The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 32

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 32

p. 315NOTTINGHAM-SHIRE.

NOTTINGHAM-SHIRE hath York-shire on the North, Lincolnshire on the East, Leicester-shire on the South, and Derby shire on the West: Nor can I call to mind any County besides this, bounded with four, and but four, Shires, (and those towards the four cardinal points) without any parcels of other Shires interposed. The pleasantness thereof may be collected from the plenty of Noble-men, many having their Barronies, and more their Residence, therein: It is divided into two parts, the Sand and the Clay, which so supply the defects one of another, that what either Half doth afford, the whole County doth enjoy.

Natural Commodities.

Glycyrize or Liquoris.

England affordeth hereof the best in the world for some uses, this County the first and best in England: Great the use thereof in Physick, it being found very pectoral and soveraign for several diseases. A stick hereof is commonly the spoon prescribed to Patients, to use in any Lingences or Loaches: If (as Aeneas his men were forced to eat their own Trenchers) these chance to eat their Spoons, their danger is none at all. But Liquoris formerly dear and scarce, is now grown cheap and common, because growing in all Counties. Thus plenty will make the most precious thing a drug, as silver was nothing respected in Jerusalem in the dayes of Solomon.

Wonders.

We must not forget how two Ayres of Lannards were lately found in Sherwood Forrest. These Hawks are the natives of Saxony, and it seems, being old and past flying at the game, were let or did set themselves loose, where meeting with Lanerets, enlarged on the same terms, they did breed together, and proved as excellent in their kind, when managed, as any which were brought out of Germany.

Proverbs.

Many talk of Robin Hood, who never shot in his Bow.]

That is, many discourse (or prate rather) of matters wherein they have no skill or experience. This Proverb is now extended all over England, though originally of Nottingham-shire extraction, where Robin Hood did principally reside in Sherwood Forrest. He was an Arch robber, and withall an excellent Archer; though surely the **Draytons Poly-Olbion, song 26. p. … ▪Poet gives a twang to the loose of his Arrow, making him shoot one a cloth-yard long, at full forty score mark, for compass never higher than the breast, and within less than a foot of the mark. But herein our Author hath verified the Proverb, talking at large of Robin Hood, in whose Bow he never shot.

One may justly wonder that this Archer did not at last hit the mark, I mean, come to the Gallows for his many robberies, but see more hereof in the Memorable Persons of this County.

To s…ll Robin Hoods penny-worths.]

It is spoken of things sold under half their value; or if you will, half sold half given. Robin Hood came lightly by his ware, and lightly parted therewith; so that he could afford the length of his Bow for a yard of Velvet. Whithersoever he came, he carried a Fair along with him, Chapmen crowding to buy his stollen Commodities. But seeing The receiver is as bad as the thief, and such buyers are as bad as receivers, the cheap Penny-worths of plundered goods may in fine prove dear enough to their Consciences.

As wise as a man of Gotham.]

It passeth publickly for the Periphrasis of a Fool, and an hundred Fopperies are feigned and fathered on the Town-folk of Gotham, a Village in this County. Here two things may be observed:

p. 3161. Men in all Ages have made themselves merry with singling out some place, and fixing the staple of stupidity and stolidity therein. Thus the Phrygians were accounted the fools of all Asia, and the Anvils of other mens wits to work upon, serò sapiunt Phryges, Phryx nisi ictus non sapit. In Grecia take a single City, and then Abdera in Thracia carried it away for Dull-heads,

—**Martial. l. 10. Abderitanae pectora plebis habes.

But for a whole Countrey commend us to the Boetians for Block-heads, and Baeotium ingcnium is notoriously known. In Germany auris Baetava is taken by the**Id…m l. 6. Poet for a dull Ear, which hath no skill in witty conceits.

2. These places thus generally sleighted and scoffed at, afforded some as witty and wise persons as the world produced: Thus Plutarch himself (saith**A l…g. Beotium …genium. Erasmus) was a Baeotian, and Erasmus a Batavian or Hollander, and therefore (his own copy-hold being touch'd in the Proverb) he expoundeth auris Batava a grave and severe Ear.

But to return to Gotham, it doth breed as wise people, as any which causelesly laugh at their simplicity. Sure I am, Mr. William de Gotham, fifth Master of Michael-house in Cambridge, Anno 1336. and twice Chancellor of the University, was as grave a Governor as that Age did afford. And Gotham is a goodly large Lordship, where the ancient and right well respected Family of St. Andrews have flourished some hundreds of years, till of late the name is extinct in, and lands divided betwixt, Female co-heirs, matched unto very worshipful persons.

The little **Butters of Bees, p. 17.Smith of Nottingham,

Who doth the work that no man can.

England hath afforded many rare workmen in this kind, whereof he may seem an Apprentice to Vulcan, and inferiour onelyonly to his Master, (in making the invisible Net) who made a Lock and Key, with a Chain of ten links, which a Flea could draw. But what this little Smith and great workman was, and when he lived, I know not; and have cause to suspect, that this of Nottingham is a periphrasis of Nemo, Ou Tis, or a person who never was: And the Proverb, by way of Sarcasm, is applied to such, who being conceited of their own skill, pretend to the atchieving of impossibilities.

Martyrs.

I meet with none within this County, either before or in the Marian dayes, imputing the later to the mild temper of Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York, and Diocesan thereof. Yet find we a Martyr, though not in this, yet of this, County; as a Native thereof here following.

THOMAS CRANMER was born at**Fox his Acts and Monuments, p. 1859 Arse lackton (Speed calls it Astackton) in this County, and being bred in Jesus college in Cambridge became Archbishop of Canterbury; and at last (after some intermediate failings) valiantly suffered for the Truth at Oxford, An. Dom. 1556. March 22.

Two hungry meals (saith our English Proverb) makes the third a glutt…n. This may also be inverted, Two glutton meals require the third an hungry one, fasting being then necessary lest Nature be surcharged. If the Reader hath formerly perused Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments, and my Ecclesiastical History, Cranmer his story is so largely related in those two books, there is danger of his surfet if I should not now be short and sparing therein: onelyonly one memorable passage omitted by Mr. Fox (and that's a wonder) I must here insert out of an excellent**Bishop Godwin in his Catalogue of the Archbishops of …, p. 206. Author.

After his whole body was reduced into ashes, his heart was found intire and untouch'd. Which is justly alledged as an argument of his cordial integrity to the truth, though fear too much and too often prevailed on his outward actions: So that what the Holy Spirit recor…eth of King**2 Chron. 15. 17.2 Chr 15:17 Asa, was true of him,—Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his dayes, though good man he was guilty of many and great imperfections.

The like to this of Cranmer is reported of Zuinglius, Quòd cadavere flammis ab hostibus tradito, cor exuri non potuerit, His foes making this a sign of the obduration and hardness of his heart, his friends of the sincerity thereof. And thus saith my moderate and learned**Thuanus Obit. doct. vir. Anno 153…. Author, Adeo turbat is odio aut amore animis, ut fit in religionis dissensionibus, pro se quis que omnia superstitiosè interpretatur, Their minds being so disturbed with hatred or love, as it comes to pass in dissentions of Religion, every one interprets all things superstitiously for his own advantage. The best is, our Religion, wherein it differs from Romish Errors, hath better demonstration for the truth thereof, than those Topical and Osier accidents, lyable to be bent on either side, according to mens fancies and affections.

Prelates since the Reformation.

WILLIAM CHAPPELL was born at Lexington in this County, and bred a Fellow in Christs college in Cambridge, where he was remarkable for the strictness of his Conversation. No one Tutor in our memory bred more and better Pupils, so exact his care in their Education. He was a most subtile Disputant, equally excellent with the Sword and the Shield, to reply or answer. He was chosen Provost of Trinity college in Dublin, and afterwards Bishop of Corke and Rosse: Frighted with the Rebellion in Ireland he came over into England, where he rather exchanged than eased his condition, such the wofulness of our civil wars. He dyed Anno 1649. and parted his Estate almost equally betwixt his own Kindred and distressed Ministers, his charity not impairing his duty, and his duty not prejudicing his charity.

Capital Judges.

Sir JOHN MARKHAM, descended of an ancient Family, was born at Markham in this County, and brought up in the Municipal Law, till being Knighted by Edward the Fourth, he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, in the place of Sir John Fortescue. These I may call the two Chief Justices of the Chief Justices, for their signal integrity: For though the one of them favoured the House of Lancaster, the other of York, in the Titles to the …rown; both of them favoured the House of Justice in matters betwixt party and party.

It happened that**Fabian p. 497 & Ho…inshed p. 670 & Stow in the 12. of Edward the 4. Sir Thomas Cooke, late Lord Mayor of London, one of vast wealth, was cast before hand at the Court, (where the Lord Rivers, and the rest of the Queens Kindred, had pre-devoured his Estate) and was onelyonly for Formalities sake to be condemned in Guild-hall, by extraordinary Commissioners in Oyer and Terminer, whereof Sir John Markham was not the meanest. The Fact for which he was arraigned, was for lending money to Margaret the Wife of King Henry the Sixth: this he denyed, and the single testimony of one Haukins, tortured on the Rack, was produced against him.

Judge Markham directed the jury (as it was his place, and no partiality in point of Law to do) to find it onelyonly Misprision of treason; whereby Sir Thomas saved his lands though heavily fined, and life though long imprisoned. The King was highly displeased at him, and vowed he should never sit on the Bench any more. And here I hope it will not trespass on the grave character of this Judge, to insert a modern and pleasant passage, being privy my self to the truth thereof.

A Lady would traverse a suit of Law against the will of her husband, who was contented to buy his quiet by giving her her will therein, though otherwise perswaded in his judgment the cause wold go against her.

This Lady dwelling in the Shire-town, invited the judge to dinner, and (though thrifty enough of her self) treated him with s…mptuous entertainment. Dinner being done, and the cause being called, the judge clearly gave it against her: And when in passion she vowed never to invite any Judge again; Nay, Wife (said he) vow never to invite a just Judge any more.

Well, King Edward was so vexed, that Sir Iohn Markham was outed of his Chief-justice-ship, and lived privately but plentifully the remainder of his life, having fair lands by Margaret his wife, (daughter and co-heir of Sir Simon Leke of Cotham in this County) besides the Estate acquired by his Practice and paternal Inheritance.

p. 318Seamen.

EDWARD FENTON (Brother to Sir Jeffrey Fenton, of whom**Title of Writers. hereafter) was born in this County, whose nature inclined him wholly to Sea-service; and disdaining to go in a trodden path, he was ambitious to discover unknown passages. His Atchievements in this nature are related at large in Mr. Hackluit, and excellently contracted in an Epitaph on his Monument in Depthford Church in Kent, erected by the Right Honourable Roger Earl of Corke, who married his Brothers daughter.

Memoriae perenni Edwardi Fenton, Reginae Elizabethae olim pro corpore Armigeri, Jano O-Neal, ac post eum Comite Desmoniae, in Hibernia turbantibus, fortissimi Taxiarchi, qui post lustratum improbo ausu, Septentrionalis Plagae Apochryphum mare, & excussas variis peregrinationibus inertis Naturae latebras, Anno 1588. in celebri contra Hispanos Naumachia, meruit Navis Praetoriae Navarchus. Obiit Anno Domini 1603.

Some dayes after the death of Queen Elizabeth. Observe by the way how God set up a generation of military men, both by Sea and Land, which began and expired with the Reign of Queen Elizabeih, like a suit of clothes made for her, and worn out with her: For Providence designing a peaceable Prince to succeed her, (in whose time martial men would be rendred useless) so ordered the matter, that they all almost attended their Mistress, before or after, within some short distance, unto her grave.

Writers.

WILLIAM MANSFEILD (named no doubt from, and) born at that noted Market Town in this County, was bred a Dominican, and for his skill in Logicks, Ethicks, Physicks, and Metaphysicks in his Age highly applauded. And because some prize a Dram of Forraign before a pound of Home-bred praise, know that **In quarto libro suorum praedicatorum.Leander Bononiensis (though mistaking his Name Massettus) giveth him the Appellation of Inclytus Theologi… Professor. He defended Thomas Aquinas against Henricus Gandavensis, (though both of them were dead long before) and got great Credit thereby. Bale, (who is not usually so civil in his expressions) **Script. Brit. cent. 5. num. 2.saith that he did strow branches of Palms before Christs Asse, which if so, was (I assure you) no bad employment. He flourished, Anno Dom. 1320.

WILLIAM NOTTINGHAM was first Prebendary, then Chanter of York, bred an Augustinian, and fourteen years the Provinciall of his Order. Resigning which place, he went on some great employment to Rome, and returning thence by Genoa, fell sick and recovered of the Plague, being therein a Monument of Divine Mercy to prove that disease (though in it self Mortale) not alwayes Mortiferum.

Amongst the many Books he wrote, his Concordance on the Evangelists was most remarkable, which I behold as a Leading-piece in that kind, though since it hath met with many to follow it; A worthy work to shew the Harmony betwixt those four Writers, though it hath met with many to decry the design, being accounted by

**Script. Brit. cent. 5. num. 44.Bale giveth him this Lukewarme (call it hot, because coming from his mouth) commendation, non omnino impius in voluminibus, quae composuit. He dyed, and was buryed at Lecester. Anno Dom. 1336.

ROBERT WORSOP was born (saith **Script. Bri…. cent. 5. num. 76Bale) in the County, mistaken for the Di… cese of York, seeing Worsop is notoriously known to be in Nottingham-shire. He was bred an Augustinian in the convent of Tick-Hill not far from Doncaster, where he wrote many Books, the one called the Entrance of the Sentences. Bale saith, that at last he was made a Bishop, not naming his Diocese, and no such Prelate appearing in our English Catalogue it rendereth it suspicious, that either he was some Suffragan, or some Titulary Bishop in Greece. He dyed, and was buryed at Tick Hill, about the year 1360.

Since the Reformation.

Sir JEFFREY FENTON Knight, born in this County, was for twenty seven * J. Waraeus de script. Hib. p. 137.years Privy-Counsellour in Ireland to Queen Elizabeth and King James. He translated the History of Francis Guicciardine out of Italian into English, and Dedicated it to Queen Elizabeth, he deceased at Dublin October 19. 1608. and lyeth buryed in St. Patricks Church under the same Tombe with his Father-in Law Dr. Robert Weston, sometimes Chancellour of Ireland.

JOHN PLOUGH was born in this **Bale in his book termed Scriptor…s nostri temporis, p. 111.County, a pious and learned Minister of the Word; who for his conscience fled over into Basil in the Reign of Queen Mary.

It happened that a Book came over into the hands of the English Exiles, written against the Marriage of Ministers, by one Miles Hoggard, a silly Hosier in London, but highly opinioned of his learning. It was debated amongst the English, whether this Book should be passed over with neglect, or answered. And here the Reader is requested to pardon this digression, as proper enough for my profession. Solomon hath two **Prov. …6. 4. 5.Prov 6:4Prov 6:5Proverbs, the one immediately succeeding, yet seemingly crossing the other,

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like …nto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Some **Mr. Cartwright upon the place.will have the first precept given to Magistrates (who are not to make their Authoitry cheap, by ingaging against fools) and the later to belong to all Christians. O thers distinguish that an answer according to his folly may be twofold; by way of complying with it, which may not; and confuting of it which ought to be done. Most make a difference between the railing fool and the reasoning fool: the former to be ordered, as Hezekiah did **2 Kings 18. 36.2 Kgs 18:36Rabshakeh, Answer him not a word. But if he be a reasoning fool, who will offer to argue conceited of himself, take him off his speed, with a short and seasonable return.

Such a fool this Hoggard was adjudged, whom John Plough undertook to answer, and cut his combe so close, that the other appeared no more. He dyed in the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.

WILLIAM BRIGHTMAN was born in Nottingham (where some of his brethren were lately alive) bred Fellow of Queen Colledge in Cambridge, and aftewards beneficed at Haunes in Bedfordshire. No lover of Conformity, yet no hater of Conformists; being charitable to such, who in judgement dissented from him. His Memory is most remarkeable for his Comment on the Revelation, by some Protestants approved, praised, admired; by others sleighted, contemned, condemned.

Sure I am that Time and Mr. Brightman will expound the hardest places in the Revelation, but what credit is to be given to the later alone, I will not engage.

Such who dislike Mr. Brightmans writing, could not but commend his Angelical living, who had so much of Heaven in his heart. Walking thorough the vineyard of this world, he pluckt and eat a few grapes, but put up none in his Vessel, using wealth as if he us'd it not.

His Clay-cottage did crack and fall down in the same minute, so sudden was his death: But he who dyed daily, could on no day be said to dye suddenly, being alwayes prepared for his dissolution, which happened Anno Dom. 16—.

Memorable Persons.

ROBERT HOOD was (if not by birth) by his chiefest abode this Country-man. ††His words are taken out of Iohn Major. See his Brit. in North-riding in York-shire.Cambden calls him praedonem mitissimum, the gentlest thief that ever was: and know, Reader, he is entered into our Catalogue, not for his thievery but for his gentleness. Take the character of his (though not good) less bad behaviour from the pen of our ††Draytons Poly-Olbion, song 26. p. 123.Poet:

From wealthy Abbots chests, and Churles abundant store,

What oftentimes he took, he shar'd amongst the poor:

No lordly Bishop came in lusty Robins way,

To him before he went, but for his Pass must pay:

The widow in distress he graciously reliev'd,

And remedied the wrongs of many a Virgin griev'd.

But who made him a Judge? or gave him a Commission to take where it might best be spared, and give where it was most wanted? His principal residence was in Shirewood Forrest in this County, though he had another haunt (he is no Fox that hath but one hole) near the Sea in the North-riding in York-shire, where Robin Hoods Bay still retaineth his name: Not that he was any Pirat, but a Land-thief, who retreated to those unsuspected parts for his security.

One may wonder how he escaped the hand of Justice, dying in his bed, for ought is found to the contrary: But it was because he was rather a merry than a mischievous thief, (complementing passengers out of their purses) never murdering any but Deer, and this popular Robber feasted the Vicinage with his Venison. He played his pranks in the reign of King Richard the First, about the year of our Lord 1100.

THOMAS MAGNUS. He was an exposed child, left by his mother in the Parish of Newark. What the ††Ovid. Met.Poet saith of the father of Cadmus (commanding his son to find his lost sister Europa, or else never to return) that he was,

p. 321Facto piu… & sceleratus eodem.

Expressing in one act a mind,

Which was both cruel, and was kind.

may be applied to the mother of this and all such Foundlings. Now it happened that some York shire Clothiers coming in the dark, (very early or late) did light on this child, and resolved to pay both for his nursing and education, the charge whereof would not be great, equally divided betwixt them, according to the Proverb,

Multorum manibus grande levatur onus.

An heavy work is light to do,

When many hands are put thereto.

First then they took order he should be baptized in Newark by the name of Thomas, (probably the best person in their company) and because all of them had Interest alike in him, for his Sirname they assigned him Amang-us, which is amongst us in the Northern pronunciation.

They were very careful in his breeding. I confess, Aristotle urgeth it as an argument against the breeding of children in common, that the care of all will effectually be the care of none, and so the children be neglected. Not so here, where this Thomas, though he had a Common-wealth of Foster-fathers, was very well brought up in learning, and became an excellent scholar and States-man, being imployed in many forreign Embassies. Then took he on him the name of **Cambdens Remains, p. 146.Dr. Magnus, (and was famous thereby both at home and beyond the Seas) on which account he might claim kindred with Pompeius Magnus, Carolus Magnus, and Albertus Magnus, and whom not, who was Great for arts, arms, or otherwise? It soundeth much in his commendation, that he forgot not his gratitude to the Town of his Nativity, where he erected a fair school, with other Benefactions. He flourished (as I take it) under King Henry the Eight.

Lord Mayors.

I cannot on my best inquiry recover any Native of this County who ever attained to this place of Magistracy; but am informed, that now the feet of one do tread near unto the Thr…shold of that Dore of Honor, and doubt not but when he hath first entered and opened the way, there will be others soon found to follow him.

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

Tho. Cheworth, chiv.

Iohan. Zouche, chiv.

Will. Plumton, chiv.

Hug. Welughby, chiv.

Roberti Strelley, chiv.

Hen. Perponnt, chiv.

Rob. Ma…kam, chiv.

Gerv. Cl…ston, chiv.

Will. Meryng, chiv.

Hug. …, chiv.

Ioh. Cokfeld armig.

Radulphi Makerell

Thome Nevyll

Roberti Brewce

Thome Stanton

Rad. Leek

Richardi Sutton

Thome Stanhope

Iacobi Stanhope

Thome Curson

Willielmi Byrton

Henrici Perponnt

Hugonis Hercy

Iohannis Wastnes

Iohannis Gaitford

Gorgii Clay

Iohannis Husse

Iohannis Hiklinge

Ioh. Barbour de Leek

Thome Stannton de Sutton

Roberti Doyle

Rogeri Perponnt

Thome Hercy

Richardi Bevercotes

Reberti Moresby

Roberti Morewode

Iohannis Clifton

Roberti Dunham

Iohannis Serlby

Willielmi Wilbram

Thome Genel…y

Thome Sch…feld

Thome Anne

Iohannis Rolley

Iohannis atte Vikars

Willielmi Boson

Edm. Nornamuyle

Richardi Gatford

Iohannis Becard

Willielmi Remston

Richardi Strelly

Thome Meryng

Willielmi Lassels

Iohannis Powerr

Willielmi Powerr

Ioh. Le…k de Halom

Thome Okere

Philippi Barley

Thome Warberton

Iohannis Alferton

Willielmi Alferton, filius ejus

Richardi Ranchestere de Wirssope

Iohannis VVhite de Colyngam

Iohannis Glouseter de Carcoston

Richardi Walfeld de Newerk

Roberti Kelom de Newerk

Willielmi Skrynishire de Muskham

Roberti Garnon de Muskham

Ioh. Kelom de Kelom

Rob. Darley de Thorp

Thome Columboll de Thorp

Riginaldi Shawe de Estwayte

Gervasii Bampton de Beston

Iohannis Mathewe de Sterroppe

Willielmi Crecy de Markham

Petri Creci de Markham

Roberti Forsett de Grynley

Will. Lord de Retford

Roberti Wytham de Orston

Radulphi …tuffin de Mansfeld Wodhous

Iohannis Brannspath de Ragnell

Ioh. Brannspath filius ejus de Ragnell

Tho. Brannspath de Ragnell

Rad. Barre de Ragnell

Iohannis Crostes de Ragnell

Iohannis Melton de Mormanton

Willielmi Clerk de Gedlynge

Radulphi Wilbram de VVestmerkham

Galfridi Botelere de VVelhagh

Rob. Norton de Kirton

Iohannis Milnere de Allerton

Will. Haley de Sutton

Iohan. Morehagh de Mansfeld

Ioh. Arnall de Arnall

Iohan. Spondon de Newerk

Iohan. Dennett de Newerk

Hugonis Garnon de Muskham

Iohan. Crumwell de Charleton

Rob. Crumwell filius ejus, de eadem

Willielmi Daynell de Egmanton

Edm. Berkyn de Allerton

Henrici Payser de Clypston

Simonis Caldewell de Laxton

Roberti Bliton de Cannton

Rob. Waryn deWanton

Williel. Drapour de Welhagh

Iohannis Carleton de Blithe

Tho. Bagley de Blithe

Walteri Carleton de Carleton

VVill. Hogekyngson de Misterton

Ioh. Darnall de Misterton

Williel. Lyndrike de Stockwith

Willielmi Browet de Walkryngham

Richardi Caxton de Tuxford

Iohannis Parlethorpe de Laxton

Tho. Grengorge de Allerton.

Sheriffs.

This County had the same Sheriffs with Derby-shire untill the tenth year of Queen Elizabeth, wherein they were divided, and since which time these were the particular Sheriffs of this Shire.

Q. Elizadeth.

15. WILLIAM HOLLIS, Mil.]

This was that steddy and constant House-keeper, who for his hospitality and other eminent vertues, was commonly called The good Sir William: A most honourable title, seeing of Gods two grand Epithets, Optimus, Maximus, the former is imbraced by too few, the later affected by too many. This Sir William was son to Sir William Hollis, Lord Mayor of the City of London, father to John Hollis Lord Houghton of Houghton created Earl of Clare in the 22. of King Charles the First; and Grand-father to the Right Honourable John the present Earl of Clare.

K. James.

13. ROBERT PERPOINT, Armig.]

He was afterwards created Baron Perpoint and Viscount Newark, and afterwards in the fourth of King Charles the first, Earl of Kingston upon Hull. One descended of right ancient and noble extraction, whose Ancestors coming over with the Conqueror, first fixed at Hurst-…erpoint in Sussex, thence removed into this County. I find this remarkable passage recorded of Henry de Perpoint, who flourished in those parts in the beginning of King Edward the First.

Claus. 8 Edvardi 1. membrana tertia in dorso in Tur. Londin.

He appeareth a person of prime quality, that great prejudice might arise by the false use of his true Seal, if found by a dishonest person, so that so solemn a protest was conceived necessary for the prevention thereof.

Robert Perpoint, a Descendent from this Henry, was by King Edward the third summoned as a **Com…. Brit. in Nottingham-sh.Baron to Parliament, but died (as I am informed) before he sate therein, which hindered the honour of Peerage from descending to his posterity.

But this Robert Perpoint was Robert the younger, in distinction from his Name-sakeAncestor, who lived in great dignity under King Edward the Third, as by the following Record will appear.

p. 324Claus. 49 Hon. 3. in dorso memb. 6.

Rex Priori S. Johannis Jerusalem in Anglia salutem. Cum dilectus & fidelis noster Robertus de Petroponte, qui fidei nostrae & Edwardi primogent…i nostri hactenus constanter adhaesit, in conflictu habito apud Lewes captus esset ab inimicis nostris & detentus in prisona Hugonis le Despenser, donec per septingentas marcas finem fecisset▪ cum eodem pro …edemptione sua, unde Walerandus de Munceaus se praefato Hugoni pro praedicto Roberto obligavit per quandam chartam de feoffamento, & scripta obligatoria inter ipsos confecta, quae vobis liberata fuerant custodienda, ut dicitur: Nos ipsorum Roberti & Walerandi indempnitatt prospicere, & eidem Roberto gratiam facere volentes specialem: vobis mandamus, firmiter injungentes, quod cartas & scripta praedicta eidem Roberto & Walerando, vel eorum alteri, sine morae dispendio deliberari faciatis; & nos inde versus vos servabimus indempnes. In cujus, &c.

Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium 15. die Octobris.

The King to the Prior of St. John Jerusalem in England greeting. Whereas our beloved and faithful Robert Perpoint, who hitherto hath constantly adher'd to our trust, and of our first born Edward, was taken by our enemies in a skirmish at Lewes, and kept in the prison of Hugh le Dispenser, untill by seven hundred marks he had made an end with him for his ransoming, whereupon Walerand of Munceaus bound himself to the forenamed Hugh for the foresaid Robert by a certain charter of feoffment, and obligatory writings made betwixt them, which as is said were delivered to you to be kept: We, willing to provide for the safety of the said Robert and Walerand, and to do a special favour to the same Robert, do command you firmly injoyning, that ye cause the foresaid charters and writings without any delay to be delivered to the same Robert and Walerand, or to one of them; and we shall thenceforth save you harmless.

Witness the King at Westminster the 15. day of October.

Whoso seriously considereth how much the Mark, and how little the Silver of our Land was in that Age, will conclude seven hundred marks a ransom more proportionable for a Prince than private person. The best was, that was not paid in effect, which by command from the King was restored again.

The Farewell.

There is in this County a small Market Town called Blithe, which my **John Norden in his Description of Hart-ford-shire, voce Benington.Author will have so named à jucunditate, from the mirth and good fellowship of the Inhabitants therein. If so, I desire that both the name and the thing may be extended all over the Shire, as being confident that an Ounce of mirth, with the same degree of grace, will serve God more and more acceptably than a pound of sorrow.