The History of the Church of Great Britain, Century 15

The History of the Church of Great Britain · Century 15

p. 119CENT. XV.

KIng Henry Traſſel in vit. Henrici. IV.the fourth, held a Parliament at Weſtminſter, during which Thomas Arundel Archbiſhop of Canterbury had convocated a Synod, which was held in St. Paul s Church, to whom the King ſent the Earls of Northumberland, and Weſtmorland, who declared to the Clergy, That they were from the King to acquaint them, that the King reſolved to confirm all their Priviledges unto them, and to joyn with them as they ſhould deſire him, in the puniſhment of all Hereticks, and oppoſites to their Religion received: for which ſo doing he craved but their ſupplications to God for him and his poſterity, and proſperity of the Kingdom, which was by all there preſent religiouſly promiſed.

In the ſecond year of his Reign, King Henry ordained, That if any perſon ſhould obtain from the Biſhop of Rome, any proviſion, to be exempt from obedience Regular or Ordinary; or to have any Office perpetual in any Houſe of Religion, he ſhould incur the pains of Praemunire. He alſo gave authority unto Biſhops and their Ordinaries, to impriſon and fine all Subjects who refuſe the Oath ex Officio. The Statute made, pro Haeretico comburendo.In the ſame Parliament it was ordained, That all Lollards [that is, thoſe who profeſſed the doctrine which Wickliff had taught] ſhould be apprehended; and if they ſhould remain obſtinate, they ſhould be delivered to the Biſhop of the Dioceſs, and by him unto the ſecular Magiſtrate to be burnt. This Act was the firſt in this Iſland for burning in caſe of Religion, and began to be put in execution, Anno 1401.

The firſt on whom his cruel Law was hanſelled, was William Sautre, formerly Pariſh-prieſt of St. Margaret in the Town of Lyn, but ſince of St. Oſith in the City of London. It ſeemeth, he had formerly abjured thoſe Articles (for which he ſuffered death) before the Biſhop of Norwich. Therefore he was firſt adjudged to be degraded and depoſed, which was in order, as followeth.

p. 120From the Order of

1. Prieſt,

2. Deacon,

3. Subdeacon,

4. Acolyte,

5. Exorciſt,

6. Reader,

7. Sexton,

by taking from him,

1. The Patin, Chalice, and plucking the Chaſule from his Back.

2. The New Teſtament and the Stole.

3. The Alb and the Maniple.

4. The Candleſtick, Taper, Ʋrceolum.

5. The Book of Conſtitutions.

6. The Book of Church-Legends.

7. The Key of the Church-door and Surplice.

How many ſteps are required to climb up to the top of Popiſh Prieſthood! how many trinkets muſt be had to compleat a Prieſt? and here we behold them ſolemnly taken aſunder in Sautres degradation. And now he no longer Prieſt, but plain Lay-man, with the Tonſure on his crown raſed away, was delivered to the Secular Power, with this complement worth the noting. Beſeeching the Secular Court, that they would receive favourably the ſaid William unto them thus recommitted. But ſee their hypocriſie; The Popiſh Biſhops at the ſame time (for all their fair language) called upon the King to bring him to ſpeedy execution.

Hereupon the King in Parliament iſſued out his Warrant to the Mayor and Sheriff of London, that the ſaid William, being in their cuſtody, ſhould be brought forth into ſome publick place within the liberty of the City, and there really to be burnt to the great horrour of his offence, and manifeſt example of other Chriſtians; which was done accordingly.

After this, Richard Scroop, Archbiſhop of York, with the Lord Moubray, Marſhall of England, gathered together a great company againſt King Henry, in the North Countrey, to whom was adjoyned the ayd of the Lord Bardolf, and Henry Piercy, Earl of Northumberland. They drew up ten Articles againſt the ſaid King, and faſtened them upon the doors of Churches and Monaſteries, to be read of all men in Engliſh. The Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Bardolf were ſlain in the field, fighting againſt the Kings part, Anno 1408. But the Archbiſhop of York, and the Lord Moubray were taken and beheaded.

Anno 1409. Thomas Badby, a Tailor, was by Thomas Arundel Archbiſhop of Canterbury, condemned for the Teſtimony of the truth. He p. 121was brought into Smithfield, and there being put into an empty barrel, was bound with Iron bars faſt to a ſtake, and dry wood put to him, and ſo burned.

Some Profeſſors of the Goſpel at that time did ſhrink back, as John Purvey, who wrote many Books in defence of Wickliff's Doctrine, and among others a Commentary upon the Apocalypſe, wherein he declareth the Pope of Rome to be that great Antichriſt. He recanted at Paul's Croſs. John Edwards Prieſt revoked at the Green-yard at Norwich. Richard Herbert, and Emmot Willy of London, and John Beck alſo at London. John Seynons of Lincoln-ſhire revoked at Canterbury.

Then was William Thorp examined before the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, who rehearſed his belief before the Archbiſhop; afterwards he was committed to cloſe Priſon, where he was ſo ſtraitly kept, that either he was ſecretly made away, or elſe there he died by ſickneſs. John Aſhton alſo, another follower of Wickliff, who, for the ſame Doctrine of the Sacrament held by Thorp, was committed to cloſe Priſon, after he was condemned, where he continued till his death.

Philip Rippington was made Biſhop of Lincoln, who of a Profeſſor, became a cruel Perſecutor of the Goſpel.

Synods of the Clergy were very frequent in this King's Reign; but moſt of theſe were but Eccleſiaſtical meetings for ſecular Money.

Sir John Tiptoff (made afterwards Earl of Worceſter) put up a Petition to the Parliament touching Lollards, which ſo wrought on the Lords, that they joyned in a Petition to the King, that they and every of them be taken, and put in Priſon, without being delivered in Bail, or otherwiſe, except by good and ſufficient mainpriſe, to be taken before the Chancellor of England, &c.

The Popiſh Clergy had gained Prince Henry (ſet as a Tranſcendent by himſelf in the Petition) to their Side, entring his youth againſt the poor Wickliffiſts: and this earneſt engaged him to the greater Antipathy againſt them, when poſſeſſed of the Crown.

A Petition was put up in the Parliament, That the King might enjoy half of the profits of any Parſon's Benefice, not reſident thereon: whereunto the King anſwered, That Ordinaries ſhould do their duties therein, or elſe he would provide further remedy, or ſtay their pluralities.

The ninth year of the King's Reign, the Commons deſired of the King, That none preſented be received by any Ordinary, to have any Benefice, of any Incumbent, for any cauſe of privation, or inhabitation, whereof the Proceſs is not founded upon Citation made within the Realm: and alſo that ſuch Incumbents may remain in all their Benefices, untill it be proved by due Inqueſt in the Court of the King, that the Citations whereupon ſuch privations, and inhabitations are granted, were p. 122made within the Realm: and if ſuch Ordinaries do, or have preſented, or others do preſent to the contrary, that then they and their Procurators, &c. incur the pain contained in the Statute made againſt Proviſoe's, Anno 13. Ric. 2.

Alſo that no Pope's Collector ſhould from thence-forth levy any Money within the Realm, for firſt Fruits of any Eccleſiaſtical dignity, under pain of incurring the Statute of Proviſoe's.

The Commons in the ſame Parliament put up a Bill to the King to take the Temporalties out of the Hands of the Spiritualty, which amounted to three hundred and two and twenty thouſand Marks by the year.

Then came the Cardinal of Burges into England, being ſent from the Colledge of Cardinals, to inform the King and Clergy of the unconſtant dealing of Pope Gregory.

Anno 1409. … Chro. … 4.After the Feaſt of the Epiphany, the Archbiſhop of Canterbury Convocated an Aſſembly of the Clergy at London, to chuſe meet perſons to go to the General Council holden at Piſa: whereunto were choſen Robert Holam, Biſhop of Salisbury; Henry Chiſely, Biſhop of St. Davids, and Thomas Chillindon, Prior of Chriſt-Church in Canterbury: and the King had ſent before, Sir John Colvil Knight, and Nicholas Rixton Clerk, with letters to be given to them. A letter alſo was ſent unto the Pope, wherein the King chargeth him with Perjury.

At Piſa there aſſembled a great number of Cardinals, Archbiſhops, Biſhops, and Mitred Prelates, who elected a new Pope, viz. Alexander the fifth (a man trained up at Oxford) rejecti… the two … Schiſmatical Popes, Gregory and Benedict.

Thomas Arundel, Archbiſhop of Canterbury, came with a Pompous train to Oxford. His intent was Juridically to viſit the Univerſity, expecting to be ſolemnly met, and ſumptuouſly entertained according to his place and dignity. But Richard Courtney, the Chancellor of Oxford, with Benedict Brent, and John Birch, the two Proctors, denied the Archbiſhop entrance into the Univerſity under the notion of a Viſitor. The Archbiſhop angry at the affront, fairly retreated, re infecta to London.

King Henry at the joynt inſtances of both parties, ſummoned them to Lamb…th, to hear and determine the Controverſie: where the King pronounced ſentence on the Archbiſhop's ſide. Afterward the King confirmed the ſame, with the conſent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament; as in the Tower-Rolls doth plainly appear.

The King though courteous, was not ſervile to the Pope, and the Clergy terrified with the wavering doubtfulneſs of the King, granted him a tenth every year for diverſe years.

Fuller. Church Hiſt. of Brit.King Henry the fourth, is not obſerved (as all Engliſh Kings before and after him) to have erected and endowed any one entire houſe of p. 123Religion, as firſt or ſole-founder thereof, though a great Benefactor to the Abby of Leiceſter, and Colledge of Fothringhay in Northamptonſhire. His picture is not ſo well known by his Head, as his Hood, which he weareth upon it in an odd faſhion peculiar to himſelf. He died Anno 1413.

Henry the fifth, his Son, ſucceeded in the Kingdom. An univerſal Synod of all the Biſhops and Clergy was called at London, where, among other weighty matters, it was determined, That the day of St. George, and alſo of St. Dunſtan, ſhould be a double Feaſt in holy Church.

At the Petition of the Commons in Parliament, to the King,Rotul. in Turri Lond. all Iriſh begging Prieſts, called Chamberdakyns, were ordered to depart the Realm by Michaelmas following, upon pain of loſs of goods, and impriſonment during the King's pleaſure.

In the beginning of this King's Reign aroſe Sir John Oldcaſtle, Camd. Brit. in Kent.who Married Joan de la Pole, Baroneſs of Cobham, the Lord whereof he became: a Man (ſaith one) Regi propter probitatem, charus & acceptus, in great favour with King Henry the fifth, for his honeſty, and likewiſe renouned for his valour, and great skill i… …a…s of Armes: who ſent into the Dioceſſes of London, Rocheſ… and Hereford, ſome to publiſh the truth of the Goſpel, without the leave and Licenſe of the Ordinaries, who were eſpecially in their Sermons to confute the Doctrine of Tranſubſ…an…iation, the Popiſh …crament of Penance, Peregrinations, worſhipping of Images; the Keys uſurped by the Church of Rome.

At that time there reſorted to the Synod in London, twelve Inquiſitors for Hereſie, whom they appointed at Oxford the year before, to ſearch out for Hereticks, withall Wickliff's Books; who brought two hundred forty ſix Concluſions, which they had collected as Hereſies out of the ſaid Books.

The Names of the Inquiſitors, were theſe; John Witnam, a Maſter in New Colledge. John Langdon, Monk of Chriſt-church in Canterbury. William Ʋfford, Regent of the Carmalites; Thomas Clayton, Regent of the Dominicks; Robert Gilbert, Richard Enthiſdale, John Luck, Richard Sindiſham, Richard Fleming, Thomas Rotborn, Robert Rouberry, Richard Grafdale; who all concluded, that the chief favourers of Wickliff's Doctrine, were to be firſt dealt againſt. The Lord Cobham was complained of by the General Proctors, to be the chief, principal abettor of ſuſpected Preachers, contrary to the mind of the Ordinaries, and to have aſſiſted them by force of Armes.

The King ſent for the Lord Cobham, and when he was come, he admoniſhed him ſecretly to ſubmit himſelf to his Mother the holy Church: Unto whom he made this Anſwer.

p. 124You moſt Worthy Prince (ſaith he) I am always ready to obey, foraſmuch as I know you a Chriſtian Prince, and the Minister of God, bearing the Sword to the puniſhment of evil doers, and ſafeguard of them that do well: Ʋnto you (next unto my eternal God) owe I moſt reverence, and ſubmit thereunto (as I have done ever) all that I have either of Nature or Fortune, ready at all times to fulfill whatſoever You in the Lord command me. But as touching the Pope, and his Spiritualty, I owe them neither Suit nor Service, foraſmuch as I know him by the Scriptures to be the Great Antichrist, the Son of Perdition, the open Adverſary of God.

The King having heard this, would talk no longer with him, but utterly left him: And the Archbiſhop reſorting to the King, he gave him authority to Cite him, Examine, and Puniſh him according to their Decrees.

The Archbiſhop Cited him to appear before him at the Caſtle of Leeds in Kent, and becauſe he appeared not, he Excommunicated him. Then the Lord Cobham wrote a draught of the Confeſſion of his Faith, and Sealed it with his own Hand, in which he anſwered the four chiefeſt Articles that the Archbiſhop laid againſt him; and that done, he took the Copy with him, and went therewith to the King, who would not receive it, but commanded it to be delivered to thoſe who ſhould be his Judges. Then he deſired in the King's preſence, that an hundred Knights and Eſquires might be ſuffered to come, as upon his Purgation, which he knew would clear him of all Hereſies.

Moreover, he offered himſelf, after the Law of Armes, to fight for Life, or Death, with any man living, Chriſtian, or Heathen, in the quarrel of his Faith, the King's Majeſty and the Lords of his Council excepted: and furthermore proteſted, That he would obey all manner of Laws agreeable to the Word of God: yet for all this, the King ſuffered him to be ſummoned perſonally in his own Privy-chamber.

He appeared before the Archbiſhop ſitting in the Chapter-houſe of Pauls, Joh. Caepgrave. lib. 2. de nobi. lib. Henricis.with Richard Clifford, Biſhop of London, Henry Bullinbrook, Biſhop of Wincheſter. He profeſſed, That the Pope was true Antichrist, That he is his Head, and that the Popiſh Biſhops were his Members; the Friars his Tayl. And as touching the other Points (ſaith he) they are Ordinances of the Church of Rome, made againſt the Scriptures, after it grew rich, and the poiſon had diſperſed it ſelf therein, and not before. Another Annaliſt ſaith, That he had openly ſaid in Parliament, that it would never be well in England, till the Pope's power were baniſhed beyond the Seas.

p. 125The Archbiſhop read a Bill of Condemnation againſt him, after which Bill read, the Lord Cobham ſaid with a cheerful countenance, Though you judge my Body, which is but a wretched thing, yet I am ſure ye can do no harm to my Soul, no more than Satan could do to the Soul of Job. And as concerning theſe Articles, I will ſtand to them to the very death by the grace of my eternal God. And after a ſhort inſtruction to the people, he fell down upon his Knees, holding up his Hands and Eyes to Heaven, And prayed God to forgive his Proſecutors. The Lord Cobham was condemned to dye, being led back to the Tower, he eſcaped out of the Tower, and fled into Wales, where he continued by the ſpace of four years.

In January 1414. Sir Roger Acton Knight, Mr. John Brown, and John Beverley a Miniſter, ſuffered Martyrdom in the Fields of St. Giles, with thirty ſix more. Some ſay, that Sir Roger Acton was hanged naked at Tyburn, ſaving that certain parts of him were covered, and after certain dayes, a Trumpetter of the King's, called Thomas Cliffe, galeave of the King to take him down, and bury him.

The next Month after the Execution of theſe Men, died Thomas Arundel Archbiſhop of Canterbury, famiſhed to Death, not for want of Food, but of a Throat to ſwallow it: ſuch the ſwelling therein, that he could neither ſpeak nor eat for ſome days.

After him ſucceeded Henry Chichely, Godwin's Catal. of Biſh.whoſe mean birth interrupted the chain of Noble Archbiſhops, his two Predeceſſors and Succeſſors being Earls Sons by Extraction. Although many Laws had been made againſt the Pope's uſurped Authority in beſtowing Eccleſiaſtical preferments by way of Proviſion; yet durſt not this man conſent unto his election made by the Covent of Canterbury, but committed the matter unto the Pope's determination, who firſt pronounced the election of the Monks void, and then beſtowed the Archbiſhoprick upon him.

The ſame year the King began the Foundation of two Monaſteries: one of the Friars obſervants on the one ſide of Thames; and the other on the other ſide of the ſame River, called Shene, and Sion, dedicated unto the Charter-houſe Monks, with certain Nuns of St. Briget, to the number of ſixty, dwelling within the ſame precinct: ſo that the whole number of theſe, with Prieſts, Monks, Deacons, and Nuns, ſhould equal the number of thirteen Apoſtles, and ſeventy two Diſciples. Theſe were to eat no Fleſh, to touch no Money, to wear no Linnen.

The King held a Parliament at Leiceſter, in which the Commons put up their Bill again, which was put up, Anno 11. Henry the fourth, that the Temporalties waſted ſo diſorderly by the Clergy, might be converted to the uſe of the King, and of his Earls, and Knights, &c. In fear of which Bill, the Clergy put him upon a long War with the French, offering to him in behalf of the Clergy, great and notable ſums, by reaſon whereof the Bill was put off again.

p. 126The Archbiſhop, Henry Chichley, condemned John Claydon's Books, and condemned him, and ſhortly after he was burnt in Smithfield with Richard Turning, Baker, Anno 1415.

The next year the ſaid Archbiſhop, in his Convocation holden at London, made ſharper Conſtitutions, than were before, againſt the Lollards. There two Prieſts, noted for Hereticks, were brought before the Biſhops, the one John Barton, the other Robert Chappel. Barton was committed to Philip, Biſhop of Lincoln, to be kept in priſon, till otherwiſe it were determined. Chappel ſubmitted himſelf, and with much ado received pardon: and was (in ſtead of penance) enjoyned certain Articles to publiſh at Paul's Croſs.

Then divers perſons were forced to abjure, as John Tailer of the Pariſh of St. Maries at Quern, William James Phyſitian, who had long lain in priſon. John Gourdley of Lincoln-ſhire, a learned man, John Duerſer, Katherine Dertford, the Parſon of Higley in Lincoln-ſhire, named Mr. Robert, William Henry of Tenterden; John Gaul, a Prieſt of London, Richard Monk, Vicar of Cheſham in Lincoln-ſhire, with divers others.

During the time of the Provincial Convocation, Pope Martin had ſent to the Clergy of England for a Subſidy to maintain the Pope's Wars againſt the Lollards of Bohemia. Another Subſidy was demanded to perſecute William Clerk, Maſter of Arts in Oxford, who ſailing out of England, was at the Council of Baſil diſputing on the Bohemians ſide. A third Subſidy was alſo required, to perſecute William Ruſſel, Warden of the Grey-Friers in London, who was fled, having eſcaped out of priſon.

Ralph Mungin, Prieſt, refuſing to abjure, was condemned to perpetual priſon. The recantation of Thomas Granter, and Richard Monk, Prieſts, was read openly at Paul s Croſs, after which Granter was put to ſeven years impriſonment, under the cuſtody of the Biſhop of London. Edmond Frith recanted, who was Butler to Sir John Oldcaſtle.

Beſides theſe, many other Wicklivites were ſore vexed in Kent, in the Towns of Romney, Tenterden, Woodchurch, Cranbrook, Staplehurſt, Bennenden, and Rolvenden; where Men and their Wives, and whole Families were driven to forſake their Houſes, and Towns, for fear of perſecution. Among whom were William White, and Thomas Greenſted, Prieſts, Bartholomew Chronemonger, Joan Waddon, Joan his Wife, Thomas Evernden, Stephen Robins, William Chineling, John Tame, John Eacolin, William Somer, Marian his Wife, John Abraham, Robert Munden, Laurence Cook: which perſons, becauſe they appeared not, were excommunicated by the Archbiſhop.

The Lord Cobham, having lived four years in Wales, and being at laſt diſcovered, was taken by the Lord Powis: yet ſo, that it coſt ſome blows and blood to apprehend him, till a Woman at laſt with a ſtool p. 127broke the Lord Cobham's legs, whereby being lame, he was brought up to London in an Horſe-litter. At laſt he was drawn upon an Hurdle to the Gallows, and there was hanged and burnt.

In the ninth year of King Henry the Fifth, he ſuppreſſed the French Houſes of Religious Monks and Friars, and ſuch like, in England, Stow's Chron, in Hen. 8.becauſe they ſpake ill of the King's Conqueſt over France. Their Lands were given by him, and King Henry the Sixth, to Monaſteries, and Colledges of learned men.

King Henry died in France, and was brought over, and buried at Weſtminſter,

This King ordained the King of Heraulds over the Engliſh, which is called Garter.

In this King's Reign Richard Fleming, Biſhop of Lincoln, founded a Colledge, named Lincoln-colledge in Oxford.

King Henry the ſixth, an Infant of eight months old, ſucceeded his Father in the Kingdom of England, Anno 1422.

In the eighth year of his Age he was crowned at Weſtminſter, and in the tenth year crowned King at Paris; Cardinal Henry, Biſhop of Wincheſter, being preſent at them both.

The Clergy had then a ſtrong party in the Privy Council, viz.

1. Henry Chicheley, Archbiſhop of Canterbury.

2. John Kemp, Biſhop of London.

3. Henry Beauford, Biſhop of Wincheſter, lately made Cardinal.

4. John Wackaring, Biſhop of Norwich, Privy-ſeal.

5. Philip Morgan, Biſhop of Worceſter.

6. Nicholas Bubwith, Biſhop of Bath and Wells, Lord Treaſurer.

In the firſt year of this King's Reign, was burned a faithful Witneſs of God's Truth, William Tailor, a Prieſt, under Henry Chichcley, Archbiſhop of Canterbury, March 1. Anno 1423.

In the year 1424. John Florence, a Turner, appeared before Will. Bernam, Chancellor to the Biſhop of Norwich being accuſed for holding and teaching divers Hereſies. But being threatened, he ſubmitted himſelf, and abjured: and for his penance he was whipped three Sundayes, in a ſolemn proceſſion, in the Cathedral Church of Norwich, before all the people. The like alſo was done about his Pariſh-church of Shelton three other ſeveral Sundayes, he being bare-headed, bare-footed, and bare-necked, after the manner of a publick Penitentiary, his body being covered with a canvaſs ſhirt and breeches, carrying in his hand a Taper of a pound weight.

In the ſame year John Goddeſel of Dichingham, Parchment maker, abjured and was ſet at liberty till the year 1428.

p. 128Richard Belward of Eriſam ſware, that he would neither teach nor aſſiſt any againſt the Church of Rome, and was diſmiſſed.

The like happened to Hugh Pie, Chaplain of Ludney.

In the year 1428. King Henry the Sixth ſent down Letters of Commiſſion to John Exeter, and Ja olet Germain, keeper of the Caſtle of Colcheſter, for the apprehending of William White Prieſt, and others ſuſpected of Hereſie. John Exeter attached ſix perſons in the Town of Bungay, in the Dioceſs of Norwich, and three of them were committed to the Caſtle of Fremingham, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk, namely John Waddon of Tenterden in Kent; Bartholomew Monk of Erſham, and William Skutt.

In the Towns of B…ckles, Erſham and Ludney, a great number both of Men and Women were caſt into priſon, and after their abjuration brought to open ſhame in Churches and Markets by the Biſhop of Norwich, and his Chancellor William Bernham, John Exeter being Regiſter: ſo that within the ſpace of three or four years about one hundred and twenty Men and Women were examined, and ſuffered great vexation for the profeſſion of Chriſtian Faith. Some taken upon ſuſpition only, more eaſily eſcaped, as Robert Skirring of Harlſtone, William Skirring, and ſome others. Some were burned, among whom ſpecial mention is made of theſe three, Father Abraham of Colcheſter, William White, and John Waddon, Prieſts. The reſidue abjured, and ſuffered penance, as John Beverley, J. Wardon, John Capper, Vicar of Tunſtal, with more than threeſcore others. They had their Doctrine from William White who was a Scholar and follower of John Wickliff.

Anno 1428.Such was the Spleen of the Council of Sienna, as they not only curſed the memory of John Wickliff, as dying an obſtinate Heretick, but ordered, that his bones ſhould be taken out of the ground, and thrown far off from any Chriſtian burial. In obedience hereunto, Richard Fleming, Biſhop of Lincoln, Dioceſan of Lutterworth, ſent his Officers to ungrave him accordingly, who took his bones out of the grave, and burnt them to aſhes, and caſt them into Swift, a neighbouring Brook running hard by.

Anno 1430. R. Hovedon, a Wool-winder, and Citizen of London, was burnt at the Tower-hill for the Doctrine of Wickliff. The year following Thomas Bagley, a Prieſt, Vicar of Monenden beſides Malden, was condemned of Hereſie at London, about the midſt of Lent, degraded, and burned in Smithfield.

At St. Andrews in Scotland, Anno 1431. Paul Craw was burnt for denying that the ſubſtance of the Bread and Wine are changed in the Euchariſt;Petries Church Hiſtory. or that Confeſſion is neceſſary to be made unto Prieſts, or Prayers unto Saints departed. At his condemnation they put a Bull of Braſs in his mouth, to the end he ſhould not ſpeak unto the people, nor tell for what he was burnt.

p. 129Henry Beauford, Biſhop of Winchester, Cardinal Sancti Euſebii, Ex Archiv… Turris Lond.was by conſent of Parliament made one of the King's Council, with this condition, that he ſhould make a proteſtation to abſent himſelf from the Council, when any matters were to be treated betwixt the King and Pope. The Cardinal took the Proteſtation, and promiſed to perform it.

The Clergy complained to the King in Parliament, that their Servants, which came with them to Convocations, were often arreſted, and they prayed that they might have the ſame Priviledge, which the Peers and Commons of the Kingdom have, which are called to Parliament, which was granted accordingly.

Great at this time was the want of Grammar-ſchools, and the abuſe of them that were even in London it ſelf, it being paenal for any (to prevent the growth of Wickliviſm) to put their Children to private Teachers. Hence it was, that ſome hundreds were compelled to go to the ſame School, where (to uſe the words of the Records) The Maſters waxen rich in money, and Learners poor in cunning. Whereupon this grievance was complained of by four eminent Miniſters in London, viz.

Mr. William Lichfield, Parſon of Alhallowes the Great.

Mr. Gilbert, Parſon of St. Andrew's Holborn.

Mr. John Cote, Parſon of St. Peter's Cornhil.

Mr. John Neele, Maſter of the Houſe of St. Thomas Acre's, and Parſon of Colchirch.

To theſe it was granted, by the advice of the Ordinary, or Archbiſhop of Canterbury, to erect five Schools (Neele having a double Licenſe for two places) in their reſpective Pariſhes. Know, that the Houſe of St. Thomas Acre's was where Mercers Chappel ſtandeth at this day.

Then was the Lady Eleanor Cobham (ſo called from the Lord Cobham, her Father, otherwiſe Eleanor Plantagenet by her Husband, Humfry Duke of Gloceſter) and Roger Only, Prieſt, her Chaplain, condemned: the Dutcheſs (after ſolemn penance, and carrying a Taper barefoot at Paul's Croſs) to perpetual baniſhment, for plotting with Only (ſay Hall and Fabian in their Chronicles) an abominable Necromancer) with three others, by Witchcraft to deſtroy the King, ſo to derive the Crown to her Husband, who was next Heir in the line of Lancaſter: And Roger Only was burned. But the main cauſe of their condemnation was for the profeſſion of the Truth, although Treaſon was pretended againſt them. Polydor Virgil makes no mention thereof otherwiſe quick-lighted enough in matters of this nature.

At this time William Heiworth ſate Biſhop of Coventry and Dichfield, being tranſlated thither from being Abbot of St. Albans.

p. 130Fuller's Chur. Hiſtory of Britain.At this time William Lynwood finiſhed his induſtrious and uſeful Work of his Conſtitutions. He was bred in Cambridge, firſt Scholar of Gonvil, then Fellow of Pembrook-hall. His younger years he ſpent in the Law; afterwards he became Keeper of the Privy-ſeal unto King Henry the Fifth, who employed him in an Embaſſie into Spain and Portugal, which he exactly performed. After the King's death he re-aſſumed his Official's place of Canterbury, and then at ſpare hours collected and digeſted the Conſtitutions of the fourteen latter Archbiſhops of Canterbury, from Stephen Langton unto Henry Chichley, unto whom he dedicated the Work, a worthy Work, highly eſteemed by forreign Lawyers, his Comment thereon is a Magazine of the Canon Law. It was printed at Paris, Anno 1505. (but at the coſt and charges of William Bretton, an honeſt Merchant of London) reviſed by the care of Wolfangus Hippolius, and prefaced unto by Iodocus Badius. This Linwood was afterwards made Biſhop of St. Davids.

Anno 1434. began the active Council of Baſil, to which our Ambaſſadors were to repreſent both their Sovereign, and the Engliſh Nation, where they were received with honour and reſpect. This was a troubleſome Council, and continued ſeventeen years. In this Council it was concluded (as before at Conſtance) that the General Councils were above the Pope. Fourteen Ambaſſadors were ſent from the King unto Baſil. One Earl (not that he was to vote in the Council, but only behold the tranſactions thereof) viz. Edmond, Earl of Morton. Five Biſhops, viz. Robert, Biſhop of London, Philip, Biſhop of Liſieux, John, Biſhop of Rocheſter John, Biſhop of Baieux, and Bernard, Biſhop of Aix. Two Abbots, Nicholas, Abbot of Glaſton, William, Abbot of St. Maries in York. One Prior, William, Prior of Norwich. Two Knights, Henry Broumfleet, and John Colvil. Mr. Thomas Brown, Doctor of Laws, Dean of Sarum. Peter Fitz-Maurice, D. D. and Mr. Nicholas David, Archdeacon of Conſtance, and Licentiate in both Laws.

John, Biſhop of Rocheſter, here mentioned, was John Langdon, intruded by the Pope into that Biſhoprick, to the prejudice of the Archbiſhop of Canterbury. But he was indeed a Learned man, and died this year in his Ambaſſy at Baſil. This Council depoſed Pope Eugenius, and ſubſtituted in his room Amideus, the moſt devout Duke of Savoy, who was called Felix the Fifth, and was crowned in the City of Baſil.

Anno 1437. Henry Chichley, Archbiſhop of Canterbury, founded a Colledge in Oxford, by the name of All-ſouls, for a Warden, and forty Fellows: which number, by Statute, was never to be augmented, or impaired; and all void places (by death or otherwiſe) once in a year to be ſupplied. Six years did he ſurvive the firſt founding of this Colledge. He founded another Colledge in Oxford, called Barnard-colledge, ſuppreſſed by King Henry the Eighth, and renewed by Sir Thomas White, who named it St. Iohn's-colledge, one of the faireſt of the Univerſity. p. 131This Archbiſhop beſtowed much money in repairing the Library at Canterbury, Goodwin's Catal. of Biſhops.and then repleniſhed the ſame with a number of goodly Books. He gave unto his Church many rich Ornaments and Jewels of great price, and built a great part of the Tower, called Oxford-tower, in the ſaid Church. He founded a goodly Colledge, and an Hoſpital, at Higham-ferries, where he was born, for eight ſecular Prieſts, Fellows, four Clerks, and ſix Choriſters: it was ſo endowed, as at the ſuppreſſion of the ſame, it was valued at 156 pounds per annum. The Hoſpital was for poor people likewiſe liberally endowed.

Iohn Stafford, Son unto the Earl of Stafford, ſucceeded in the place of Henry Chichley deceaſed. Pope Eugenius the Fourth tranſlated him from Bath and Wells.

About the year 1446. King Henry the Sixth founded Eaton Colledge, incorporate by the name of Praepoſiti & Collegii Regaliis, Col. Beatae Maria de Eaton juxta Winſor.

This Colledge conſiſteth of one Provoſt, Fellows, a School-maſter and Uſher; beſides many Oppidanes maintained there at the coſt of their Friends. This Eaton is a Nurſery to King's-colledge in Cambridge.

Humfry, Duke of Gloceſter, the King's Uncle, at a packt Parliament at Bury, was condemned of High-treaſon, and found dead in his Bed, not without rank ſuſpition of cruel practices upon his perſon. He gave to the Library in Oxford many pretious voluminous Manuſcripts. He was buried in St. Albans, to which Church he was a great Benefactor.

The ſame month, with the Duke of Gloceſter, died Henry Beaufort, Biſhop of Wincheſter, and Cardinal. He was a man of ſuch Wealth, that at once he lent King Henry the Fifth twenty thouſand pounds, who pawned his Crown to him. He built the fair Hoſpital of St. Croſs, near Wincheſter.

The Clergy moved in vain againſt the recalling of the Statute of Praemunire:

About the year 1453. began the broyls to break out out between the two Houſes of Lancaster and York, ſo mutually heightened, that ſcarce a County betwixt York and London, but a ſet Battel hath been fought therein, beſides other Counties in the Marches of Wales: beſides many other Skirmiſhes (Corrivals with Battels) ſo that ſuch, who conſider the blood loſt therein, would admire England had any left. And ſuch as obſerve how much it had left, would wonder it had any loſt.

In the midſt of theſe Civil wars, William, Sirnamed Patin from his Parents, but Wainfleet, from the place of his Nativity, now Biſhop of Wincheſter, founded the fair Colledge, dedicated to Mary Magdalen, in Oxford, for one Preſident, forty Fellows, thirty Demies, four Chaplains, eight Clerks, and ſixteen Choriſters. This William Wainfleet firſt founded Magdalen-hall, hard by, and afterwards undertook p. 132and finiſhed this moſt ſtately piece of Architecture. There is ſcarce a Biſhoprick in England to which this Colledge hath not afforded one Prelate at the leaſt, doubling her files in ſome places. At this day (beſides thoſe forementioned) there are one Schoolmaſter and an Uſher, three Readers, viz. of Divinity, Natural and Moral Philoſophy, beſides divers Officers and Servants of the foundation, with other Students, being in all two hundred and twenty.

Iohn Kemp, Archbiſhop of Canterbury, built the Divinity-School in Oxford, and Paul's Croſs.

King Henry being conquered in a fatal Battel at Touton in Nottinghamſhire, fled with his Queen into Scotland, and to make himſelf the more welcome, reſigned Berwick to the King thereof. Edward, Duke of York, reigned in his ſtead. This King's Reign affordeth very little Church-ſtory. This good was done by the Civil Wars, it diverted the Popiſh Prelates from troubling the Lollards.

Thomas Bourchier (Son unto Henry Bourchier, Earl of Eſſex) Archbiſhop of Canterbury, kept a Synod of his Clergy at London. The Parliament ſitting at the ſame time beſtowed many priviledges on the Clergy.

In the time of this Archbiſhop, Raynold Peacock, Biſhop of Chicheſter, was afflicted by the Popiſh Prelates for his Faith and profeſſion of the Goſpel, after he had laboured many years in tranſlating the Holy Scriptures into Engliſh.Sir Rich. Baker's Chron. He was accuſed and convicted for holding and publiſhing certain Opinions, at that time held Heretical, which at laſt openly at Paul's Croſs he revoked, but was notwithſtanding deprived of his Biſhoprick; only a certain Penſion was aſſigned him to live on in an Abby, where ſoon after he died.

Fox Acts and Monuments Luke 8.3.Luke 8:3About the year 1465. there was here in England one Thomas Holden, a Carmelite Friar, who preached in Michaelmas Term at Paul's Croſs in London; That our Lord Ieſus Chriſt was in poverty, and did beg in the world. A manifeſt untruth! For great is the difference betwixt begging, and taking what the bounty of others doth freely confer, as our Saviour did from ſuch who did miniſter unto him of their ſubſtance: This Sermon cauſed a great ſtir. The principal Champions on both ſides, whoſe Pens publickly appeared, were

For Mendicants.

1. Henry Parker, a Carmelite, bred in Cambridge, living afterward in Doncaſter-Covent, impriſoned for preaching.

2. Iohn Milverton, bred in Oxford, Carmelite of Briſtol, being excommunicated by the Biſhop of London, and appealing to the Pope, found no favour, but was kept three years captive in St. Angelo.

p. 133Againſt Mendicants.

1. Thomas Wilſon, Doctor of both Laws, and ſay ſome, Dean of S. Paul's, a zealous Preacher and Diſputant.

2. William Ivy, Canon of S. Paul's, who wrote in the Defence of Richard Hill, Biſhop of London, who Impriſoned two Mendicants for their proud Preaching.

But after Pope Paul the ſecond had interpoſed herein, concluding that this ought to be declared in all places for a dangerous Doctrine, and worthy to be trodden down under all mens feet, the controverſie ceaſed.

At this time George Nevil, brother to Richard Nevil, the Great Earl of Warwick that ſet up and pulled down Kings at his pleaſure, was Archbiſhop of York. He was famous for a prodigious feaſt made at his Inſtallation, unto which he invited, as Gueſts, all the Nobility, moſt of the prime Clergy, many of the Great Gentry of the Land. The Bill of Fare may be read in Biſhop Godwins Catalogue of Biſhops. Seven years after, King Edward ſeized on all his Eſtate, to the value of twenty thouſand pounds, among which he found ſo rich a Mitre, that he made himſelf a Crown thereof. The Archbiſhop he ſent over priſoner to Callis, where he was kept bound in extreme poverty, juſtice puniſhing his former prodigality. He was afterwards reſtored to his Liberty and Archbiſhoprick, but went drooping till the day of his death. It added to his ſorrow, that the Kingdom of Scotland, Scotland freed from the See of York.with twelve Suffragan Biſhops therein (formerly ſubjected to his See) was now, by Pope Sixtus, freed from any further dependance thereon; S. Andrews being advanced to an Archbiſhoprick, and that Kingdom in Eccleſiaſtical matters made entire within it ſelf: whoſe Biſhops formerly repaired to York for their conſecration.

Anno 1473. in Auguſt, John Gooſe, ſole Martyr in this King's Reign was condemned and burned at Tower-hill. This man; when ready to ſuffer, deſired meat from the Sheriff which Ordered his Execution, and had it granted unto him. I will eat (ſaith he) a good competent dinner, for I ſhall paſs a ſharp ſhower, ere I come to Supper.

King Edward IV. died April 9. 1483. In his Reign flouriſhed Thomas Littleton, a Reverend Judge of the Common-pleas, who brought a great part of the Law into method, which lay before confuſedly diſperſed, and his book called Littletons Tenures. Then John Harding Eſquire wrote a Chronicle in Engliſh verſe. John Forteſcue a Judge, and Chancellor of England, wrote divers Treatiſes concerning the Law, and Politick Government. Rochus, a Charter-houſe Monk, born in London, wrote divers Epigrams. William Caxton alſo wrote a Chronicle.

p. 134Miſerable King Edward V. ought to have ſucceeded his Father, but he, by the wicked practice of his Unckle Richard Duke of Gloceſter, choſen Protector, was quickly made away. The Protection of the young King's Perſon was by the laſt King appointed to Earl Rivers the Queen's brother, and by the mother's ſide Unckle to the ſaid Prince, who kept his Reſidence and Court at Ludlow. The Queen with the Earl Rivers, her brother, and with her Son Richard Lord Gray, and other Friends, being guarded with a ſtrong power of Armed men and Souldiers, intended to bring the Young King from Ludlow to London to be Crowned. But the Duke of Gloceſter wrought ſo cunningly with the Queen, that ſhe diſpatched meſſengers to her Brother and Son, who (though unwilling) upon her requeſt were perſwaded to Disband and Caſhier all their Souldiers: and attended only with their own Menial Servants, they ſet forward, with the Young, King towards the Queen. They came to Northampton; and ſoon after the Dukes of Gloceſter and Buckingham diſmounted themſelves in the Earls Inn, being accompanied with great ſtore of reſolute attendants. There they ſurprized the Earl Rivers, and committed him to ſafe Cuſtody.Mart. Chron. in Edw. V. Then the two Dukes rode to Stonyſtratford, where the King then was. There they ſeized on Richard Lord Grey, the King's half-brother, and on Sir Richard Vaugham, and ſome others, all which they ſent under a ſtrong guard to Pomfret-caſtle, where without any judicial ſentence, or legal trial, they were beheaded upon the ſame day that the Lord Haſtings, (who conſpired in that action with the two Dukes) loſt his head.

The Queen with the reſt of her Children enters the Sanctuary at Weſtminſter. The young King is brought to London, and the Duke of Gloceſter by the contrivement of the Duke of Buckingham is made Protector of the King and Kingdom, by the Decree of the Councel-Table: and now he wickedly plotteth to make away the young King and his Brother, and in order thereunto he laboureth firſt to get into his hands the Duke of York, the King's brother; And to that end the Archbiſhop of Canterbury was employed with inſtructions to procure the Queen to part with her younger ſon, to accompany the elder. The Protector having gotten both the brothers into his hand, cauſeth them within few days in great pomp and State to be convayed through London to the Tower. The Sunday following he cauſed Doctor Shaa at Paul's croſs to blazon the Honourable birth and parentage of the Protector, to relate his vertues, to commend his valour, to weaken the Fame and Honour of the deceaſed King Edward, by reaſon of his laſcivious wantonneſs with Shore's wife and others, to baſtardize all his Children; becauſe the King was in the perſon of Richard Earl of Warwick (before his ſaid marriage) affianced unto the Lady Bona, ſiſter to the wife of the French King. He alſo accuſed the Protector's own mother of great incontinency. When King Edward, and George Duke of Clarence p. 135were begotten. Then ſetting forth the worthineſs of the Protector, he ſuppoſed, that the people could not chuſe but receive him for their King.

Pynkney the Provincial of the Auguſtinian Friars, who in the ſame place uſed ſo loud adulation, loſt his credit, conſcience, and voice altogether. Theſe two were all of the Clergy, who engaged actively on his party.

His Coronation was performed with more pomp than any of his Predeceſſors. Soon after followed the murther of King Edward, and his Brother Richard, Duke of York.

After this bloody act, having viſited his Town of Gloceſter, which he endowed with ample Liberties and Priviledges, he took his journey towards York. At a certain day appointed the whole Clergy aſſembled in Copes richly veſted, and ſo went about the City in Proceſſion, after whom followed the King with his Crown and Scepter, apparrelled in his Circot Robe Royal, accompanyed with many of the Nobility of the Realm: after whom marched in order Queen Anne, his wife, Crowned, leading in her left hand Prince Edward her Son,Sir Th. Moores Hiſtory of King Rich. 3. having on his head a demy-crown appointed for the degree of a Prince. The Northern people hereupon extolled and praiſed him far above the Stars. After this glorious pomp, and a ſolemn feaſt, having done all things diſcreet…y, he returned by Nottingham, and afterwards came to London, whom the Citizens more for fear than love, received in great Companies. Now King Richard made good Laws in that ſole Parliament kept in his time. He began to found a Colledge of an hundred Prieſts, which foundation with the founder ſhortly had end. He built a Monaſtery at Middleham in the North, and a Colledge at Alhallows Barking hard by the Tower: and endowed Queens-Colledge in Cambridge with five hundred marks of yearly revenue. Soon after the Duke of Buckingham requireth the Earldom of Hereford, and the Hereditary Conſtableſhip of England, laying title to them by diſcent. The King rejected the Duke's requeſt with many ſpiteful and minatory words. Buckingham ſtorms thereat, and withdraws to Brecknock in Wales, with his Priſoner John Morton Biſhop of Ely (committed to him by the King on ſome diſtaſt) who tampered with him about the marriage of Henry Earl of Richmond with the eldeſt daughter of King Edward IV. But the Duke was ſurprized by King Richard, and beheaded before this marriage was compleated, More cunning was Biſhop Morton to get himſelf over into France, there to contrive the union of the two Houſes of York and Lancaſter.

In the year 1485. Henry Earl of Richmond landeth with ſmall Force; at Milford-Haven. From Milford he marcheth North-Eaſt through the bowels of Wales, and both his Army and the fame thereof encreaſed by marching. Into Leiceſter-ſhire he came, and in the navel p. 136thereof is met by King Richard, The next day the Armies joyned in battel. The ſcales of Victory ſeemed for a long time ſo equal, that none could diſcern on which ſide the beam did break. At length the coming in of the Lord Stanley with three thouſand freſh men, decided the controverſie on the Earl's ſide King Richard fighting valiantly in the midſt of his enemies was ſlain, and his Corps were diſgracefully carried to Leiceſter, without a rag to cover his nakedneſs. The Crown ornamental being found on his head, was removed to the Earl's, and he Crowned in the field and Te Deum was ſolemnly ſung by the whole Army. The body of King Richard lay for a ſpectacle of hate and ſcorn by the ſpace of two days bare, and uninterred. At laſt without ſolemn funeral pomp, ſcarce with ordinary ſolemnity, by the charity of the Gray-friers he was inhumed in their Monaſtery there.

King Henry Lord Verul. Hiſtor. of Henr. VII.VII. coming to London the Mayor and Companies received him at Shored…tch, whence with great Honourable attendance, and Troops of Noblemen and perſons of quality he entred the City, himſelf not being on horſeback, or in any open Chair, or Throne, but in a cloſe Chariot, as one that choſe rather to keep State, and ſtrike a reverence into the people than to fawn upon them. He went firſt into S. Paul's Church, where he made offertory of his Standards, and had Orizon, and Te Deum again ſung, and went to his lodging prepared in the Biſhops palace.

Thomas Bourchier, Cardinal, and Archbiſhop of Canterbury, Crowned the King on the laſt of October. At which day for the better ſecurity of his perſon the King did inſtitute a band of fifty Archers under a Captain to attend him, by the Name of Yeomen of his Guard. The Archbiſhop alſo Married King Henry to the Lady Elizabeth, eldeſt daughter to King Edward the fourth. And then having ſate in a ſhort Synod at London (wherein the Clergy preſented their new King with a tenth) died, having ſate in his See two and thirty years.

He gave to the Univerſity of Cambridge an hundred and twenty pounds, which was joyned with another hundred pound; which Mr. Billingforth (Maſter of Bennet-Colledge) had ſome years before given to the ſaid Univerſity.

John Morton, born at S. Andrews Milbourn in Dorſet-ſhire, ſucceeded him in the See at Canterbury. He was formerly Biſhop of Ely, and appointed by King Edward IV. one of the Executors of his will, and on that account hated of King Richard the third, the Executioner thereof▪ He was (as aforeſaid) impriſoned, becauſe he would not betray his truſt, fled into France and returned, and was juſtly advanced by King Henry, firſt to be Chancellor of England, and then to be Archbiſhop of Canterbury He was alſo created Cardinal of S. Anaſtaſius.

p. 137Now began the Pope to be very buſie by his Officers to collect vaſt ſumms of money in England, preſuming at the King's connivance thereat, whom he had lately gratified with a needleſs diſpenſation, to legitimate his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth, his Couſin ſo far off, that it would half poſe a Herauld to recover their kindred.

The Pope in favour of the King, and indeed of equity it ſelf, ordered concerning Sanctuaries.

1. That if any Sanctuary man did by might, or otherwiſe,Lord Verul. in Henry VII. get out of Sanctuary privily, and commit miſchief and treſpaſs, and then come in again, he ſhould loſe the benefit of Sanctuary for ever after.

2. That howſoever the Perſon of the Sanctuary-man was protected from his Creditors, yet ſhould not his goods out of Sanctuary.

3. That if any took Sanctuary for cauſe of treaſon, the King might appoint him keepers to look to him in Sanctuary.

The King Confined the Queen Dowager (his wives mother) to a Religious houſe in Bermondſey, becauſe three years ſince ſhe had ſurrendered her two daughters out of the Sanctuary at Weſtminſter to King Richard.

A Synod was holden by Archbiſhop Morton at London, Antiq. Brit. pag. 298.wherein the Luxury of the London Clergy in Cloathes, with their frequenting of Taverns was forbidden: Such Preachers alſo were puniſhed, who inveighed againſt Biſhops in their abſence. John Giglis, an Italian, about this time employed by the Pope, got an infinite maſs of money, having power from the Pope to abſolve people from all crimes whatſoever, ſaving ſmiting of the Clergy, and conſpiring againſt the Pope. This Giglis gat for himſelf the rich Biſhoprick of Worceſter. Yea, in that See four Italians followed each other,

1. John Giglis.

2. Silveſter Giglis.

3. Julius Medices, afterwards Pope Clement VII.

4. Hieronymus de Negutiis.

The Pope gave power to Archbiſhop Morton, to viſit all places formerly exempt from Archiepiſcopal juriſdiction; and to diſpence his pardons where he ſaw juſt cauſe. Hereupon Rocheſter-bridge being broken down, the Archbiſhop beſtowed Remiſſion from Purgatory, for all ſins whatſoever committed within the compaſs of fourty dayes, to ſuch as ſhould bountifully contribute to the building thereof.

King Henry VII. deſired much that King Henry VI.Camd. Brit. in Surry. might be Canonized. But Pope Alexander III. delayed, and in effect denyed the King's deſire herein. The reaſon given by Mr. Camden, was the Pope's Covetouſneſs, who demanded more than thirſty King Henry would allow. This King removed the Corps of Henry VI. from Chertſey in p. 138Surrey, where it was obſcurely interred to a place of greater note, viz. Windſor Chappel.

But the Saintſhip of Anſelm Archbiſhop of Canterbury was procured by Archbiſhop Morton on cheaper terms.

King Henry was ſubmiſſive to Pope for his own ends, never ſervile. The deſerving Clergy he employed in State affairs more than his Nobility. To the vitious Clergy he was very ſevere, ordaining that Clerks Convict ſhould be burnt in the hand, both that they might taſte a Corporal puniſhment, and carry a brand of infamy.

To the Lollard's (ſo godly men were called) he was more cruel than his Predeceſſors: for he not only in the beginning of his Reign connived at the cruel perſecutions which John Halſe Biſhop of Coventry and Litchfield raiſed againſt them,Anno 1494. but in the middle and towards the latter end of his Reign he appeared very bloody to them. An Aged old man was burnt in Smithfield, and one Joan Boughton widow, mother to the Lady Young (who was afterward Martyred) ſhe being fourſcore years of Age, was burnt for an Heretick. In the year 1497. Janu. 17. being Sunday, Richard Milderal, and James Sturdy bare faggots before the Proceſſion of S. Paul's, and after ſtood before the Preacher in the time of his Sermon. And the Sunday following ſtood other two men at Paul's Croſs all the Sermon-time; one garniſhed with painted and written papers, the other having a Faggot on his neck. Upon Paſſion Sunday one Hugh Glover bare a Faggot before the Proceſſion of S. Paul's, and after with the Faggot ſtood before the Preacher all the Sermon-while. And on the next Sunday following four men ſtood, and did their open penance at Paul's Croſs, and many of their books were there burnt before them.

Fox Acts and Monum. p. 556Anno 1498. The King was in Canterbury, where was an old Prieſt ſo reſolute in his opinions, that none of the Clergy there could convince him of the contrary. Some ſay the King, by what Arguments we know not, converted this Prieſt, and then preſently gave Order he ſhould be burnt.

About this time William Smith, Biſhop of Lincoln, began the foundation, of Braſon-noſe Colledge in Oxford. The work was after his death accompliſhed by Richard Sutton Eſquire. It maintaineth a Principal, twenty Fellows, beſides Scholars and Officers of the Foundation in all amounting to one hundred eighty ſix.

In the year 1499. a conſtant Martyr of Chriſt, named Babram, was burnt in Norfolk.

In the year 1500. died John Morton Archbiſhop of Canterbury, at his Manour of Knoll. He gave much to good uſes, and was very bountiful to his Servants.