The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 46 · Section 13
States▪ Men.
Pardon Reader my post poning, this Topick of States-Men, being necessitated to stay a while for further information.
Sir JOHN PUCKERING, Kt. was born at Flamborough head in this County, as I have learned out of the *Extant in York-house in the Library of the Lord Fai… fax.Notes of that industrious and judicious Antiquary Mr. Dod… worth. He was second Son to his Father, a Gentleman who left him neither plentiful nor penurious estate: his breeding was more beneficial to him than his portion, gaining thereby such skill in the Common Law, that he became Queens-Serjeant, Speaker in the House of Commons, and at last Lord Chancellor of England. How he stood in his judgement in the point of Church-Discipline, plainly appeareth by his following Speech, delivered in the House of Lords, 1588. the Original whereof was courteously communicated unto me.
And especially you are commanded by Her Majesty to take heed, that no eare be given, nor time▪ afforded to the wearisome solicitations of those, that commonly be called Puritans, wherewithal the late Parliaments have been exceedingly importuned; which sort of men, whilest that (in the giddiness of their Spirits) they labour and strive to advance a new Eldership, they do nothing else but disturb the good repose of the Church and Commonwealth: which is as well grounded for the body of Religion it self, and as well guided for the Discipline, as any Realm that prosesseth the Truth: and the same thing is already made good to the world, by many the writings of Godly and Learned men, neither answered nor answerable by any of these new fangled Refiners. And, as the present case standeth, it may be doubted, whether they, or the Jesuits do offer more danger, or be more speedily to be repressed. For, albeit the Jesuites do empoison the hearts of her Majesties Subjects, under a pretext of Conscience, to withdraw them from their obedience due to Her Majesty: Yet, do they the same, but closely, and only in privy corners: But these men, do both teach and publish in their printed Books, …nd teach in all their Conventicles, sundry opinions, not only dangerous to the well-setled Estate and Policy of the Realm, by putting a Pique between the Clergy and the La…ty; But also much derogatory to Her Sa…red Majesty, and Her Crown, as well by the diminution of her ancient and lawfull Revenues, and by denying her Highness Prerogative and Supremacy, as by off…ng peril to her Majesties safety in her own Kingdom. In all which things (however in other points they pretend to be at war with the Popish Jesuites) yet by this separation of themselves from the unity of their Fellow-Subjects, and by abasing the Sacred Authority and Majesty of their Prince, they do both joyn and concur with the Jesuites, in opening the door, and preparing the way to the Spanish Invasion, that is threatned against the Realm.
And thus having according to the weaknesse of my best understanding, delivered Her Majesties Royal pleasure and wise direction, I rest there, with humble suit for Her Majesties most gracious pardon in supply of my defects, and recommend you to the Author of all good counsel.
He died Anno Domini 1596. caractered by *In his Elizabeth, Anno 1596.Mr. Cambden, VIR INTEGER. His estate is since descended, (according to the solemn settlement thereof) the maleissue failing, on Sir Henry Newton, who according to the condition, hath assumed the Sur…name of Puckering, and I can never be sufficiently thankful to him and his Relations.
Sir GEORGE CALVERT, Kt. was born at Kiplin near Richmond in this County, had his education first in Trinity Colledge in Oxford; then beyond the Seas. His abilities commended him first to be Secretary to Robert Cecil, Earl of Sarisbury, Lord Treasurer of England. Afterwards he was made Clerk of the Councel, and at last principal Secretary of State to King James, succeeding Sir Thomas Lakes in that office, Anno 1619.
Conceiving the Duke of Buckingham highly instrumental in his preferment, he presented him with a Jewel of great value, which the Duke returned him again, not owning any activity in his advancement; whom King James, ex mero motu, reflecting on his ability designed for the place.
This place he discharged above five years, until he willingly resigned the same 1624. on this occasion; He freely confessed himself to the King, That he was then become a Roman Catholick, so that he must either be wanting to his Trust, on violate his Consolence in discharging his office. This his ingenuity so highly affected King James, that he continued him Privy Councellor all his raign (as appeareth in the Councel-Book) and soon after created him Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland.
During his being Secretary, he had a Patent to him and his Heirs to be Absolutus Dominus, & Proprietarius, with the Royalties of a Count Palatine of the Province of Avalon in New-found-Land. A place so named by him in imitation of old Avalon in Somerset shire, wherein Glassenbury stands; the first fruits of Christianity in Britain, as the other was in that part of America. Here he built a fair House in Ferry Land, and spent five and twenty thousand pounds in advancing the Plantation thereof. Indeed his publick spirit consulted not his private profit, but the enlargement of Christianity and the Kings Dominions. After the death of King James he went twice in person to New found-Land. Here when Mounsier de l'Arade with three Men of War sent from the King of France, had reduced our English Fishermen to great extremity; This Lord with two Ships manned at his own charge, chased away the French-man, relieved the English, and took six…y of the French Prisoners.
He removed afterwards to Virginia, to view those parts, and afterwards came into England, and obtained from King Charles (who had as great an esteem of, and affection for him, as King James) a Patent to him and his Heirs for Mary-land on the North of Virginia, with the same Title and Royalties conferred on him, as in Avalon aforesaid, now a hopeful Plantation peopled with eight thousand English souls, which in processe of time may prove more advantagious to our Nation.
Being returned into England, he died in London, April 15. 1632. in the 53. year of his age, lying buried in the Chancel of S. Dunstans in the West, leaving his Son the Right Honourable Cecil Calvert, now Lord Baltemore, heir to his Honour, Estate, and Noble Disposition.
THOMAS WENTWORTH, Earl of Strafford, Deputy, though Son to William See the Register of that St. Dunstan.Wentworth of Wentworth-Woodhouse in this County, Esq (at his Sons birth) afterward Baronet) yet because born in Chancery-Lane, and Christned April 22. Anno 1593. in Saint Dunstans in the West, hath his Character in London.