The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 38
STAFFORD-SHIRE hath Cheshire on the North-West; Darby-shire on the East and North-East; Warwick, and Worcester-shires on the South; and Shrop-shire on the West. It lieth from North to South in form of a Lozenge, bearing fourty in the length from the points thereof, whilst the breadth in the middle exceeds not twenty six miles.
A most pleasant County: For, though there be a place therein still called Sinai-park (about a mile from Burton) at first so *Burtons Descript. of Leicest. pag. 119.named by the Abbot of Burton, because a vast, rough, hillie ground, like the Wilderness of Sinai in Arabia, yet this, as a small Mole, serves for a soil to set off the fair face of the County the better.
Yea, this County hath much beauty in the very solitude thereof, witness Beau-Desert, or the Fair Wildernesse, being the beautiful Barony of the Lord Paget.
And if their Deserts have so rare Devises;
Pray then, how pleasant are their Paradises.
Indeed most fruitful are the Parts of this Shire above the Banks of Dove, Butchers being necessitated presently to kill, the Cattle fatted thereupon, as certainly knowing that they will fall in their flesh, if removed to any other Pasture, because they cannot but change to their loss.
Natural Commodities.
The best Alabaster in England (know Reader, I have consulted with Curious Artists in this kind) is found about Castle-Hay in this County. It is but one degree beneath White Marble only more soft and brittle: However, if it lye dry fenced from weather, and may be let alone, long the during thereof. Witness the late Statue of John of Gaunt in Pauls, and many Monuments made thereof in Westminster remaining without breck or blemish to this day. I confess Italy affords finer Alabaster, (whereof those Imagilets wrought at Ligorn are made) which indeed Apes Ivory in the whiteness and smoothness thereof. But such Alabaster is found in small Bunches and little proportions, it riseth not (to use the Language of Work-men) in great Blocks, as our English doth. What use there is of Alabaster Calcined in Physick, belongs not to me to dispute. Only I will observe, that it is very Cool, the main reason why *Matt. 26. 7. Mar. 13. 14. Luke 7. 37.Mary put her ointment so precious into an Alabaster Box, because it preserved the same from being dried up, to which such Liquors in hot Countries were very subject.
Manufactures.
Nailes.
These are the Accommodators general to unite Solid Bodies, and to make them to be continuous: Yea coin of gold and silver may be better spared in a Common-wealth than Nailes. For, Commerce may be managed without mony by exchance of Commodities, whereas hard bodies cannot be joyned together so fast, and fast so soon and soundly without the mediation of Nailes.
Such their service for Firmness and expedition, that Iron Nailes will fasten more in an hour than Wooden Pins in a day, because the latter must have their way made, whilst the former make way for themselves.
Indeed there is a fair House on London Bridge commonly called None-such, which is reported to be made without either Nailes or Pins with crooked Tennons fastened with wedges and other (as I may term them) circumferential devices. This, though it was no labour in vain▪ because at last attaining the intended end, yet was it no better than a vain labour according to the Rule in Logick frustra fit per plura quod fieri potest per pauciora. But seeing the owner of that House had his harmless humour therein, and paid dear, no doubt, to his Workmen for the same; There is no cause that I or any other should find fault therewith.
The Buildings.
I have presented the Portraicture of the Church of Lichfield in my Church-History, with the due praise of the neatness thereof. But now, alas! the Body thereof is become a very carcase ruined in our late Civil Wars. The like Fate is likely to fall on the rest of our Cathedrals, if care be not taken for their reparations.
I have read of Duke d'Alva, that he promised Life to some Prisoners, but when they petitioned Him for food, he returned he would grant them life but no meat, by which Criticism of courteous cruelty the poor people were starved. If our *This Note written in Bad Times seven years since, I thought not sit to put out.Cathedrals have only a Bare Being, and be not supplied with seasonable repairs, (the daily …ood of a Fabrick) soon will they be famished to nothing.
As for the Close at Lichfield, I have been credibly informed, that the Plague (which long had raged therein) at the first shooting of Canon at the Siege thereof did abate, imputed by Naturalists to the violent purging of the Air by the Bullets, but by Divines to Gods goodness, who graciously would not have two Miseries of War and Plague afflict one small Place at the same Time. Pass we now to Civil Buildings in this Shire.
TUTBURY CASTLE is a stately place, and I dare take it on the credit of an excellent *Samps. Erderswick in his Manuscript Survey of this Shire.Witness, that it hath a brave and large Prospect (to it, in it, and from it) Northward it looks on pleasant Pastures; Eastward on sweet Rivers and rich Meadowes; Southward on a goodly▪ Forest, and many Parks (lately no fewer than twelve) belonging thereto or holden thereof. It was formerly the Seat of the Lord Ferrars Earl of Derby, and how it was forfeited to the Crown is worth our observing.
Robert de *Idem Ibid.Ferrars Earl of Derby siding with Simon Mumford against King Henry the Third, was fined at fifty thousand pounds to be paid, Pridie Johan. Baptist. next following. I know not whether more to admire at the suddeness of payment, or vastness of the Sum: seeing an hundred thousand pounds was the Randsom set by the Emperour on our King Richard the First, and it shaked all the Co…ers of England in that Age, (without the help of Church-plate to make it up.) Well, these Lords following were the security bound for the Earls true payment at the time appointed.
1 Henry son to Rich. King of the Romans
2 Will. Valence Earl of Pembroke.
3 John de Warren Earl of Surrey▪
4 Will. Beauchampe Earl of Warwick.
5 Sir Roger de Summary.
6 Sir Thomas de Clare.
7 Sir Robert Wa…ond.
8 Sir Roger Clifford.
9 Sir Hamond le Strange.
10 Sir Bartholomew de Sudeley.
11 Sir Robert Bruse, all being then Barons of the Land.
But Earl Robert unable to advance the money at the time appointed, and unwilling to leave the Lords, his Bail, under the Kings lash, surrendred his Lands (and Tutbury Castle amongst the rest) to the clear yearly value of three thousand pounds into the Kings hands; redeemable, when he or his Heirs should pay down on one day fifty thousand pounds, which was never performed.
The English Clergie much pittied John the son of this Earl Robert, who presented a petition to the Pope, informing his Holiness, that the English Clergie were willing to give him money by way of Contribution to redeem his Estate, but durst not, because commanded to the contrary under the pain of the Popes curse. And therefore he craved his Apostolical Indulgence therein.
Something I find was restored unto him, but Tutbury was too sweet a morsel to return, being annexed to the Dutchy of Lancaster. John of Gaunt built a fair Castle there, walled on three sides by Art, and the fourth by its natural steepness.
DUDLEY CASTLE must not be forgotten, highly and pleasantly seated, and in the reign of King Edward the Sixth well built, and adorned by John Dudley Duke of Northumberland, whereon a story worth the reporting doth depend.
The afore-said Duke *Mr. Dugdale in his Illustration of Warwick-shire in the Catalogue of the Earls of Warwick.deriving himself (who truly not yet decided) from a younger Branch of the Lord Dudley thirsted after this Castle in regard of the name and the honourableness of the House, some having avouched that the Barony is annexed to the lawful possession thereof, whether by purchase or descent. Now finding John Sutton the Lord Dudley (Grand-father to the last Baron) a weak man exposed to some wants and intangled with many debts, he by the help of those Money-Merchants wrought him out of his Castle. So that the Poor Lord turned out of doores and left to the charity of his Friends for subsistance was commonly called the Lord Quondam. But after the execution of that Duke Queen Mary sympathizing with Edward the son of this poor Lord (which Edward had married Katharine Bruges her maid of Honour and sister to the Lord Shandois) restored him to the Lands and Honour which justly belonged to his Father.
Proverbs.
In April*C…s Brit. in this County. Doves flood,
Is worth a Kings good.
DOVE a River parting this and Derby-shire, when it overfloweth its Banks in April is the Nilus of Staffordshire much Battling the Meadowes thereof.
But this River of Dove as overflowing in April feeds the Meadowes with fruitfulness, so in May and June choakes the sand grain'd with Grit and Gravel to the great detriment of the owners thereof.
Wotton†… …. under Wea…er,
Where God came never.
It is time that this old prophane Proverb should die in mens mouths for ever. I confess in common discourse God is said to come to what he doth approve, to send to what he only permits, and neither to go nor send to what he doth dislike and forbid. But this distinction, if granted, will help nothing to the defending of this prophane Proverb, which it seems took it's wicked original from the situation of Wotton, so covered with Hills from the light of the Sun a dismal place, as report representeth it. But were there a place indeed, where God came never, how many years purchase would guilty consciences give for a small abode therein, thereby to escape Divine Justice for their offences.
Saints.
Authors do as generally agree about a grand Massacre committed by the Pagans under Dioclesian on the Brittish Christians in the place where Litchfield now standeth, I say, they as generally agree in the fact, as they disagree in the number: some making them Two hundred, others five, others seven. And one Author (certainly he was no Millenary in his Judgement) mounts them to just 999. Indeed many were martyred in those dayes both in Brittain, and elsewhere, whose names and numbers are utterly unknown, so true is the expression of*In his 27th Homil. in Evan. Gregory the Great; Ipse sancti Martyres Deo numerabiles, nobis arenam multiplicati sunt, quia quot sint, a nobis comprehendi non possunt, novit enim eos tantum ille, qui (ut habet Tsalmus 126.) numerat multitudinem Stellarum, & omnibus eis nomina vocat.
St. BERTELIN was a Britton of a Noble Birth and lead an Eremitical Life in the*C…wden …nd Sp…ed their descriptions of this C…unty. Woods near Stafford, anciently called Bethiney, (contracted it seems for Bertiliney) something of solitariness still remaining in his Memory as being so alone, it hath no memorable particulars of his accounts to accompany it.
WOLFADUS.
RUFFINUS
It was pitty to part them seeing they were loving in their lives, and in their death they were not divided. They were sons to Wol…erus, the Pagan King of Mercia and a Tyrant to boot, who hating Christianity and finding these times to profess privately to practice it, was so enraged that nothing but their bloud would quench his anger. Wolfadus was taken and martyred at Stone in this County: Whilst his younger (if not twin brother) Ruffinus came little more behind him at his death, then he started before him at his birth, seeking to hid himself in a woody place (where since the Chappel of*S. Er. Ms: Burnweston hath been built) was there by his Herod-father found out and murthered. They were by succeding ages rewarded with reputation of Saint…ip. This Massacre happened Anno Domini....
Cardinals.
REGINALD POLE was born at*Camd…s Brit. in E…glish in Staffordshire. Stoverton Castle in this County Anno 1500. He was second son unto Sr. Richard Pole, Knight of the Garter, and Frater *… q…it. B…van in …ita Pol…. pag. 344.consobrinus (a relation which I cannot make out in reference to him) to Henry the Seventh. His mother Margaret Countess of Salisbury, was Neice to King Edward the Fourth, and daughter to Geo…ge Duke of Clarence.
This Reginald was bred in Corpus-Christi-Colledge in Oxford, preferred afterward Dean of Exeter▪ King Henry the Eighth highly favoured and sent him beyond the Seas, allowing him a large Pension, to live in an equipage suitable to his birth and alliance. He studied at Padua, conversing there so much with the Patricians of Venice, that at last he degenerated into a perfect Italian; so that neither love to his Country, nor gratitude to the King, nor sharp Letters of his Friends, nor fear to lose his present, nor hopes to get future preferments, could perswade him to return into England, but that his pensions were withdrawn from him.
This made him apply his studies the more privately in a Venetian-Monastery, where he attained great credit for his Eloquence, Learning, and good Life. Such esteem forreign Grandees had of his great Judgment, that Cardinal Sadolet having written a large Book in the praise of Philosophy, submitted it wholy to his Censure. Pole as highly commended the Work, as he much admired, that a Cardinal of the Church of Rome, would conclude his old age with writing on such a subject*Idem pag. 345. applying unto him the Verses of Virgil,
Est in conspectu Tenedos notissima fama
Insula dives opum, Priami dum regna manebant,
Nunc tantum sinus & statio male fidacarinis.
From Troy may th'Ile of Tenedos bespide
Much fam'd when Priams kingdom was in pride,
Now but a Bay where ships in danger ride.
These far fetch'd lines He thus brought home to the Cardinal, that though Philosophy had been in high esteem, whilst Paganisme was in the prime thereof, yet was it but a bad Harbour for an aged Christian, to cast his Anchor therein.
It was not long before he was made Deacon-Cardinal, by the Title of St. Mary in Cosmedin, by Pope Paul the Third, who sent him on many fruitless and dangerous Embassies to the Emperour and the French King, to incite them to War, against King Henry the Eighth. Afterwards he retired himself to Viterbo in Italy, where his House was observed the Sanctuary of Lutherans, and he himself became a racking, but no thorough-paced Protestant. In so much, that being appointed one of three Presidents of the Council of Trent, he endeavoured (but in vain) to have Justification determined by Faith alone.
During his living at Viterbo, he carried not himself so cautiously, but that he was taxed for begetting a base Child, which Pasquil *Idem pag. 348.published in Latine and Italian Verses, affixed in the season of liberty on his lawless pillar.
This Pasquil is an Authour, eminent on many accounts. First, for his self-concealement, being Noscens omnia, & notus nemini. Secondly, for his intelligence, who can display the deeds of midnight at high noon, as if he hid himself in the holes of their bedstaves, knowing who were Cardinals Children, better than they knew their Fathers. Thirdly, for his unpartial boldness. He was made all of tongue and teeth, biting what e're he touch'd, and it bled what e're he bit; Yea, as if a General Council and Pasquil were only above the Pope, he would not stick to tell where he trod his holy Sandals awry. Fourthly, for his longevity, having lived (or rather lasted) in Rome some hundreds of years, whereby he appears no particular person, but a successive corporation of Satyrists. Lastly, for his impunity, escaping the Inquifition whereof some assign this reason, because hereby the Court of Rome comes to know her faults, or rather to know that their faults are known; which makes Pasquils converts (if not more honest) more wary in their behaviour.
This defamation made not such an impression on Poles credit, but that after the death of Paul the Third, he was at midnight in the Conclave chosen to succeed him. Pole refused it, because he would not have his choice a deed of darkness, appearing therein not perfectly Italianated in not taking preferment, when tendred, and the Cardinals beheld his refusal as a deed of dulness. Next day expecting a re-election, he found new morning new minds, and Pole being reprobated, Julius the Third, his professed enemy, was chosen in his place.
Yet afterwards he became Alterius Orbis Papa, when made Arch-bishop of Canterbury by Queen Mary. He was a person free from passion, whom none could anger out of his ordinary temper. His youthful Books were full of the Flowers of Rhetorick, whilst the withered stalkes are only found in the Writings of his old Age, so dry their style, and dull their conceit. He died few hours after Queen Mary, November the 17, Anno 1558.
Prelates.
EDMUND STAFFORD was *Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Exeter.Brother to Ralph, first Earl of Stafford, and consequentially must be son to Edmund Baron Stafford. His Nativity is rationally with most probability placed in this County, wherein his father, (though Landed every where) had his Prime Seat, and largest revenues.
He was by King Richard the Second preferred Bishop of Exeter, and under King Henry the Fourth, for a time, was Chancellour of England. I meet with an *Mr. Philpot in his Caralogue of Lord Chancellors, pag. 53.Authour who doth make him Bishop first of Rochester, then of Ex…ter, and lastly of York. But of the first and last altum silentium in Bishop Godwin, whom I rather believe. He was a Benefactor to Stapeltons-Inn in Oxford, on a three-fold account, viz.
| Of | 1 Credit, first calling it Exeter Colledge, whereby he put an obligation on the Bishop of that See, favourably to reflect thereon. |
| 2 Profit, adding two Fellowships unto it, and setling Lands to maintain them. | |
| 3 Safety, which consisteth in good Statutes, which here he wisely altered and amended. |
He sat in his See 24 years, and dying 1419 was buried under an Alabaster Tomb in his own Cathedral.
WILLIAM DUDLEY son of John Dudley, the *Godwi… in the Bishops of Durham.Eighth Baron Dudley, of Dudley-Castle in this County, was by his Parents designed for a Scholar, and bred in University Colledge in Oxford, whence he was preferred to be Dean of Windsor and afterwards was for six years Bishop of Durham. He died Anno 1483 at London, and lies buried in Westminster on the South side of St. Nicholas Chappel.
EDMUND AUDLEY Son to the Lord Audley of Heyley in this County, whose sirname was Touchet. I am informed by my worthy Friend that skilful Antiquary M•. Tho. Barlow of Oxford, that this Edmund in one and the same Instrument writeth himself both Audley and Touchet. He was bred in the University of Oxford, and in processe of time he built the Quire of Saint Maries therein a new on his own charge, adorning it Organ… …, which I think imports no more than a Musical Organ.
He was preferred Bishop first of Rochester, then of Hereford, and at last of*Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Sarum. Salisbury. He died at Ramsbury, August 23, 1624, and is buried in his own Cathedral on the South side of the Altar in a Chappel of excellent Artifice of his own erection. Not meeting with any Bishops born in this County since the Reformation, let us proceed.
Lawyers.
Sr. THOMAS LITTLETON, Knight. Reader, I have seriously and often perused his life, as written by Sr. Edward Coke, yet not being satisfied of the certainty of his Nativity, am resolved to divide his Character betwixt this County and Worcester-shire. He was son to Thomas Westcote, Esq. and Elizabeth Littleton his wife, whose mother being daughter and heir of †Lord Coke, in his Preface to Littletons Tenures.Thomas Littleton, Esq. and bringing to her husband a great Inheritance, indented with him before marriage, that her Virgin-sirname should be assumed and continued in his posterity.
He was bred Student of the Laws in the inward Temple, and became afterwards Serjant, and Steward of the Court of the Marshal-sea of the Kings Houshold, to Henry the Sixth. By King Edward the Fourth in the sixth of his Reign, he was made one of the Judges of the Common Pleas; and in the fifteenth of his Reign by Him created Knight of the Bath
He is said by our Learned *Camd. Brit. in Staffordshire.Antiquary to have deserved as well of our Common, as Justinian of the Civil-Law; whose Book of Tenures (dedicated by him to Richard his second son, who also studied the Laws) is counted oraculous in that kind, which since hath been commented on by the Learned endeavours of Sr. Edward Coke.
He married Johan one of the daughters and co-heirs of William Boerley, of Bromsecraft Castle in Salop, by whom he had three sons, Founders of three fair Families still flourishing.
| 1 William. | 2 Richard. | 3 Thomas. |
| Fixed at Frankley, in this County, where his Posterity is eminently extant. | Whose Issue by Alice daughter & heir of Will. Winsbury, remain at Pillerton-Hall, in Shropshire. | Who by Anne daughter and heir of John Botreaux hath his lineage still continuing in Worcesier-shire. |
This Reverend Judge died the 23 of August, in the one and twentieth of King Edward the Fourth, and lieth buried under a very fair Monument in the Cathedral of Worcester.
EDMUND DUDLEY Esq. was son to John Dudley Esq. second son to John Sutton, first Baron of Dudley as a Learned Antiquary hath beheld his Pedegree derived. But his descent is controverted by many, condemned by some, who have raised a report that John father to this Edmund was but a *S. E. Ms.Carpenter born in Dudley Town, (and therefore called John Dudley) who travailing Southward to find work for his Trade lived at Lewis in Sussex, where they will have this Edmund born, and for the pregnancy of his parts brought up by the Abbot of Lewis in Learning. But probably some who afterwards were pinched in their purses by this Edmund did in revenge give him this Bite in his reputation, inventing this Tale to his disparagement. I must believe him of Noble Extraction, because qualified to marry the daughter and heir of the Viscount Lisle, and that before this Edmund grew so great with King Henry the Seventh, as by the age of John his son (afterwards Duke of Northumberland) may probably be collected.
He was bred in the study of the Laws, wherein he profited so well, that he was made one of the Puis-née Judges, and wrote an excellent Book compounded of Law and Policy (which hitherto I have not seen) intituled the *J. Bale, & J. Stow.Tree of the Common-wealth.
But what saith Columella? Agricolam arbor ad fructum perducta delectat. A Husbandman is delighted with the Tree of his own planting when brought to bear fruit. Judge Dudley knew well how to turn a Land into the greatest profit of his Prince, which made him implyed by King Henry the Seventh to put his penal Statutes in execution, which he did, with severity, cruelty, and extortion, so that with Sr. Richard Empson Viis & modis (vitiis & modis rather) they advanced a mighty Mass of Money to the King, and no mean one to themselves.
King Henry the Eighth coming to his Crown, could not pass in his progress for complaints of people in all places, against these two wicked Instruments, who with the two †Prov. 30. 14daughters of the horse leach were alwayes crying, give, give, and therefore he resolved to discharge their protection and to resign them to Justice, so that they were made a peaceoffering to popular anger 1510, and were executed at Tower-hill.
Sir, THOMAS BROMLEY, Knight. Reader, I request thee that this short note may keep possession for his Name and memory, until he may be fixed elsewhere with more assurance. He was in the first of Queen Mary, Octob. 8. made Lord Chief Justice of the *Spelman's Glossary verbo Justiciarius.Kings Bench, holding his place hardly a year; but, whether quitting his Office or dying therein is to me unknown.
Souldiers.
JOHN BROMLEY, Esq. branched from the Bromleys in Shrop-shire, but born and *Holinsh…d pag. …51.living in this County at Bromley, followed the fortunate Arms of King Henry the Fifth in France. It happened, that in a Battle near Corby the French (according to their fashion▪ furious at first) fell so fiercely on the English, that they got away the Kings Standard of GUIEN to the great dismay of our Army. But Bromley's heart had no room for fear or grief, anger had so wholely possessed it: Insomuch, that valiantly he recovered the Captive Standard, and by his exemplary Prowess largely contributed to that dayes Victory. Hereupon Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier conferred on him a yearly pension of *Idem Ibid.fourty pounds during his life. Afterwards in the sixth of King Henry the Fifth Anno 1418 he was not only Knighted by the King for his venturous Activity, but also made Captain of Dampfront, and Great Constable of Bossevile le Ross in France: Yea, and rewarded by the King with fourty pounds in Land a year to him and his heirs the Patent whereof is extant in the Tower, and exemplified in my *Holinshed pag. 563.Author. He appears to me no more than a plain Knight, or a Knight Batchelour: But were it in the power of my Pen to create a Banneret, he should, for the Reason premised, have that Honour affixed to his Memory, who, as we conjecture, died about the middle of the reign of King Henry the Sixth.
JOHN DUDLEY Duke of Northumberland (where born uncertain) was son to Edward Dudley, Esq. (of whom*In the Lawyers of this Coun…y. hereafter) and would willingly be reputed of this County, a Descendent from the Lord Dudley therein, whose memory we will gratifie so far as to believe it.
He lived long under King Henry the Eighth who much favoured him, and the Servant much resembled his Master, in the equal contemperament of Vertue and Vices, so evenly matched, that it is hard to say, which got the Mastery in either of them. This John was proper in person, comely in carriage, wise in advising, valiant in adventuring, and generally (till his last project) prosperous in success. But he was also notoriously wanton, intollerably ambitious, a constant dissembler, prodigeously profuse, so that he had sunk his Estate, had it not met with a seasonable support of Abbey Land, he being one of those who well warmed himself with the chipps, which fell from the felling of Monasteri…s.
King Henry the 8th. first Knighted, then created him Vicount Lisle, Earle of Warwick, and Duke of Nor…humberland. And under Queen Mary he made himself almost King of England, though not in Title, in power, by contriving the settling of the Crown on Queen Jane his daugh…er in Law, till successe failed him therein. And no wonder if that design missed the mark, which besides many rubbs it met with at hand, was thrown against the general bias of English affection. For this his treasonable practises he was executed in the First of Queen Mary, much bemoaned by some Martial men, whom he had formerly indeared in his good service in the French and Scotish Wars. He left two sons who survived to great Honour. Ambrose Earl of Warwick heir to all that was good, and Robert Earl of Leicester heir to all that was great in their Father.
The BAGNOLS. Something must be premised of their Name and extraction. The Bagenhalts (commonly called Bagnols) were formerly a Family of such remark in this County, that before the reign of King Henry the Eighth, there scarce passed an Ancient piece of evidence which is not attested by*S.E.Ms. one of that Name. But (see the uncertainty of all humane things) it afterwards sunck down (to use my Authours language) into a*Idem in his description of the Town of Bagenhale. Plebean Condition. But the sparks of their gentle Bloud (though covered for a time under a mean estate) have since blazed again with their own worth and valour when Ralph and Nicholas sons to John Bagnol of Newcastle in this County were both Knighted for their good service, the one in Mustle-Borough fight, the otherin Ireland. Yea, as if their courage had been hereditary. Their sons Samuel and Henry were for their Martial merit advanced to the same degree.
Sea-men.
WILLIAM MINORS. Reader, I remember how, in the Case of the Ship-money, the Judges delivered it for Law, that, England being an Island, the very Middle-land-Shires therein are all to be accounted as Maritime. Sure I am the Genius even of Land-lock-Counties acteth the Natives with a Maritime dexterity; The English generally may be resembled to Ducklings, which, though hatched under a Hen, yet naturally delight to dabble in the Water. I mean, though born and bred in In-Land places, (where neither their Infancy nor Childhood ever beheld Ship or Boat) yet have they a great Inclinatio… and Aptnesse to Sea-service; And the present subject of our Pen is a pregnant proof thereof.
This William, son to Richard Minors, Gent. of Hallenbury-Hall, was born at Uttoxater in this County, who afterwads coming to London, became so prosperous a Mariner, that he hath safely returned eleven times from the East-Iudies: whereas in the dayes of our GrandFathers, such as came thence twice, were beheld as Rarities; thrice, as Wonders; four times, as Miracles.
Much herein (under Divine Providence) is to be attributed to the Make of our English Ships, now built more advantageous for sailing, than in former Ages. Besides, the oftner they go, the nearer they shape their Course, use being the mother of Perfectnesse.
Yet whilst others wonder at his happiness in returning so often, I as much commend his moderation in going no oftner to the East-Indies. More men know, how to get enough than, when they have gotten enough, which causeth their Coveteousness to increase with their wealth. Mr. Minors, having advanced a competent Estate, quitted the water to live on the land, and now peaceably enjoyeth, what he painfully hath gotten, and is living in, or near, Hartford at this present year 1660.
Writers.
JOHN STAFFORD, born in the Shire-Town of this County, was bred a Franciscan. No contemptible Philosopher and Divine, but considerable Historian, who wrote a Latin History of Englands affaires. Authors are at an absolute loss, when he lived and are fain by degrees to screw themselves into a general notice thereof.
He must be since the year 1226, when the Franciscans first fixed themselves in our Land.
He must be before John Ross, who flourished Anno 1480, under Edward the Fourth, and maketh honourable mention of him.
Therefore with proportion and probability he is collected to have written about 1380.
WILLIAM de*Pits. de Ang. script. in appendice, pag. 854. LICHFIELD, so termed from the place of his Nativity, applied himself to a study of Divinity, whereof he became Doctor, and afterwards Rector of All-hallowes the Great in Thames-street, London. He was generally beloved for his great Learning, and godly li…e. He wrote many Books both Moral and Divine, in Prose and Verse, one intituled The complaint of God unto sinful Men. There were found in his Study after his death*Stows Survey of London pag. 251. Three thousand four score and three Sermons of his own writing. He died Anno Dom. 1447. being buried under a defaced Monument in the Quire of his own Church.
ROBERT WHITTINGTON born at*Bale cent. 9▪ numb. 43. & Pits. aetat. 16. numb. 940. Lichfield, was no mean Grammarian: Indeed, he might have been greater, if he would have been less, Pride prompting him to cope with his Conquerors, whom he mistook for his Match. The first of these was Will. Lillie, though there was as great difference betwixt these two Grammarians, as betwixta Verb defective, and one perfect in all the Requisites thereof. The two other were William Horman, and Alderedge, both eminent in the Latin Tongue: But some will carp at the best, who cannot mend the worst line in a Picture, the humour of our Whittington, who flourished 1530.
Since the Reformation.
HENRY STAFFORD, Baron of Stafford in this County, was son unto Edward Duke of Buckingham attainted and beheaded under King Henry the Eighth. This our Henry, though loosing his Top and Top-Gallant (his Earledom and Dukedome) in the tempest of the Kings displeasure, yet still he kept his Keel, his Barony of Stafford. The less he possessed of his Fathers Lands, the more he enjoyed of himself. It was not sullenesse or revenge, but free choice, which made him betake himself to his studies, wherein he became eminent.
I place him confidently not a trans, but Cis-reformation-man for translating the Book of Dr. Fox Bishop of Hereford (a favourer of Luther) into English, Of the Difference of the power Ecclesiastical and Secular.
A Subject profitable in all; seasonable (not to say necessary) in our Times: For as the Water and Earth making but one Globe take their mutual advantages to enlarge themselves, so these two powers united under one King in our land, wait their opportunities to advance their respective Jurisdictions, the right stating whereof would conduce much to the publick Peace. This Lord*Pits. anno 1558. died (I dare not say the more the pitty) some moneths before the beginning of Queen Elizabeth, Anno 1558.
SAMPSON ERDERSWIK, Esq. was born at Sandon near Stafford in this County, of a Right Worshipful and ancient Extraction. He was a Gentleman accomplished with all Noble qualities, affability, devotion, and Learning. 'T is hard to say whether his Judgement or Industry was more in matters of Antiquity.
Bearing a tender respect to his native Country and desiring the honour thereof: he began a description (…ntituled A view of Stafford-shire,) Anno Domini 1593, conteining the same till the day of his death. A short, clear, true, impartial work, taken out of ancient evidences and Records, the Copies whereof in Manuscripts are deservedly valued for great Rarities. This is he, who, when I often groped in the dark, yea feared to fall in matters concerning this County, took me by the hand (Oh! for the like Conductors in other Counties) and hath led me safe by his direction. He was much delighted with decency of Gods House, which made him on his own cost to repaire & new Glaze the Church of Sandon, wherein (to prevent neglect of Executors) he erected for himself a goodly Monument of Free-stone with his proportion cut out to the life, and now lieth therein interred. He died April the 11, 1603, and let his Elogie of Mr. *Britt. in this Coun…y.Camden serve for his Epitaph; Venerandae Antiquitatis fuit Cultor Maximus.
THOMAS ALLEN was born in this County, deriving his original from Allanus de *Samps. Erdeswick Manuscrip.Buckenhole, Lord of Buckenhole, in the reign of King Edward the 2d. He was bred in Glocester-Hall in Oxford a most excellent Mathematician, where he succeeded to the skill and scandal of Frier Bacon, (taken at both, but given I beleeve by neither) accounted a Conjurer. Indeed vulgar eyes, ignorant in Opticks, conceit that raised which is but reflected, fancy every shadow a spirit, every spirit a Divel. And when once the repute of a Conjurer is raised in vulgar esteem, it is not in the power of the greatest Innocence and Learning to allay it. He was much in favour with Robert Earl of Leicester, and his admirable writings of Mathematicks are l…tent with some private possessors, which envy the publick profit thereof. He died a very aged man towards the end of the reign of King James.
HENRY and ROBERT BURTON Brethren, and eminent Authors in their several kinds, were, as some say, born at Fald in this County. But Leicester-shire pretending some probability to their Nativities, hath by the Alphabetical advantage prevented this Shire, and carried away their *See in Leicester-shire Writers since the Reformation.Characters therein.
Besides these deceased WRITERS, Reader, I have Three in my eye, who are (and long may they be) alive, as different, as eminent in their liberal inclinations. Edward Leigh, of Rushwel-Hall Esq. whose Critica Sacra with many other worthy works will make his Judicious Industry known to posterity. Elias Ashmole, Esq. born in Litchfield, critically skilled in Ancient Coins, Chymistry, Heraldry, Mathematicks, what not? John Lightfood, D. D. who for his exact insight in Hebrew, and Rabbinical Learning hath deserved well of the Church of England. But forgive me, Reader, I have forgot myself and trespassed on my Fundamental Rules.
Romish Exile Writers.
WILLIAM GIFFORD. Though this Ancient and Worshipful Name be diffused in several Counties; I have satisfied my self in fixing him here, as an Extract of the Family of Chillington. He was a man of much Motion, and my Pen is resolved to follow him, as able to Travel with more Speed, less Pain, and Cost,
1 From his Fathers house he went to, and lived four years in Oxford.
2 Thence (with his School-master) he went over to Lovain, where he got *Pits. de Illust. Angl. scrip. pag 809.Lauream Doctoralem in Artibus, was made Master of Arts.
3 Then, studying Divinity there under Bellarmin, was made Batchelour in that Profession.
4 Frighted hence with War went to Paris.
5 Removed to Rheams, where he eleven years professed Divinity.
6 Doctorated at Pont-Muss in Lorain.
7 Highly prized by Henry Duke of Guise and Cardinal Lewis his brother, who gave him a Pension of two hundred Crowns a year.
8 After their death he went to Rome, where he became Dean of St. Peters in the Isle for ten years.
9 Returning to Rheams he was made Rector of the Vniversity therein.
10 At fifty years of Age bidding farewel to the World, he became a Benedictine at Delaware in Lorain.
Thus far Pitseus: (acquainting us, that he was alive 1611) on whose Stock give me leave to graft, what followeth; This Dr. Gifford was afterwards advanced Arch-bishop of Rheams by the favour of the Duke of Guise, who is shrewdly suspected to have quartered to heavily on the profit of that place.
However our Gifford gained so much, as therewith to found not only a Covent for English Monks at St. Mallowes in France, but also at Paris for those of the same profession. Remarkable Charity, that an Exile (who properly had no home of his own) should erect Houses for others.
Benefactors to the Publick.
This County, I confess, is exceeded by her Neigbours in this particular; and I meet with few either ancient or eminent Benefactions therein. Yet besides a …air School at Wolver-Hampton built by Sr. Stephen Jennings Lord Major of London, and another erected by Mr. Thomas Allen at …tceter, I am credibly informed, that
MARTEN NOEL, Esq. born in the Coun…y-Town of Stafford, bred S…rivener in London, hath fairly built and largely endowed an Hospital in Stafford aforesaid▪
The Crown Mu…al amongst the Roman… wa… no… given to every Souldier, who scaled the Walls, but onelyonly to him, who footed them first: on which account a Garland of Glory is due to this Gentleman, whose Foundation (as I am certified) is the first [considerable] Fabrick of that kind in this County. I… is to be hoped, that as the zeal of *2 Cor. 9. 2.Achaia provoked many, …o this good Leader will invite ma…y Followers to succeed him, living in London this present 1660.
Memorable persons.
THOMAS TARLTON. My intelligence of the certainty of his birth-place, coming too late, (confessed by the *REM.marginal mark) I fix him here, who indeed was born at Condover in the neighbouring County of Shrap-shire, where still some of his Name and Relations remain. Here he was in the field keeping his Fathers Swine, when a Servant of Robert Earl of Leicester (passing this way to his Lords Lands in his Barony of Denbighe) was so highly pleased with his happy unhappy answers, that he brought him to Court, where he became the most famous Jester to Queen Elizabeth.
Many condemn his (vocation I cannot term it, for it is a coming without a calling) Imployment as unwarrantable. Such maintain, that it is better to be a Fool of Gods making, born so into the World, or a Fool of Mans making jeered into it by general Dirision, than a Fool of one's own making, by his voluntary affecting thereof. Such say also, he had better continued in his Trade of Swine-keeping, which (though more painful, and less profitable) his conscience changed to loss, for a Jesters place in the Court, who, of all men have the hardest account to make for every idle word that they abundantly utter.
Others alledge in excuse of their Practises; That Princes in all Ages were allowed their foreign whose Virtue consisted in speaking any thing without control: That Jesters often heal what Flatterers hurt, so that Princes, by them arive at the notice of their Errors, seeing Jesters carry about with them an Act of Indemnity for whatsoever they say or do: That Princes over-burdered with States-business must have their Diversions, and that those words, are not censurable for absolutely idle, which lead to lawful delight.
Our Tarlton was Master of his Faculty. When Queen Elizabeth was serious (I dare not say sullen) and out of good humour, he could un-dumpish her at his pleasure. Her highest Favorites, would in some Cases, go to Tarleton, before they would go to the Queen, and he was their Vsher to prepare their advantagious access unto Her. In a word He told the Queen more of her faults, than most of her Chaplains, and cured her Melancholy better than all of her Physicians.
Much of his merriment lay in his very looks and actions, according to the Epitaph written upon him
Hic …itus est cujus poterat vox, actio, vultus,
Ex Heraclito reddere Democritum.
Indeed the self same words, spoken by another, would hardly move a merry man to smile, which uttered by him, would force a sad soul to laughter.
This is to be reported to his praise, that his Jests never were prophane, scurrilous, nor Satyrical, neither trespassing on Piety, Modesty, or Charity, as in which plurimum inerat salis, mu…tum aceti, aliquid sinapis, nihil veneni. His death may proportionably be assigned, about the end of Queen Elizabeth.
JAMES SANDS, of *Doctor Hacwill in his A pology, pag. 283.Horborn, (nigh Bremingham but) in this County, is most remarkable for his Vivacity, for he lived 140 and his wife 120 years. He out lived five Leases of twenty one years a piece, which were made unto him after his Marriage. Thus is not the age of Man so Vniversally contracted, but that Divine Providence sometimes draweth it out to an extraordinary length, as for other reasons so to render the longevity of the primitive Patriarchs more credible. He died about the year 1625.
WALTER PARSONS born in this County was first Apprentice to a Smith, when he grew so tall in stature, that a hole was made for him in the Ground to stand therein up to the knees, so to make him adequate with his Fellow work-men. He afterwards was Porter to King James; seeing as Gates generally are higher than the rest of the Building, so it was sightly that the Port… should be taller than other Persons. He was proportionable in all parts, and had strength equal to height, Valour to his strength, Temper to his valour, so that he disdained to do an injury to any single person. He would make nothing to take two of the tallest Yeomen of the Guard (like the Gizard and Liver) under his Arms at once and order them as he pleased.
Yet were his Parents (for ought I do understand to the contrary) but of an ordinary stature, whereat none will wonder who have read what *De Civitate Dei lib. 15. cap. 23.St. Augustine reports of a Woman which came to Rome (a little before the sacking thereof by the Goths) of so Giantlike a height that she was far above all who saw her, though infinite Troopes came to behold the spectacle. And yet he addeth Et hoc erat maximae admirationis, quod ambo parentes ejus, &c. This made men most admire, that both her Parents were but of ordinary stature. This Parsons is produced for proof, that all ages affords some of extraordinary height, and that there is no general decay of Mankind in their Dimentions, which if there were, we had ere this time shrunk to be lower than Pigmyes not to instance in a lesse proportion. This Parsons died Anno Dom. 162.▪
Lord Majors.
| Name. | Father. | Place. | Company. | Time |
| 1 William Taylor. | John Taylor. | Ecclestone. | Grocer. | 1468 |
| 2 Stephen Jennings. | Will. Jennings. | Wolverhampton. | Merchant-Tailor. | 1508 |
| 3 Richard Pipe. | Richard Pipe. | Wolverhampton. | Draper. | 1578 |
| 4 James Harvey. | Will. Harvey. | Cottwalton. | Iron-monger. | 1581 |
| 5 Stephen Slany. | John Slany. | Mitton. | Skinner. | 1595 |
| 6 William Rider. | Thom…s Rider. | Muclestone. | Haberdasher. | 1600 |
| 7 Hugh Hamersley | Hugh Hamersley. | Stafford. | Haberdasher. | 1627 |
The Names of the Gentry of this County, returned by the Commissioners in the 12 year of K. Henry the Sixth. Anno Dom. 1433.
| Commissioners to take the Oathes. |
| William Bishop of Covent. and Liech. |
| Humphry Earl of Stafford. |
| Knights for the Shire |
| Hugh Ardeswyk. |
| Thomas Arblastier. |
Johannis Sutton, chiv.
Johannis Bagot, chiv.
Rogeri Aston, chival.
Johannis Gruffith, chi.
Johannis Gresley, chiv.
Thomae Stanley, arm.
Radulphi Egerton, ar.
Radulphi Basset, arm.
Roberti Harecourt, ar.
Philippi Chetwynd, ar.
Richardi Bagot, arm.
Roberti Whitgrave, ar.
Thomae Barbour, arm.
Willielmi Grevel, arm.
Thomae Detheck, arm.
Thomae Goyne, armig.
Johannis Miners, ar.
Tho. Oker, arm. senioris.
Tho. Oker, arm. junioris.
Johannis Minerel, arm.
Richardi Peshale, armi.
Hugonis Wrotesley, arm.
Riehardi Hareconrt, ar.
Sampsonis Ardiswick, ar.
Johannis Winesbury, ar.
Thomae Swinerton, arm.
Willielmi Newport, arm.
Johannis Hampton, arm.
Humphry Low, armiger
Richardi Lone, armig.
Willieimi Lee, armiger.
Willielmi Everdon, ar.
Willielmi Leveson, arm.
Nicolai Warings, arm.
Jacobi Leveson, arm.
Rogeri Wirley, armig.
Cornelii VVirly, armig.
Johannis Whatecroft, ar.
Gerardi de Ringeley, ar.
Richardi Pety, armig.
VVillielmi Hexstall, ar.
Edwardi Doyle, arm.
Richardi Selman, arm.
David. Cawardyn, arm.
Thome Swynfen, arm.
Richardi Rugeley, ar.
Johannis Broghton, arm.
Johannis Atwell; arm.
Thomae Cotton, armig.
Johannis Cotton, arm.
Aymeri Cotton, armig.
Thomae VVolseley, ar.
Johannis Colwich, ar.
Roberti Swinerton, ar
Rogeri Swineshede, ar
Th. VVhitington, ar.
Joh. More, armiger
Thome More, arm.
Joh. Askeby, arm.
Joh. Mollesley, arm.
Joh. Horewold, ar.
VVill. Saltford, ar.
VVil. Leventhorp, ar.
VVill. Corbyn, gent.
Joh. Corbyn, gent.
Thomae VValton, ar.
Reg. Bro de Oake, ar.
Johannis Sheldon, ar.
Radulphi Frebody, arm.
VVill. Bradshaw, arm.
Joh. Bonghay, gent.
Joh. Burton, gent.
Roberti Stokes, armig.
Joh. Cumberford, armig.
Nicolai Thiknes, armig.
Aegidii, Swinerton, arm.
Thomae VVolaston, gent.
Hugonis Holyns, gent.
Thomae Lokewood, gent.
Thomae Stafford, gent.
Nicolai Norman, gent.
Richardi Snede, gent.
VVillielmi Orme, gent.
Hugonis Greneway, gent.
Humfridi Clerkeson,
Rogeri Bealchier.
VVillielmi Sondbache.
Johannis Brennere.
Richardi Vicarus.
Johannis VVylot.
Thomae Bowyer.
Johannis Ruggeley.
Petri Goldsone.
Nicholai Flaxale.
Thomae Brette.
Thomae Neweno.
Richardi Banastre.
VVillielmi Fouke.
Rogeri Milnes.
Richardi Bisheton.
Roberti Onowyne.
Roberti Berdusmore.
Humfridi VValker, of Kestren.
VVillielmi Bowdel, of the Mere
VVillielmi Sherred.
VVillielmi Broke
Henrici Monyfold.
Stephani Bagonnal.
Thomae Glyfe.
Hug…nis Bertam.
Sheriffs.
HEN. II.
Anno 1
Milo de Gloucest.
Anno 2
Robertus de Stafford, for 6 years together.
Anno 8
Alex. Clericus, for 18 years together.
Anno 26
Thomas Noel, for 8 years together.
RICH. I.
Anno 1
Thomas Noel
Anno 2
Tho. de Cressewel
Anno 3
Hugo Coventriensis Episc. & Robertus filius Walleram
Anno 4
Hugo Coventr. Episcopus & Rober. de Humant, frater ejus.
Anno 5
Hugo Episcop. Coventr. & Richardus Maresse.
Anno 6
Hugo Bardulfe
Anno 7
Idem.
Anno 8
Hugo de Caucombe, for 2 years together.
JOH. Regis.
Anno 1
Galfr. filius Petri & Tho. de Erdington, for 5 years together.
Anno 6
Tho. Erdington, & Robertus de alta Ripa.
Anno 7
Idem.
Anno 8
Tho. de Erdington, for 9 years together.
HEN. III.
Anno 1
Ranul. Com. Cestr. & Hen. de Aldicheleia, for 4 years together.
Anno 5
Ranul. Comes Cest. & Phil. de Kinton, for 3 years together.
Anno 8
Ranul. Com. Cestr.
Anno 9
Joh. Bonet, for 3 years together.
Anno 12
Hen. de Aldich & Robertus de Leia.
Anno 13
Hen. de Aldich & Will. de Bromley. for 4 years together.
Anno 17
Robertus de Haga, for 4 years together.
Anno 21
Joh. Extraneus, & Robertus de Acton.
Anno 22
Joh. Extraneus, for 10 years together.
Anno 32
Thomas Corbet.
Anno 33
Idem.
Anno 34
Rober. Grendon, for 6 years together.
Anno 40
Hugo de Acovere.
Anno 41
Hugo de Acovere.
Anno 42
Will. Bagod, for 3 years together.
Anno 45
Will. de Covereswel, & Jac. de Aldahell.
Anno 46
Jaco. de Aldahell, for 7 years together.
EDW. I.
Anno 1
Radul. de Mortuo Mari, for 3 years together.
Anno 4
Bogo de Knovil, for 3 years together.
Anno 7
Rogerus Springhuse, for 7 years together.
Anno 14
Rogerus Springhuse, & Lionine Ramesley, for 3 years together.
Anno 17
Robertus Corbet.
Anno 18
Will. Tictely, for 6 years together.
Anno 24
Radul. de Schirle, for 3 years together.
Anno 27
Thomas Corbet.
Anno 28
Idem
Anno 29
Richardus de Harleigh
Anno 30
Idem.
Anno 31
Walter de Beysin.
Anno 32
Idem.
Anno 33
Johannes de Acton
Anno 34
Johannes de Dene.
Anno 35
Idem.
EDW. II.
Anno 1
Rogerus Trumwinne
Anno 2
Johannes Extraneus.
Anno 3
Hugo de Crofts.
Anno 4
Idem.
Anno 5
Hugo de Andecle, for 3 years together.
Anno 8
Will. de Mere.
Anno 9
Rogerus de Cheyne.
Anno 10
Rogeri Trumwinne.
Anno 11
Idem.
Anno 12
Robertus de Grendon, for 3 years together.
Anno 15
Johannes de Swinerton.
Anno 16
Idem.
Anno 17
Henricus de Bishburn, for 3 years together.
EDW. III.
Anno 1
Johannes de Hinkele & Henricus de Bishburn
Anno 2
Idem.
Anno 3
Johannes de Hinkele
Anno 4
Idem.
Anno 5
Henricus de Bishburn
Anno 6
Idem.
Anno 7
Richardus de Peshal
Anno 8
Idem.
Anno 9
Johannes de Hinkeley
Anno 10
Simon de Ruggeley.
Anno 11
Richardus de Peshal, & Simon de Ruggeley, for 4 years together.
Anno 15
Adam de Peshal
Anno 16
Thomas de Swinerton
Anno 17
Idem
Anno 18
Johannes de Aston
Anno 19
Henr. Com. Derby, for 17 years together
Anno 36
Johannes de Swinerton
Anno 37
Robertus de Grendon
Anno 38
Johannes de Perton
Anno 39
Philippus de Lutteley, for 4 years together
Anno 43
Henricus Pius
Anno 44
Johannes de Perton
Anno 45
Idem
Anno 46
Johannes de Gresley
Anno 47
Nicholaus de Stafford
Anno 48
Johannes de Verdon
Anno 49
Johannes Bassey
Anno 50
Nicholaus de Stafford
Anno 51
Petrus de Careswel
Anno 52
Walterus de Hopton
Anno 53
Willielmus de Canereswel.
HENRY the Third.
1 Ranul. Com. Cestr. & Henr. de Aldicheleia] This Henricus of Aldicheleia was the first Lord Audley in this County, and Founder of that Noble Family so long famous for Martial Atchievements. I meet with a *S. E. Ms.Record extant in the Tower, too long to transcribe, wherein King Henry the Third confirmed unto him not only many Lands of his own Donation, but what other persons of quality in this County had bestowed on him.
1 Nich. de Verdun gave him Aldithlege.
2 Hugh de Lacy gave him Coulton.
3 Eutropius Hastang gave him Cold Norton.
4 Will. de Betleigh gave him Betleigh.
5 Harvey de Stafford gave him Heleigh.
6 Egidius Erdington gave him Shagbourn.
7 Herbert Rusbin gave him Stanweare.
8 Eugenulphus Greasly gave him Tunstal. Chaderley.
9 Alice his Wife gave him Chell. Normancot.
10 Margaret Strange gave him Nerle. Brudnap.
11 Alice Hartoate gave him Weston.
12 Joan Noel gave him Weston.
13 Peter Morton gave him Hauksley, Bagley, and Morton.
All, or most of these were great Mannors cum pertinentiis. What man of men was this Henry that so many of both Sexes should center in their bounty upon him, was it for fear, or love, or a mixture of both. But I have no calling to inquire into the cause thereof, and if they were pleased to give, none will blame him for receiving them.
Heleigh, the fifth Mannor here mentioned was afterwards the prime Seat of the Lord Audley, who also had great Lands in Devon-shire, where formerly we have spoken of him. Their heir-Males failing about the reign of King Henry the Sixth, Joan one of their heirs was married to Sir John Tutchet, whose son Sir John assumed the Title of Baron Audley and was Ancestor to the present Lord Audley Earl of Castle-haven in Ireland.
EDWARD the Third.
18 John de Aston.] I have not met with a more Noble Family, measuring on the Level of flat and un-advantaged Antiquity. They have euer borne a good respect to the Church and Learned Men, and not without just reason, seeing Roger de Molend Bishop of Litchfield in the reign of King Henry the Third gave Haywood in this County Rogero de Aston *S. E. Ms.Valecto suo, to Roger de Aston his servant. This Roger was son to Ralph Aston, and father unto Sir John Aston, whose succession is thus ordered,
1 Sir John Aston, afore-named.
2 Sir Thomas Aston, his son.
3 Sir Roger Aston, his son.
4 Sir Robert Aston, his son.
5 John Aston, his son Esq.
6 Sir John Aston, his son Knight Banneret.
7 Sir Edward Aston, his son.
8 Sir Walter Aston, his son.
9 Sir Edward Aston, his son.
10 Sir Walter Aston, his son.
This last Sir Walter was employed by King James Embassador unto Spain. He married Gertrude sole daughter of Sir Thomas Sadler of Standon in Hartford-shire.
Nor must it be forgotten, that that Pious Poet Mr. *In his Polyolbion the 12. Song.Michael Drayton confesseth, that his Muse oft found safe and sweet retreat, at Tixhall, the habitation of this Family, and thus windeth up his well-wishing for them;
Whose bounty still my Muse so freely shall confesse,
That when she lacketh words, then signs shall it expresse.
| SHERIFFS. | Place. | Armes. |
| RICH. II. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Brian. Cornwall | SHROPs. | Arg. a lion ram…ant Gules, armed Az. in a Border Sab. Bezant…. |
| 2 Will. Calleson | ||
| 3 Ioh. de Verdon | Or, a Fret Gules. | |
| 4 Rog. de Wirley | Hampshed | Ar. a Cheve. ingrail. betw. 3 Bugle horns, Sa. |
| 5 Will. Wa shall | Arg. a Fox passant, Sable. | |
| 6 Idem | ut prius | |
| 7 Humf. de Stafford | Or, a Cheveron Gules, a Quarter Ermin. | |
| 8 Will. de Walshal | ut prius | |
| 9 Rog. Manneyson | ||
| 10 Adomar. de Lichfeld | ||
| 11 Will. Chetwin | Ingestree. | Azure, a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mullets, Or. |
| 12 Humf. de Stafford | ut prius | |
| 13 Will. VValshall | ut prius | |
| 14 Ioh. Delves | Apedale. | Ar. a Cheveron Gu. Fretty, Or, betwixt 3 Delfs Sable. |
| 15 Ioh. Swinerton | Argent, a Cross formet Flurt, Sa. | |
| 16 Will. de … | ||
| 17 Adam. de Lichfield | ||
| 18 Rob. Frances | Argent, a Cheveron betwixt 3 spread Eagles, Gules. | |
| 19 Rob. Mannesin | ||
| 20 VVill. VValshall | ut prius | |
| 21 Idem | ut prius | |
| 22 Idem. | ut prius | |
| HEN. IV. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 VVill. Sharshal, mi. | ||
| 2 Rob. Mannesin, mil. & Wil. Newport, m. | Arg. a Cheveron Gules, betwixt 3 Leopards heads, Sable. | |
| 3 Rob. Frances | ut prius | |
| 4 Humf. Stafford | ut prius | |
| 5 Idem | ut prius | |
| 6 VVill. Newport | ut prius | |
| 7 VVill. VValshal | ut prius | |
| 8 Will. Newport, mil. | ut prius | |
| 9 Rob. Frances, mil. | ut prius | |
| 10 Tho. Aston, mil. | Haywood | Argent, a Fesse, and 3 lozenges in Chief, Sable. |
| 11 Ioh. Delves | ut prius | |
| 12 Tho. Giffard. | Chillington. | Azure, 3 …irrups leathered, Or. |
| HEN. V. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Ioh. Basset, mil. | Drayton. | Or, 3 Piles Gules, a Canton Erm |
| 2 Rob. Babthorpe | ||
| 3 Ioh. Delves | ut prius | |
| 4 Rich. Vernon | Argent, Frettee Sa. a Canton, Gu. | |
| 5 Ioh. Meverel | Throwley | Arg. a Griffin segreant, Sable. |
| 6 VVill. Trussel | Or, a Cross formee fleury, Gules. | |
| 7 Humf. Haighton | ||
| 8 Ioh. Delves | ut prius | |
| 9 Idem. | ut prius | |
| HEN. VI. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Tho. Gresley, mil. | Varry, Ermin and Gules. | |
| 2 Hug. Erdeswick, ar. | Sandon. | Or, on a C…veron Gu. 5 Bezants. |
| 3 Ni. Montgomery, m. | Or, an Eagle displayed, Azu. | |
| 4 Iohan. Bagor, mil. | Blithfield. | Argent, a Cheveron Gules betwixt 3 Martlets, Sable. |
| 5 Roger. Eston | ||
| 6 Ric. Vernon, mil. | ut prius | |
| 7 Phil. Chetwin | ut prius | |
| 8 Tho. Griffith | Gules, a Cheveron betwixt 3 Helmets, Argent. | |
| 9 Ni. Montgomery, m. | ut prius | |
| 10 Rog. Aston, mil. | ut prius | |
| 11 Radul. Egerton | Argent, a lion rampant Gules between 3 Pheons, Sable. | |
| 12 Thom. Stanley | Ar. on a Bend Az 3 stags-heads, O. | |
| 13 Rob. St…elley, mil. | NOTIN. | Paly of six Argent and Azure. |
| 14 Rich. Peshale | Horsley. | Argent, a Cross Formee floyre, Sa. on a Canton Gules, a Wolfs head erazed, of the first. |
| 15 Phil. Chetwin, mil. | ut prius | |
| 16 Radul. Basset | ut prius | |
| 17 Thomas S…anley | ut prius | |
| 18 Thomas Gresley | ut prius | |
| 19 Humf. Lowe | ||
| 20 Radulpus Aucher | ||
| 21 VVillielmus Mitton | Per Pale Az. and Gules, an Eagle with 2 heads dispayed, Or. | |
| 22 Nic. Mountgomery | ut prius | |
| 23 Thomas Blount | Barry Nebule of 6 O… and Sable. | |
| 24 Ioh. Griffith, mil. | ut prius | |
| 25 Humf. Blount▪ | ut prius | |
| 26 Tho. Ferrers, arm. | Tāworth. | Varry, Or and Gules. |
| 27 Idem. | ut prius | |
| 28 Humf. Swinerton | ut prius | |
| 29 Ioh. Stanley, arm. | ut prius | |
| 30 Tho. Astley | Patshall | AMP. |
| 31 Robertus Aston | ut prius | |
| 32 Rich. Bagot, arm | ut prius | |
| 33 Th. Cotton, ar. sive Lotton | Let the Name first be agreed on. | |
| 34 Ioh. Delves, armig. | ut prius | |
| 35 Ioh. Coles, arm. | Quarterley Erm. and Paly of six, Or and Gules. | |
| 36 VVill. Mitton, arm | ut prius | |
| 37 Hug Egerton, arm. | ut prius | |
| 38 Ioh. Stanley, mil. | ut prius | |
| EDW. IV. | ||
| 1 Walt. Wrotesl…y | Wrotsley, | Or, 3 Piles▪ Sable a Canton Erm. |
| 2 Ioh. Harecourt, ar. | Or, two Barrs Gules. | |
| 3 Idem. | ut prius | |
| 4 Humf. Peshal | ut prius | |
| 5 Ioh. Stanley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 Tho. Basset, arm. | ut prius | |
| 7 Ioh. Harecourt, ar. | ut prius | |
| 8 Iohan. Acton, arm. | Gules, 2 Lions passant Argent betwixt 9 croslets, Or. | |
| 9 Ioh. Stanley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 10 Ran. Brereton, mil. | Argent, 2 Barrs, Sable. | |
| 11 Hen. Beaumont, mi. | Azure, semee de flowers de Lis, a Lion rampant, Or. | |
| 12 Walt. Griffith, mil. | ut prius | |
| 13 Will. Bass…. | ut prius | |
| 14 Geo. Stanley | ut prius | |
| 15 Ioh. Stanley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 16 Ioh. Ashton | ut prius | |
| 17 Hug. Egerton, ar. | ut prius | |
| 18 Rich. Bagot | ut prius | |
| 19 Nic. Mountgomery | ut prius | |
| 20 Ioh. Aston | ut prius | |
| 21 Will. Basse…, mil. | ut prius | |
| 22 Humf. Stanley, mi. | ut prius | |
| RICH. III. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Ni. Montgomery, ar. | ut prius | |
| 2 Th. Worlseley, mil. | ||
| 3 Marm. Constable, m. & Hum. Stafford, m. | YORKsh. ut prius | Quarterly Gules and Vary, a Bend, Or. |
| HEN. VII. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Humf. Stanley | ut prius | |
| 2 Hen. Willoughby | A M P. | |
| 3 Will. Harper | Argent, a Lion rampant in a Bordure engrailed, Sable. | |
| 4 Hug. Peshal | ut prius | |
| 5 Th. Gresley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 Ranul. Oker | …, if not the same with Oke over▪ | |
| 7 Rog. Draycot, ar. | Or, Fretty Gules on a Canton, Ar. a Cross Patee, Azure. | |
| 8 Ric. Wrotesl…y, ar. | ut prius | |
| 9 Humf. Stanley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 10 Ric. Harecourt, mil. | ut prius | |
| 11 Ioh. Mitton, arm. | ut prius | |
| 12 Ioh. Draycot, arm. | ut prius | |
| 13 Tho. Gresley, arm. | ut prius | |
| 14 Will, Harper, arm. | ut prius | |
| 15 Ioh. Ferrers, mil. | ut prius | |
| 16 Iohan. Aston, arm. | ut prius | |
| 17 Ric. Wrotesley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 18 Will. Harper, arm. | ut prius | |
| 19 Ioh. Draycot. mil. | ut prius | |
| 20 Will. Smith, arm. | ||
| 21 Idem | ut prius | |
| 22 Ludovic. Bagot, mi. | ut prius | |
| 23 Ioh. Mitton, arm. | ut prius | |
| 24 Ioh. Aston, mil. | ut prius | |
| HEN. VIII. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Ioh. G…ard, arm. | ut prius | |
| 2 Th. Nevil, arm. | Chenston-Park | Gules, on a Saltire Argent, an Annulet, Sable. |
| 3 Ioh. Egerton, arm. | ut prius | |
| 4 Ioh. Mitton, arm. | ut prius | |
| 5 Ioh. Aston, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 Will. Chetwin, ar. | ut prius | |
| 7 Th. Nevil▪ arm. | ut prius | |
| 8 Ric. Wrotesley, ar | ut prius | |
| 9 Ioh. Giffard, mil. | ut prius | |
| 10 Rad. Egerton, m. | ut prius | |
| 11 Edward Grey, mi. | Barry of six Argent, and Azure, 3 Torteauxes in Chief, a Label of 3 points o… the fi…st. | |
| 12 Lodo. Bagot, mil. | ut prius | |
| 13 Ioh. Giffard, mil. | ut prius | |
| 14 Will. Smith, mil. | ut prius | |
| 15 Ed. Littleton; mil. | Ple…hall | Argent, a Cheveron between 3 Escallops shels, Sable. |
| 16 Edward Grey, mil. | ut prius | |
| 17 Ioh. Giffard, mil. | ut prius | |
| 18 Ioh. Blount, ar. | Barry Nebule of 6 Or, and Sab. | |
| 19 Ioh. Vernon, ar. | ut prius | |
| 20 Edw. Ashton, arm. | Argent, a Fess and 3 lozenges in Chief, Sable. | |
| 21 Th. Giffard, arm. | ut prius | |
| 22 Ioh. Giffard, arm. | ut prins | |
| 23 Wil. Wrotesley, …r. | ut prius | |
| 24 Ioh. Vernon, arm. | ut prius | |
| 25 Phi. Draycot, mil. | ut prius | |
| 26 Edw. Ashton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 27 Will. Chetwin, ar. | ut prius | |
| 28 Ioh. Dudley, mil. | Or, a lion rampant tail forked, Vert. | |
| 29 Geo. Gresley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 30 Ioh. Vern…n, arm. | ut prius | |
| 31 Edw. Littleton, ar. | ut prius | |
| 32 Edw. Ashton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 33 Ioh. Giffard, mil. | ut prius | |
| 34 Will. Basset, mil. | ut prius | |
| 35 Th. Fitzherbert, ar. | Argent, a Chief varry Or and Gules, a Bend ingrailed Sable. | |
| 36 Geo. Gresley, mil. | ut prius | |
| 37 Ioh. Harecourt, m. | ut prius | |
| 38 Iac. Leveson, & Walt. Wrotesley, ar. | ut prius | Quarterly Gules and Azure 3 sinister hands couped, Arg. |
| EDVV. VI. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Fran. Meverel, ar. | ut prius | |
| 2 Io. Fleetwood, ar. | Cakewish. | Partee per Pale Nebule Az. & O. 6 Martlets in Pale counterch. |
| 3 VVill. Snead, mil. | Bradwel. | Argent, a Sithe & flowre de luce in the middle of the Shield, …able. |
| 4 Ed. Littleton, ar. | ut prius | |
| 5 VVil. Basset, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 G…o. Blount, mil. | ut prius | |
| PHIL. Reg. & MAR. Reginae. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Th. Giffard, mil. | ut prius | |
| 1.2 T. Fitzherbert, m | ut prius | |
| 2.3 Pe. …, mil. | ut prius | |
| 3.4 Edw. Ashton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 4.5 Io. Harecourt, m. | ut prius | |
| 5.6 VVill. Snead. mil. | ut prius. | |
| ELIZ. Reg. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Hum. VVells, ar. | ||
| 2 Rad. Bagnol, mil. | Ermin, 2 Barrs Or, over all a lion rampant Azure. | |
| 3 Ioh. Leveston, ar. | ut prius | |
| 4 VVill. …, ar. | ut prius | |
| 5 Ed. Litt…eton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 6 Rad. Oker, arm. | ||
| 7 Io. VVrotesley, a…. | ut prius | |
| 8 Sim. Harecourt, a…. | ut prius | |
| 7 Io. Skrimshere, ar. | Gules, a lion rampant Or, within a Border, Varry. | |
| 10 Io. Fleetwood. ar. | u… p…ius | |
| 11 Ric. Bagot, …. | ut p…ius | |
| 12 VValt. Ashton, ar. | ut prius | |
| 13 Th. …rentham, ar | Argent, 3 Griffns-heads Sable, langued Gules. | |
| 14 Geor. Blount, mil. | ut prius | |
| 15 Ioh. Giffard, arm | ut prius | |
| 16 Th. Horwood, ar. | Compton | Argent, a Cheveron, betwixt 3 Bucks-heads caboshed, Sable. |
| 17 Rad. Add…ley, ar. | …. | Argent, on a cheveron Sable, 3 Mullets of the f…st. |
| 18 Rad. Snead, arm. | ut prius | |
| 19 Ric. Bagot, arm. | ut prius | |
| 20 Io. Chetwyn, arm. | ut prius | |
| 21 Th. Trentham, ar. | ut prius | |
| 22 VValt. Ashto…, m. | ut prius | |
| 23 Edw. Littleton, ar. | ut prius | |
| 24 Iohannes Grey, ar. | ut prius | |
| 25 Th. Gr…ey, ar. | ut prius | |
| 26 Edw. Leigh, a…m. | Gules, a Cross ingrailed Argent, in the first quarter a lozenge. | |
| 27 Rad. Okever, ar. | Ermin on a Chief …, 3 Bezants. | |
| 28 VValt. Leveson, … | ut prius | |
| 29 VVill. Basset, arm. | ut prius | |
| 30 Ioh. Bows, mil. | Elford | Ermin, 3 Bowes, Sable. |
| 31 Rob. Stanford, ar. | Argent, 3 Barres Azure, on a Canton Gules, a hand holding a broken fauchion, Or. | |
| 32 Edw. Eston, mil. | ||
| 33 Tho. Leveson, ar. | ut prius | |
| 34 …. Trentham, mi. | ut prius | |
| 35 Ed. Littleton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 36 Hen. Griffith, ar. | ut prius | |
| 37 Rad. Sneade, arm. | ut prius | |
| 38 Th. Horwood, ar. | ut prius | |
| 39 Will. Cromp…on. ar | Stone | Argent on a Chief Ver…, 3 Pheons Or. |
| 40 Wal. Wrotesley, a. | ut prius | |
| 41 Walt. Bagot, a m. | ut prius | |
| 42 Will. Chetwyn, ar. | ut prius | |
| 43 Will. Skevingtō, a. | Argent, 3 Bulls-heads erazed, Sable. | |
| 44 Edw. Leigh, arm. | ut prius | |
| 45 Walt. Bagot, ar. | ut prius | |
| JAC. Reg. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Walt. Bagot, ar. & | ut prius | |
| Edw. Leigh. | ut prius | |
| 2 Wil. Horwood, mil. | ut prius | |
| 3 Gilb Wake…ing, m. | ||
| 4 Ed. Brabazon, mil. | Gules, on a Bend Argent, 3 Mar…ets of the first. | |
| 5 Walt. Chetwyn, m | ut prius | |
| 6 Ia. Skrimshere, a. | ut prius | |
| 7 Walter. Heveningham, arm. | A…on | Quarterley Or and Gules, a Border Sable, with Scallop shels, Argent. |
| 8 Simon VVeston, m | ||
| 9 Fr. Trentham, arm. | ut prius | |
| 10 Th. Meverel, arm. | Argent, Griffin Segreant, Sable. | |
| 11 Th. Littleton, mil. | ut prius | |
| 12 Rich. Fleetwood, Barr. | ut prius | |
| 13. Ioh. Peshal, mil. & Barr. | ut prius | |
| 14 Ioh. Offley, mil. | Argent, on a Cross Azure Formee Flure a lion passant Or, between 4 Cornish Choughs, Sable. | |
| 15 Hug. VVrotesley, | ut prius | |
| 16 Th. Skrimshere, a. | ut prius | |
| 17 Hen. Leigh, arm. | ut prius | |
| 18 Ed. VVinso…. arm. | ||
| 19. Rad. Snede, arm. | ut prius | |
| 20 Will. Cumberford, a | ||
| 21 Will. Skeffington, arm. | ut prius | |
| 22 Ed. Stanford, ar. | ut prius | |
| CAR. I. | ||
| Anno | ||
| 1 Th. Pa…kes, arm. | ||
| 2 Herveus Bago…, Baronet. | ut prius | |
| 3 Will. Bowyer, mil. | Knipe…ley | Argent, a lion rampant betwixt 3 Crosse croslets …, …ul. |
| 4 Ioh. Bowes, arm. | ut prius | |
| 5 Ioh. Cotes, arm. | ut prius | |
| 6 Will. Wollaston, ar. | Sable, 3 pierced Mullets Argent. | |
| 7 Th. Broughton, ar | Langdon | Argent, 2 Bars Gules, on a Canton of the second, a Cross of the first. |
| 8 Th. Horwood, mil. | ut prius | |
| 9 Hen Griffith, Bar. | ut prius | |
| 10 Humf. Wyrley, ar. | Hampsted | Argent, 3 Bugle-horns Sable, stringed Vert. |
| 11 Ric. Pyot, & Humf. Wyrley, ar. | ut prius | |
| 12 Ed. Littleton, Bar. | ut prius | |
| 13 Ioh. Skevington, a. | ut prius | |
| 14 Io. Skrimshere, ar. | ut prius | |
| 15 Ioh. Bellot, arm. | ||
| 16 Ioh. Agard, arm. | ||
| 17 Ed. Mosely, Bar. | Sable, on a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mallets Argent, as many Mullets, Gules. | |
| 18 | ||
| 19 Simon* Rudgeley, | ||
| 20 | * Argent, on a Chev… Sable, 3 Mullets of the first. | |
| 21 | ||
| 22 Th. Kynnersley, armiger. | Azure, … de crosses croslet, a lion rampant, Argent. |
RICHARD the Second.
1 BRIAN CORNWAL.] He … also this year Sheriff of Shrop-shire so that the two adjacent Counties were under his inspection.
4 ROGER de WIRLEY] When I observe how this Gentleman is fixed in his Generation, I cannot satisfie my self, whether he lived nearer unto his Ancestor Rober… de Wirley, who flourished in this County under King Henry the 2d. (if not before) or whether he approached nearer unto his Descendent S… John Wirley that learned Knight now living at Hampsteade. In my Arithmetick he is equally distanced from them both.
HENRY the Sixth.
12 THOMAS STANLEY.] His true name was Audley. For, after that Adam, youngest Brother to James Lord …, had married the daughter and heir of Henry de Stanley, William their son assumed the sir-name of*Camd. Rem. pag. 142. Stanley, & transmitted it to his posterity.
As for this Thomas Stanley, till I be clearly convinced to the contrary, he shall pass with me for the same person, whom King Henry the Sixth made Lord Stanley, Knight of the Garter, Lord Deputy of Ireland, and Lord Chamberlain of his Household; and father unto Thomas Stanley, whom King Henry the Seventh created the first Earle of Derby.
34 JOHN DELVES, Esq.] He is the last of that Ancient Family appearing in this Catalogue, who were fixed in this County in the reign of King Edward the Third. This Sir John Delves (for he was afterwards Knighted) left one daughter and sole heir called *S. E. Ms.Helene, married unto Sir Robert Sheffield Knight and Recorder of London, Ancestor unto the present Earl of Moulgrave.
EDWARD the Fourth.
1 WALTER WROTESLEY.] He was lineally descended from S… Hugh *Ca…dens Brit. in this County.Wrotesley, one of the first Founder of the most Noble Order of the Garter.
HENRY the Eighth.
28 JOHN DUDLEY.] I had thought his Ambition had been too high to come under the Roof of such an Office, and discharge the place of a Sheriff. But know, that as yet Sir John Dudley, was but Sir John Dudley, a Plain, but powerful Knight, who not long afterwards, viz. the 38th. of King Henry the Eighth was created Viscount Lisley, and then Earl of Warwick, in the first of King Edward the sixth,†Reader by this be pleased to rectifie, what before [not so …xactly] was written of his Honour, in his Character under the title of Souldiers. and in the fifth of the said King, Duke of Northumberland. However now he waited at Assizes, on the Itinerant Judges who afterwards made all the Judges of the Land (Justice Hales alone excepted) attend on him, and dance after the Pipe of his pleasure, when the Instrument was drawn up (Testament I can hardly term it) whereby the two Sisters of King Edward the sixth, were dis-inherited.
King CHARLES.
3 WILLIAM BOWYER Knight.] Thomas Bowyer his Ancestor, from whom he is lineally descended, did in the reign of King Richard the Second marry *S. E. Ms.Katharine daughter and heir of Robert Knipersley, of Knipersley in this County, with whom he had a fair Inheritance. The Bowyers of Sussex (invited thither some 200 years since by an Earl of Northumberland) are a younger Branch from these in Stafford-shire.
BATTLES.
At Hopton Heath in this County in March 1643, a fierce fight happened betwixt the Kings and Parliaments Forces, on a ground full of Cony-borroughs, therefore affording ill footing for the Horse. But an equal disadvantage on both sides is no disadvantage on either. The Royalists may be said to have got the Day, and lost the Sun which made it, I mean the truly Loyal and Valiant Spencer Earl of Northampton, though still surviving as in his grateful memory, so in his Noble and Numerous Issue, no less deservedly honoured by others then mutually loving amongst themselves.
The Farewel.
To take our Vale of Stafford-shire. I wish that the Pit-coal (wherewith it aboundeth) may seasonably and safely be burnt in their Chimnies, and not have their burning antedated, before they be digg'd out the Bowels of the Earth. The rather, because I have *Burton in his description of Leicest. pag. 218.read, how in the year 1622 there was found a Coal-mine actually on fire, between Willingsworth and Weddesbury in this County. I find not by what casualty this English Aetna was kindled, nor how long it did continue. And although such combustions be not so terrible here, as in the South of Italy, where the sulphureous matter more inrageth the fury of the fire, yet it could not but cause much fright and fear to the people thereabouts.