The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 4

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 4

p. 143CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE.

CAMBRIDGE-SHRE hath Lincoln shire on the North, Northfolk and Suffold on the East, Essex and Hartford-shire on the South, Huntington, and Bedford-shires on the West, being in length thirty five, in breadth not fully twenty miles. The Tables therein as well furnished as any, the Southpart affording bread and beer, and the North (the Isle of Ely) meat thereunto. So good the grain growing here, that it out-selleth others some pence in the Bushel.

The North-part of this County is lately much improved by drayning, though the poorest sort of people will not be sensible thereof. Tell them of the great benefit to the publick, because where a Pike or Duck fed formerly, now a Bullock or Sheep is fatted, they will be ready to return, that if they be taken in taking that Bullock or Sheep, the rich Owner …indicteth them for Felons; whereas that Pike or Duck were their own goods only for their pains of catching of them. So impossible it is that the best project though perfectly performed should please all interests and affections.

It happened in the year 1657. upon the dissolution of the great Snow their banks were assaulted above their strength of resistance, to the great loss of much Cattle, Corn, and some Christians. But soon after the seasonable industry of the Undertakers, did recover all by degrees, and confute their jealousies who suspected the relapsing of these lands into their former condition.

This Northern part is called the Isle of Eelie, which **Doctor Smith in the lise of his Father-in-law Doctor …illet.one will have so named from the Greek word foreign Fenny or Marish-ground, But our Saxon Ancestors were not so good Grecians, and it is plain that plenty of Eels gave it its denomination. Here I hope I shall not trespass on gravity, in mentioning a passage observed by the **In his Comitiat Oration De duobus Testibus pag. 15.Reverend Professour of Oxford Doctor Prideaux, referring the Reader to him for the Authours attesting the same. When the Priests in this part of the County would still retain their wives, in despight of whatever the Pope and Monks could doe to the contrary, their wives and children were miraculously turned all into Eels (surely the greater into Congers, the less into Griggs) whence it had the name of EELY, I understand him a LIE of EELS. No doubt the first founder of so damnable an untruth, hath long since received his reward. However for this cause we take first notice amongst this Counties

Naturall Commodities,

Of Eels.

Which though they be found in all Shires in England, yet are most properly treated of here, as most, first, and best, the Courts of the Kings of England being thence therewith anciently supplyed. I will not ingage in the controversy whether they be bred by generation as other fish, or aequivocally out of Putrefaction, or both ways which is most probable; Seeing some have adventured to know the distinguishing marks betwixt the one and other. I know the Silver Eels are generally preferred, and I could wish they loved men but as well as men love them, that I my self might be comprised within the compass of that desire. They are observed to be never out of season, (whilst other fishes have their set times,) and the biggest Eels are ever esteemed the best. I know not whether the Italian proverb be here worth the remembring, Give Eels without wine to your Enemies.

Hares.

Though these are found in all Counties, yet because lately there was in this Shire an Hare-park nigh New-market, preserved for the Kings game, let them here be particularly mentioned. Some prefer their sport in hunting before their flesh for eating, as accounting it melancholick meat, and hard to be digested, though others think all the hardness is how to come by it. All the might of this silly creature is in the flight thereof, and remember the answer which a school-boy returned in a latine distick, being demanded the reason why Hares where so fearfull,

p. 144Cur metuunt lepores? Terrestris, nempe, marinus,

Aethereus quod sit, tartareusque canis.

Whether or no they change their sex every year, (as some have reported) let Huntsmen decide. These late years of our civil wars have been very destructive unto them, and no wonder, if no law hath been given to hares, when so little hath been observed toward men.

Saffron.

Though plenty hereof in this County, yet because I conceive it first planted in Essex we thither refer our description thereof.

Willows.

A sad Tree, whereof such who have lost their love make their mourning garlands, and we know what Exiles hung up their **Psalm 137. 2.Ps 137:2Harps upon such dolefull Supporters. The twiggs hereof are Physick to drive out the folly of children. This Tree delighteth in moist places, and is triumphant in the Isle of Ely, where the roots strengthen their Banks, and lop affords fuell for their fire. It groweth incredibly fast, it being a by-word in this County, that the profit by Willows will buy the Owner a Horse, before that by other Trees will pay for his Saddle. Let me adde, that if green Ash may burn before a Queen, withered Willows may be allowed to burn before a Lady.

Manufactures.

Paper.

Expect not I should by way of Preface enumerate the several inventions, whereby the ancients did communicate, and continue their Notions to Posterity. First by writing in Leaves of Trees still remembred, when we call such a Scantling of Paper a Folio or Leafe. Hence from Leaves men proceeded to the Bark of Trees, as more solid, still cou…enanced in the Notation of the word Liber. Next they wrote in Labels or Sheets of Lead, wherein the Letters were deeply engraven, being a kind of Printing before Printing, and to this I refer the words of Job (an Author allowed Contemporary with, if not Senior to Moses himself.) **…ob 19. 23.Oh that my words were now written, oh that they were printed in a book.

To omit many other devices in after ages to signify their conceptions, Paper was first made of a broad Flag (not unlike our great Dock) growing in and nigh Canopus in Egypt, which it seems was a s…aple commodity of that Country, and substantiall enough to bear the solemn Curse of the Prophet, The Paper-reeds by the brooks shall wither; be driven away, and be no more.**Isaiah 19. 7.Isa 19:7

Our Modern Paper is made of Grinded Raggs, and yet this New Artificiall doth still thankfully retain the Name of the Old Naturall Paper. It may pass for the Emblem of Men of m…an Extraction, who by Art and Industry, with Gods blessing thereon come to high preferment. **Psal… 113. 7.Ps 113:7He raiseth the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill, that he may set him with his Princes, even with the Princes of his People. One may fin…, if searching into the pedigree of Paper, it cometh into the world at the doungate, raked thence in Rags, which refined by Art, (especially after precious secrets are written therein) is found fit to be choicely kept in the Cabinets of the Greatest …. Pity it is that the fi…st Author of so usefull an invention cannot with any **P. Virg. de … inventionibus lib. 2. cap. 8.assurance by assigned.

There are almost as many severall kinds of Paper as conditions of Persons betwixt the Emperor and Beggar, Imperial, Royal, Cardinal, and so downwards to that course Paper called Emporetica, usefull onelyonly for Chapmen to wrap their wares therein. Paper Participat…s in some sort of the Caracters of the Countrymen which make it, the Venetian being neat, subtile and courtlike, the French light, slight and slender, the Dutch thick, corpulent and gross, not to say sometimes also charta Bibula, sucking up the Ink with the sponginess thereof.

p. 149Paper is entred as a Manufacture of this County, because there are Mills, nigh Sturbridge-fair, where Paper was made in the memory of our Fathers. And it seemeth to me a proper Conjunction, that seeing Cambridge yeildeth so many good writers, Cambridg-shire should afford Paper unto them. Pitty, the making thereof is disused; considering the vast sums yearly expended in our Land for Paper out of Italy, France, and Germany, which might be lessened were it made in our Nation. To such who object that we can never equall the perfection of Venice-paper, I return, neither can we match the purity of Venice-glasses, and yet many green ones are blown in Sussex, profitable to the makers and convenient for the users thereof, as no doubt such courser (home-spun Paper) wouldbe found very beneficiall for the Common-wealth.

Baskets.

These are made of the Osiers plentifully growing in the moist parts of this County, an acre whereof turns to more profit then one of wheat. A necessary utensill in an house, whereby many things are kept, which otherwise would be lost. Yea, in some sort it saved the life of St. Paul, when let down by the wall of Damascus in **2 Cor. 11. 33.2 Cor 11:33a basket. Whence some (not improbably) conjecture him hominem tricubitalem, a man of low stature. Martial confesseth Baskets to have been a Brittish invention, though Rome afterwards laid claime thereunto.

Barbara de pictis veni Baseauda Britannis,

Sed me jam mavult dicere Roma suam.

1 foreign Basket first in Brittain known,

Am now by Rome accounted for her own.

Their making is daily improved with much descant of art, splitting their wickers as small as threads, and dying them into several colours, which daily grow a greater commodity.

The Buildings.

Cambridge is the chief credit of this County, as the University is of Cambridge. It is confess'd, that Oxford far exceeds it forsweetness of situation; and yet it may be maintained, that though there be better aire in Oxford, yet there is more in the Colledges of Cambridge. For, Oxford is an University in a Town, Cambridge, a Town in an University; where the Colledges are not surrounded with the offensive embraces of Streets, but generally situated on the out-side, affording the better conveniency of private Walks and Gardens about them. But having**In my History of that University. formerly written of the fabricks of Cambridge, I forbear any further inlargement.

Eely Minster.

This presenteth it self afar off to the eye of the traveller, and on all sides at great distance, not onelyonly maketh a promise, but giveth earnest of the beauty thereof. The Lanthorn therein built by Bishop Hotham, wherein the labour of twenty years, and five thousand ninety four pounds eighteen shillings ten pence half penny farthing was expended, is a Master-piece of Architecture. When the bells ring, the wood-work thereof shaketh and gapeth, (no defect but perfection of structure) and exactly chocketh into the joynts again; so that it may pass for the lively embleme of the sincere Christian, who, though he hath motum trepidationis, of**Phil. 2. 12.Phil 2:12 fear and trembling, stands firmly fixt on the basis of a true faith. Rare also is the art in the Chappel of Saint Maries, the patern or parent of that in Kings-colledge in Cambridge, though here (as often elsewhere) it hath happened, the child hath out-grown the father. Nor must the Chappel of Bishop West be forgotten, seeing the Master-masons of King James, on serious inspection, found finer stone-work herein, then in King Henry the seventh his Chappel at Westminster.

It grieved me lately to see so many new ligh's in this Church, (supernumerary windows more then …re in the first fabrick) and the whole structure in a falling condition, except some good mens cha…y seasonably support it. Yet, was I glad to hear a great Antiquary employed to transcribe and preserve the monuments in that Church, as all p. 150others in the late-drowned-land. And it is hard to say, which was the better office, whether of those who newly have dried them from the inundation of water, or of those who shall drain them from the deluge of oblivion, by perpetuating their antiquities to posterity.

Wonders.

Let me here insert an artificial wonder of what is commonly called Devils-ditch; Country-folk conceiting that it was made by the Devil, when the Devil he made it, being the work of some King or Kings of the East Angles. See the laziness of posterity, so far from imitating the industry of their ancestors, that they belibell the pure effects of their pains as hellish atchivements. But if the aforesaid Kings meerly made this ditch to get themselves a name, Divine Justice hath met with them, their names being quite forgotten. More probably it was made to divide and defend their Dominions from the Kingdome of Mercia, or possibly to keep the people in employment, for diversion of mutinous thoughts, laziness being the mother of disloyalty, industry of obedience.

Proverbs.

Cantabrigia petit Aequales Aequalia. Cambridge requires all to be equal.]

Some interpret this of their Commons, wherein all of the same Mess go share and share alike. Others understand it of the expenses out of the Hall, all being foreign in their Collations, all paying alike. Which Parity is the best Preservative of Company, according to the Apothegme of Solon, which**In vitâ Solo…is. Plutarch so commends for the wisedome thereof, foreign, Equality breeds no Battles. Otherwise it is a Murthering-…hot where one pays all the Reckoning, as recoiling on him that dischargeth it: Yea such inequality is a certain symptome of an expiring society.

Some expound the words, that Graduates of the same degree, (either within or without the University) are to be Fellows well met one with another. Dido had a piece of State in her Court peculiar to her self, (which may be called an Equipage indeed) where she had a hundred servants in ordinary attendance**… pares … ministri. Virg. Ae…. lib. 1. juxta finem. all of the same age. Thus the same Degree in effect levells all Scholars, so that seniority of years ought not to make any distance betwixt them, to hinder their familiarity. I have nothing else to adde of this Proverb, saving that it is used also in Oxford.

Cambridge-shire Camels.]

I cannot reconcile this common saying to any considerable sense, I know a Camel passeth in the Latine proverb, either for gibbous and distorted, or for one that undertaketh a thing awkely or ungeenly.**… in Helvidium. Camelus saltat, or else for one of extraordinary bulk or bigness, all unappliable in any peculiar manner to the people of this County, as straight and dexterous as any other, nor of any exorbitant proportions.

All that I can recover of probability is this, the Fen-men dwelling in the Northern part of this County, when stalking on their Stilts are little giants indeed, as**Camden in Cambridgeshire. Master Camden hath well observed. However that Mathematician who measured the height of Her…ules by the bigness of his foot, would here be much mistaken in his dimensions, if proportionably collecting the bulk of their bodies from the length of their legs.

A Boisten horse and a Cambridge Master of Art, are a couple of Creatures that will give way to no body.]

This Proverb we find in the Letter of William Zoon written to George Bruin in his Theatre of Cities, and it is objected against us by an**…. Twin. Ant. Acad. Ox. pag. 333. Oxford Antiquary, as if our Masters wanted manners to give place to their betters, though all things considered it soundeth more to their honour then disgrace.

For mark what immediately went before in the same**Gulielmus Zoon. Author, In plateis ambulantes, decedi sibi de via, non à civibus solùm, sed etiam à peregrino quovis nisi dignitate excellat, postulant: Walking in the Streets, they require, not onelyonly of the Towns-men, but p. 151also of every stranger except they excell in dignity, that they goe out of the way unto them. Herein two things are observable in the Scholars,

What rea…on is it he should give place to a Towns-man? ut quid cedat Plenum vacuo, scientia ignorantiae? This mindeth me of a passage in Plutarch concerning Themistocles, when a Boy going home from School, he met one of the Athenian Tyrants in the City, and the people cryed out unto him to goe out of the way, What (said Themistocles) is not all the street broad enough for him, but I must be put out of my path and pace to make room for him? This was interpreted by such as heard him, as a presage of his future magnanimity. And surely it shews not want of breeding, but store of spirit, when a man will not be put out of his way, for every swelling emptiness that meets him therein.

An Henry-Sophister]

So are they called, who after four years standing in the University, stay themselves from commencing Bachelors of Art, to render them (in some Colledges) more capable of preferment. Several reasons are assigned of their name.

That tradition is senseless, (and inconsistent with his Princely magnificence) of such who fansie, that K. Henry the eighth coming to Cambridge, staid all the Sophisters a year, who expected a year of grace should have been given unto them. More probable it is, because that King is commonly conceived of great strength and sta…ure, that these Sophistae Henriciani were elder and bigger then others. The truth is this, in the reign of King Henry the eighth, after the destruction of Monasteries, …earning was at a loss, and the University (thanks be unto God more scar'd then hurt) stood at a gaze what would become of her. Hereupon many Students staid themselves, two, three, some four years, as who would see, how their degrees, (before they took them) should be rewarded and maintained.

Martyrs.

WILLIAM FLOWER was born at**So Mr. Fox spells it, in his Acts and Mon. pag. 1573. called S…il Well at this day. Snow-hill in this County, bred first a Monk in Ely, till relinquishing his habit he became a Secular Priest and a Protestant, and after many removals fixed at last at Lambeth.

Wonder not, Reader, to see a long black line prefixed before his name, which he well deserved to distinguish him from such men, who had an unquestionable title of Martyrdom. Whereas this Flower dangerously wounded a Popish Priest with a Woodknife, (a mischievous weapon) in Saint Margarets Westminster, just at the Ministration of the Masse, so that the bloud of the Priest Spirted into the Challice.

A fact so foul, that the greatest charity would blush to whisper a syllable in the excuse thereof. As for such who in his defence, plead the precedent of Elia his killing of Baals Priests, they lay a foundation for all impiety in a Christian Common-wealth. If in the Old World Giants were the Product of those Marriages, when the sons of God took to Wives the**Gen. 6. 2.Gen 6:2 daughters of Men, (a Copulation not unlawfull, because they were too near a kin, but because they were too far off;) what Monsters will be generated from such mixtures, when Extraordinary actions by immediate Commissions from God shall be matched unto Ordinary Persons of meer men, and Heaven unjustly alledged and urged for the defence of Hell it self?

However it plainly appears that Flower afterwards solemnly repented of this Abominable act, and was put to death for the Testimony of the truth. Grudge not Reader to peruse this following Parallel, as concerning the hands of the Martyrs in the reign of Queen Mary.

Yet though his right hand suffered as a Malefactour, there want not those who maintained that**There were but 3. more Maryred in this County, whereof John Hullier Fellow of Kings-col. was most remarkable. Martyr belongs to the rest of his Body.

Prelats.

STEPHEN de FULBORN was born at Fulborn (no other of that name in England) in this County. Going over into Ireland to seek his Providence (commonly nicknamed his fortune) therein, he became anno 1274▪ **Sir James Ware in the Arch-bishops of Tuam.Bishop of Waterford, and Lord Treasurer of Ireland. Hence he was preferred Arch-bishop of Tuam, and once, and again was Chief Justice of that (allow me a Prolepsis)**Ireland properly was no Kingdome till the time of K. Henry the eighth. Kingdome. He is reported to have given to the Church of Glassenbury in England, **Sir James ut prius.Indulg…nces of an hundred days which I cannot understand, except he promised pardon of so many days, to all in his Province who went a Pilgrimage to that place; and this also seems an over-papal Act of a plain Arch-bishop. He died 1288. and was buried in Trinity Church in Dublin.

NICHOLAS of ELY, was so called (say some) from being Arch-Deacon thereof, which dignity so died his Denomination in grain, that it kept colour till his death, not fading, for his future higher preferments, though others conjecture his birth also at Ely. When the bold Barons obtrued a Chancellour**John Philipot in his Catal. of Chancellors pag. 23. (A Kings Tongue and Hands by whom he publickly speaks and acts) Anno 1260. they forced this Nicholas on King Henry the third for that Office, till the King some months after displaced him, yet (knowing him a man of much merit) voluntarily chose him L. Treasurer **Idem in his Catalogue of Treasurers pag. 16.when outed of his Chancellors place, so that (it seems) he would trust him with his Coffers, but not with his Conscience; yea he afterwards preferred him Bishop of Worcester, then of Winchester. Here he sate 12. years, and that Cathedrall may (by a Synedoche of a novel part for the whole) challenge his interment, having his Heart **Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Winchester.inclosed in a Wall, though his body be buryed at Waverly in …urry 1280.

WILLIAM of BOTLESHAM was born at Bottlesham (contractly Botsam) in this County. This is a small village, which never amounted to a Market-town, some five miles East of Cambridge, pleasantly seated in pure aire, having rich arable on the one, and the fair health of New-market on the other side thereof. It hath been the nursery of refined wits, affording a Triumvirate of learned men, taking their lives there, and names thence: and to prevent mistakes (to which learned pens in this point have been too prone) we present them in the ensuing parallels.

p. 153Let all England shew me the like of three eminent men, (all contemporaries at large) which one petty village did produce. Let Bottlesham hereafter be no more fam'd for its single Becon, but for these three lights it afforded.

THOMAS of NEW MARKET was born therein, and though that Town lyeth some part in Suffolk, my **Bale de Script. Ang. Cent. 7. Num. 60.Author assures his Nativity in this County. He was bred in Cambridge, an excellent Humanist and Divine, (having left some learned Books to Posterity) and at last was advanced to be **Idem i bidem.Bishop of Carlile.

Surely then he must be the same with Thomas Merks, consecrated Anno 1397. **Bale maketh him to flourish under K. Henry the fourth.consent of time most truly befriending the conjecture. Merks also and Market being the same in effect. Neither doth the omission of New in the least degree discompose their Identity, it being usuall to leave out the Prenomen of a Town for brevity sake, by those of the Vicenage, (amongst whom there is no danger of mistake,) commonly calling West-chester, Chester, South-hampton, Hampton. If the same, he is famous in our English Histories, because his devotion (in a Transposed Posture to publick practise) **See his speech in Parliament Speed pag.worshiped the Sun-setting, King Richard the second, for which his memory will meet with more to commend then imitate it. Yet was his Loyalty shent, but not sham'd: and King Henry the fourth being sick of him, not daring to let him to live, nor put him to death, (because … Prelate) found an Expedient for him of a living death, confining him to a Titular **Godwin in the Bishop of Carlile.Grecian Bishoprick. He dyed about 1405.

THOMAS THIRLBY Doctor of Laws, was (as I am assured by an excellent **Mr. Martin beneficed neer Northampton.Antiquary) born in the Town, and bred in the University of Cambridge, most probably in Trinity hall. He was very able in his own faculty, and more then once employed in Embasseys by King Henry the eighth, who preferred him Bishop of Westminster. Here, had Thirlby lived long, and continued the course he began, he had prevented Queen Mary from dissolving that Bishoprick, as which would have dissolved it self for lack of land, sold and wasted by him. And though probably he did this to raise and enrich his own family, yet such the success of his sacriledge, his name and alliance is extinct.

From Westminster he was removed to Norwich, thence to Ely. He cannot be followed (as some other of his order) by the light of the Fagots kindled by him to burn poor Martyrs, seeing he was given rather to Prodigality then cruelty, it being signally observed that he wept at Arch-bishop Cranmers degradation. After the death of Queen Mary, he was as violent in his opinions, but not so virulent in his expressions; always devoted to Queen Mary, but never invective against Queen Elizabeth. He lived in free custody, dyed, and is buried at Lambeth 1570.

Since the Reformation.

GODFREY GOLDSBOROUGH D. D. was born in the Town of Cambridge, where some of his Sur-name and Relation remained since my memory. He was bred in Trinity-colledge, (Pupil to Arch-bishop Whitgiff) and became afterwards Fellow thereof, at last he was consecrated Bishop of Gloucester Anno Dom. 1598. He was one of the second set of Protestant Bishops, which were after those so famous for their sufferings in the Marian days, and before those who fall under the cognizance of our generation; the true reason that so little can be recovered of their character. He gave a hundred mark to Trinity▪colledge, and died Anno Dom. 1604.

ROBERT TOWNSON D. D. was born in Saint Botolphs parish in Cambridge, and bred a Fellow in Queens-colledge, being admitted very young therein, but 12. years of age. He was blessed with an happy memory, insomuch that when D. D. he could say by heart the second Book of the Aeneads which he learnt at School, without missing a Verse. He was an excellent Preacher, and becoming a Pulpit with his gravity. He attended King James his Chaplaine into Scotland, and after his return was preferred Dean of Westminster, then Bishop of Salisbury.

Hear what the Author of a Pamphlet, who inscribeth himself A. W. saith in a Book which is rather a Satyre then a History, a Libell then a Character, of the Court of King James, for after he had slanderously inveighed against the bribery of those days in Church and State, hear how he seeks to make amends for all.

p. 154King James's Court, pag. 129, 130.

Some worthy men were preferred gratis to blow up their [Buckingham and his party] Fames, (as Tolson a worthy man paid nothing in fine or Pension, and so after him Davenant in the same Bishoprick.) Yet these were but as Musick before every hound.

Now although both these persons here praised were my God-fathers and Uncles, (the one marrying the sister of, the other being Brother to my Mother) and although such good words seem a Rarity from so railing a mouth, yet shall not these considerations tempt me to accept his praises on such invidious terms as the Author doth proffer them.

O! Were these worthy Bishops now alive, how highly would they disdain to be praised by such a pen, by which King James their Lord and Master is causelesly traduced! How would they condemn such uncharitable commendations, which are (if not founded on) accompanied with the disgrace of others of their order? Wherefore, I their Nephew in behalf of their Memories, protest against this passage, so far forth as it casteth Lustre on them, by Eclipsing the credit of other Prelates their contemporaries. And grant corruption too common in that kind, yet were there besides them at that time, many worthy Bishops raised to their dignity by their Deserts, without any Simonicall complyances.

Doctor Townson had a hospitall heart, a generous disposition, free from covetousness, and was always confident in Gods Providence, that, if he should dye, his children (and those were many) would be provided for, wherein he was not mistaken. He lived in his Bishoprick but a year, and being appointed at very short warning to preach before the Parliament, by unseasonable …tting up to study, contracted a Fever, whereof he died, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, Anno Dom. 1622.

THOMAS (son to William) WESTFIELD D. D. was born Anno Dom. 1573. in the Parish of Saint Maries in Ely, and there bred at the Free-school under Master Spight, till he was sent to Jesus-colledge in Cambridge, being first Scholar, then Fellow thereof. He was Curate, or Assistant rather, to Bishop Felton, whilst Minister of Saint Mary le Bow in Cheapside, afterward Rector of Hornsey, nigh, and Great Saint Bartholomews in London, where in his preaching he went thorow the four Evangelists. He was afterwards made Arch-Deacon of Saint Albans, and at last Bishop of Bristol, a place proffered to, and refused by him twenty five years before. For then the Bishoprick was offered to him to maintain him; which this contented meek man, having a selfsubsistence, did then decline, though accepting of it afterwards, when proffered to him to maintain the Bishoprick, and support the Episcopall dignity by his signall devotion. What good **The particulars of this were procured for me by my worthy friend Mathew Gilly Esquire, from Elizabeth the Bishops sole surviving daughter.opinion the Parliament (though not over-fond of Bishops) conceived of him, appears by their Order ensuing,

The thirteenth of May 1643. From the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestration of Delinquents Estates.

Upon information in the behalf of the Bishop of Bristoll, that his Tenants refuse to pay him his Rents, it is Ordered by this Committee, that all profits of his Bishoprick be restored to him, and a safe conduct be granted him to pass with his family to Bristoll, being himself of great age, and a person of great learning and merit. Jo. Wylde.

About the midst of his life he had a terrible sickness, so that he thought (to use his own expression in his Diary) that God would put out the candle of his life, though he was pleased onelyonly to snuff it. By his will (the true Copy whereof I have) he desired to be buried in his Cathedral Church neer the tombe of Paul Bush, the first Bishop thereof. And as for my worldly goods, (Reader, they are his own words in his Will) which (as the times now are) I know not well where they be, nor what they are, I give and bequeath them all to my dear wife Elizabeth, &c. He protested himself on his death-bed a true Protestant p. 155of the Church of England, and dying Junii 28. 1644. lyeth buried according to his own desire above mentioned, with this inscription;

Hic jacet Thomas Westfield, S. T. D. Episcoporum intimus, peccatorum primus. Obiit 25. Junii, anno MDCXLIV. Senio & moerore confectus. Tu Lector (quisquis es) vale & resipisce.

Epitaphium ipse sibi dictavit vivus. Monumentum uxor moestissima Elizabetha Westfield Marito desideratissimo posuit superstes.

Thus leaving such as survived him to see more sorrow, and feel more misery, he was seasonably taken away from the evil to come. And according to the Anagram made on him by his Daughter,

Thomas Westfield, I dwel the most safe.

Enjoying all happiness and possessing the reward of his pains, who converted many, and confirmed more by his constancy in his Calling.

States-men.

JOHN TIPTOFT son and heir of John Lord Tiptoft, and **Mills Cat. of Hon. pag. 1010.Joyce his wife (daughter and Co-heir of Edward Charlton Lord Powis by his wife Eleanor, sister and Co-heir of Edmund Holland Earl of Kent) was born at **Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 8. num. 46.Everton in this (but in the confines of Bedford) shire. He was bred in Baliol-colledge in Oxford, where he attained to great learning, and by King Henry the sixth was afterwards created first Vice-count, then Earl of Worcester, and Lord H…gh Constable of England, and by K. Edward the fourth Knight of the Garter.

The skies began now to lowre, and threaten Civil Wars, and the House of York fell sick of a Relapse. Mean time this Earl could not be discourteous to Henry the sixth who had so much advanced him, nor disloyall to Edward the fourth in whom the right of the Crown lay. Consulting his own safety, he resolved on this Expedient, for a time to quit his own and visit the Holy-land. In his passage thither, or thence, he came to Rome, where he made a Latin speech before the Pope, Pi… the second, and converted the Italians into a better opinion then they had formerly of the English-mens learning, insomuch that his holiness wept at the elegancy of the Oration.

He returned from Christs sepulcher to his own grave in England, coming home in a most unhappy juncture of time, if sooner or later, he had found King Edward on that Throne, to which now Henry the sixth was restored, and whose restitution was onelyonly remarkable for the death of this worthy Lord. Thus those who when the house of the State is on fire, politickly hope to save their own chamber, are sometimes burned therein.

Treason was charged upon him for secret siding with King Edward, who before and afterward de facto, and always de jure, was the lawfull King of England; on this account he lost his life. Then did the axe at one blow cut off more learning in England p. 156then was left in the heads of all the surviving nobility. His death happened on Saint Lukes-day 1470.

Edward Lord Tiptoft his son was restored by Edward the fourth, Earl of Worcester. But dying without Issue his large Inheritance fell to his three **Milles ut supra.Aunts, sisters to the learned Lord aforesaid, viz. First Philip, married to Thomas Lord Ross of Ham-lake. Second, Jo…ne, wife of Sir Edmund Ingoldsthorp of Borough-green in this County. Third Joyce, married unto Sir Edward Sutton son and heir of John Lord Dudley, from whom came Edward Sutton Lord Dudley, and Knight of the Garter.

JOHN CHEEKE Knight, Tutor to King Edward the sixth, and Secretary of State, was born over against the Market-cross in Cambridge. What Crosses afterwards befel him in his course of life, and chiefly before his Pious death, are largely related in our ChurchHistory.

Souldiers.

The courage of the men in this County before the Conquest, plainly appeareth by this authentick passage in a memorable author, who reporteth, that when the rest of the East Angles cowardly fled away in the field from the Danish army, **Chronicon. …o. Bromton pag. 887.Homines comitatus Cantabrigiae viriliter obstiterunt: The men of the County of Cambridge did manfully resist. Our author addeth, Unde Anglis regnantibus laus Cantabrigiensis Provinciae splendidè florebat; Whence it was that whilst the English did rule, the praise of the people of Cambridge shire did most eminently flourish.

Nor lost they their reputation for their manhood, at the coming in of the Normans, who partly by the valour of their persons, partly by the advantage of their fens, made so stout resistance, that the Conqueror who did fly into England, was glad to creep into Ely. Yea, I have been credibly informed that Cambridge-shire men commonly passed for a current proverb, though now like old coine, almost grown out of request.

Indeed the Common People have most Robustious Bodies, insomuch that Quartersacks were here first used, men commonly carrying on their backs (for some short space) eight bushels of Barly, whereas four are found a sufficient load for those in other Counties. Let none say that Active valour is ill inferred from Passive strength, for I do not doubt but (if just occasion were given) they would find as good Hands and Arms as they do Backs and Shoulders.

Writers.

MATTHEW PARIS is acknowledged an English-man by all, (save such who mistakeAMP. Parisius for Parisiensis) and may probably be presumed born in this (as bred in the next) County, where the name and family of Paris is right ancient, even long before they were settled therein at Hildersham, which accrued unto them by their marriage with the daughter and Heir of the **Camdens Bri…. in Cambridgeshire.Buslers. Sure I am, were he now alive, the Parises would account themselves credited with his, and he would not be ashamed of their affinity.

He was bred a Monke of Saint Albans, skilled not only in Poetry, Oratory and Divinity, but also in such manual as lye in the suburbs of liberal Sciences, Painting, graving, &c. But his Genius chiefly disposed him for the writing of Histories, wherein he wrote a large Chronicle from the Conquest, unto the year of our Lord 1250. where he concludes with this distich;

Siste tui metas studii, Matthaee, quietas

Nec ventura petas, quae postera proferat aetas.

Matthew here cease thy pen in peace, and study on no more;

Nor do thou rome at things to come, what next age hath in store.

However he afterwards resuming that work, continued it untill the year 1259. This I observe, not to condemn him, but excuse my self from inconstancy, it being it seems a catching disease with Authors, to obey the importunity of Others, contrary to their own resolution.

p. 157His history is unpartially and judiciously written, (save where he …geth too much to Monkish Miracles and Visions,) and no writer so plainly discovereth the pride, avarice, and rapine of the Court of Rome, so that he seldome kisseth the …opes to… without biting it. Nor have the Papists any way to wave his true jeeres, but by suggesting, haec non ab ipso scripta, sed ab aliis falsò illi **Pits. de it. Aug. d…script. pag. 3…8.ascripta; insinuating a suspicion of forgery, in his last edition: understand them in what …ome 80. years …ince was set forth by Mathew Parker, whereas it was done with all integrity, according to the best and most ancient Manuscripts, wherein all those Anti-papal passages plainly appear, as since in a latter and exacter Edition, by the care and industry of Doctor William Wats. This Mathew left off living and writing at the same time, viz. anno 1259. I will only adde, that though he had sharp nailes, he had clean hands, stri…t in his own, as well as striking at the loose conversations of others, and for his eminent austerity was imployed by Pope Innocent the fourth, not only to visit the Monkes in the Diocess of Norwich, but also was sent by him into Norway, to reform the discipline in Holui, a fair Convent therein, but much corrupted.

HELIAS RUBEUS was born at **B…le d…pt. Brit. Cent. 4. Num. 48.Triplow in this County, bred D. D. in Cambridge. Leland acquainteth us that he was a great Courtier, and gracious with the King, not informing us what King it was, nor what time he lived in; onelyonly we learn from him, that this Rubeus (conceive his English Name Rouse, or Red) seeing many who were Nobilitatis Portenta (so that as in a Tympany their very greatness was their Disease) boasted (if not causelesly) immoderately of their high Extraction, wrote a Book contra Nobilitatem inanem. He is conjectured to have flourished about the year 1266.

JOHN EVERSDEN was born at one of the Eversdens in this County, bred a Monk in Bury-Abbey, and the Cellerer thereof An Officer higher in sense then sound, being by his place to provide diet …or the whole Convent, assigning particular persons their portions thereof; But our Eversdens mind mounted above such mean matters, busied himself in Poetry, Law, History, whereof he wrote a fair volume from the **Bale descript. Brit. Cent. 5. Num. 40.beginning of the world, according to the humour of the Historians of that age; starting all thence, though they run to several marks. Being a Monk he was not over fond of Fryers. And observeth that when the Franciscans first entred Bury Anno 1336. there happened a hideous Hericano, levelling trees and towers, and whatsoever it met with. The best was, though they came in with a Tempest, they went out with a Calme, at the time of the dissolution. This John flourished under King Edward the third, and dyed about the year 1338.

RICHARD WETHERSET, commonly called of Cambridge, (saith Bale) because heS. N. was Chancellour thereof. But there must be more in it to give him that denomination, seeing many had that office besides himself. He was a great Scholar, and deep Divine, it being reported to his no small praise, That he conformed his Divinity to **Bale Descript. Brit. Cent. 5. Num. 88.Scripture, and not to the rules of Philosophy. He flourished under King Edward the third anno 1350.

WILLIAM CAXTON born in that Town (a noted stage betwixt Roiston and Huntington) **Cent. octa. Num. 43.Bale beginneth very coldly in his commendation, by whom he is charactered, Vir non omnino stupidus, aut ignavia torpens; but we understand the language of his Liptote, the rather …ecause he proceedeth to praise his Diligence and Learning. He had most of his Education beyond the Seas, living 30. years in the Court of Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundy, Sister to King Edward the fourth, whence I conclude him an Anti-Lancastrian in his affection. He continued Polychronicon, (beginning where Trevisa ended,) unto the end of King Edward the fourth, with good judgment and Fidelity. And yet when he writeth **Polychron. lib. ult. cap. 10.that King Richard the second left in his Treasury Money and Jewells, to the value of seven hundred thousand pounds, I cannot credit him, it is so contrary to the received Character of that Kings Riotous Prodigality. Caxton carefully collected and printed all Chaucers works, and on many accounts deserved well of Posterity, when he died about the year 1486.

Since the Reformation.

RICHARD HULOET was born at **Bal… d…ript. B…. C…w. 9. Num. 67.Wishich in this County, and brought up in good learning. He wrote a book called the English and Latine A B C, and dedicated the same to Thomas Goowrich Bishop of Ely, and Chancellor of England. Some will condemn him of Indiscretion, in presenting so low a subject to so high a person, as if he would teach the Greatest States-man in the land to spell aright. Others will excuse him, his book being, though, of low of generall use for the Common people, who then began to betake themselves to reading, (long neglected in the land) so that many who had one foot in their grave, had their hand on their primer. But I believe that his book (whereof I could never recover a sight) though entitled an A B C, related not to Literall reading, but rather to some Elementall grounds of Religion. He flourished Anno Domini 1552.

JOHN RICHARDSON was born of honest parentage at Linton in this County, bred first Fellow of Emanuell, then Master of Saint Peters, and at last of Trinity-colledge in Cambridge, and was Regius Professor in that University. Such who represent him a dull and heavy man in his parts, may be confuted with this instance.

An extraordinary Act in Divinity was kept at Cambridge before King James, wherein Doctor John Davenant was Answerer, and Doctor Richardson amongst others the opposers. The Question was maintained in the negative, concerning the excommunicating of Kings. Doctor Richardson vigorously pressed the practice of Saint Ambrose excommunicating of the Emperour Theodosius, insomuch that the King in some passion returned, profecto fuit hoc ab Ambrosio insolentissimè factum. To whom Doctor Richardson, rejoyned, responsum vere Regium, & Alexandro dignum, hoc non est argumenta dissolvere, sed desecare. And so sitting down he desisted from any further dispute.

He was employed one of the Translators of the Bible, and was a most excellent linguist, whose death happened Anno Dom. 1621.

ANDREW WILLET D. D. was born at Ely in this County, bred Fellow of Christscolledge in Cambridge. He afterwards succeeded his father in the Parsonage of Barley in Hertford shire, and became Prebendary of Ely. He confuted their cavill who make children the cause of covetousness in Clergy-men, being bountifull above his ability, notwithstanding his numerous issue. No less admirable his industry appearing in his Synopsi…, Comments, and Commenta…ies, insomuch that one considering his Polygraphy, said merrily, that he must write whilst he slept, it being unpossible that he should do so much when waking. Sure I am, he wrote not sleepily nor oscitantèr, but what was solid in it self, and profitable for others.

A casuall fall from his horse in the high-way near Hodsden breaking his leg, accelerated his death. It seems that Gods promise to his children to keep them in all their ways, that they dash not their foot against the stone, 'Tis (as other Temporall promises) to be taken with a Tacit clause of revocation, viz. if Gods wisdome doth not discover the contrary more for his glory and his childrens good. This Doctor died Anno Domini 1621.

Sir THOMAS RIDLEY Kt. Dr. of the Laws, was born at Ely in this County, bred first a scholar in Eaton, then Fellow of Kings-colledge in Cambridge. He was a general scholar in all kind of learning, especially in that which we call melior literatura. He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester, and the Vicar generall to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury: his memory will never dye whilst his book called the view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living; a book of so much merit, that the Common Lawyers (notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions) will ingeniously allow a due commendation to his learned performance in that subject. He died Anno Domini 1629. on the two and twentieth day of January.

ARTHUR HILDERSHAM was born at Strechworth in this County, descended by his mothers side from the Bloud-Royal, being great-great-grand-child to George Duke of Clarence, brother to Edward the fourth. Yet was he not like the proud Nobles of Tecoa, who counted themselves too good to put their hands to Gods work. But being bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge, he entred into the Ministry. How this worthy p. 159Divine was first run a ground with poverty, and afterwards set a float, by Gods Providence, how he often alternately lost and recovered his voice, being silenced and restored by the Bishops, how after many intermediate afflictions, this just and upright man had peace at the last, is largely reported in my Ecclesiastical History, to which (except I adde to the truth) I can adde nothing on my knowledge remarkable. He died Anno Domini 1631.

R. PARKER, for so is his Christian name defectively written in my Book, was born in Ely, (therefore Place-nameing himself Eliensis) was son (as I am confident) to Master Parker Arch-deacon of Ely, to whom that Bishoprick in the long vacancy (after the death of Bishop Cox) was profered, and by him refused, tantum opum usuram iniquis conditionibus sibi oblatam respuens. Our Parker was bred in, and became Fellow of Caiuscolledge, an excellent Herauld, Historian, and Antiquary, Author of a short, plain, true, and brief Manuscript, called Sceletos Cantabrigiensis, and yet the bare Bones thereof, are Fleshed with much matter, and hath furnished me with the Nativities of severall Bishops who were Masters of Colledges.

I am not of the mind of the Italian, (from whose Envy God deliver us) Polidore Virgil, who having first served his own turn with them, burnt all the rare English Manuscripts of History he could procure, so to raise the valuation of his own works. But from my heart I wish, some ingenious person would Print Mr. Parkers Book, for the use of Posterity. He was a melancholy man, neglecting all Preferment, to enjoy himself, and died in the place of his Nativity, as I conjecture, about 1624.

MICHAEL DALTON Esquire, He was bred in the study of our Municipall-law in Lincolns Inn, and attained great skill in his own profession. His gravity graced the Bench of Justices in this County, where his judgment deservedly passed for an Oracle in the Law, having enriched the world with two excellent Treatises, the one of the Office of the Sheriffs, the other of the Justices of Peace. Out of the Dedicatory Epistle of the later, I learnt this (which I knew not before) that K. James was so highly affected with our English Government by Justices of Peace, that he was the first, who setled the same, in his Native Country of Scotland. Mr. Dalton dyed before the beginning of our Civil Distempers.

THOMAS GOAD D. D. was son to Dr. Roger Goad (for more then fourty years Provost of Kings-colledge) but whether born in the Provosts Lodgings in Cambridge, or at Milton in this County, I am not fully informed. He was bred a Fellow under his Father, afterwards Chaplain to Arch-bishop Abbot, Rector of Hadly in Suffolk, Prebendary of Canterbury, &c. A great and Generall Scholar, exact Critick, Historian, Poet, (delighting in making of verses, till the day of his death) School-man, Divine. He was substituted by K. James, in the place of Doctor Hall, (indisposed in health) and sent over to the Synod of Dort. He had a commanding presence, an uncontrolable spirit, impatient to be opposed, and loving to steere the discourse (being a good Pilot to that purpose) of all the Company he came in. I collect him to have died about the year 1635.

ANDREW MARVAIL was born at **So his son-inlaw informed me.Mildred in this County, and bred a master of Arts in Trinity-colledge in Cambridge.

He afterwards became Minister in Hull, where for his life time he was well beloved. Most facetious in his discourse, yet grave in his carriage, a most excellent preacher, who like a good husband never broached what he had new brewed, but preached what he had pre…studied some competent time before. Insomuch that he was wont to say, that he would crosse the common proverb, which called Saturday the working day, and Munday the holy day of preachers. It happened that Anno Dom. 1640. Jan. 23. crossing Humber in a Barrow-boat, the same was sand-warpt, and he **With Mrs. Skinner (daughter to Sir Ed. Coke) a very religious Gentlewoman.drowned therein, by the carelesness (not to say drunkenness) of the boat-men, to the great grief of all good men. His excellent comment upon Saint Peter, is daily desired and expected, if the envy and covetousness of private persons for their own use, deprive not the publick of the benefit thereof.

p. 160Benefactors to the publick.

HUGO de BALSHAM (for so is he truly written) was born in this County as may easily be spelled out of the four following probabilities put together.

First, it was fashionable for Clergy-men in that age to assume their Surnames from the place of their Nativity.

Secondly, Balsham is an eminent village in this County, whereof an ancient**Henry of Huntington. Author taketh notice, naming thence the neighbouring ground Amaenissima Montana de Balsham.

Thirdly, There is no other Village of that name throughout the Dominions of England.

Fourthly, It is certaine this Hugh was bred in this County, where he attained to be Sub-prior, and afterwards Bishop of Ely.

This Hugh was he who founded Peter-house in the University of Cambridge, the first built (though not first endowed) Colledge in England. This Foundation he finished Anno 1284. bestowing some lands upon it, since much augmented by Bountifull Benefactors. He sat 28 years in his See, and dyed June the 6. 1286.

Sir WILLIAM HORN Salter, son to Thomas Ho…n was born at Snail-well in this County, he was Knighted by King Hen. the seventh, and Anno 1487. was L. Mayor of London. He gave bountifully to the Preachers at Saint Pauls crosse, and bestowed five hundred **Stows survay of London pag. 575.Marks to the mending of the high ways, betwixt Cambridge the County Town where he had his first Life, and London the City where he got his best livelihood.

Know in that Age Horn his five hundred Marks, had in them the intrinsick value of our five hundred pounds, which in those days would go very far in the wages of Laborers.

Sir WILLIAM (son of JOHN) PURCASE was born at Gamlinggay in this County, bred a Mercer in London, and Lord Mayor thereof, Anno 1497. He caused Morefields under the walls to be made plain ground, then to the great pleasure, since to the greater profit of the City.

Sir THOMAS (son of JOHN) KNEISWORTH was born at Kneisworth in this County, bred a Fishmonger in London, whereof he was Lord Mayor, Anno 1505. He appointed the Water-conduit at Bishop-gate to be built, to the great convenience of the City, formerly much wanting that usefull Element. Be it here observed for the incouragement of the industry of Cambridg-shire Apprentices, that by the premises it doth appear that this small County in the compass of eighteen years afforded three L. Mayors and Benefactors, which no other Shire of equal or greater quantity ever produced.

Since the Reformation.

JOHN CRANE was born in Wishbeech in this County, bred an Apothecary in Cambridg, so diligent an youth, that some judicious persons prognosticated that he would be a rich man. Dr. Butler took so great a fancy unto him, that he lived and died in his Family, yea and left the main body of his rich Estate unto him.

This Mr. Crane had a large heart, to entertain his friends, and Annually very nobly treated all the Oxford men at the Commencement. He gave at his death no less then three thousand pounds to charitable uses, bestowing the house he lived in (and that a very fair one) aster his Wives death, on the Publick Professor of Physick, and in settlement of his other Benefactions, discreetly reflected on Wishbeech where he was born, (to which he gave 100l. to build a Town-hall) Cambridge, where he lived, Lin, where he was well acquainted, Ipswich, where Doctor Butler (the first founder of his estate) was born, and Kingston where his lands lay. He in some sort gives Preventing Physick to the Scholars now he is dead, by giving 100l. to be lent gratis to an honest man, the better to enable him to buy good Fish and Fowl for the University, having observed much sickness occasioned by unwholsome food in that kind. He bequeathed to Dr. Wren Bishop of Ely, and Doctor Brounrigg Bishop of Exeter, one hundred pounds a piece by his p. 161Will, and as much by a Codecil annexed thereunto. Besides his concealed Charities, his hand was always open to all the distressed Royalists. He died in May, 1650.

Memorable Persons.

WILLIAM COLLET was born at Over in this County, bred a Clerk in London, till at last he attained to be Keeper of the Records in the Tower, none equalling him in his dexterity in that office. He went the same path with his predecessor in that place, Master Augustine Vincent, but out-went him as survivor. And because Method is the mother of Memory, he orderly digested all Records, that they were to be found in an instant. He abominated their course, who by a water would refresh a Record, to make it usefull for the present, and useless ever after. He detested under the pretence o… mending it, to practice with a pen on any old writing, preserving it in the pure natu…e thereof. Indeed Master Selden and others in their Works, have presented Posterity with a plentifull feast of English rarities, but let me say that Collet may be called their Caterer, who furnished them with provision on reasonable rates. He died to the great grief of all Antiquaries Anno Dom. 1644.

EDWARD NORGATE son to Robert Norgate D. D. Master of Bennet-colledge, was born in Cambridge, bred by his Father-in-law (who married his Mother) Nicholas Felton Bishop of Ely, who finding him inclined to Limning and Heraldry, permitted him to follow his fancy therein. For, parents who cross the current of their childrens genius, (if running in no vicious chanells) tempt them to take worse courses to themselves.

He was very judicious in Pictures, to which purpose he was imployed into Italy to purchase them for the Earl of Arundel. **This story is o… his own relation.Returniug by Marseilles he missed the money he expected, and being there unknowing of, and unknown to any, he was observed by a French Gentleman (so deservedly styled) to walk in the Exchange (as I may …ll it) of that City, many Hours every Morning and Evening, with swift feet and sad face, forwards and backwards. To him the civil Monsieur addressed himself, desiring to know the cause of his discontent, and if it came within the compass of his power, he promised to help him with his best advise. Norgate communicated his condition, to whom the other returned, Take I pray my Counsel, I have taken notice of your walking more then 20▪ miles a day, in one furlong upwards and downwards, and what is spent in needless going and returning, if laid out in Progressive Motion, would bring you into your own Country. I will suit you (if so pleased,) with a light habit, and furnish you with competent money for a Footman. Norgate very chearfully consented, and footed it (being accommodated accordingly) through the body of France, (being more then five hundred English miles,) and so leasurely with ease, safety, and health, returned into England.

He became the best Illuminer or Limner of our age, employed generally to make the Initial letters in the Patents of Peers, and Commissions of Embassadours, having left few heirs to the kind, none to the degree of his art therein. He was an excellent Herald by the title of—and which was the crown of all, a right honest man. Exemplary his patience in his sickness (whereof I was an eye-witness) though a complication of diseases, Stone, Ulcer in the bladder, &c. ceased on him. He died at the Heralds Office, Anno Dom. 1649.

Lord Mayors.

p. 162The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth, 1433.

Will. Pole, Mil.

Iohan. Colvyle, Mil.

Will. Hazenhull, Mil.

Will. Malory, Mil.

Iohan. Argenton, Mil.

Will. Alyngton

Senioris de Horseth

Laurencii Cheyne de Ditton

Hen. Somer de Grancotre

Iohan. Cheyne de Longstanton

Thomae Dischalers de Whaddon

Will. Frevill de Shelford

Ioha…. Hore de Childerle

Ioh. St. George de Haclee

Will. St. George de Eadem

Rob. Bernard de Iselham

Rob. Alyngton de Horseth

Walt. Clovile de Pampisworth

Walt. Cotton de Ladevade.

Will. Burgoyne de Caxton

Ioh. Moris de Trumpiton

Ioh. Pigot de Aviton

Tho. Cotton de Lanwade

Simo. Brunne de Wenelingham

Edm. Seyntlowe de Malketon

Alexan. Child de Horton

Iohan. Keterich de Beche

Nicholai Cald…cote de Melreth

Walt. Hunty don de Trumpiton

Radul. Sanston de Sanston

Will. Fulburne de Fulburn

Rob. Kingston de Berklow

Rich. Stotevil de Brinkelee

Rich. Foster de Bodekisham

Iohan. Ansty senioris de Ovye

Iohan. Totehill de Swafham

Iohan. Chirche de Bassingburn

Edm. Bendisch de Barenton

Iohan. Ansty junioris de Tanerisham

Radul. Hamelin de Sanston

Iohan. Fulburn de Fulburn

Iohan. Borlee de Iselham

Iohan. Bury de Stretelee

Magistri de Chepenham de Chepenham

Nich. Hamond de Swofham

Tho. Cantyes de Littillington

Iohan. Walter de Cranden

Iohan. West de Croxton

Iohan. Knesworth de Knesworth

Warini Ingrith de Melreth

Iohan. Wilford sen. de Badbrurgham

Iohan. Wilford junio. de eadem

Sim. Hokington de Hokington

Iohan. Clopton de Clopton

Iohan. Bungeye de Fulburn

Ioh. Mars de Abiton

Tho. Danseth de Conyton

Tho. Haneheech de Shelford

Hen. Calbech de Balsham

Will. Sternede de Stapileford

Iohan. Wizhton de Hokington

Rob. Anfleys de Eltislee

Will. Eremilond de Iselham

Iohan. Vescey de Swanesey

Galf. Clopton de Clopton.

Will. Baily de Saham

Tho. Parker de Kertelenge

Tho. Bulseham de Chenele

Iohan. Bate de Reche

Iohan. Taillour de Brinkle

Iohan. Cotisford de Weston

Rog. Hunte de Balseham

Iohan. How de Sanston

Tho. Paris de eadem

Iohan, Trope de Dokisworth

Iacob. Russil de Skelington

Rich. Hoggepound de wrotting

Iohan. Palgrave de eadem

Tho. Cokeparker de Campis

Iohan. Petzt. de eadem

Steph. Petiz de eadem

Iohan. Lambard de eadem

Iohan. Smith de eadem

Iohan. Britsale de Berkelow

Will. Fuller de Lintone

Iohan. Plukerose de eadem

Thomae Hamont de eadem

Iohan. Person de eadem

Iohan. Haberd de Onye

Iohan. Orveye de Ditton

Philip. Grome de Hinton

Edm. Preston de Botisham

Tho. Bunte de eadem

Ioh. Wilkin de Wilburgham

Will. Thornton Warnier de Saham

Tho. Stapelton de Badburgham

Iohan. Ray de Novo Mercato

Hen. Attelane de Beche

Iohan. Knith de eadem

Walt. Fote de Middilton

Ioh. Andrew de Waterbeche

Rob. Bertelct de eadem

p. 159Iohan. Tylly de eadem

Hen. Clerke de eadem

Ioh. Annfleys de Critton

Iohan. Fox de eadem

Richard. Mably de Howis

Iohan. Attechercke de eadem

Iohan. Mably de eadem

Will. Colyn de Maddyngle

Iohan. Custance de eadem

Tho. Mesynger de eadem

Will. Reynolt de eadem

Will. Knight de Chesterton

Iohan. Bacon de eadem

Ioh. Bernard de eadem

Henrici Speed deHyston

Will. Page de eadem

Iohan. Smith sen. de eadem

Walt. Spernd de Cotenham

Hen. Mey de eadem

Hugon. Bernard de eadem

Will. Burbage de Drayton

Iohan. Gifford de eadem

Rober. Salman de eadem

Hen. Roys de Lolworth

Iohan. Asplen de eadem

Iohan. Ganelock de Over

Ioh. Sampson Bocher de eadem

Iohan. Barby de eadem

Hen. Okeham de eadem

Will. Shetere de Wenelingham

Iohan. de Botre de eadem

Iohan. Shetere de eadem

Will. Bakere de Swansey

Sim. Hurlpeny de eadem

Rich. Wright de eadem

Iohan. Halton de eadem

Ioh. Howesson de Ellysworth

Iohan. Bole de eadem

Will. Fermour de eadem

Iohan. Wareyan de eadem

Io. Annfleys de Papworth Everard

Io. Kent de Papworth Anneys

Iohan Dantre de Granele

Io. Annfleys de Conyton

Thom. Crispe de eadem

Will. Beton de Fendrayton

Will. Pecard de eadem

Ioh. Grewere de eadem

Rich. Hemington de Longstanton

Henri. Rede de eadem

Io. Page jun. de eadem

Will Driffeld de eadem

Ioh. Hawkyn de eadem

Will. Atte low de eadem

Tho. Pelle de Hokington

Ioh. Fulham de eadem

Ioh. Williem de Westwyk

Tho. Herward de eadem

Hen. Page de Rampton

Will Page de eadem

Ioh. Watesson de eadem

Ioh. Bette de Herdewyk

Tho. Newman de Toft

Tho. Basely de eadem

Tho. Crispe de Caldecote

Ioh. Faceby de eadem

Tho. Adam de Everisdon Magna

Henri. Bocher de eadem

Tho. Tant de Everisdon parva

Will Baron de eadem

Will. Parnell de Kingston

Rich. Mading le de eadem

Ioh. Couper de eadem

Sim. Lavenham de Brunne

Galfri. Norman de eadem

Sim. Wareyn de Stowe

Will Semer de eadem

Thom. Bette de eadem

Iohan. Freman de Esthatbee

Iohan. Bradfeld de eadem

Tho. Fysher de Gamelingey

Ioh. Brampston de eadem

Walt. Aydrok de eadem

Ioh. Smith de eadem

Iohan. Drap…r de eadem

Iohan. Goneld de Croxton

Willielm. Redford de eadem

Iohan. Michell de Eltislee

Iohan. Gylmyn de eadem

Thom. Bernard de eadem

Tho. Burgoyn de Caxton

Ioh. Noris de eadem

Iohan. Pachat de eadem

Will. Mold de Whaddon

Richar. Lylye de eadem

Iohan. Oradle de eadem

Will. Adam de Melreth

Tho. Cosyn de eadem

Will. Lylye de eadem

Iohan. Gentyng de eadem

Ioh. Zok…sle de Meldeburn

Iohan. Turnere de eadem

Tho. Gentyng de eadem

Iohan. Bayly de eadem

Nich. Pulter de eadem

Will. Turpin de Knesworth

Ioh. Street de eadem

Will. Willwys de Royston

Thom. Mellman de eadem

Walt. King jun. de Hungrihatle

Guidonis Moyn de eadem

Iohan. Pynk de eadem

Ioh. Malbern de Stepilmorden

Iohan. Crystmasse de eadem

Iohan. Busshe de eadem

Will. Frost de Gyldemyorden

Iohan. Lyly de eadem

p. 104Rich. Pern de eadem

Rich. Wolleys de Bassingburn

Iohan. Parlet de eadem

Iohan. Reymond de eadem

Iohan. Bettele de eadem

Rich. Batte de Abiton

Thomae Lorkin de eadem

Ioh. Gibbe de Litillington

Iohan. Benizch de eadem

Will. Baker de Tadlow

Tho. Pelle de eadem

Ioh. Goslin de Cranden.

Will. Ward de Tadlow

Ioh. Derby sen. de Copton

Rich. Derby de eadem

Tho. Sherlee de Shengey

Iohan. Smith de eadem

Will. Pink de wendy

Prioris de Bernwell

Prioris de Angleseye

Prioris de Speneye

Prioris de Fordham

Will. Lasselys persone Ecclesiae de Over.

Tho. Attewode persone Ecclesiae de Ellisworth

Ioh. Terinton persone Ecclesiae de Lolworth

Ioh. Deping persone Eccl. de …ritton

Nich. Holey persone Eccl. de …wansey

Ioh. Car away persone Eccl. de Fulburn

Radulphi Wathe persone Eccl. de Willburgham parva

Wil. Lavender persone Eccl. de Middilton

Rich. Drayton persone Eccl. de Kingston.

Tho. Lawngham persone Eccl. de Eltyslee

Rob. Dixon persone Ecclesiae de Shelford Magna

Adam persone Eccl. de Dokisworth

Will. Midleton persone Eccl. de Clopton

Ioh. Blak persone Eccl. de Hungrihatlee

Will. Mowt vicarii Ecclesia de Brunne

Ioh. Camisby persone Eccl. de Sneyleswell

Iohan. Smith persone Eccl. de Brynkle

Io. Bocher vicarii Eccl. de Longstanton

Io. Gotobed vicarii Eccl. de Swafham

Rect. de Chenele vicarii de Dittons Valens

Persone Eccl. de Fiditton

The Sheriffs of Cambridge and Huntington-shires.

HIN. II.

Auno 1

Rich. Basset, Albericus de Veer.

Auno 2

Paganus Vic. & Rob. Grimball.

Auno 3

Idem.

Auno 4

Auno 5

Idem.

Auno 6

Auno 7

Idem.

Auno 8

Idem.

Auno 9

Nich. de Chenet

Auno 10

Hamo Petom Vic.

Auno 11

Idem.

Auno 12

Hamo Petom, & Phil. de Daventre

Auno 13

Phil. de Daventre for 3 years.

Auno 16

Ebrar. de Beach, & War. de Basingborn

Auno 17

Idem.

Auno 18

Ebrardus de Beach for 6 years.

Auno 24

Walt. filius Hugonis for 3 years.

Auno 27

Walt. filius Hugonis, & Will. filius Stephani

Auno 28

Walt. filius Hugonis

Auno 29

Rad. de Bardulff.

Auno 30

Idem.

Auno 31

Nich. filius Roberti for 3 years.

RICH. I.

Anno 1

Nich. filius Roberti

Anno 2

Will. Muschet

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Rich▪ Anglicus

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Reginaldus de Argentuen

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Tho. de Huntsd…on

Anno 9

Merric. de Marignes

Anno 10

Rob. de Iusula.

JOH. R.

Anno 1

Rob. de Insula

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Hamo de Valoignes, & Rall. de Valoigne

Anno 4

Walt. de Stuieclea

Anno 5

Idem.

Anno 6

Rob. de Tateshall, & Magister Aristoteles

Anno 7

Idem.

Anno 8

Iosteli. de Stuieclea

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Fulco filius Theobaldi for 6 years.

Anno 16

Will. Comes. Sarisb. & Wer. de Marigne

Anno 17

Will Comes. Sarisb.

HEN. III.

Anno 1

Anno 2

Fulco de Breante, & de Radul. Bray

Anno 3

Idem.

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Fulkesius de Breante, & Joh. de Ulicot for 4 years.

Anno 9

Galf. de Hacfield sive Hadfield for 8 years.

Anno 17

Geremias de Caxton for 4 years.

Anno 21

Henri. de Colvel for 6 years.

Anno 27

Hugo de Hodeng

Anno 28

Rad. de Hereford for 3 years.

Anno 31

Phil. de Staunton for 3 years.

Anno 34

Henr. Colvile

Anno 35

Idem.

Anno 36

Simon. de Ho…ton

Anno 37

Idem.

Anno 38

Ioh. de Moyne

Anno 39

Ioh. de Moyne, & Ioh. de Marines

Anno 40

Idem.

p. 165Anno 41

Will. de la Stow

Anno 42

Idem.

Anno 43

Will. le Moyne

Anno 44

Ioh. de Scalarus

Anno 45

Ioh. de Scalarus, & Ioh. Lovell.

Anno 46

Saer de Frivile

Anno 47

Iohan. Lovell for 5 years.

Anno 52

Almaricus Pech

Anno 53

Saerus de Frivile

Anno 54

Idem.

Anno 55

Rob. del Estre

Anno 56

Idem.

EDW. I.

Anno 1

Rob. del Estre

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Walt. Shelfhanger

Anno 4

Will le Moyne for 3 years.

Anno 7

Bal. de S^to Georgio

Anno 8

Will. de Rothing

Anno 9

Idem.

Anno 10

Tho. de Belhus. for 7 years.

Anno 17

Hugo de Babington for 8 years.

Anno 25

Will. de Mortuo Mari

Anno 26

Will de Sutton

Anno 27

Tho. de Gradinor

Anno 28

Idem.

Anno 29

Rob. Hereward

Anno 30

Rob. de Bajose for 5 years.

EDW. II.

Anno 1

Ioh. Crekes, & Rob. de Hoo for 3 years.

Anno 4

Iohan. de Crekes for 3 years.

Anno 7

Tho. de Stolarus

Anno 8

Idem.

Anno 9

Radul. Giffard for 3 years.

Anno 12

Math. de Bassingborne

Anno 13

Ioh. de Crekes

Anno 14

Almaricus de Zouch for 5 years.

EDW. III.

Anno 1

Math. de Bassingborne

Anno 2

Idem.

Anno 3

Almar. la Zouch

Anno 4

Idem.

Anno 5

Will. le Moyne

Anno 6

Will. filius Ioh Muchett

Anno 7

Rich. de Bajocis, & Warr. de Bassing

Anno 8

Anno 9

Ioh. de Lymbery, & Will. Muschetts

Anno 10

Tho. de Lacy

Anno 11

Will. Muschett

Anno 12

Idem.

Anno 13

Warrin. de Bassingborn

Anno 14

Idem.

Anno 15

Ioh. de Papworth, & Ioh. de Lacy

Anno 16

Warr. de Bassingborn for 4 years.

Anno 20

Rob. de Engane

Anno 21

Idem.

Anno 22

Guido. de S^to Cler. for 4 years.

Anno 26

Iohan. Lisle de Rubeo. Monts.

Anno 27

Gui. de St. Clere

Anno 28

Idem.

Anno 29

Tho. de Scalar

Anno 30

Ioh. de Harewdon

Anno 31

Nich. Stanell for 4 years.

Anno 35

Ioh. Furneux, & Tho. Cheyne

Anno 36

Nich. Styvecle for 10 years.

Anno 46

Will. de Pappeworth

Anno 47

Rog. Harlaston

Anno 48

Tho. Sewalle

Anno 49

Tho. Torell

Anno 50

Bald. St. George

Anno 51

Ioh. Deugayne

Sheriffs of Cambridge and Huntington.

The Sheriffs of Cambridge-shire alone.

The Sheriffs of Cambridge and Huntington-shires again.

Edward IV.

16 THOMAS COTTON, Ar.]

This Thomas Cotton (different in Arms, and descent from the Cottons of Hunt.) was p. 168of Cambridg-shire (the same person who in the. Gentry of that County [Henric… 6. 12.] was returned the twenty second in Order.

Henry the VIII.

24 THOMAS ELIOT, Mil.]

He was son to Sir Richard **Bale descript. B…t. Cent. oct. Num. 77.Eliot, and born, some say, in Suffolk, but his house and chief estate lay in this County. After his long sailing into forraign parts, he at last cast anchor at home, and being well skilled in Greek and Latine was the Author of many excellent works. Of these one in Latine was styled **Idem ibidem.Defensorium bonarum mulierum, or the defence of good women; though some will say that such are hardly found, and easily de…ended.

He wrote also an excellent Dictionary of Latine and English, if not the first, the best of that kind in that age; and England then abounding with so many learned Clergy-men, I know not which more to wonder at, that they mist, or he hit on so necessary a subject; let me adde Bishop Cooper grafted his Dictionary on the stocke of Sir Thomas Eliot, which worthy Knight deceased 1546. and was buried at Carlton in this County.

28 THOMAS CROMWELL, Ar.]

Here Reader I am at a perfect los…, and do desire thy charitable hand to lead me. No Cromwell Thomas can I find at this time in this County, and can hardly suspect him to be the Cromwell of that Age, because only additioned Armiger. Indeed I find him this very year created Baron of Okeham, but cannot believe that he was Un-knighted so long, besides the improbability that he would condescend to such an Office, having no Interest I ever met with in Cambridg-shire, though (which may signifie somewhat) he was at this time Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. Thus I have started the doubt, which others may hunt down to their own satisfaction.

34 EDWARD NORTH, Mil.]

He was a prudent Person, and in managing Matters of importance of great dispatch, not unskilled in Law, and eminently imployed in the Court of Augmentation. A Court though short lived (erected in the end of King Henry the eighth, dissolved in the beginning of King Edward the sixth his reign) yet very beneficial to the Officers therein. This Sir Edward was made by Queen Mary Baron of Catlidge in this County, and was a considerable Benefactor to Peter-house in Cambridge, where he is remembred in their Parlour with this Distich under his Picture;

Nobilis Hic vere fuerat si Nobilis ullus,

Qui sibi … Nobilitatis erat.

He was Father to Roger Lord North, and Great-grand-father to Dudly Lord North now surviving.

Edward the VI.

2 JOHN **Misprinted Sir Robert …n my Ecclesiasticall History.HUDDLESTON, Mil.]

He was highly honored afterwards by Queen Mary, and deservedly. Such the T…ust she reposed in him, that (when Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen) she came privately to him to …alston, and rid thence behind his servant (the better to disguise herself from discovery) to Framlingham castle. She afterwards made him (as I have heard) her Privy-Councellor, and (besides other Great Boones) bestowed the bigger part of Cambridgecastle (then much ruined) upon him, with the stones whereof he built his fair house in this County. I behold his Family as branched from the Huddlestones in Cumberland.

Queen Elizabeth.

14 JOHN CUTS, Mil.]

He was a most bountifull house-keeper, as any of his estate, insomuch that Queen Elizabeth in the beginning of her reign (whilst as yet she had peace with Spain) the p. 169sickness being at London, consigned the Spanish Embassadour to this Knights house in this County. The Embassadour coming thither, and understanding his name to be John Cuts, conceived himself disparaged to be sent to one of so short a name, the Spanish Gentlemen generally having voluminous Surnames, (though not so long as the Deity in New-Spain, called **Lord Herbert in the life of K. Henry the 8 pag. 181.Yoca huvaovamaorocoti) usually adding the place of their habitation for the elongation thereof. But soon after the Don found that what the Knight lacked in length of name, he made up in the largeness of his entertainment.

34 HENRY CROMWELL, Mil.]

This was the fourth time he was Sheriff in the reign of the Queen. He was son to Richard Cromwell Esquire, Sheriff in the 32. of King Henry the eighth, to whom his Valour and Activity so endeared him, that he bestowed on him so much Abby-land in this County, as at that day, at a reasonable rate, is worth twenty thousand pounds a year, and upwards. He was no whit at all allyed to (though intimately acquainted with) Thomas Lord Cromwell, (the Mauler of Monasteries,) which I knowingly affirme, though the contrary be generally believed.

For when Doctor Goodman late Bishop of Gloucester presented a Printed paper to Oliver Cromwell (Grand child to this our Sheriff) mentioning therein his near Affinity to the said Lord Cromwell, the pretended Protectour, desirous to confute a Vulgar Errour, in some passion returned, That Lord was not related to my Family in the least degree.

39 JARVASIUS CLIFTON, Mil.]

He had a fair Estate at Barrington in Somerset-shire, whence he removed to Huntingtonshire, on his Match with the sole Daughter and Heir of Sir Henry Darcy of Leightonbromswold in that County. This Sir Jarvase was by King James created Baron of Leighton aforesaid, and there began a beautifull house, which he lived not to finish. His sole Daughter Katherine was married to Esme Steward, Duke of Lenox, to whom she bare the truly Illustrious (by Virtues and high Extraction,) James Duke of Richmond.

King James.

9 SIMON STEWARD, Mil.]

I remember he lived (after he was Knighted) a Fellow-commoner in Trinity-hall, where these his Armes are fairly depicted in his Chamber, with this Distich over them.

Francorū Carolus voluit sic Stemmata ferri,

Singula cum valeant sunt meliora simul.

French Charls would have these Coats to be thus worn;

When singly good, their better jointly born.

But how the Royal Name of Steward came first into this County, consult I pray the ensuing Epitaph in Ely Minster, transcribed (as my Son hath informed me) by himself, exactly from his Monument.

Premendo sustusit. Ferendo vicit.

Secundum Redemptoris Mundi adventum expectat hic Marcus Steward Miles, filius haeresque Simeonis Steward Armig. Nicholao Steward Armig. geniti, qui patrem habuit Richardum Steward Armig. quem genuit Thomas Steward Armig. Johannis Steward militis filius, cujus Pater erat Johannes Steward Miles, ejus nominis in Angliâ primus, qui cum Jacobo Roberti Scotiae Regis filio in Franciam tranfretans, (regnante tunc Henrico quarto) vento eorum propositis opposito, in Anglicano littore applicuerunt, ubi diu post pro obsedibus custodiebantur: Sed hic Johannes in amorem cujusdam virginis Anglicanae, nomine Talmach, incidens, obtentâque Johannae Reginae veniâ, cui ancilla inserviebat, eam in conjugem cepit, in fidemque Regis Henrici dum vixisset solenniter est juratus. Hujus pater erat Alexander, quem genuit Andreas Steward, Miles, Alexandri, cognominati Ferocis filiorum natu minimus, cujus pater erat Walterus Steward, à Dun de vale in Scotiâ dictus. Sed Primus in Genealogiâ hâc summonitus, & hic sepultus, ex Annâ unâ filiarum & Haeredum Roberti Huicke Armig. Reginae Elizabethae Medici pri p. 170marii, varios habuit liberos, quos omnes inadultos Fata rapuere, praeter duos, Marians scilicet Gulielmo Forster in Com. Berke. militi nuptam, & Simionem Steward Militem, Haeredem filiúmque suum moestissimum, qui pii Officii, singularisque erga Patrem Amoris gratiâ, hoc posuit monumentum, ubi inscriptum legas, quòd cum multos Annos, & Bello, & Pace, pro Patriâ feliciter egisset, aetate tandem confectus militari singulo, & Auratis Calcaribus à Jacobo Rege Screnissimo ornatus, senex pene octogenarius fatali Necessitati concessit, 28. Februarii, Anno salutis 1603.

The Farewell.

It is hard for a Physitian to prescribe proper Physick to such a Patient, who hath a Hot Liver, and a Cold Stomack, because what is Good for the One is Bad for the Other. As hard it is, for Weather to please the Concernments of this County, whose Northern part being Moist and Fenny, desires Fair weather; …outh and South-eastern Dry and Heathy, delighteth so much rain, th…t it can well digest (save in harvest time) one shower every Day, and two every Sunday. But the God of Heaven, * who can make it rain on one place, Amos 4. 7.Amos 4:7and not on another, can fit tue Nec…ssity of B…th, and I remitte them both to his Providence.