The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 17

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 17

p. 17HARTFORD-SHIRE is so called from Hartford the chief Town therein, as Hartford so termed from the **… ▪ …. in this County.Ford of Harts, a **S…ed in his Map of this County.Hart Couchant in the waters, being the Armes thereof; Which convinceth me that HART, not HERTFORD-SHIRE is the Orthography of this County. It hath Essex on the East, Middlesex on the South, Buckingham shire on the West, Bedford and Cambridge shire on the North thereof. It might be allowed a Square of 20. miles, save that the Angular Insinuations of other Counties prejudice the Entireness thereof. I have been informed from an ancient …stice therein, that one cannot be so advantagiously placed in any part of this Shire, but that he may recover another County within the riding of five miles. It is the garden of England for delight, and men commonly say that such who buy a house in Hartfordshire pay two years purchase for the aire thereof.

It falls short in Fruitfulness of ESSEX adjoyning thereunto, to which it was also annexed, under one Sheriff (and one Eschetor till after the Reign of King Edward the Third.) And Paynfull **In his description of Hartford-shire, Page the 2d.Norden writes a bold Truth.

For deep feedings, or Sheep pastures, I take notice of few, and those especially about Knebworth. To speak of the Soyle, as indeed it is most generally, for my part I take it but a barren Countrey in respect of some other Shires.

Indeed this Forrestie-Ground would willingly bear nothing so well as a Crop of Wood. But seeing Custome is another Nature, it hath for many years been contented to bring forth good Grain, perswaded thereunto by the Industrious Husbandman. Surely no County can shew so fair a Bunch of Berries, for so they term the fair Habitations of Gentlemen of remark, which are called Places, Courts, Halls and Mannors in other Shires.

This County affording no peculiar Commodity nor Manufacture, We may safely proceed to other Observations, when first we have given the due commendation to the Horses of this Shire.

Their Teames of Horses (oft times deservedly advanced from the Cart to the Coach) are kept in excellent equipage, much alike in colour and stature, fat and fair; such is their care in dressing and well-feeding them. I could name the place and person, (Reader be not offended with an innocent digression) who brought his servant with a Warrant before a Justice of Peace for stealing his grain. The man brought his five horses tailed together along with him, alledging for himself, That if he were the Theefe, these were the Receivers, and so escaped.

The Buildings.

THEOBALDS, did carry away the credit, built by Sir William, beautified by Sir Robert Cecil his Son, both Lord Treasurers of England. The last exchanged it (too wise to do it to his Losse) with King James for Hatfield-house, which King deceased therein, March 27. 1625. Yea, This House may be said to decease about its grand Climacterical, some sixty three years from the finishing thereof, taken down to the ground (for the better partage among the Soldiery) Anno 1651. and from the seat of a Monarch is now become a little Common-wealth; so many intire Tenements, like Splinters have flown out of the Materials thereof; Thus our Fathers saw it built, we behold it unbuilt, and whether our Children shall see it re-built, he only knows who hath written **Eccles. 3. 5.Eccl 3:5There is a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together.

Hatfield-house was first the Bishops of Ely, then the Kings, afterwards by exchange the Earls of Salisbury: For Situation, Building, Contrivance, Prospect, Air, and all accommodations, inferiour to none in England. Within a little mile thereof lyeth a place called the Vineyard, where nature by the Midwifery of Art, is delivered of much pleasure; So that the Reader must be a Seer, before he can understand the perfection thereof. Had this place been in Graecia, or nigh Rome, where the luxuriant fancies of the Poets, being subject-bound, improve a Tree into a Grove, a Grove into a Forrest, a Brook into a River, and a Pond into a Lake; I say, had this Vineyard been there, it had disinherited Tempe of its honour, and hence the Poets would have dated all their delights as from a Little Paradise, and Staple-place of earthly pleasure.

p. 18Medicinal Waters.

One hath lately been discovered neer Barnet in a Common, as generally sanative springs are found in such places, as if nature therein intimated her intention, designing them for publique profit, not private employment; it is conceived to run thorough veines of Alome by the taste thereof. It coagulateth milk, and the curd thereof is an excellent plaister for any green wounds, besides several other operations.

But, as Alexander was wont to applaud Achilles, not as the most valiant but the most fortunate of men, having Homer to trumpet forth his actions: so are these waters much advantaged with the vicinitie of London, whose Citizens proclame the praise thereof. And indeed London in this kind is stately attended, having **Tunbridge, Epsham, Barnetthree Medicinal Waters within one dayes Journy thereof. The Catalogue of the Cures done by this Spring, amounteth to a great number, in so much that there is hope, in process of time, the Water rising here will repaire the blood shed hard by, and save as many lives as were lost in the fatal Battel at Barnet betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster.

Hartford-shire Proverbs.

HARTFORD-SHIRE Clubs and clouted shoon.]

Some will wonder how this Shire lying so near to London, the Staple of English Civilitie, should be guiltie of so much Rusticalness. But the finest Cloth must have a List, and the pure Pesants are of as course a thread in this County, as in any other place. Yet though some may smile at their clownishness, let none laugh at their Industry, the rather because the high-shoon of the Tenant payes for the Spanish-Leather-Boots of the Landlord.

HARTFORD-SHIRE Hedge-Hogs.]

Plenty of Hedge-Hogs are found in this High▪woodland-County, where too often they suck the Kine, though the Dayry-maid conne them small thanks for sparing their pains in milking them. A creature alwayes in his posture of defence, carrying a Stand of Pikes on his back, so that if as well victualled as armed, he may hold out a seige against any equal opposition. If this Proverb containeth any further reflection on the People in this County, as therein taxed for covetousness, and their constant nudling on the Earth; I will not so understand it, as hoping and believing this to be a false Application.

WARE and WADES-Mill are worth all LONDON.]

This I assure you is a Master-piece of the Vulgar wits in this County, wherewith they endeavour to amuse Travellers, as if WARE a thorough-fare-Market, and WADES-Mill (Part of a Village lying two miles North thereof,) were so prodigiously rich as to countervail the wealth of LONDON. The Fallacy lieth in the Homonymy of WARE, here not taken for that Town so named, but appellatively for all vendible Commodities. We will not discompose the wit of this Proverb, by cavilling that WEARE is the proper name of that Town, (so called anciently from the Stoppages, which there obstruct the River.) But leave it as we found it, and proceed.

HARTFORD-SHIRE Kindness.]

This is generally taken in a good and grateful sense for the mutual return of favours received, It being [belike] observed that the people in this County at entertainments drink back to them who drank to them, parallel to the Latine Proverbs, Fricantem refrica; Manus manum lavat; par est de merente bene, bene mereri. However sometimes Hartford-shire kindness may prove Hartford-shire cruelty, and amount to no less then a Monopoly, when this reciprocation of Favours betwixt themselves is the exclusion of all others from partaking thereof.

Princes.

WILLIAM, second Son of King Edward the Third, and Philip his wife, took his Christian-name from his Grandfather, William Earle of Henault, and his Sirname p. 19of Hatfield from the place of his Nativity in this County, where he was born the ninth of his Fathers Reign, Anno Domini 1335. and expired within few dayes af…er. So that what I find written on the late Monument of **On Charles Blunt, son to the Earle of Newport in St. Martins in the Fields.a Noble Infant, may also serve for his Epitaph.

Vivus nil poteram fari, quin mortuus Infans

Nunc loquor, ut mortis sis memor, at que vale.

Living I could not speak, now dead I tel

Thy duty, think of death, and so farewel.

It is uncertain where he was interred, but most believe him buried at Westminster.

EDMUND of LANGLEY, Fifth son to King Edward the Third, and Queen Philip, Was so sirnamed from Kings-Langley in this County the place of his Nativity. He was created Earle of Cambridge, in the Thirty sixth year of the Reign of his Father, and Duke of York in the ninth year of his Nephew King Richard the Second. He married Isabel, daughter and Co-Heir of Peter King of Castile: and lie buried at Langley together. He had (besides other Children of both Sexes) to his eldest Son Richard Duke of York; and he died, Anno Dom. 1402.

EDMUND of HADDAM, Reader, I presume thee to be so much a Gentleman, as in courtesie to allow him a Prince, who was Son to Queen Katherine by Owen Theodor, her second husband, womb-brother to King Henry the Sixth, and Father to King Henry the Seventh. That he was born in this County one may well be confident, seeing there is no Haddam in any Shire of England save **As appeareth in Villare Anglicanum.Hartford-shire alone. I confesse therein three Villages of that name, but sure no lesse then Great Haddam was the place of so eminent a Native. He was solemnly created Earle of Richmond at Reading, in the 31. of King Henry the Sixth.

Many good works no doúbt he did, when living, whose corps when buried, saved from destruction the fair Cathedral of Saint Davids. For his Monument in the midst of the Quire, saith my **Speed in the Description of Pembrokeshire.Author, (as the Prebendaries told him) spared their Church from defacing in the dayes of King Henry the Eighth. I could wish all King Henries nearest relations had after their decease been severally so disposed preservatives from ruine & rapine, as the corps of Q. Katherin Dowager did, as some say, save the Church of **Lord Herbert in the life of King Henry the Eighth.Peterburgh But this ill agreeth with that which **In the Earle of Richmond.Brookes reporteth, viz. That this Earl was buried in Carmarthen; and because Vincent his professed adversary (finding fault with him alwayes when any, sometimes when no cause) taketh no exception thereat; I the more rely on his Testimony. OnelyOnly it is possible that this Earle first enterred in Carmarthen, might be afterwards for the more eminence of Sepulture removed to Saint Davids. He died, Anno Domini, 1456.

Saints.

Saint ALBAN, though (as **Acts 22. 25.Acts 22:25Saint Paul) a Roman by priviledge, but Britton, by Parentage, was born in this County (though many hundreds of years before Hartfordshire had its modern Name and Dimensions) in the City of Verulam, and was martyred for Christianity under Dioclesian An. 303. The cause and manner whereof, (with the Martyrdome of Saint Amphibalus hard by Rudborn,) I have so largely related in my **Cent. 4. pag. 17, &c.Ecclesiastical History, that, as I will repeat nothing, I can add nothing of consequence thereto. Except any will conceive this to be remarkable, that good Liquoras groweth naturally out of the ruinous walls of Verulam, an old City, (the Mother of the New Town of Saint Albans) as a skilful eye-witness **Norden in his description of this County, pag. 29.Antiquary and zealous Protestant hath observed. Had some Papist taken first notice hereof, he might probably have made it a Miracle, and assign the sanctitie of this place for the root of this Liquoras.

Martyrs.

It appeareth by the Maps, that Africa lieth partly in the Torrid, and partly in the Temperate Zone, Nor is the wonder any at all, considering the vastness thereof, extending it self through many Degrees. More strange it is that this small County should be partly in a Temperate, viz. the Western part thereof subjected to the Bishop of Lincoln, and partly in the Torrid Climate, namely the Eastern Moity belonging to the Dioces of London, which under Bonner was parched with persecution. Yet not to make this Monster p. 20worse then he was, though many in his Jurisdiction were much molested, and though Tradition points the very place in Bishops Stortford, where poor people were burnt at the stake, yet my Book of Martyrs, or Eyes, or both be defective, wherein I cannot recover the name of any particular person.

Pope.

NICHOLAS Son to Robert Break-spear (a Lay brother in the Abbey of St. Albans) fetcht his Name from Break-speare a place in **Camd. Brit. in Middlesex.Middlesex, but was born at **Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. Secund. numero. 90. & Pi…seus in anno 1159.Abbots-Langley a Town in this County. When a Youth, he was put to such servile work in St. Albans Abbey, that his ingenious Soul could not comport therewith. Suing to be admitted into that house, he received the repulse, which in fine proved no mis-hap, but a happy-miss, unto him; for, going over into France, he studied so hard and so happily at Paris, that for his worth he was preferred Abbot of St. Rufus neer Valentia, and afterward by Pope Eugenius the Third, was made Bishop of Alba nigh Rome: Adnatalis soli memoriam, saith my Author, that he, who was refused to be Monachus Albanensis in England, should be Episcopus Albanensis in Italy. He was employed by the Pope for the conversion of the Norwegians, and though Bale saith (he were not Bale if he were not bitter) Anti-christiano charactere Norwegios signavit; yet his reducing them from Paganisme to Christianity in the Fundamentals was a worthy work and deserves true commendation. He was afterwards chosen Pope of Rome, by the name of Adrian the fourth. There is a mystery more then I can fathome in the changing of his name: Seeing his own font-name was a Papal one; Yet he preferred rather to be Adrian the fourth, then Nicholas the third. He held his place four years, eight moneths, and eight and twenty dayes: and Anno 1158. as he was drinking, was choakt with a Fly: Which in the large Territory of St. Peters patrimony had no place but his Throat to get into: But since a Flye stopt his Breath, fear shall stop my Mouth, not to make uncharitable Conclusions from such Casualties.

Cardinal.

BOSO (confessed by all an **REM.English-man) is not placed in this County out of any certainty, but of pure Charity, not knowing, where elswhere with any Probability* Bale de Scrip. Brit. to dispose him. But seeing he was Nephew to the late named Nicholas, or Pope Adrian, we have some shadow and pretence to make him of the same County: This is sure, his Unckle made him **Godwin in Cat. of Cardin. Pag. 164.Cardinal in the MonethMonth of December, 1155. and he was a great Change-Church in Rome, being successively,

1. Cardinal Deacon of Sts. Cosma & Damiam.

2. Cardinal Priest of St. Crosses of Jerusalem.

3. Cardin. Pr. of St. Prudentiana.

4. Cardin. Pr. of Pastor.

He was more than Instrumental in making Alexander the third Pope with the suffrages of 19. Cardinals, who at last clearly carried it against his Anti-Pope Victor the fourth. This Boso dyed, Anno Dom. 1180.

Prelates.

RICHARD de WARE for this is his true name, as appears in his **On his Tomb yet well to be seen in Westminster Abbey on the Northside of the Tomb of Amer de Valens Earl of Pembroke.Epitaph, though some (pretending his honour, but prejudicing the Truth thereby) sirname him Warren. He was made Abbot of Westminster 1260, and twenty years after Treasurer of England, under King Edward the first. This Richard going to Rome, brought thence certain Work-men, and rich Purphury. And for the rest hear my **J. Philipot, in his Treasurers of England collected Ann. D…m. 1636. p. 19.Author.

By whom and whereof he made the rare Pavement to be seen at Westminster, before the Communion Table, containing the Discourse of the whole World, which is at this day most Beautiful; a thing of that Singularity, Curiousnesse and Rarenesse, that England hath not the like again.

See Readers, what an Enemy Ignorance is to Art. How often have I trampled on that Pavement, so far from admiring, as not observing it. And since, upon serious Survey, p. 21it will not, in my Eyes, answer this Character of Curiosity, However I will not add malice to my Ignorance (qualities which too often are Companions) to disparage what I do not understand, but I take it on the trust of others more skilful, for a Masterpeece of Art. This Richard dyed on the second of December, 1283, the 12. of King Edward the first, and lyeth buryed under the foresaid Pavement.

RALPH BALDOCK So called from the Place of his Nativity (A MoungrelMarket)* Godwin in his Bishops of London. in this County, was bred in Merton Colledge in Oxford. One not unlearned, and who wrote an History of England, which Leland at London did once behold. King Edward the first much prised and preferred him Bishop of London. He gave two hundred pounds whilst living, and left more when dead, to repair the East part of St. Pauls, on the same token, that upon occasion of clearing the Foundation, an incredible number of Heads of Oxen were found buried in the Ground, alledged as an argument by **Camd. Britt. in Middlesex.some to prove That anciently a Temple of Diana. Such who object that heads of Stagges, had been more proper for her, the Goddesse of the Game, may first satisfie us, Whether any Creatures ferae Naturae (as which they could not certainly compass at all seasons) were usually offered for Sacrifices. This Ralph dyed July the 24. 1313. Being buryed under a Marble Stone in St. Maries Chappel in his Cathedral.

JOHN BARNET had his Name and Nativity from a Market-Town in this County, sufficiently known by the Road passing thorough it. He was first by the Pope preferred 1361. to be Bishop of Worcester, and afterwards was translated to Bath and Wells. Say not this was a Retrograde motion, and Barnet degraded in point of profit by such a Removal. For though Worcester is the better Bishoprick in our age, in those dayes Bath and Wells▪ (before the Revenues thereof were reformed under King Edward the sixth) was the richer preferment: Hence he was translated to Ely, and for 6. years was Lord Treasurer of England, He dyed at **Bish. Godw. in Bishops of Ely.Bishops Hatfield, June 7. 1373. and was buried there on the South-fide of the high Altar, under a Monument, now miserably defaced by some Sacrilegious Executioner, who hath beheaded the Statue lying thereon.

THOMAS RUDBURNE, no doubt, according to the fashion of those dayes, took his Name from Rudburne a Village within four miles from St. Albans. He was bred in Oxford, and Proctor thereof Anno **Godwin in Cat. of Bishops of St. Davids.1402. and Chancellour 1420. An excellent Scholar, and skilful Mathematician; of a meek and mild temper (though at one time a little tart against the Wic-livites) which procured him much love with great persons. He was Warden of Merton Colledge in Oxford, and built the Tower over the Colledge Gate. He wrote a **Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 7 n. 53. & Pits. An. 1419.Chronicle of England, and was preferred Bishop of St. Davids. He flourished Anno Domini, 1419. though the date of his Death be unknown.

Reader, I cannot satisfie my self, that any Bishop since the Reformation was a Native of this County, and therefore proceed to another Subject.

Statesmen.

Sir EDVVARD WATERHOUSE Knight, was born at Helmsted-bury in this County, of an ancient and worshipful Family, deriving their discent lineally from Sir Gilbert VVaterhouse of Kyrton in Low▪ Lindsey in the County of Lincoln, in the time of King Henry the third. As for our Sir Edward, his Parents were,

John Waterhouse Esquire, a man of much fidelity and Sageness. Auditor many years to King Henry the Eighth, of whom he obtained (after a great entertainment for him in his house) the grant of a Weekly Market for the Town of Helmsted.

Margaret Turner of the ancient house of Blunts-Hall in Suffolk, and Cannons in Hartfordshire.

The King at his Departure, honoured the Children of the said John Waterhouse, being brought before him, with his praise and encouragement, gave a Benjamins portion of Dignation to this Edward, foretelling by his Royal Augury, That he would be the Crown of them all, and a man of great Honour and Wisdome, fit for the Service of Princes.

p. 22It pleased God afterwards to second the word of the King, so that the sprouts of his hopeful youth, only pointed at the growth and greatness of his honourable age. For, being but twelve years old, he went to Oxford, where for some years he glistered in the Oratorick and Poëtick Sphear, until he addicted himself to conversation, and observance of State affairs, wherein his great proficiency commended him to the favour of three principal patrons.

One was Walter Devereux Earl of Essex, who made him his bosome-friend, and the said Earl, lying on his death-bed, took his leave of him with many kisses, Oh my Ned (said he) farewell, thou art the faithfullest and friendliest Gentleman that ever I knew. In testimony of his true affection to the dead Father in his living Son, this Gentleman is thought to have penned that most judicious and elegant Epistle (recorded in Holinsheds History pag. 1266.) and presented it to the young Earl, conjuring him by the cogent arguments of example and rule, to patrizate.

His other Patron was Sir Henry Sidney (so often Lord Deputy of Ireland) whereby he became incorporated into the familiarity of his Son Sir Philip Sidney, between whom, and Sir Edward, there was so great freindlinesse, that they were never better pleased then when in one anothers Companies, or when they corresponded each with other.

And we find after the Death of that worthy Knight, that he was a close-concerned Mourner at his Obsequies, as appeareth at large in the printed Representation of his Funeral Solemnity.

His third Patron was Sir John Perot Deputy also of Ireland, who so valued his Counsel, that in state-affairs he would do nothing without him. So great his employment betwixt state and state, that he crossed the seas Thirty seven times, until deservedly at last he came into a Port of Honour, wherein …he sundry years anchored, and found safe harbour. For he received the Honour of Knighthood, was sworn of her Majesties Privy Council for Ireland, and Chancellour of the Exchequer therein.

Now his grateful soul coursing about how to answer the Queens Favour, laid it self wholly out in Her service, wherein two of his actions most remarkable. First he was highly instrumental in modelling the Kingdome of Ireland into shires as now they are; shewing himself so great a Lover of the Politie, under which he was born, that he advanced the Compliance therewith (as commendable and necessary) in the Dominions annexed thereunto.

His second service was, when many in that Kingdome shrowded themselves from the Laws, under the Target of power, making force their Tutelary Saint, he set himself vigorously to suppress them. And when many of the Privy Council terrified with the greatness of the Earl of Desmond, durst not subscribe the Instrument, wherein he was proclaimed Traitor, Sir Edward among some others boldly signed the same (disav…wing his, and all treasons against his Prince and Country) and the Council did the like, commanding the publication thereof.

As to his private sphear God blessed him, being but a third Brother, above his other Brethren. Now though he had three Wives, the first a Viliers, the second a Spilman, the third the Widow of Herlakenden of VVood-church in Kent Esquire, and though he had so strong a Brain and Body, yet he lived and dyed Childlesse, entercommoning therein with many Worthies, who are, according to Aelius Spartianus, either improlifick, or have Children in genitorum vituperium, & famarum laesuram. God thus denying him the pleasure of posterity, he craved leave of the Queen to retire himself, and fixed the Residue of his life at VVood-church in Kent, living there in great honour and repute, as one who had no designe to be popular, and not prudent; rich, and not honest; great, and not good.

He dyed in the fifty sixth year of his age, the 13. of October 1591. and is buried at VVood church under a Table Marble-Monument, erected to his memory by his sorrowful Lady surviving him.

Reader, I doubt not but thou art sensible of the alteration and improvement of my Language in this Character, owing both my Intelligence and expressions unto Edward VVaterhouse now of Syon Colledge Esquire, who, to revive the memory of his Namesake and great Uncle, furnished me with these instructions.

p. 23HENRY CARY Viscount of Falkland in Scotland, and Son to Sir Edw. Cary, was born at Aldnam in this County. He was a most accomplished Gentleman, and compleat Courtier. By King James he was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, and well discharged his Trust therein. But an unruly Colt will fume and chafe (though neither switcht nor spur'd) merely because backt. The rebellious Irish will complain only because kept in Subjection, though with never so much lenity; the occasion why some hard Speeches were passed on his Government. Some beginning to counterfeit his hand, he used to incorporate the year of his Age, in a Knot flourished beneath his Name, concealing the Day of his Birth to himself. Thus by comparing the date of the Month, with his own Birth-day (unknown to such Forgers) he not only discovered many false Writings which were past, but also deterred dishonest Cheaters from attempting the like for the future. Being recalled into England, he lived honourably in this County, until he by a sad casualty brake his Leg on a Stand in Theobalds Park, aud soon after dyed thereof. He married the sole Daughter and Heir of Sir Lawrence Tanfield, Cheif Baron of the Exchequer, by whom he had a fair estate in Oxfordshire. His Death happened Anno Dom. 1620. being Father to the most accomplished Statesman, Lucius; Grandfather to the present Henry Lord Falkland, whose pregnant parts (now clarified from Juvenile Extravagancies) perform much, and promise more useful service to this Nation.

Souldiers.

Sir HENRY CARY Son to Sir William Cary, and Mary Bollen, his Wife, was (whereeverS. N. born) made by Queen Elizabeth, Lord Chamberlain, Baron of Hunsdon in this County. A Valiant man, and Lover of Men of their hands, very cholerick but not malicious. Once one Mr. Colt chanced to meet him coming from Hunsdon to London, in the Equipage of a Lord of those dayes. The Lord on some former grudge gave him a Boxe on the Ear; Colt presently returned the principle with Interest, and thereupon his Servants drawing their Swords swarmed about him. You Rogues (said the Lord) may not I and my Neighbour change a blow, but you must interpose? Thus the Quarrel was begun and ended in the same minute.

It was merrily said, that his Latine and his Dissimulation were both alike, **Sir R. Nanton in his Fragment Regal.and that his custome in swearing, and obscenity in speech, made him seem a worse Christian than he was, and a better Knight of the Carpet then he could be. He might have been with the Queen, whatsoever he would himself, but would be no more then what he was, preferring enough above a Feast in that nature.

He hung at Court on no mans Sleve, but stood on his own Botome till the time of his death, having a competent estate of his own given him by the Queen. Who bestowed on him, in the first of her Reign, Hunsdon house in this County, with four thousand pounds a year (according to the valuation in that age) in fair Demesnes, Parks, and Lands lying about it. Yet this was rather Restitution than Liberality in her Majesty: Seeing He had spent as great an estate, (left him by his father) in her Service or rather Releif during her persecution under Queen Mary. …

This Lord suppressed the first Northern Commotion, (the sole reason why we have ranked him under the Title of Soldier) for which, This Letter of Thanks was solemnly returned unto him.

By the QUEEN.

Right Trusty and Wellbeloved Cousin, We greet you well. And right glad we are, that it hath pleased God to assist you in this your late Service, against that cankred subtil Traytor Leonard Dacres, whose force being far greater in Number than yours, we perceive you have overthrown, and how he thereupon was the first that fled, having (as it seemeth) a heart readier to shew his unloyal falshood and malice, than to abide the fight. And though the best we could have desired, was to have him taken: Yet we thank God that he is in this sort overthrown and forced to flye o…r Realm, to his like company of Rebells, whom no doubt, God of his favourable justice will confound with such ends as are meet for them. We will not now by words express how inwardly glad we are, that p. 24you have such success, whereby both your courage in such an unequall match, your faithfulnesse towards us, and your Wisdome is seen to the World, this your Act being the very first that ever was executed by fight in field, in our time, against any Rebell: But We mean also in Deed by just Reward, to let the world see How much we esteem and can consider such a service as this is: And so we would have your self also thank God heartily, as we doubt not but you do, from whom all Victories do proceed, and comfort your self with the assurance of our most favourable acceptation. VVe have also herewith sent our Letter of Thanks to Sir John Foster, and would have you namely thank our good faithful Soldiers of Barwick, in whose worthy service we do repose no small trust.

26. of February. 1569.

Thus far was written by the Secretary of State, but the ensuing Postscript was all the Queens own hand; The Original being preserved by the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Monmouth (Grandchild to the Lord Hunsdon) by whose noble favour I carefully copied it forth as followeth,

I doubt much, my Harry, whether that the Victory given me more joyed me, or that you were by God appointed the Instrument of my Glory, and I assure you for my Countries good the first might suffice, but for my hearts contentation, the second more pleaseth me; It likes me not a little, that with a good testimony of your faith, there is seen a stout courage of your mind, that more trusted to the goodnesse of your Quarrel, th…n to the weakness of your Number. VVell, I can say no more; Beatus est ille servus quem, cum Dominus venerit, inveniet facientem sua Mandata. And that you may not think that you have done nothing for your profit (though you have done much for your Honour) I intend to make this journey, somewhat to increase your Livelyhood, that you may not say to your self, Perditur quod sactum est ingrato.

Your Loving Kinswoman. ELIZABETH REGINA.

Three times was this Lord in Election to be Earl of VViltshire, a Title which in some sort belonged unto him, in the right of Mary his Mother, but still some intervening Accident retarded it. When he lay on his Death bed, The Queen gave him a gracious visit, causing his Patent for the said Earldom to be drawn, his Robes to be made, and both to be laid down upon his bed, but this Lord (who could dissemble neither well nor sick) Madam (said he) Seeing you counted me not worthy of this honour whilst I was Living, I count my self unworthy of it now I am Dying. He departed this life Ann. Dom. 1596. and lyeth buryed in a most magnificent Monument in VVestminster Abbey, being the direct Ancestor to the Earls of Dover and Monmouth.

Physicians.

JOHN GILES, or of St. Giles, was born at **Bale & …. de Scrip. Angl.St. Albans, probably in the Parish of St. Giles, long since (as some more in that Town) demolished. He was bred beyond the Seas, where he became so great a Scholar, that he not only was Physician in ordinary to Philip King of France, but also Professour of that faculty in Paris and Montpelier. Then waving the care of Bodies, he took on him the cure of Souls, and was made Doctor of Divinity. He afterwards became a Dominican, and was the first Englishman that ever entred into that order. In his old age he was famous for his Divinity-Lectures read in Oxford.

But which most perswades me to a venerable reception of his memory, is what I read of him in **In An. 1253.Matth. Paris, how Robert Grosthead, the pious and learned Bishop of Lincoln being sick on his Death-bed, sent for this Mr. John Giles, learned in Physick and Divinity, that from him he might receive comfort both for body and soul. How long this Physician surviv'd his Patient (dying in Octob. 1253.) is to me unknown.

JOHN de GATESDEN was undoubtedly born in this County, wherein two Villages, the Greater and Lesse of that name; Such who except that they are written Gadesden, will soon be satisfied in their Sameness from those who know the Sympathy betwixt T. and D. He was bred in Merton Colledge in Oxford, where he so profited p. 25in the Study of Physick. That a **Symphorianus Champerius in his fift Tract. de medi Art. script.Forraigner compiling a Catalogue of men eminent in that faculty, acknowledgeth him a Writer of high esteem therein. By **Mathaeus Silvaticus in Lexico.one who hath made a List of Learned men, he is styled Johannes Anglicus. I am informed that lately his Books have been printed in Italy in a Folio; No small Honour (I assure you) Seeing in Physick the Italians account all Tramountain Doctors but Apothecaries in comparison of themselves. The first Treatise in his Book is termed **Bale de scrip. Brit. Cent. 5. n. 7. & Pits. in an. 1320.Rosa Anglica, The English Rose, and I doubt not, but as it is Sweet in the Title, so it is Soveraign in the matter therein contained. This John flourished in the year of our Lord 1320.

Writers.

ALEXANDER NEQUAM, or Bad in English, was born in St. Albans. Many conceived themselves wondrous Witty in making Jests (which indeed made themselves) on his Sirname. Whereof one eminent instance, Nequam had a mind to become a Monk in St. Albans, the Town of his Nativity, and thus Laconically wrote for leave to the Abbot thereof.

Si vis, veniam. Sin autem, tu autem.

To whom the Abbot returned.

Si bonus sis, venias; Si Nequam, nequaquam.

Whereupon Nequam (to discompose such conceits for the future) altered the Orthography of his Name into Neckam.

Another Pass of wit there was (saith my **Bish. Godw. in Cat. of the Bish. of LincolnAuthor) betwixt him, and Philip Repington Bishop of Lincoln, the lat…r sending the Challenge.

To whom Nequam rejoyned.

But by the leave of my learned Author, this Nequam must be much younger than* Bale & Pits. de script. Angl. our Alexander, or that Philip much older than Bishop Repington, all agreeing that Alexander Nequam dyed 1227. under King Henry the third, whereas Philip Repington was made Bishop of Lincoln 1405. under King Henry the fourth.

But leaving Nequam his name, he is known to posterity by the Title of Ingenii miraculum, being an excellent Philosopher, Rhetorician and Poet, so true it is what Tully observeth, Omnes artes, quae ad humanitatem pertinent, habent quoddam commune vinculum, & quasi cognatione quadam inter se continentur: Besides he was a deep Divine, as his Books do evidence. He was Canon of Exeter, and (upon what occasion I know not) came to be buryed at Worcester, with this Epitaph,

Eclipsim patitur sapientia sol sepelitur:

Cui si par unus, minus esset flebile funus.

Vir bene discretus, & in omni more facetus,

Dictus erat Nequam, vitam duxit tamen aequam.

Wisdom's eclips'd, Sky of the Sun bereft,

Yet less the loss if like alive were left.

A man discreet, in manners debonair,

Bad name, black face, but carriage good and fair.

Others **Weavers Fun. Mon. in Hartford-shire.say he was buryed at St. Albans, where he found repulse when living, but repose when dead.

WILLIAM of WARE born in that thorough fair Town twenty miles from London, was a Franciscan bred first in Oxford, then in Paris. Now because some may slight the praise of Bale or Pits (as testes domesticos, Englishmen commending Englishmen) know that John **In suo heptu…lo.pious Mirandula, highly extolleth this de Ware, though miscalling him John, as ambitious to have him his Name-sake. He was Instructor to John **Bale de scrip. Brit. cent. 4. p. 323. & Pits. p. 349.Duns Scotus.

p. 26And if the Scholar to such height did reach,

Then what was he who did that Scholar teach?

He flourished under King Henry the third, Anno 1270. and is supposed to be buryed in Paris.

JOHN MANDEVILE Knight, born at St. Albans in this **Weavers Fun. Mon. in this County.County, Heir to a fair estate, he applied himself first to the reading of the Scriptures, then to the study of Physick (wherein he attained to great perfection) afterwards to travel for thirty four years together, and at last like another Ulysses returning home, was quite grown out of Knowledge of all his friends. He wrote a Book of his own Itinerary thorough Africa, the East and North part of Asia, containing variety of Wonders. Now though far Travellers are suspected in their relations to wander from the Truth, yet all things improbable are not impossible, and the Readers ignorance is sometimes all the Writers falshood. He used to complain of the Church corruptions in his Age, being wont to say, **Bale de scrip. Brit.Virtus cessat, Ecclesia calcatur, Clerus errat, Daemon regnat, Simonia Dominatur.

He dyed Anno Dom. 1372. buryed say some in the Convent of the Williamites, at Leige in Germany, which St. Albans will not allow, claiming his Burial, as well as his Birth, where a Ryming Epitaph is appendant on a Pillar neer the supposed place of his Enterment.

NICHOLAS GORHAM a Dominican. We cannot blame the Frenchmen, if desirous to gain so great a Scholar to be their Countryman; nor must the French blame us, if loath to lose what is duly and truly our own.

Three things are pretended to countenance his French Nativity, 1. His Long living (and dying at last) in that Land. 2. The preferment …e got there, being Confessor to the King of France, which may seem a Place of too much Privacy to be conferred on a Forraigner. 3. The great credit and esteem which his Writings have gained in France, where his Manuscript-works, are extant in many Libraries.

These Pleas are over-ballanced with a like Number to attest his English Extraction. Ham in Gorham, is notoriously known for no French, but a Saxon ordinary termination of a Town. 2. Gorham was a Village nigh St. Albans in this County; where Gorhamberry (the Mannor-house thereof) is extant at this day. The Register of Merton Colledge in Oxford mentioneth the admission of this Nicholas Gorham a student in their Foundation. Add to all these, that Learned Leland and other English Antiquaries have always challenged him for their Countryman.

Indeed He was an English-man Francised, who going over into France a young man, spent the rest of his life there. Many and Learned are his Books, having Commented almost on all the Scriptures; and give me leave to say, no Hands have fewer spots of pitch upon them who touched the superstition of that Age he lived in. He dyed, and was buryed at Paris, about the year of our Lord 1400. I will only add that since we have had another Nicholas of Gorham (though not by his birth, by his habitation) as famous for a States-man as the former for a Divine. I mean Sir Nicholas Bacon, whose dwelling was at Gorham-berry aforesaid.

HUGH LEGAT born in this **Pit. de Illust. Ang. Scrlp. an. 1400.County, bred in Oxford, at last became a Benedictine in the Abbey of St. Albans. Being much delighted in Meditation, he wholly employed himself in commentary on,

1. John of **See Writers in Middlesex.Hanwell his Books of Lamentation.

2. Boetius of Consolation.

Thus his Soul may be presumed well poized betwixt plumbum & plumam, a Weight and a Wing to supresse and support it. He flourished Anno 1400.

JOHN WHETAMSTEAD was born at Wheatamstead in this County, not so famous for the production of the best Wheat, whence the place hath its Name, as for this John VVhetamsted, who hath his Name from that place. He was bred at the Priory at Tinmouth in Northumberland (a long stride I assure you from the place of his Birth) to which **W…aver Fun. Monum. p. 569he bequeathed a Challice of Gold. He was afterwards Abbot of St. Albans, and the sixth of that Christian name.

Vast were his expences in adorning of that Church, exceeding six thousand pounds.

* Two Criticismes in his Buildings I cannot omit, one, that on the North-side of hisManusc. Sir R. Cottons Library. Church (which he enlightned with new VVindowes) he set up the statues of those p. 27Heathen Philosophers, which had testified of the Incarnation of Christ. 2. That in a little Chappel he set up the similitudes of all the Saints whose Christian names were John, with his own picture, and this Prayer in a Distick, that though unworthy he might have a place with his Namesakes in Heaven.

Besides he procured from Humfrey the good Duke of Glocester, his great Mecenas who was buried at St. Albans, a suite of Vestments worth 3000. Marks and the Mannor of Pembroke in South-wales. Many are the Books which he left to posterity, being counted no fewer then fourscore and odd several Treatises, and dyed about the year 1440.

JOHN BOURCHIER Baron Berners, was Son of John Bourchier Baron Berners AMP.in the Right of Margery his Wife Daughter of Sir Richard Berners of **Mills in hls Catal. of Honour Pag. 855.VVesthorsley in Surrey. Yet had that Honourablo Family of the Berners, an ancient Habitation at **Cambd. Brit. in Hartford sh.Tharfield in this County, which with some probability insinuateth the Birth of this noble Gentleman therein.

He was a martial man well seen in all Military Discipline, and when Michael Joseph the Black-Smith lead the Cornish Rebells against King Henry the seventh, Anno 1496. no man did better service then this Lord in their suppression, for which he was made cheif Governour of Calice.

Having there gotten a repose, who formerly had been a far Traveller, and great Linguist, He * translated many Books out of French, Spanish, and Italian, besidesBale de Script. Brit. Cent. 7. n. 1. & Pits. in Anno 532. some of his own making. I behold his as the second (accounting the Lord Tiptoft the first) noble hand which since the decay of Learning took a Pen therein, to be Author of a Book. He dyed on the 16. of March 1532. and is buryed in the great church in Calice. And I have **Mills Catal. Pag. 256.read that the estate of the Berners is by an Heir-general descended to the Knyvets of …shwelthorp in Norfolk.

Since the Reformation.

ROGER HUTCHINSON was born in this **Bale de scrip. Brit. Cent. 9. n. 95.County, and bred Fellow of St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, where he was very familiar with Mr. Roger Askam, who disdained Intimacy with Dunces. And as this is euough to speak him Scholar, so it is a sufficient Evidence to an Intelligent Jury, to prove him Protestant, that being commended by Bale for writing a book in English of the Image of God; he is wholly omitted, by John Pits. He flourished Anno Dom. 1550. and probably dyed in the happy Reign of Edward the sixth, before the following persecution.

THOMAS CARTVVRIGHT was born in this **Sam. Clerk in his Lives of English Divines. p. 367.County, and was admitted in St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge Anno 1550. In the Reign of Queen Mary he left the University (being probably one of those Scholars, which as Mr. Fox observeth went (alias were driven) away from this Colledge all at one time) and betook himself to the service of a Counsellour. Here he got some skill in the Common-Law, which inabled him afterwards to fence the better for himself by the advantage thereof.

In the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, he returned to Cambridge, was chosen Fellow first of St. Iohns, then of Trinity: How afterwards he was made Margaret Professour, outed thereof for his Non-conformity, travelled beyond Seas, returned home, became the Champion of the Presbyterian partie, is largely related in our Ecclesiastical History.

OnelyOnly I will add that the Non conformists not a greeing which of them (where there is much choice, there is no choice) should answer Dr. Whitgifts Reply, I read that Mr. Cartwright at last was chosen **Sam. Cleark pag. 399.by lot to undertake it. It seems the Brethren concluded it of high and holy concernment, otherwise I know what Mr. Cartwright hath **In his Comment on Prov. 1633.written of the appeal to Lots, Non nisi in rebus gravioribus, & alic…jus magni momenti ad sortis judicium recurrendumm, maxime, cum per sortem Deus ipse in judicio sedeat.

One **Sam. Cleark pag. 272.saith for riches he sought them not, and **▪Sr. G. Paul in his Life of … p. 54.another saith, that he dyed rich, and I beleive both …ay true, God sometimes making Wealth to find them, who seek not for it, seeing many, and great were his Benefactors. He dyed and was buryed in Warwick, where he was Master of the Hospital. Anno. 1603.

DANIEL DIKE was born at Hempstead in this County, where his Father was a Minister silenced for his Non-conformity. He was bred in....... Colledge in p. 29Cambridge, and became afterwards a profitable Labourer in Gods Vineyard. Witness (besides his Sermons) his worthy books, whereof that is the Master-peice which treateth of the deceitfulnesse of mans heart, wherein he layes down directions for the Discovery thereof. As also how in other Cases one may be acquainted with his own Condition, seeing many men lose themselves in the Labyrinths of their own hearts: so much is the Terra incognita therein. This Book he designed for his pious Patron John Lord Harrington: But alas when the Child was come to the Birth, there was no strength to bring forth! before the Book was fully finished, the Author thereof followed his honourable Patron into a better World; so that his Surviving brother (of whom immediately) set it forth. And to the Lady Lucy, Countesse of Bedford, the Lords Sister, the same was dedicated. A Book which will be owned for a Truth, whilst men have any badness, and will be honoured for a Treasure, wilst men have any goodnesse in them. This Worthy man dyed about the Year 1614.

JEREMIAH DIKE his Younger Brother was bred in Sidney Colledge in Cambridge, beneficed at Epping in Essex, one of a chearful Spirit. And know Reader, that an Ounce of Mirth, with the same degree of Grace, will serve God farther then a pound of Sadnesse. He had also a gracious heart, and was very profitable in his Ministry. He was a Father to some good Books of his own; and a Guardian to those of his Brother, whose Posthume Works he set forth. He was one peaceable in Israel. And though no Zelot in the practice of Ceremonies, quietly submitted to use them. He lived and dyed piously, being buryed in his own Parish-Church. Anno Dom. 1620.

ARTHUR CAPEL Esquire, of Had…m in this County, was by King Charls the first created a Baron. 1641. He served the King with more Valour and Fidelity then Success, during the Civil Wars, in the Marches of Wales. After the Surrender of Oxford, he retired to his own house in this Shire, and was in some sort well cured of the [so then reputed] Disease of Loyalty, when he fell into a Relaps by going to Colcbester, which cost him his life, beheaded in the Palace Yard in Westminster 1648.

In his Life time he wrote a book of Meditation (published since his death) wherein much judicious piety may be discovered. His mortified mind was familiar with afflictions, which made him to appear with such … Resolution on the Scaffold, where he seemed rather to fright Death, then to be frighted with it. Hence one not unhappily alluding to his Arms (a Lyon Rampant in a Field Gules betwixt three Crosses) thus expresseth himself.

Thus Lion-like Capel undaunted stood:

Beset with crosses in a Field of Blood.

A Learned Dr. in Physick (present at the opening and embalming of him and Duke Hambleton) delivered it at a publike Lecture, that the Lord Capels was the least Heart (whilst the Dukes w…s the greatest) he ever beheld. Which al…o is very proportionable to the Observation in Philosophy, that the Spirits contracted in a lesser model, are the cause of the greater courage.

God hath since been the Husband to His Widow, (who for her goodnesse may be a Pattern to her Sexe) and Father to his Children, whom not so much their Birth, Beauty, and Portions, as Vertues married to the best Bloods, and Estates in the Land, even when the Royalists were at the lowest condition.

EDVVARD SYMONDS born at Cottered in this County, was bred in Peter House in Cambridge, where he commenced Master of Arts, afterwards Minister of Little Rayne in Essex, a man strict in his Life and profitable in his preaching, wherein he had a plain and piercing faculty. Being sequestred from his Living for siding with the King, with David 1 Sam. 23. 13. He went wheresoever he could go, to Worcester, Exeter, Barnstable, France, and lastly returned to London. He wrote a Book in VINDICATION OF KING CHARLES and was Instrumental in setting forth his Majesties book, called foreign. Pens were brondished betwixt him and Mr. Stephen Marshal, though all was fair betwixt them before his Death. For Mr. Symonds visited him, lying in his bed at Westminster, told him, Had I taken you for a Wild Beast, I would not have rouzed you in your Den. He was very conscientious in discharging his calling. Being once requested by me, to preach for me, he excused himself for want of competent warning, and when I pleaded, that mine being a p. 17Country Parish would be well pleased with his performance; I can (saith he) content them, but not mine own conscience to preach with so little preparation, he dyed ahout Anno Dom. 1649. and was buryed in St. Peters Pauls Wharf in London.

Benefactors to the Publique.

NICHOLAS DIXON, Parson for thirty years together of Cheshunt in this County. He was also Clerk of the Pipe-Office belonging to the Exchequer. See we here why the Officers of that place (as also those of the Chancery) were called Clerks, because Priests in Orders with Cure of Souls did formerly discharge those Offices. He was also Under-Treasurer, and at last Baron of the Chequer, when partly by his own bounty, and partly by Collection of others, He builded the Parish Church of Cheshunt (and that I assure you is a very fair one) with a Chancel to the Virgin Mary. Now for an Affidavit for the proof hereof, The Reader is referred to this his Epitaph inscribed in Cheshunt Chancel, more to be respected for the truth, then wit thereof.

O miserere Jesu famuli Dixon Nicolai,

…ui brevis hospitium tumulus p…stat satis amplum.

Istud qui Fanum ter denis Rexerat annis

Ad cujus fabricam Bursas proprias, alienas,

Solvit & allexit: quo crevit in ardua Templum.

Pulchrum cancellum, tibi dat, pia Virgo novellum:

Dum laudaris eo, famulo suffragia praestes.

Clericus hic Pipae, subthesaurarius, inde

Baro Scaccarii, se iuste gessit ubique

Pacem pauperibus dans▪ **VVere not that O. thography, Pseudography, which altereth the Original Copy. I had writ …edat with an S for so it ought to be written.cedat divitis iras.

Larga manus relevat quos pauperies fera pressit.

Anno Milleno: C. quater, bis bis deca Christi

Octavo moriens, mutans terrestria caelis,

Octobris Luce ter denâ transit ad astra,

Auxiliare prece qui perlegis haec Nicholao,

Ut sibi cum sanctis praestetur vita perennis.

The word Rexerat doth intimate that Cheshunt was then a Rectorie or Parsonage, though since impropriated and made a Vicarage. What a deal of doe does this pitiful Poet make with words at length, and Figures▪ and Latine, and Greek, to describe the date of his death? which (if I understand his signes aright) was October the thirtieth, one thousand four hundred fourty eight.

Sir RALPH JOSCELINE, son to Jefferie Josceline was born at **S…owes survey of London, page 569.Sabridgworth in this County, bred a Draper in London, whereof he was twice Mayor. Once Anno 1464, and ere the end of that year, was made Knight of the Bath by King Edward the Fourth, in the Field saith my **Idem, Ibid.Author. But seeing there is more of the Carpet then of the Camp in that Order, it is more probable what **Weavers Fun. Mon. p. 550.another writes, that he was invested Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Elizabeth, Queen to the King aforesaid. He was Mayor again, Anno 1476. when he corrected the Bakers and Victuallers of the City, and by his diligence were the walls thereof repaired. Walls now a mere complement, serving more for the dividing then the defending of the City; … that as some forreign Cities cannot be seen for the walls, here the walls cannot be seen for the City. Sad were the case of London, if not better secured with bones within, then stones about it. Th…s Sir Ralph died October the 25. Anno 1478. and was buried in the Church of Sabridgeworth.

JOHN INCENT, son of Robert Incent, and Katharine his wife was born at **… Brit. in Hartford shire.Berkhamsted in this County. He was afterwards a Doctor of Law, and advanced Anno 1543. (when Richard Sampson was preferred Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield) Dean of Saint Pauls. This John, probably invited by the example of another John (his mediate predecessour) Collet Dean of Pauls, Founded a fair Free-school in the Town of his Nativity, procuring it confirmed by act of Parliament, allowing the Master twenty, the Usher ten pounds Per annum. He died, as I collect, in the beginning of the Reign of King Edward the Sixth.

p. 30Sir THOMAS WHITE, son to Thomas White was born at Rixmansworth in this County, and afterwards bred a Merchant-Taylor in London, of which Citie he was Lord Mayor An. Dom. 1553. He first built Glocester-Hal, and afterwards built and endowed St. Johns Colledge in Oxford the Seminarie of many flourishing wits. He bestowed also a va… summe of money on several Corporations to be imployed circularly for the benefit of the poor Freemen therein. Ionce intended to have presented the Reader with an exact particular of his Benefactions, till seasonably I reversed my Resolution on this consideration. Amongst the Jewes it was an injury for one removed further off in blood to do the Office of a Kinsman to the childless Widow, until the next of Kin had first disclaimed his interest therein; as in the Case of**Ruth 4. 4.Ruth 4:4 Ruth most plainly appeared. A son, I am sure is nearer then a Nephew, therefore it is a more proper performance for one bred in Oxford, to Collect the particulars of his Bounty (who whither soever he went, left the Finger-marks of his Charity behind him;) Then for me distanced a degree farthrr off by my Education in another Universitie.

Since the Reformation.

RICHARD HALE Esquire, was born at Cudicot in this County, and bred a Grocer in the Ciry of London; Where his industrious Endeavours were so blessed, that in a little time he got a great Estate. Wherefore in Expression of his Gratitude to God the giver thereof: He Founded a very fair School, allowing fourty pounds a year to the Master thereof at Hartford in this County. A place very prudently chosen for such a purpose. First because the prime Town in his Native Shire. Secondly, great the want of a School in that populous place. And lastly, because most pure the Aire thereof, so that Parents need not fear their Childrens loss of health for the gaining of Learning. He died Anno Dom. 16—0. Whose wealthy Family do still flourish with worth and worship at Kings-Walden in this County.

EDWARD BASH Knight, was born at Aldnam in this County, in the MannorHouse then belonging to the noble Family of the Caries, (whereof Francis his Mother afterwards married to George Earle of Rutland was descended He was an hearty Gentleman, and a good English Housekeeper, keeping a full Table with solid dishes on it, and welcome guests about it. And one may tearm him a valiant man, who durst be Hospital in these dangerous dayes. Whilest living he was a Benefactor to Peter-house in Cambridge, wherein he was bred a Fellow Commoner. And at his death bequeathed more thereunto, the particulars whereof I have not yet attained. He gave also twenty ponnds per annum, for the maintenance of a Schoolmaster at Stansted in this County, where he had his constant habitation. He died Anno Dom. 1605.

Many other Benefactours this Shire hath of late afforded, and amongst them one born in Chessunt Parish, who Founded a School and Alms-house therein, whom we leave to be reckoned up by the Topographists of this County.

Memorable Persons.

THOMAS WATERHOUSE Priest, was born at Helmsted in ths County. His Will acquainteth us with the wardrobe of men of his Order, towards the end of the reign of**Probatum fuit hoc Testamentum cor. VVilliam Cooke Leg. Doct. in cur. prerog. 17. July 1557. Q. Mary.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, Amen. I Thomas Waterhouse Priest of the Catholick Faith, whole of body, and of good and perfect remembrance, doe make and ordain my last Will and Testament the 25. day of May, in the year of our Lord 1557. in manner and form following. First, I bequeath my Soul to God Almighty the Father of Heaven, my Creator, and unto Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, my Redeemer. And I will my body be buried in the Chancel within the Parish Church of Hemelhemsted, near to the place where my Mother lieth. I beque…th to the Parish Church of Quainton, my vestment of crimson Sattin. I bequeath to the Parish Church of great Barkemsted, my vestment of crimson Velvet. I bequeath to the Parish Church of great Hemelsted, my Stole and FANON set with Pearl. I bequeath to my cozen John Waterhouse, the Queens servant my standing cup of silver and gilt, with the cover. I bequeath to my servant Thomas Ashton, ten pound in money which I promised him. I bequeath to my PRIEST, Sr. Thomas Barker, my black Gown faced with Taffata, &c. And … ordain and make my brother John Waterhouse, and my cozen Richard Combe Gentlemen, mine Executors, these being witnesses, &c.

p. 31Such as jeer him for his Gallantry, (as one of the Church Triumphant) may remember that besides his worshipful extraction (which might the better countenance his Clothes) these were not garments for his Wearing, but Vestments for his officiating, and according to the opinion of that Age, nothing could be too costly in that kind.

Lord Mayors.

Reader, This is one of the Twelve Shires, whose Gentry were not returned by the Commissioners the Twelfth of Henry the sixth into the Tower.

Sheriffes.

This County had the same with Essex, until the Ninth year of Queen Elizabeth, when the Distinction betwixt the two Shires did begin, and these following peculiar to this County.

p. 32QUEEN ELIZABETH.

14. GEORGE HORSEY,] The Horseys had a free and competent estate at Digswell in this County, where they had lived long in good Esteem. It hapned that Sir John Horsey of Clifton in the County of Dorset (whose two daughters were married into the Families of Mohune and Arnold) wanting an Heir-Male, settled the main of his estate, which was very great, on Ralph the son of this George Horsey.

His Father advised this Ralph his son (newly augmented with the addition of so great an Estate) that in case he should have any occasion to sell lands, not to part with his Hartford-shire Inheritance, which had continued so long in the Family, but rather to make sale of some Dorset-shire land.

But the young Gentleman ill-advised sold this his Patrimony first of all. For which the rest of his means probably prospered no whit the better; Not one foot thereof remaining at this day to his posterity. I write not this to grieve any of his surviving Relations, but to instruct all in obedience to their Parents lawful commands.

16. HEN. COCK Arm.] He was afterward knighted and … to Q. Elizabeth and King Iames, who lay at his house May the second, at his first coming out of Scotland to London, where so abundant entertainment, that no man of what condition **S…ow Cronicle, p. 822.soever, but had what his appetite desired, which made the K. at his departure heartily thank the good Knight for his great expences. This Sir Henry's daughter was married to the Lord Delaware.

44. EDWARD DENNY Knight.]: was High Sheriffe of this Countie, when King* Stow Cron. in 10. Jaco. Iames coming from Scotland passed through it, He was attended on by 140 men sutably apparell'd and well mounted, with whom he tendred his service to the King, presenting also his Majesty with a gallant Horse, rich saddle and furniture. But before the year of his Shreivalty was expired, King James created him Baron Denny of Waltham, and another supplyed the remainder thereof.

KING JAMES.

2. GORGE PURIENT Arm.] Let me doe my best^• devoir, and last office to preserve the memorie of an ancient & now expired family. Digswell I presume was the place of their living, because of their interments therein, whereof this most remarkable.

Hic jacent Joannes Perient Armiger, pro corpore Regis Richardi secundi, & Penerarius ej…sdem Regis. Et Armiger etiam Regis Hen. quarti. Et Armiger etiam Regis Henrici quinti; & Magister Equitum Johanne filie Regis Navar, & Reginae Angliae, qui obiit....... & Johanna uxor ejus, quondam capitalis Domicilla....... que obiit xxiv. Anno Dom. M. ccccxv........

Surely he was a man of merit, being Penon or Ensign-bearer to one Esquire, of the body to three successive Kings, and Mr. of the Horse to one of their Queens, to whom his wife was chief Lady of Honour.

THOMAS DACRES Miles & mort.] He was one of the three Sheriffes in this County, who within the compasse of ten years died in their Shrievalties, as by this Catalogue may appear. He was Grand-child unto Robert Dacres Esqu. one of the Privy Council to King Henry the Eighth.

THOMAS HOE] This most ancient name (which formerly had Barons thereof) is now expiring in the Male line. This Gentlemans sole daughter being married unto....... Kete of London.

THOMAS CONISBY Armiger] When one told him, that his potent adversarie had prevailed to make him Sheriffe, I will not (said he) keep a man the more, or a dog the fewer on that account. The Farewell,

I am sorry to hear that the fair Font of solid Brasse, brought out of Scotland and bestowed by Sir Richard Lea on the Abbey Church in St. Albons is lately taken away: I could almost wish that the plunderers fingers had found it as hot as it was when first forged, that so these theives, with their fault, might have received the deserved punishment thereof.

Had it bin return'd to the place whence it was taken, to serve for the same use, the matter had not bin so much; but by an usual Alchymy, this Brass, is since turned into Silver. But let us not so much condole the late losing of the Font, as congratulate our still keeping of Baptisme, which if some men might have their minds, should utterly be denied to all Infants. I wish all Infants to be christned in this County, and elsewhere, though not so fair a Font, fair water, and which is the best of all, the full concurrence of Gods Spirit effectually to compleat the Sacrament unto them.