in Shipping) would be reduced to a Doleful Condition. But know under HEMPE are Couched the Initial Letters of Henry the 8. Edward the 6. Mary, Philip and Elizabeth, as if with the Life of the last, the Happiness of England should expire, which time hath confuted. Yet to keep this Proverb in Countenance, it may pretend to some Truth, because then England with the Addition of Scotland lost its name in Great Brittain by Royal Proclamation.

When the Black Fleet of NORVVAY is come and gone]

ENGLAND Build Houses of Lime and Stone,]

For after Wars you shall have none.]

There is a Larger Edition hereof, though this be large enough for us, and more then we can well understand. Some make it fulfilled in the eighty eight, when the SpanishFleet was beaten, the Sur-name of whose King, as a Learned**The Lord Bacon in his Essaies. pag. 215. Author doth observe, was NORVVAY▪ Others conceive it called the Black Fleet of Norway, because it was never black (not dismall to others, but wofull to its own Apprehension,) till beaten by the English, and forced into those Coasts according to the English Historian.

They betook**J. Speed in his History of Great Brit. in the year 1588. themselves to Flight leaving Scotland on the West, and bending towards Norway ill advised. (But that necessity urged, and God had Infatuated their Councells) to put their shaken and battered bottoms into those Black and Dangerous Seas.

I observe this the rather, because I believe Mr. Speed in this his Writing, was so far from having a Reflexion on, that I Question, whether ever I had heard of this Prophecy.

It is true that afterwards England built houses of Lime and Stone, and our most handsome and Artificiall Buildings, (though formerly far greater and stronger,) bear their date from the defeating of the Spanish Fleet. As for the Remainder, After Wars you shall have none; We find it false, as to our Civil Wars by our woful Experience.

And whether it be true or false, as to Forreign Invasions hereafter, we care not at all, as beholding this prediction either made by the wild fancy of one foolish man; and then, why should this many wise men attend thereunto? or else by him, who alwaies either speaks what is false, or what is true with an intent to deceive; So that we will not be ellated with good, or dejected with bad success of his fore-telling.

England is the ringing Island.]

Thus it is commonly call'd by Foreigners, as having greater, moe, and more tuneable Bells than any one County in Christendom, Italy it self not excepted, though Nola be there, and Bells so called thence, because first founded therein. Yea, it seems, our Land is much affected with the love of them, and loth to have them carryed hence into forreign parts, whereof take this eminent instance. When Arthur Bulkley the covetous Bishop of**Godwin in his Bishops of Bangor. Bangor, in the Reign of King Henry the eighth, had sacrilegiously sold the five fair Bels of his Cathedral, to be transported beyond the Seas, and went down himself to see them shipp'd, they suddenly sunk down with the Vessell in the Haven, and the Bishop fell instantly blind, and so continued to the day of his death. Nought else have I to observe of our English Bells, save that in the memory of man, they were never known so long free from the sad sound of Funerals of general infection, God make us sensible of, and thankfull for the same.

When the sand feeds the clay, England cryes**An old Interjection of Lamentation. Well a-day:]

But when the clay feeds the sand, it is merry with England.]

As Nottingham-shire is divided into two**Camd. Brit. in Nottingh. parts, the sand and the clay, all England falls under the same Dicotomie, yet so as the sand hardly amounteth to the Fifth part thereof. Now a wet year, which drowneth and chilleth the clay, makes the sandy ground most fruitfull with corn, and the generall Granarie of the Land, which then is dearer in other Counties; and it is harder for one to feed foure, than foure to feed one. It is furthermore observed, that a drought never causeth a dearth in England, because (though parching up the sandy ground) the clay, being the far greatest moiety of the Land, having more natural moisture therein, affordeth a competent encrease.

—England were but a fling,]

Save for the crooked stick and the gray-goose-wing.]

p. 85But a fling That is, a slight, light thing, not to be valued, but rather to be cast away, as being but half an Island. It is of no great extent. Philip the Second, King of Spain, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth called our English Ambassadours unto him, (whilst as yet there was Peace betwixt the two Crowns) and taking a small Map of the World, layed his little finger upon England, (wonder not if he desired to finger so good a Countrey,) and then demanded of our English Ambassadour, where England was? Indeed it is in greatness inconsiderable to the Spanish dominions.

But for the crooked stick, &c.] That is, use of Archery. Never were the Arrows of the Parthians more formidable to the Romans, then ours to the French horsemen: Yea remarkable his Divine Providence to England, that since Arrowes are grown out of use, though the weapons of war be altered, the English mans hand is still in Ure as much as ever before, for no Country affords better materials of Iron, Saltpeter and Lead; or better work-men to make them into Guns, Powder, and Bullets; or better marks-men to make use of them being so made: So that England is now as good with a streight Iron, as ever it was with a crooked stick.

England is the Paradise of Women, Hell of Horses, Purgatory of Servants.]

For the first, Billa vera Women, whether Maids, Wives, or Widowes, finding here the fairest respect, and kindest usage. Our Common-Law is a more courteous carver for them, than the Civil-Law beyond the seas, allowing Widows the thirds of their Husbands Estates with other Priviledges. The foreign, or highest seats are granted them at all Feasts, and the wall (in crowding, most danger to the weakest, in walking most dignity to the worthiest) resigned unto them. The Indentures of maid-servants are cancelled by their Marriage, though the term be not expired; which to youngmen in the same condition is denyed. In a word, betwixt Law and (Laws-Corrival) Custom, they freely enjoy many favours, and we men, so far from envying them, wish them all happiness therewith.

For the next, … Englands being an Hell for Horses] Ignoramus, as not sufficiently satisfied in the evidence alledged. Indeed the Spaniard, who keeps his Gennets rather for shew than use; makes wantons of them. However, if England be faulty herein in their over-violent Riding, Racing, Hunting; it is high time the fault were amended, the rather because, The **Prov. 10. 12.Prov 10:12good man regardeth the life of his beast.

For the last, … Pugatory for servants] we are so far from finding the Bill, we cast it forth as full of falshood. We have but two sorts, Apprentices, and Covenant-servants. The Parents of the former give large summes of money to have their Children bound for seven yeares, to learn some Art or Mystery; which argueth their good usage, as to the generality in our Nation. Otherwise it were madness for men to give so much money to buy their Childrens misery. As for our Covenant-servants, they make their own Covenants, and if they be bad, they may thank themselves. Sure I am, their Masters if breaking them and abusing their servants with too little meat or sleep, too much work or correction, (which is true also of Apprentices) are liable by Law to make them reparation.

Indeed, I have heard how in the Age of our Fathers, servants were in far greater subjection than now adayes, especially since our Civil Wars hath lately dislocated all relations; so that now servants will do whatsoever their Masters injoyn them; so be it, they think fitting themselves. For my own part, I am neither for the Tyranny of the one, nor Rebellion of the other, but the mutuall duty of both.

As for Vernae, Slaves or Vassals, so frequent in Spain and forreign parts, our Land and Lawes (whatever former Tenures have been,) acknowledg not any for the present. To conclude, as Purgatory is a thing feigned in it self; so in this particular it is false in application to England.

A famine in England begins first at the horse-manger.]

Indeed it seldom begins at the horse-rack; for, though hay may be excessive dear caused by a dry summer, yet winter-grain (never impaired with a drought) is then to be had at reasonable rates. Whereas, if Pease or Oates, our horse-grain, (and the latter mans-grain also generally in the North for poor people) be scarce, it will not be long ere Wheat, Rie, &c. mount in our Markets. Indeed, if any grain be very dear, no grain will be very cheap soon after.

p. 86The King of England is the King of Devils.] The German Emperour is termed the King of Kings, having so many free Princes under Him: The King of Spain, King of men, because they willingly yield their Sovereign rational obedience: The King of France, King of Asses, patiently bearing unconscionable burdens: But why the King of England King of Devils? I either cannot, or do not, or will not understand. Sure I am, S. Gregory gave us better language when he said, Angli velut Angeli, for our fair complexions; and it is sad we should be Devils by our black conditions.

The English are the Frenchmen's Apes.]

This anciently hath been, and still is charg'd on the English, and that with too much truth, for ought I can find to the contrary.

—dolebat,

Et dici potuisse, & non potuisse refelli.

—it is to us a pain

This should be said, and not gain-said again.

We ape the French chiefly in two particulars. First in their language, (which if Jack could speak, he would be a Gentleman) which some get by travell, others gain at home with Dame Eglentine in **In his Prologue of the Prioresse.Chaucer,

Entewned in her voice full seemly,

And French she spake full feteously

After the scole of Stratford at Bowe,

For French of Paris was to her unknow.

Secondly in their Habits, accounting all our fineness in conformity to the Frenchfashion, though following it at greater distance than the field-pease in the Country the rath ripe pease in the garden. Disgracefull in my opinion, that seeing the English victorious Armes had twice charged through the bowels of France, we should learn our fashions from them to whom we taught Obedience.

The English Glutton.]

Gluttony is a sin anciently charged on this Nation, which we are more willing to excuse than confess, more willing to confess than amend. Some pretend the coldness of Climate in excuse of our sharp Appetites; and plead the Plenty of the Land (England being in effect all a great Cookes-shop, and no reason any should starve therein,) for our prodigious Feasts. They alledge also that foreigners (even the Spaniards themselves) coming over hither, acquit themselves as good Trencher-men as any; so that it seems want, not temperance makes them so abstemious at home.

All amounts not to any just defence, excess being an ill expression of our thankfullness to God for his goodness. Nor need we with the Egyptians to serve up at the last course a dead mans head, to mind us of our mortality, seeing a Feast well considered is but a Charnel house of foul, Fish and Flesh; and those few shell-fish that are not kill'd to our hands are kill'd by our teeth. It is vaine therefore to expect that dead food should alwaies preserve life in the feeders thereupon.

**Fox, Stow, Speed, all our English Historians in the first year of K. Ed. 3.Long beards heartless, painted-hoods witless;]

Gay-coats graceless, make England thriftless.]

Though this hath more of Libell than Proverb therein, and is stark false in it self, yet it will truely acquaint us with the habits of the English in that Age.

Long-beards heartless.] Our English did use nutrire comam, both on their Head and beards, concieving it made them more amiable to their friends, and terrible to their foes.

Painted-hoods witless.] Their hoods were stained with a kind of colour, in a middle way betwixt dying and painting, (whence Painters-stainers have their name) a Mystery vehemently suspected to be lost in our Age. Hoods served that Age for Caps.

Gay-coats graceless.] Gallantry began then to be fashionable in England, and perchance those who here taxed them therewith would have been as gay themselves, had their Land been as rich and able to maintain them.

This sing-song was made on the English by the Scots, after they were flush'd with Victory over us in the Reign of King Edward the Second. Never was the Battle at Cannae so fatal to the Romans, as that at Sterling to the Nobility of England; and the Scots puffed up with their Victory, fixed those opprobrious Epithets of heartless, witless, graceless upon us. For the first, we appeal to themselves, whether Englishmen have p. 87not good hearts, and with their long beards, long swords. For the second we appeal to the World, whether the wit of our Nation hath not appeared as considerable as theirs in their Writings and Doings. For the third we appeal to God, the onelyonly Searcher of hearts, and trier of true grace. As for the fourth thriftless, I omit it, because it sinks of it self as a superstructure on a foundred and sailing foundation.

All that I will adde is this, that the grave, sage and reduced Scotish-men in this Age, are not bound to take notice of such expressions made by their Ancestors; seeing when Nations are at hostile defiance, they will mutually endeavour each others disgrace.

He that England will win,]

Must with Ireland first begin.]

This Proverb importeth that great designs must be managed gradatim, not only by degrees, but due method; England, it seems, is too great a morsel for a forreign foe to be chopped up at once, and therefore it must orderly be attempted, and Ireland be first assaulted. Some have conceived, but it is but a conceit (all things being in the bosom of Divine Providence,) that, had the Spanish Armado in eighty eight fallen upon Ireland, (when the well affected therein were few and ill provided,) they would have given a better account of their service to him, who sent them. To rectify which errour, the King of Spain sent afterward John de Aquila into Ireland, but with what success is sufficiently known. And if any foreign Enemy hath a desire to try the truth of this Proverb at his own peril, both England and Ireland lie for Climate in the same posture they were before.

In England a buss…l of March dust is wo…th a King… randsom.]

Not so in Southern sandy Counties, where a dry March is as destructive, as here it is beneficial. How much a Kings randsom amounteth unto, England knows by dear experience, when paying one hundred thousand pounds to redeem Richard the first, which was shared between the German Emperour and Leopoldus Duke of Austria. Indeed a general good redounds to our Land by a dry March, for if our clay-grounds be over-drowned in that monethmonth, they recover not their distemper that year.

However, this Proverb presumeth seasonable showers in April following, or otherwise March dust will be turned into May-ashes, to the burning up of grass and grain; so easily can God blast the most probable fruitfulness.

England a good Land and a bad People.]

This is a French Proverb, and we are glad, that they being so much Admirers and Magnifiers of their own, will allow any goodness to another Country.

This maketh the wonder the less, that they have so much endeavoured to get a share in this good Country, by their former frequent invasions thereof; though they could never since the Conquest, peaceably posse…s a hundred yards thereof for twenty hours, whilst we for a long time have enjoyed large Territories in France.

But this Proverb hath a design to raise up the Land to throw down the People, graceing it to disgrace them. We English-men are, or-should be ready humbly to confess our faults before God, and no less truly, then sadly to say of our selves; Ah sinfull Nation! However before men we will not acknowledge a visible badness above other Nations: And the plain truth is, both France and England have need to mend, seeing God hath formerly justly made them by sharpe Wars alternately to whip one another.

The High-Dutch Pilgrims when they beg, do sing; the French-men whine and cry; the Spaniards curse, swear, and blaspheme; the Irish and English steal.]

This is a Spanish Proverb, and I suspect too much truth is suggested therein, the rather because the Spaniards therein spare not themselves, but unpartially report their own black Character. If any ask why the Italians are not here mentioned, seeing surely their Pilgrims have also their peculiar humours; know, that Rome and Loretta the staples of Pilgrimages, being both in Italy, the Italians very seldom (being frugal in their Superstition.) go out of their own Country.

Whereas stealing is charged on our English, it is confess'd, that our poor people are observed light-fingered, and therefore our Lawes are so heavy, making low Felony p. 88highly Penal, to restrain that Vice most, to which our Pezantry is most addicted.

I wish my Country more true Piety, then to take such tedious and useless journeys; but if they will go, I wish them more honesty, then to steal; and the people, by whom they pass, more Charity, than to tempt them to stealth, by denying them necessaries in their journey.

Princes.

JOHN, Eldest Son of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor before his Fathers voyage into Syria. His short life will not bear a long Character, dying in his infancy**J. Speed hist. pag. 563. 1273. (the last year of the Reign of King Henry the 3d.) and was buryed August the 8. in Westminster, under a Marble Tomb, in-laid with his Picture in an Arch over it.

**Idem p. 564.ELEANOR Eldest Daughter to King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor Anno Dom. 1266. She was afterwards marryed by a Proxy, (a naked sword being in bed interposed betwixt him and her body,) to Alphons King of Arragon with all Ceremonies of State. And indeed they proved but Ceremonies, the substance soon …, the said King Alphons dying Anno Dom. 1292. before the Consummation of the M…rriage. But soon after this Lady found that a Living Earl was better then a Dead King. when Marryed to Henry the 3d. Earl of Berry in France, from whom the Dukes of … and Kings of Sicil are descended. This Lady deceased in the seven and twentieth of her Fathers Reign, Anno Dom. 1298.

MARGARET, third Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor **Speeds Chron. p. 564.in the 3d. year of her Fathers Reign, 1275. When fifteen year old she was Marryed at Westminster, July 9th. 1290. to John the second Duke of Brabant, by whom she had Issue, John the third Duke of Brabant, from whom the Dukes of Burgundy are descended.

MARY, sixth Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor, was born at Windsor April the 12. 1279. being but ten years of Age, she was made a Nun at Amesbury in Wilt-shire without her own, and (at the first) against her**Idem Ibidem. Parents consent, meerly to gratify Queen Eleanor her Grand-mother. Let us pity her, who probably did not pity her self, as not knowing a vaile from a kerchief, not understanding the requisites to, nor her own fitness for that profession, having afterwards time too much to bemoan, but none to amend her condition.

As for the other Children of this King, which he had by Eleanor his Queen, probably born in this Castle, viz.

HENRY.

ALPHONSE.

BLANCHE.

Dying in their infancy immediately after their Baptism, it is enough to name them, and to bestow this joynt Epitapb upon them.

…leansed at Font we drew untainted Breath,

Not yet made bad by Life, made good by Death.

The two former were buryed with their Brother John, (of whom before) at Westminster in the same Tomb, but where Blanche was interred is altogether unknown.

Edward the Third Son to Edward the Second and Queen Isabel, was born at Windsor October 13. 1312. (and proved afterwards a pious and fortunate Prince.) I behold him as meerly passive in the deposing of his Father, practised on in his Minority by his Mother and Mortimer. His French Victories speak both of his Wisdom and Valour; and though the Conquests by King Henry the fifth were thicker, (atchieved in a shorter time) His were broader, (in France and Scotland by Sea and Land,) though both of length alike, as lost by their immediate Successours.

He was the first English King which Coined* Gold, which with me amounts toCamd. Rem. under the title of Moneyr. a wonder, that before his time all yellow payments in the Land should be p. 89made in foreign Coin. He first stamped the Rose-Nobles, having on the one side,

Jesus autem transiens per medium illorum ibat.

And on the reverse, his own image with sword and shield, sitting in a ship waving on the Sea. Hereupon an English Rhymer,**Manuscript in …. Cotton. in the Reign of King Henry the sixth,

For four things our Noble she weth to me,

King, Ship, and Swerd, and Power of the See.

He had a numerous and happy issue by Philippa his Queen, after whose death, being almost seventy years old, he cast his affection on Alice Pie…ce his Paramour, much to his disgrace; it being true what Epictetus returned to Adrian the Emperour, asking of him what Love was, In puero, pudor; in virgine, rubor; in soemina, furor; in juvene, ardor; in sene, risus. In a boy, bashfulness; in a maid, blushing; in a woman, fury; in a young man, fire; in an old man, folly. However, take this King altogether at home, abroad, at Church, in State, and he had few equals, none superiours. He dyed Anno Dom. 1378.

**Speeds hist. pag. 602.WILLIAM, sixth Son of King Edward the third and Queen Philippa, was born at Windsor. Indeed his second Son born at Hatfield was of the same name, who dyed in his infancy, and his Mother had a fond affection for another William, because her Fathers, Brothers, and a Conquering Name, till his short Life also, dying in his cradle, weaned her from renewing her desire. As for King Edwards female Children, Isabel, Joan, Blanch, Mary and Margaret, there is much probability of their French, and no assurance of their English Nativity.

HENRY the sixth, Son to Henry the fifth, was born in Windsor-Castle, against the will of his Father, by the wilfulness of his Mother. He was fitter for a Coul then a Crown; of so easie a nature, that he might well have exchanged a pound of Patience for an ounce of Valour: Being so innocent to others, that he was hurtful to himself. He was both over-subjected and over-wived; having marryed Margaret the Daughter of Reinier King of Jerusalem, Sicily and Arragon, a Prince onelyonly Puissant in Titles, otherwise little able to assist his Son in Law. Through home-bred Dissentions he not onelyonly lost the foreign acquisitions of his Father in France, but also his own inheritance in England to the House of York. His Death, or Murder rather, happened 1471.

This Henry was twice Crowned, twice Deposed, and twice Buryed, (first at Chertsy, then at Windsor,) and once half Sainted. Our Henry the seventh cheapned the price of his Canonization, (one may see for his love, and buy for his money in the Court of Rome) but would not come up to the summe demanded. However this Henry was a Saint (though not with the Pope) with the People, repairing to this Monument from the farthest part of the Land, and fancying that they received much benefit thereby. He was the last Prince whom I find expresly born at Windsor. It seems that afterwards our English Queens grew out of conceit with that place, as unfortunate for Royal Nativities.

Saints.

MARGARET

ALICE

RICH were born at Abbington **The English Martyrology in the 15. and 24. of Aug.in this County, and were successively Prioresses of Catesby in Northampton-shire. They were Sisters to St. Edmund, whose life ensueth, and are placed before him by the Courtesie of England, which alloweth the weaker Sex the upper hand. So great the Reputation of their Holiness, that

Both were honoured**Ma…h. Paris in hist. Majori. ad an. D. 1217. and deincep…. for Saints, and many Miracles reported by crafty, were believed by Credulous people, done at their shrine by their Reliques.

St. EDMUND Son to Edward Rich and Mabel his Wife, was born at**Antiq. Brit. pag. 165. Abbington in Bark-shire, and bred in Oxford. Some will have Edmunds-Hall in that University built by his means, but others (more probably) nam'd in his Memory. He became Canon of Salisbury, and from thence, by the joynt-consent of Pope, King and Monkes, (three cords seldom twisted in the sa ne Cable) advanc'd Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, where he sate almost ten years till he willingly deserted it; partly, because offended at the power of the Popes Legate, making him no more then a meer Cypher, signifying p. 90onelyonly in conjunction (when concurring with his pleasure;) partly, because vexed at his polling and peeling of the English people, so grievous, he could not endure, so general, he could not avoid to behold it. For these reasons he left the Land, went (or, shall I say, fled?) into France, where he sighed out the remainder of his Life, most at Pontiniack, but some at Soyssons where he dyed Anno 1240.

Pope Innocent the fourth Canonized him six years after his death, whereat many much wondred, that he should so much honour one, a professed foe to Papal Extortions.**Veritus, ne min…s i…sius … Romanam sedem ob tot acceptas injurias vindicarent. Some conceived he did it se defendendo, and for a ne noceat, that he might not be tormented with his Ghost. But what hurt were it, if all the Enemies of his Holiness were Sainted, on condition they took death in their way thereunto? Sure it is that Lewis King of France, a year after translated his Corps, and, three years after that, bestowed a most sumptuous Shrine of Gold, Silver, and Chrystal upon it; and the 16. of November is the Festival appointed for his Memorial.M. Parker Antiq. Brit. pag. 173.

Martyrs.

It appeareth by the**Fox, Acts and Mon. pag. 817. confession of Thomas Man (Martyred in the beginning of King Henry the eighth) that there was at Newberry in this County a glorious and sweet Society of faithful Favourers, who had continued the space of fifteen years together, till at last by a certain lewd person, whom they trusted and made of their Council, they were betrayed, and then many of them to the number of six or seven score were abjured, and three or four of them burnt. Now although we knew not how to call these Martyrs who so suffered, their Names no doubt are written in the Book of Life.

We see how the day of the Gospel dawned as soon in this County, as in any place in England, surely Seniority in this kind ought to be respected, which made Paul a pusney in piety to**Rom. 16. 7.Rom 16:7 Andronicus and Iunia his kinsmen, to enter this caveat for their Spiritual precedency who were in Christ before me.] On which account, let other places give the honour to the Town of Newberry, because it started the first (and I hope not tire for the earliness thereof) in the race of the Reformed Religion. Yea Doctor William Twis, the painful Preacher in that Parish, was wont to use this as a motive to his flock, to quicken their pace, and strengthen their perseverance in piety, because that Town appears the first fruits of the Gospel in England. And Windsor the next in the same County had the honour of Martyrs ashes therein, as by the ensuing list will appear.

There was in Windsor a company of right godly persons, who comfortably enjoyed themselves, untill their enemies designed their extirpation, though it cost them much to accomplish it, one of them confessing that for his share he expended an hundred marks, besides the killing of three Geldings. These suspecting that the Judges Itinerant in their circuit would be too favourable unto them, procured a special Session, got four arraigned and condemned by the Commissioners, whereof the three following were put to death, on the Statute of the six Articles.

1.**Fox, Acts and Mon. pag. 1211. &c. Anthony Persons, a Priest and profitable Preacher, so that the great Clerks of Windsor thought their idleness upbraided by his industry. Being fastned to the stake he laid a good deal of straw on the top of his head, saying, this is Gods hat, I am now arm'd like a souldier of Christ.

2. Robert Testwood, a singing-man in the Quire of Windsor. There hapned a contest betwixt him and another of that Society, singing an Anthem together to the Virgin Mary.

I know not which sung the deepest Base, or got the better for the present. Sure I am, that since by Gods goodness the Nons have drowned the Ohs in England. Testwood was also accused for disswading people from Pilgrimages, and for striking off the nose of the image of our Lady.

3. Henry Fillmer Church-Warden of Windsor, who had Articled against their superstitious Vicar for heretical Doctrine.

These three were burnt together at Windsor, Anno 1544. and when account was given to their patient death to King Henry the eighth sitting on horse-back, the King turning his horses head said, Alas poor innocents! A better speech from a private person then a Prince, bound by his place not only to pity, but protect oppressed innocence. However by this occasion other persecuted people were pardoned and preserved, of whom**Under the ensuing Title of Confessors. hereafter.

This storm of persecution thus happily blown over, Bark-shire enjoyed peace and tranquillity for full twelve years together, viz. from the year of our Lord 1544. till 1556. When Dr. Jeffrey the cruel Chancellour of Sarisbury, renewed the troubles at Newberry and caused the death of

JULINS PALMER. See his Character (being born in Coventry) in Warwickshire.

JOHN GWIN.

THOMAS ASKINE.

These three July 16. 1556. were burnt in a place nigh Newberry called the**Fox, Acts and Mon. pag. 1934. Sandpits, enduring the pain of the fire with such incredible constancy, that it confounded their fo…s, and confirmed their friends in the Truth.

Confessors.

JOHN MARBECK was an Organist in the Quire of Windsor and very skilful therein, a man of Admirable Industry and Ingenuity, who, not perfectly understanding the Latin Tongue, did out of the Latin with the help of the English Bible make an English Concordance, which Bishop Gardiner himself could not but commend as a piece of singular Industry, Professing that there were no fewer then twelve Learned men to make the first Latin Concordance; And King Henry the eighth hearing thereof, said that he was better imployed, then those Priests which accused him. Let therefore our Modern Concordances of Cotton, Newman, Bernard, &c. as Children and Grand-Children do their duty to Marbecks Concordance, as their Parent at first endeavour'd in our Language.

This Marbeck was a very zealous Protestant, and of so sweet and amiable Nature, that all good men did love, and few bad men did hate him. Yet was he condemned Anno 1544. on the Statute of the 6. Articles to be burnt at Windsor, had not his pardon been procured, divers assigning divers causes thereof;

1. That Bishop Gardiner bare him a speciall affection for his skill in the Mystery of Musick.

2. That such who condemned him, procured his pardon out of Remorse of Conscience, because so slender the evidence against him, it being questionable whether his Concordance was made after the Statute of the 6. Articles or before it, and, if before, he was freed by the Kings General pardon.

3. That it was done out of design to reserve him for a discovery of the rest of his party; if so, their plot failed them. For being as true as Steel, (whereof his fetters were made, which he ware in Prison for a good time) he could not be frighted or flattered to make any detection.

Here a mistake was committed by Mr. Fox in his first Edition, whereon the Papis…s much insult, making this Marbeck burnt at Windsor for his Religion, with Anthony Persons, Robert Testwood, and Henry Fillmer. No doubt Mr. Fox rejoyced at his own mistake, thus far forth; both for Marbecks sake who escaped with his Life, and his Enemies who thereby drew the less guilt of bloud on their own Consciences. But hear what he pleads for his mistake.

1. Marbeck was dead in Law, as condemned whereon his errour was probably grounded.

2. He confessing that one of the four condemned was pardoned his Life, misnaming him … instead of Marbeck.

3. Let Papists first purge their Lying Legend from manifest and Intentionall untruths, before they censure others for casuall slips and un-meant Mistakes.

4. Recognizing his Book in the next Edition, he with blushing amended his p. 92errour. And is not this Penance enough according to the principals of his accusers Confession, Contrition, and Satisfaction?

All this will not content some morose Cavillers whom I have heard jeeringly say, that many who were burnt in Fox in the Reign of Queen Mary, drank Sack in the days of Queen Elizabeth. But enough is said to any ingenious person; And it is impossible for any Author of a Voluminous Book consisting of several persons and circumstances (Reader in pleading for Master Fox, I plead for my self) to have such Ubiquitary intelligence, as to apply the same infallibly to every particular. When this Marbeck dyed is to me unknown, he was alive at the second English Edition of the Book of Martyrs 1583. thirty and nine years after the time of his Condemnation.

ROBERT BENET was a Lawyer living in Windsor, and a zealous Professor of the true Religion. He drank as deep as any of the Cup of Affliction, and no doubt had been condemned with Testwood, Persons, and the rest; Had he not at the same time been sick of the**Fox, Acts and Mon. pag. 1220. plague-sore in the Prison of the Bishop of London, which proved the means of his preservation; Thus it is better to fall into the hands of God, than into the hands of men. And thus as out of the devourer came food, out of the Destroyer came life, yea the Plague-sore proved a Cordial unto him. For by the time that he was recovered thereof, a Pardon was freely granted to him; as also to Sir Thomas Cardine, Sir Philip Hobby, (both of the Kings Privy-chamber) with their Ladies and many more designed to death by crafty Bishop Gardner, had not His Majesties mercy thus miraculously interposed.

Cardinalls.

I have read of many, who would have been Cardinals, but might not. This County afforded one, who might have been one, but would not, viz. WILLIAM LAUD, the place being no less freely profered to, then disdainfully refused by, him with words to this effect: That the Church of Rome must be much mended, before he would accept any such Dignity. An expression which in my mind amounted to the Emphaticall Periphrasis of NEVER. But we shall meet with him hereafter under a more proper Topick.

Prelats.

WILLIAM of READING a**M…tth. West. in flor. Hist. Learned Benedictine, imployed by King H. the Second in many Embassies, and by him preferred Arch-Bishop of Bourdeaux, where he dyed in the Reign of King Richard the first.

JOHN DE BRADFIELD, sive de lato Campo. Finding fifteen Villages of the Name, IAMP fixt his Nativity at Bradfield in Berks, as (in my measuring) the nearest to Rochester, where he was Chanter and Bishop**Bishop Godwin in his Bishops of Rochester. 1274. If mistaken, the matter is not much seeing his Sir-name is controverted and otherwise written, John de HOE. However being Charractred, Vir conversationis honestae, decenter literatus & in omnibus morigeratus. I was desirous to crowd him into our Book where I might with most probability.

RICHARD BEAUCHAMP was Brother saith Bishop Godwin to Walter Beauchamp (mistaken for William, as may appear by**In his Brit. in this County. Mr. Camden) Baron of St. Amand, whose chief habitation was at Wydehay in this County, he was bred Doctor in the Laws, and became Bishop first of Hereford, then of Salisbury. He was Chancellour of the Garter, which Office descended to his Successors, Windsor-Castle the seat of that Order being in the Dioces of Salisbury. He built a most beautifull Chappel (on the South-side of St. Maries Chappel) in his own Cathedral, wherein he lyeth buryed. His death hapned Anno Dom. 1482.

Since the Reformation.

THOMAS GODWIN was born at**Francis Godwin his Son in his Catalogue of Bishops of Bath & Wells. Oakingham in this County, and first bred in the Free School therein. Hence was he sent to Magdalen Colledge in Oxford, maintained there for a time by the bounty of Doctor Layton Dean of York, till at last he was chosen Fellow of the Colledge. This he exchanged on some terms for the School-Masters place of Barkley in Gloucester-shire, where he also Studied Physick, which afterwards proved beneficial unto him; when forbidden to teach School in the Reign of Queen Mary. p. 93Yea Bonner threatned him with fire and faggot, which caused him often to Obscure himself and Remove his Habitation. He was an Eloquent Preacher, Tall and Comely in Person; qualities which much Indeared him to Q. Elizabeth, who loved good parts well, but better, when in a goodly Person. For 18. years together he never failed to be one of the Select Chaplains, which Preached in the Lent before her Majesty. He was first Dean of Christ-church in Oxford, then Dean of Canterbury, and at last Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Being infirm with Age, and deseased with the Gout, he was necessitated for a Nurse to marry a second wife, a Matron of years proportionable to himself. But this was by his Court-Enemies (which no Bishop wanted in that Age) represented to the Queen to his great Disgrace. Yea they traduced him to have married a Girl of twenty years of age, until the good Earl of Bedford **Sir John Harington in his aditional supply to Bp. Godwin. Pag. 115.casually present at such discourse; Madam, (said he to her Majesty) I know not how much the Woman is above twenty, but I know a Son of hers is but little under forty.

Being afflicted with a Quartern feaver, he was advised by his Physicians to retire into this County, to Oakingham the place of his Birth, seeing in such Cases Native Ayr may prove Cordial to Patients, as Mothers milk to (and old men are twice) children. Here he dyed (breathing his first and last in the same Place,) November the 19. 1590. And lyeth buried under a Monument in the South-side of the Chancell.

THOMAS RAMME was born at**Sir Jam…s Warede Praesulibus Lageniae Pag. 67. Windsor in this County, and admitted in Kings Colledge in Cambridge Anno Dom. 1588. whence he was made Chaplain first to Robert Earl of Essex, then to Charles Lord Mountjoy, both Lord Lieutenants in Ireland, After many mediate Preferments, he was made Bishop of Fernos and Laghlin in that Kingdom, both which he Peaceably injoyed, Anno 1628.

WILLIAM LAWD was born at Reading in this County, of honest Parentage, bred in Saint Johns Colledge in Oxford, whereof he became P…esident; Successively Bishop of Saint Davids, Bath and Wells, London, and at last Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. One of low Stature, but high Parts; Piercing eyes, Chearfull countenance, wherein Gravity and Pleasantness, were well compounded: Admirable in his Naturalls, Unblameable in his Morals, being very strict in his Conversation. Of him I have written in my Ecclesiastical History, though I confess it was somewhat too soon for one with safety and truth, to treat of such a Subject. Indeed I could instance in some kind of course Venison, not fit for food when first killed, and therefore cunning Cooks bury it for some hours in the Earth, till the rankness thereof being mortified thereby, it makes most palatable meat. So the memory of some Persons newly deceased are neither fit for a Writers or Readers repast, untill some competent time after their Interment. However I am Confident that unpartial Posterity, on a serious review of all Passages, will allow his Name to be reposed amongst the HEROES of our Nation, seeing such as behold his expence on St. Pauls as but a Cypher, will assign his other Benefactions a very valuable Signification, viz. his erecting and endowing an Almes-house in Reading, his increasing of Oxford Library with Books, and St. Johns Colledg with beautifull buildings. He was beheaded Jan. 10. 1644.

States-men.

Sir JOHN MASON Knight was born at Abbington (where he is remembred among the Benefactors to the beautifull Almes-house therein,) bred in All souls in Oxford. King Hènry the eighth coming thither was so highly pleased with an oration Mr. Mason made unto Him, that he instantly gave order for his education beyond the seas, as confident he would prove an able Minister of State. This was the politick discipline of those days to select the pregnancies of either Universities, and breed them in forraign parts for publique employments. He was Privy-Councellour to King Henry the eighth, and K. Edward the sixth. One**Sir Jo. Hay… ward in his Edw. the 6. pag. 105. maketh him His Secretary of State, which some suspect too high;**Stows Annals Edw. 6. pag. 612. another, but Master of the Requests, which I believe as much beneath him. He continued Councellor to Q. Mary, and Q. Elizabeth, to whom he was Treasurer of the Household, and Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

p. 94Mr. Camden gives him this true character, Vir fuit gravis, atque eruditus: which I like much better then that which followeth, so far as I can understand it,

**Cam. Eliz. Anno 1566. sub fin m.Ecclesiasticorum **These words are absurdly rendred by A… … Darcy (who understood not L… tin, and translated Camden aut of the F…nch Trans…ation) He was diligent and careful to th… preservation of Benefits.Beneficiorum incubator maximus.

Surely he could be no Canonical Incumbent in any Benefice, not being in Orders, which leaveth him under the suspicion, of being a great ingrosser of long leases in Church-livings, which then used to be let for many years, a pityful pension being reserved for the poor Curate. Thought possibly in his younger time, he might have Tonsuram primam, or be a Deacon, (which improved by his great power) might qualify at least countenance him for the holding of his spiritual promotions. He died 1566. and lieth buried in the Quire of St. Pauls (over against William Herbert first Earl of Pembroke,) and I remember this Distick of his Long Epitaph:

Tempore quinque suo regnantes ordine vidit,

Horum a Consiliis quatuor ille fuit.

He saw five Princes, which the scepter bore,

Of them, was Privy-Councellour to Four.

It appears by His Epitaph, that he left no Child of his own Body, but adopted his Nephew to be his Son an Heir.

Sir THOMAS SMITH Knight was born at Abbington, bred in the University of Oxford, God and himself raised him to the eminency he attained unto, unbefriended with any extraction. He may seem to have had an ingenuous emulation of Sir Tho. Smith senior, Secretary of State, whom he imitated in many good qualities, and had no doubt equalled him in preferment, if not prevented by death. He attained only to be Master of the Requests, and Secretary to K. James, for His Latine Letters, higher places expecting him, when a period was put to his life Novemb. 28. 1609. He lieth buried in the Church of Fullkam in Middlesex, under a monument erected by his Lady, Frances daughter to William Lord Chandos, and since Countess of Exeter.

Souldiers.

HENRY UMPTON Knight, was born (as by all Indications in the Heralds Office doth appear) at Wadley in this County. He was Son to Sir Edward Umpton, by Anne (the Relick of John Dudley Earl of Warwick, and) the Eldest Daughter of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset. He was imployed by Queen Elizabeth Embassadour into France, where he so behaved himself right stoutly in her behalf, as may appear by this particular.

In the MonethMonth of March Anno 1592. being sensible of some injury offered by the Duke of Gwise to the honour of the Queen of England, he sent him this ensuing**Exemplifyed in Mills his Catalogue of honour in the Edition of Royal paper in the List of the …arls of Warwick. challenge.

For as much as lately in the Lodging of my Lord Du Mayne and in publick elsewhere, Impudently, Indiscreetly, and over boldly you spoke badly of my Soveraign, whose sacred Person, here in this County I represent. To maintain both by word and weapon her honour, (which never was called in question among people of Honesty and Vertue) I say you have wickedly lyed in speaking so basely of my Soveraign, and you shall do nothing else but lie, whensoever you shall dare to taxe her honour. Moreover that her sacred Person (being one of the most complete and Vertuous Princess that lives in this world) ought not to be evil spoken of by the Tongue of such a perfidious Traytor to her Law and Country, as you are. And hereupon I do defy you, and challenge your Person to mine with such manner of Arms as you shall like or choose, be it either on horse back or on foot. Nor would I have you to think any inequality of Person between us, I being issued of as great a Race and Noble house (every way) as your self. So assigning me an indifferent place, I will there maintain my words, and the Lie which I gave you, and which you should not endure if you have any Courage at all in you. If you consent not, meet me hereupon, I will hold you, and cause you to be generally held for the arrantest coward, and most slanderous slave that lives in all France. I expect your Answer.

I find not what answer was returned. This Sir Henry dying in the French Kings Camp before Lofear had his**Fnn▪ by Lee Cl…rentiaux. markt fol. 45. Corps brought over to London, and carryed in a Coach to Wadley, thence to Farington, where he was buryed in the Church on Tuesday the 8. of July 1596. He had allowed him a Barons Hearse, because dying Ambassadour Leigier.

p. 95Writers.

HUGH of READING quitted his expectances of a fair Estate, and sequestring himselfS. N. from worldly delights, embraced a Monastical life, till at last he became Abbot of Reading. Such, who suspect his sufficiency, will soon be satisfied when they read the high Commendation which Petrus Bloesensis Arch Deacon of Bath, (one of the greatest Scholars of that Age) bestoweth upon him. He wrote a Book (of no Trival Questions) fetcht out of the Scripture it self, the reason why I. Bale **De Scrip. Brit. Cent. 3. num. 20.(generally a back-friend to Monks) hath so good a Character for him, who flourished Anno Dom. 1180.

ROGER of WINDSOR**I vehemently suspect this man, meerly made by the mistake of Pitseus [Anno 1235.] for R…ger Wendover. was undoubtedly born in this Town, otherwise he would have been called Roger of St. Albans, being Chanter in that Convent. Now in that Age Monks were reputed men of best Learning and most leasure. The cause why our English Kings alwaies choose one of their order (who passed by the name of Historicus Regius, the Kings Historian) to write the remarkable passages of his time. Our Roger was by King Henry the third selected for that service, and performed it to …is own great credit and the contentment of others. He flourished in the year of our Lord 1235.

ROBERT RICH Son to Edward and Mabell his Wife, Brother of St. Edmund Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, was born at Abbington in this County; he followed his Brother at very great distance both in Parts and Learning, (though accompanying him in his Travells beyond the Seas) and wrote a Book of the Life, Death and Miracles of his Brother, being much to blame, if he did not do all right to so near a Relation. He dyed about the year of our Lord 1250.

RICHARD of WALLINGFORD was born in that Market Town, pleasantly seated on the River Thames, wherein his Father was a Black-Smith. He went afterwards to Oxford, and was bred in Merton Coll▪ then a Monke, and at last Abbot of St. Albans, where he became a most expert Mathematician, especially for the Mechanical part thereof, and (retaining somewhat of his Fathers Trade) was Dexterous at making pritty engines, and Instruments.

His Master-piece was a most Artificial Clock, made (saith my**B…le de Scrip. Brit. Ce…t. 5. num. 19. Author) Magno labore, majore sumptu, Arte verò maxima, with much Pain, more Cost, and most Art. It remain'd in that Monastry in the time of John Bale (whom by his words I collect an Eye-witness thereof) affirming that Europe had not the Like; So that it seemed as good as the famous Clock at Strasburg in Germany, and in this Respect better, because ancienter; It was a Calendar as well as a Clock, Shewing the fixed Stars and Planets, The Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea, Minutes of the Hours, and what not?

I have heard that when Monopolies began to grow Common in the Court of France, the Kings Jester moved to have this Monopoly for himself, viz. a Cardescue of every one who carried a Watch about him, and cared not how he employed his Time. Surely the Monks of Saint Albans were Concerned to be carefull how they spent their hours, seeing no Convent in England had the like Curiosity; This their Clock gathering up the least Crum of Time, presenting the Minutary fractions thereof; On which account, I conceive Richard the maker thereof, well prepared for the time of his dissolution, when he died of the Leprosie, Anno Dom. 1326.

Since the Reformation.

HENRY BULLOCK was most prob…bly born in this County, where his ancientAMP. name appears in a worshipful estate. He was bred Fellow and Doctor of Divinity in Queens Colledge in Cambridge. A good Linguist, and general Scholar, familiar with Erasmus, (an Evidence of his Learning, it being as hard to halt before acriple, as to deceive his Judgement,) calling him Bovillum in his Epistles unto him.

By the way our English Writers, when rendring a Sirname in Latine which hath an Appellative signification, content them to retein the Body of the Name, and only disguise the termination, as Cross, Peacok, Crossus, Peacocus, &c. But the Germans in such a Case doe use to mould the meaning of the name, either into Latine, as I. Fierce they translate I. Ferus, Bullock, Bovillus, or into Greek, as Swarts they render Melanthon, Reeck-lin Capnio.

p. 96Tis confessed our Bullock **Ba…e de Scrip …. …. 9. Num. 7.Num 7compelled by Cardinal Wolsy wrote against Luther, but otherwise his affections were biased to the Protestant Party. The Date of his death is unknown.

WILLIAM TWIS was born at Spene in this County, which was an ancient Roman **Camd…ns Brit. in Bark-shire.City mentioned by Antonine in his Itinerary by the name of Spinae. This mindeth me of a passage in††Lib. 2. …. foreign. Clemens Alexandrinus, speaking of sanctified afflictions, Nos quidem è Spinis uvas colligimus; and here in another sense Gods Church gathered grapes, this Good man, out of this thornie place. Hence he was sent by Winchester-School to New-Colledge in Oxford, and there became a general Scholar. His plaine preaching was good, solid disputing better, pious living best of all. He afterwards became Preacher in the place of his nativity (Spinham lands is part of Newberry,) and though generally our Saviours observation is verified, A prophet is not without honour save in his own country, (chiefly because Minutiae omnes pueritiae ejus ibi sunt cognitae) yet here he met with deserved respect. Here he laid a good foundation, and the more the pity, if since some of his fancifull auditors have built hay and stubble thereupon. And no wonder if this good Doctor toward his death was slighted by Sectaries, it being usuall for New-lights to neglect those who have born the heat of the day. His Latin Works give great evidence of his abilities in controversial matters. He was chosen Prolocutor in the late Assembly of Divines, wherein his moderation was very much commended, and dying in Holborn he was buried at Westminster, Anno Dom. 164.

WILLIAM LYFORD was born at Peysmer in this County, and bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford, where he proceeded Bachelour of Divinity 1631. He was also Fellow of that foundation, on the same token that his Conscience Post factum was much troubled, about his resigning his place for money to his Successor, but (as his friends have informed me) he before his death took order for the restitution thereof.

The modesty of his mind was legible in the comeliness of his countenance, and the meekness of his Spirit visible in his courteous Carriage: He was afterwards fixed at … in Dorset-shire, where his large Vineyard required such an able and painfull Vine-dresser; Here he layed a good foundation (before the beginning of our Civil Wars) with his learned Preaching and Catechising; and indeed, though Sermons give most Sail to mens souls, Catechising layeth the best Ballast in them, keeping them stedy from being carri…d away with every wind of Doctrine. Yet he drank a deep Draught of the bitter Cup, with the rest of his brethren, and had his share of Obloquie from such factious Persons as could not abide the wholsome words of sound Doctrine. But their Candle (without their Repentance) shall be put out in darkness, whilst his memory shall shine in his Learned works he hath left behind him. He died about the year of our Lord, 1652.

Romish Exile W…iters.

THOMAS HYDE was born at**Register of New …. Anno 1543. Newberry in this County, and bred a Master of Art in New Colledge in Oxford; he was afterwards Canon of Winchester, and chief Master of the school therein: He, with …ohn marti…l the second Master, about the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, left both their School and their Land, living long beyond the Seas; This Hyde is charactred by**Pits. d… Scrip. Brit. Anno 1597. one of his own perswasion, To be a man of upright life, of great gravity and severity: He wrote a book of Consolation to his fellowexile. And died Anno Dom. 1597.

B…nefactors to th… Publick.

ALFREDE the fourth Son to K. Athelwolph was born at**Camb. Brit. in Bark-shire. Wantage a market-town in this County. An excellent scholar, though he was past**Mr. … in his notes on …, pag. 192. twelve years of age before he knew one letter in the Book; and did not he run fast who starting so late came soon to the mark? He was a Curious Poet, excellent Musician, a valiant and successeful Souldier, who fought seven Battles against the Danes in one year, and at last made them his Subjects by Conquest, and Gods servants by Christianity. He gave the first Institution, or (as others will have it) the best … to the University of Oxford. A Prince who cannot be painted to the Life without his losse, no words reaching his worth.

p. 97He Divided

1. Every natural day (as to himself) into three parts, eight hours for his devotion, eight hours for his imployment, eight hours for his sleep and refection.

2. His Revenues into three parts, one for his expences in War, a second for the maintenance of his Court, and a third to be spended on Pious uses.

3. His Land into Thirty two shires, which number since is altered and increased.

4. His Subjects into Hundreds, and Tythings, consisting of Ten persons, mutually Pledges for their Good behaviour; such being accounted suspitious for their Life and Loyalty that could not give such Security.

He left Learning, where he found Ignorance; Justice, where he found Oppression; Peace, where he found Distraction. And having Reigned about Four and thirty years, He dyed and was buried at Winchester, Anno 901. He loved Religion more then Superstition, favoured Learned men more then Lasie Monks, which [perchance] was the cause that his memory is not loaden with Miracles, and He not solemnly Sainted with other Saxon Kings who far less deserved it.

Since the Reformation.

PETER CHAPMAN was born at**Stows Sur. of Lond. p. 98. Cokeham in this County, bred an Iron-monger in London, and at his death bequeathed five pounds a year to two Scholars in Oxford, as much to two in Cambridge; and five Pounds a year to the Poor in the town of his Nativity, besides threescore pounds to the Prisons in London, and other Benefactions. The certain date of his death is to me unknown.

JOHN KENDRICK was born at Reading in this County, and bred a Draper in the City of London. His State may be compared to the**Mat. 13. 32.Matt 13:32 Mustard-seed, very little at the beginning, but growing so great, that the birds made nests therein, or rather he therein made ne…ts for many birds; which otherwise being either infledged or maimed, must have been exposed to wind and weather.

The Worthiest of Davids WORTHIES were digested into**▪ Sam. 23. 19. Ternions, and they again subdivided into two Ranks. If this double Dichotomie were used to methodize our Protestant Benefactors since the Reformation, sure I am that Mr. Kendrick will be (if not the last of the first,) the first of the second Three. His Charity began at his Kindred, proceeded to his Friends and Servants, (to whom he left large Legacies,) concluded with the Poor, on whom he bestowed above twenty thousand pounds, Reading and Newbury sharing the deepest therein. And if any envious and distrustfull Miser (measuring other mens hearts by the narrowness of his own) suspecteth the truth hereof, and if he dare hazard the smarting of his bleered eyes to behold so bright a Sun of Bounty, let him consult his Will**Stows Survey of Lon. 193. publickly in Print. He departed this life on the 30. day of September, 1624. and lyes buried in St. Christophers London. To the Curate of which Parish he gave twenty pounds per annum for ever.

RICHARD WIGHTWICK, Bachelor of Divinity, was Rector of East Isley in thisS. N. County: What the yearly value of his living was I know not, and have cause to believe it not very great; however one would conjecture his Benefice a Bishoprick by his bounty to Pembroke Colledge in Oxford, to which he gave one hundred pounds per annum, to the maintenance of three Fellows and four Scholars. When he departed this life is to me unknown.

Memorable Persons.

THOMAS COLE commonly called the rich clothier of Reading. Tradition and an authorless pamphlet make him a man of vast wealth, maintaining an hundred and fourty meniall servants in his house, besides three hundred poor people whom he set on work; insomuch that his Wains with cloth filled the high-way betwixt Reading and London, to the stopping of King Henry the first in his Progress; Who, notwithstanding (for the incouraging of his Subjects industry) gratified the said Cole, and all of his profession, with the set measure of a Yard, the said King making his own Arme the standard p. 98thereof, whereby Drapery was reduced in the meting thereof to a greater certainty.

The truth is this, Monkes began to Lard the lives of their Saints with lies, whence they proceeded in like manner to flourish out the facts of Famous Knights, (King Arthur, Guy of Warwick, &c.) in imitation whereof some meaner wits in the same sort made description of Mechanicks, powdering their lives with improbable passages, to the great prejudice of truth: Seeing the making of Broad-cloath in England could not be so ancient, and it was the arme (not of King Henry) but King Edward the first, which is notoriously known to have been the adequation of a yard.

However, because omnis fabula fundatur in Historia, let this Cole be accounted eminent in this kind, though I vehemently suspect very little of truth would remain in the midst of this story, if the grosse falshoods were pared from both sides thereof.

JOHN WINSCOMBE, called commonly Jack of Newberry, was the most considerable clothier (without fancy and fiction) England ever beheld. His Looms were his lands, whereof he kept one hundred in his House, each managed by a Man and a Boy. In the expedition to Flodden-field against James King of Scotland he marched with an hundred of his own men, (as well armed, and better clothed then any) to shew that the painfull to use their hands in peace could be valiant, and imploy their Armes in War. He feasted King Henry the eighth and his first Queen Katharine at his own house, extant at Newberry at this day, but divided into many Tenements. Well may his house now make sixteen Clothiers houses, whose wealth would amount to six hundred of their estates. He built the Church of Newberry from the Pulpit westward to the Tower inclusively, and died about the year 1520. some of his name and kindred of great wealth still remaining in this County.

Lord Mayors.

The Names of the Gentry of this County, returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the Sixth, 1433.

Johan. Prendegest. Praeceptor

Hospitalis St. Johan. Jerus. in

Anglia de Grenham

Johannis Golefre Armigeri

Willielmi Warbelton Ar.

Willielmi Danvers Ar.

Johannis Shotesbrooke Ar.

Thomae Foxle Ar.

Phi. Inglefeld Ar.

Thomae Rothewell Ar.

Willielmi Perkyns Ar.

Thomae Drewe Ar.

Richardi Ristwold Ar.

Richardi Makeney Ar.

Johannis Rogers Ar.

Willielmi Stanerton Ar.

Willielmi Floyer Ar.

Thomae Bullok Ar.

Richardi Bullok Ar.

Johannis Estbury Ar.

Johannis Kentwode Ar.

Richardi Hulcote Ar.

Johannis Gargrave Ar.

Johannis Chaumpe Ar.

Willielmi Baron Ar.

Willielmi Fitzwaryn Ar.

Johannis Stowe.

Willielmi Hales

Johannis Hyde

Johan. Stokys de Brympton

Willielmi Fachell

Roberti Vobe

Thomae Pynchepole

Johannis Yorke

Johannis Ildesle

Thomae Ildesle

Johannis Colle

Richardi Wydeford

Richardi Abberbury

Thomae Lanyngton

Thomae Denton

Nicholai Whaddon

Petri Delamare

Johannis Martyn

Thomae Frankeleyn

Willielmi Felyce

Richardi Hamwell

Roberti Wodecok

Johannis Warvyle

Johannis Rokys

Johannis Seward

p. 99Willielmi Walrond

Iohannis Medeford

Rogeri Merlawe

Willieimi Latton

Richardi Shayle

Thomae Coterell

Iohannis George

Iohannis Sewalle

Iohannis Sturmy

Thomae Hammes

Iohannis Wering

Roberti Beche

Iohannis Coventre

Iohannis Lokwode

Iohannis Fitzwarwin

Henrici Samon

Thomae Plesance

Edwardi Gybbes

Will Coke de Kingeston Lyle

Iohannis Firry

Nicholai Hunt

Hugonis Mayne

Willielmi Newman senioris

Davidis Gower

Iohannis Dienys

Richardi Dancastre

Willielmi Drew de Hungford

Iohannis Parker de Doington

Willielmi Standard

Richardi Collis

Nicholai Long

Roberti Chevayn

Richardi Walker

Walteri Canonn. de Crokeham. Parker

Roberti Rove de Abendon

Iohannis Richby de Reding

Iohannis Stokes de Abendon

Iohannis Whitwey

Willielmi Umfray

Simonis Kent

Iohannis Hatter

Willielmi Brusele

Richardi Irmonger

Richardi Vayre

Gilberti Holeway

Iohannis London

Willielmi Pleystow

Iohannis Bancbury

Thomae Liford

Henrici Ildesle

Iohannis Chebeyn

Iohannis Mortymer

Iohannis Spynache

Iohannis Moyn de Faryndon

Iohannis Ely

Iohannis Goddard

Willielmi Ditton

Walteri Suttou

Nicholai Barbour

Willielmi Iacob

Iohannis Benet de Newberry

Iohannis Magot

Willielmi Croke de Newberry

Willielmi Clement

Iohannis Moyn de Moryton

Roberti Freman

Iohannis Lewes

Thomae Steward

Willielmi Sydmanton

Richardi Waltham

Iohannis Babeham

Iohannis Clere

Iohannis Botele de Newberry

Richardi Meryvale

Willielmi Waleys

Iohannis Beneton

Willielmi Croke de Welford

Willielmi Charectour

Willielmi Hertrugge

Iohannis Kybe

Willielmi Wylton

Richardi Coterell

Laurentii Alisandre

Thomae Bevar

Vincentii Bertilmewe

Iohannis Pynkeney

Thomae Attevyne

Iohannis Crouchfeld

Iohannis Smewyn

Iohannis Sifrewast

Iohannis Batell

Iohannis Bythewode

Thomae Bowell

Thomae Hony

Walteri Waryn

Iohannis Yernemouth

Henrici Russel…

Roberti Ivenden

Henrici Berkesdale

Iohannis Absolon

Iohannis Berkesdale

Iohannis Clerk de Inkpenny

Richardi Bertlot

Gilberti Cohenhull

Gilberti Vyell

Gilberti Attewyke

Richardi Attepitte

Thomae Padbury

Hugonis Rose

Iohannis Woderove

Thomae Pert

Iohannis Merston

Richardi Grove

Rogeri Burymill

Thomae Grece

Richardi Pekke

Richardi Mullyng

Iohan. Parker de Wokingham

Iohannis Whitede

Iohan. Sherman de Wyndesor

Willielmi Wodyngton

Rogeri Felter

Willielmi Felde

Iohannis Billesby

Iohannis Gunter

Iohannis Glover

Richardi Atteforde

Iohannis Stacy

Iohannis Baron de Wytenham

Iohannis Horwode

Willielmi More

Willielmi At-mille

Henrici de la River

Iohannis Poting

Henrici Brown

Iohannis Brown

Richardi Rissul

Iohannis Yatynden

Iohannis Kete

Iohannis Pernecote

Rogeri Gunter

Thomae Swyer

Richardi Bocher de Thacham

Iohannis Elys de Thacham

Thomae Mery

Richardi Phelipp

Iohannis Thoursey &

Iohannis Bassemore.

Gardiners complain that some kind of Flowers and Fruits will not grow prosperously and thrive kindly in the Suburbs of London; This they impute to the smoak of the City offensive thereunto. Sure I am that ancient Gentry in this County sown thick in former, come up thin in our Age.

p. 101Antiqua è multis nomina pauca manent.

Of names which were in days of yore,

Few remain here of a great store.

I behold the vicinity of London as the cause thereof, for though Barkshire be conveniently distanced thence, (the nearest place sixteen, the farthest sixty miles from the same) yet the goodness of the ways thither, and sweetness of the seats there, (not to speak of the River Thames, which uniteth both in commerce,) setteth Barkshire really nearer then it is locally to London: The cause, I believe, that so few families remain of the forenamed Catalogue.

The paucity of them maketh such as are extant the more remarkable, amongst whom William Fachel or Vachel (the 29^nth. in number) was right ancient, having an estate in and about Reading, as by the ensuing Deed will appear:

Sciant presentes & futuri, quod ego Joannes Vachel dedi, concessi, & hac praesente charta mea confirmavi Rogero le Dubbare, pro servicio suo, & pro quadam summa pecuniae quammihi dedit primo manibus, totum & integrum illud tenementum cum pertinentiis suis quod habui in veteri vico Rading inter tenementum quod quondam fuit Thomae Goum in parte boreali, & tenementum quod quondam fuit Jordani le Dubbar in parte australi, habend. & tenend. dicto Rogero, & haeredibus suis vel Assignatis, libere quiete, integre, in bona pace in perpetuum de capitalibus dominis illius foedi per servicium inde debitum & consuetum, Reddendo inde annuatim mihi & haeredibus vel Assignatis meis duos solidos & sex denarios, ad festum Sancti Michaelis, pro omni servicio seculari, exactione, & donand. & ego praedictus Joannes & heredes mei vel mei assignati, totum praedictum tenementum cum omnibus suis pertinentiis dicto Rogero, & haeredibus vel assignatis suis Warrantizabimus, & contra omnes gentes defendemus in perpetuum per servitium praedictum. In cujus rei testimonium praesenti chartae sigillum meum apposui, hiis Testibus, Radulpho de la Batili, Thom. de Lecester, Nicho. Bastat, Waltero Gerard, Robert. le Taylur, Johan. le Foghel, Bado le Foghellar, Gilberto de Hegfeild, & aliis. Dat. Rading duodecimo die Februarii, anno Regni Regis Edward. fil. Regis Henrici vicesimo nono.

The descendents of this name are still extant in this County at Coley in a worshipfull condition.

SHERIFFES.

Anciently this County had sometimes the same, sometimes a distinct Sheriffe from Oxfordshire, as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear so well as we can distinguish them.

Sheriffs of Barkshire and Oxfordshire.

HEN. III.

Anno 30

Aland. de Farhnam

Anno 31

Idem.

Anno 32

Widom. filius Roberti

Anno 33

Idem.

Anno 34

Idem.

Anno 35

Nich. de Henred for 9 years together.

Anno 44

Walter. de la Knivere

Anno 45

Idem.

Anno 46

Idem.

Anno 47

Fulco de Kucot

Anno 48

Idem.

Anno 49

John de S^to. Walerico

Anno 50

Idem.

Anno 51

Idem.

Anno 52

Nich. de Wiffrewash

Anno 53

Tho. de S^to. Wigore

Anno 54

Idem.

Anno 55

Will. de Insula.

Anno 55

Rog. Epis. Cov. & Lich.

Anno 56

Idem.

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Gilb. Ki…kby

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Hen. de Shoctebroke

Anno 5

Hen. de Shoctebroke

Anno 6

Jacob. de Patebery

Anno 7

Hen. de Shoctebroke

Anno 7

Alanus filius Rol.

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Jac. Croke

Anno 9

Joh. de Cridemers

Anno 10

Johan. de Cridemers

Anno 11

Idem.

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Johan. de Tudemers

Anno 13

Radul. de Beauyes

Anno 24

Radul. de Beauyes

Anno 15

Thom. de Duners

Anno 16

Idem.

Anno 17

Idem.

Anno 18

Willielmus de Gresmull

p. 103Anno 19

Richar. de Wilniescote

Anno 20

Will. de Bremchele for 4 years together.

Anno 24

Hen. de Thistelden for 5 years together.

Anno 29

Nich. de Spershete for 7 years together.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Tho. Danvers

Anno 2

Rich. de Ameray

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Tho. Danvers

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Idem. & Phil. de la Beach

Anno 7

Phil. de la Beach

Anno 8

Richar. de Windsor

Anno 9

Richar. de Poltiampton

Anno 10

Idem.

Anno 11

Otvelus Pursell, & Richar. de la Bere

Anno 12

Richar. de la Bere, & Joh. de Brumpton

Anno 13

Johan. de Brumpton

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Drogo Barentine for 5 years together.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Johan. de Brumpton

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Johan. de Bockland

Anno 4

Philip. de la Beach

Anno 5

Rich. de Colshul.

Anno 6

Idem.

Anno 7

Johan. de Brumpton

Anno 8

Willielm. de Spershalt

Anno 9

Johan. de Alveton

Anno 10

Willielm. de Speshalt

Anno 11

Johan. de Alveton for 4 years together.

Anno 15

Edward. de Morlins

Anno 16

Robert. Fitz-Ellis

Anno 17

Johan. de Alveton for 5 years together.

Anno 22

Johannes Laundeles for 6 years together.

Anno 28

Johan. de Alveton Richar. de Nowers

Anno 29

Johan. de Willamscot

Anno 30

Johan. Laundeles

Anno 31

Idem.

Anno 32

Idem.

Anno 33

Robert. de Moreton

Anno 34

Idem.

Anno 35

Roger. de Elmerugg

Anno 36

Idem.

Anno 37

Roger, de Cottesford

Anno 38

Idem.

Anno 39

Idem.

Anno 40

Roger. de Elmerugg for 3 years together.

Anno 43

Roger. de Cottesford

Anno 44

Tho. de la Mare

Anno 45

Idem.

Anno 46

Gilbert. Wace

Anno 47

Roger. de Elmerugg

Anno 48

Johan. James

Anno 49

Gilbert. Wace

Anno 50

Regind. de Maliris

Anno 51

Johan. de Rothwell

Reader, let me freely confess my self to thee, had I met with equall difficulty in the Sheriffs of other Counties as in this, the first shire it had utterly disheartned me from proceeding. The Sheriffs of Barkshire and Oxfordshire are so indented, or (pardon the metaphor,) so intangled with Elflocks, I cannot comb them out.

I will not say that I have done always right in dividing the Sheriffs respectively, but have endeavoured my utmost, and may be the better believed, who in such a subject could meet with nothing to bribe or bias my judgment to partiality.

Be it premised, that though the list of Sheriffs be the most comprehensive Catalogue of the English Gentry, yet is it not exactly adequate thereunto. For I find in this County, the Family of the Pusays so ancient, that they were Lords of Pusay, (a village nigh Faringdon) long before the Conquest, in the time of King Canutus, holding their lands by the tenure of Cornage (as I …ake it,) viz. by winding the Horn, which the King aforesaid gave their **Camdens Brit. in this County.family, and which their posterity, still extant, at this day do produce. Yet none of their name, (though Persons of Regard in their respective generations,) appear ever Sheriffs of this County.

I am glad of so pregnant an instance, and more glad that it so seasonably presenteth it self in the front of our work, to con…ute their false Logick who will be ready to conclude Negatively, for this our Catalogue of Sheriffs excluding them the lines of ancient Gentry whose Ancestors never served in this Office. On the other side, no ingenuous Gentleman can be offended with me if he find not his Name registred in this Roll, seeing it cannot be in me any Omission, whilst I …ollow my Commission, faithfully transcribing what I find in the Records.

Richard I.

3 WILLIELMUS BRIEWERE,]

He was so called, (saith **Ca…dens Brit. in Sommerset.my Author) because his Father was born upon an Heath, though by the similitude of the Name, one would have suspected him born amongst briers. But see what a poor mans child may come to: He was such a Minion to this King Richard the first, that he created him Baron of Odcomb in Sommersetshire. Yea, when one Fulk Paynell was fallen into the Kings displeasure, p. 104he gave this William Briewere the Town of Bridgewater, to procure his reingratiating. His large inheritance (his son dying without issue) was divided amongst his Daughters, married into the honourable Families of Breos, Wake, Mohun, La-fert, and Percy.

8

PHILIPPUS filius ROB.]

ALAN. de MARTON.]

It is without precedent, that ever two persons held the Shrevalty of one County, jointly, or in Co-partnership, London or Middlesex alone excepted, (whereof hereafter.) However, if two Sheriffs appear in One year, (as at this time, and frequently hereafter) such Duplication cometh to pass by one of these Accidents;

1. Amotion of the first put out of his place for misdemeanor, (whereof very rare precedents) and another placed in his Room.

2. Promotion. When the first is advanced to be a Baron in the year of his Shrevalty, and an other substituted in his Office.

3. Mort. The former dying in his Shrevalty, not priviledged from such Arrests to pay his Debt to Nature.

In these cases Two (and sometimes Three) are found in the same year, who successively discharged the office. But if no such mutation happened, and yet two Sheriffs be found in one year, then the second must be understood Sub-vice-comes, (whom we commonly also call Mr. Sheriffe in courtesie,) his Deputy, acting the affaires of the County under his Authority. However, if he who is named in this our Catalogue in the second place, appear the far more Eminent Person, there the Intelligent Reader will justly suspect a Transposition, and that by some mistake the Deputy is made to precede him, whom he only represented.

Be it here observed, that the place of Under-Sheriffs in this age was very honourable, not hackned out for profit. And although some uncharitable people (unjustly I hope) have now adays fixed an ill character on those who twice together discharged the place, yet anciently the office befitted the best persons; little difference betwixt the High-Sheriffe and Under-Sheriffe, save that he was under him, being otherwise a man of great credit and Estate.

Henry III.

2 FULCO de BREANTEE. Oxf.]

This Fulco, or Falkerius, or Falkesius de Breantee, or Breantel, or Brent, (so many several ways is he written,) was for the first six years of this King High-Sheriffe of Oxford, Cambridge, Huntington, Bedford, Buckingham, and Northampton shires, (Counties continued together) as by perusing the Catalogues will appear. What this Vir tot locorum, Man of so many places was, will be cleared in **In the Title Souldiers.Middlesex, the place of his Nativity.

56 ROG. EPIS. COVENT. & LICH.]

That Bishops in this age were Sheriffs of Counties in their own Dioceses, it was usuall and obvious. But Bark-shire lying in the Diocess of Sarum, Oxfordshire of Lincolne, that the far distant Bishop of Coventry and Lich. should be their Sheriffe, may seem extraordinary and irregular.

This first put us on the inquiry who this Roger should be, and on search we found him surnamed De Molend, aliàs Longespe, who was **Godw…n in the Bishops of Coventry and Lich.Nephew unto King Henry the third, though how the kindred came in I can not discover. No wonder then if his royal relation promoted him to this place, contrary to the common course; the King in his own great age, and absence of his Son Prince Edward in Palestine, desiring to place his Confidents in offices of so high trust.

Edward II.

6 PHIL. de la BEACH]

Their Seat was at Aldworth in this County, where their Statues on their Tombs are Extant at this day, but of Stature surely exceeding **…igies Justo Majores impositae, Camd. Brit. …n B…rkshire.their due Dimension. It seems the Grecian Officers have not been here, who had it in their Charge to order Tombs, and p. 105proportion Monuments to the Persons represented. I confess Corps do stretch and extend after their Death, but these Figures extend beyond their Corps, and the People there living extend their Fame beyond their Figures, Fancying them Giants, and fitting them with Porportionable Performances. They were indeed most Valiant men, and their Male Issue was extinct in the next Kings Reign, whose Heir Generall (as appeareth by the H…ralds Visitation,) was married to the ancient Family of WHITLOCK.

Sheriffs of Bark-shire and Oxfordshire.

Henry IV.

2 THOMAS CHAUCER.]

He was sole son to Geffery Chaucer, that famous Poet, from whom he inherited fair lands, at Dunnington-Castle in this County, and at Ewelme in Oxfordshire. He married Maud daughter and coheir of Sir John Burwash, by whom he had one only daughter named Alice, married unto William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk. He lyeth buried under a fair tomb in Ewelme Church, with this inscription. Hic jacet Thomas Chaucer, Armiger, quondam Dominus istius villae & Patronus istius Ecclesiae, qui obiit 18. die Mensis Novembris Anno Dom. 1434. & Matilda uxor ejus, quae obiit 28. mensis Aprilis Anno Domini 1436.

Henry V.

1 THOMAS WIKHAM.]

I behold him as kinsman, and next heir to William Wykham, that famous Bishop of Winchester, to whom the Bishop left, notwithstanding above **Bishop Godwin in Bishops of Winchester.six thousand pounds bequeathed by him in legacies, (for the discharge whereof he left ready mony) one hundred pound lands a year. As for his Arms, viz. Argent, two Cheverons Sable between three Roses Gules; a most ingenious **Sir Isaac Wake in his Musae Regnant…s.Oxfordian conceiveth those Cheverons (aliàs p. 107Couples in Architecture) given him in relation to the two Colledges he built, the one in Oxford, the other in Winchester. It will be no sin to suspect this, no original of, but a post-nate-allusion to his Armes, who was (whatever is told to the contrary) though his parents were impoverished, of a **Harpfield Eccle. Hist. pag. 550.Knightly extraction. But if it was his assigned, and not hereditary Coat, it will be long enough ere the Heraulds Office grant another to any upon the like occasion.

Henry VI.

JOHANES GOWFRE, Ar.

No doubt the same with him who 2^do Hen. 5^nti. was written John Golofre. He is the first person who is styled Esquire, though surely all who were before him were (if not Knights) Esquires at the least: And afterwards this addition grew more and more fashionable in the Reign of King Henry the sixth. For after that …ack Straw (one of the grand founders of the Levellers) was defeated, the English Gentry, to appear above the common sort of people, did in all publick instruments insert theit Native or acquired Qualifications.

Edward IV.

8 JOHN HOWARD, Miles.]

He was son to Sir Robert Howard, and soon after was created a Baron by this King, and Duke of Northfolk by King Richard the third, as Kinsman and one of the Heirs of Anne Dutchess of York and Northfolk, whose Mother was one of the Daughters of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Northfolk. Soon after he lost his life in his quarrell who gave him his honour in Bosworth field.

From him descended the Noble and Numerous family of the Howards, of whom I told **E Arundle Notingham Suffolk Barksh. B Moubray Estrick.four Earls and two Barons sitting in the last Parliament of King Charles. I have nothing else for the present to observe of this Name, save that a **Verstegan of decaied intelligence, pag. ….great Antiquary will have it originally to be Holdward (L. and D. being omitted for the easier pronunciation) which signifieth the Keeper of any Castle, Hold, or Trust committed unto them, wherein they have well answered unto their Name. Did not Thomas Howard Earl of Surry well hold his ward by Land, when in the reign of King Henry the eighth he conquered the Scots in Flodden-field, and took James the fourth their King Prisoner? And did not Charles Howard (afterwards Earl of Nottingham) hold his ward by Sea in 88. when the Armado was defeated? But hereof (God willing) hereafter;

15 HUMPHRY FOSTER, Ar.]

This must be he (consent of times avowing it) who was afterwards Knighted, and lyeth buried in Saint Martin… in the Fields London, with the following **Weav…rs Fun. Mon. pag. 447inscription.

Of your charity, pray for the soul of Sir Humphery Foster Knight, whose body lyeth buried here in earth under this Marble-stone; which deceased the 18. day of the Month of September, 1500. on whose Soul sesu have mercy,

Amen.

Hen…y VII.

8 ROBERT HARECOURT, Miles.]

Right ancient is this family in France, having read in a French **Jean LeFeron eale Chapter d. … Mar…schaviz, de France, sol. 5.Herauld who wrote in the reign of King Edward the sixth, that it flourished therein eight hundred years, as by a Genealogy drawn by him should appear.

Of this Family (for both give the same Coat at this day (viz.) G…les two Barrs Or,) a younger branch coming over at the Conquest, fixed it self in the Norman Infancy at Staunton Harecourt in Oxfordshire. And I find that in the reign of King …ohn, Richard de Harecourt of Staunton aforesaid, marrying Orabella daughter of Saer de Quincy Earl of Winchester, had the rich manor of Bosworth in Leicester-shire bestowed on him for his wifes portion.

I cannot exactly distinguish the several Harecourts contemporaries in this County, and Sheriffs thereof, so as to assign them their severall habitations, but am confident that this Robert Harecourt (Sheriffe in the reign of King Henry the seventh,) was the same p. 108person whom King Edward the fourth made Knight of the Garter. From him lineally descended the valiant Knight Sir Simon Harecourt, lately slain in the wars against the Rebells in Ireland, whose Son, a hopefull Gentleman, enjoys the Manor of Staunton at this day.

15 JOHN BASKET.]

He was an Esquire of Remark and martiall activity in his younger days, who in some years after removed to Devenish in Dorsetshire, to whom King Henry the eighth, going over into France, committed the care of that County, as by his following Letter will appear:

Henry VIII.

By the King.

Trusty and Well-beloved, We greet you well. And whereas we at this time have written as well to the Sheriff of that Our Shire, as also to the Justices of Our Peace within Our said Shire, Commanding and straightly Charging, that as well the said Sheriffs as the said Justices, endeavour them for the keeping of Our Peace and the entertainment of Our Subjects, in good quiet and restfullness, durying the time of Our journey into the parties of beyond the Sea; to the which We entend to dispose us about the latter end of this present month of May: And forasmuch also as We have for your great ease spared you of your aettendance upon Us in Our said journey, and left you at home to doe Us service in keeping of Our Peace, and good Rule amongst Our said Subjects. We Will therefor… and Command you that dureing the time of Our said absence out of this Our Realme, ye have a speciall over-sight, regard and respect, as well to the Sheriff, as to the said Justice, how and in what diligence they do, and execute Our Commandement, comprised in Our said Letters. And that ye also from time to time as ye shall see meet quickly and sharply call upon them in Our name, for the execution of Our said Commandement; and if you shall find any of them Remiss or Negligent in that behalf, We will that ye lay it sharply to their charge, Advertising that in case they amend not their defaults, ye will thereof Advertise Our Councell rem…ining with Our dearest Daughter the Princess, and so We charge you to do indeed: And if Our said Sheriffe or Justice, or any other Sheriffe or Justice of any Shire next to you, upon any side adjoyning, shall need or require your Assistance, for the Execution of Our said Commandements, We Will and Desire you that what the best power ye can make of Our Subjects i… Harneys, ye be to them Aiding and Assisting from time to time as the Case shall require. Not failing hereof as you intend to please Us, and as We specially tru…t you.

Given under Our Signet at Our Manor of Greenwich, the 18. day of May.

Henry VIII.

1 WILLIAM ESSEX, Ar.]

He was a worthy man in his generation, of great command in this County, (whereof he was four times Sheriffe,) and the first of his family who fixed at Lambourn therein, on this welcome occasion. He had married Elizabeth, daughter and sole heir of Thomas Rogers of Benham, whose Grandfather John Rogers had married Elizabeth, daughter and heir of John Shote…broke of Bercote in this County (whose ancestors had been Sheriffs of Barkeshire in the fourth, fifth and sixth of King Edward the third,) by whom he received a large inheritance.

Nor was the birth of this Sir William (for aferwards he was Knighted) beneath his estate, being Son unto Thomas Essex Esquire, Remembrancer and Vice-Treasurer unto King Edward the fourth; who dyed November 1. 1500. lyeth buried with a plain Epitaph in the Church of Kensington, Middlesex. He derived himself from Henry de Essex, Baron of Rawley in Essex, and Standard-Bearer of England, (as I have seen in an exact Pedigree attested by Master Camden,) and his posterity have lately assumed his Coat, viz. Argent an Orle Gules. There was lately a Baronet of this family, with the revenues of a Baron, but * riches endure not for ever, if providence be not as well used inProv. 27. 24.Prov 27:24 preserving as attaining them.

p. 10924 HUMPHRY FORSTER, Knight.]

He bare a good affection to Protestants, even in the most dangerous times, and **…. Acts & Mon. p. 1219.spake to the Quest in the behalf of Master Marbeck that good …; yea he confessed to King Henry the third, that never any thing went so much against his **Idem p. 1221Conscience which under his Graces authority he had done, as his attending the execution of three poor men Martyred at Windsor.

Edward VI.

1 FRANCIS INGLEFIELD, Mil.]

He afterwards was Privy-Councellor unto Queen Mary, and so zealous a Romanist, that after her death he left the land, with a most large inheritance, and lived for the most part in Spain. He was a most, industrious agent to solicite the cause of the Queen of Scots, both to his Holiness, and the Catholick King. As also he was a great Promotor of, and Benefactor to the English Colledge at Valladolit in Spain, where he lyeth interred in a family of his alliance is still worshipfully extant in this County.

Queen Mary.

1 JOHN WILLIAMS, Miles.]

Before the year of his Sherivalty was expired, Queen Mary made him Lord Williams of Tame in Oxfordshire. In which town he built a small Hospitall, and a very fair **Cam. Brit. in ….School; He, with Sir Henry Bennyfield, were joynt-Keepers of the Lady Elizabeth, whilst under restraint, being as civil as the other was cruel unto Her. Bishop Ridley when martyred requested this Lord to stand his friend to the Queen, that those Leases might be confirmed which he had made to poor Tenants; which he **See the picture of Bishop Ridley his burning in Mr. Fox.promised and performed accordingly.▪ His great estate was divided betwixt his two daughters and coheirs, one married to Sir Henry Norrice, the other to Sir Richard Wenman.

Queen Elizabeth.

4 HENRY NORRICE, Ar.]

Son-in-law to the Lord Williams aforesaid. He was by Queen Elizabeth created Baron Norrice of Ricot in Oxfordshire; it is hard to say whether this tree of honour was more remarkable for the root from whence he sprung, or for the branches that sprang from him: He was Son to Sir Henry Norrice, who suffered in the cause of Queen Anne Bullen, Grandchild to Sir Edward Norrice, who married Fridswide sister and coheir to the last Lord Lovell. He was Father (though himself of a meek and mild disposition) to the Martiall brood of the Norrices, of whom **I … description of Oxfordshire, Title Souldiers.hereafter.

Elizabeth his great Grandchild, sole Daughter and heir unto Francis Norrice Earl of Barkshire, and Baroness Norrice, was married unto Edward Wray Esquire, whose only Daughter Elizabeth Wray, Baroness Norrice lately deceased, was married unto … Bertue Earl of Lindsey, whose Son, a Minor, is Lord Norrice at this day.

Sheriffs of Barkeshire alone.

Queen Elizabeth.

9 EDWARD UNTON or UMPTON, Miles.]

This ancient and worshipfull name was extinct in the days of our fathers for want of Issue Male, and a great part of their lands devolved by an Heir-general to G. Purfen of wadley Esquire, whose care is commendable in preserving the Monuments of the Umptons in Farington Church, and restoring such as were defaced in the war to a good degree of their former fairness.

26 BESILIUS FETIPLACE]

Some may colourably mistake it for Basilius or Basil, a Christian-name frequent in some families, whereas indeed it is Besil a Surname. These liv'd in great regard at Lee, thence called Besiles-Lee in this County, untill Elizabeth danghter and heir of William Besiles, last of that name, was married unto Richard Fetiplace, whose greatgreat-grand-child was named Besile, to continue the remembrance of their Ancestors.

Reader, I am confident an instance can hardly be produced of a Surname made Christian in England, save since the Reformation; before which time the Priests were scrupulous to admit any at Font, except they were baptized with the name of a Scripture or Legendary-Saint. Since it hath been common; and although the Lord Coke was pleased to say he had noted many of them prove unfortunate, yet the good success in others confutes the generall truth of the observation.

King James.

8 RICHARD LOVELACE, Knight.]

He was a Gentl…man of Mettal, and in the reign of Queen Elizabeth making use of letters of Mart, had the successe to light on a large remnant of the King of Spains Cloth of silver, I mean his West-Indian Fleet; wherewith he and his posterity are the warmer to this day: King Charles created him Lord Lovelace of Hurley.

p. 111King Charles.

1 Sir JOHN DARELL, Baronet.]

He being the first, who in the Catalogue of Sheriffs occurreth of that order, a word of the institution thereof. We meddle not with ancient Baronets, finding that word formerly promiscuously blended with Bannerets, (Sir Ralph Fane in a**Rot. Pat. quarto Edwardi sexti. Patent passed unto him, is expressly term'd a Baronet,) but insist on their new erection in the ninth of King James.

The King did undertake that they should never exceed two hundred, which number compleated if any chanced to die without issue-male, none were to be substituted in their place, that so their number might daily diminish, and honour increase. He did also promise for himself and his Heirs, that no new Order under another name should be superinduced.

The Battles.

Newberry the first 1643. Septemb. 20.

The Earl of Essex having raised the Siege of Glocester, and returning towards London, was rather followed then overtaken by the Kings army. Both sides might be traced by a tract of bloody foot-steps, especially at Auborn in Wilts, where they had a smart encounter. At Newberry the Earl made a stand: Here happen'd a fierce fight on the East-side of the Town, wherein the Londoners did shew that they could as well use a Sword in the field, as a Met-ward in a Shop. The Parliament was conceived to lose the most, the King the most considerable persons; amongst whom the Earl of Carnarvon and Sunderland, the Viscount Falkland, Colonel Morgan, &c. Both armies may be said to beat and be beaten, neither winning the Day, and both the Twi-light. Hence it was that both sides were so sadly filled with their Supper over night, neither next morning had any stomack to break-fast, but keeping their stations, were rather contented to face, then willing to fight one another.

p. 112Newberry the second 1644. Octob. 27.

One would wonder, where the Earl of Essex, so lately stript out of all his Infantry in Cornwall, so soon reinvested Himselfe with more Foot, save that London is the Shopgeneral of all Commodities, recruited with fresh (but not fresh-water) Souldiers, he gave the King battle. This fight was as long and fierce as the former, but the conquest more clear on the Parliaments side. The Cornish (though behaving themselves valiantly) were conceived not to doe so well, because expected to have done better.

The Royalists were at night fain to hang lighted matches on the Hedges, (so to similate their aboad thereabouts) whilst they drew of, securing their Canon in Dunnington-castle, (the Governour whereof Sir J. Bois did the King Knights service,) and so in a pace slower then a flight, and faster then a retreat, returned in as good order as their condition was capable of. Many here lost their lives, as if Newberry were so named by a sad Prolepsis, fore-signifying that that Town should afford a new-burying place to many slain in two bloody Battles.

The Farewell.

Being to take my leave of this Shire, I seriously considered what want there was therein, that so I might wish the supply thereof. But I can discover no naturall defect, and I therefore wish the inhabitants, a thankfull heart to that God, who hath given them a Country so perfect in profit and pleasure. Withal it is observed that the lands in Barkshire are very skittish, and often cast their Owners, which yet I impute not so much to the unruliness of the Beasts, as to the unskilfullness of the Riders. I desire heartily, that heareafter the Barkshire Gentry may be better settled in their, Saddles so that the sweet places in this County, may not be subject to so many mutations.