The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 24

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 24

p. 144LINCOLNE-SHIRE. This County in Fashion, is like a bended Bowe, the Sea making the Back, the Rivers Welland and Humber, the two horns thereof, whiles Trent hangeth down from the latter like a broken string, as being somewhat of the Shortest. Such persecute the Metaphor too much, who compare the River Witham, (whose Current is crooked) unto the Arrow crossing the middle thereof.

It extendeth 60. Miles from South to North, not above 40. in the middle and broadest part thereof. Being too Volluminous to be managed entire is divided into three parts, each of them corrival in quantity with some smaller Shires) Holland on the South-East, Kesteven on the South-West, and Lindley on the North to them both.

Holland, that is, Hoyland or Hayland, from the plenty of Hay growing therein, may seem the Reflection of the opposite Holland in the Neatherlands, with which it Sympathyzed in the Fruitfulness, lowe and wet Scituation. Here the Brakishnesse of the Water, and the Grossenesse of the Ayre, is recompenced by the Goodnesse of the Earth, abounding with Deries and Pasture. And as God hath (to use the * Apostles phrase)1 Cor. 12. 24.1 Cor 12:24 tempered the body together, not making it all Eye or all Ear (Nonsense that the Whole should be but One sense.) but assigning each Member the proper office thereof, so the same Providence, hath so wisely blended the Benefits of this County, that take Collective Lincolne-shire and it is Defective in Nothing.

Natural Commodities.

Pikes.

They are found plentifully in this Shire, being the Fresh-Water-Wolves, and therefore an old pond-pike, is a dish of more State than Profit to the Owners, seeing a Pikes belly, is a little Fishpond, where lesser of all sorts have been contained. Sir Francis **In his History of Life and Death.Bacon alloweth it (Though Tyrants generally be short-lived) the Surviver of all Fresh-water-Fish, attaining to forty years, and some beyond the Seas have trebled that term. The Flesh thereof must needs be fine and wholsome, if it be true what is affirmed, that in some sort it cheweth the Cud, and yet the less and middle size Pikes, are preferred for Sweetnesse before those that are greater. It breedeth but once **Mr. Walton in his Compleat Angler, p. 197.(whilest other Fishes do often) in a year; such the providence of Nature preventing their more multiplying, least the Waters should not afford Subjects enough* Idem p. 199. for their Tyranny. For want of other Fish▪ they will feed one on another; y…a what is four footed shall be Fish with them, if it once come to their jawes (biteing sometimes for cruelty and revenge, as well as for hunger) and because we have publickly professed, that to delight, as well as to inform is our aim in this Book, let the ensuing story (though unwarranted with a cited Authour) find the Readers acceptance.

A Cub-Foxe, drinking out of the River Arnus in Italy, had his head seised on by a mighty Pike, so that neither could free themselves, but were ingrapled together. In this contest a young man runs into the water, takes them out both alive, and carrieth them to the Duke of Florence; whose palace was hard by. The Porter would not admit him, without promising of sharing his full half in what the Duke should give him. To which he (hopelesse otherwise of entrance) condescended. The Duke highly affected with the Rarity, was in giving him a good reward, which the other refused, desiring his Highnesse would appoint one of his Guard, to give him an hundred Lashes, that so his Porter might have fifty, according to his composition. And here my Intelligence leaveth me how much farther the jest was followed.

But to return to our English Pikes, wherein this County is eminent, especially in that River which runneth by Lincolne, whence grew this Proverb.

[Witham Pike

England hath nene like.]

And hence it is that Mr. **Polyolbiondon 25 Part. 111.Drayton maketh this River Poetizing in her praises, always concluding them,

Thus to her Proper Song, The Burden still she bare:

Yet for my dainty Pikes I am without compare.

p. 149I have done with these Pikes, when I have observed, (if I mistake not) a great mistake in Mr. Stow, affirming that Pickrels were brought over (as no Natives of our Land) into England, at the same time with Carps, and both about the beginning* In his Chronicle, p. 948. of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth. Now if Pickrels be the deminatives of Pikes, (as Jacks of Pickrels) which none I conceive will deny, they were here many hundred years since, and probably of the same Seniority with the Rivers of England. For I find in the Bill of Fare, made at the Prodigious Feast at the Installing of George Nevil Arch-bishop of York, Anno 466, that there was spent three hundred **Bish. Godwin in his Catal. of the Bishops of York.Lupi Fluviatiles, that is, River Pikes, at that Entertainment. Now seeing all are children before they are men, and Pikes Pickrels at the first, Pickrels were more anciently in England then that Author affirmeth them.

Wild-foule.

Lincoln-shire may be termed the Aviary of England for the Wild-foule therein, Remarkable for their,

1. Plenty, So that sometimes in the Month of August, three thousand Mallards with Birds of that kind, have been caught at one Draught, so large and strong their Nets, and the like must be the Readers belief.

2. Variety, No man (no not Gesmar himself) being able to give them their proper names, except one had gotten Adam his Nomenclator of Creatures.

3. Deliciousnesse, Wild-foule being more dainty and digestable then Tame of the same kind, as spending their Grossie humours with their Activity and constant Motion in Flying.

Now as the Eagle is called Jovis Ales, so here they have a Bird which is called the Kings Bird, namely Knuts, sent for hither out of Denmark, at the charge, and for the use of Knut or Kanutus King of England. If the plenty of Birds have since been drained with the Fenns in this County, what Lincoln-shire lacks in her former, Foul, is supplyed in Flesh (more Mutton and Beef) and a large First makes amends for a lesse second Cours…. But amongst all Birds we must not forget,

Dotterells.

This is Avis foreign, a Mirthmaking Bird, so ridiculoussy Mimical, that he is easily caught (or rather catcheth himself) by his over-Active imitation. There is a sort of Apes in India, caught by the Natives thereof after this manner: They dress a little Boy in his Sight, undresse him again, leave all the Childs apparel behind them in the place, and then depart a competent distance. The Ape presently atti…eth himself in the same garments, till the Childs Cloaths become his Chains, putting off his Feet by putting on his Shoos, not able to run to any purpose, and so is soon taken.

The same Humour, otherwise persued, betrayeth the Dotterells. As the Fowler stretcheth forth his Arms and Legs, going towards the Bird, the Bird extendeth his Legs and Wings approaching the Fowler, till surprised in the Net. But it is observed, that the Foolisher the Fowl or Fish, [Woodcocks, Dotterels, …odsheads, &c.] the Finer, the Flesh thereof.

Feathers.

It is Pity to part Lancashire Ticking (lately spoken of) and Lincoln-shire Feathers making so good Beds together. I cannot find the first beginning of Feather-Beds, the Latine word Pulvinar for a Cusheon, Pillowe, or Bolster, sheweth, that the Entrals of such Utensils amongst the Romans, were made but of Dust, and our English plain Proverb, De Puerperis, they are in the Straw; shows Feather-Beds to be of no ancient use amongst the Common sort of our Nation, and Beds of Down (the Cream of Feathers) are more Modern then they. The Feathers of this County are very good) though not so soft as such as are imported from Bardeaux in France) and although a Feather passeth for the Emblem of Lightnesse it self, they are heavy enough in their Prises to such as buy any Quantity, and daily grow Dearer.

duplicate page

p. 150Pippins.

With these we will close the Stomach of the Reader, being concluded most cordial by Physicians; some conceive them to be of not above a hundred years seniority in England: However they thrive best, and prove biggest (not Kentish excepted) in this County, particularly in Holland, and about Kirton therein, whence they have acquired addition of Kirton Pippins, a wholsome and delicious Apple, and I am informed, that Pippins graffed on a Pippin stock, are called Renates, bettered in their generous Nature by such double extraction.

Fleet-Hounds.

In Latine called PETRONII, or Petrunculi, from Petra a Rock, either because their Feet are sound and solid, (and therefore named foreign, by Xenophon) or from the hard and rocky ground, whereon they were accustomed to hunt. These with much certainty of scent, and quicknesse of feet, will run down a Hare in a short time.

Janus Ulitius a Dutchman, some 15 years since came into England, & though a man of the Gown) employed in publick affairs) for Diversion, he went down into this County, to spend one Winter, where conversing with some young Gentlemen, he hunted twice a Week with so great content, that the season (otherwise unpleasant) was past before he perceived how it went. Hear him expressing himself, sed & Petrunculi illi, qui vestigiis eorum non minus celeriter quam sagaciter instant haud facile trihorio minus leporem aliquem defatigant, ut in Lincolniensi montium aequijugi tractu aliquoties ipse vidi, and yet I assure you the Hares in this County on Ancaster-Heath, do (though lesser) far exceed in swiftnesse and subtilty of Doubling those of the Vallyes and Plains.

Such a Petronius or Fleet-hound, is two Hounds in Effect.

Sed premit Inventas, non inventura Latentes.

Illa feras, quae Petroniis bene Gloria constat.

To the Petronian, both the praise is due,

Quickly to find, and nimbly to persue.

Grey-Hounds.

In Latin termed VELTRAGA, or VERTRAGUS, or VERTAGUS, derived it seems from the Dutch Word, VELT a Field, and RACH or BRACH a Dog, and of how high esteem the former, and these, were amongst the Ancients, the Reader may infer from the old Burgundian Law. Siquis Canem Veltraum, aut Segutium vel Petrunculum praesumpserit involare, jubemus ut convictus coram omni populo posteriora ipsius osculetur.

Martial speaking of these Greyhounds, thus expresseth himself,

Non sibi sed Domino venatur Vertragus acer.

Illaesum Leporem, qui tibi dente feret.

For's Master, not Himself doth Greyhound toyl,

Whose Teeth to thee return the unhurt spoyl.

I have no more to observe of these Greyhounds, save that they are so called (being otherwise of all Colours) because originally imployed in the Hunting of Grays, that is, Brocks and Badgers.

Mas-Tiffes.

Known to the Romans by the name of Molossi, from Molossia a County in Epirus, whence the fiercest in that kind were fetched at first, before better were brought out of Brittain.

Gratius an Ancient Poet, Contemporary with Virgil, writing his Cynegeticon or Poem of Hunting, giveth great praise to our English Mastiffes, highly commending their Valour, only taxing them, that they are not handsomly made.

Haec una est Catulis jactura Britannis.

The Brittish Whelps no blemish know,

But that they are not shap'd for show.

Which thing is nothing in my mind, seeing beauty is no whit material to a Souldier.

This County breedeth choice Mastiffes for the Bull and Bear, and the sport is much affected therein, especially about Stamford, whereof hereafter. What remaineth concerning Mastiffes is referred to the same Topick in Somerset-shire.

Thus the three kinds of ancient hunting, which distinctly require fleetnesse, scent, and strength, are compleatly performed in this County, by a Breed therein, which are answerably p. 151qualified. This I have inserted, because as to my Native Country in general, so to this here in particular, I would not willingly do lesse right, then what a Stranger hath done thereunto.

**Reader, pardon this true but (abortive) Notation casually come in before the due Time thereof.Before we come to Catalogue the Worthies of this County, it is observable, that as it equalled other Shires in all ages, so it went beyond it self in one generation, viz. in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, when it had Natives thereof.

1. Edward Clinton Lord Admiral.

2. William Cecil Lord Treasurer.

3 Sir Edmund Anderson Lord Chief Justice.

4. John Whitgift Arch-bishop of Canterbury.

5. Peregrine Bartu Lord General in France.

6. Tho. Wilson Dr. of Law, and Secretary of State.

All **Here I mention not Sir Tho. Heneage at the same time a grand Favorite, and Privy Councellor to Queen Elizabeth.Countrymen and Contemporaries. Thus Sea and Land, Church and Camp, Sword and Mace, Gospel and Law, were stored with prime Officers out of this County. Nor must it be forgotten, though born in the same Shire, they were utterly unrelated in Kindred, and raised themselves independently (as to any mutual assistance) by Gods Blessing, the Queens favour, and their own deserts.

The Buildings.

Here the complaint of the Prophet taketh no place, taxing men to live in Ceeled Pallaces whilst the Temple of God lay wast, No County affording worse Houses, or better Churches. It addeth to the Wonder, that seeing in this soft County, a Diamond is as soon found as a Flint, their Churches are built of Pollished Stones, no Natives but Naturalized by importation from forreign parts.

I hope the Inhabitants of this Shire, will endevour to disprove the old Proverb, [the nearer to the Church, the further from God.] because they have substituted a better in the room thereof, viz. The further from stone, the better the Churches.

As for the Cathedral of Lincoln, whose Floor is higher then the Roof of many Churches, it is a magnificent Structure, proportionable to the Amplitude of the Diocesse. This I dare boldly say, that no Diocesse in Christendome, affordeth two such Rivers, viz. [Thames and Trent] for the Southern and Northern Bounds, and two such Universities, Cambridge and Oxford, both in the Content thereof, before **Ely, Peterborough, and Oxford.three smaller Bishopricks were carved out of it.

Amongst the Houses of the Nobility, I take signal notice of two. One I may call a Premeditate Building, viz. Tattershall (belonging to the Right Honourable the Earl of Lincolne) advanced by degrees at several times, to the Modern Magnificence thereof. But Grimsthorp I may term an Ex tempore Structure, set up on a suddain by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, to entertain King Henry the Eighth, in his Progress into these parts. The Hall therein was fitted to a fair Suit of Hangings, which the Duke had by his Wife Mary the French Queen, and is now in the possession of the Right Honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey.

The Wonders.

At Fishtoft in this County, no Mice or Rats are found, insomuch, that Barns built party per pale, in this and the next Parish, on one side are annoyed, on the other side (being Fishtoft Moiety) are secured from this Vermin. Surely no Piper (what is notoriously known of Hamell in Westphalia) did ever give them this Mice-Delivery by his Musick.

It is easier to conjure up many, then allay one difficulty, other places in England affording the like. At one of the Rodings in Essex, no Hogs will root. In another Common no Mole will cast. In Linley in **Burton in his Doscription of Leicester-shire.Leicestershire, no Snakes are found. I believe they overshoot the Mark, who make it a Miracle, they undershoot it who make it Magick, they come the nearest to Truth, who impute it to occult Qualities. If some men will swound at some meat, yea but smelling it unseen by their disaffection thereunto, why may not whole species and kinds of creatures have some antipathetical places, though the reason thereof cannot be rendred? Surely as Sampson at his Marriage propounded p. 152a Riddle to his Companions to try their Wits thereon, so God offereth such Aenigmaes in nature, partly that men may make use of their admiring as well as of their understanding, partly that Philosophers may be tanght their distance betwixt themselves, who are but the Lovers, and God, who is the Giver of Wisdome.

Let it also passe (for this once) for a wonder, that some seven score years since, nigh Harlaxton in this Shire, there was found (turned up by one ploughing the ground) a Golden **Camd, Brit, in this County.Helmet of Antick fashion, I say Cassis non aurata sed aurea, a Helmet not guilt but of Massive Gold, studded with precious stones, probable of some Prime Roman Commander. Whence I observe; First, that though no Edge-Tool to offend may be made of Gold and Silver, Yet defensive Weapons may thereof be compounded. Secondly, that the Poetical Fiction of Glaucus his Golden Arms is founded on History. For (not to speak of Solomon his Golden Sheilds) Great Commanders made use of Arms of that Mettal, if not for strength, for state and Ornament. Lastly, it was presented to Queen Katharine, first Wife to King Henry the Eighth, who though not knowing to use it as a Helmet, knew how to employ it as made of Gold and Rich Jewells.

Proverbs.

Lincolne-shire Bagpipes.]

I behold these as most ancient, because a very simple sort of Musick, being little more then the Oaten Pipe improved with a Bag, wherein the imprisoned wind pleadeth melodiously for the Inlargement thereof. It is incredible with what agility it inspireth the heavy heels of the Country Clowns, overgrown with hair and rudenesse, probably the ground-work of the poetical fiction of dancing Satyrs. This Bagpipe in the judgement of the Rural Midas's, carryeth away the credit from the Harp of Apollo himself, and most persons approve the Blunt Bagpipe above the Edge Tool Instruments of Drums and Trumpets in our Civil dissentions.

As loud as Tom of Lincoln.]

This Shire carryes away the Bell for round-ringing, from all in England, though other places may surpasse it for Changes, more pleasant for the Variety thereof; seeing it may be demonstrated that twelve Bells will afford more changes than there have been hours since the Creation. Tom of Lincoln, may be called the Stentor (fifty lesser-bells may be made out of him) of all in this County. Expect not of me to enter into the discourse of popish baptizing and naming of Bells, many charging it on them for a prophane, and they confessing enough to make it a superstitious action.

All the Carts that come to Crowland are shod with Silver.]

Venice and Crowland, Sic Canibus Catulos, may count their Carts alike; that being sited in the Sea, this in a Morasse and Fenny ground, so that an horse can hardly come to it. But, whether this place since the draining of the Fenns, hath acquired more firmnesse than formerly, is to me unknown.

**Mr. John Cleveland.'Tis height makes Grantham Steeple stand awry.]

This Steeple seems crooked unto the beholders (and I believe will ever do so, until our age erect the like by it for height and workmanship) though some conceive the slendernesse at such a distance is all the obliquity thereof. Eminency exposeth the uprightest persons to exception, and such who cannot find faults in them, will find faults at them, envying their advancement.

As mad as the Baiting Bull of Stamford.]

Take the Original hereof. William Earl Warren Lord of this Town in the time of King John, standing upon the Castle Walls of Stamford, saw two Bulls fighting for a Cow in the Meadow, till all the Butchers Dogs, great and small, persued one of the Bulls (being madded with Noyse and Multitude) clean through the Town. This Sight so pleased the said Earl, that he**R. Butcher in his Survey of Stamfora. p. 40. gave all those Meadows (called the Castle Meadows) where first the Bull Duel began, for a Common to the Butchers of the Town (after the first Grasse was eaten) on condition that they find a Mad Bull, the day Six weeks p. 153before Christmas day, for the continuance of that sport every year. Some think that the Men must be mad as well as the Bull, who can take delight in so dangerous a WastTime; whereby that no more Mischeif is done, not mans care; but Gods Providence is to be praised.

He looks as the Devil over**See the Proverbs in Oxsordshire. Lincoln.]

Lincolne Minster is one of the statelyest Structures in Christendome. The South-side of it meets the Travellers thereunto, twenty miles of, so that their Eyes are there many hours before their Feet.

The Divel is the Map of Malice, and his Envy (as Gods mercy) is over all his works. It grieves him what ever is given to God, crying out with that Flesh-Divel, Ut quid haec perditio? **Matth. 26. 8.Matt 26:8What needs this wast? On which account he is supposed to have overlook'd this Church, when first finished with a torve and tetrick countenance, as maligning mens costly devotion, and that they should be so expensive in Gods service: But, it is suspicious, that some who account themselves Saints, behold such fabricks with little better looks.

He was born at**Heywood in his Epigrams cent. 5. num. 19. Little Wittham.]

This Village in this County by Orthography is Witham, near which a River of the same name doth rise. But such nominal Proverbs take the advantage of all manner of Spelling as due unto them. It is applyed to such people as are not overstock'd with acutenesse. The best is, all men are bound to be honest, but not to be witty.

Grantham Gruel, Nine Grits, and a Gallon of Water.]

Gruel (though homely) is wholsome Spoon-meat, Physick for the Sick, and food for persons in health, Water is the Matter, Grits the Form thereof, giving the being thereunto. Now Gruel thus imperfectly mix'd, is Wash rather, which one will have little heart to eat, and get as little heart thereby. The Proverb is appliable to those who in their Speeches or Actions multiply what is superfluous, or (at best) less necessary, either wholly omitting or lesse regarding the Essentials thereof.

They held together as the Men of**Though this Proverb be frequent in this Shire, Marham is in Norfolk. Marham when they lost their Common.]

Some understand it Ironically, that is, they were divided with several Factions, which Proverb, Mutato Nomine, is used in other Counties. Yea long since **Eglogue. the first.Virgil said the same in effect of the Men of Mantua, when they lost their Lands to the Souldiers of Augustus.

—En quo Discordia Cives,

Perduxit miseros? En queîs consevimus Agros?

See Townsmen what we by our Jars are grown

And see for whom we have our Tillage sown.

Indeed when a Common Danger calls for a Union against a General Enemy, for any then to prosecute their Personal Quarrels, and Private Grudges, is a Folly always observed, often reproved, sometimes confessed, but seldome Reformed.

Others use this Proverb, only as an expression of ill Successe, when men strive to no purpose, though Plotting and Practising together; to the utmost of their power, being finally foiled in their undertakings.

Princes.

HENRY eldest [surviving] Son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, was born at the Castle of Bullingbrook in this County, and bred (according to the Discipline of those days) in Camp and Court, in both which he proved a good proficient. By Nature, he was made more to command then obey, being ambitious, cholerick, and withal couragious, cunning to catch, careful to keep, and industrious to improve all advantages.

Being netled with some injuries received from King Richard the second he complotted p. 154with a good party of the Nobility to depose him. Miscarriages in his Government, (many by mi…managing, more by the missucceeding of matters) exposed him to just Exception, besides his own Debauchery, and how easily is a dissolute Government dissolved.

Having by the Murther of King Richard atcheived the Government to himself, he reigned with much difficulty and opposition. Though his Father was a great Patron, He was a great Persecutor of the Wickliffites, though not so much out of hatred to them, as Love to himself, thereby to be ingratiated with the Clergy, then Potent in the Land.

When Duke, he wore on his Head, an Antick Hood, which he cast not off when King, so that his Picture is generally known by the Crown superadded thereon. Lying on his Death-bed, he was rather querulous then penitent, much complaining of his Sufferings in keeping, nothing bewayling his sin in getting the Crown. Fire and Faggot was first kindled in his Reign in England to burn (pardon the Prolepsis) poor Protestants, and happy had it been, had they been quenched at his Death, which happened Anno Dom. 1413.

This Henry was the only Prince born in this Connty since the Conquest, though a good Authour by mistake, entituleth this County to another, an ancienter Henry: Yet so that he giveth him with one hand to it in his Book of Maps, and takes him away with the other in his Chronicle.

I believe Mr. Speed the Chronocler, before Mr. Speed the Chorographer, because therein concurring with other Authors. Besides, consult the Alphabetical Index of his Map, and there is no Selby in this Shire, we have therefore placed King Henry the First in York-shire, and thought fit to enter this observation not to reprove others, but least I be reproved my self.

Saints.

Here I make no mention of St. Botolph, because there is no Constat (though very much Probability) of his English Nativity, who lived at, and gave the name to Botolphs Town (corruptly Boston) in this County.

GILBERT DE SEMPRINGHAM, There born in this County, was **Bale de scrip. …. cent. 3. n. 25. and Camd. Brit. in Lincolnshire.of noble extraction, Joceline his Father being a Knight, to whom he was eldest Son, and Heir to a great Estate. In Body he was very deformed, but of subtile wit and great courage. Travelling over into France, there he got good Learning, and obtained leave from the Pope, to be Founder of those Epicoene, and Hermaphrodite Convents, wherein Monks and Nuns lived together, as under one Roof, but with partitions betwixt them.

Sure it was to him a comfort and credit, (which is confidently related by credible Authors) to see 13. Convents, 700. Monks, 1100. Nuns (Women out-superstition Men) of his order, being aged, one hundred and six years. He appointed the fair Convent at Sempringham (his own rich Inheritance) to be mother, and prime residence of his new erected order. He dyed anno 1189.

HUGH was a Child, **Jo. Capg. in SS. Ang. Matth. West. & Paris. ann. 1255.born and living in Lincoln, who by the impious Jews was stoln from his Parents, and in Derision of Christ and Christianity (to keep their cruel hands in ure) by them crucified, being about Nine years old. Thus he lost his Life, but got a Saintship thereby, and some afterwards perswaded themselves that they got their cures at his Shrine in Lincoln.

However this made up the measure of the Sins of the Jews in England, for which not long after they were ejected the land, or (which is the truer) unwillingly willing they departed themselves. And whilst they retain their old manners, may they never return, especially in this Giddy and unsettled age, for fear more Christians fall sick of Judaisme, then Jews recover in Christianity. This Hugh was martyred Anno Dom. 1255. on the 27. of July.

p. 155Martyrs.

ANNE ASKEVVE, Daughter of Sir William Askewe Knight, was born at Kelsey in this County, of her Piety and Patience, when first wracked in the Tower, then burnt in Smithfield, I have largely treated in my Church History. She went to Heaven in a Chariot of Fire. July 16. 1546.

Cardinals.

ROBERT SOMMERCOT. There are two Villages North and South Sommercot AMP.in this … (and to my notice no where else in England) fromone of which I presume he took his Nativity and Name: Yet because **De Scrip. Brit. cent. 4. num. 2.Bale affirmeth Lawrence Sommercot his Brother or Kinsman, born in the South of England, we have affixed our Note of Dubitation. But out of doubt it is, he was a right learned man, to whom **In an. 1241. pag. 576.Matthew Paris gives this short but thick commendation, viz. Vir fuit discretus, & circumspectus, omnibus amabilis merito & gratiosus. By Pope Gregory the Ninth, he was made Cardinal of St. Stephens, anno 1231.

He was a true Lover of his Countrymen, and could not abide to hear them abused, the cause that his choler was twice raised, when the Pope said in his Presence, that there was not a faithful man in England, though wisely he repressed his Passion.

After this Pope Gregories death, he was the formost of the … Elects for the Papacy,* Idem in an. 1240. p. 524. & 542. and on fair play, the most probable person to carry the place, but he was double barr'd: First, because an honest man as any in that age. Secondly, because an English-man, the Italians desiring to Monopolize the choice to themselves. Hereupon in the Holy Conclave (the better place the better deed) he was made away by poison; to make room for Celestine to succeed him, who sate that skittish place but a short time, dying 17. days after our Somercots death, which happened anno Dom. 1241.

Prelates.

WILLIAM of GANESBOROUGH, was born in that Fair Market Town, which performeth more to the Eye, then Fame hath reported to the Ear thereof. He was bred a Franciscan in Oxford, and became the Twenty fifth Lecturer of his Order. He was afterwards sent over by King Edward the first, with Hugh of Manchester, to Philip King of France, to demand reparation for some Dammages in Aquitaine.

He was a mighty Champion of the Popes Infallibility, avowing that what David indulged to his Son Adonijah, never saying unto him, **1 King. 1.1 Kgs 1why didst thou so? ought to be rendred by all to his Holynesse, being not to be called to an account, though causing the Damnation of thousands.

I remember when I was in Cambridge, some thirty years since, there was a Flying, though false report, that Pope Urban the Eight, was cooped up by his Cardinals, in the Castle of St. Angelo. Hereupon a waggish Scholar said, jam … est, Papa non potest errare, it was then true (according to their received Intelligence) that the Pope could not straggle or wander.

But our Ganesborough stoutly defended it in the literal sense against all opposers, for which his good service, Pope Boniface the Eight preferred him Bishop of Worcester, where he sate 6. years, and dyed 1308.

WILLIAM AYRMIN, was descended of an ancient Family in this County, still extant in great Eminency of Estate at Osgodby therein. He was for some time, Keeper of the Seal, and Vice-Chancellour to King Edward the Second, at what time anno 1319. the following misfortune befell him, and take the Original thereof out of an Anonymal Croniclering Manuscript.

Afterwards recovering his Liberty he was made Chancelour of England, and bishop of Norwich, in the 18. year of King Edward the Second. He gave two hundred pounds to buy Land to maintain priests to say Masse for his Soul. He dyed anno Dom. 1337. at Charing Cross nigh London, when he had been eleven years bishop. I am credibly informed, that he bestowed the Mannor of Silk Willoughby in this County, on his Family, which with other Fair Lands is possessed by them at this day.

WILLIAM WAYNFLET, was born at Waynflet in this County, whence he took his Denomination, according to the custome of Clergymen in that age: For otherwise he was eldest Son to Richard Pattin, an ancient Esquire in this County, and I understand, that at this day they remain at Barsloe in Darbyshire, descended from the said Knight. But of this worthy Prelate, Founder of Magdalen-colledge in Oxford, abundantly in my Church-History.

WILLIAM LYNVVOOD, was born at **Harpsfield in his History.Lynwood in this County, and proceeded Doctor of the Laws (probably rather by Incorporation then constant Education) in Oxford, long living a Commoner in Gunvil Hall in Cambridge. He was Chancellor to the Arch…bishop of Canterbury, Keeper of the Privy Seal to King Henry the Sixth, and was employed in several Embassies into Spain and Portugall. He wrote a learned Comment on the English provincial Constitutions, from Stephen Langhton to Archbishop Chichley, and his pains at last was rewarded with the Bishoprick of St. Davids, where he dyed 1446.

WILLIAM ASCOUGH, was descended of a worshipful and very ancient Family now living at Kelsey in this County, the variation of a Letter importing nothing to the contrary. I have seen at Sarisbury, his Arms, with allusion to the Arms of that House, and some Episcopal addition. Such likeness is with me a better Evidence then the samenesse, knowing, that the Clergy in that age delighted to disguise their Coats from their Paternal bearing. He was bred Doctor of the Laws, a very able man in his profession, became Bishop of Sarum, confessor to King Henry the Sixth, and was the first (as T. Gascoigne relateth) of Bishops, who discharged that Office, as then conceived beneath the place. Some will say, if King Henry answered the character commonly received of his Sanctity, his Confessor had a very easie performance. Not so, for always the most conscientious are the most scrupulous in the confession of their sins, and the particular enumeration of the circumstances thereof.

It happened, that I. Cade with his cursed crew (many of them being the Tennants of this Bishop) fell fowl on this Prelate, at Edington in this shire, Bishop Godwin saith, Illi quam ob causam infensi non hab…o compertum. He could not tell why they should be so incensed against him. But I conceive, it was because he was learned, pious and rich, p. 157three capital crimes in a Clergyman. They plundered his Carriages, taking ten thousand marks (a Mine of Money in that age) from him, and then to secure their Riot and Felony, by murder and high treason, dragged him as he was Officiating from the High Altar. And although they regarded difference of place no more, then a Wolf is concerned whether he killeth a Lamb in the Fold or Field, yet they brought him out of the Church to a Hill hard by, and there barbarously murdered Him, and tore his bloody Shirt in peices, and left his stripped body stark naked in the place.

Sic concussa cadit Populari MITRA Tumultu,

Protegat optamus nunc DIADEMA Deus.

By Peoples fury MITRE thus cast down,

We pray henceforward God preserve the CROWN.

This his Massacre happened June 29. 1450. when he had sate almost twelve years in the See of Sarisbury.

RICHARD FOX, was born at Grantham in this County, as the Fellows of his Foundation in Oxford have informed me. Such who make it their only argument to prove his Birth at Grantham, because he therein erected a fair Free School, may on the same Reason conclude him born at Tanton in Sommerset shire, where he also founded a goodly Grammar School. But what shall I say? Ubique nascitur qui Orbi nascitur, he may be said to be born every where, who with Fox was born for the publick and general good.

He was very instrumental in bringing King Henry the Seventh to the Crown, who afterwards well rewarded him for the same. That politick Prince, (though he could go alone as well as any King in Europe, yet) for the more state, in matters of Moment he leaned principally on the Shoulders of two prime Prelates, having Archbishop Morton for his Right, and this Fox, for his left Supporter, whom at last he made Bishop of Winchester. He was bred first in Cambridge, where he was President of Pembrokehall (and gave Hangings thereunto with a Fox woven therein) and afterwards in Oxford, where he founded the fair Colledge of Corpus Christi (allowing per annum to it, 401. l. 8. s. 11. d.) which since hath been the Nursery of so many eminent Scholars. He expended much Money in Beautifying his Cathedral in Winchester, and methodically disposed the Bodies of the Saxon Kings and Bishops (dispersedly buryed in this Church) in decent Tombs erected by him on the Walls on each side the Quire, which some Souldiers (to showe their Spleen at once against Crowns and Miters) valiantly fighting against the Dust of the dead, have since barbarously demolished. Twenty seven years he sate Bishop of this See till he was stark blind with age. All thought him to dye to soon, one only excepted, who conceived him to live too long, viz. Thomas Wolsey, who gaped for his Bishoprick, and endevoured to render him to the Displeasure of K. Henry the Eigth, whose Malice this Bishop though blind discovered, and in some measure defeated. He dyed anno Domini 1528. and lyes buryed in his own Cathedral.

Since the Reformation.

THOMAS GOODRICH was Son of Edward Goodrich, and Jane his Wife of Kirby in this County, as appeareth by the York-shire Visitation of Heralds, in which County the Allies of this Bishop seated themselves, and flourish at this day. He was bred in the University of Cambridge D. D. say some, of Law say others, in my opinion more probable, because frequently imployed in so many Embassies to Forraign Princes, and at last made by King Henry the Eighth Bishop of Ely (wherein he continued above tweney years) and by King Edward the Sixth, Lord Chancellour of England. Nor will it be amisse to insert and translate this Distick made upon him;

Et Bonus & Dives, bene junctus & optimus Ordo:

Praecedit Bonitas pone sequuntur Opes.

Both Good and Rich, well joyn'd, best rank'd indeed:

For Grace goes first, and next doth Wealth succeed.

p. 152I find **Sir John Heywood the Life of King Edw. the Sixth.one Pen …pirting Ink upon him (which is usual in his Writings) speaking to this effect, that if he had ability enough, he had not too much to discharge his Office. I behold him as one well inclined to the protestant Religion, and after his Resignation of the Chancellors place, to Stephen Gardiner, his Death was very seasonable for his own Safety. * Peruse Sir Henry Spelmans Glossary, in Verbo Chancellariorum.May 10. 1554, In the first of Queen Mary, whilst as yet, no great Violence was used to Protestants.

JOHN WHITGIFT was born at Grimsby in this County, successively bred in Queens, Pembroke-hall, Peter-house and Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, Master of the Later, Bishop of Worcester, and Arch bishop of Canterbury. But I have largely written his life in my Ecclesiastical History, and may truly say with him, who constantly returned to all Inquirers, Nil novi novi, I can make no new addition thereunto; only since I met with this **Camdens Remains, p. 184.Anagram,

Joannes Whitegifteus.

Non vi egit, favet Jhesus.

Indeed, he was far from Violence, and his politick patience was blessed in a high proportion, he dyed anno 1603. Feb. 29.

JOHN STILL D. D. was born at Grantham in this County, and bred first Fellow of Christs, then Master of St. Iohns, and afterwards of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, where I have read in the Register this commendation of him, that he was foreign, nec Collegio gravis aut onorosus. He was one of a venerable presence, no lesse famous for a preacher; then a Disputant. Finding his own Strength, he did not stick to warn such as he disputed with in their own arguments, to take heed to their Answers, like a perfect Fencer, that will tell aforehand in what Button he will give his Venew. When towards the end of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, there was an [unsucceeding] motion of a Dyet or meeting which should have been in Germany, for composing of matters of Religion; **Sir John Harrington in his Continuation of Bishop Godwins Ca…. of Bishops.Doctor Still was chosen for Cambridge, and Doctor Humfred for Oxford, to oppose all comers for the defence of the English Church.

Anno 1592. being then the second time Vice-chancelour of Cambridge, he was consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wells, and defeated all causelesse suspition of Symoniacal compliance, coming clearly thereunto, without the least scandal to his person or losse to the place. In his days God opened the bosome of the Earth, Mendip Hills affording great store of Lead, wherewith and with his own providence (which is a constant Mine of Wealth) he raised a great estate, and layed the Foundation of three Families, leaving to each of them a considerable Revenue in a Worshipful condition. He gave five hundred pounds for the building of an Almes-house in the City of Wells, and dying February 26. 1607. lies buryed in his own Cathedrall under a neat Tomb of Alabaster.

MARTIN FOTHERBY D. D. was born at Great Grimsby in this County, of a good Family, as appeareth by his Epitaph on his Monument, in the Church of Allhallows Lumbard street London. He was bred Fellow of Trinity-colledge in Cambridge, and became afterwards one and twenty years Prebendary of Canterbury, then he was preferred by King Iames Bishop of Salisbury; He dyed in his calling, having begun to put in print an excellent book against Atheists most useful for our age, wherein their sin so aboundeth. His Death happened March 11. 1619. not two full years after his Consecration.

Statesmen.

EDVVARD FINES Lord Clinton, Knight of the Garter, was Lord Admiral of England, for more then thirty years, a Wise, Valiant and Fortunate Gentleman. The Masterpeice of his service was in Mustleborough Field, in the Reign of King Edward the* Sir John Heyward in the Reign of K. Edward the Sixth. pag. 15. Sixth, and the Battail against the Scots. Some will wonder, what a Fish should do on dry Land, what use of an Admiral in a Land fight. But know, the English kept themselves close to the shore, under the shelter of their ships, and whilst their Arrows could do little, their spears lesse, their swords nothing, against the Scots (who* Idem. p. 31. appeared like a hedge of Steel, so well armed and closed together) the great Ordnance from their ships, at first did all, making such destruction in the Scottish army, that though some may call it a Land-fight, it was first a Victory from the sea, and then but an Execution on the Land.

p. 159By Queen Elizabeth (who honoured her honours by bestowing them sparingly) he was created Earl of Lincoln May 4. 1574. and indeed he had breadth to his height, a proportionable estate, chiefly in this County, to support his Dignity, being one of those, who besides his paternal Inheritance, had much increased his estate. He dyed January the sixteenth, 1585. and lyeth buryed at Windsor, in a private chappel under a stately Monument, which Elizabeth his third Wife, Daughter to the Earl of Kildare, erected in his Remembrance.

THOMAS WILSON, Doctor of Laws, was born in this **Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 9.County, bred Fellow of Kings-Colledge in Cambridge, and afterwards was Tutor in the same University, to Henry and Charles Brandons, successively Dukes of Suffolk. Hard shift he made to conceal himself in the Reign of Queen Mary. Under Queen Elizabeth he was made Master of the Hospital of St. Katharines, nigh the Tower of London, upon the same Token that he took down the Quire, which, my **Stows Survey of London, in Tower-street Ward.Author saith (allow him a little Hyperbole, was as great as the Quire at St. Pauls. I am loth to believe it done out of Covetousnesse, to gain by the materials thereof, but would rather conceive it so run to Ruin, that it was past repairing. He at last became Secretary of State to Q. Elizabeth for four years together. It argues his ability for the place, because he was put into it; Seeing in those active times, under so judicious a Queen, weaknesse might despair to be employed in such an office. He dyed anno dom. 15..

THOMAS Lord BURGE or BOROU…H, Son to William Lord Burge, Grandson to Thomas Lord Burge, (created Baron by King Henry the Eight) was born in his Fathers Fair **Camd. Brit. in this County.house at Gainsborough in this County.

His first publick appearing was, when he was sent Embassador into Scotland, anno 1593. to excuse Bothwell his lurking in England, to advise the speedy suppressing of the Spanish Faction, and to advance an effectual association of the Protestants in that Kingdome for their Kings defence, which was done accordingly.

Now when Sir William Russel Lord Deputy of Ireland was recalled, this Lord Tho. Burgh, was substituted in his room, anno 1597. Mr. Camden doth thus character him.

**In his Eliz. anno. 1597.Vir acer, & animi plenus, …ed nullis fere castrorum rudimentis.

But where there is the stock of Valour with an able brain, Experience will soon be graffed upon it. It was first thought fit, to make a Months Truce with Tyrone, which cessation like a Damm, made their mutual animosities for the present swell higher, and when removed for the future, run the fiercer. The Lord Deputy (the Truce expired) streightly besieged the Fort of Blackwater the only Receptacle of the Rebells in those parts (I mean besides their Woods and Bogs) & the Key of the County of Tyrone. This Fort he took by Force, and presently followed a bloody Battle, wherein the English paid dear for their Victory, loosing many worthy men, and amongst them two that were Foster brothers [Fratres Collactanei] to the Earl of Kildare, who so layed this losse to his heart, (amongst the Irish, Foster brethren are loved above the Sons of their fathers) that he dyed soon after. Tyrons credit now lay a bleeding, when to stanch it, he rebesieged Blackwater, and the Lord Deputy, whilst indevouring to relieve it was struck with untimely death, before he had continued a whole year in his place. All I will add is this, that it brake the heart of Valiant Sir John Norris (who had promised the Deputies place unto himself, as due to his deserts) when this Lord Burgh was superinduced into that Office. His Relict Lady (famous for her Charity, and skill in Chirurgery) lived long in Westminster, and dyed very aged some twenty years since.

WILLIAM CECIL. Know Reader, before I go farther, something must be premised concerning his position in this Topick. **Georgic. l. 1.Virgil was prophane in his flattery to Augustus Caesar, profering him his free choice after his death, to be …anked amongst what heathen Gods he pleased, so that he might take his place either amongst those of the Land, which had the oversight of Men and Cities, or the Sea-Gods, commanding in the Ocean; or the Skye-Gods, and become a new Constellation therein. But without the least adulation, we are bound to profer this worthy Peer his own election; whether he will be pleased to repose himself under Benefactors to the Publick, all England in that age being beholden to his bounty (as well as the poor in Standford, for whom he erected a fair Bead-house) acknowledging under God and the Queen, p. 160their prosperity the fruit of his prudence. Or else he may rest himself under the title of Lawyers, being long bred in the Inns of Court, and more learned in our MunicipalLaw, then many who made it their sole profession. However, for the present, we lodge this English Nestor (for wisdome and vivacitie) under the notion of States-men, being Secretarie and Lord-Treasurer for above thirty years together. Having **In my HolyState.formerly written his life at large, it will be enough here to observe, that he was born at Bourn in this County, being son to Richard Cecil Esq (of the Robes to King Henry the eighth, and a Legatee in his Will) and Jane his Wife, of whom hereafter. He was in his age Moderator Aulae, steering the Court at his pleasure, and whilst the Earl of Leichester would indure no equall, and Sussex no superiour therein, he by siding with neither, served himself with both.

Incredible was the kindness which Queen Elizabeth had for him, or rather for her self in him, being sensible that he was so able a Minister of State. Coming once to visit him being sick of the Goute at Burley house in the Strand, and being much heightned with her Head Attire (then in fashion) the Lords Servant who conducted her thorow the door, May your Highness (said he) be pleased to stoop, the Queen returned, For your Masters sake I will stoop, but not for the King of Spains. This worthy Patriot departed this life in the seventy seventh year of his Age, August the 4^th. 1598.

Capitall Judges.

Sr. WILLIAM de SKIPVVITH, was bred in the study of the Laws, profitingREM. so well therein, that he was made, in Trinity Terme, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, in the thirty fifth, **Sr. Hen. Spelmans Glos. tit. Justitiarius.continuing therein untill the fortieth, of the Reign of King Edward the third. I meet not with any thing memorable of him in our English Histories; except this may pass for a thing remarkable, that, at the importunity of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, this Sr. William condemned William **Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Winchester.Wichkam, Bish. of Winchester, of Crimes rather powerfully objected then plainly proved against him; whereupon the Bishops Temporalls were taken from him, and he denied access within twenty miles of the Kings Court.

I confess there is a Village in the East riding of Yorkshire, called SKIPWITH, but I have no assurance of this Judge his Nativity therein: though ready to remove him thither, upon clearer information.

Sr. WILLIAM SKIPVVITH Junior. He was inferior to the former inAMP. place (whom I behold as a Puisne Judge) but herein remarkable to all posterity; That he would not complie, neither for the importunity of King Richard the second, nor the example of his fellow **See Sr. Robert Belknap. Title Lawyers. in Leicestershire. Sr. Hen. Spel. in Glos. verbo Justitiarius.Judges, in the 10^th. year of that Kings Reign) to allow, that the King by his own power might rescinde an Act of Parliament. Solus inter impios mansit integer Gulielmus Skipwith * Miles Clarus ideo apud Posteros. And * shined the brighter for living in the midst of a crooked Generation, bowed with fear and favour into Corruption.

I know well, that the Collar of S. S. S. (or Esses) worn about the necks of Judges (and other persons of Honor) is wreathed into that form, whence it receiveth its name. Chiefly from Sanctus Simon Simplicius, an uncorrupted Judge in the Primitive Times. May I move that every fourth link thereof, when worn, may mind them of this SKIPVVITH, so upright in his judgment in a matter of the highest importance.

Having no certainty of his Nativity, I place him in this County, where his name at Ormesby hath flourished ever since his time, in a very worshipfull equipage.

Sr. WILLIAM HUSE… Knight was born, as I have cause to believe, in thisAMP. County, where his name and Familie flourish in a right worshipfull equipage. He was bred in the study of our Municipall Law, and attained to such eminencie therein, that by King Edward the fourth, in the one **Spelmans Glossarie, pag. 417.and twentieth of his Reign, he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench.

King HENRY the seventh (who in point of policy was onelyonly directed by himself) in point of Law, was chiefly ruled by this **Lord Verulam in the lise of King Henry the 7th. pag. 242.Judge, especially in this question of importance. It hapned that in his first Parliament, many Members thereof were returned, who (being formerly of this Kings partie) were attainted, and thereby not legal to sit in Parliament, being disabled in the highest degree, it being incongruous p. 161that they should make Laws for others, who themselves were not Inlawed. The King not a little troubled therewith, remitted it as a case in Law to the Judges. The Judges assembled in the Exchequer Chamber, agreed all with Sr. VVilliam Husee, (their Speaker to the King) upon this Grave and safe opinion, mixed with Law and convenience, that the Knights and Burgesses attainted by the course of Law, should forbear to come into the House, till a Law were passed for the reversall of their attainders, which was done accordingly. When at the same time it was incidently moved in their Consultation, what should be done for the King himself, who likewise was attainted? the rest unanimously agreed with Sr. VVilliam Husee, that the Crown takes away all defects, and stops in blood, and that by the Assumption thereof the fountain was cleared from all attainders and Corruptions. He died in **Spelmans Glossarie ut prius.Trinity Term, in the tenth year of King Henry the 7^th.

Sr. EDMUND ANDERSON Knight, was born a younger brother of a Gentile extract at Flixborough in this County and bred in the Inner Temple. I have been informed that his Father left him 1000 l. for his portion, which this our Sr. Edmund multiplyed into many, by his great proficiency in the Common Law, being made in the twenty fourth of Queen Elizabeth Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.

When Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber for the business of the Cambden Eliz. Anno. 1587.Queen of Scots, Judge Anderson said of him, that therein he had done * justum non juste, and so acquitting him of all malice, censured him, with the rest, for his indiscretion.

When H. …uff was arraigned about the Rising of the Earl of Essex, and when Sr. Edward Coke the Queens Solicitor opposed him, and the other answered Syllogistically, our Anderson (sitting there as Judge of Law not Logick) checked both Pleader and Prisoner ob stolidos Syllogismos for **Idem Anno. 1600.their foolish Syllogismes, appointing the former to press the Statute of King Edward the third. His stern countenance well became his place, being a great promoter of the established Church-discipline, and very severe against all Brownists when he met them in his Circuit. He dyed in the third of King James, leaving great Estates to several sons, of whom I behold Sr. Francis Anderson of Euworth in Bedfordshire the eldest, whose son Sr. John, by a second Wife Audrey Butler (Neece to the Duke of Buckingham) and afterwards married to the Lord Dunsmore in VVarwickshire) was (according to some conditions in his Patent) to succeed his Father in Law in that honour, if surviving him. This I thought fit to insert, to vindicate his memory from obl…vion, who being an hopefull Gentleman (my fellow Colleague in Sidney Colledge) was taken away in the prime of his youth.

Souldiers.

Sr. FREDERICK TILNEY Knight had his chief Residence at **Hacluit in his first Vollum … Sea Voyages.Bostone in this County. He was a man of mighty stature and strength, above the Proportion of ordinary persons. He attended King Richard the first. Anno Dom. 1190. to the Seidge of Acon in the Holy Land, where his Atcheivements were such, that he struk terror into the Infidels. Returning home in safety he lived and died at Terington nigh Tilney in Norfolk, where the measure of his incredible stature was for many … preserved. Sixteen **Weaver in his Funeral Mon. in Norfolk. pag. 817.Knights flourished from him successively in the Male line, till at last their Heir generall being married to the Duke of Norfolk, put a period to the Lustre of that ancient family.

PEREGRINE BERTY, Lord Willoughby, Son of Richard Berty, and Katharine S. N.Dutchess of Suffolk. Reader, I crave a dispensation, that I may with thy good leave, trespass on the Premised Laws of this Book, his name speaking his foraign Nativity, born nigh Hidleberg in the Palatinate. Indeed I am loath to omit so worthy a Person. Our Histories fully report his valiant Atcheivements in France and the Netherlands, and how at last he was made Governour of Berwick. He could not brook the Obsequiousness and Assiduity of the Court, and was wont to say that he was none of the Reptilia, which could creep on the ground, the Camp was his proper Element, being a great Souldier, and having a suitable magnanimity.

When one sent him an insulting Challenge, whilst he lay sick of the Gout, he returned this Answer, that, although he was lame of his hands and feet, yet he would m…et him with a peice of a Rapier in his teeth.

Once he took a Gennet, mannaged for the War, which was intended for a p. 162present to the King of Spain, and was desired by a Trumpeter from the General to restore it, offering this Lord 1000 l. down for him, or 100 l. per annum during his life at his own choise. This Lord returned, that if it had been any COMMANDER, he FREELY would have sent him back, but being but an HORSE, he loved him as well as the King of Spain himself, and would keep him. Here I will insert a Letter of Queen Elizabeth, written to him with her own hand, and Reader deale in matters of this nature, as when Venison is set before thee, eat the one and read the other, never asking whence either came, though I profess, I came honestly by a Copy thereof, from the Original.

Good Peregrine,

we are not a little glad that by your Journey you have received such good fruit of amendment; specially when we consider how great vexation it is to a minde devoted to actions of honour, to be restrained by any indisposition of body, from following those Courses, which to your own Reputation and our great satisfaction you have formerly performed. And, therefore as we must now (out of our desire of your well doing) cheifly enjoyne you to an especial care to encrease and continue your health, which must give life to all your best endeavours; so we must next as seriously recommend to you this Consideration. That in these times when there is such appearance, that we shall have the triall of our best and noble Subjects, you seem not to affect the satisfaction of your own private Contentation, beyond the attending on that which nature and duty challengeth from all persons of your quality and Profession. For if necessarily (your health of body being recovered) you should Elloigne your self by residence there from those imployments, whereof we shall have too good store; You shall not so much amend the state of your body, as happily you shall call in question the reputation of your mind and Judgment, even in the opinion of those that love you, and are best acquainted with your disposition and discretion.

Interpret this our plaineness we pray you to our extraordinary estimation of you, for it is not Common with us to deal so freely with many; and believe that you shall ever find us both ready & willing in all occasions to yeild you the fruits of that interest, which your endeavours have purchased for you in our opinion and estimation. Not doubting, but when you have with moderation made tryal of the success of these your sundrie Peregrinations, you will find as great Comfort to spend your dayes at home as heretofore you have done; of which we do wish you full measure, howsoever you shall have cause of abode or return. Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Nonesuch the seventh of Octob. 1594 in the 37 year of our Reigne.

Your most loving Soveraign E. R.

It appears by the Premises, that it was written to this Lord when he was at the Spaw in Lukeland, for the Recovery of his health, when a second English Invasion of the Spaniard was (I will not say fear'd, but) expected. Now though this Lord was born beyond the Seas accidentally (his Parents flying persecution in the Reign of Queen Mary) yet must he justly be reputed this Country man, where his Ancestors had flourished so many years, and where he was Baron VVilloughby in right of his Mother. He dyed Anno Dom. 1601. and lyes buryed under a stately Monument at Eresby in this County.

Sir EDVVARE HARVVOOD was born…nigh Bourn in this County, a valiant Souldier and a gracious man. Such who object, that he was extremely wilde in his youth, put me in minde of the return which one made to an ill natur'd man in a Company, who with much bitterness had aggravated the Debauched youth of an aged and right Godly Divine: You have proved (said he) with much pains what all knew before, that Paul was a great Persecutor before he was converted.

I have read of a bird, which hath a Face like, and yet will prey upon a man; who coming to the water to drink, and finding there by reflexion, that he had killed one like himself, pineth away by degrees, and never afterwards enjoyeth it self. Such in some sort the condition of Sir Edward. This accident, that he had killed one in a private quarrell, put a period to his carnal mirth, and was a covering to his eyes all the dayes of his life. No possible provocations could afterwards tempt him to a Duell: and no wonder if one's conscience loathed that whereof he had surfeited. He refused all challenges with more honour than others accepted them; it being well known, that he would set his foot as far in the face of his Enemie, as any man alive. He was one of the four standing Colonels in the LowCountries, and was shot at the Seige of Mastricht, Anno Dom. 1632. Death was so p. 163civil to him as to allow him leave to rise up on his knees, & to crie Lord have mercy upon me. Thus a long death-prayer after short piety is not so good, as a short prayer after a long pious conversation.

Seamen.

JOB HARTOP was (as himself **In his Travells inserted in Hackluits Voyages, last part. pag. 487.affirmeth) born at Bourn in this County, and went Anno 1568. (early dayes I assure you for the English in those parts) with Sir John Hawkins, his Generall, to make discoveries in New Spaine. This Job was chief Gunner in her Majesties Ship called the Iesus of Lubeck, being the Queens by no other title, but as hired for her money, who in the beginning of her Reign, before her Navy-Royall was erected, had her Ships from the Hans-Townes.

Long and dangerous was his journey, eight of his men at Cape-Verd being killed, and the General himself wounded with poyson'd Arrowes, but was cured by a Negro drawing out the poyson with a Clove of **Idem ibid.Garlick, enough to make nice noses dispence with the valiant smell for the sanative vertue thereof.

He wrote a treatise of his Voyage, and is the first I met with, who mentioneth that strange tree, which may be termed The Tree of Food, affording a liquor which is both Meat and Drink; The Tree of Raiment, yielding Needles wherewith, and Threed whereof Mantles are made; The Tree of Harbour, Tiles to cover houses being made out of the solid parts thereof, so that it beareth a self sufficiency for mans maintenance.

Iob was his name, and patience was with him, so that he may pass amongst the Confessors of this County. For, being with some other by this General, for want of provisions left on land, after many miseries they came to Mexico, and he continued a Prisoner twenty three years, viz: Two years in Mexico, one year in the Contractation-House in Civil, another in the Inquisition-House in Triana, twelve years in the Gallies, four years (with the Cross of St. Andrew on his back) in the Everlasting-Prison, and three years a drudge to Hernando de Soria, to so high a summ did the Inventorie of his sufferings amount.

So much of his patience, now see the end which the Lord made with him. Whil'st enslaved to the aforesaid Hervando, he was sent to Sea in a Flemish, which was afterward taken by an English ship, called the Galeon-Dudley, and so was he safely landed at Portsmouth, Decemb. the second, 1590. And I believe lived not long after.

Sir WILLIAM MOUNSON Knight, was extracted of an Antient Family in this Shire, and was from his youth bred in Sea-Service, wherein he attained to Great Perfection. Queen Elizabeth having cleared Ireland of the Spanish Forces, and desiring carefully to prevent a Relapse, altered the Scaene of the War, from Ireland to Spaine, from Defending to Invading.

Sir Richard Leveson was Admiral, our Sir William Vice-Admiral, Anno 1602.

These without drawing a Sword Killed Trading quite on the Coasts of Portugal, no Vessels daring to goe in or out of their Harbours.

They had Intelligence of a Caract ready to land in Sisimbria, which was of 1600 Tun, richly laden out of the East-Indies, and resolved to assault it, though it seemed placed in an Invincible Posture. Of it self it was a Gyant in Comparison to our Pigmy Ships, and had in her three hundred Spanish Gentlemen; the Marquess de Sancta Cruce lay hard by with thirteen Ships, and all were secured under the Command of a Strong and well fortified Castle. But nothing is Impossible to Mars valour and Gods blessing thereon. After a …aire dispute (which lasted for some houres) with Sillogismes of fire and sword, the Caract was Conquered, the wealth taken therein amounting to the value of Ten Hundred **… … … … ….Thousand Crownes of Portugal Account. But though the Goods gotten therein might be valued, the Good gained thereby was Inestimable, for henceforward they beheld the English with admiring eyes, and quitted their thoughts of Invasion. This worthy Knight dyed about the mid'st of the Reign of King Iames.

Writers.

This County hath afforded many, partly, because so large in it self, partly, because abounding with so many Monasteries (whereof two Mitred ones Crowland and p. 164Bardney) the Seminaries of many Learned men. Not to speak of the Cathedral of Lincoln and Embrio University of Stamford, wherein many had their Education. Wherefore to pass by Faelix Crowlandensis, Kimbertus Lindesius and others, all of them not affording so much true History, as will fill a hollow quill therewith, we take notice of some principal ones and begin with,

GILBERT of HOLLAND. He took his name, not as others from a single Town, but a great part of ground, the third part of this Tripartite County, which in my apprehension argues his Diligence in preaching thereabouts. But quitting his Native Land, he was invited by the famous St. Bernard to go to, and live with him at Clarvaulx in Burgundy, where he became his Scholar.

Some will prize a Crum of Forreign Praise, before a Loafe of English commendation, as subject to partiality to their own Countrymen. Let such hear how Abbot Trithemius the German commendeth our Gilbert, Vir erat in Scripturis Divinis Studiosus & egregie doctus, ingenio subtilis & clarus eloquio.

The Poets feig…, that Hercules for a time supplyed the place of wearied Atlas in supporting the Heavens; so our Gilbert was frequently substitute to St. Bernard, continuing his Sermons where the other brake …ff, from those words in lectulo meo per noctes, &c. unto the end of the book, being forty six Sermons, in style scarce discernable from St. Bernards. He flourished anno Dom. 1200. and was buryed at Gistreaux in France.

ROGER of CROULAND, was bred a Benedictine Monk therein, and afterwards became Abbot of Friskney in this County. He was the seventh man in order, who wrote the Life of Thomas Becket. Some will say his six elder Brethren left his Pen but a pitiful portion, to whom it was impossible to present the Reader with any remarkable Novelty in so trite a subject. But know, that the pretended miracles of Becket daily multiplying, the last Writer, had the most matter in that kind. He divided his book into seven Volumes, and was full fifteen years in making of it, from the last of King Richard the first, to the fourteenth of King Iohn. But whether this Elephantine Birth answered that proportion of time in the performance thereof, let others decide. He flourished anno Domini 1214.

ELIASDE TREKINGHAM, was born in this County, at a Village so called, as by the sequents will appear.

**Pag. 865.Ingulphus relateth, that in the year of our Lord 870. in the Month of September, Count Algar with others, bid battle to the Danes in Kesteven, a Third part of this County, and worsted them, killing three of their Kings, whom the Danes buryed in a Village therein, formerly called Laundon, but after Trekingham. Nor do I know any place, to which the same name on the like accident can be applied, except it be Alcaser in Africa, where anno 1578. Sebastian the Portugal and two other Morish Kings were killed in one Battle.

I confess no such place as Trekingham appeareth at this day in any Catalogue of English Towns. Whence I conclude it either a Parish some years since depoulated, or never but a Churchlesse Village. This**Bale de Scrip. Brit. cent. 4. num. 31. Elias was a Monk of Peterborough, Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, a Learned man and great Lover of History, writing himself a Chronicle from the year of our Lord 626, till 1270. at what time it is probable he deceased.* Pitz. de Scrip. Angl. pag. 35. Anno 1270.

HUGO KIRKSTED, was born at that well known Town in this County, being bred a Benedictine-Cistercian-Bernardine. A Cistercian is a Reformed Benedictine, a Bernardine is a Reformed Cistercian, so that our Hugh may charitably be presumed Pure, as twice Refined. He consulted one Serlo an aged man, and one of his own Order, and they both clubbing their pains and brains together made a Chronicle of the Cistercians from their first coming into England, anno 1131. (when Walter de Espeke founded their first Abby at Rivaax in York-shire) Our Hugh did write, Serlo did indict, being almost**Bale de Scrip. Brit. cent. 3. num. 81. an hundred years old, so that his Memory was a perfect Chronicle of all remarkable Passages, from the Beginning of his Order. Our Hugo flourished anno Domini 1220.

WILLIAM LIDLINGTON was born, say some, at that Village in Cambridge-shire, at a Village so named in this County say others, with whom I concur, because he had his Education at Stamford. He was by profession a Carmelite, and became p. 165the Fifth Provincial of his Order in England. Monasteries being multiplyed in that age, Gerardus a Frenchman, Master General of the Carmelites, in a Synode at Narbone, deputed two English Provincials of that Order, to the great grievance of our Lidlington, refusing to subscribe to the Decisions of that Synode. His stubbornesse cost him an Excommunication from Pope Clement the Fifth, and four years Pennance of banishment from his Native Country. Mean time our Lidlington living at Paris acquired great credit* Bale de scrip. Brit. Cent. 4. n. 79. unto himself by his Lectures and Disputations. At last he was preferred Provincial of the Carmelites in Palestine (whence from Mount Carmel he fetched their Original) and he himself best knew whether the Depth of his profit answered the Heigth of his Honour therein, which I suspect, the rather, because returning into England he dyed and was buryed at Stanford, anno Dom. 1309.

NICHOLAS STANFORD. He was born at that well-known Town (once offering to be an University) and bred a Bernardine therein. The Eulogy given him by Learned Leland ought not to be measured by the Yard but weighed in the ballance. Admirabar hominem ejus aetatis tam argute, tam solido, tamque significanter potuisse scribere, I admired much that a man of his age, could write, so smartly, so solidly, so significantly: Understand him not, that one so infirm with age or decrepit in years, but that one living in so ignorant and superstitious a generation could write so tercely; flourishing (as may be collected) about the year of our Lord 1310.

JOHN BLOXHAM was born at that Town in this County, and bred a Carmelite in Chester. I confess it is a common expression of the Country folk in this County, when they intend to character a dull, heavy, blundering person, to say of him, he was born at Bloxham; but indeed our Iohn (though there first incradled) had acuteness enough, and some will say activity too much for a Fryer. He advantagiously fixed himself at Chester, a City in England, nere Ireland, and not far from Scotland, much conducing to his ease, who was supream prefect of his Order, through those three **Bale de scrip. Brit. cent. 5. p. 399.Nations, for two years and a half. For afterwards he quitted that place, so great was his employment under King Edward the second and third, in several Embassies into Scotland and Ireland, flourishing anno 1334.

JOHN HORNBY was born in this**Pitz. de Ang. Script. num. 636. County, bred a Carmelite D. D. in Cambridge. In his time happened a tough contest betwixt the Dominicans and Carmelites about Priority.

But our Hornby with his Carmelites clearly carried away the Conquest of precedency, and got it confirmed under the authentique seal of the University.

However, the Dominicans desisted not to justle with them for the upper hand until Henry the Eight made them friends by thrusting both out of the Land. Our Hornby flourished anno Domini 1374, and was buried at his Convent in Boston.

BOSTON of BURY, for so he is generally called. I shall endevour to restore* Bale de scrip. Brit. Cent. 7. n. 48. & Pits. in Anno 3410. him first to his true name, then to his native countrey. Some presume Boston to be his Christian, of Bury, his Sirname. But seeing Boston is no Font-name, and Godfathers were consciencious in those dayes (I appeal to all English Antiquaries) in imposing if not Scripture or Saints names: yet such as were commonly known (the christianizing of Sirnames to baptized Infants being of more modern devise) we cannot concur with their judgment herein. And now thanks be to Doctor Iohn Caius, who in the Catalogue of his Authors cited in the Defence of the Antiquity of Cambridge, calleth him Iohn Boston of Bury, being born at and taking his Sirname from Boston in this County (which was customary for the Clergymen in those dayes) though he lived a Monk in Bury. Thus in point of Nativities, Suffolk hath not lost, but Lincoln-shire hath recovered a Writer belonging unto it.

p. 166He Travelled all over England, and exactly perused the Library in all Monastaries, whereby he was enabled to write a Catalogue of Ecclesiasticall Writers, as well Forraign as English extant in his age. Such his acuratness, as not only to tell the Initiall words in Every of their Books, but also to point at the place in each Library, where they are to be had. John Leland oweth as much to this Iohn Boston, as Iohn Bale doth to him, and Iohn Pits to them both. His Manuscript was never Printed, nor was it my happiness to see it, but I have often heard the late Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh rejoyce in this, that he had, if not the first, the best Copie thereof in Europe. Learned Sir James WARE transcribed these Verses out of it, which because they conduce to the clearing of his Nativity, I have here Inserted, Requesting the Reader not to measure his Prose by his Poetry, though he dedicated it to no meaner then Henry the fourth, King of England.

Qui legis hunc Librum, Scriptorum, Rex Miserere,

Dum scripsit vere, non fecit, (ut aestimo) pigrum.

Si tibi displiceat, veniat tua Gratia grandis

Quam cunctis pandis, haec sibi sufficiat.

Scriptoris nomen Botolphi Villa vocatur;

Qui condemnatur nisi gratum det Deus Omen.

Sure it is, that his Writings are Esteemed the Rarity of Rarities, by the lovers of Antiquitys, which I speak in Humble Advice to the Reader, if possessed thereof to keep, and value them, if not, not to despise his Books, if on any Reasonable price they may be procured. This Iohn Boston flourished Anno Dom. 1410.

LAURENCE HOLEBECK, was born saith my **Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 7.Author Apud Girvios, that is amongst the Fenlanders. I confess, such people with their Stilts do stride over much ground, the parcells of severall Shires, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridg, Huntington, Northampton, Lincolnshire, But I have fixed him right in this County, where Holebeck is not far from Crowland in Holland.

He was bred a Monk in the Abby of Ramsey, and was very well skill'd in the Hebrew Tongue according to the rate of that Age. For the English-men were so great strangers in that Language, that even the Priests amongst them, in the Reign of King Henry the Eight, as **In his Dialogue. Per Religi. Er.Erasmus reporteth, Isti quicquid non intelligunt, Haebraicum vocant, counted all things Hebrew, which they did not understand, and so they reputed a Tablet which he wrote up in Walsingham in great Roman Letters, out of the Rode of Common Cognizance. Holebeck made an Hebrew Dictionary, which was counted very exact according to those days. I. Pitz, doth heavyly complaine of Robert Wakefeild, (the first Hebrew Professor in Cambridg) that he purloined this Dictionary to his private use, whereon all I will observe is this.

It is resolved in the Law, that the taking of another mans Sheep is Felony, whilst the taking away of a Sheep-Pasture is but a Trespass, the party pretending a right thereunto. Thus I know many men, so Conscientious, that they will not take twenty lines together from any Author (without acknowledging it in the Margin) conceiving it to be the fault of a Plagearie. Yet the same Criticks repute it no great guilt to seize a whole Manuscript, if they can conveniently make themselves the Masters, though not Owners thereof, in which Act none can excuse them, though we have had too many Precedents hereof. This Laurence died Anno Dom. 1410.

BERTRAM FITZALIN. Finding him charactered Illustri **Bale de Scrip. Briti Cent. 7. Num. 64.stemmate oriundus, I should have suspected him a Sussex man and Allied to the Earls of Arundell, had not **Pitz de An. Script. Anno 1424.another Author positively informed me he was patria Lincolniensis, bred B. D. in Oxford, and then lived a Carmelite in the City of Lincolne. Here he built a faire Library on his and his freinds cost, and furnish'd it with books, some of his own making, but more purchased. He lived well beloved, and dyed much lamented the seventeenth of March, 1424.

Writers since the Reformation.

EDMUND SHEFFEILD (descended from Robert Sheffeild, Recorder of London, **Stow's Survey of London pag. 574.Knighted by King Henry the Seventh. 1496 for his good Service against the p. 167Rebells at Black-Heath) was born at Butterwick in the Isle of Axholm in this Country, and was by King Edward the sixth Created Baron thereof. Great his Skill in Musick who wrote a Book of Sonnets according to the Italian fashion. He may seem Swan like to have sung his own Funeral, being soon after Slaine (or Murthered rather) in a skirmish against the Rebells in Norwich; first unhorsed and cast into a ditch, and then Slaughtered by a Butcher, who denyed him Quarter, 1449. He was direct Anchester, to the hopeful Earl of Moulgrave.

PETER MORVVING was born in this **Bale de scriptor. sui temporis.County, and bred fellow of Magdalen Colledg in Oxford. Here I cannot but smile at the great Praise which **De Angl. Script. pag. 757.I Pitz bestoweth upon him.

Vir omni Latini sermonis elegantia bellè instructus, & qui scripta quaedam, tum versu, tum Prosa tersè, nitidèque composuisse perhibetur.

It plainly appeareth he mistook him for one of his own perswasion, and would have retracted this Caracter, and beshrewed his own fingers for writing it, had he known him to have been a most **P. Morvinus, voluntarium in Germaniâ Exilium, turpi in … remansioni, praetulit. Dr. Humfred in vitâ Juelli. pag. 73.Cordial Protestant. Nor would he have afforded him the Phrase of Claruit sub Philippo et Mariâ; who under their Reigns, was forced for his Conscience, to fly into Germany, where he supported himself by Preaching to the English Exiles. I find not what became of him after his return into England in the Reigne of Queen Elizabeth.

ANTHONY GILBY was born in this County, **I. Bale.and bred in Christs Colledge in Cambridge, where he attained to great skill in the three learned languages. But which gave him the greatest Reputation with Protestants, was, that in the Reign of Queen Mary he had been an Exile at Geneva, for his Conscience. Returning into England, he became a feirce, fiery and furious opposer of the Church Discipline established in England, as in our Ecclesiasticall History may appear. The certaine date of his death is to me unknown.

JOHN FOX was born at Boston in this County, and bred Fellow in Magdalen Colledg in Oxford. He fled beyond the Seas in the Reign of Queen Mary, where he set forth the first and least edition of the Book of Martyrs, in Latine, and afterwards returning into England, inlarged and twice revised the same in our own language.

The story is sufficiently known of the two **Invita Aesopi.Servants, whereof the one told his Master, he would do every thing, the other (which was even Esop himself,) said he could do nothing, rendering this reason, because his former fellow servant would leave him nothing to do. But in good earnest, as to the particular subject of our English Martyrs, Mr. Fox hath done every thing, (leaving posterity nothing to work upon) and to those who say, he hath overdone somthing, we have returned our answer **In our Description of Bark-shire, under the title of Confessors.before.

He was one of Prodigious Charity to the poor, seeing nothing could bound his bounty but want of mony to give away: but I have largely written of his life and death in my Church History.

THOMAS SPARKS D. D. was born at South **So am I informed by his Grandchild and Heire.Sommercot in this County, bred in Oxford, and afterwards became Minister of Bleachley in Buckingham-shire. An Impropriation which the Lord Gray of Wilton (whose dwelling was at Whaddon hard-by) Restored to the Church. He was a solid Divine and Learned man, as by his Works still extant doth appear. At first he was a Non-conformist, and therefore was chosen by that party as one of their Champions in the Conference of Hampton Court. Yet was he wholy silent in that Disputation, not for any want of Ability, but because (as afterwards it did appear) he was Convinced in his Conscience at that Conference of the lawfullness of Ceremonies, so that some accounted him King James's Convert herein. He afterwards set forth a book of Unity and Uniformity, and died about the year of our Lord, 1610.

Doctor TIGHE was born at Deeping in this County, bred (as I take it) in the University of Oxford. He afterwards became Arch Deacon of Middlesex, and Minister of Alhallowes Barking London. He was an excellent Textuary and profound Linguist, the reason why he was imployed by King James in translating of the Bible. He dyed (as I am informed by his Nephew) **Living at Tenterbury in Kent.about the year of our Lord, 1620. leaving to John Tighe his Son, of Carby in this County, Esquire, an Estate of one thousand pounds a year, and none I hope have cause to envy or repine thereat.

FINES MORISON Brother to Sir Richard Morison, Lord President of Munster, was born in this County of worshipfull extraction, and bred a fellow in Peter-house p. 168in Cambridge. He began his Travels May the first, 1591 over a great part of Christendome and no small share of Turky, even to Jerusalem, and afterwards Printed his Observations in a large book, which for the truth thereof is in good Reputation, For of so great a Traveller, he had nothing of a Traveller in him, as to stretch in his reports. At last he was Secretary to Charles Blunt Deputy of Ireland, saw and wrote the Conflicts with, and Conquest of Tyrone, a discourse which deserveth credit, because the Writers cye guide his pen, and the privacy of his place acquainted him with many secret passages of Importance. He dyed about the year of our Lord, 1614.

Benefactors to the Publique.

Having formerly presented the Reader with two Eminent ones, Bishop Wainfleit Founder of New Colledge, and Bishop Fox, Founder of Corpus Christi in Oxford, He, (if but of an ordinary appetite) will be plentifully feasted therewith, so that we may proceed to those, who were,

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM RATCLIFF, Esq And four **R. Butcher in his survey of Stamford. pag. 82.times Alderman of the Town of Stamford, died Anno Dom. 1530. Gave all his Messuages, Lands and Tenements in the Town, to the Maintenance of a Free-School therein, which Lands for the present yeild thirty pounds per Annum or there-abouts, to a School-Master and Usher. I am informed that an Augmentation was since given to their stipend by William Cecil, Lord Treasurer, but it seems that since some Intervening accident hath hindered it from taking the true effect.

JANE CECIL, Wife to Richard Cecil, Esquire, and co-heire to the worshipfull Families of **Camdens Eliz. in Anno 15.Ekington and Wallcot, was born in this County, and lived the maine of her life therein. Job speaking of parents deceased, His Sons (saith he) **Job. 14. 21.Job 14:21come to honour, and he knoweth it not: but God gave this good woman so long a life (abating but little of an hundred years) that she knew the preferment of her Son William …ecil, for many years in her life, Lord Treasurer of England. I say, she knew it and saw it, and joyed at it, and was thankfull to God for it; for well may we conclude her gratitude to God from her Charity to man. At her own charges, Anno 1561. She Leded and **Richard Butcher in his Survey of Stamford, pag. 33.Paved the Friday Market Cross in Stamford: Besides fifty pound given to the Poor, and many other Benefactions. Her last Will was made Anno Dom. 1588. But she survived some time after, and lies buried in the same Vault with her Son, in St. Martins in Stamford.

GEORGE TRIGG Gentleman, was as I collect a Native of this County, heAMP. gave Anno Dom. 1586 four hundred pounds **Idem, page 33. & 38.to be lent out for ever, upon good security, without Interest, to Poor young Trads-men and Artificers in Stamford. He also bestowed a Tenement upon the Parson and Poor of St. Johns in the same Town.

RICHARD SUTTON, Esquire, was born at Knaith in this County, bred a Souldier in his Youth, and was somwhat of Pay-Master by his place, much mony therefore passing through, some did lawfully stick on his fingers, which became the bottom of his future Estate. He was afterward a Merchant in London, and gained great Wealth therein. Such who charge him with Purblindness in his soul, looking too close on the earth, do themselves acquit him from Oppression, that though Tenax, he was not Rapax, not Guilty of Covetousness, but Parcimony.

Indeed, there was a Merchant his Comrage; whose name I will Conceal (except the great Estate he left doth discover it) with whom he had Company in Common, but their Charges were severall to themselves, when his friend in Travell called for two Faggots, Mr. Sutton called for one, when his friend for half a pint of Wine, Mr. Sutton for a Gill, under-spending him a Moity; at last, Mr. Sutton hearing of his friends death, and that he left but fifty thousand pounds Estate. I thought (said …e) he would dye no Rich man, who made such needless expences.

Indeed, Mr. Suttons Estate doubled his, and he bestowed it all on CharterHouse, or Suttons Hospitall. This is the Master-peice of Protestant English Charity, designed in his life, Compleated after his death; Begun, Continued and finished with p. 169Buildings and Endowments, Sin… Causa Socia, soly at his Charges. Wherein Mr. Sutton appears peerless in all Christendom, on an equall Standart and Valuation of Revenue. As for the Canker of Popish Malice endeavouring to fret this fair Flower, we have returned plentifull Answers to their Cavells in our Ecclesiasticall History. Mr. Sutton died Anno Dom. 1611.

ROBERT JOHNSON was born at Stamford, whereof Maurice his Father had been chiefe Magistrate. He was bred in Cambridge, and entring into the Ministry, he was beneficed at Luffenham in Rutland, at what time that little County was at a great losse for the education of the Children therein, and Mr. Johnson endeavoured a remedy thereof.

He had a rare faculty in requesting of others into his own desire, and with his arguments could surprise a Miser into charity. He effectually moved those of the Vicinage, to contribute to the building and endowing of Schools, Money or Money worth Stones, Timber, Carriage, &c. not flighting the smalest guift, especially, if proportionable to the Givers Estate. Hereby finding none, he left as many Free Schools in Rutland, as there were Market Towns therein. One at Oakeham, another at Uppingham well faced with buildings and lined with endowments.

Hitherto he was only a Nurse to the Charity of others, erecting the Schools aforesaid, as my **Camd. Brit. in Rutland E stipe collaticia.Author observeth, who afterwards proved a fruitful parent in his own person, becoming a considerable Benefactor to Emanuel and Sidney Colledges in Cambridge. And though never dignified higher then Archdeacon of Leicester, he left an Estate of one thousand pounds per Annum, which descended to his posterity. He dyed about the year of our Lord 1616.

FRANCES WRAY, Daughter to Sir Chichester Wray Lord chief Justice, was born at Glentworth in this County and married first unto Sir George St. Paul of this County, and afterwards to Robert Rich first Earl of Warwick of that Sirname. She was a Pious Lady, much devoted to charitable actions, though I am not perfectly instructed in the particulars of her Benefactions. Only I am sure Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge, hath tasted largely of her Liberality, who dyed in the beginning of the Reign of King Charles.

Memorable Persons.

JAMES YORKE a Blacksmith of Lincolne, and an excellent Workman in his Profession. Insomuch that if Pegasus himself would wear shoes, this man alone is fit to make them, contriving them so thin and light, as that they would be no burthen to him. But he is a Servant as well of Apollo as Vulcan, turning his Stiddy into a Study, having lately set forth a Book of Heraldry called the Union of Honour, containing the Arms of the English Nobility, and the Gentry of Lincolne-shire. And although there be some mistakes (no hand so steady as alwayes to hit the Nail on the head) yet is it of singular use and industriously performed: being set forth Anno 1640.

Lord Maiors.

p. 170The Names of the Gentrie of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth.

Johannis Willoughby militis

Roberti Ros militis

Humfridi Littelbery armig.

Phillippi Tilney armigeri

Johannis Copuldik armig.

Richardi Laund armigeri

Willielmi Braunche armig.

Richardi Pynchebek

Richardi Welby

Richardi Benynington

Willielmi Goding de Boston

Gilberti Haltoft

Will. Hughbert de Doning.

VVill. Quadring de Tofte

Iohan. Pawlyn de Frampton

VVill. VValcote de Spaldyng

Thom. Overton de Swynshed

Hug. Dandison de VVrangle

Roberti Hughson de Boston

Rich. Whiteb. de Gosberkirk

Ioh. Docking de VVhaploade

Will. Calowe de Holbetch

Will. …awode de Whaploade

Nich. Gyomer de Sutton de Holand

Godf. Hilton Militis

Iohannis Busshe militis

Nicholai Bowel militis

Philippi Dymmok militis

Iohannis Gra Militis

Iohannis Pygot armigeri

Iohannis Boys armigeri

Galfridi Painell armigeri

Maunceri Marmeon armig.

Willielmi Eton armigeri

Iohannis Markham

Iohannis Trenthall Gent.

Thom. Holme Gent.

Ioh. Saltby de Gunwardby

Thomae Repynghale

Iohannis Hesill de Carleton

Iohannis Leek de Grantham

Will. Mapulbeck de Cranth.

Ioh. Chevercourt de Stannf.

Nich. Mason de Blankeney

Ioh. Chapeleyn de Sleford

Thomae Sleford de Kirkeby

Ioh. Hardyng de Kime

Ioh. Wykes armigeri de Kisteven

Hugonis Midleton militis

Rogeri Wentworth armigeri

Roberti Auncell de Grymesby

Willielmi Bleseby de Bleseby

Thomae Fereby de Burten

Iohannis Ufflete de Halton

Iohannis Thoresby de Croxby

Andreae Godehand de Whalesby

Iohannis Tomlinson de Wotton

Roberti Morley armigeri

Iohannis Abbot de Hatclif

Iohannis Smith de Elkington

Abbatis de Neusom

Iohannis Teleby Canonici ejusdem Abbatis

Iohannis Cawode de Oxeomb

Iohannis Langton de Somercotes

William Marshall de Somercotes

Roberti Pigot do parva Grymesby

Thomae Spaldyng de Claxby

Ioh. Hamond Parsone de Whalesby

Iohannis Boucher de Tynton

Richardi Alesby de Hatclif clerici

Rogeri Glaston parsone de Alesby

Roberti Lackwode de VVhalesby

Iohannis Nundye de VVhalesby Chapellani.

Sheriffs of Lincolne-Shire.

HEN. II.

Anno, 1

Rainerus de Bada

Anno, 2

Jordanus de Blossevilla

Anno, 3

Walterus de Amundevel, for seven years

Anno, 10

Petrus de Gossa

Anno, 11

Idem

Anno, 12

Willielmus de Insula

Anno, 13

Aluredus de Poiltona

Anno, 14

Philippus de Kime

Anno, 15

Idem

Anno, 16

Walterus de Grimesby

Anno, 17

Idem

Anno, 18

Walt. & Al. de Poilton

Anno, 19

Walt. & Al. de Poilton

Anno, 20

Idem

Anno, 21

Idem

Anno, 22

Drogo Filius Radulphi

Anno, 23

Idem

Anno, 24

Will. Basset for 7 years

Anno, 31

Nigel. Fillius Alexandri

Anno, 32

Idem

Anno, 33

Idem

RICH. I.

Anno, 1

Nigellus Filius Alex.

Anno, 2

Gerardus de Camvill Roger. de Stikewald

Anno, 3

Gerardus de Camvill

Anno, 4

Gerard. & Roger Stikelralde.

Anno, 5

Idem

Anno, 6

Gerardus & Eustacius de Hedenham

Anno, 7

Simond Kimmeo & Petrus de Trihanton

Anno, 8

Sim. de Kime & Pet…us de Beckering et Robertus de Trihanton

Anno, 9

Idem

Anno, 10

Philip. Filius Roberti

JOH. REX.

Anno, 1

Robertus de Tateshall

Anno, 2

Ger. de Cemvill & Hugo Fillius Ricardi for six years

Anno, 8

Thomas de Muleton

Anno, 9

Idem

Anno, 10

Idem

Anno, 11

Huber. de Burgo & Alex. Ormesby (ut Custos)

Anno, 12

Huber. Alex. (ut Custos)

Anno, 13

Hubertus de Burozo & Robertus de Aoziulver

Anno, 14

Hub. de Burozo et Rob. Aquilum

Anno, 15

Hubertus de Burgo & Rob. Aquilum Alex. de Puncton

Anno, 16

Idem

Anno, 17

Johannis Marescallus.

p. 171HEN. III.

Auno, 1

Willi. Comes Saresb. & Willi. Filius Warner.

Auno, 2

Willi. Comes Sarisb. & Johan. Bonet for five years

Auno, 7

Steph. de Segne & Radulphus Filius Regin.

Auno, 8

Idem

Auno, 9

Hugo Lincolne Episcopus & Rad. Filius Regin.

Auno, 10

Hugo Episcop. & Rad.

Auno, 11

Radulp. Filius Regin.

Auno, 12

Idem

Auno, 13

Idem

Auno, 14

Robertus de Rokefeld

Auno, 15

Walt. de Cuerame & Willielmus de Curum

Auno, 16

Walt. & Willielmus

Auno, 17

Phil. de Ascellus

Auno, 18

Philippus

Auno, 19

Philippus

Auno, 20

Philippus

Auno, 21

Robertus Lupus, for four years

Auno, 25

Radulphus Basset for 5 years

Auno, 30

Willielmus de Derleg

Auno, 31

Willi. Filius de Curzim for five years

Auno, 36

Gilbertus de Cheile for four years

Auno, 40

Roger. Beler & Roger. & Haeres Ejusdem

Auno, 41

Williel. de Leverton

Auno, 42

Joh. de Cockerington.

Auno, 43

Will. de Angleby, & Williel. de Notingham.

Auno, 44

Hamo Hauteyn

Auno, 45

Idem

Auno, 46

Willielmus de Grey

Auno, 47

Idem

Auno, 48

Idem

Auno, 49

Will. & Rich. de Grey, Fil. ejus haeres, et Will. de Notingham Clericus

Auno, 50

Will. & Rich. Will. & Ja. Panton

Auno, 51

Idem

Auno, 52

Jacobus Panton for four years

Auno, 56

Tho. de Bolton

EDVV. I.

Anno, 1

Thomas

Anno, 2

Thomas

Anno, 3

Richardus de Harington

Anno, 4

Nicholaus de Rye

Anno, 5

Idem

Anno, 6

Idem

Anno, 7

Adamus de Sancto Laudo

Anno, 8

Idem

Anno, 9

Idem

Anno, 10

Radulphus de Arnehall

Anno, 11

Rad. de Arnehall, & Walt. de Stuchesle

Anno, 12

Idem

Anno, 13

Idem

Anno, 14

Robertus de Cadworth for five years

Anno, 19

Johan. Dyne

Anno, 20

Idem

Anno, 21

Johan. & Radulphus de Trihampton

Anno, 22

Robertus le Venur. for four years

Anno, 26

Rad. de Paynell et Rich. de Draycot

Anno, 27

Idem

Anno, 28

Ricardus de Howell

Anno, 29

Hugo de Bussey

Anno, 30

Idem

Anno, 31

Tho. Fil. Eustarchi

Anno, 32

Idem & Johan. Nevill

Anno, 33

Thom. de Burnham for five years.

EDVV. II.

Anno, 1

Radulphus Paynell

Anno, 2

Idem

Anno, 3

Thom. de Burnham

Anno, 4

Johan. de Nevill & Rad. de Rye

Anno, 5

Idem

Anno, 6

Johannes

Anno, 7

Johannes

Anno, 8

Tho de Tittele, & Joh. de Nevill

Anno, 9

Idem

Anno, 10

Johan. de Nevill, & Robertus Stannton.

Anno, 11

Robertus de Stannton

Anno, 12

Robertus & Simon de Landerthorpe

Anno, 13

Johan. de Bella fide for four years

Anno, 17

Simon le Chamberlaine

Anno, 18

Simon & Riginaldus Donington

Anno, 19

Idem

EDVV. III.

Anno, 1

Tho. de Novo Mercato

Anno, 2

Simon Kinardsley

Anno, 3

Tho. de Novo Mercato

Anno, 4

Tho. de Novo Mercato

Anno, 5

Rad. de Santo Laudo & Tho. de novo Mer.

Anno, 6

Reginal de Donington, & Rad. de Santo Laudo

Anno, 7

Idem

Anno, 8

Johan de Trehampton

Anno, 9

Idem

Anno, 10

Rad. de Santo Laudo & Regin. de Donington

Anno, 11

Johan. dé Bolingbroke, & Joh. de Trehampton

Anno, 12

Gilbertus de Beaved

Anno, 13

Idem

Anno, 14

Willielmus Disney, & Gilbertus de Leddred

Anno, 15

Idem

Anno, 16

Willielmus Franuke

Anno, 17

Johannes de Hundon

Anno, 18

Saierus de Rochford

Anno, 19

Idem

Anno, 20

Johan. de Trehampton

Anno, 21

Idem

Anno, 22

Anno, 23

Saierus de Rochford, for six years

Anno, 29

Tho. Fulvetby & Sajerus de Rochf, for 4 years

Anno, 33

Edw. de Cormil.

Anno, 34

Idem

Anno, 35

Johan. de Boys

Anno, 36

Idem

Anno, 37

Will. Haudley for 6 years

Anno, 43

Tho. de Fulvetby for four years

Anno, 47

Willielmus Bussy

Anno, 48

Johannes Hode

Anno, 49

Tho. de Kidale

Anno, 50

Kogerus Beler

Anno, 51

Radulphus Paynell

p. 172Sheriffes.

p. 172RICHARD the Second.

19. JOHN WALCH.]

Proportion of time and place, evidence him the same person, of whom I read, in the Eighth year of the Reign of this King, anno 1385▪ Stows chron. On St. Andrews day, there was a combat fought in the Lists at Westminster, betwixt an English Esq named John Walch of Grimesby, and one of Navar, called Mortileto de Vilenos, who had accused him of Treason to the King and Realm. In which combat the Navarois was overcome, and afterwards hang'd for his false accusation.

HENRY the Fourth.

2. JOHN ROCHFORD Miles.]

The same no doubt with him who was Sheriff in the 15. of K. Richard the Second. I confesse there was a Knightly Family of this**Camd. Brit. in Essex. Name at Rochford in Essex, who gave for their Arms Argent, a Lyon Rampant Sable, langued, armed and crowned Gules; quartered at this day by the Lord Rochford Earl of Dover, by the Butlers and Bollons descended from them. But I behold this Lincolnshire Knight, of another Family, and different Arms, quartered by the Earl of Moulgrave, whence I collect his heir matched into that Family.

Consent of time and other circumstances, argue him the same with Sir John Rochford, whom**De scrip. Brit. Cent. 7. n. 41. Bale maketh to flourish under King Henry the Fourth, commending him for his noble birth, great learning, large travail through France and Italy, and worthy pains in translating Iosephus his Antiquities, Polychronicon, and other good Authors into English.

RICHARD the Third.

2. RO…ERT DIMOCK Miles.]

This Sir Robert Dimock at the Coronation of King Henry the Seventh, came on horse back into VVestminster Hall, where the King dined, and casting his Gauntlet on the Ground, challenged any who durst Question the Kings right to the Crown.

King Henry being pleased to dissemble himself a stranger to that Ceremony, demanded of a stander by, what that Knight said? to whom the party returned, He challengeth any man to fight with him, who dares deny your Highnesse to be the lawful K. of England. If he will not fight with such a one (said the King) I will. And so sate down to dinner.

HENRY the Seventh.

9. JOHN HUSEE.]

This was undoubtedly the same person, whom King Henry the Eigth afterwards created, the first and last Baron Husee of Sleford, who ingaging himself against the King, with the rebellious Commons, anno 1537, was justly beheaded, and saw that honour begun and ended in his own person.

HENRY the Eighth.

16. THOMAS BURGE Miles.]

He was honourably descended from the Heir General of the Lord Cobham of Sterbury in**Camd. Brit. in Surry. Surry, and was few years after created Baron Burge, or Burough by King Henry the Eigth. His Grandchild Thomas Lord Burge Deputy of Ireland, and Knight of the Garter, (of whom**In this Shire Title Statesmen. before) left no Issue Male nor plentiful Estate, only four Daughters, Elizabeth married to Sir George Brook, Frances to the ancient Family of Copinger in Suffolk, Anna, Wife to Sir Drue Drury, and Katharine married to..... Knivet of Norfolk, Mother to Sir John Knivet Knight of the Bath, at the last Installment, so that the honour which could not conveniently be divided, was here determined.

King CHARLES.

9. JERVASIUS SCROOP Miles.]

He ingaged with his Majesty in Edge-hill-fight, where he received twenty six wounds, and was left on the ground amongst the dead. Next day his Son Adrian obtained p. 175leave from the King to find and fetch off his Fathers Corps, and his hopes pretended no higher then to a decent Interment thereof.

Hearty seeking makes happy finding. Indeed, some more commendedthe affection, than the judgement of the Young Gentleman, conceiving such a search in vain, amongst many naked bodies, with wounds disguised from themselves, and where pale Death had confounded all complexions together.

However he having some general hint of the place where his Father fell, did light upon his body, which had some heat left therein. This heat was with rubbing, within few Minutes, improved into motion; that motion, within some hours into sense; that sense, within a day into speech; that speech within certain Weeks, into a perfect recovery, living more then ten years after, a Monument of Gods mercy and his Sons affection.

He always after carried his Arme in a Scarfe, and loss of blood made him look very pale, as a Messenger come from the Grave, to advise the Living to prepare for Death. The effect of his Story, I received from his own mouth, in Lincolne-colledge.

The Farewel.

It is vain to wish the same Successe to every Husband man in this Shire, as he had, who some seven score years since at Harlaxton in this County, found an Helmet of Gold as he was Plowing in the Field.

Besides, in Treasure Trove, the least share falleth to him who first finds it. But this I not only heartily wish, but certainly promise to all such who industriously attend Tillage in this County (or else where) that thereby they shall find (though not gold in specie, yet) what is gold worth, and may quickly be commuted into it, great plenty of good grain, the same which**Prov. 28. 19.Prov 28:19 Solomon foretold, He that tilleth his Land shall have Plenty of Bread.